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Method and apparatus for endoconduit targeting

  • US 5,636,644 A
  • Filed: 03/17/1995
  • Issued: 06/10/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for performing a surgical operation on a conduit within a human body, comprising the steps of:

  • inserting into the body conduit an elongate apparatus having a first axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the apparatus having at its distal end an element adapted to provide an indication of the location of the distal end of the device within the conduit;

    moving the apparatus axially through the conduit until the element is positioned relative to a predetermined location along the conduit;

    activating the element to produce a target positioned relative to the predetermined location along the conduit;

    detecting the activated element from a location exterior of the body to ascertain the predetermined location along the conduit;

    inserting percutaneously into the body a surgical instrument having a second axis extending to a distal tip;

    guiding the instrument along the second axis and toward the target; and

    operating the surgical instrument to perform the surgical operation on the conduit at the predetermined location.

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