COORDINATION OF SELF-OPTIMIZING MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS - A New Application for Multi-Agent Planning

This invention provides an improvement in a method of surgically treating an esophageal varix utilizing an endoscope wherein air under pressure is directed to expand a patient's esophagus and wherein the varix is located, punctured and injected with a sclerosing material. The subject improvement involves directing a dual-lumen balloon tube through the patient's esophagus, the dual-lumen balloon tube including a primary suction lumen and a secondary inflation lumen. After the vatix is located, punctured and injected with sclerosing material, the balloon tube is partially withdrawn to position the balloon adjacent the varix and fluid under pressure is directed through the secondary lumen to inflate the balloon to thereby compress the varix to assist in stemming the flow of blood therefrom. Suction is then applied to the primary lumen to relieve pressure in the patient's stomach. This invention also provides an improved dual-lumen suction tube wherein the tube has a first portion constructed of a flexible but relatively hard plastic, and a second portion defining a distal end tube tip which is constructed of a relatively softer plastic than the first portion, such tube tip being mounted on a distal end of the first portion.