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Endoscope structures and techniques for navigating to a target in branched structure

  • US 8,696,548 B2
  • Filed: 06/09/2011
  • Issued: 04/15/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of guiding a medical tool through a branched structure to a target location, the method comprising:

  • (a) inserting a locatable guide surrounded by a sheath through a working channel of a bronchoscope;

    (b) navigating the locatable guide and the sheath to a target location, the locatable guide selectively locked relative to the sheath by a locking mechanism;

    (c) locking the sheath relative to the target location;

    (d) unlocking the locatable guide relative to the sheath;

    (e) removing the locatable guide from the sheath, leaving an open lumen through the sheath; and

    (f) inserting a tool through the lumen to the target location.

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