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Method and apparatus for electrosurgically obtaining access to the biliary tree and placing a stent therein

  • US 5,536,248 A
  • Filed: 11/01/1994
  • Issued: 07/16/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/11/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of electrosurgically obtaining access to a duct of a patient using a catheter having at least a first lumen and a second lumen defined therethrough, each lumen terminating in an opening defined at a distal end of said catheter, said first lumen of said catheter having an elongated sheath threaded therethrough, said sheath having a needle-knife disposed therein, said needle-knife being connected to a deployment means at a proximal end of said sheath for extending and retracting said needle-knife between a deployed position and a sheathed position relative to a distal end of said sheath, said needle-knife electrically communicating with a power source, said method comprising:

  • inserting said catheter containing said needle-knife and said sheath through an endoscope and into a position proximal to an entrance to a duct of the patient;

    deploying said needle-knife from said sheathed position relative to said distal end of said sheath;

    manipulating said needle-knife and applying current thereto to incise tissue proximal to said entrance to said duct;

    withdrawing said needle-knife into said sheathed position relative to said distal end of said sheath while said sheath remains in said first lumen of said catheter;

    advancing said catheter into said duct to a desired location within said duct while said sheath remains in said first lumen of said catheter; and

    infusing a contrast medium through said second lumen of said catheter to visualize said duct while said sheath and said needle-knife remain in said first lumen of said catheter.

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