Multi-lumen-catheter retractor system for a minimally-invasive, operative gastrointestinal treatment

Abstract

Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 12 / 970,604, filed Dec. 16, 2010, which claims priority from provisional application 61 / 287,077, filed Dec. 16, 2009, and is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 13 / 531,477, filed Jun. 22, 2012. The entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The teachings provided herein are generally directed to improved methods and devices for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Endoscopic procedures involving the gastrointestinal system offer advantages over conventional surgery in that they are less invasive and may provide visualization. These procedures continue to evolve to address problems and provide new methods of treatment identified by those skilled in the art.[0006]One...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an improved way to treat gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a minimally-invasive way. The system includes an endoscopic surgical suite with a reversibly-expandable retractor that creates a stable, operative environment within the patient. The expansion is asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to allow for independent movement of tools and an endoscope. The improvements in this method include better maneuverability and triangulation of the tools with respect to the target tissue, as well as a larger field of view.

Problems solved by technology

One current problem includes a lack of technology for an optimal minimally-invasive expansion of a stable, working space adjacent to the target tissues that could otherwise collapse around the target lesion or defect during an operative treatment.

Another current problem includes a lack of an endoscopic technology for not only expanding, but also affixing and reshaping, both the target tissue and surrounding tissue.

Significant bowel movement is considered to be highly undesirable during an intra-luminal operation on the bowel, for example, since it may create a challenging, unstable operative environment.

Another current problem includes a lack of an endoscopic technology for retracting the tissue dynamically, for example, through an adjustable tissue retraction structure allowing for a controlled degree of expansion or collapse of the structure, to further configure the working space as desired around the instruments and target tissue.

Another current problem includes a lack of an endoscopic technology for organizing the endoscope, instruments, and working space in a manner that can maximize the working space for the treatment.

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