Patent ID: 6231585
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A device for stabilizing the surface of a treatment site within a body cavity of a subject, said device comprising:an elongate hollow rod having a proximal end and a distal end with a flexible portion at the distal end thereof, said rod being sized and constructed to be advanced into a body cavity of a subject;a deflection mechanism within the hollow rod attached to the flexible portion of the rod and to a steering mechanism associated with the proximal end of the rod for causing the flexible portion of the rod to coil into a ring- or horseshoe-shape, and,an elongate coilable suction channel, said suction channel comprisingan elongate base attached along one side of the flexible portion,a flexible rim surrounding the perimeter of the base on the side opposite to the attachment of the base to the flexible portion, andone or more suction ports in the suction channel in fluid communication with a partial vacuum from a remote source;wherein actuation of the steering mechanism coils the flexible portion containing suction channel into a ring- or horseshoe-shape.