Locatable Expandable Working Channel And Method
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorPaige B. Hastings
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and device is provided for accessing a target location within a branched network. The device may be passed through the working channel of a standard endoscope and includes a three-dimensional location sensor at its distal tip and an expandable extended working channel. The device has a very thin body proximal of the distal sensor such that, once the sensor is extended outside of the working channel of the endoscope, nearly all of the working channel may be used to pass tools through the extended working channel of the device.
Claims21
1-18. (canceled)
A device configured for insertion through a working channel of an endoscope, the device comprising:
- a location mechanism configured to generate location information pertaining to a location of the device, the location mechanism including a three dimensional (3D) tracking sensor disposed at a distal portion of the device and configured to provide tracking data in six degrees of freedom, the 3D tracking sensor connected to wires extending from the 3D tracking sensor to a proximal end of the device, the wires configured to transmit a signal generated by the 3D tracking sensor and to deflect the distal portion of the device when at least one of the wires is actuated;
- and
- a flexible sheath defining a channel therein for receiving a tool, wherein at least one of the 3D tracking sensor or the wires are within a wall of the flexible sheath.
A device configured for insertion through a working channel of an endoscope, the device comprising:
- a flexible sheath defining a channel therein for receiving a tool therethrough;
- and
- a three dimensional (3D) tracking sensor operably coupled to the flexible sheath and configured to provide tracking data in six degrees of freedom, the 3D tracking sensor connected to wires extending through the flexible sheath and extending from the 3D tracking sensor to a proximal end of the device, the 3D tracking sensor configured to transmit a signal from the 3D tracking sensor and to deflect a distal end of the device when at least one of the wires is actuated.
A method of accessing a target location within a patient, comprising:
- advancing an extended working channel through a luminal network of the patient, the extended working channel including a flexible sheath defining a channel and a three dimensional (3D) tracking sensor operably coupled to the extended working channel and configured to provide tracking data in six degrees of freedom, the 3D tracking sensor connected to wires configured to transmit a signal from the 3D tracking sensor and extending from the 3D tracking sensor to a proximal end of the extended working channel, the wires configured to transmit a signal from the 3D tracking sensor;
- deflecting a distal end of the extended working channel by actuating at least one of the wires;
- and
- passing a tool through the channel to the target location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.