Abstract: A viewing and treatment apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgery through an opening in a patient's chest, the apparatus includes a visualization scope with an elongated portion and a distal end, and a working device such as a tissue ablation energy delivery device. The working device is encompassed within a working channel that communicates with the distal end of the scope. In one embodiment, a bronchoscope is used whose catheter shafting includes an introducer sleeve at the distal section of the scope for providing stability during introduction to a patient's chest while stabilizing the treatment and visualization distal ends of the scope at a treatment site. This embodiment can include a needle piercing assembly that cooperatively works with the working device such as for drug delivery.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 6, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 10, 2001
Assignee:
Eclipse Surgical Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Steven A. Daniel, Stuart D. Harman, Timothy C. Reynolds