Patent ID: 8932211
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A floating, multi-lumen-catheter retractor system for ease of positioning in a subject for a minimally invasive treatment of the subject, the system comprising: a highly flexible outer tube configured for guiding a floating channel and a floating endoscope in an at least substantially floating arrangement within the system, the flexible outer tube having a lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end; and, the floating channel serving as a guide through which a manipulable tool is positioned and manipulated in a treatment of a target tissue in a subject, wherein flexing of the floating channel flexes the tool positioned within the floating channel; and, a reversibly-expandable retractor having a plurality of retractor elements that expand to form within the retractor elements a treatment space in the subject into which the tool can be inserted, the expansion of the retractor elements to form the treatment space occurs at an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions of the retractor elements, the retractor configured for the expansion to (i) occur distal to the distal end of the outer tube and (ii) at least substantially render the target tissue aperistaltic for the treatment; wherein, during a use of the system,