PRESSURE-PROPELLED SYSTEM FOR BODY LUMEN

摘要

Apparatus is provided for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source, the apparatus including an elongate carrier, adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen, and a piston head coupled to a distal portion of the carrier. The piston head is adapted to form a pressure seal with a wall of the lumen after the carrier has been inserted into the lumen, and to be advanced distally through the body lumen in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source. The apparatus is configured to facilitate distal advancement of the piston head by facilitating passage of fluid out of the lumen from a site within the lumen distal to the piston hea d. The apparatus additionally includes an optical system, coupled to the carrie r in a vicinity of the distal portion, the optical system having distal and proximal ends.