Endoscope structures and techniques for navigating to a target in branched structure
US7233820B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2034/2051
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods employing a small guage steerable catheter (30) including a locatable guide (32) with a sheath (40), particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope (14). A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter (30) is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip (34) of the guide (32) in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide (32) is withdrawn, leaving the sheath (40) secured in place. The sheath (40) is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.