Abstract: Devices for joining an endoscope with a system for cleaning a colon or other body lumen are presented. Embodiments include variable placement of distal portions of suction components with respect to the endoscope, multiple suction tubes and/or suction portals, and devices for protecting colon walls from suction damage.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built-in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units.

Abstract: This application presents methods and devices for continuously cleaning a colon by at least partially filling a segment of the colon with liquid and agitating the fluid to dislodge matter adhering to the colon walls. Methods for automatic maintenance of liquid levels in the colon during continuous cleaning are taught.

Abstract: A disposable endoscope body having an enclosure in its distal end for a non-disposable element, such as a video camera head. Because of its complexity and sensitivity, the camera head is non-disposable and cannot be sterilized. The camera head is sealed in the endoscope body, such that it does not contaminate the patient during the procedure. Sealing is achieved using an end cap. After use, the camera is withdrawn from the proximal end of the endoscope, which, being near to or within the workstation, has not been inserted into the subject and should be free of patient contamination. Passage of the camera out through the proximal end therefore avoids contamination by the patient, such that it can be used again without need for sterilization. A dispensing kit is described, for supplying the sterile endoscope body and for installing and sealing the camera with a minimum of manual intervention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Described embodiments include systems for cleaning feces from the lower GI tract. Also provided are systems for steering such a cleaning system, also useful for steering an endoscope or other tool inserted into a body.

Abstract: Endoscopic illumination and imaging systems for enabling observation of both the forward and rearward directions in a lumen using only a single imaging device. According to one implementation, the system utilizes the effects of a partially reflective mirror to respectively transmit and reflect light from the different portions of the lumen or cavity, and uses separate groups of illumination sources to illuminate one or the other section of the lumen, such that the illuminated section is preferentially imaged by virtue of its increased light level. In a second implementation, electrically switched mirrors are used, having properties switched between a transmissive and a partially reflective state, such that the mirror can be switched between imaging the regions forward of the camera when in a transmissive state, and imaging the regions rearward of the camera when in a reflective state. A mechanically swiveled mirror is described for the same purpose.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with a tubular structure (2) in a body of a patient. The apparatus includes an adhesive including first and second components, a container (27), one or more patches (3), and an applicator (1). The container (27) contains the first component of the adhesive and not the second component of the adhesive. The one or more patches (3) include the second component of the adhesive and not the first component of the adhesive. The applicator (1) is configured to removably hold the one or more patches (3), and to place the one or more patches (3) at least partially around the tubular structure (2). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for the introduction of a drainage tube into a patient's chest cavity, comprising a housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; a scalpel operable in a protruding position between a closed position in which the cutting portions are adjacent one another and adapted to make an incision in the dermis of the patient, and an open position in which the cutting portions are spaced from one another forming a scalpel passage along the longitudinal axis between the cutting portions. The apparatus further comprising a trocar comprising first and second trocar portions, each extending along the length of the trocar; the trocar being operable between an closed position wherein the first and second trocar portions are substantially adjacent one another, and a closed position in which the first and second trocar portions are spaced from one another and adapted for the introduction of the drainage tube therethrough.

Abstract: Endoscopic illumination and imaging systems for enabling observation of both the forward and rearward directions in a lumen using only a single imaging device. According to one implementation, the system utilizes the effects of a partially reflective mirror to respectively transmit and reflect light from the different portions of the lumen or cavity, and uses separate groups of illumination sources to illuminate one or the other section of the lumen, such that the illuminated section is preferentially imaged by virtue of its increased light level. In a second implementation, electrically switched mirrors are used, having properties switched between a transmissive and a partially reflective state, such that the mirror can be switched between imaging the regions forward of the camera when in a transmissive state, and imaging the regions rearward of the camera when in a reflective state. A mechanically swiveled mirror is described for the same purpose.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built-in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.

Abstract: A disposable endoscope body having an enclosure in its distal end for a non-disposable element, such as a video camera head. Because of its complexity and sensitivity, the camera head is non-disposable and cannot be sterilized. The camera head is sealed in the endoscope body, such that it does not contaminate the patient during the procedure. Sealing is achieved using an end cap. After use, the camera is withdrawn from the proximal end of the endoscope, which, being near to or within the workstation, has not been inserted into the subject and should be free of patient contamination. Passage of the camera out through the proximal end therefore avoids contamination by the patient, such that it can be used again without need for sterilization. A dispensing kit is described, for supplying the sterile endoscope body and for installing and sealing the camera with a minimum of manual intervention.

Abstract: An apparatus for the introduction of a drainage tube into a patient's chest cavity, comprising a housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; a scalpel operable in a protruding position between a closed position in which the cutting portions are adjacent one another and adapted to make an incision in the dermis of the patient, and an open position in which the cutting portions are spaced from one another forming a scalpel passage along the longitudinal axis between the cutting portions. The apparatus further comprising a trocar comprising first and second trocar portions, each extending along the length of the trocar; the trocar being operable between an closed position wherein the first and second trocar portions are substantially adjacent one another, and a closed position in which the first and second trocar portions are spaced from one another and adapted for the introduction of the drainage tube therethrough.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, adjacent chambers being fluidly connected, and a fluid source attached to one end of the set, such that the chambers inflate sequentially. The chambers are constructed of an elastic material and have a wall thickness and dimensions such that they have a characteristic with a non-monotonous relationship between the inflation pressure within the chamber and the chamber's inflated size. The characteristic is such that after an initial inflation pressure peak, the non-monotonous relationship adopts a negative slope, such that the volume of the chamber increases more rapidly than the volume of fluid flowing into it, and the inflation pressure of the chamber falls. This effect causes the chamber to inflate and anchor rapidly, while essentially slowing down the inflation of the succeeding chamber until inflation of the first is complete.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, and incorporating a number of novel aspects. To enable easy insertion and use, the rigidity of the device is increased by means of rigid inserts in the balloons, or by use of stiff springs between segments. The working channel can be attached to the distal chamber of the device, such that it is pulled from the leading end of the device during inflation, rather than being pulled from the trailing end of the device during deflation. Lumen wall inspection or treatment facilities are enabled by means of a camera or treatment arm mounted between two distally positioned balloons, the device is able to provide observation capabilities to the lumen wall, yet without becoming excessively dirty by exposure to the front end of the device, as in prior art camera units.