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Endoscopes designed to access, examine, diagnose, and/or treat the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract that include an extension tube with a balloon attached at its distal tip (known as single-balloon GI endoscopes). These devices typically consist of an endoscope with a video system including a CCD camera and a working channel appropriate for instrument insertion; the endoscope also includes a smaller diameter disposable sliding plastic (e.g., silicon) tube with a balloon attached at its distal tip that permits deep insertion of the endoscope to reach remote regions (deep in the jejunum) of the small intestine (i.e., to work as an enteroscope). The balloon at the tip of the tube guides and stabilizes the endoscope; it is inflated through a special tube that runs along the endoscope to facilitate full positioning of the endoscope and insertion of the endoscope tip in the area of small intestine targeted for diagnosis or treatment. Single-balloon upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract endoscopes may be used for visual examination, biopsy, retrieval of foreign objects, and treatment of lesions in the entire upper tract (i.e., esophagus, stomach, and small intestine), but they are mainly intended for diagnosis and treatment of areas of the small intestine that are difficult to reach using conventional GI tract endoscopes. Performance of retrograde procedures reaching the ileum through the anus and colon are also possible with the endoscope.
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