Methods and systems for restoring patency

A method for maintaining the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) introducing a first device into the duct, the first device comprising a catheter having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal end includes a distal tip portion and wherein the distal tip portion comprises at least one energy delivery member;
• (b) locating the first device within the duct at a position proximal to an obstruction;
• (c) delivering energy to the duct and any surrounding tissue via the at least one energy delivery member for a specified time period, so that the obstruction is removed from the duct, and then withdrawing the first device from the duct;
• and
• (d) introducing a second device into the duct and locating the second device at the position proximal to the obstruction, wherein the second device is configured to apply a dilation force to the duct so as to maintain patency.

A system for restoring at least partial patency of a duct that has been subject to an occlusion, by increasing the luminal diameter of the duct, in a patient in need thereof, the system comprising:

• (i) a first device that comprises an endoscope, the endoscope comprising at least one central lumen extending along its length;
• (ii) a second device that comprises a catheter, the catheter having a distal terminus and a region proximal to the distal terminus defining a distal tip region, the distal tip region comprising at least one RF electrode;
• and
• (iii) a third device that comprises a stent delivery catheter and a stent that is to be delivered by the stent delivery catheter;
• wherein the central lumen of the first device is configured so as to be of a diameter that is able to accommodate the second and third devices consecutively.

A system for restoring at least partial patency of a duct that has been subject to an occlusion, by increasing the luminal diameter of the duct, in a patient in need thereof, the system comprising:

• (i) a first device that comprises an endoscope, the endoscope comprising at least one central lumen extending along its length;
• (ii) a second device that comprises a catheter, the catheter having a distal terminus and a region proximal to the distal terminus defining a distal tip region, the distal tip region comprising at least one RF electrode;
• and
• (iii) a third device that comprises a balloon dilation catheter;
• wherein the central lumen of the first device is configured so as to be of a diameter that is able to accommodate the second and third devices consecutively.