US20090076536A1 - Medical inflation, attachment, and delivery devices and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to procedural space maintenance devices, medical device positioning devices, and devices that provide both procedural space maintenance and device positioning. Further embodiments relate to medical device insertion and/or retraction devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/956,032, filed Aug. 15, 2007; Provisional Application No. 60/990,062, filed Nov. 26, 2007; and Provisional Application No. 60/990,470, filed Nov. 27, 2007; all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical devices and related components, including robotic and/or in vivo medical devices and related components, along with related procedures and methods. Certain embodiments include various cavity inflation or structural retention system embodiments, including inflatable devices, scaffold-like devices, and externally-supported wall retention devices. Further embodiments include various medical device attachment and control components, including attachment pin devices and magnetic attachment devices. Additional embodiments include various medical device delivery devices that can be used to deliver various types of medical devices, including in vivo devices, to target medical treatment areas, including tubular devices with operational distal ends that provide for simple delivery, control, and retrieval of various medical devices.
BACKGROUND
• Invasive surgical procedures are essential for addressing various medical conditions. When possible, minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopy are preferred.
• However, known minimally invasive technologies such as laparoscopy are limited in scope and complexity due in part to 1) mobility restrictions resulting from using rigid tools inserted through access ports, and 2) limited visual feedback. Known robotic systems such as the da Vinci® Surgical System (available from Intuitive Surgical, Inc., located in Sunnyvale, Calif.) are also restricted by the access ports, as well as having the additional disadvantages of being very large, very expensive, unavailable in most hospitals, and having limited sensory and mobility capabilities.
• There is a need in the art for improved surgical methods, systems, and devices.
SUMMARY
• One embodiment disclosed herein relates to a body cavity spatial support device having an inflatable body and an inflation mechanism. In one embodiment, the body has a generally cylindrical shape, while in another embodiment it has a generally donut shape. Alternatively, the device can have two or more inflatable bodies.
• Another embodiment disclosed herein relates to a collapsible body cavity spatial support device. The device has at least three links hingedly coupled to each other and is configured to have a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration.
• A further embodiment disclosed herein relates to a pin having a needle tip and a retention component. The pin can be configured to be inserted through a cavity wall and be urged away from the cavity to maintain a procedural space in the cavity. According to one implementation, two or more pins are used cooperatively to maintain the procedural space.
• Yet another embodiment disclosed herein relates to a pin having a grasping component configured to attach to an outer portion of the cavity wall. In one embodiment, two or more of these pins can be used cooperatively to maintain the procedural space.
• One further embodiment disclosed herein relates to a procedural space maintenance system having at least two modular components that are coupled to each other and configured to be positioned inside a cavity of a patient. In one embodiment, the components each have at least one magnet. The system further comprises at least one external magnet configured to urge the at least two modular components away from the cavity and thereby maintain a procedural space in the cavity. In an alternative embodiment, the at least two modular components each have a mating or coupling component configured to couple with a medical device.
• Another embodiment disclosed herein relates to a device positioning system having at least two modular components that are coupled to each other and configured to be positioned inside a cavity of a patient and attached to an interior cavity wall. The components are configured to couple together to create an attachment component along which a medical device can be positioned. Alternatively, the modular components have at least two legs to allow the system to be positioned in the cavity (instead of the attachment components for attaching to the interior wall).
• A further embodiment disclosed herein relates to a device positioning and control system having at least one pin that is inserted through the cavity wall and coupled to an arm of a medical device positioned inside the body cavity. The pin can be used to maintain the position of the device and, according to a further embodiment, assist with the operation of the arm.
• Yet another embodiment disclosed herein relates to a delivery or removal device having a tubular body, a device lumen, a wire lumen, and a wire disposed through the device and wire lumens. In accordance with one embodiment, the wire has an attachment component. In another embodiment, the tubular body has a protrusion at a distal end of the body. In a further embodiment, the protrusion is a deployable protrusion. In yet another embodiment, the protrusion has a device receiving component.
• While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a side cutaway view depicting an inflatable device for maintaining procedural space in a body cavity, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 1B is a perspective cutaway view of the device ofFIG. 1A.
• FIG. 1C depicts another side cutaway view of the device ofFIG. 1A.
• FIG. 1D shows a perspective cutaway view of the uninflated device ofFIG. 1A.
• FIG. 2A is a perspective cutaway view of an inflatable device for maintaining procedural space in a body cavity, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 2B is a side cutaway view of the device ofFIG. 2A.
• FIG. 2C is a side cutaway view of the uninflated device ofFIG. 2A.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic depiction of an inflatable balloon having an inner skeleton, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 4A is a side cutaway view depicting a device for maintaining procedural space in a body cavity, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 4B is a perspective cutaway view of the device ofFIG. 4A.
• FIG. 4C is another side cutaway view of the device ofFIG. 4A.
• FIG. 4D is a schematic depiction of the device ofFIG. 4A in a collapsed configuration.
• FIG. 5A is a side view of a wall retention pin having a retention component in the collapsed configuration, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 5B is a side view the wall retention pin ofFIG. 5A in which the retention component is in the deployed configuration.
• FIG. 5C is a side cutaway view of three wall retention pins similar to that ofFIG. 5A in use, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 5D is another side cutaway view of the three wall retention pins ofFIG. 5C in a relaxed configuration in which the cavity wall is not being urged away from the cavity.
• FIG. 6A is a side cutaway view of three wall retention pins, each having an attachment component, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 6B is another side cutaway view of the three wall retention pins ofFIG. 6A in a relaxed configuration in which the cavity wall is not being urged away from the cavity.
• FIG. 7A is a side cutaway view of a wall retention system, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 7B is a perspective cutaway view of the wall retention system ofFIG. 7A.
• FIG. 7C is a perspective view of one modular component of a wall retention system, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 7D is a perspective cutaway view of another modular component of a wall retention system, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 8A is an end view of a modular component of a wall retention system, according to a further embodiment.
• FIG. 8B is a side view of the modular component ofFIG. 8A.
• FIG. 9 is a side cutaway view of a device support system, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view of another device support system, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is a side cutaway view of yet another device support system, according to a further embodiment.
• FIG. 12 is a perspective cutaway view of a device support and control system, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a procedural delivery device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another delivery device, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 15 is a side cutaway view of another delivery device, according to a further embodiment.
• FIG. 16 is a side view of another delivery device component, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 17A is a side cutaway view of another delivery device, according to another embodiment.
• FIG. 17B is another side cutaway view of the delivery device ofFIG. 17A.
• FIG. 17C is another side cutaway view of the delivery device ofFIG. 17A.
• FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a retraction device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional depiction of an insertion device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional depiction of another insertion device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional depiction of a further insertion device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 20A is a perspective view of an insertion and retraction device, according to one embodiment.
• FIG. 20B is another perspective view of the device ofFIG. 20A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The various systems and devices disclosed herein relate to devices for use in medical procedures and systems. More specifically, the various embodiments relate to various cavity inflation or structural retention system embodiments, various medical device attachment and control components, and various medical device delivery, control, and retrieval devices, all of which can be used in various procedural devices and systems.
• It is understood that the various embodiments of cavity structural retention systems, device attachment components, and device delivery, control, and retrieval systems and other types of devices disclosed herein can be incorporated into or used with any known medical devices, including, but not limited to, robotic or in vivo devices as defined herein.
• For example, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be incorporated into or used with any of the medical devices disclosed in copending U.S. applications Ser. No. 11/932,441 (filed on Oct. 31, 2007 and entitled “Robot for Surgical Applications”), Ser. No. 11/695,944 (filed on Apr. 3, 2007 and entitled “Robot for Surgical Applications”), Ser. No. 11/947,097 (filed on Nov. 27, 2007 and entitled “Robotic Devices with Agent Delivery Components and Related Methods), Ser. No. 11/932,516 (filed on Oct. 31, 2007 and entitled “Robot for Surgical Applications”), Ser. No. 11/766,683 (filed on Jun. 21, 2007 and entitled “Magnetically Coupleable Robotic Devices and Related Methods”), Ser. No. 11/766,720 (filed on Jun. 21, 2007 and entitled “Magnetically Coupleable Surgical Robotic Devices and Related Methods”), Ser. No. 11/966,741 (filed on Dec. 28, 2007 and entitled “Methods, Systems, and Devices for Surgical Visualization and Device Manipulation”), Ser. No. 12/171,413 (filed on Jul. 11, 2008 and entitled “Methods and Systems of Actuation in Robotic Devices”),60/956,032 (filed Aug. 15, 2007), 60/990,062 (filed on Nov. 26, 2007), 60/990,076 (filed Nov. 26, 2007), 60/990,086 (filed on Nov. 26, 2007), 60/990,106 (filed on Nov. 26, 2007), 60/990,470 (filed on Nov. 27, 2007), 61/030,588 (filed on Feb. 22, 2008), and 61/030,617 (filed on Feb. 22, 2008), all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
• In an exemplary embodiment, any of the various embodiments disclosed herein can be incorporated into or used with a natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgical device, such as a NOTES device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that various combinations of features are available including the features disclosed herein together with features known in the art.
• Certain device implementations disclosed in the applications listed above can be positioned within a body cavity of a patient, including certain devices that can be positioned against or substantially adjacent to an interior cavity wall, and related systems. An “in vivo device” as used herein means any device that can be positioned, operated, or controlled at least in part by a user while being positioned within a body cavity of a patient, including any device that is positioned substantially against or adjacent to a wall of a body cavity of a patient, further including any such device that is internally actuated (having no external source of motive force), and additionally including any device that may be used laparoscopically or endoscopically during a surgical procedure. As used herein, the terms “robot,” and “robotic device” shall refer to any device that can perform a task either automatically or in response to a command.
• Certain implementations disclosed herein relate to cavity inflation or cavity structural retention devices or systems that are configured to provide space within the cavity of a patient for purposes of operating various medical devices and components within the cavity to perform one or more of various medical procedures, including, for example, the various medical devices and procedures disclosed in the various applications listed above and incorporated herein.
• FIGS. 1A-1D,2A-2C, and3 depict various embodiments of inflatable devices that can be used to provide or create procedural space in a body cavity.
• FIGS. 1A-1D depict one example of an inflatablecavity inflation system10A,10B, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, thesystem10A,10B has twoinflatable components10A,10B, which can also be referred to herein as “balloons.” The twoballoons10A,10B can be inserted into and positioned in a body cavity as best shown inFIGS. 1A-1C such that they create or provide space within the cavity that allows a user (such as a doctor or surgeon) to operate various devices and/or perform various procedures within the space in the cavity. The twoballoons10A,10B can be positioned in any fashion within the cavity to maintain the surgical space in the cavity. Alternatively, one inflation balloon or more than two inflation balloons can be positioned in the body cavity.
• According to one embodiment, the body cavity is theabdominal cavity12 as shown best inFIGS. 1A-1C. In such an embodiment, theballoons10A,10B are positioned on or adjacent to the various organs andtissues14 in thecavity12. Alternatively, the cavity can be any known body cavity.
• In one implementation, theinflatable components10A,10B are made of polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), which is manufactured by Advanced Polymers, Inc. of Salem, HN. Alternatively, thecomponents10A,10B can be made of nylon. In a further alternative, thecomponents10A,10B are made of polyurethane. In yet another alternative, thecomponents10A,10B can be made of any known expandable, durable, biocompatible material that can be used in medical devices.
• Theinflatable components10A,10B in one embodiment have tubing (not shown) or any other such connection attached to thecomponents10A,10B that can couple the components to an external pump (not shown) that can be used to inflate theballoons10A,10B. Alternatively, theinflatable components10A,10B each have an inflation device (not shown) disposed somewhere within or on eachballoon10A,10B that can be used to inflate eachballoon10A,10B. According to one embodiment, the inflation device is a robotic device with a pressurized cavity that is opened for “self” inflation of the balloon.
• In an alternative embodiment as shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, a singleinflatable component20 is provided that is shaped like a donut or hoop. In this embodiment, thesingle component20 can provide sufficient space within the patient's cavity to allow a user to operate a medical device and/or perform a medical procedure. According to one implementation, the donut-shapedballoon20 can be positioned over the target procedural site such that the open portion in the center of theballoon22 forms or maintains a procedural cavity space for purposes of the procedure.
• It is understood that such a donut-shapedballoon20 can be made of the same material as theballoons10A,10B discussed above.
• In use, any of theballoons10A,10B,20 can be utilized in the following manner. The un-inflated balloon(s) can be positioned inside the cavity as shown for example inFIGS. 1D and 2C. Once positioned, the balloon (or balloons) is inflated to provide or create procedural space within the cavity. At the conclusion of the procedure, the balloon(s) can be deflated or the pressurized gas can be sucked out by an external pump, and then the balloon(s) can be removed.
• In a further alternative, any configuration of theballoons10A,10B,20 can include internal structural members such as a series of pins or linkages inside of the balloons.FIG. 3 provides a schematic depiction of one embodiment of aballoon30 having a skeleton orinner structure32 disposed within theballoon30. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, theskeleton32 is a wire mesh similar to a stent. Alternatively, theskeleton32 can be any structure configured to provide some deployable rigidity or structure to theballoon30.
• In use, theballoon30 can be inserted in a deflated or undeployed state and, once positioned as desired, theinner structure32 is triggered to expand into the deployed position as shown inFIG. 3 to provide or maintain a procedural space within a body cavity. According to one implementation, theinner skeleton32 deploys in a fashion similar to a vascular stent, in which a tool of some kind is used to actuate theskeleton32 to deploy. According to a further embodiment, theskeleton32 locks into place upon deployment.
• It is understood that many different medical devices, components, and procedures can be used in conjunction with the various inflatable device embodiments as shown inFIGS. 1A-1D,2A-2C, and3, including the positionable in vivo devices and various robotic devices and procedures described in the various applications disclosed and incorporated by reference above. That is, the various inflatable device embodiments can be used to provide and/or maintain procedural space in a body cavity such that any type procedure or related device for use in a body cavity can be used in the space, including the various devices and procedures disclosed and incorporated by reference above.
• FIGS. 4A-4D depict adifferent support device40 for providing or creating procedural space in a body cavity, according to one embodiment. Thisdevice40 can be a scaffold-like structure intended to be expandable or deployable within the body cavity.
• As shown best inFIGS. 4A-4C, thesupport device40 operates to hold the upper cavity wall up in a tent-like fashion. That is, thedevice40 can be positioned within a body cavity such as anabdominal cavity42 to provide aprocedural space44. Thedevice40 has a plurality of arms46 (also referred to as “linkages”) as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B. In one embodiment, thearms46 are all mechanically coupled to each other such that they can be converted between a collapsed configuration as depicted inFIG. 4D and the deployed configuration as shown inFIGS. 4A-4C. Thedevice40 is deployed by actuating thearms46 into the configuration as shown. In one embodiment, thedevice40 is deployed automatically through the use of springs or inflatable balloons that are attached at or otherwise positioned in thehinges48 of thedevice40. Alternatively, thedevice40 has motors or hydraulics that can be used to mechanically deploy thedevice40. In a further alternative, any known component that can urge thedevice40 from the collapsed configuration to the deployed configuration can be coupled or otherwise associated with the hinges of thedevice40.
• Thearms46 of thedevice40 can be made of any biocompatible polymers. Alternatively, thearms46 can be made of stainless steel. In a further alternative, thearms46 can be made of any known substantially rigid, biocompatible material.
• It is understood that thearms46 of thedevice40 are coupled atjoints48, as best shown inFIGS. 4B and 4D, or other similar known connection components. It is further understood that thesejoints48 can be any known pivot or hinge joints. Alternatively, thejoints48 can be universal joints with rotation in two planes.
• In accordance with another implementation, externally-supported wall retention systems and devices are provided to create and/or maintain a procedural space in a body cavity.
• It is understood that many different medical devices, components, and procedures can be used in conjunction with the various support device embodiments as shown inFIGS. 4A-4D, including the positionable in vivo devices and various robotic devices and procedures described in the various applications incorporated by reference above. That is, the various support device embodiments can be used to provide and/or maintain procedural space in a body cavity such that any type procedure or related device for use in a body cavity can be used in the space, including the various devices and procedures disclosed and incorporated by reference above.
• FIGS. 5A-5D depict one embodiment of an externally-supported wall retention system. In this embodiment, the system relates to at least two retention pins similar to thepin50 depicted inFIGS. 5A and 5B that can be inserted through the cavity wall, attached to the wall, and subsequently urged away from the cavity to create a procedural space within the cavity.
• As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, each pin50 (also referred to herein as a “needle”) has a distal end having aneedle tip54 and two leaves or toggle-like components52A,52B that are each pivotally attached to thepin50 such that theleaves52A,52B can move between a collapsed position as shown inFIG. 5A and a deployed position as shown inFIG. 5B. In the collapsed position depicted inFIG. 5A, each of theleaves52A,52B are disposed in a position parallel to the length of thepin50. In the deployed position depicted inFIG. 5B, each of theleaves52A,52B are disposed in a position perpendicular to the length of thepin50.
• In an alternative embodiment, any known toggle-like or attachment component can be provided near the distal end of thepin50 to allow for insertion of thepin50 through thecavity wall56 and then capture of the interior portion of the wall while thepin50 is being urged away from the cavity to create space within the cavity.
• In use as best shown inFIGS. 5C and 5D, at least two pins orneedles50 are positioned in thecavity wall56 such that thepins50 are attached to thewall56 and then can be urged away from the cavity58 in the direction of the arrows inFIG. 5A to provide procedural space within the cavity58. In one embodiment, each pin orneedle50 is inserted into thecavity wall56 along the axis indicated by the letter A inFIG. 5C while theleaves52A,52B are in the collapsed position. Once theleaves52A,52B are inserted through thewall56 and into the body cavity, theleaves52A,52B are moved into the deployed position as shown inFIG. 5B (and inFIGS. 5C and 5D). Eachpin50 can then be urged or moved in an outward direction (away from the patient) until theleaves52A,52B are in contact with thewall56. According to one embodiment, sufficient force is applied to thepin50 such that theleaves52A,52B can support thewall56 and maintain an open cavity configuration, wherein thecavity wall56 is urged away from the organs within the cavity, as shown inFIG. 5C.
• In one embodiment, the force applied to thepin50 or pins50 is a manual force applied by the surgeon or assistant pulling on the pins with her or his hands. Alternatively, the force applied is a mechanical force provided by a device or by attaching thepins50 to a stationary device.
• An alternative embodiment of an externally-supported wall retention system is provided inFIGS. 6A and 6B. In this embodiment, each of thepins60 operate in a similar fashion as thepins50 shown inFIGS. 5A-5D. That is, thepins60 are attached to the cavity wall and urged to pull the wall away from the cavity to provide procedural space within the cavity. However, in contrast to thepins50 described above, eachpin60 ofFIGS. 6A and 6B is not inserted into the cavity and attached to the inner wall of the cavity. Instead, eachpin60 has anattachment component62 that can be attached to an external portion of the patient outside the body cavity. That is, theattachment component62 can attach to anexternal portion64 of the cavity wall.
• In one embodiment, theattachment component62 is a “grasper” that attaches to theexternal portion64 of thecavity wall66 by grasping theexternal portion64. Alternatively, theattachment component62 has barbs or other components that can be inserted partially into theexternal portion64 of thewall66. In a further alternative, theattachment component62 has an adhesive that is used to attach thecomponent62 to thewall66. In use, once theattachment component62 is attached to thewall66 as shown inFIG. 6B, eachpin60 is urged away from the patient in the same fashion described above such that thepins60 urge thewall64 away from the body and thereby maintain an open cavity space as shown inFIG. 6A.
• It is understood that many different medical devices, components, and procedures can be used in conjunction with the various externally-supported wall retention embodiments as shown inFIGS. 5A-5D and6A-6B, including the positionable in vivo devices and various robotic devices and procedures described in the various applications incorporated by reference above. That is, the various wall retention device embodiments can be used to provide and/or maintain procedural space in a body cavity such that any type procedure or related device for use in a body cavity can be used in the space, including the various devices and procedures disclosed and incorporated by reference above.
• FIGS. 7A-8B depict further exemplary implementations of externally-supported wall retention and device positioning systems and devices that create and/or maintain a procedural space in a body cavity while also providing for positioning one or more medical devices within the body cavity.
• FIGS. 7A-7D depict an embodiment of an externally-supported wall retention and device positioning system that provides for both maintaining the open configuration of the surgical cavity and for positioning a medical device within the cavity. In one implementation, the system as depicted provides for positioning one or more medical devices along an interior wall of the cavity. As shown inFIG. 7A, the device orsystem70 has two or more modular components72 (also referred to herein as “rail modules”) that are hingedly coupled to each other. According to one embodiment, each of themodular components72 has at least onemagnet74 disposed therein, as best shown inFIGS. 7A and 7C. Alternatively, each of themodular components72 has at least oneattachment point76 to which a pin orneedle78 can attach, as best shown inFIG. 7D.
• Thedevice70 as shown inFIG. 7A is configured such that each of themodular components72 can be inserted through a small incision or a trocar-like tube into the surgical cavity. That is, thedevice70 can be configured in an elongate shape such that its profile is small enough to be inserted through such an incision or tube.
• After insertion, themodular components72 of thedevice70 are positioned against the interior of thecavity wall84. In one embodiment, thedevice70 is positioned against thewall84 usingexterior magnets80 positioned outside the cavity as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B. In one embodiment as shown, themagnets80 are positioned inhandles82. This approach could provide a method for non-insufflating NOTES procedures ifmultiple devices70 are positioned along thecavity wall84. That is, it is possible to use this embodiment to create and/or maintain a procedural space in a body cavity without insufflation. The use ofmultiple modules72 allows for the implementation of multiple magnets or needles for attachment to the cavity wall. This provides for a stronger attachment because the force applied by the multiple magnets to create a procedural space is greater than that created by one or two magnets.
• Alternatively, thedevice70 is positioned against the wall using exterior pins orneedles78, as shown inFIG. 7D.
• According to one alternative embodiment, amodular component100 similar to those disclosed inFIGS. 7A-7D is shown inFIGS. 8A-8B that is configured to receive one or more medical devices along track or mating components in the modular components. Eachmodule100 in this embodiment has at least oneattachment magnet112 and one or more tracks ormating components118 with which arobotic device114 can moveably mate using a set of wheels orcogs116 and along which thedevice114 can move. Thus, two or moremodular components100 can be connected to each other to create a “railway” that one or more medical devices can traverse to move around the procedural cavity (similar to the set of modules as shown inFIG. 7A).
• Eachmodule100 as shown inFIG. 8A has at least onemagnet112 associated with or disposed within themodule100. Further, eachmodule100 has amating component118 associated with or defined by themodule100. Amedical device114 can be coupled with therail module100 by themating component116 on thedevice114. In one embodiment as shown, themating component116 on thedevice114 is a wheel or cog that can couple with therail118 on themodule100. In one embodiment, thedevice114 can be maintained in a substantially fixed position such that thedevice114 can move along therail module100 relative to the cavity. Thismodule100 can be positioned transversely or sagitally along the cavity wall. Alternatively, themodule100 can be positioned in any known fashion within the cavity to allow for transporting a medical device along a predetermined path. In a further embodiment, more than onemodule100 is positioned within the cavity and coupled together (in a fashion similar toFIG. 7A) and thedevice114 can be positioned within the coupledmodules100 so that thedevice114 can traverse along the length of the coupledmodules100. Alternatively, more than one device can be placed along the coupledmodules100 or more than one set of coupledmodules100 can be positioned in the cavity.
• One advantage of the multiple modules with multiple magnets is that the weight of the attached device can be distributed across multiple attachment points. Furthermore, if the device includes arms, this approach provides a more stabilized and distributed base for tissue manipulation forces.
• It is understood that many different medical devices, components, and procedures can be used in conjunction with the various externally-supported wall retention and device positioning systems and device embodiments as shown inFIGS. 7A-8B, including the positionable in vivo devices and various robotic devices and procedures described in the various applications incorporated by reference above. That is, the various wall retention and device positioning embodiments can be used to provide and/or maintain procedural space in a body cavity while also providing for the positioning and/or attachment of one or more medical devices, such that any type of procedure or related device for use in a body cavity can be used and positioned in the space, including the various devices and procedures disclosed and incorporated by reference above.
• FIGS. 9-12 depict exemplary implementations of device positioning systems and devices that provide for positioning one or more medical devices within the body cavity.
• FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a modular “railed”device140. In this embodiment, eachmodule141 has a hook orattachment component142 that can attach to thecavity wall144. In one embodiment as shown, eachmodule141 is attached to thewall144 with a hook orsimilar attachment component142 that penetrates thewall144. Alternatively, eachmodule141 is attached to the wall using an adhesive. In a further alternative, eachmodule141 is attached to the wall by any known attachment method or device.
• Eachmodule141 also has a track ormating component148 that is capable of coupling with one or more medical devices. The coupling of eachmodule141 to each other or positioning of themodules141 adjacent to each other creates apositioning device140 along which amedical device146 can move or be positioned.
• FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of apositioning device150. Instead of attaching with an attachment component to acavity wall152, thisdevice150 is supported in thecavity162 using at least two legs orlinks156 that are positioned along a bottom portion of the cavity to support therail158. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 10, the device attachment component is arail158 along which themedical device154 can move or be positioned. Alternatively, the device attachment component can be any such component along which the one or moremedical devices154 can be positioned. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 10, thedevice150 has fourlegs156 that create a swing-set-like structure. Amedical device154 can be moveably attached to therail158 such that thedevice154 can move back and forth along therail158.
• In one alternative implementation, the raileddevice150 can have robotic, or otherwise actuated, components. For example, thelegs156 can have actuators (not shown) that actuate thelegs156 to move such that thedevice154 can be raised or lowered. In a further embodiment, theattachment point160 where themedical device154 is coupled to therail158 can be coupled to an actuator (not shown) such that the actuator can operate to move thedevice154 along therail158.
• In accordance with another implementation, the raileddevice150 can support amedical device154 as shown and described above while also providing cavity space maintenance. That is, thedevice150 can also provide support to hold the upper cavity wall away from the lower cavity wall and therefore maintain the procedural cavity space.
• FIG. 11 depicts another embodiment of a medical device positioning orattachment device130. Thedevice130 has awall attachment component138 and adevice attachment component136. Thewall attachment component138 as shown inFIG. 11 is a hook that attaches to thecavity wall132. Alternatively, thewall attachment component138 can utilize an adhesive. In a further alternative, thewall attachment component138 can be any known component for attaching to the cavity wall. Further, according to another implementation,attachment device130 is made of a degradable material and thus need not be removed from the cavity wall after the procedure is completed.
• Thedevice attachment component136 provides for removable attachment to amedical device134. In one embodiment, thedevice attachment component136 is a magnet that removably couples to themedical device134. Alternatively, theattachment component136 provides for a mechanical coupling with themedical device134. In a further alternative, theattachment component136 provides for any type of attachment method or device to attach to themedical device134 such that thedevice134 can be removed. In one implementation, thedevice134 can be removed and a second device can be attached. In a further implementation, more than onemedical device134 can be attached.
• Another embodiment of a medical device attachment or positioning device is depicted inFIG. 12. In this embodiment, themedical device172 is positioned against an interior cavity wall using two pins174A,174B inserted through the cavity wall and coupled to thedevice172. In one embodiment, these pins174A,174B are thin needles that require no suturing or recovery time. According to one implementation, the pins174 can be known needles currently used for amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling. Alternatively, each pin174A,174B can be any pin-like or needle-like component capable of being inserted into the patient's body and coupled to themedical device172 disposed within the patient's body. After insertion, the needles174 are attached to the invivo device172. In one embodiment, only one pin is attached, thereby allowing thedevice172 to rotate about the single attachment point. Alternatively, two pins are inserted to hold the robot in position, with additional needles inserted as needed to move the robot to a different orientation. In another implementation, these attachment pins can also be used in conjunction with magnets to position and/or attach the device.
• The use of attachment pins provides a stable attachment of the medical device to or near the cavity wall. In those embodiments in which the medical device is controlled by some form of exterior component, the pins can assist in ensuring the medical device is positioned near or adjacent to the exterior handle or other exterior component. Alternatively, the pin length is controlled or manipulated to provide a vertical degree-of-freedom that would allow the medical device to move up and down relative to the pin and/or the body cavity. Attachment or coupling of the pins to the device includes self-assembly techniques that include magnets at the pin tips or semi-autonomous connection with the medical device. Alternatively, the pins are attached through surgeon assistance in vivo using endoscopic tools or other medical devices.
• In one method, the pin or pins are inserted into the patient's body and then the medical device or devices are coupled to the pin(s). In another embodiment, the medical device is positioned against the cavity wall prior to insertion of the pin(s), and the pin (or pins) is inserted such that the pin couples to the device during insertion. Alternatively, the pin (or pins) is first inserted and then the medical device is coupled to the pin.
• According to one embodiment, the pins174 described herein can be used to assist with the attachment or positioning of one or more medical devices within a body cavity of an obese patient in which the cavity wall176 has a thickness that makes it difficult or impossible to use magnetic attachment devices or methods.
• It is understood that many different medical devices, components, and procedures can be used in conjunction with the various device positioning embodiments as shown inFIGS. 9-12, including the positionable in vivo devices and various robotic devices and procedures described in the various applications incorporated by reference above. That is, the various device positioning embodiments can be used to provide for the positioning and/or attachment of one or more medical devices, such that any type of procedure or related device for use in a body cavity can be used and positioned in the space, including the various devices and procedures disclosed and incorporated by reference above.
• FIGS. 13-20B depict exemplary implementations of device insertion and retraction devices.
• FIG. 13 depicts anovertube210, according to one embodiment, for use in inserting a medical device into a patient's body and retracting the device from the body through the overtube. It is understood that the term “overtube” as used herein is intended to mean any medical procedural tube that is inserted into a patient and positioned such that further procedural devices can be inserted through the tube into the patient, retrieved through the tube from the patient, and/or such that the further procedural devices can be operated inside the patient through the tube. Thus, “overtube” includes any tube that is inserted down the patient's esophagus or through any incision or into any cavity and positioned such that other devices or instruments can be inserted into the patient's body.
• Theovertube210 as shown inFIG. 13 defines adevice lumen212 through which a medical device, such as a robotic device, can be passed. In addition, theovertube210 also defines awire lumen14 through which aninsertion wire216 can be passed. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 13, thewire lumen214 is defined in theouter wall218 of theovertube210.
• In use, theovertube210 allows a user to pull a medical device through theovertube210 from theproximal end220 to thedistal end222 of theovertube10. That is, according to one implementation, theinsertion wire216 is inserted through thedevice lumen212 and also inserted through thewire lumen214 as depicted inFIG. 13, such that theproximal end224 of thewire216 and thedistal end226 of thewire216 both extend from theproximal end220 of theovertube210.
• Theproximal end224 of thewire216 is then attached to the device (not shown) to be pulled through theovertube210. Alternatively, thewire216 is attached to the device prior to positioning thewire216 in thetube210. Thedistal end226 of thewire216 is then pulled by the user such that the wire moves in the direction indicated by the arrows A, B, and C, thereby resulting in the device being pulled toward thedistal end222 of theovertube210.
• In one implementation, thewire216 is a braided metal cable. Alternatively, thewire216 is a nylon string. In yet another alternative, the wire can be any such wire, tether, thread, cord, or any other type of elongate flexible material that can be used in medical procedures such as the methods described herein.
• According to one embodiment, theovertube210 is a flexible polyethylene tube. Alternatively, the overtube can be any tube, cannula, or other type of hollow elongate object having a lumen that can be used for insertion of devices into, or use of devices within, a patient's body.
• FIG. 14 depicts one method and device for attachment of awire230 to amedical device232 for device insertion. In this embodiment, thewire230 has anattachment component234 in the form of a ball coupled to theproximal end236 of thewire230. In use, theclamp238 on thedistal end240 of thedevice232 is clamped onto or otherwise coupled with theball234 on thewire230. Upon attachment of thedevice232 to thewire230 via attachment of theclamp238 to theball234, the user can pull thedistal end242 of thewire230 to move thewire230 as shown by the arrows A, B, and C to thereby pull thedevice232 toward thedistal end244 of theovertube246, which is the direction depicted by arrow D. Once thedevice232 has reached the desired position, the user can operate theclamp238 to release theball234 such that thedevice232 can then be used to perform the intended procedure.
• According to the embodiment depicted inFIG. 14 and discussed above, theattachment component234 is a ball. Alternatively, the attachment component is a hook that can hook to a portion or component of the medical device. In another embodiment, the attachment component is a loop-shaped portion of string or cable that can be looped or otherwise coupled with an appropriate mating component on the medical device. Alternatively, thecomponent234 can be any shape or any component that allows for easy attachment to themedical device232. In a further alternative, theattachment component234 is a magnet that can magnetically couple with thedevice232. In yet another alternative, the attachment component can be any component that can be used to removably attach thewire230 to amedical device232.
• FIG. 15 depicts an alternative embodiment of anovertube250 for insertion or delivery of a medical device. In this implementation, theovertube250 has aprotrusion252 that protrudes or extends from thedistal end254 of thetube250. The term “protrusion” shall encompass, for purposes of this application, any portion or component of theovertube250, or a separate component, such as a lip or an extension, that protrudes or extends from thedistal end254 of thetube250. According to one embodiment, thewire lumen256 is defined in theprotrusion252 as shown inFIG. 15.
• In use, theprotrusion252 as shown inFIG. 15 facilitates positioning of themedical device258, which can be a robotic device according to one embodiment. That is, as thewire260 is pulled as shown by arrow A, thewire260 pulls thedevice258 toward theprotrusion252 on thedistal end254 of thetube250. Because theprotrusion252 extends beyond thedistal end254 of the tube, thedevice258 exits from thedevice lumen262 as it approaches theprotrusion252 and thus is pulled into or positioned in the target or procedural site in the patient's body. In an alternative step, amagnetic handle264 or other magnetic component can be positioned externally to the body cavity and used to further position thedevice258. Alternatively, any external positioning component can be utilized in conjunction with theovertube250 to facilitate positioning the device as desired and/or with precision.
• A further alternative implementation is depicted inFIG. 16, in which theovertube270 has aprotrusion272 having an indentation or device receiving component (also referred to as a “docking component”)274 that is configured to receive amedical device276 such that thedevice276 can couple with or “dock” to theprotrusion272 or to the end of theovertube270 for final positioning or even during the entire or a significant portion of the medical procedure. In this implementation, the coupling can be accomplished with magnets or mechanical attachment components such as claims or screws. In yet another embodiment, the medical device docks to the protrusion or to the overtube itself to charge onboard batteries, or to store a biopsy sample, or to exchange end-effectors.
• Alternatively, the protrusion can be a deployable protrusion. For example, one embodiment of adeployable protrusion282 is depicted inFIGS. 17A and 17B. In this embodiment, theprotrusion282 is movably coupled to theovertube280 and can unfold using aspring283, such as a torsional spring.FIG. 17A depicts theprotrusion282 in the undeployed position in which thetorsional spring283 is configured to urge theprotrusion282 into the deployed position but is retained in the undeployed or closed position byretention component287. Theretention component287 can be a hook, latch, or any other actuable retention component that can be actuated to release theprotrusion282 from the undeployed position.FIG. 17B depicts theprotrusion282 at a position between the undeployed position and the deployed position andFIG. 17C depicts theprotrusion282 in the fully deployed position.
• In use, theprotrusion282 can be maintained in the undeployed position during insertion. That is, according to one embodiment, theprotrusion282 is not be deployed until theovertube280 is inserted into the patient. At this point, theprotrusion282 can then be deployed through a series of actuators or cables. For example, according to one embodiment as shown inFIG. 17A, theovertube280 has a wire orcable285 coupled to theretention component287 such that the wire orcable285 can be pulled in the direction of arrow A to actuate theretention component287 to release theprotrusion282. Once released, the force applied to theprotrusion282 by thetorsional spring283 causes theprotrusion282 to move toward the deployed position as shown inFIG. 17B.FIG. 17C depicts theprotrusion282 after it has reached the deployed position.
• Alternatively, the overtube can have any other kind of overtube positioning component at its distal end. That is, any component that facilitates exit of the device from the device lumen and/or positioning of the device at the target area can be used with the overtube. For example, it is understood that the concept of this positioning component shall encompass any hole or gap defined in the tube that provides for positioning of the device in the same fashion that the protrusion accomplishes such positioning.
• In another embodiment,FIG. 18 depicts a method and device for retracting a device from an interior portion of a patient's body. More specifically,FIG. 18 depicts aretraction wire290 that can be inserted through thedevice lumen292 of theovertube294 and into the procedural site. In use, the user can operate theclamp295 or some other type of attachment component of themedical device296 to attach to thewire attachment component298, which in this embodiment is a ball. Alternatively, thewire attachment component298 can be any such attachment component as described above, including a magnet or any other component that provides for attachment of thewire290 and thedevice296. Once thedevice296 is attached to thewire290, the user pulls thewire290 toward theproximal end299 of the tube294 (in the direction indicated by arrow A), thereby retracting thedevice296 from the procedural site.
• FIGS. 19A,19B, and19C depict profiles of threedifferent overtubes300,302, and304, according to three different embodiments. Each overtube has anorientation component306,308, and310 that cooperates with the device to be inserted through theovertube300,302, or304 to orient the device. More specifically, according to the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 19A,19B, and19C, the orientation component in each figure is configured to mate or couple with the body of the device being inserted through theovertube300,302, or304 such that the device is forced to be oriented in a particular fashion as it passes through theovertube300,302,304, thereby facilitating the proper orientation of the device during insertion and/or positioning.
• It is understood thatFIGS. 19A,19B, and19C are merely exemplary, and that any orientation component configuration can be provided so long as it results in mating with the device to be inserted such that the device can be provided with the proper orientation.
• FIGS. 20A and 20B depict another method and device for inserting and retracting a medical device, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the connection component320 (also referred to as a “tether”) connecting themedical device322 to the external controller (not shown) is disposed through thewire lumen324 and thedevice lumen326 of theovertube328 as shown inFIG. 20A and performs in the same fashion as the embodiments of the insertion wires described above. That is, in use, thetether320 can be pulled as indicated by the arrow A inFIG. 20A such that the device (not shown) attached to the opposite end (not shown) of thetether320 is urged toward the distal end330 of theovertube328 until it exits thedevice lumen326 of theovertube328 and is positioned at the procedural site, as depicted inFIG. 20B.
• In this implementation as shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, thetether320 can be electrical cabling, hydraulic or pneumatic lines, or suction and irrigation lines, any of which can supply further power or actuation to thedevice322.
• It is understood that in certain embodiments, the overtube is a relatively stiff tube that exhibits some flexibility for facilitating insertion into the patient. In alternative embodiments, the overtube is designed to be stiff enough to provide sufficient rigidity perpendicular to the primary axis of the tube for operation of hydraulics or pneumatic lines. Furthermore, it is understood that positioning the tether in a wire lumen or tether lumen in the overtube helps keep the overtube inner lumen free from tethers, thereby facilitating insertion of various devices through the overtube.
• It is understood that many different medical devices, components, and procedures can be used in conjunction with the various device insertion, positioning, and retraction embodiments as shown inFIGS. 13-20B, including the positionable in vivo devices and various robotic devices and procedures described in the various applications incorporated by reference above. That is, the various device insertion, positioning, and retraction embodiments can be used to provide for the insertion, positioning, and/or retraction of one or more medical devices, such that any type of procedure or related device for use in a body cavity can be inserted into, positioned within, and/or retracted from the space, including the various devices and procedures disclosed and incorporated by reference above.
• Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A body cavity spatial support device, the device comprising:

(a) a first inflatable body configured to be disposed within a cavity of a patient's body; and

(b) a first inflation mechanism operably coupled to the first inflatable body.

2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first inflatable body is inflatable into an expanded configuration.

3. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the expanded configuration comprises a generally cylindrical shape.

4. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the expanded configuration comprises a generally donut-like shape.

5. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a second inflatable body configured to be disposed within the cavity of the patient's body.

6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the first inflation mechanism is further operably coupled to the second inflatable body.

7. The device ofclaim 5, further comprising a second inflation mechanism operably coupled to the second inflatable body.

8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the first inflation mechanism is operably coupled to the first inflatable body through a port, incision, or natural orifice of the patient.

9. A collapsible body cavity spatial support device, the device comprising:

(a) a first link;

(b) a second link hingedly coupled to the first link; and

(c) a third link hingedly coupled to the second link,

wherein the support device is configured to have a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration.

10. The device ofclaim 9, further comprising at least five additional links, wherein each of the five additional links is hingedly coupled to at least one of the first, second, third, or additional links.

11. The device ofclaim 9, the deployed configuration defining a procedural space.

12. A delivery or removal device, comprising:

(a) a tubular body;

(b) a device lumen defined by the tubular body;

(c) a wire lumen defined by the tubular body; and

(d) a wire disposed through the device lumen and the wire lumen.

13. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the device lumen further comprises a proximal device opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and a distal device opening at a distal end of the tubular body.

14. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the wire lumen further comprises a proximal wire opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and a distal wire opening at a distal end of the tubular body.

15. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the wire comprises an attachment component configured to be attachable to a medical device.

16. The device ofclaim 15, wherein the attachment component is a ball.

17. The device ofclaim 12, wherein the tubular body comprises protrusion at a distal end of the tubular body, wherein the protrusion further defines the wire lumen.

18. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the protrusion is a deployable protrusion, the deployable protrusion comprising:

(a) a pivotal connection coupling the deployable protrusion to the distal end of the tubular body;

(b) a releasable retention component configured to retain the deployable protrusion in an undeployed position; and

(c) a spring operably coupled to the deployable protrusion, the spring configured to urge the deployable protrusion toward a deployed position.

19. The device ofclaim 17, wherein the protrusion further comprises a device receiving component configured to receive a medical device.

20. The device claim of19, wherein the device receiving component comprises at least one magnet configured to magnetically couple to the medical device, whereby the medical device releasably couples to the device receiving component.

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