Self-propelled, intraluminal device with working channel and method of use

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In one embodiment, the present invention provides a medical device which can be used for medical diagnosis and/or treatment of a body lumen, such as the GI tract.
The medical device comprises a self propelled movable device capable of travel through a patient's body lumen, and a working channel associated with the movable device for providing access to at least a portion of the lumen through the movable device from a point outside the patients body.
A vacuum source can be operatively associated with the movable device for communicating vacuum to the body lumen.
The medical device can be self propelled by stimulation of tissue within the lumen, such as with an electrode for providing electrical stimulation and contraction of muscle tissue.
A portion of the working channel can be disposed in an umbilicus, and a portion of the working channel can be disposed in the movable device, which can be a capsule.
The capsule can include one or more openings in its exterior surface, the openings being in communication with, or forming part of, the working channel.
The present invention also provides a method of accessing tissue in a body lumen.
The method comprises the steps of providing a self propelled device, positioning the self propelled device in the body lumen, and directing a medical instrument from a point outside the body to access tissue in the lumen through the self propelled device.
The method can include the step of drawing tissue into a portion of the self propelled device.
In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of surgically removing a portion of the patient's body through the self propelled device, then through the umbilicus to a point external of the patient.