Integrated Multi-Functional Endoscopic Tool

• US 20120226100A1
• Filed: 05/17/2012
• Published: 09/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Greenburg, Benny, Zur, Oded, Meloul, Raphael
• Granted Patent: US 10,070,801 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00091 Nozzles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00096 Optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0125 Endoscope within endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/126 provided with means for cleaning in-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/2676 Bronchoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/06 Devices, other than using radiation, for detecting or locating foreign bodies for removing same A61B17/50 ; determining position of probes within or on the body of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/065 Determining position of the probe employing exclusively positioning means located on or in the probe, e.g. using position sensors arranged on the probe

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.

Claims

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 probe having a navigation system and a tool lumen;

navigating said probe to said target tissue;

extending through said tool lumen, a tool usable to treat said target tissue.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein extending through a working channel of said bronchoscope, a probe having a navigation system and a tool lumen comprises extending through said working channel of said bronchoscope, a probe having an optical navigation system.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein extending through a working channel of said bronchoscope, a probe having a navigation system and a tool lumen comprises extending through said working channel of said bronchoscope, a probe having an electromagnetic navigation system.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein extending through a working channel of said bronchoscope, a probe having a navigation system and a tool lumen comprises extending through said working channel of said bronchoscope, a probe having an optical navigation system and an electromagnetic system.