Abstract: A tissue traction device having a segment defined along a limited extent about the perimeter of the tissue traction device and more flexible than surrounding regions of the tissue traction device. The tissue traction device is actuatable to bend along the more flexible segment thereof, generally in a direction of a side of the tissue traction device opposite the more flexible segment thereof. The tissue traction device may be formed from one or more flexible tubular elements, with the flexible segment along a limited extent about the perimeter of the one or more tubular elements. A tissue traction system may be configured to provide actuation medium, such as an inflation medium, to the tissue traction device to control movement of the tissue traction device. The tissue traction system may include one or more flexible tubular elements, a distal end of which forms the tissue traction device.

Abstract: A tissue traction device having a target-tissue-engaging segment and more than one traction-tissue-engaging segment spaced apart from the target-tissue-engaging segment. The tissue traction device may have a peripheral section with at least one traction-tissue-engagement section therein, with at least one of the traction-tissue-engaging segments defined on such traction-tissue-engagement section. An additional traction-tissue-engagement segment may be defined within the peripheral section, optionally on an additional traction-tissue-engagement section, and/or within the at least one traction-tissue-engagement section. One or more traction-tissue-engagement segments within the peripheral section may be simultaneously and/or sequentially engaged with traction tissue to achieve varying force vectors of traction on the target tissue.

Abstract: A tissue grasping device for use with an endoscope may include a sheath, a control wire slidably disposed within the sheath, and a helical coil disposed over and attached to the control wire. The helical coil may include a proximal region in which adjacent windings are in contact, and a distal region in which adjacent windings are spaced apart. The helical coil may have a sharpened distal tip.