Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus, a system and a method for shunting current between first and second electrodes to temporarily reduce current applied through first and second electrodes. In a nonlimiting embodiment, an illustrative apparatus includes first and second electrode couplings configured to electrically engage proximal ends of the first and second electrodes, respectively, the first and second electrodes each having a distal end configured to conduct electrical current generated by a switchable current source therebetween and through an electrically conductive target. A current inrush regulator is configured to temporarily shunt at least a portion of the electrical current generated by the switchable current source to temporarily reduce the electrical current passing between the distal ends of the first and second electrodes through the electrically conductive target.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway wall and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of a simulated valve device can be used to determine whether a valve device would fit within a particular airway. The simulated valve device can include a shaft having at least one strut extending radially therefrom. The strut and at least part of the shaft can be surrounded by a membrane for viewing through a bronchoscope. In some embodiments, the membrane can include markings for viewing by a user.

Abstract: A medical device system for the delivery of energy to a region of a patient's anatomy is provided. An introducer tube defines a lumen therein and bears a first electrode. A second electrode is movable within the lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the second electrode is substantially disposed within the lumen. In the extended position, the second electrode extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the introducer tube. In one form, the introducer tube is configured to substantially hold the second electrode within the lumen in a predetermined orientation in the extended position, and the introducer tube prevents the second electrode from substantially rotating within the lumen of the introducer tube during movement into the extended position. In one form, the introducer tube is more flexible in a first plane than in a second plane.

Abstract: A device for providing a fiducial marker(s) within or near a target tissue (e.g. nodule, tumor or other) within a patient. The present teachings provide a system that includes a handle device, a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the catheter is coupled to the handle device, and a monolithic material slidably received within the catheter. The monolithic material includes a stylet comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a fiducial marker having a proximal end and a distal end, and a failure section that mechanically couples the distal end of the stylet to the proximal end of the fiducial marker. The fiducial marker is configured to transition from having a first shape state inside the catheter to having a second shape state upon expulsion from the distal end of the catheter. The failure section is configured to mechanically fail in response to experiencing a heat value greater than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway wall and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.

Abstract: A device for providing a fiducial marker(s) within or near a target tissue (e.g. nodule, tumor or other) within a patient. The present teachings provide a device with a handle device, a catheter with a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the handle device, a needle slidably received within the catheter, and a stylet slidably received within the needle. The stylet includes a fiducial marker at a distal end of the stylet. The fiducial marker transitions from a first shape state to a second shape state upon expulsion from the distal end of the needle. The distal end of the stylet is mechanically disconnected from the proximal end of the fiducial marker during a fiducial marker delivery state.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the introduction of a flexible wire into a device having a comparable sized lumen. An exemplary apparatus includes a first portion having a distal end, a proximal end, a slot and a lumen exposed at the distal end, the proximal end and the slot, and a second portion having a distal end, a proximal end, a slot and a lumen exposed at the distal end, the proximal end and the slot of the second portion. The second portion is slidably and rotatably received with the lumen of the first portion. A gripping device is attached at the proximal end of the second portion. The gripping device causes at least a portion of the proximal end of the second portion to have a reduced inner diameter when a gripping force is applied to the gripping device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a needle with an interior surface defining a lumen and a first electrode positioned within the lumen of the needle in a first position. The first electrode is movable within the needle between the first position and a plurality of other positions. The first electrode extends beyond a distal end of the needle in the plurality of other positions and includes one or more anchors that pierce into a predetermined portion of tissue in an anatomy of a patient. The first electrode is energized to ablate the predetermined portion of tissue with the first electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for coupling devices. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a locking body defining an opening with a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width smaller than the first width. The locking body is slidably mountable on a first device with a first coupling to receive a second coupling having a flange with a width that is smaller than the first width and larger than the second width. A slidable mounting mechanism slidably secures the locking body on the first device. The locking body slides between an open position, in which the first section is positionable to enable the first coupling to receive the second coupling, and a closed position in which an edge of the locking body around the second section abuts the flange to prevent withdrawal of the second coupling.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a primary electrode defining a lumen, an elongated secondary electrode slidably receivable within the lumen, and a sheath configured to slidably receive the electrodes and to convey the electrodes toward a target region. A housing is coupled with the sheath and movably mounted to motivate the sheath relative to the target region. A primary actuator is coupled with the primary electrode and slidably coupled with the housing to motivate the primary electrode relative to the sheath. A secondary actuator is coupled with the secondary electrode and movably coupled with the primary actuator to be slidable with the electrodes in concert. The secondary actuator is rotatable independently of the primary actuator to travel along a helical path to motivate the secondary electrode to move relative to the target region independently of the primary electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

Abstract: A device for providing a magnetic force to a sampling needle. The device may include with a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle slidably received within the distal end of the sheath and an actuator component located at least partially within the distal end of the sheath, the actuator component configured to apply a magnetic force to the needle. The actuator component may include a coil located within the distal end of the sheath and a current source in electrical communication with the coil. The current source may include one or more capacitors, a DC power source, a first switch configured to cause the DC power source to charge the capacitors upon activation and a second switch configured to cause the capacitors to discharge to the coil upon activation.

Abstract: A medical device system for the delivery of energy to a region of a patient's anatomy is provided. An introducer tube defines a lumen therein and bears a first electrode. A second electrode is movable within the lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the second electrode is substantially disposed within the lumen. In the extended position, the second electrode extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the introducer tube. In one form, the introducer tube is configured to substantially hold the second electrode within the lumen in a predetermined orientation in the extended position, and the introducer tube prevents the second electrode from substantially rotating within the lumen of the introducer tube during movement into the extended position. In one form, the introducer tube is more flexible in a first plane than in a second plane.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an aspiration needle and a protective needle cap. The cap protects a scope from damage due to needle insertion. The cap is placed over the end of a needle before insertion into an endoscope (e.g., bronchoscope) before use in a patient. The cap includes a first section having a first cross-sectional dimension based on an outside diameter value of a distal end of a medical device used in an endoscope and a second section having a second cross-sectional value that is smaller than the first cross-sectional value. A connection force exists between the first section and the distal end of the medical device, the connection force being greater than a frictional force between the device and an interior wall of an endoscope as the medical device is moved within the endoscope.

Abstract: An exemplary pumping-syringe device for allowing an operator to control a vacuum in a medical device and to expel samples without disconnecting the pumping-syringe device from the medical device. The pumping-syringe device includes a syringe section, a valve section that sealably connects to the syringe and a fitting section connected to the syringe section and the valve section and detachably connects to the medical device. The valve section includes two modes of operation. A first mode of operation allows fluid flow in a first direction between the syringe section and an external environment and a second mode of operation allows fluid flow in a second direction between the syringe section and the external environment.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway wall and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, methods, and systems for the treatment of tissue using energy delivery. Specifically, certain embodiments may be used for the treatment of lung tissue, such as lung nodules, using RF ablation, via a catheter provided with a first electrode attached to a distal end of the catheter, wherein the first electrode is hollow, wherein the first electrode comprises a piercing tip configured to pierce through an airway wall and a second electrode received in a movable manner within the first electrode, wherein the second electrode is extendable from the first electrode to form a first extended configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.