Patent ID: 7608038

Claim:
A luminal coupling system for providing access directly to a lumen within a subject, for use with an endoscope having an instrument passage and an illumination source on a distal end, the system comprising: a. an internal magnet assembly for inserting into an endoscope instrument channel, said internal magnet assembly comprising: i. an internal magnet comprising a first coupling surface defining a surface shape and size, wherein said internal magnet is characterized by a polar orientation and a magnetic strength; and ii. a tether comprising a first end portion fixed to said magnet, a second end portion disposed remote from said first end portion, and a middle portion spaced between said first and second end portions, said middle portion for traversing the endoscope instrument channel; b. a snare assembly comprising a first snare, a snare operating device, and a cable connecting said first snare to said snare operating device; c. an external magnet comprising a second coupling surface defining a surface shape and size, wherein said external magnet is characterized by a polar orientation and a magnetic strength, wherein said polar orientation of said external magnet is opposite said polar orientation of said internal magnet such that said first and said second coupling surfaces are magnetically attracted to each other; d. a pull wire system comprising a sounding needle, a cannula and a pull wire, wherein said pull wire comprises a mating end and a pull end; and e. a feeding tube assembly comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, a second snare, a connector fixedly joining said tube first end to said second snare, and a dome fixed to said tube second end.