System and methods for clearance of obstructions

Abstract

The present invention is a system and methods to clear obstructions including foreign objects and food boluses during an EGD procedure. The medical device according to the present invention includes a flexible tubular housing, power transfer device, clamp, tool element, power source, and optional hood. The present invention drills through the obstruction to rupture it into pieces. Displaced obstructions, and/or pieces thereof, can be collected into retainers positioned within the housing. The remainder of the obstruction can then be passed into the stomach where it can be digested, safely excreted, or actively removed by an endoscopist.

1 . A medical device for clearance of obstructions, comprising,
 a flexible tubular housing including an inner diameter and an outer diameter extending from a distal end to a proximal end;   a power transfer device extending through said inner diameter of said housing, wherein said power transfer device includes a clamp positioned at said distal end of said housing for engagement with a tool element; and   a power source connected to said power transfer device for rotation of said clamp including said tool element engaged therein.   
     
     
         2 . The medical device of  claim 1  further comprising a hood at said distal end of said tubular housing. 
     
     
         3 . The medical device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more retainers positioned within said inner diameter of said housing. 
     
     
         4 . The medical device of  claim 1 , where said tool element is a bit. 
     
     
         5 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said power transfer device is a drive shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said clamp is a magnetic chuck. 
     
     
         7 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible tubular housing is a catheter. 
     
     
         8 . A method for clearance of obstructions, comprising:
 inserting an endoscope within an esophagus;   placing the endoscope at the obstruction;   feeding within the endoscope a flexible tubular housing containing a drive shaft including a clamp with a tool element engaged therein;   powering the drive shaft to rotate the clamp and tool element;   drilling through the obstruction to rupture or displace the obstruction; and   clearing the obstruction.   
     
     
         9 . A medical device for clearance of obstructions, comprising,
 a flexible tubular housing including an inner diameter and an outer diameter extending from a distal end to a proximal end;   a laser device extending through said inner diameter of said housing from said distal end to said proximal end, wherein said laser device includes a coherent beam of light; and   a power source connected to said laser device.