The present invention relates to a cover having a plurality of moveable, external, angled projecting elements for use with flexible medical scoping devices such as endoscopes or enteroscopes. The invention includes the cover with an over cuff and use of the disposable removable covering in methods of medical scoping procedures or examinations. The invention also includes an applicator for assisting in placing the covering about or over a medical device and a kit of parts.

The present invention relates to a cover having a plurality of moveable, external, angled projecting elements for use with flexible medical scoping devices such as endoscopes or enteroscopes. The invention includes the cover with an over cuff and use of the disposable removable covering in methods of medical scoping procedures or examinations. The invention also includes an applicator for assisting in placing the covering about or over a medical device and a kit of parts.

Apparatus for placement in an incision of a natural body opening comprises a retractor having a sleeve (655, 656, 657) and a guard device comprising overlapping petals (662) depending from a mounting ring (661). The guard device is movable by the retractor from an insertion configuration to a deployed configuration as the retractor sleeve is moved to the retracting configuration.

Apparatus for placement in an incision of a natural body opening comprises a retractor having a sleeve (655, 656, 657) and a guard device comprising overlapping petals (662) depending from a mounting ring (661). The guard device is movable by the retractor from an insertion configuration to a deployed configuration as the retractor sleeve is moved to the retracting configuration.

Various methods and devices are provided for use of a cannula. For example, provided herein is a flexible cannula having an elongate body with an elongate shaft extending between a proximal hub and a distal dam. A lumen can extend through the cannula. The dam is in the form of a flexible annular member formed on a distal end of the shaft. The dam and the hub have diameters greater than a diameter of the shaft. A flexible, expandable sleeve is removably positioned on the distal end of the shaft of the cannula. The sleeve deformably encapsulates the dam such that the dam is folded against the shaft of the cannula. An obturator is also provided having an elongate shaft configured to be removably positioned within the lumen of the cannula. The shaft can be configured to fit within the lumen in a clearance fit.

A method of performing medical procedure includes inserting a working channel into a bodily cavity, the working channel having an elongated shaft with a first lumen and a second lumen and an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal end of the shaft and having a mesh disposed an outer wall thereof, wherein the mesh creates a textured surface that prevents slippage of the balloon on surrounding tissue, advancing the working channel through the bodily cavity until the inflatable balloon reaches an anchoring position, anchoring the working channel at the anchoring position by supplying fluid via a pump until the balloon is inflated and the textured surface grips the surrounding tissue, inserting at least one medical instrument through the second lumen and performing the medical procedure, withdrawing the medical instrument from the second lumen, deflating the inflatable balloon, and withdrawing the working channel from the bodily cavity.

A method of performing medical procedure includes inserting a working channel into a bodily cavity, the working channel having an elongated shaft with a first lumen and a second lumen and an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal end of the shaft and having a mesh disposed an outer wall thereof, wherein the mesh creates a textured surface that prevents slippage of the balloon on surrounding tissue, advancing the working channel through the bodily cavity until the inflatable balloon reaches an anchoring position, anchoring the working channel at the anchoring position by supplying fluid via a pump until the balloon is inflated and the textured surface grips the surrounding tissue, inserting at least one medical instrument through the second lumen and performing the medical procedure, withdrawing the medical instrument from the second lumen, deflating the inflatable balloon, and withdrawing the working channel from the bodily cavity.

Systems and methods for separating an object such as a pacing lead from a patient tissue involve a flexible and torqueable shaft having an internal lumen sized to receive the object, and a hard separating mechanism for separating the object from the tissue. Typically the shaft and separating mechanism are advanced along or toward the object, and the separating mechanism is contacted with the tissue. The shaft is rotated to effect separation between the object and the tissue. The systems and methods are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

Systems and methods for separating an object such as a pacing lead from a patient tissue involve a flexible and torqueable shaft having an internal lumen sized to receive the object, and a hard separating mechanism for separating the object from the tissue. Typically the shaft and separating mechanism are advanced along or toward the object, and the separating mechanism is contacted with the tissue. The shaft is rotated to effect separation between the object and the tissue. The systems and methods are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

A method includes: delivering a biodegradable expandable member into a body cavity of a patient; insufflating the biodegradable expandable member in the body cavity to expand the body cavity; sealing the biodegradable expandable member against an inner wall of the body cavity to seal the body cavity internally; and delivering an endoscope into the body cavity.