Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall are provided herein.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for ablating tissue are described therein. In certain variations, a method for ablating tissue may include advancing one or more electrodes, e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode, to or near a target tissue in a subject. The electrodes may be energized such that the electrodes create a plasma arc. The plasma arc generates heat which desiccates or ablates the target tissue. An apparatus for ablating tissue may include an elongate instrument, e.g., a tube or rod. One or more electrodes, e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode, may be provided in the elongate instrument. The electrodes may be energized such that the electrodes create a plasma arc for generating heat to desiccate or ablate a target tissue.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: A method for assisting a physician track a surgical device in a body organ of a subject during a procedure includes fluoroscopic based registration, and tracking. An initial registration step includes receiving a 3D image data of a subject in a first body position, receiving a real time fluoroscopy image data, and estimating a deformation model or field to match points in the real time fluoro image with a corresponding point in the 3D model. A tracking step includes computing the 3D location of the surgical device based on a reference mark present on the surgical device, and displaying the surgical device and the 3D model of the body organ in a fused arrangement.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall are provided herein.

Abstract: A medical analysis method for estimating a motion vector field of the magnitude and direction of local motion of lung tissue of a subject is described. In one embodiment a first 3D image data set of the lung and a second 3D image data set is obtained. The first and second 3D image data sets correspond to images obtained during inspiration and expiration respectively. A rigid registration is performed to align the 3D image data sets with one another. A deformable registration is performed to match the 3D image data sets with one another. A motion vector field of the magnitude and direction of local motion of lung tissue is estimated based on the deforming step. The motion vector field may be computed prior to treatment to assist with planning a treatment as well as subsequent to a treatment to gauge efficacy of a treatment. Results may be displayed to highlight.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall. A passageway is created extending from the airway to the target tissue. The passageway provides local access to the target tissue for treatment instruments and for delivering agents.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering substances to lung tissue through an extra-anatomic passage created in an airway.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall are provided herein.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating calibration parameters of a medical fluoroscope and more particularly a method and system which automatically determines intrinsic and distortion correction parameters of a fluoroscopy device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering substances to lung tissue through an extra-anatomic passage created in an airway.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating tissue through an opening or port through an airway wall are provided herein.

Abstract: A method and system for use with an endoscopic instrument determines anatomical properties of body lumen at various states. Lumen properties such as lumen diameter are identified in two or more states corresponding to, for example, an inflated or deflated state. The lumen states are registered with one another and the anatomical properties are identified in real time at the location of an endoscope or endoscopic instrument used with the endoscope. In one embodiment a diametrical range of an airway is identified in real time at the location of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for site selection and placement of extra-anatomic passages altering gaseous flow in a diseased lung.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering substances to lung tissue through an extra-anatomic passage created in an airway.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of a needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: This is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual and particularly, this is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It generally includes fluidly connecting the lung to an extrapleural airway such as the trachea. In one variation, a conduit is deployed to place the lung and the trachea in fluid communication which allows trapped oxygen-reduced air to pass directly out of the lung and into the trachea. Removing nonfunctional air from the lung tends to improve the gaseous exchange of oxygen into the blood and decompress hyper-inflated lungs. Sealant and biocompatible adhesives may be provided on the exterior of the conduit to prevent side flow, leaks and to otherwise prevent air from entering spaces not intended to receive air such as the pleura space.