A medical device having multiple degrees of freedom independent of each other. The medical device includes a handle, an end effector, and a tubular section extending between the handle and the end effector. The end effector is configured to be rotated about a first axis extending through the tubular section without rotating the tubular section. And, the tubular section is configured to be rotated about the first axis with the end effector.

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.

Described embodiments include a capsule, including a cyclically everting sleeve shaped to define a sleeve interior, a fluid, configured to facilitate the everting of the sleeve, contained within the sleeve interior, and a plurality of electrically-conductive coils coupled to the sleeve. The coils are configured to, when at least two of the coils are magnetized, advance the capsule within a lumen by applying an everting force to the sleeve. Other embodiments are also described.

Described embodiments include a capsule, including a cyclically everting sleeve shaped to define a sleeve interior, a fluid, configured to facilitate the everting of the sleeve, contained within the sleeve interior, and a plurality of electrically-conductive coils coupled to the sleeve. The coils are configured to, when at least two of the coils are magnetized, advance the capsule within a lumen by applying an everting force to the sleeve. Other embodiments are also described.

The present invention includes methods of conducting a colonoscopy that includes positioning a ball pillow under the patient's left lateral lower abdomen while the patient is lying laterally until cecum is reached by the colonoscope. Also, the present invention includes methods of limiting looping of a colonscope during a colonoscopy that include positioning a ball pillow underneath a patient and/or applying a pressure to a patient's abdomen by securing a ball pillow between a patient and a surface.

The present invention includes methods of conducting a colonoscopy that includes positioning a ball pillow under the patient's left lateral lower abdomen while the patient is lying laterally until cecum is reached by the colonoscope. Also, the present invention includes methods of limiting looping of a colonscope during a colonoscopy that include positioning a ball pillow underneath a patient and/or applying a pressure to a patient's abdomen by securing a ball pillow between a patient and a surface.

A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed comprising: (a) using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target in vitro or ex vivo cell population; (b) mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and (c) analysing said spectrometric data in order to identify and/or characterise said target cell population or one or more cells and/or compounds present in said target cell population.

Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.

Systems and methods are provided for treating cervical and/or uterine cancers in brachytherapy with an intracavitary brachytherapy applicator. The system comprises a tandem adapted for insertion into a cervix of a patient. An ovoid assembly comprises first and second inflatable ovoids and an ovoid support mechanism. The first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted for insertion within fornices of a patient. First and second retractors are adapted to be coupled to the ovoid assembly. The first retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the bladder of a patient during treatment. The second retractor is adapted to be positioned to retract the rectum of a patient during treatment. The tandem and the first and second inflatable ovoids are adapted to be coupled to a radioactive source to deliver an implant radiation dose suitable for cancer treatment at a cancerous cervical treatment site in a patient.