The present invention includes systems and methods for decreasing the pain and discomfort commonly associated with endoscopic procedures, where such procedures may be performed with lower dosage levels of
sedative and
analgesic drugs. The invention includes use of an
anesthetic collar coupled to an
endoscope with a flexible shaft. The
anesthetic collar allows lubricants, local anesthetics, dyes, and / or other desirable fluids to be passed through the existing lumen of the flexible shaft into an annulus, where the fluid may be distributed through expulsion pores into the
gastrointestinal tract. Utilizing the existing lumens found in endoscopes, the present invention allows those fluids that may reduce the pain and discomfort associated with endoscopies such as, for example, local anesthetics and lubricants, to be distributed in an even fashion throughout the
gastrointestinal tract or throughout the length and circumference of the
endoscope, where such fluids may reduce the
drug level requirements for
sedative and
analgesic agents. Alternatively, the
endoscope may be redesigned for streamlined integration with the
anesthetic collar or to accomplish the same function of distributing local anesthetics and lubricants, in an even fashion throughout the
gastrointestinal tract or throughout the length and circumference of the endoscope, The invention can also be used with endoscopes without existing lumens.