Abstract: Methods for stabilizing and positioning an endoscope using various braided devices and suture techniques. Related endoscopic surgical procedures are also disclosed. A surgical method comprises introducing an endoscope into a patient's natural orifice. The endoscope is guided in a patient's alimentary tract lumen, the alimentary tract lumen being defined by the alimentary tract wall. One or more sutures are anchored at the target site of the surgical procedure. The sutures are tensioned to position the endoscope while the sutures pass through a working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency.

Abstract: A positionable imaging device includes a body defining a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be received within an internal body cavity. An imaging device is located at the first end of the body. A releasable fastener is coupled to the body to removably attach the imaging device to tissue within the internal body cavity. A release mechanism is coupled to the releasable fastener to detach the imaging device from the tissue.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an elongate surgical device configured to travel along a tortuous body lumen to a surgical site are provided herein. In one embodiment, the device can include a tensioning element extending through a channel formed along a length of the device and the tensioning element can translate an articulation force to the working end of the device. During such articulation of the device, a portion of the channel can be configured to allow the tensioning element to exit the channel and move away from a longitudinal axis of the device thereby optimizing a mechanical advantage relative to the distal end of the device and thus maximizing the force capable of being delivered thereto. Additionally, various embodiments of a method for articulating a working end of an elongate surgical device are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for selectively stiffening a surgical device. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical device is provided that includes a flexible elongate insertion element and a stiffening element that extends along at least a portion of the insertion element. The insertion element can be, for example, an endoscope or a sheath configured to be disposed over an endoscope. The stiffening element can be configured to selectively stiffen when an outside force, such as a vacuum force, is applied thereto. In one embodiment the stiffening element includes a plurality of elongate members disposed in a flexible sheath. When the vacuum force is applied, the sheath can be configured to engage the elongate members to maintain the elongate members in a fixed, stiffened position, thereby stiffening at least a portion of the flexible elongate insertion element coupled thereto. Various methods for stiffening an insertion instrument, such as an endoscope, are also provided herein.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a conductor operably connected to an electrical source, wherein the conductor can be selectively placed in electrical communication with the first electrode when the first electrode is moved between open and closed positions. The conductor can include a contact end which is not in contact with the first electrode when the first electrode is in its open position. In such an open position, the first electrode may not be in electrical communication with the electrical source and, as a result, current may not flow through the first electrode. The first electrode can be moved into its closed position such that the first electrode is in contact with the contact end of the wire. In such a closed position, the first electrode may be in electrical communication with the electrical source allowing current to flow through the first electrode.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for manipulating tissue and creating a space in a body cavity. In an exemplary embodiment, a space-creating frame can be delivered and deployed within a body cavity, a cable can be manipulated to tent a tissue wall of the body cavity, and an illumination source and an imaging apparatus can be activated to provide visibility within the body cavity.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for grasping and manipulating tissue or organs. In an exemplary embodiment, a magnetic substance is introduced into an organ, and a magnetic element is positioned adjacent to the organ to generate a magnetic field between the magnetic element and the magnetic substance, such that the magnetic element is effective to move the organ. The methods and devices are particularly useful for manipulating tissue or organs during minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching an instrument to an organ utilizes a plurality of protrusions at the end of an overtube for mechanically engaging the end of an overtube to an organ wall. The apparatus, which is particularly suitable for transluminal surgery through a wall of the digestive tract to access the peritoneal cavity, secures the end of an overtube to the organ wall, such as the stomach or colon, to isolate a portion of the organ wall through which an incision for access to the peritoneal cavity is made.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing and positioning an endoscope using various braided devices and suture techniques. Related endoscopic surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable pouch and methods for implanting cells or cellular matter in mammals, comprising reinforced porous foam and a lumen. The lumen contains an insert that may or may not be removed prior to transplantation. The lumen may be loaded with at least one cell type expressing at least one transcription factor characteristic of a mammalian pancreatic beta cell.