This invention relates generally to a method for performing an endoscopic procedure. According to some aspects of the invention, the method comprises placing an endoscope shaft within a body cavity at a desired examination point, the endoscope shaft having a proximal end, mid shaft and a distal end, the distal end terminating in an endoscope tip, wherein the endoscope tip is proximal to the desired examination point, positioning a segment of a longitudinally opened overtube over the endoscope mid shaft, wherein the overtube including a longitudinal reclosable seam along an entire length of the overtube, an inner surface, an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end, a positioning ring adjacent the distal end on the outer surface, at least one sealing band on the inner surface, and an independently positionable occlusion catheter terminating in an asymmetrical occlusion balloon; at least one handle at the proximal end and on the outer surface for grasping and manipulation of the overtube within the body cavity. The method further comprises closing the seam of the segment of the overtube positioned over the endoscope mid shaft to form a longitudinally closed overtube and move the closed overtube over the endoscope shaft as guide within the body cavity and repeat the closing and moving till the overtube reaches the desired examination point, inflating the positioning ring to create a seal between the outer surface of the overtube and a body cavity proximal to the endoscope tip, wherein when inflated the positioning ring expanded asymmetrically around the overtube, inflating the at least one sealing band to create a seal between the internal surface of the overtube and endoscope shaft, passing the independently positionable occlusion catheter terminating in the asymmetrical occlusion balloon through a passageway along the overtube to enter the body cavity at the end of the overtube, manipulating the independently positionable occlusion catheter to a selected point within the body cavity distal to the endoscope tip, inflating the occlusion catheter balloon to create seal between the occlusion catheter balloon and the body cavity, and creating a sealed examination compartment between the positioning ring, the asymmetrical occlusion balloon and the sealing band surrounding the distal end of the endoscope shaft.

An elongated access device used in a medical system. The elongated access device slidably receives a medical tool and an ultrasound probe. The elongated access device includes a sheath and an intraluminal tip attached to the distal end of the sheath. The intraluminal tip includes ramp and nose donuts being spaced apart from one another and configured to be attached to one or more elongated sleeves. One or more orientation pins are engaged with the respective ramp and nose donuts and may be anchored within the sheath. The medical tool is engaged with a ramp formed in the ramp donut or a ramp received within the ramp donut. The ultrasound probe is configured to engage with the intraluminal tip so as to ensure that the medical tool directionality is oriented toward a target during a procedure.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

An endoscope manipulation training apparatus includes: a body including an organ support plate, two support leg plates, and an insertion tube support body; and a net body. Fitting portions are formed on both end portions of the organ support plate, threaded holes are formed in both corner portions of both end surfaces of the organ support plate, a fitting hole is formed in one of the fitting portions such that the fitting hole extends inward from an end surface of the fitting portion, and a latch groove is formed in the one of the fitting portions on both sides of the fitting hole. The support leg plate is formed such that an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface exhibit a regular octagonal shape.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling the sampling of tissue using a guidewire. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a handle, a flexible dual lumen catheter couplable to the handle, and a guidewire guide disposed at a distal end of the flexible dual lumen catheter.

A system for visualizing a tissue region of interest comprises a deployment catheter defining a lumen and a hood coupled to and extending distally from the deployment catheter. The hood has a low-profile configuration within a delivery sheath and a deployed configuration when extended distally of the delivery sheath. The hood in the deployed configuration defines an open area in fluid communication with the lumen. A distal portion of the deployment catheter extends into the open area. An imaging element is coupled to an imager support member. When in the deployed configuration, the imaging element is configured to extend distally of the distal portion while the imager support member extends within the deployment catheter. The imaging element comprises a tapered surface and the deployment catheter comprises a complementary tapered surface. Retraction of the imaging element causes the imaging element to shift radially outward from a longitudinal axis.

Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical device, configured to be used in conjunction with guide tools and devices in medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters.

A detachable endoscope including: an insertion unit whose one end is to be inserted into a body; an operation unit coupled to another end of the insertion unit and operating the one end of the insertion unit to perform a bending motion using an operation module; and a detachment unit which detachably couples the operation unit and the insertion unit, and locks the insertion unit in a coupled state simultaneously when being coupled, so that the insertion unit is secured to the operation unit.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.