An esophageal food bolus dislodger (EFBD) device and method of using same is disclosed. For example, an EFBD device is provided that may include an esophageal catheter that has a distal guidance member, and also including a cone member, an inflation member, and a boring member arranged along the esophageal catheter in advance of the distal guidance member. In EFBD device, the combination of the inflation member in a partially or fully deployed state, the cone member in a partially or fully deployed state, and the boring member may be used to dislodge food in a procedure for endoscopic removal of food bolus. Further, a method of using the presently disclosed EFBD device for dislodging food from the esophagus is provided.

Method and apparatus can be provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, with at least one first section of an optical enclosure, it is possible to provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation. In addition, with at least one second section provided within the enclosure, it is possible to cause, upon impact by the first radiation, a redirection of the first radiation to become at least one second radiation. Further, with at least one third section of the optical enclosure, it is possible to cause at least one second radiation to be provided to a tissue. For example, the redirection of the first radiation causes, at least approximately, a uniform optical illumination on of a surface of the tissue.

An overtube device is disclosed as comprising, in at least one embodiment, a body having a proximal opening and an opposing distal opening in fluid communication with one another via a primary lumen formed within the body, the primary lumen configured for selective receipt and passage therethrough of an endoscope, and a secondary lumen formed within the body so as to intersect and be in fluid communication with the primary lumen and, thus, the distal opening. The secondary lumen is configured for selective engagement with a suction system and defines a suction port. With the distal end of the overtube device attached to the overtube and the suction system engaged with the suction port of the overtube device, suction applied via the suction system through the suction port is, in turn, capable of being applied to the overtube.

A manually articulated stylet assembly for placing an endotracheal tube. The stylet assembly has a steering shaft that carries a flexible distal tip at one end and is attached to a handle at the other end. The distal tip is manipulated via sheathed cables controlled by a remote actuator in the handle. A biasing member inside the remote actuator maintains continuous tension on the cables to improve control. A video camera is carried in a recessed lens pocket in the steering shaft but spaced from the distal tip. The camera FOV captures movement of the distal tip with foreshortened perspective. A collar seat in the handle receives the collar connector of a standard endotracheal tube, providing quick disconnect when removing the stylet assembly upon placement.

In some embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device for obtaining samples from a subject. In other embodiments, methods and devices of the present invention allow the evaluation of conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of a subject. Measurements may be utilized, for example, to diagnose a disease of the esophagus, to monitor inflammation of the esophagus, or to access the treatment of a disease of the esophagus. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a method for measuring esophageal inflammation comprising deploying a device into the esophagus of a subject, removing the device after a predetermined period of time, analyzing the device for a diagnostic indicator of esophageal inflammation and evaluating the diagnostic indicator to diagnose esophageal inflammation.

An endoscopy device for facilitating use of an endoscope, comprising at least one airway tube and a mask having a distal end, a proximal end and a peripheral formation .xi.beta.) capable of conforming to, and fitting within, the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet, the peripheral formation establishing separation between a laryngeal; chamber side and a pharyngeal side, the device further comprising a conduit adapted for passage of an endoscope into the oesophagus of a patient when mask is in place, conduit including a distal end for cooperation with the oesophageal sphincter, the conduit having a laryngeal side, a pharyngeal side, a right side and a left side, and an outlet wherein at the outlet the width between the left side and the right side is smaller than the width of the conduit.

Provided is an alimentary engagement device that may be used for certain medical procedures such as colonoscopies and endoscopies. The alimentary engagement device includes a conduit that is fitted over a medical instrument such as a colonoscope or an endoscope as it is inserted within a body cavity. On the outer surface of the conduit is a balloon which may be expanded to engage the walls within the interior of the cavity. The interior of the conduit includes a seal which has an aperture for allowing a medical instrument to pass through.

Method and apparatus can be provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, with at least one first section of an optical enclosure, it is possible to provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation. In addition, with at least one second section provided within the enclosure, it is possible to cause, upon impact by the first radiation, a redirection of the first radiation to become at least one second radiation. Further, with at least one third section of the optical enclosure, it is possible to cause at least one second radiation to be provided to a tissue. For example, the redirection of the first radiation causes, at least approximately, a uniform optical illumination on of a surface of the tissue.

An endoscopy device for facilitating the use of an endoscope, comprising at least one airway tube and a mask carried at one end of the at least one airway rube, the mask having a distal end and a proximal end and a peripheral formation capable of conforming to, and of fitting within, the actual and potential space behind the larynx of the patient so as to form a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet, the peripheral formation surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask and the at least one airway tube opening into the lumen of the mask, the device further comprising a conduit adapted for passage of an endoscope into the oesophagus of a patient when the mask is in place.

An esophageal catheter for dislodging food from a user is presented. The esophageal catheter has an elongated body that has a distal end and a proximal end. The esophageal catheter also has an inflation member, the inflation member has a distal end and a proximal end and is attached to the elongated body. Further, the esophageal catheter has a guide member positioned at the distal end of the elongated body. Also, the esophageal catheter has a cone-like member having a plurality of arms and positioned at the proximal end of the inflation member. When the cone-like member is in an expanded state, the cone-like member extends from one side of an esophagus of the user to a second side of the esophagus of the user. The esophageal catheter is an adjunctive instrument and technique and not as a replacement for other instruments or techniques to remove esophageal boluses.