NAVIGABLE TISSUE TREATMENT TOOLS
Tools for accessing tissue are described for use with a locatable guide of a navigation system. In preferred embodiments, said tools are attachable to a distal tip of a locatable guide, such that the location of the tool, preferably in six degrees of freedom, is known while the tool is being used.
1 . An endoscopic tool attachable to a locatable guide, the tool comprising:
a distal tool portion
an attachment portion proximal of the tool portion;
wherein said attachment portion is configured to mate with a distal tip of a locatable guide.
2 . The endoscopic tool of claim 1 wherein said attachment portion comprises a skirt defining an opening into which a distal tip of a locatable guide may be inserted.
3 . The endoscopic tool of claim 2 wherein said skirt comprises an inner surface defining threads configured to mate with threads formed on a distal tip of a locatable guide.
4 . The endoscopic tool of claim 1 wherein said distal tool portion comprises a biopsy brush.
5 . The endoscopic tool of claim 1 wherein said distal tool portion comprises biopsy needle.
6 . The endoscopic tool of claim 5 wherein said biopsy needle comprises a pointed distal end and a scallop blade extending from a side surface of said needle, said scallop blade usable to excise tissue and direct excised tissue into a an opening that leads to an inner cavity of said biopsy needle.
7 . The endoscopic tool of claim 6 wherein said scallop blade extends in a proximal direction.
8 . The endoscopic tool of claim 6 wherein said scallop blade extends in a radial direction.
9 - 16 . (canceled)
17 . A probe deliverable through a working channel of a bronchoscope to biopsy tissue, said probe comprising:
a sheath defining a lumen;
a plurality of tines, at least some of which including barbs;
wherein said tines are advanceable out of a distal end of said sheath and configured such that, when advanced, said tines radiate outwardly to access tissue.
18 . The probe of claim 17 wherein said tines are further retractable back into said sheath.