Devices, systems, and methods for use with suction within a mammalian body

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for use with suction within a mammalian body. In an exemplary embodiment of a device of the present disclosure, the device comprises one or more of the following: an inner tube, an outer tube, and a foldable portion, whereby movement of the two tubes relative to one another causes the foldable portion to form a suction cup, and conversely causes a suction cup to form a foldable portion, depending on the direction of relative movement.

1 . A device, comprising:
 an outer tube defining at least one inner lumen therethrough, the outer tube having a notch or groove defined therein at or near a distal end of the outer tube;   a balloon positioned at or near the distal end of the outer tube upon the notch or groove, the balloon configured for inflation via an inflation tube positioned relative to elongated body or defined within elongated body;   wherein the balloon, upon inflation, is configured so that suction through the at least one inner lumen of the device can cause the inflated balloon to suctionally engage a tissue or organ adjacent to the inflated balloon.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a distal tube element positioned at the distal end of the outer tube distal to the balloon.   
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflated balloon has a donut shape. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflated balloon has a funnel shape. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflated balloon is configured as a bellow. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the inflated balloon defines an interior environment having a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-section of the at least one inner lumen defined within the outer tube. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , forming part of a system, the system further comprising a sleeve positioned at least partially around the device. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , forming part of a system, the system further comprising a delivery catheter positioned at least partially within the at least one inner lumen of the device. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , forming part of a system, the system further comprising a needle positioned at least partially within the at least one inner lumen of the device. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , forming part of the system, the system further comprising a delivery catheter positioned at least partially within the at least one inner lumen of the device. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , forming part of the system, the system further comprising a needle positioned at least partially within the delivery catheter. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , forming part of the system, the system further comprising a wire positioned at least partially within the needle. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner lumen comprises a single inner lumen. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner lumen comprises two inner lumens. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner lumen comprises three inner lumens. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inner lumen comprises four or more inner lumens.