Methods and Systems for Performing Submucosal Medical Procedures

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 61/145,531, filed Jan. 17, 2009, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/775,996, filed Jul. 11, 2007, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates to a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device, a system and a method for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using an endoscope.

[0003] The field of gastrointestinal endoscopy has for many years focused on diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to observe, modify and remove tissues located in the digestive tract. General endoscopic procedural techniques such as visualizing, dilating, cutting and manipulating tissue have been accomplished using flexible devices such as endoscopes, balloons, snares and electrosurgical tools well known in the art.

[0004] While many of these devices and techniques have been useful in identifying and removing some neoplastic lesions of the mucosal layer as well as providing access to general locations within the digestive tract for the placement of submucosal implants, there are some lesions and areas of the digestive tract which are extremely difficult to resect or access. For example, the en bloc removal of large flat mucosal lesions presents numerous problems for current endoscopic tools and techniques. In addition, to effectively diagnosis some disorders (gastric motility, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, etc.) a biopsy of the muscular wall or the myenteric plexus may be necessary. Currently, access to these types of specimens requires full thickness biopsies which can be particularly difficult from an endoscopic approach requiring extremely skilled closure techniques.

[0005] There have been some advances in endoscopic techniques to resect flat lesions of the mucosal layer generally termed, Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR). One of these EMR techniques, “lift and cut”, involves the injection of saline or other biocompatible solution beneath the lesion in an attempt to raise the lesion thereby changing the geometry to make it suitable for resection using conventional snare devices.

[0006] Modifications to this technique are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,788 in which a lesion is identified and an injection catheter is used to inject saline to elevate the lesion. A ligator is attached to the distal end of the endoscope and suction is applied to the lesion to bring the tissue into the ligator. A ligator band is then applied to the tissue to form a banded mushroom-like polyp which is suitable for removal with an electrosurgical snare.

[0007] Alternatively U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,526 discloses a coaxial needle and severing snare assembly in which a needle is used to pierce tissue adjacent a target lesion to elevate the lesion with saline. Once the lesion is elevated, the needle is refracted from the tissue and the snare is extended from the needle lumen to surround the lesion. The lesion is then aspirated into an aspiration cylinder adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and the snare is cinched to sever the tissue surrounding the lesion.

[0008] While EMR techniques have been shown to be effective in treating some flat neoplastic lesions there are limitations and complications associated with these techniques. A major limitation associated with this technique is the size of the lesion that can be resected. Generally, these EMR techniques are suitable only for resecting mucosal lesions which are less than 2 cm in diameter. While larger or irregular shaped lesions may be resected in a piecemeal fashion, this is undesirable since small portions of the lesion may remain. Another limitation of these techniques includes uncertainty of the area being resected. Once tissue has been suctioned into a cap ligator or aspiration cylinder, the tissue is directly adjacent the visualization means of the endoscope obscuring the field of view. One complication associated with these EMR techniques is in relation to the use of the needle injection system. Manipulating the injection catheter to position the needle through the mucosal layer into the submucosal layer can ultimately result in puncturing the muscular wall of the digestive tract which may lead to infection or peritonitis. Another complication associated with EMR techniques is damage to the underlying muscular layer. Saline and other non-viscous fluids used to elevate the lesion dissipate relatively quickly after injection into the submucosal layer, such that portions of the underlying muscular layer may be included in the suctioned tissue and inadvertently damaged when using the electrosurgical tool for resection.

[0009] In order to overcome some of the size, irregular shapes and visualization limitations associated with EMR techniques, a new procedure called Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) has been developed. With this procedure the periphery of the target resection area, which includes the lesion, is marked. An injection catheter is used to deliver a viscous fluid within the submucosal layer, which does not readily dissipate, throughout the target resection area. Once the target resection area has been elevated, an incision is made through the mucosal layer at the edge of the resection area using an electrosurgical needle knife. The physician uses the needle knife to cut the mucosal layer along the periphery of the target resection area. Once the boundary of the resection area has been cut, the physician then uses the needle knife to manually cut the submucosal connective tissue binding the mucosal layer to the muscular wall. Once the physician has completed the submucosal dissection, the mucosal layer is free to be removed in one piece. While this procedure allows the physician to resect large, irregular shaped lesions en bloc, it requires a high degree of skill on the part of the physician and is still subject to the complications associated with needle perforations and muscular layer injury.

[0010] In performing the ESD method of resecting a neoplastic lesion, as well as, performing a submucosal medical procedure it is apparent that dissecting the connective tissue of the submucosal space is an important step in having a successful outcome. Numerous investigators have attempted to provide ways of dissecting the submucosal connective tissue.

[0011] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,629 a method of implanting a submucosal esophageal bulking device is disclosed. The patent further discloses the use of a blunt dissecting member to create a submucosal pocket. In addition, the patent discloses the use of a balloon inserted into the submucosal layer to dissect the submucosal tissue when dilated to form a submucosal pocket.

[0012] In PCT Patent Application No. WO 02/089655, methods of implanting submucosal gastric implants are disclosed. The application further discloses various configurations of mechanical and electrosurgical dissection instruments for dissecting the connective tissue of the submucosal layer to form a submucosal pocket in which to place a gastric implant. Included in the description of mechanical dissection instruments are various configurations of balloon dissection instruments.

[0013] In U.S. Patent Application No. US2005/0149099, a submucosal dissection instrument, system and method are disclosed. The application further discloses an electrosurgical high frequency knife in combination with a submucosal dissection balloon. Included in the method are the steps of sequentially activating the high frequency knife to create a hole and advancing the balloon assembly into the hole with expansion of the balloon dissecting the connective tissue of the submucosal layer. These steps of the method are repeated until all of the connective tissue beneath the lesion is completely dissected.

[0014] With most of the aforementioned disclosed submucosal dissection techniques the physician is required to initially advance a significant portion of a dissection instrument into the submucosal layer while the connective tissue is generally intact. These techniques require that a pushing force be transmitted to the tip of the instrument to dissect the submucosal connective tissue. During application of this pushing force there is a risk that the tip of the instrument may injure or perforate the muscular wall or the mucosal layer.

[0015] In performing the disclosed method using the electrosurgical high frequency knife the initial hole through the mucosal layer may be visualized endocopically. Once the balloon assembly is advanced into the submucosal incision hole and expanded to create a cavity, further advancement of the high frequency knife to form a second hole must be conducted without visualization. During the second hole formation and subsequent holes, without visual confirmation of the orientation of the high frequency knife there is a risk of perforating the muscular wall or mucosal layer.

[0016] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a safe access needle injection instrument for use in a mammal. The safe access needle injection instrument includes an elongated flexible tubular member with proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A tissue holding member is positioned adjacent the distal end of the tubular member. A needle member having proximal and distal ends with a lumen extending therethrough is slidably positioned within the lumen of the tubular member.

[0017] The tissue holding member is integrally formed with the tubular member and is in the form of a window member adapted to engage the mucosal tissue within the digestive tract. A seal plug is included within the lumen of the tubular member distal to the window member. When a vacuum source connected to the proximal end of the tubular member is activated the vacuum causes the mucosal tissue to be suctioned within the window member of the tissue holding member.

[0018] The needle member is coaxially disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The distal end of the needle member is operable from a first position proximal to the window member to a second position within the window member by axially advancing the needle member relative to the tubular member. Similarly, the distal end of the needle is operable from a second position within the window member to a first position proximal to the window member by axially retracting the needle member relative to the tubular member. When a vacuum is applied to the tubular member, the mucosal tissue is suctioned within the window member of the tissue holding member. The distal end of the needle member operated from its first position to the second position to thereby pierce the mucosal layer of the tissue and enter the submucosal layer.

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a safe access needle injection instrument for use in a mammal. The safe access needle injection instrument includes an elongated flexible tubular sheath member with proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A tissue holding member is positioned adjacent the distal end of the tubular sheath member. A needle member having proximal and distal ends with a lumen extending therethrough is slidably positioned within the lumen of the tubular sheath member.

[0020] The tissue holding member takes the form of a pair of operable jaws connected to the distal end of an elongate shaft member. The jaws are adapted to engage the mucosal tissue within the digestive tract. The elongate shaft member is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tubular sheath member. The jaws are operable from an open configuration in which the jaws are biased outwardly when unconstrained, to a closed configuration in which the jaws approach each other when partially or fully constrained. When the tissue holding member is positioned adjacent the distal end of the tubular sheath member and the jaws are unconstrained, proximal movement of the elongate shaft member relative to the distal end of the tubular sheath, causes the jaws to be partially constrained and move from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0021] The needle member is coaxially disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The distal end of the needle member is operable from a first position proximal to the tissue holding member jaws to a second position between the tissue holding member jaws, by axially advancing the needle member relative to the elongate shaft member. Similarly, the distal end of the needle is operable from a second position between the tissue holding member jaws to a first position proximal to the tissue holding jaws by axially retracting the needle member relative to the elongate shaft member. When the jaws of the tissue holding member are positioned adjacent the mucosal tissue and are operated from an open to closed configuration, mucosal tissue is grasped and held between the jaws. The distal end of the needle member is then operated from the first position to the second position to thereby pierced the mucosal layer of the tissue and enter the submucosal layer.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the needle member further includes a stop member positioned adjacent the distal end of the needle member. When the distal end of the needle member pierces the mucosal layer, the stop member engages the mucosal tissue to thereby limit the depth to which the needle penetrates through the mucosal layer. Once the stop member engages the mucosal tissue it may also seal around the needle such that fluid injected through the lumen of the needle into the submucosal layer does not exit the puncture site of the needle.

[0023] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a safe access needle injection instrument for use in a mammal. The safe access needle injection instrument includes an elongated flexible tubular sheath member with proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A tissue holding member is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the tubular sheath member. A needle member having proximal and distal ends with a lumen extending therethrough is slidably positioned within the lumen of the tubular sheath member.

[0024] The tissue holding member takes the form of a helical tissue grasper connected to the distal end of the tubular sheath member. The helical tissue grasper may be formed from a helically wound coil where the distal end adapted to engage tissue and a proximal end is fixedly secured to the tubular sheath member. The lumen of the coil is adjacent to the lumen of the tubular sheath member. An electrical conductor may be connected to the helical tissue grasper to supply electrosurgical energy to the tissue grasper tip.

[0025] The needle member is coaxially disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The distal end of the needle member is operable from a first position proximal to the tissue holding portion of the tissue holding member to a second position within the lumen of the tissue holding member, by axially advancing the needle member relative to the tubular sheath member. Alternatively the second position of the needle member may extend beyond the lumen of the tissue holding member. Similarly, the distal end of the needle is operable from a second position beyond or within the lumen of the tissue holding member to a first position proximal to the tissue holding portion of the tissue holding member by axially retracting the needle member relative to the tubular sheath member. When the coil of the tissue holding member is positioned adjacent the mucosal tissue and is operated by rotating the tubular sheath member, the coil engages, grasps and holds the mucosal tissue. The distal end of the needle member is then operated from the first position to the second position to thereby pierce the mucosal layer of the tissue and enter the submucosal layer. Electrosurgical energy may be applied to the grasper tip to form a hole in the mucosal tissue.

[0026] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for operating a safe access needle instrument to create a safety bleb beneath the mucosal layer in the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes the step of providing a safe access needle injection instrument. The safe access needle injection instrument having a tubular member, tissue holding member and a needle member slidably disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The method also includes the step of inserting the safe access needle injection instrument through a natural orifice into the digestive tract of a mammal. The method additionally includes the step operating the safe access needle injection instrument to engage mucosal tissue with the tissue holding member. The method also includes the step of piercing the mucosal layer with the needle member. The method further includes the step of injecting fluid through the needle member into the submucosal layer. The method further still includes the step of applying electrosurgical energy to the tissue holding member to thereby form a hole in the mucosal layer.

[0027] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a safe access dissection system for use in a mammal. The safe access dissection system includes safe access needle injection instrument and an injectable dissection material. The injectable dissection material may take the form of a solution capable of dissolving the submucosal connective tissue. An example of this type of dissolving solution is sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfanate (MESNA). Additional substances which may dissolve the submucosal connective tissue include acids and enzymes such as a peptase enzyme solution, protease/collagenase, papain, chymotrypsin and acetylcysteine. The injectable dissection material may take the form of a non-pharmacological agent and provide a pure mechanical dissection of the submucosal tissue. The mechanical injectable dissection material includes injectable solutions which solidify upon entering the submucosal space, injectable semisolid gelatins, and injectable gelled microspheres. Solutions which solidify after injection into the submucosal space may be thermosensitive polymer solutions or thermo-reversible polymer gels such as Pluronic 127. Additional injectable solidifying solutions include monomer and polymer solutions like hydrogels and cyanoacrylates which polymerize or crosslink upon contact with tissue or added chemical agents. The semisolid gelatins and gelled microspheres may be formed of natural materials such as collagen and alginates or synthetic materials like polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) and acrylate polymers.

[0028] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for operating a safe access dissection system to create a dissected safety bleb beneath the mucosal layer in the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes the step of providing a safe access needle injection instrument and a dissecting material. The safe access needle injection instrument having a tubular member, tissue holding member and a needle member slidably disposed within the lumen of the tubular member. The method also includes the step of inserting the safe access needle injection instrument through a natural orifice into the digestive tract of a mammal. The method additionally includes the step operating the safe access needle injection instrument to engage mucosal tissue with the tissue holding member. The method also includes the step of piercing the mucosal layer with the needle member. The method further includes the step of injecting a dissecting material through the needle member into the submucosal layer where the submucosal connective tissue is dissected, separating the mucosal layer from the muscular layer. The method may additionally include the step of removing the dissecting material from the mammal.

[0029] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a submucosal tunneling instrument. The submucosal tunneling instrument includes an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough and an elongate expandable member located at the distal end of the tubular member. The expandable member has proximal and distal ends wherein the proximal end of the expandable member is connected to the distal end of the tubular member. The expandable member is everted, such that the distal end of the expandable member is positioned within the lumen of the tubular member.

[0030] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a submucosal tunneling instrument. The submucosal tunneling instrument includes an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough and an elongate expandable member located at the distal end of the tubular member. The expandable member has proximal and distal ends wherein the proximal end of the expandable member is connected to the distal end of the tubular member. The expandable member has a first spiral configuration, in which the distal end of the expandable member is positioned within center of the rolled spiral shape, and a second extended configuration in which the proximal and distal ends of the expandable member generally take the form of a straight line shape. The expandable member is operable from a first spiral configuration to a second extended configuration. The expandable member may also include a retaining member which maintains the shape of the expandable member in its first spiral configuration during delivery and positioning of the submucosal tunneling instrument. The retaining member may take the form of a spiral shaped coil member affixed to the balloon. The spiral shaped coil member may be formed from metals or polymers which may be resilient or non-resilient.

[0031] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the submucosal tunneling instrument expandable member takes the form of a balloon. The balloon may be of the compliant or non-compliant type generally known in the art. The balloon may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned.

[0032] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the expandable member takes the form of a tubular framework. The tubular framework may be constructed in different fashions such as a laser cut tube, braided and non braided mesh tubes. The tubular framework may be formed from polymers such as olefins, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned or metals such as stainless steel, nitinol and other biocompatible metallic alloys.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the distal end of the expandable member is connected to the distal end of a tether member. The tether member is slidably disposed with the lumen of the tubular member and has a proximal end which is connected to a handle member. The tether member takes the form of a flexible filament which may include a through lumen. The handle member may be used to adjust the length of the tether member to thereby control the length of the expandable member that is allowed to exit the lumen of the tubular member.

[0034] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for operating a submucosal tunneling instrument to create a submucosal tunnel beneath the mucosal layer in the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes the step of creating a safety bleb beneath the mucosal layer. The method also includes the step of providing a submucosal tunneling instrument. The submucosal tunneling instrument has an elongate tubular member, and an everted expandable member located within the distal lumen of the tubular member. The method also includes the step of inserting the submucosal tunneling instrument through a natural orifice into the digestive tract of a mammal. The method additionally includes the step of forming an opening in the mucosal layer of the safety bleb. The method also includes the step of positioning the distal end of the submucosal tunneling instrument through the formed opening in the mucosal layer. The method further includes the step of operating the submucosal tunneling instrument to thereby extend and expand the expandable member from the tubular member, thereby forming a submucosal tunnel. The method then includes the step of removing the submucosal tunneling instrument from the mammal.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a submucosal tunneling system that includes a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument. The submucosal tunneling system may be provided in the form of a kit.

[0036] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a submucosal dissecting instrument. The submucosal dissecting instrument includes an elongate tubular shaft member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough and an expandable member located at the distal end of the tubular shaft member. The submucosal dissecting instrument may further include a marker or markers spaced apart known distances on the shaft of the tubular member to visually determine the length to which the distal end of the tubular member has been inserted into a submucosal tunnel. The markers may additionally be made of radio-opaque material to thereby be visible under fluoroscopy.

[0037] In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, the expandable member of the submucosal dissecting instrument takes the form of a balloon. The balloon may be of the compliant or non-compliant type generally known in the art. The balloon may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluoropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned.

[0038] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for operating a submucosal dissecting instrument to create a large mucosal layer dissected area in the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes the step of forming an elongate submucosal tunnel beneath the mucosal layer. The method also includes the step of providing a submucosal dissecting instrument. The submucosal dissecting instrument has an elongate tubular member, and an expandable member located at the distal end of the tubular member. The method also includes the step of inserting the submucosal dissecting instrument through a natural orifice into the digestive tract of a mammal. The method additionally includes the step of positioning the distal end of the submucosal dissecting instrument through an opening formed in the mucosal layer into an elongate submucosal tunnel. The method further includes the step of operating the submucosal dissecting instrument to thereby dilate the expandable member at the distal end of the tubular member, thereby forming a large mucosal layer dissected area. The method then includes the step of removing the submucosal dissecting instrument from the mammal.

[0039] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a submucosal tunneling and dissecting instrument. The submucosal tunneling and dissecting instrument includes an elongate first tubular member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough and an elongate first expandable member located at the distal end of the first tubular member. The first expandable member has proximal and distal ends wherein the proximal end of the first expandable member is connected to the distal end of the first tubular member. The first expandable member is everted, such that the distal end of the first expandable member is positioned within the lumen of the first tubular member. The submucosal tunneling and dissecting instrument also includes a second elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough and a second expandable member located at the distal end of the second tubular member. The elongate first tubular member is slidably disposed within the lumen of the elongate second tubular member, such that the distal end of the first tubular member may extend from the distal lumen of the second tubular member.

[0040] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a submucosal dissection system that includes a safe access needle injection instrument, a submucosal tunneling instrument and a submucosal dissecting instrument. The submucosal dissection system may be provided in the form of a kit. The submucosal dissection system may include a submucosal tunneling instrument and a submucosal dissecting instrument which are integrally formed.

[0041] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a submucosal biopsy instrument suited for obtaining a biopsy beneath the mucosal layer in the digestive tract of a mammal. The submucosal biopsy instrument includes an elongate tubular member with proximal and distal ends and a first lumen. A window member is positioned at the distal end of the elongate tubular member and is also connected to the first lumen of the tubular member. When a vacuum source is applied to the proximal end of the first lumen of the tubular member and the window member is adjacent tissue, tissue is suctioned into the window member. A tissue cutter is also positioned at the distal end of the tubular member adjacent to the window member. The tissue cutter is operable to move from a first position which is distal to the window member to a second position which is proximal to the window member. When tissue is suctioned into the window member, the tissue cutter may be operated to move from the first position to the second position, thereby severing the tissue within the window member from the surrounding tissue.

[0042] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention the tubular member of the submucosal biopsy instrument includes a second lumen. The distal end of the second lumen is connected to an extendable bellows member having a first contracted configuration and a second extended configuration. The bellows member is positioned within the first lumen at the distal end of the tubular member and connected to the distal end of the tissue cutter. When a pressure source is coupled to the proximal end of the second lumen, pressure within the bellows member transitions the bellows member from the first contracted configuration to the second extended configuration, thereby causing the tissue cutter to move from a first position distal to the window member to a second position proximal to the window member.

[0043] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention the tubular member of the submucosal biopsy instrument includes a second lumen. The distal end of the second lumen is positioned proximal to the proximal end of the window member. An elongate member having proximal and distal ends is slidably disposed within the second lumen where the distal end is connected to the tissue cutter. The tissue cutter is configured to encircle the distal end of the tubular member. Movement of the proximal end of the elongate member in a proximal direction relative to the proximal end of the tubular member causes the tissue cutter to move from a first position distal to the window member to a second position proximal to the window member. The tissue cutter may take the form of an electrosurgical cutter in which tissue suctioned into the window member may be severed, when high frequency energy is supplied to the tissue cutter and the tissue cutter is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0044] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of performing a submucosal muscular biopsy using a submucosal biopsy instrument in the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes the step of providing a submucosal biopsy instrument. The method also includes the step of positioning the distal end of the submucosal biopsy instrument through the mucosal layer adjacent the muscular wall. The method additionally includes the step of operating the submucosal biopsy instrument to sever the biopsy specimen from the surrounding tissue. The method also additionally includes the step of removing the specimen from the mammal. The method then includes the step of removing the submucosal biopsy instrument from the patient.

[0045] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a submucosal biopsy system suited for obtaining a biopsy within the body and especially beneath the mucosal layer in the digestive tract of a mammal. The submucosal biopsy system includes an electrocautery snare instrument and tissue grasper. The electrocautery snare device has a tubular body connected to a handle at its proximal end and wire loop at its distal end which is slidable within the lumen of the tubular body. The wire loop may be adjusted from a large diameter outside of the tubular body to a small diameter as the wire loop is withdrawn inside of the tubular body. The wire loop is coupled to an electrical conductor which extends to the proximal end of the tubular device adjacent the handle. The tissue grasper includes an elongate torquable member having a handle coupled to its proximal end and a grasping element coupled to its distal end. The grasping element preferably takes the form of a helical member adapted to engage tissue when rotated. The submucosal biopsy system may also include a clear tubular cap affixed to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0046] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of performing a submucosal muscular biopsy using a submucosal biopsy system in the digestive tract of a mammal. The method includes the step of providing a submucosal biopsy system which includes an electrocautery snare instrument and a tissue grasper instrument. The method also includes the step of positioning the distal end of the submucosal electrocautery snare instrument through the mucosal layer adjacent the muscular wall and positioning the tissue grasper within the loop of the electrocautery snare instrument adjacent the muscular wall. The method additionally includes the step of operating the tissue grasper instrument to engage the muscular wall. The method additionally includes the step of retracting the tissue grasper that is engaged with the muscular wall to thereby pull tissue through the loop of the electrocautery snare instrument. The method also includes operating the electrocautery snare instrument to sever the biopsy specimen from the surrounding tissue while retaining the specimen engaged with the tissue grasper instrument. The method also additionally includes the step of removing the specimen from the mammal. The method then includes the step of removing the submucosal biopsy system from the patient.

[0047] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of performing closure of a submucosal tunnel or large dissected area using a flexible endoscopic suturing system. The method includes the steps of providing a flexible endoscopic suturing system having a releasable suturing anchor adjacent a submucosal bleb. The method includes the step of piercing the mucosal layer in two locations with the endoscopic suturing system. The method also includes the step of depositing a suture anchor adjacent the mucosal layer. Additionally the method includes forming an opening in the mucosal layer adjacent to the deposited suture anchor. The method also includes the step of forming a submucosal tunnel adjacent the opening in the mucosal layer. The method includes the step of performing a medical procedure in the submucosal space. The method additionally includes closing the opening in the mucosal layer using the suture anchor.

[0048] In the aforementioned method the suture anchor is placed prior to forming a submucosal tunnel and performing a subsequent submucosal medical procedure. In an alternate method the endoscopic suturing system may be used to place a suture anchor through mucosal layer after an opening has been formed in the mucosal layer and after a submucosal medical procedure has been performed.

[0049] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of performing a submucosal medical procedure for the treatment of Achalasia in a mammal. The method includes the step of forming a submucosal tunnel beneath the mucosal layer in the esophagus encompassing the lower esophageal sphincter. The method includes the step of inserting an endoscope through a mucosal opening into the area beneath the mucosal layer. The method also includes the step of visualizing the circular muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter. The method further includes the step of positioning an incision device through the mucosal layer where the distal end of the incision device is adjacent to the circular muscle. The incision device is of an endoscopic type and may be mechanical or electrosurgical in design. The method additionally includes the step of operating the incision device to make an incision in the circular muscle. The electrosurgical type incision device may include an electrical insulator on the distal tip so that the distal tip does not cut or perforate the esophagus beneath the circular muscle. The method also additionally includes the step of removing the incision device from the mammal. The method then includes closing the mucosal opening.

[0050] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the method of performing a submucosal medical procedure for the treatment of Achalasia that additionally includes the step of forming a large mucosal dissected area encompassing the lower esophageal sphincter, prior to inserting an endoscope beneath the mucosal layer.

[0051] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mucosal layer resection device for removing a target area of mucosal tissue in the digestive tract of a mammal. The mucosal layer resection device includes a tubular sheath having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. The mucosal layer resection device also includes an elongate member having proximal and distal sections and being slidably disposed within a lumen of said sheath. The elongate member has a first state in which the distal section configuration is generally linear and a second state in which the distal section configuration is generally curved. The elongate member is operable between said first and second states. The mucosal layer resection device also includes resection member slidably connected to the distal section of said elongate member such that when the elongate member is in the first or second states, the resection member may slide along a path defined by said distal section of the elongate member. The resection member may take the form of an optical, mechanical or electrosurgical incision device suitable for endoscopic use in cutting tissue.

[0052] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the elongate member of the mucosal layer resection device is tubular having a through lumen extend from the proximal section to the distal section. A slot is formed through the wall of the distal section of the elongate member. The resection member is slidably disposed within the lumen of the distal section of the elongate member. The distal end of the resection member is angled and configured to extend from the lumen through the slot in the wall of the elongate member. When the proximal end of the resection member is pulled proximally, relative to the elongate member, the distal end of the resection member is moved proximally along a path defined by the slot in the distal section of the elongate member. The distal tip of the resection member may additionally include a guard to prevent damage to surrounding tissue. If the resection member takes the form of an electrosurgical incision device the guard may be formed of an electrical insulator.

[0053] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for performing a submucosal medical procedure in which a target area of mucosal tissue is resected using a mucosal layer resection device. The method includes the step of forming a large mucosal layer dissected area in the digestive tract of a mammal defining a target area to be resected. The method also includes the step of providing a mucosal layer resection device. The method additionally includes the step of inserting the distal section of the elongate member of a mucosal layer resection device through an opening in the mucosal layer into the submucosal space beneath the target area to be resected. The method additionally also includes the step of positioning the distal section of the elongate member of a mucosal layer resection device to define a path along the submucosal boundary of the target area. The method also includes the step of positioning the distal tip of the resection member to extend through the opening in the mucosal layer. The method further includes the step of operating the mucosal layer resection device to move the proximal end of the resection member proximally thereby causing the distal end of resection member to move proximally along the path defined by the elongate member thus resecting the target area of mucosal tissue from the surrounding mucosal tissue. The method additionally further includes the step removing the mucosal layer resection device from the mammal. The method then includes the step of removing the resected mucosal tissue from the mammal.

[0100] Methods and devices for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using an endoscope are described.

[0101] FIG. 1 illustrates an endoscope 2 of the type used in endoscopic procedures and suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention. The endoscope 2 has a working channel 4 extending from a proximal portion of the endoscope to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope 2 also has an insertion section 6 which enters the body of a patient passing through a natural orifice such as the mouth or rectum. The insertion section 6 is generally navigated to a position with the digestive tract when performing a submucosal medical procedure. Devices for use in performing submucosal medical procedures are preferably delivered through working channel 4 of the endoscope 2; however devices may be delivered along side the insertion section 6 of the endoscope.

[0102] FIG. 2 illustrates a safe access needle injection instrument 10 which is used to aid the physician in obtaining access to the submucosal layer to perform a submucosal medical procedure. The safe access needle injection instrument 10 includes a tubular shaft 12 having a distal end 13. The diameter of tubular shaft 12 is generally in the range 1 mm to 10 mm with a preferred range of 2.0 to 6.0 mm. Adjacent distal end 13, a portion of the wall of tubular shaft 12 is removed to form window member 14. Alternatively, window member 14 can be formed with a cap element coupled to the distal end of tubular shaft 12. Slidably disposed within the lumen of tubular shaft 12 is needle member 16. The proximal portion of tubular shaft includes vacuum port 18 which is capable of being coupled to a vacuum source such as a syringe or vacuum pump (not shown). Valve assembly 20 provides a releasable seal to tubular shaft 12. A handle assembly 21 is connected to tubular shaft 12 through connector tubing 22. The handle assembly 21 includes needle fluid port 24 and valve assembly 26 for injecting fluid through and sealing around the proximal portion of needle member 16. The proximal portion of needle member 16 is also connected to a needle slide member 28 positioned on handle body 30. The proximal movement of needle slide member 28 on handle body 30 causes needle member 16 to move proximally within tubular shaft 12. Distance markers 32 are located on handle body 30 to gauge the movement of needle member 16 within tubular shaft 12.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, needle member 16 is positioned within lumen 34 of tubular shaft 12. Located on the exterior of needle member 16 is stop member 36. The distal end 13 of tubular shaft 12 is closed with seal plug 38. Also shown is needle member tip 40 and needle lumen 42. Needle lumen 42 communicates needle tip 40 with needle fluid port 24 so that fluid injected through needle port 24 exits the lumen at needle tip 40.

[0104] FIGS. 5A and 5B, illustrate the actuation of needle member 16. Needle member 16 is shown in detail with needle body 44 connected to needle tip 40. Needle body 44 may be constructed of a separate material as shown or integrally formed with needle tip 40. Needle body 44 may be constructed from flexible tubing having good axial pushability. As shown in FIG. 5A, needle member 16 is in a first position in which needle tip 40 is located within lumen 34 proximal to window member 14. This is the preferred position for needle member 16 when tubular shaft 12 is deployed within the body. Upon actuation, needle member 16 is moved to a second position in which needle tip 40 is positioned within window member 14.

[0105] FIGS. 6A through 6E illustrate the operation of safe access needle injection instrument 10. Insertion section 6 of endoscope 2 is passed through a natural orifice in a patient and positioned at a location in the digestive tract in which to perform a submucosal procedure. Safe access needle injection instrument 10 is deployed through the working channel 4 of endoscope 2. As depicted in FIG. 6A the distal portion of safe access needle injection instrument 10 is positioned within the digestive tract adjacent mucosal layer 46. Beneath the mucosal layer are the submucosal layer 48 and the muscular layer 50. Window member 14 is oriented towards mucosal layer 46. Needle member 16 is located in a first position proximal to window member 14. A vacuum source is connected to vacuum port 18, which communicates with lumen 34, and the applied vacuum causes the tissue of the digestive tract to be suctioned into window member 14 as shown in FIG. 6B. The actuation of needle member 16 is shown in FIG. 6C as it is moved to its second position. Distal movement of needle member 16 causes needle tip 40 to move distally relative to tubular shaft 12 to thereby pierce the mucosal layer 46 and enter the submucosal layer 48 of the suctioned tissue. When needle member 16 is moved to its second position, stop member 36 engages the mucosal layer 46. Stop member 36 prevents further distal movement of needle member 16 and provides a seal around needle tip 40. A pressurized fluid source is connected to needle fluid port 24 to deliver fluid through the lumen of needle member 16 to the submucosal layer 48. As fluid enters the submucosal layer 48 from needle tip 40, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, the mucosal layer 46 is elevated forming a submucosal bleb. The fluid used to create the bleb may be of any type suitable for the environment such as solutions containing saline, hypertonic solutions of saline-epinephrine, sodium hyaluronate, poly-N-acetylglucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, chitosans or other biocompatible mucopolysaccharides. Although the mucosal layer 46 is elevated to form the submucosal bleb, the submucosal connective tissue 52 is only stretched and not broken by the infusion of fluid into submucosal layer 48. Once the needle member 16 is returned to its first position and the applied vacuum to lumen 34 is discontinued, the safe access needle injection instrument 10 may be removed from the safety bleb as illustrated in FIG. 6E.

[0106] FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrate safe access needle injection instrument 60 which is another preferred embodiment of the present invention to aid the physician in obtaining access to the submucosal space when performing a submucosal medical procedure. Safe access needle injection instrument 60 includes a sheath member 62 having a proximal and distal end 64 and a lumen 66 extending therethrough. Slidably disposed within lumen 66 of sheath member 62, there is an elongate shaft member 68 having a shaft lumen 69 and distal end 70. Located adjacent to distal end 70 of elongated shaft member 68 is a pair of jaw members 72. Jaw members 72 may be formed from the wall of elongated shaft member 68. Preferably the jaw members 72 are formed of a resilient material and biased outwardly in an open configuration when unconstrained. The jaw members 72 may be formed from biocompatible resilient materials such as nitinol, stainless steel and plastics. Needle shaft 74 is slidably disposed within lumen 66 and preferably slidably disposed shaft lumen 69. Needle shaft 74 includes a needle tip 76 and a needle lumen 78. Needle lumen 78 extends from the proximal end of needle shaft 74 to needle tip 76. FIG. 7A illustrates jaw members 72 in a first state in which jaw members 72 are closed and constrained by the walls of sheath member 62 and disposed within lumen 66. Additionally, needle tip 78 of needle shaft 74 is in a first configuration in which needle tip 78 is positioned proximal to jaw members 72. By moving the elongate shaft member 68 distally relative to sheath member 62, jaw members 72 are caused to exit the lumen 66 at distal end 64 of sheath 62. FIG. 7B shows jaw members 72 in a second state in which in which the jaw members 72 are open and unconstrained after exiting lumen 66. FIG. 7C illustrates needle tip 78 of needle shaft 74 positioned in a second configuration in which needle tip 78 is positioned between jaw members 72.

[0107] FIGS. 8A through 8E illustrates the operation of safe access needle injection instrument 60. Insertion section 6 of endoscope 2 is passed through a natural orifice in a patient and positioned at a location in the digestive tract in which to perform a submucosal procedure. Safe access needle injection instrument 60 is deployed through the working channel 4 of endoscope 2. As depicted in FIG. 8A the distal portion of safe access needle injection instrument 60 is positioned within the digestive tract adjacent mucosal layer 46. Beneath the mucosal layer are the submucosal layer 48 and the muscular layer 50. Jaw members 72 are positioned on mucosal layer 46. Needle tip 76 is located in a first position proximal to jaw members 72. Distal movement of sheath member 62 relative to the elongate shaft member causes the jaw members 72 to become partially constrained in lumen 66 and move towards a closed position thereby grasping the tissue of the digestive tract as shown in FIG. 8B. FIG. 8C is a cross-section view along section line 8C-8C in FIG. 8B showing the tissue engaged by jaw members 72. The mucosal layer 46 and submucosal layer 48 are firmly held between jaw members 72. Needle tip 76 is moved from the first position proximal to jaw members 72 to the second position between jaw members 72 thereby piercing the mucosal layer 46 and entering the submucosal layer 48 as shown in FIG. 8D. FIG. 8E illustrates the delivery of fluid through needle shaft 74 exiting needle tip 76 into the submucosal layer 48 thereby elevating mucosal layer 46 to form a submucosal bleb. The fluid used to create the bleb may be of any type suitable for the environment such as solutions containing saline, hypertonic solutions of saline-epinephrine, sodium hyaluronate, poly-N-acetylglucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, chitosans or other biocompatible mucopolysaccharides.

[0108] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a variation of safe access needle injection instrument 60 in which jaw members 72 are coupled to distal end 70 of elongate shaft member 68 by a collar member 80. Collar member 80 is joined to distal end 70 by suitable means known in the art such as gluing, soldering or welding. Jaw members 72 are connected to collar member 80 in a way that allows the jaw members 72 to rotate relative to distal end 70 of elongate shaft member 68. The rotational movement of jaw members 72 allows the physician to quickly orient the jaw members 72 relative the surface of the tissue surface within the digestive tract. Although jaw members 72 are connected to collar member 80, proximal movement of elongate shaft member 68 relative to sheath member 62 will cause jaw members 72 to move to a closed position within the lumen 66 of sheath member 62. Collar member 80 includes an aperture through which needle shaft 74 may extend in a slidable fashion. Additionally, jaw members 72 include a tissue grasping surface 82 that facilitates the engagement of tissue within the digestive tract. While tissue grasping surface 82 is shown in the form of a serrated surface, it may also take the form of a knurled surface or a surface containing multiple protrusions or dimples to improve the tissue grasping ability of jaw members 72. Tissue grasping surface 82 may be integrally formed with jaw members 72 or bonded to jaw members 72. Tissue grasping surface 82 may be formed of metals, polymers or composite materials.

[0109] FIGS. 11A and 11B show a safe access dissection system 100 of the present invention that includes a safe access needle injection instrument 10 and an injectable dissection material 102. The injectable dissection material 102 takes the form of a solution capable of dissolving the submucosal connective tissue. An example of this type of dissolving solution is sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfanate (MESNA). Additional substances which may dissolve the submucosal connective tissue include acids and enzymes such as a peptase enzyme solution, protease/collagenase, papain, chymotrypsin and acetylcysteine. A safe access needle injection instrument 10 is used to create a safety bleb beneath the mucosal layer 46 in the digestive tract of a mammal. Once the safety bleb is formed, the injectable dissection material 102 may be delivered through needle tip 40 into the submucosal layer 48 as shown in FIG. 11A. Injectable dissection material 102 begins to breakdown the stretched submucosal connective tissue 52. Under the force imparted by the distention of the bleb, the submucosal connective tissue 52 breaks, thereby causing the mucosal layer 46 to be come detached from muscular layer 50 in bleb region as shown in FIG. 11B.

[0110] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a safe access dissection system 104 of the present invention that includes a safe access needle injection instrument 10 and an injectable dissection material 106. The injectable dissection material 106 takes the form of a semisolid gelatin capable of mechanically breaking the submucosal connective tissue 52. The semisolid gelatin may be formed using biocompatible commercially available gelatins. Generally, these gelatins are in a powdered form and mixed with warm water. Upon cooling, the gelatin forms a semisolid consistency with physical cross links. The gelatin material is preferably formed within the barrel of a pressurizable syringe since aspiration of this material is difficult. A safe access needle injection instrument 10 is used to create a safety bleb beneath the mucosal layer 46 in the digestive tract of a mammal. Once the safety bleb is formed, the injectable dissection material 106 may be delivered through needle tip 40 into the submucosal layer 48 as shown in FIG. 12A. The mass and semisolid nature of the injectable dissection material 106 begins to apply force to the stretched submucosal connective tissue 52, unlike a saline solution which only permeates the submucosal layer 48. Under the force imparted by the increased volume due to the introduction of the injectable dissection material 106, the submucosal connective tissue 52 breaks, thereby causing the mucosal layer 46 to be come detached from muscular layer 50 in bleb region as shown in FIG. 12B. Alternatively, the injectable dissection material 106 may also take the form of injectable solutions which solidify upon entering the submucosal space. Solutions which solidify after injection into the submucosal space may be thermo sensitive polymer solutions such as Pluronic 127. Additional injectable solidifying solutions include monomer and polymer solutions like hydrogels and cyanoacrylates which polymerize or crosslink upon contact with tissue or added chemical agents.

[0111] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a safe access dissection system 108 of the present invention that includes a safe access needle injection instrument 10 and an injectable dissection material 110. The injectable dissection material 110 takes the form of gelled microspheres dispersed in a solution capable of mechanically breaking the submucosal connective tissue 52. The microspheres may be formed using biocompatible natural materials such as collagen and alginates or synthetic materials like polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) and acrylate polymers. A safe access needle injection instrument 10 is used to create a safety bleb beneath the mucosal layer 46 in the digestive tract of a mammal. Once the safety bleb is formed, the injectable dissection material 110 may be delivered through needle tip 40 into the submucosal layer 48 as shown in FIG. 13A. The mass and solid nature of the injectable dissection material 110 begins to apply force to the stretched submucosal connective tissue 52, unlike a saline solution which only permeates the submucosal layer 48. Under the force imparted by the increased volume due to the introduction of the injectable dissection material 110, the submucosal connective tissue 52 breaks, thereby causing the mucosal layer 46 to become detached from muscular layer 50 in bleb region as shown in FIG. 13B.

[0112] FIG. 14 illustrates a submucosal tunneling instrument 120 for performing a submucosal medical procedure of the present invention. The submucosal tunneling instrument 120 includes a catheter 122 having proximal and distal ends and an expandable member which preferably takes the form of balloon member 124 located adjacent the distal end. The proximal end of catheter 122 is attached to connector tubing 126 to access inflation port 128. Valve assembly 130 provides a seal for fluid introduced into inflation port 128. Tether slide 132 is slidably positioned on handle body 134. Handle body 134 includes distance markers 136 to gauge the movement of tether slide 132.

[0113] A cross sectioned view of the distal end of the submucosal tunneling instrument 120 is shown in more detail in FIG. 15A. Catheter 122 has a distal end 138 and a lumen 123. Located within lumen 123 is balloon member 124. The balloon member 124 is preferably non-compliant of the type generally known in the art, however, balloon member 124 may be of the compliant or semi-compliant type. The balloon member 124 may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned. The proximal end 140 of balloon member 124 is attached to the distal end 138 of catheter 122. The distal end 142 of balloon member 124 is positioned within the lumen 123 in an everted configuration. A tether member 144 is connected to the distal end 142 of balloon member 124. Tether member 144 is flexible and preferably takes the form of a filament, as shown, however tether member 144 may take the form of a tube. The proximal end of tether member 144 is connected to tether slide 132 through valve assembly 130. Tether member 144 aids in initially positioning balloon member 124 within the lumen 123 of catheter 122. While the aforementioned embodiment of the submucosal tunneling instrument include an expandable member which preferably takes the form of an inflatable balloon, other devices may be suitable for essentially performing the same function. For instance as depicted in an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 15B, the expandable member 124 may take the form of an expandable elongate braid, mesh or tubular framework in which the proximal end of the expandable member is connected to the distal end of the catheter and the distal end of the expandable member is everted and positioned within the lumen of the catheter. A stiffened tether member 144 located within the lumen of the catheter 122 may be used as a pusher to push the expandable elongate member from the lumen of the catheter in essentially the same way that the balloon expands from the lumen of the catheter. The expandable elongate braid may be formed from resilient materials such as nitinol, spring steels, vitreloy, as well as polymers and composites. The expandable member may take comprise individual wires to form a braid or mesh configuration. Alternatively the expandable member may be laser cut from a tube forming a tubular framework. Preferably the expanded diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the catheter.

[0114] FIGS. 16A through 16C illustrate various stages of deployment of balloon member 124 from the lumen 123 of catheter 122. To deploy balloon member 124 a fluid filled syringe or other source is connected to inflation port 128. As pressurized fluid enters the lumen 123 of catheter 122, the proximal end of balloon member 124 exits the lumen expands. Balloon member 124 has an expanded diameter range of about 1 mm to about 30 mm and is preferably in the range of 2 mm to 20 mm. The length of balloon member 124 is a long as necessary to perform a desired submucosal medical procedure. This length can be in the range of 5 mm to 50 cm and preferably in the range of 7 mm to about 10 cm. As balloon member 124 expands it extends in a linear fashion moving the distal end 142 of balloon member 124 towards the distal end 138 of catheter 122. As long as pressurized fluid is applied to catheter lumen 123, balloon 124 will extend to its full length. Alternatively, since the distal end 142 of balloon 124 is connected to tether member 144, the amount of linear extension balloon 124 takes may be controlled by the tether slide 132 to define an extension length shorter than the full length of the balloon.

[0115] FIG. 17 illustrates a submucosal tunneling instrument 150 for performing a submucosal medical procedure of the present invention. The submucosal tunneling instrument 150 includes a catheter 152 having proximal and distal ends and a balloon member 154 located adjacent the distal end. Positioned on the exterior of catheter 152 adjacent the distal end is a series of markers 156. These markers may be visible under direct visualization of the endoscope and may be additionally visible under fluoroscopy. Adjacent the proximal end of catheter 152 is an auxiliary device port 158. The proximal end of catheter 152 is attached to connector tubing 160 to access inflation port 162. Valve assembly 164 provides a seal for fluid introduced into inflation port 162. Tether slide 166 is slidably positioned on handle body 168. Handle body 168 includes distance markers 170 to gauge the movement of tether slide 166.

[0116] A cross sectioned view of the distal end of the submucosal tunneling instrument 150 is shown in more detail in FIG. 18. Catheter 152 has a distal end 172 and a first lumen 174. Located within first lumen 174 is balloon member 154. The balloon member 154 is preferably non-compliant of the type generally known in the art, however, balloon member 154 may be of the compliant or semi-compliant type. The balloon member 154 may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned. The proximal end 176 of balloon member 154 is attached to the distal end 172 of catheter 152. The distal end 178 of balloon member 154 is positioned within the first lumen 174 in an everted configuration. A tether member 180 is connected to the distal end 178 of balloon member 154. Tether member 180 is flexible and preferably takes the form of a filament, as shown, however tether member 180 may take the form of a tube. The proximal end of tether member 180 is connected to tether slide 166 through valve assembly 164. Tether member 180 aids in initially positioning balloon member 154 within the first lumen 174 of catheter 152. Catheter 152 has a second lumen 182 that extends from auxiliary device port 158 to distal end 184. Distal end 184 is located proximal to distal end 172 of catheter 152. Slidably disposed within second lumen 182 is a needle knife 184 that has a knife tip 188. Needle knife 184 is preferably of the endoscopic electrosurgical type however any form of incision device that may be operated to form an incision in tissue such as mechanical cutters, water jets or lasers may be suitable.

[0117] FIGS. 19A through 19C illustrate a submucosal tunneling instrument 200, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Catheter 202 has a distal end 204 which is connected to balloon member 206. The proximal end 208 of balloon 206 is connected to distal end 204 of catheter 202. Balloon member 206 is rolled into a spiral configuration in which the distal end 210 is located in the center of the spiral. As the lumen of catheter 202 which is connected to balloon member 206 is pressurized, balloon member 206 inflates. The inflation of balloon member 206 causes the balloon to unroll from a spiral configuration extending linearly. The balloon member 206 may be thermally treated to retain the spiral configuration for delivery through the working channel of an endoscope. Alternatively the balloon member 206 may incorporate a spiral shaped member 212 attached the wall of balloon member 206 as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. The spiral shaped member may be formed from a resilient filament as shown in an outstretched configuration in FIG. 20A. The spiral shaped member being formed of a resilient filament and incorporated into the wall of the balloon preferably takes its spiral shape and in doing so forms the balloon member into a spiral shape as shown in FIG. 20B.

[0118] In order to perform a submucosal medical procedure, the target area in the digestive tract must be prepared to gain access to the submucosal space. FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a desired region 220 of the digestive tract of a mammal. A safe access needle injection instrument according to any of the embodiments previously described may be used to form a safety bleb 222 beneath the mucosal layer 46. The safety bleb contains the submucosal connective tissue 52 generally in a stretched condition attached to both the mucosal layer 46 and the muscular layer 50. As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, an endoscopic incision tool 224 is positioned adjacent to the safety bleb 222. An incision tool tip 226 of the endoscopic incision tool 224 is used to create a small mucosal opening 228 in the mucosal layer 46 of the safety bleb. The elevated mucosal layer 46 reduces the likelihood that the incision tool tip 226 will damage the underlying muscular layer 50. FIGS. 23A through 24D illustrate the introduction and operation of a submucosal tunneling instrument into submucosal layer 48. The distal end 138 of the submucosal tunneling instrument 120 is positioned through the mucosal opening 228. Once the proximal end 140 of balloon 124 is through the mucosal opening 228 the submucosal tunneling instrument 120 may be operated. By delivering pressurized fluid through the lumen of catheter 122, the proximal end 140 of balloon 124 inflates to its expanded diameter as depicted in FIG. 23C. Generally the expanded diameter of the proximal end 140 of balloon 124 is larger than the diameter of the mucosal opening 228. The larger diameter prevents balloon 124 from pushing the distal end 138 of catheter 122 backwards out of the submucosal layer 48 through mucosal opening 228. As shown in FIG. 23D, further inflation extends balloon 124 in a linear fashion within the submucosal layer 48 causing the submucosal connective tissue 52 to break in regions adjacent to the balloon. The balloon 124 can only expand by increasing the volume of the surrounding area between the mucosal layer 46 and the muscular layer 50. The application of force during expansion of balloon 124 is concentrated on the submucosal connective tissue 52, thereby causing the submucosal connective tissue 52 to break, whereas the force applied to the mucosal layer 46 or the muscular layer 50 by balloon 124 is diluted over a larger portion of balloon 124. The force required to break the submucosal connective tissue 52 as applied by balloon 124 is less than the force required to perforate the mucosal layer 46 or muscular layer 50 by balloon 124 thereby minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue. FIG. 24A illustrates a perspective view of region 220 in the digestive tract having a submucosal tunnel 230 formed by submucosal tunneling instrument 120. As shown in FIG. 24B, balloon 124 is fully expanded and generally occupies the majority of the space of submucosal tunnel 230. Balloon 124 is then deflated by applying a negative pressure to catheter 122 and retracting tether member 144. The distal end 138 of catheter 122 is then removed from mucosal opening 228, leaving submucosal tunnel 230 generally deflated. The submucosal connective tissue 52 within the tunnel is broken. For some submucosal medical procedures the submucosal tunnel 230 may provide suitable access to the muscular wall or the placement of an implant device. However to perform other submucosal medical procedures an area larger than the submucosal tunnel 230 may be desired.

[0119] FIGS. 25A through 25D illustrate the formation of an area larger than a submucosal tunnel for performing a submucosal medical procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention. A region 220 in the digestive tract is prepared by forming a submucosal tunnel 230. A submucosal dissection instrument 240 having a catheter 242 is positioned through mucosal opening 228 into submucosal tunnel 230. Located on catheter 242 are markers 244 that indicate the insertion depth of catheter distal end 246 within submucosal tunnel 230. The submucosal dissection instrument 240 is in a proper position for operation when balloon member 248 including distal end 250 and proximal end 252 are sufficiently located within submucosal tunnel 230, as shown in FIG. 25B. As pressurized fluid is applied to a lumen in catheter 242 that is in fluid communication with balloon member 248, balloon member 248 inflates. During the expansion of balloon member 248, the submucosal connective tissue 52 is broken in the area of the expanded balloon member 248 and the mucosal layer 46 is elevated. The elevated mucosal layer 46 forms a large mucosal dissected area 260. After full expansion the balloon member 248 may be deflated and submucosal dissecting instrument 240 removed from the large mucosal dissected area 260. The dissected region beneath mucosal layer 46 has transformed in geometry from a high aspect ratio tunnel to a low aspect ratio chamber suitable for performing some submucosal medical procedures.

[0120] Aforementioned descriptions of submucosal tunneling instruments and submucosal dissecting instruments have shown separate instruments to create a submucosal tunnel or large mucosal dissected area however the two types of instruments may be combined to form a submucosal tunneling dissecting instrument 270 as illustrated in FIG. 26. The submucosal tunneling dissecting instrument 270 includes a dissection catheter 272 having a distal end 274 and a dissection balloon 276 having an expanded dissection balloon 276a configuration. The dissection balloon 276 can be non-compliant of the type generally known in the art or dissection balloon 276 may be of the compliant or semi-compliant type. The dissection balloon 276 may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned. The dissection catheter 272 has insertion markers 278 positioned along its shaft. The proximal end of dissection catheter 272 includes both an inflation port 280 that is in fluid communication with dissection balloon 276, and a valve assembly 282. Tunneling catheter 284 is slidably disposed through valve assembly 282 extending within a lumen of dissection catheter 272. The tunneling catheter distal end 286 may extend beyond the dissection catheter distal end 274. Tunneling catheter 284 includes an inflation port 288 and valve assembly 290. A tether slide member 292 is slidably disposed on handle body 294 with distance markers 296. FIG. 27 illustrates a detailed cross section of the distal portion of the submucosal tunneling dissecting instrument 270. The distal end 298 and proximal end 300 of dissection balloon 276 are connected to the exterior of dissection catheter 272. Inflation lumen 302 connects inflation port 280 with the interior of dissection balloon 276 through inflation aperture 304. Tunneling catheter 284 is slidably disposed within the lumen 306 of dissection catheter 272. Positioned within the lumen 308 of tunneling catheter 284 there is an everted expandable tunneling balloon 310. The tunneling balloon 310 is preferably non-compliant of the type generally known in the art, however, tunneling balloon 310 may be of the compliant or semi-compliant type. The tunneling balloon 310 may be formed from biocompatible polymer types such as olefins, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, vinyls, polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, fluropolymers, copolymers and blends of any of the aforementioned. The distal end of tunneling balloon 310 is connected to a tether member 312 which has a proximal end that is connected to tether slide 292.

[0121] The operation of the submucosal tunneling dissecting instrument 270 to form a submucosal tunnel and large mucosal dissected area is similar to the operation of the separate instruments. In general, the distal end 286 of tunneling catheter 284 is positioned through a mucosal opening formed in a safety bleb. The tunneling catheter 284 is pressurized with fluid to linearly expand tunneling balloon 310. Once a submucosal tunnel has been formed tunneling balloon 310 may be deflated and dissection catheter 272 may be advanced through the mucosal opening into the submucosal tunnel. The markers 278 may be used to determine the depth in which the dissection catheter 272 has been advanced into the submucosal tunnel. Once the dissection catheter 272 has been properly positioned within the submucosal tunnel it may be operated. By applying pressurized fluid to inflation port 280, dissection balloon 276 is dilated to an expanded dissection balloon 276a configuration. During the expansion a large mucosal dissected area is created which is accessible for performing a subsequent submucosal medical procedure.

[0122] A submucosal medical procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention which is partly or wholly enabled by the use of any of the foregoing instruments is the taking of a biopsy specimen from the muscular wall of the digestive tract. In another embodiment of the present invention, a submucosal biopsy instrument 350 is illustrated in FIG. 28. The submucosal biopsy instrument 350 includes a catheter 352 having a distal end 354. Located adjacent the distal end 354 of catheter 352 is a window member 356. Window member 356 is formed by removing a portion of the wall of catheter 352. Generally window member 356 has a length in the range of 2 mm and 100 mm and a preferred length of between 5 mm and 30 mm. The diameter of window member 356 is generally equal to or less than the diameter of catheter 352 in the range of 1 mm to 20 mm and preferably in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm. A suction port 358 is connected to catheter 352 and communicates with window member 356. A vacuum connector 360 facilitates the communication of a vacuum source 362 with suction port 358. Located at the proximal end of catheter 352 is valve assembly 364. Connector tubing 368 connects hydraulic fill port 370 with a lumen of catheter 352. The hydraulic fill port 370 is also connected to valve assembly 372. A pressure slide 374 is slidably positioned on handle body 376 along with distance markers 378.

[0123] FIGS. 29A and 29B illustrate a detailed cross section of the distal end of submucosal biopsy instrument 350. Catheter lumen 380 connects window member 356 with the vacuum source 362. Located within catheter lumen 380 and slidably positioned distal to window member 356 is tissue cutter 384. Tissue cutter 384 has a generally angled tubular shape with a diameter slightly less than the diameter of lumen 380. The tissue cutter is connected to bellows member 384. The proximal end 386 of bellows member 384 is in fluid tight engagement with tissue cutter 384. Bellows member 384 includes a distal end 388 and a lumen 390 where the distal end 388 is fixedly connected to catheter 352 by bellows securing member 392. The lumen 390 of bellows member 384 is in fluid connection with hydraulic lumen 394 of catheter 352. Hydraulic lumen 394 is in fluid communication with hydraulic fill port 370. Fluid may be inserted through hydraulic fill port 370 to fill bellows lumen 390 and hydraulic lumen 394. Once these lumens are filled with fluid hydraulic fill port 370 may be capped or sealed. Actuation of pressure slide 374 connected to a simple piston (not shown) generates hydraulic pressure which is transmitted to bellows member 384. This hydraulic pressure causes bellows member 384 to move from a first contracted configuration to a second extended configuration. Since the proximal end 386 of bellows member 384 is connected to tissue cutter 382, the hydraulic pressure generated by pressure slide 374 causes tissue cutter 382 to move in a proximal direction within lumen 380 from first position distal to window member 356 to a second position proximal to window member 356.

[0124] To perform a submucosal medical procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention an endoscope is advanced through a natural orifice and positioned within the digestive tract of a mammal. As illustrated in FIG. 30, the insertion section 6 of an endoscope 2 is positioned through an enlarged mucosal opening 228 into a submucosal tunnel 230 or alternatively, a large mucosal dissected area formed according to any of the previously described techniques. Submucosal biopsy instrument 350 is advanced through the natural orifice of the patient, preferably through a working channel of the endoscope, into the submucosal tunnel. FIGS. 31A through 31E illustrate the operation of submucosal biopsy instrument 350 to perform a submucosal medical procedure to obtain a tissue specimen. The distal end 354 of catheter 352 is positioned within submucosal tunnel 230 so that window member 356 is adjacent the muscular layer 50 of the digestive tract. Tissue cutter 382 and bellows member 384 are in their first positions distal to window member 356. Vacuum is applied to catheter lumen 380 and a portion of muscular layer 50 is suctioned within window member 356. Hydraulic pressure is then generated within bellows member 384 causing bellows member 384 and tissue cutter 382 to move to their second position proximal to window member 356. As tissue cutter 382 moves from its first to second positions it severs the tissue suctioned within window member 356. The biopsy specimen may be suction through the catheter lumen 380 to a collection jar adjacent the vacuum source. The negative hydraulic pressure is generated to return bellows member 384 and tissue cutter 382 from their second positions back to their first positions. The operation of submucosal biopsy instrument 350 may be repeated to obtain additional biopsy samples.

[0125] FIGS. 32A through 32D illustrate a submucosal biopsy instrument 320 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Catheter 322 has a distal end 324 and a window member 326. Window member 326 is formed by removing a portion of the wall of catheter 322. A tissue cutter 328 is configured to encircle the distal end 324 of catheter 322. An insulator member 330 is disposed about at least a portion of tissue cutter 328. The insulator member 330 prevents damage to surrounding tissue when tissue cutter 328 is operated. Insulator member 330 is preferably formed of nonconductive polymers or ceramics. Tissue cutter 328 is connected to the distal end of an elongate shaft member 331. Catheter 322 includes a first lumen 332 and a second lumen 334. First lumen 332 connects the proximal end of catheter 322 to the window member 326. The elongate shaft member 331 is slidably disposed within the second lumen 334. The distal end of the second lumen 334 is positioned proximal to the proximal end of the window member 326. Movement of the proximal end of the elongate member 331 in a proximal direction relative to the proximal end of the tubular member causes the tissue cutter 328 to move from a first position distal to the window member 326 to a second position proximal to the window member 326. The tissue cutter 328 preferably takes the form of an electrosurgical cutter in which tissue suctioned into the window member 326 by applying a vacuum to lumen 332, may be severed, when high frequency energy is supplied to the tissue cutter 328 and the tissue cutter 328 is moved from the first position to the second position. The tissue cutter 328 may also take the form of a mechanical blade in which electrical energy need not be applied.

[0126] FIGS. 33A through 33D illustrate a method of performing a submucosal medical procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention for the treatment of Achalasia in a mammal. A submucosal tunnel 230 or large mucosal dissected area is formed beneath the mucosal layer 46 of the esophagus encompassing the lower esophageal sphincter. The distal end of the insertion section 6 of an endoscope is positioned through an enlarged mucosal opening 228 into the area beneath the mucosal layer 46. The endoscope is used to visualize the submucosal space and identify the circular muscle 400 of the lower esophageal sphincter. An endoscopic cutting instrument 402 is delivered through the mucosal opening 228, preferably through a working channel of the endoscope. While the cutting instrument 402 may take the form of an optical or mechanical cutter such as a laser, scalpel, scissors, or water jet but preferably of the electrosurgical type known in the art. The electrosurgical type cutting instrument 402 includes an electrode tip 404 and a nonconductive distal end 406. The electrode tip 404 of cutting instrument 402 is positioned adjacent to the distal portion of circular muscle 400. As cutting instrument 402 is moved proximally, electrode tip 404 is activated forming a generally perpendicular incision 408 in circular muscle 400. Nonconductive distal end 406 is adjacent the muscular layer 50 and prevents the cutting instrument 402 from cutting or perforating the wall of the esophagus. The nonconductive distal end 406 may be formed of polymers, ceramics or composites that do not conduct electrical energy. The shape of the nonconductive distal end 406 is preferably spherical, but may also take other geometrical forms such as triangles, pyramids parallelepipeds, trapezoids or more complex shapes. Once the incision 408 has completely traversed circular muscle 400 the myotomy is complete. The endoscope and cutting instrument 402 may then be removed from the submucosal space. After closing mucosal opening 228 by using any suitable means such as suturing, stapling or clips, the endoscope may be removed from the patient.

[0127] FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate a mucosal resection device for performing a submucosal medical procedure to resect a portion of the mucosal layer in the digestive tract of a mammal according to another embodiment of the present invention. The mucosal resection device 450 includes a catheter 452 having a distal end 454, a proximal end and a lumen 455. Slidably disposed within the lumen 455 is a track member 456. Track member 456 is preferably formed of an elongate tube having a through lumen including two proximal ends 458 and a distal loop 460. Distal loop 460 has a first delivery configuration in which the diameter of the loop is small and a second deployed configuration expanded distal loop 460a in which the diameter of the loop is large. The diameter of distal loop 460 is adjustable by moving one or both of proximal ends 458 in a distal direction relative to catheter 452. Distal loop 460 is positioned adjacent the distal end 454 of catheter 452 and includes an elongate slot 462 through the wall of track member 456. Cutting tip 464 is positioned adjacent distal loop 460 extending from the lumen of track member 456 through slot 462. Cutting tip 464 includes an insulator tip 466 at its distal end and is connected to wire member 468 which is slidably disposed within the lumen of track 456 and has ends 469 that extend through proximal ends 458. By moving one of the ends 469 of wire member 468 in a relatively proximal direction relative to track member 456, the cutting tip 464 slides along distal loop 460 of track member 456 following the path of slot 462. Cutting tip 464 may be moved in the opposite direction along distal loop 460 by moving the other end 469 in a relatively proximal direction. Preferably, cutting tip 464 is of the electrosurgical type; however, it may also be configured to cut tissue by mechanical or optical means such as a blade, water jet or laser.

[0128] FIGS. 35A through 35C illustrate another mucosal resection device for performing a submucosal medical procedure to resect a portion of the mucosal layer in the digestive tract of a mammal according to another embodiment of the present invention. The mucosal resection device 470 includes a catheter 472 having a distal section 474, a proximal section and a lumen 475. Slidably disposed within the lumen 475 of catheter 472 is a track member 476. Track member 476 is preferably formed of an elongate tube having a proximal section 478, and a distal section 480 and a lumen. Also slidable within the lumen 475 of catheter 472 is a flexible member 482 having a proximal end 484 and a distal end 486. The distal end 486 of flexible member 482 is connected to the distal section 480 of track member 476. Track member 476 has a first configuration in which the distal section 480 is in a generally linear configuration for delivery through the lumen 475 of catheter 472 and a second configuration in which distal section 480 is in a generally shaped configuration for deployment. The track member 476 is operable between the first and second configurations by extending the distal section 480 from the lumen 475. As the distal section 480 of track member 476 extends from the lumen 475 it begins to take its second shaped configuration. The distal section 480 is preferably formed into a loop having a desired diameter by advancing track member 476 and retracting flexible member. The distal section 480 of track member 476 also includes an elongate slot 488 through the wall of track member 476 to the lumen. Cutting tip 490 is positioned adjacent distal end 480 extending from the lumen of track member 476 through slot 488. Cutting tip 490 includes an insulator tip 492 at its distal end and is connected to wire member 494 which is slidably disposed within the lumen of track 476. Wire member 494 has a proximal end that extends beyond the proximal end 478 of track member 476. By moving the proximal end 496 of wire member 494 in a proximal direction relative to track member 476, the cutting tip 490 slides along the distal section 480 of track member 476 following the path of slot 488. Cutting tip 490 may be moved in the opposite direction along distal section 480 by moving the proximal end 496 in a distal direction relative to track 476. Preferably, cutting tip 464 is of the electrosurgical type however, it may also be configured to cut tissue by mechanical or optical means such as a blade, water jet or laser.

[0129] FIGS. 36A through 36I illustrate a method of operating a mucosal resection device to perform a submucosal medical procedure to remove a desired region of the mucosal layer in a mammal according to an embodiment of the present invention. A large mucosal dissected area 260 is created in the digestive tract preferably according to any of the aforementioned procedures. A mucosal resection device 470 is positioned through an enlarged mucosal opening 228 through the mucosal layer 46 of large mucosal dissected area 260. As depicted in FIG. 36C, track member 476 is advanced from the lumen of catheter 472 beneath mucosal layer 46 to form a loop in the distal section 480 of track member 476. The catheter distal end 474 is positioned adjacent the mucosal opening and the loop formed by distal section 480 is enlarged to the diameter of the large mucosal dissected area by advancing the track member 476 from catheter 472 as shown in FIG. 36D. When the distal section 480 is formed in the expanded loop configuration, cutting tip 490 and insulator tip 492 are extended through the mucosal layer 46 preferably through mucosal opening 228. With the cutting tip 490 extending through the mucosal layer 46, the cutting tip 490 may be activated and wire member 496 moved in a proximal direction relative to track member 476 to cause the cutting tip 490 to move along the distal section 480 of track member 476. As the cutting tip 490 moves along the distal section 480 following the loop path of slot 488, the cutting tip 490 cuts the mucosal layer 46 as shown in FIGS. 36E and 36F. Once the cutting tip 490 reaches the distal end 474 of catheter 472, the cutting tip 490 may be deactivated leaving a mucosal layer swath 500 that is severed from the surrounding mucosal layer 46 as illustrated in FIG. 36G. Track member 476 may be withdrawn into catheter 472 and mucosal resection device 470 removed from the patient. A tissue removal device 502 preferably having jaws 504 may be inserted into the digestive tract and used to retrieve the en bloc mucosal layer swath 500, as depicted in FIG. 36I.

[0130] FIG. 37 illustrates a safe access needle injection instrument 510 according to another embodiment of the present invention which is used to aid the physician in obtaining access to the submucosal layer to perform a submucosal medical procedure. The safe access needle injection instrument 510 includes a tubular shaft 512 having a distal end 513. The diameter of tubular shaft 512 is generally in the range 1 mm to 10 mm with a preferred range of 2.0 to 6.0 mm. Adjacent distal end 513, a tissue grasping helix 514 is coupled to tubular shaft 512. Slidably disposed within the lumen of tubular shaft 512 is needle member 516. The proximal portion of tubular shaft includes electrosurgical connector 518 which is capable of being coupled to an electrosurgical energy source (not shown). Valve assembly 520 provides a releasable seal to tubular shaft 512. A handle assembly 521 is connected to tubular shaft 512 through connector tubing 522. The handle assembly 521 includes needle fluid port 524 and valve assembly 526 for injecting fluid through and sealing around the proximal portion of needle member 516. The proximal portion of needle member 516 is also connected to a needle slide member 528 positioned on handle body 530. The proximal movement of needle slide member 528 on handle body 530 causes needle member 516 to move proximally within tubular shaft 512. Distance markers 532 are located on handle body 530 to gauge the movement of needle member 516 within tubular shaft 512.

[0131] FIGS. 38A through 38C, illustrate detail of the distal end of safe access needle injection instrument 510 and the actuation of needle member 516. As shown needle member 516 is positioned in lumen 534 of tubular shaft 512. The distal end of electrical conductor 538 is shown coupled to the proximal end of the tissue grasping helix 514. The proximal end of electrical conductor 538 is coupled to electrosurgical connector 518. Electrical conductor 538 preferably takes the form of an insulated wire. Insulation member 540 is shown positioned over the proximal end if tissue grasping helix 514. Tissue grasping helix 514 preferably takes the form of a metal coil suitable for supplying electrosurgical energy to contacted tissue. Needle member 516 is preferably formed of composite construction having flexible proximal end with good axial pushability and a distal needle tip 542 having a construction suitable for piercing tissue. As shown in FIG. 38A, needle member 16 is in a first position in which needle tip 542 is located proximal to the tissue holding end of the tissue grasping helix 514. This is the preferred position for needle member 516 when tubular shaft 512 is deployed within the body. Upon actuation, needle member 516 is moved to a second position in which needle tip 542 is positioned within the lumen of the tissue grasping end of tissue grasping helix 514 or alternatively extending from the tissue grasping end of tissue grasping helix 514.

[0132] FIGS. 39A through 39E illustrate the operation of safe access needle injection instrument 510. The insertion section of the endoscope is passed through a natural orifice in a patient and positioned at a location in the digestive tract in which to perform a submucosal procedure. Safe access needle injection instrument 510 is deployed through a working channel of the endoscope. As depicted in FIG. 39A the distal portion of safe access needle injection instrument 510 is positioned within the digestive tract adjacent mucosal layer 46. Beneath the mucosal layer are the submucosal layer 48 and the muscular layer 50. Tissue grasping helix 514 is oriented towards mucosal layer 46. Needle member 516 is located in a first position proximal to tissue grasping helix 514. Safe access injection instrument 510 is rotated to allow tissue grasping helix 514 to securely engage mucosal layer 46 as shown in FIG. 39B. The actuation of needle member 516 is shown in FIG. 39C as it is moved to its second position. Distal movement of needle member 516 causes needle tip 542 to move distally relative to tubular shaft 512 to thereby pierce the mucosal layer 46 and enter the submucosal layer 48 of the grasped tissue. A pressurized fluid source is connected to needle fluid port 524 to deliver fluid through the lumen of needle member 516 to the submucosal layer 48. As fluid enters the submucosal layer 48 from needle tip 542, as illustrated in FIG. 39D, the mucosal layer 46 is elevated forming a submucosal bleb. The fluid used to create the bleb may be of any type suitable for the environment such as solutions containing saline, hypertonic solutions of saline-epinephrine, sodium hyaluronate, poly-N-acetylglucosamine, sodium chondroitin sulfate, chitosans or other biocompatible mucopolysaccharides. Although the mucosal layer 46 is elevated to form the submucosal bleb, the submucosal connective tissue 52 is only stretched and not broken by the infusion of fluid into submucosal layer 48. Once the needle member 516 is returned to its first position, electrosurgical energy can be supplied to the distal end of tissue grasping helix 514 and the safe access needle injection instrument 510 may be removed from the safety bleb as illustrated in FIG. 39E, leaving a small hole in mucosal layer 46 to thereby allow and readily facilitate access by a submucosal tunneling instrument to the submucosal space. Alternatively, should the physician desire, the safe access needle injection instrument can be removed by rotating the instrument in the opposite direction without the use of electrosurgical energy.

[0133] FIG. 40 illustrates an endoscopic biopsy system 600 suitable for obtaining biopsy specimen from generally within the body and especially from the muscle wall beneath the mucosal layer in the digestive tract. The biopsy system 600 includes an electrocautery snare instrument 602 and tissue grasper instrument 604. The electrocautery snare instrument 602 has a handle assembly 606 connected to the proximal end of elongate tubular shaft 608. Adjacent to the distal end 610 of the tubular shaft is wire loop 612. Wire loop 612 is coupled to an electrical conductor which extends from the distal end 610 of tubular shaft 608 to handle assembly 606. Handle assembly 606 has a slide portion 614 which includes a connector 616 which is coupled to the electrical conductor for supplying electrocautery energy to wire loop 612. The tissue grasper instrument 604 includes a handle 618 connected to the proximal end of elongate torque-able flexible shaft 620. Adjacent to the distal end 622 of flexible shaft 620 is tissue grasping element 624. Tissue grasping element 624 preferably takes the form of a helical having a pointed tip which is adapted to engage tissue when rotated in one direction and disengage tissue when rotated in the opposite direction. The helix may be formed of suitable biocompatible materials such as metals or polymers. Some examples of materials include stainless steel, nitinol, titanium, nylon or PEEK(polyetheretherketone).

[0134] FIGS. 41A and 41B show the electrocautery snare instrument 602 in various configurations during operation. In a first configuration, the wire loop 612 of electrocautery snare 602 has a large diameter. In this configuration the wire loop can be positioned adjacent tissue in preparation for snaring a tissue specimen. FIG. 41B shows wire loop having a small diameter when slide portion 614 of handle assembly 606 is moved proximally. In this configuration, tissue that was initially placed within the large diameter wire loop 612 would be constrained or severed. Wire loop 612 is movable between the large and small diameters by axial movement of slide portion 614 of handle assembly 606.

[0135] FIGS. 42A through 42F show the use of a biopsy system positioned within the submucosal space to obtain a biopsy specimen. FIG. 42A shows a partial cross-sectional view of submucosal tunnel 230, formed in the digestive tract using previously described techniques. The distal end of endoscope 6 is positioned within the submucosal space between mucosal layer 46 and muscular layer 50. Endoscope cap 630 is affixed to the distal end of endoscope 6. The endoscope cap 630 is a tubular cap accessory that aids in visualization within the submucosal space by preventing the loose mucosal layer 46 forming the submucosal tunnel from collapsing. The endoscope cap is preferably formed from a clear plastic material to allow light to illuminate the surrounding tissue. The distal end 610 of electrocautery snare instrument 602 extends from a working channel of endoscope 6. Tissue grasper instrument 604 extends from an adjacent working channel of endoscope 6. Wire loop 612 is positioned at a desired location for specimen retrieval adjacent muscle layer 50. Tissue grasping element 624 is positioned within wire loop 612 adjacent the desired location. As shown in FIG. 42B the tissue grasping instrument is rotated such that the tissue grasping element 624 engages muscle layer 50 at the desired location. Once tissue is securely engaged by the tissue grasping instrument, the instrument is retracted thereby pulling tissue through wire loop 612 as shown in FIG. 42C. Endoscope cap 630 provides a surface for the muscle layer 50 to flex against while allowing wire loop 612 to remain in position. Once a sufficient amount of tissue has been retracted towards the distal end of endoscope 6, the electrocautery snare instrument may be operated to decrease the diameter of wire loop 612 as shown in FIG. 42D. As FIG. 42E illustrates the diameter of wire loop 612 may be reduced to a smaller diameter in which tissue specimen 635 is severed from muscle layer 50. To reduce bleeding and to aid in severing tissue specimen 635, electrocautery energy can be supplied to wire loop 612. After tissue specimen 635 has been retracted within endoscope cap 630, the specimen is protected from contacting other tissue and the entire assembly can be removed from the patient. FIG. 42F illustrates the application of closure clips 640 to close the entry point through the mucosal layer into the submucosal tunnel.

[0136] FIGS. 43A through 43G illustrate the closure of a submucosal tunnel using a suitable flexible endoscopic suture system. Embodiments of suitable flexible endoscopic suture systems are described and disclosed in commonly assigned and co-pending Ser. No. 12/485,576, filed on Jun. 16, 2009, entitled “Endoscopic Suturing System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. A flexible endoscopic suture system 700 as shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B includes a cap based suturing device which is coupled to the distal end of the endoscope 6. The system includes a detachable needle 744 attached to suture material 746. Actuation of controls on the proximal end of the suturing device operate detachable needle 744 allowing the needle 744 and suture 746 to pierce tissue. In one method of “pre-closure” the endoscopic suturing system 700 is positioned in a region of the digestive tract 220 adjacent a safety bleb 222 at a desired site for forming a submucosal tunnel. The endoscopic suture system is used to deliver and detach the needle 744 through the mucosal layer in two locations through safety bleb 222. The detached needle 744 acts as an anchor and cannot be pulled through the mucosal layer. FIGS. 43C through 43D shows a submucosal tunnel 230 formed using the balloon 124 and catheter 122 of submucosal tunneling instrument, using previously described techniques, adjacent to the deployed needle 744 and suture 746. FIGS. 43D and 43E show a repositioning of partially deflated balloon 124 by moving catheter 122 proximally so that balloon 124 is positioned within mucosal opening 228. To facilitate the introduction of an endoscope into the submucosal space through opening 228 the opening is dilated by re-inflating repositioned balloon 124 as shown in FIG. 43E. FIG. 43F shows the submucosal tunnel 230 after the submucosal tunneling instrument has been removed and a subsequent medical procedure has been performed. As shown in FIG. 43G, opening 228 can be closed by applying a cinch mechanism 750 to the suture material 746. While the aforementioned method describes placing a stitch at the outset of a submucosal medical procedure prior to forming a tunnel “pre-closure”, the endoscopic suture system can be used after creating a submucosal tunnel and performing a submucosal medical procedure to provide closure of the mucosal opening.

[0137] Novel instruments, systems and methods have been disclosed to perform submucosal medical procedures in the digestive tract of a mammal. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that various modifications including the substitution of elements or components which perform substantially the same function in the same way to achieve substantially the same result may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the claims which follow.