Enlargeable multifunctional devices

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to multifunctional devices for performing suction, irrigation, and manipulation at an internal site in a subject, and more particularly to enlargeable multifunctional devices for performing such functions while avoiding obstruction during conventional and endoscopic surgery. The present invention eliminates many of the problems associated with malleable tissue obstruction during surgery by providing the ability to deploy and retract a guard (e.g. enlargeable section) to create an area free of tissue interference.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A multifunctional device, comprising; an elongate member with a plurality of openings defining an enlargeable section, wherein said enlargeable section comprises a plurality of walls, and wherein said enlargeable section is movable between a non-enlarged position, and an enlarged position, wherein said enlarged position forms a chamber in said elongate member.  
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said elongate member is configured for transmitting fluid.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said elongate member comprises a tube.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said elongate member comprises a distal tip.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said elongate member has a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein said enlargeable section is located in said distal end.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of openings is a longitudinal opening.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of walls are separated by at least one of said plurality of openings.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said plurality of walls is at least 2 millimeters in length.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said enlargeable section is enclosed by media.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment device, wherein at least a portion of said adjustment device is within said elongate member.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an inner utility member.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a tissue manipulator tip.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein enlargeable section has passive spring action configured to move said enlargeable section to said enlarged position unless constrained.  
     
     
         14 . A multifunctional device, comprising; 
 a) an elongate member with a plurality of openings defining an enlargeable section, wherein said enlargeable section comprises a plurality of walls, and wherein said enlargeable section is movable between a non-enlarged position, and an enlarged position, wherein said enlarged position forms a chamber in said elongate member, and    b) a sleeve member enclosing at least a portion of said elongate member, said sleeve member being moveable between a first position along said elongate member that fully encloses said enlargeable section, and a second position along said elongate member that at most partially encloses said enlargeable section.    
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said enlargeable section is in said non-enlarged position when said sleeve member is in said first position.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said enlargeable section is in said enlarged position when said sleeve member is in said second position.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of said enlargeable section is enclosed by media.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said elongate member comprises a distal tip.  
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said plurality of walls are separated by at least one of said plurality of openings.  
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein enlargeable section has passive spring action configured to move said enlargeable section to said enlarged position unless constrained.