Invented by Paul Scopton, Samuel Zhong, Yem Chin, Boston Scientific Scimed Inc

The market for devices, methods, and agents-assisted medical procedures is growing rapidly. This market includes a wide range of medical devices, methods, and agents that are used to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions. These devices, methods, and agents are designed to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall quality of care. One of the key drivers of this market is the aging population. As the population ages, the demand for medical devices, methods, and agents that can help manage chronic conditions and improve quality of life is increasing. Additionally, advances in technology are driving innovation in this market. New devices, methods, and agents are being developed that are more effective, efficient, and user-friendly than ever before. One of the most significant areas of growth in this market is in minimally invasive procedures. These procedures are less invasive than traditional surgical procedures and often require less recovery time. They are also associated with fewer complications and lower healthcare costs. As a result, the demand for devices, methods, and agents that can assist in minimally invasive procedures is increasing. Another area of growth in this market is in the use of robotics. Robotic-assisted surgery is becoming increasingly common, particularly in areas such as urology, gynecology, and orthopedics. These devices allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision and accuracy, resulting in better outcomes for patients. The market for devices, methods, and agents-assisted medical procedures is also being driven by the increasing focus on personalized medicine. Personalized medicine involves tailoring medical treatments to the individual patient based on their unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and medical history. This approach requires the use of devices, methods, and agents that can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions. Overall, the market for devices, methods, and agents-assisted medical procedures is poised for significant growth in the coming years. As the population ages and technology continues to advance, the demand for these devices, methods, and agents is only going to increase. This presents significant opportunities for companies operating in this market to develop innovative products that can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

The Boston Scientific Scimed Inc invention works as follows

Various embodiments and medical devices and methods related to bulking or padding agents or materials are disclosed.” A method for performing a medical treatment in a tract in the body can include injecting the material in liquid phase between the first and second tissue layers, allowing it to transition to the gel phase when the temperature is raised to approximately the predetermined temperature and then performing the surgical procedure at the target site. The material can have a liquid phase below a preset temperature, and a gel at a temperature that is approximately at or above this temperature.

Background for Devices, methods and agents-assisted Medical Procedures

Therefore various embodiments of this invention relate to bulking and cushioning agents, or other similar materials, for use in medical procedures such as fluid- or agent assisted endoscopic procedures, or related methods of using these agents or materials during such a procedure. In some embodiments, agents or materials may be easily injected, stable throughout the procedure (typically lasting between 30 minutes and 12 hours) and/or simple to remove once the material or agent is no longer required. The present invention is described with respect to an endoscopic procedure in the GI system (i.e. tissue resection). However, the invention can be applied in other suitable endoscopic procedures, or in different parts of the body other than the digestive tract. The invention can be used in many other procedures than endoscopic procedures. Examples include urological procedures, open-invasive surgery, and plastic surgeries.

To achieve the benefits and in accordance to the purpose of this invention, as embodied herein and broadly described, an aspect of the present invention may provide a way of performing a surgical procedure on a particular tract of a human body. The method can include injecting material in liquid phase between a first and second tissue layer proximate to a target site. The material may be liquid at temperatures below a preset temperature, and gel at temperatures at or near the preset temperature. The method can also include performing a surgical operation on the target area and allowing the material transition from the fluid phase to the solid phase when the temperature is raised to approximately the predetermined temperature.

According to another aspect, the method can include removing material from the site. The material can be removed by injecting cold fluids into the target area in contact with the material. This allows the material to transition between the gel and liquid phases. In another aspect of the surgical procedure, removing tissue at the target site may be included. The invention may also include the positioning of an endoscope in the vicinity of the target site.

In various aspects of this invention, the temperature predetermined may be the temperature of the human body.

In another aspect, the material may include polyoxyethylene-polyoxyproplyene block copolymers. The block copolymers can have molecular masses ranging from 5,000 to 25,000.

According to another aspect of the invention the material can remain in gel phase for a minimum of 30 minutes.

In one aspect, the material can raise the first layer of tissue. In one aspect, the first layer of tissue may be mucosal, while the second layer is submucosal. The tract can also be a gastrointestinal system.

In different aspects, the material can be poly(n-isopropylacrylamide). The material can also be made up of thermally-sensitive inorganic/organic hybrid gels, or block copolymers. The thermally sensitive block copolymer may comprise poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-b-dl-lactide). The material can be polyvinyl alchohol. The material can be designed to respond to changes in pH levels.

A method for performing a medical treatment in a tract on the body may be provided by an aspect of the invention. The method can include injecting a liquid material between the first and second tissue layers proximate to a target site. The method can also include performing a surgical operation on the target area and allowing the material transition from the liquid to gel phase when the pH is raised to a level that is approximately at or above a predetermined pH.

Another aspect” of the invention could be a system to perform a medical procedure. The system can include an elongated body having a distal sharp end configured to penetrate tissue, and cushioning material that is contained within the elongated body and is configured to flow from the distal end. The material can be liquid at temperatures below the predetermined temperature, and gel at temperatures at or near that temperature.

In a further aspect of the invention the elongated component may include a syringe. The elongated members may also or alternatively include an elongated tube connecting the distal end and a handle. The cushioning material can be contained within the lumen. The system can also include an end-effector that performs a surgical operation. The system can also have a lumen that extends from a fluid outlet in a proximal hand to the distal tip.

The description will include additional objects and benefits of the invention. In part, these will be evident from the description or can be acquired by practicing the invention. “The objects and benefits of the invention can be achieved by using the elements and combinations specifically mentioned in the appended claim.

It is understood that the general description above and the detailed description below are only exemplary and informative and do not restrict the invention as claimed.

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