Real-Time Sampling Device

Abstract

An elongated access device used in a medical system. The elongated access device slidably receives a medical tool and an ultrasound probe. The elongated access device includes a sheath and an intraluminal tip attached to the distal end of the sheath. The intraluminal tip includes ramp and nose donuts being spaced apart from one another and configured to be attached to one or more elongated sleeves. One or more orientation pins are engaged with the respective ramp and nose donuts and may be anchored within the sheath. The medical tool is engaged with a ramp formed in the ramp donut or a ramp received within the ramp donut. The ultrasound probe is configured to engage with the intraluminal tip so as to ensure that the medical tool directionality is oriented toward a target during a procedure.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 870,545 filed on Jul. 3, 2019, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002]The medical devices that are currently available for the ultrasound visualization and sampling of peripheral lung tumors are limited in their range of motion and diagnostic capabilities. Typically, during peripheral sampling a guide sheath is fed through a bronchoscope and extended so far beyond the reach of the bronchoscope that the distal end of the guide sheath is not visible. A radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) miniprobe is passed through the guide sheath and is used to determine the approximate location of the tumor.[0003]Unfortunately, a peripheral tumor that is located off to one side of an airway, as opposed to one that is centered around an airway, has a substantially lower diagnostic yield in part due to the limitations of current radial EB...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The technology is about a thin and flexible device that allows medical professionals to watch what they are doing when taking samples or delivering drugs to a patient's tissue. This device is designed to be used alongside an endoscope, which is a tool used to transport it to the patient's body. The device helps to overcome the limitations of endoscopes by providing a wider view of the procedure.

Problems solved by technology

The medical devices that are currently available for the ultrasound visualization and sampling of peripheral lung tumors are limited in their range of motion and diagnostic capabilities.

Unfortunately, a peripheral tumor that is located off to one side of an airway, as opposed to one that is centered around an airway, has a substantially lower diagnostic yield in part due to the limitations of current radial EBUS technology, which allows the operator to discern the depth from the probe, but not the direction of the tumor or lesion.

The radial ultrasound image is a 360° image that allows the user to see a lesion, however, the user cannot tell if the needle is pointing towards the lesion.

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