Abstract: A medical appliance for use in medical procedures to controllably advance a medical device through a sheath. The medical appliance features pneumatic action and connecting structures adapted to couple the appliance to a variety of types of catheters, tools, and instruments.

Abstract: An electrosurgical access catheter for assisting a physician perform an ancillary surgical procedure on a region of interest (ROI) in a patient has a tubular shaped elongate shaft and a ring-shaped active electrode located at the distal end. A passageway extends from the proximal section to the distal end of the shaft, and through the ring-shaped active electrode. The proximal section of the elongate shaft is detachably coupled to an electrosurgical controller such that the ring-shaped active electrode is operable with the electrosurgical controller and a dispersive electrode to electrosurgically make a circular-shaped incision through a tissue wall, carving a cylindrical-shaped tissue plug as the ring-shaped active electrode is advanced through the wall. The access sheath is advanced through the surgically created opening and without further dilation of the opening. The invention has particular applicability to the lung, and minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedures. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A treatment of obstructive lung disease includes aiming a condensable vapor towards the airway wall, causing a band-shaped lesion to grow to a depth into the airway wall. Ablation parameters are set to control the depth of the band-shaped lesion to encompass the epithelial layer and exclude the smooth muscle layer of the airway. A wide variety of configurations of the vapor delivery are described to create ablation patterns in the airways of the patient with particular emphasis on treating chronic bronchitis.

Abstract: A treatment of obstructive lung disease includes aiming a condensable vapor towards the airway wall, causing a band-shaped lesion to grow to a depth into the airway wall. Ablation parameters are set to control the depth of the band-shaped lesion to encompass the epithelial layer and exclude the smooth muscle layer of the airway. A wide variety of configurations of the vapor delivery are described to create ablation patterns in the airways of the patient with particular emphasis on treating chronic bronchitis.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting a physician compute the 3D location of the tip of a surgical device inserted into a patient is described. A trained model computes the 3D location of the hidden portion of the surgical device based on live image data of the operative field. A display shows the tip of the surgical device and a 3D model of the body organ in a fused arrangement.

Abstract: A lung denervation method comprises advancing a catheter along the airway; deploying an open loop in contact with the epithelium; simultaneously delivering radio frequency energy from a plurality of discrete spaced-apart locations along the loop to target regions according to a set of ablation parameters sufficient to heat and interrupt nerve functionality; and forming a liquid film between the loop and the epithelium for minimizing collateral damage. The method serves to destroy motor axons of the peripheral bronchial nerve, blocks parasympathetic transmission in the pulmonary and reduces acetylcholine release, reducing airway smooth muscle tension and mucus production. Related systems are described.

Abstract: A lung tumor ablation method includes deploying a plurality of sensors in the tumor margin and monitoring ablation progress based on information from the sensors. An ablation electrode is inserted into a central region of the tumor and the site is irrigated. Power and irrigation flowrate are controlled to optimize ablation based on information from the sensors. Related apparatus and systems are described.

Abstract: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

Abstract: A medical appliance for use in medical procedures to controllably advance a medical device through a sheath. The medical appliance features pneumatic action and connecting structures adapted to couple the appliance to a variety of types of catheters, tools, and instruments.

Abstract: An electrosurgical access catheter for assisting a physician perform an ancillary surgical procedure on a region of interest (ROI) in a patient has a tubular shaped elongate shaft and a ring-shaped active electrode located at the distal end. A passageway extends from the proximal section to the distal end of the shaft, and through the ring-shaped active electrode. The proximal section of the elongate shaft is detachably coupled to an electrosurgical controller such that the ring-shaped active electrode is operable with the electrosurgical controller and a dispersive electrode to electrosurgically make a circular-shaped incision through a tissue wall, carving a cylindrical-shaped tissue plug as the ring-shaped active electrode is advanced through the wall. The access sheath is advanced through the surgically created opening and without further dilation of the opening. The invention has particular applicability to the lung, and minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedures. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A medical appliance for use in medical procedures to controllably advance a medical device through a sheath. The medical appliance features pneumatic action and connecting structures adapted to couple the appliance to a variety of types of catheters, tools, and instruments.

Abstract: A treatment of obstructive lung disease includes aiming a condensable vapor towards the airway wall, causing a band-shaped lesion to grow to a depth into the airway wall. Ablation parameters are set to control the depth of the band-shaped lesion to encompass the epithelial layer and exclude the smooth muscle layer of the airway. A wide variety of configurations of the vapor delivery are described to create ablation patterns in the airways of the patient with particular emphasis on treating chronic bronchitis.

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 are provided herein.

Abstract: A novel microwave ablation applicator includes a flexible tubular shaft and a partially encapsulated antenna. The applicator is adapted to be used with an endoscope in order to access remote targets deep within an organ of a patient. Microwave power is emitted from the antenna in a desired radiation pattern by circulating an attenuating liquid through the shaft and across a portion of the antenna. Microwave ablation systems and methods are 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: 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: 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 appliance for use in medical procedures to controllably advance a medical device through a sheath. The medical appliance features pneumatic action and connecting structures adapted to couple the appliance to a variety of types of catheters, tools, and instruments.

Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosure includes a method for treating a lung. The method may include inserting a cooling element into an airway of the lung; and damaging tissue disposed radially outward of surface tissue defining the airway via the cooling element.