Patent ID: 7041051

Claim:
A system for self-propelling a colonoscope within an intestine comprising: a scope housing; an obturator channel disposed within and extending between proximal and distal ends of the scope housing, wherein the obturator channel is secured to the scope housing such that movement of the obturator channel effects movement of the scope housing; an obturator disposed within the obturator channel and extending beyond the proximal end of the scope housing, wherein the obturator is secured to a section of the obturator channel at a securing location proximate the distal end of the scope housing; a bonding mechanism to releasably secure the obturator to the obturator channel section: and a pull control device coupled to the obturator at a coupling location proximate the proximal end of the scope housing, wherein the pull control device is configured to apply a force upon the obturator at the coupling location to effect application of a corresponding pulling force on the obturator channel at the securing location and the distal end of the scope housing resulting in a corresponding movement of the distal end of the scope housing into the intestine that increases an intestinal path distance between the distal end of the scope housing and an insertion point of the scope housing into the intestine.