Abstract: A polyp trap comprises a body portion and a top portion sealingly and releasably covering the body portion. A suction entrance passageway in the top portion receives liquid and tissue during examination procedures. A removable tissue collection basket in the body portion has a bottom wall with small drainage openings therein, and a removable screen is positioned in the body portion below the collection basket. A suction discharge passageway in the body portion is located below the removable screen, and the discharge passageway is connected to a suction source for the passage of liquid from the body portion.

Abstract: A bite block intended primarily for use with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy comprises a unitary body that fits into the mouth between the teeth or dental ridges. The bite block includes a central passageway large enough to accommodate a gastroscope. The bite block also has a surface which lies exterior to the oral cavity and extends around the outer surface of the lips. A suction wand is releasably connected to the body and extends into the intra-oral portion thereof where it forms an angle and allows suction drainage of pooled oral fluids from the cheek cavity. The interior tip of the suction wand has a terminal opening as well as multiple circumferentially arranged secondary openings adjacent the terminal opening all of which allow suction drainage of oral fluids with diminished occlusion by the oral tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eatable gelatin bowel preparation for use in preparing an individual for a medical procedure requiring a clean colon. Specifically, an individual is provided with an edible diet comprising a laxative and a gelatin based food.

Abstract: A bite block intended primarily for use with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy comprises a unitary body that fits into the mouth between the teeth or dental ridges. The bite block includes a central passageway large enough to accommodate a gastroscope. The bite block also has a surface which lies exterior to the oral cavity and extends around the outer surface of the lips. A suction wand is releasably connected to the body and extends into the intra-oral portion thereof where it forms an angle and allows suction drainage of pooled oral fluids from the cheek cavity. The interior tip of the suction wand has a terminal opening as well as multiple circumferentially arranged secondary openings adjacent the terminal opening all of which allow suction drainage of oral fluids with diminished occlusion by the oral tissues.

Abstract: An exercise block comprises a unitary body fabricated from compressible material that returns to its original shape after being compressed. The unitary body has front and rear end walls, opposite side walls, and top and bottom walls. Pairs of spaced apart flexible hand straps are attached to some of the walls for manipulating the block during a wide variety of exercise routines. An inner core also fabricated from compressible material that returns to its original shaped after being compressed is removably associated with the unitary body. Both the unitary body and the inner core each have a particular density whereby the overall compressibility of the exercise block is changeable depending upon the particular density of the inner core, and a plurality of inner cores of varying densities are provided for that purpose.

Abstract: A disposable body wrap is configured to be worn by a person in the manner of a diaper while the person is undergoing rectal examination. The wrap comprises a sheet having front and back area portions interconnected to a crotch area portion. Each of the front and back area portions has a waistband, and structure is provided for releasably securing these waistband portions together around the waist of the person wearing the wrap. A small access opening in the crotch area portion of the sheet is positioned and dimensioned to permit instrumentation to pass therethrough for rectal examination. A flap on the outside of the sheet covers the small access opening in the crotch area portion, and this flap also has a small access opening therein positioned and dimensioned to permit instrumentation to pass therethrough for examination purposes. The wrap reduces professional risk involved in performing the examination.

Abstract: A stomach insert for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume comprises a flexible, free floating and unattached, inflatable balloon, the balloon being inflatable to a volume effective to reduce the stomach volume of a person being treated. At least a portion of the balloon has a self-sealing substance to facilitate puncture thereof with insufflation means through which the balloon is inflated and to facilitate sealing of the puncture upon removal of the insufflation means. The method herein comprises positioning the balloon inside the stomach of the person being treated for obesity so as to reduce the stomach volume.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument for removing an inflated insert from the stomach cavity of a person being treated for obesity comprises an elongated flexible tube having passageways therein. A holding device at the distal end of the flexible tube is constructed and arranged to grasp and stabilize the inflated stomach insert, and an operator extending through the passageways is provided for manipulating the holding device. A deflating device is also located at the distal end of the flexible tube for puncturing or otherwise causing deflation of the insert after stabilization thereof by the holding device. An operator extending through the passageways is connected to manipulate the deflating device.

Abstract: A stomach insert for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume comprises a flexible torus-shaped inflatable balloon having a central opening extending therethrough. At least a portion of the balloon has a self-sealing substance to facilitate puncture thereof with a needle for inflating the balloon and sealing of the puncture upon removal of the needle. The method herein comprises positioning the balloon inside the stomach of the person being treated for obesity so as to reduce the stomach volume.