Locatable Expandable Working Channel And Method
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.
1 - 18 . (canceled)
19 . 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.
20 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the 3D tracking sensor and the wires are encased within a wall of the flexible sheath.
21 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the flexible sheath is radially deformable from an unexpanded configuration to a radially expanded configuration, such that when a tool is inserted through the channel, the flexible sheath transitions from the unexpanded configuration to the radially expanded configuration as the tool traverses the channel.
22 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the flexible sheath comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester, pylon and silicone.
23 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the wires have a curved configuration.
24 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the flexible sheath has a curved configuration.
25 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the device has a curved configuration.
26 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the wires are configured to move relative to each other to deflect the distal portion of the device.
27 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the channel is configured to receive a biopsy tool therethrough.
28 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the 3D tracking sensor is disposed at a distal tip of the device.
29 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the 3D tracking sensor provides tracking data pertaining to a location of the distal portion of the device within an airway of a patient.
30 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the flexible sheath transitions from a radially expanded configuration to an unexpanded configuration as the tool traverses the channel during removal of the tool from the channel.
31 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the 3D tracking sensor is configured to assist in navigation of the distal portion of the device to a target location within an airway of a patient.
32 . 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.
33 . The device of claim 32 , wherein the flexible sheath is radially deformable from an unexpanded configuration to a radially expanded configuration, such that when a tool is inserted through the channel, the flexible sheath transitions from the unexpanded configuration to the radially expanded configuration as the tool traverses the channel.
34 . The device of claim 32 , wherein the flexible sheath comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: polyamide, polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester, pylon and silicone.
35 . 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.
36 . The method of claim 35 , wherein passing the tool through the channel includes transitioning the extended working channel from an unexpanded configuration to a radially expanded configuration.
37 . The method of claim 35 , further comprising actuating the wires to position a distal portion of the extended working channel adjacent the target location.
38 . The method of claim 35 , further comprising anchoring a distal end of the extended working channel proximate said target location prior to passing a tool through the channel.