Patent ID: 7635345

Claim:
Apparatus for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source, comprising: an elongate carrier, adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a colon of a GI tract; an inflatable distal piston head coupled to a distal portion of the carrier and adapted to: be in direct contact with a wall of the colon when the carrier is inserted into the colon, by being inflated, so as to attain and maintain the direct contact with the wall of the colon, be advanced distally through the colon in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source impinging on a proximal side of the piston head, while the piston is in the inflated state, and facilitate passage of fluid out of the colon from a site within the colon distal to the piston head; a pressure sensor, adapted to measure a first pressure associated with operation of the apparatus; and a control unit, adapted to regulate a second pressure associated with operation of the apparatus responsive to the measurement of the pressure sensor.