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

Abstract: The present invention is a method to register 3D image data with fluoroscopic images of the chest of a patient. The ribs and spine, which are visible in the fluoroscopic images, are analyzed and a rib signature or cost map is generated. The rib signature or cost map is matched to corresponding structures of the 3D image data of the patient. Registration is evaluated by computing a difference between the fluoroscopic image and a virtual fluoroscopic projected image of the 3D data. Related systems are also described.

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: A marker for use in the lung of patients for marking the position of a lesion in the lung, wherein the marker comprises a self-expandable structure capable of self-expanding when released from a constricting device so as to implement marking function. Because the marker for use in the lung of a patient employs the self-expandable structure, when the position of a lesion is detected during a lung examination, the marker can be delivered to the position of the lesion via a catheter or a delivering device and substantively pressed and fixed by the lung when expanded at the lesion positions; as such, the lesion position can be located quickly by a surgeon during a surgery, the surgery time is shortened, the area of resection is reduced, and the post-surgery quality of life is improved for a patient.

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

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

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: Devices and methods for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The methods and devices create channels in lung tissue and maintain the patency of these surgically created channels in tissue. Maintaining the patency of the channels allows air to pass directly out of the lung tissue which facilitates the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or decompresses hyper-inflated lungs.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for excising tissue are described therein. In certain variations, a method of excising a target tissue mass from a subject, may include advancing an elongate instrument having an opening at its distal end into a subject. A cutting element, e.g., a snare or loop, may be advanced from the distal end of the elongate instrument, wherein the cutting element may be configured to cut tissue. The cutting element may be positioned near the target tissue mass. The cutting element may be actuated, e.g., expanded or deployed, and may perform energy based or mechanical cutting of a section of tissue encapsulating the target tissue mass. The cut section of tissue and the target tissue mass encapsulated therein may be removed from the subject.

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: 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.