Integrated multi-functional endoscopic tool
First Claim
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1. A method of treating target tissue in a distal portion of the lungs comprising:
- using a bronchoscope to visually navigate through proximal airways in a distal direction toward said target tissue until said airways become too narrow for said bronchoscope;
extending through a working channel of said bronchoscope, a catheter having a navigation system, an optic system, and a tool lumen, wherein both the optic system and the navigation system are permanently disposed in the catheter;
navigating said catheter to said target tissue; and
extending through said tool lumen, a tool usable to treat said target tissue.
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Abstract
A system for extending the visual capabilities and working channel of a bronchoscope including a probe having optic and/or tracking capabilities at a distal tip thereof and capable of being advanced through the working channel of a standard bronchoscope. The probe also includes a working channel through which various diagnostic and treatment tools may be advanced.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of treating target tissue in a distal portion of the lungs comprising:
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using a bronchoscope to visually navigate through proximal airways in a distal direction toward said target tissue until said airways become too narrow for said bronchoscope; extending through a working channel of said bronchoscope, a catheter having a navigation system, an optic system, and a tool lumen, wherein both the optic system and the navigation system are permanently disposed in the catheter; navigating said catheter to said target tissue; and extending through said tool lumen, a tool usable to treat said target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of treating target tissue in a distal portion of the lungs comprising:
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using a bronchoscope to visually navigate through proximal airways in a distal direction toward said target tissue until said airways become too narrow for said bronchoscope; extending through a working channel of said bronchoscope, a catheter having a navigation system, an optic system, and a tool lumen, wherein both the optic system and the navigation system are permanently disposed in the catheter, the navigation system including sensor elements having an arcuate shape, the sensor elements configured to conform to a cylindrical surface of the catheter such that the sensor elements circumscribe the tool lumen; navigating said catheter to said target tissue; extending through said tool lumen, a tool usable to treat said target tissue.
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Specification