Apparatus and methods for achieving endoluminal access
View Patent ↗The present invention provides methods and apparatus for pleating at least a portion of a patient's body lumen, such as the colon. Pleating is achieved via relative motion between an endoscope and a flexible conduit having an engagement element configured to reversibly engage the body lumen.
1. A method for advancing an endoscope through a body lumen, comprising:
advancing an endoscope having a steerable distal end and a flexible conduit through the body lumen;
engaging a region of body lumen distal to the flexible conduit via the steerable distal end;
retracting the endoscope relative to the flexible conduit such that a portion of the body lumen is retracted relative to the flexible conduit;
rigidizing the flexible conduit;
disengaging the steerable distal end from the region of body lumen; and
advancing the endoscope relative to the rigidized flexible conduit.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein advancing an endoscope comprises advancing through a bowel of a patient.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein engaging a region of body lumen comprises temporarily anchoring the steerable distal end to the region of body lumen.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein engaging a region of body lumen comprises hooking the steerable distal end to the region of body lumen.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein retracting the endoscope comprises proximally withdrawing the endoscope while maintaining the engaged region of body lumen to the steerable distal end.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein retracting the endoscope further comprises straightening the portion of the body lumen.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein disengaging the steerable distal end comprises releasing the steerable distal end from the region of body lumen.