Inflatable intraluminal molding device

Abstract

An intraluminal device has an elongated body member having a series of independent inflatable sections along its length. At least one inflating/deflating line extends from each inflatable section to a distal end of the body member. The device may be used for positing, isolating or identifying a lumen by giving shape to a collapsed viscus. The device may also be used to visualize intraluminal structure or control pressure within a hollow viscus from within the hollow viscus.

1 . An Intraluminal device comprising: 
 an elongated body member, the elongated body member having a plurality of independent inflatable sections along the length of the body member; and    means for independently inflating each individual inflatable section.    
     
     
         2 . The device of    claim 1    wherein the body member is a sleeve which is adapted to fit over an existing intraluminal tool  
     
     
         3 . The device of    claim 2    wherein the means for independently inflating each inflatable section includes individual fluid lines extending from each inflatable section to a distal end of the body member.  
     
     
         4 . The device of    claim 3    further including at least one tube positioned between adjacent inflatable sections and extending to a distal end of the body member, wherein the tube is adapted to be selectively attached to a suction source or a fluid supply source.  
     
     
         5 . The device of    claim 4    further including at least one optical scope positioned between adjacent inflatable sections and extending to a distal end of the body member.  
     
     
         6 . The device of    claim 1    wherein the means for independently inflating each inflatable section includes individual fluid lines extending from each inflatable section to a distal end of the body member.  
     
     
         7 . The device of    claim 6    further including at least one tube positioned between adjacent inflatable sections and extending to a distal end of the body member, wherein the tube is adapted to be selectively attached to a suction source or a fluid supply source.  
     
     
         8 . The device of    claim 7    further including at least one optical scope positioned between adjacent inflatable sections and extending to a distal end of the body member.  
     
     
         9 . The device of    claim 8    further including a control panel, wherein each fluid line, tube and optical scope is attached to the control panel.  
     
     
         10 . The device of    claim 1    further including at least one tube positioned between adjacent inflatable sections and extending to a distal end of the body member, wherein the tube is adapted to be selectively attached to a suction source or a fluid supply source.  
     
     
         11 . The device of    claim 1    further including at least one optical scope positioned between adjacent inflatable sections and extending to a distal end of the body member.  
     
     
         12 . The device of    claim 1    wherein individual inflatable sections are adapted to conform to specific anatomical structures.  
     
     
         13 . The device of    claim 1    wherein each inflatable section is generally a cylindrical shape.  
     
     
         14 . A method of manipulating a lumen during surgical or diagnostic procedures comprising the steps of: 
 inserting a body member having a plurality of independent inflatable sections into the lumen; and    selectively inflating independent sections of the body member to manipulate the lumen.    
     
     
         15 . The method of    claim 14    wherein at least one tube is provided between adjacent inflatable sections and further comprising the step of supplying a medium through the tube to the lumen between inflated balloon sections.  
     
     
         16 . The method of    claim 14    wherein at least one tube is provided between adjacent inflatable sections and further comprising the step of providing suction to the lumen through the tube.  
     
     
         17 . The method of    claim 14    wherein at least one scope is provided between adjacent inflatable sections and further comprising the step of inspecting the lumen through the scope.  
     
     
         18 . An intraluminal surgical and diagnostic device comprising: 
 an intraluminal body member having as series of independently inflatable/deflatable balloon sections along the length of the body member; and    at least one inflating/deflating line extending along the body member from each balloon section to a distal end of the body member.    
     
     
         19 . The device of    claim 18    further including a suction tube extending from a leading end of the body member to the distal end of the body member.  
     
     
         20 . The device of    claim 19    further including at least one tube extending from between adjacent balloon sections to the distal end of the body member.