Patent ID: 8118820
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for inserting an instrument through a natural orifice and into a stomach, the instrument having a low profile orientation and a deployed orientation which is larger than the size of the natural orifice through which it is to be inserted, comprising the steps of: a. coupling the instrument to an endoscope and placing the instrument in its low profile orientation, the step of coupling includes securing a scope attachment member to both the instrument and the endoscope, wherein the scope attachment member includes a scope attachment ring including first and second parallel apertures respectively shaped for the receipt of the endoscope and a shaft of the instrument such that the instrument may be freely rotated relative to the endoscope, and the scope attachment member further includes an elastomeric lever arm that collapses against the endoscope during insertion for a low profile insertion, but then springs away from the endoscope once in the stomach to improve visibility of the instrument for positioning and deployment; b. inserting the endoscope and the instrument through a natural orifice to a target position within a body while the instrument is in its low profile orientation; c. actuating the instrument to it is deployed orientation; d. returning the instrument to its low profile orientation and withdrawing the instrument from the body through the natural orifice.