Apparatus, system and method for delivering a device through a narrow passage in the body

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Device, system and method for delivering instruments through narrow passages in the body". The embodiments disclosed in the present invention include devices, systems and methods for delivering instruments through narrow passages in the body. In an exemplary embodiment, an insertion tube defines a lumen therein and is configured to slide through an orifice and enter the passage and reach a target tissue. A first probe is connectable to a power source, is slidably received through one of the lumens, and has a distal end that can be inserted into the target tissue. An imaging probe is connectable to an imaging device configured to acquire imaging data at a distal end, is slidable through one of the lumens that does not receive the first probe, and is positioned to acquire imaging data at the distal end of the insertion tube. A second probe is connectable to a power source, is slidably received through one of the lumens that does not receive the first probe, and has a distal end that can be inserted into the target tissue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to delivering devices through narrow passages within the body. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Inserting and manipulating tiny components within living organisms or other objects enables ever-increasing analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of these organisms or objects using minimally invasive techniques. By way of two examples, endoscopic imaging and catheterization therapy enable the evaluation and treatment of many internal lesions without invasive surgery.

[0004] Electrosurgery also provides minimally invasive treatments by selectively applying an electrical current to selected tissue. Electrosurgery involves inserting one or more electrodes through an orifice or small incision and then extending the one or more electrodes to a desired location within the patient's body. Radiofrequency ("RF") current is then applied to the electrodes to coagulate, ablate, or otherwise treat the tissue at that location. Monopolar electrosurgical instruments involve inserting one electrode that electrically interacts with a second electrode electrically connected to the patient's body. Bipolar electrosurgical instruments involve deploying two electrodes at the location within the patient's body where treatment is to be administered.

[0005] Positioning one or two electrodes at the desired location in the patient's body is an important part of electrosurgery. Electrosurgical devices, such as endoscopic or bronchoscopic devices, can be used to deliver the electrodes to the target area in the body. However, some body passages may be too narrow to allow insertion of some electrosurgical devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The disclosed embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods for delivering devices through narrow passages within the body.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes an insertion tube defining a lumen therein, the insertion tube being configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passage to reach a target tissue. A first electrically conductive elongated probe is electrically connectable to a first pole of a power source. The first probe is slidably received by one of a plurality of lumens and has a distal end capable of being inserted into the target tissue. An elongated imaging probe is electrically connectable to an imaging device configured to acquire imaging data at a distal end. The imaging probe is further configured to slide through one of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the first probe and is positionable to acquire imaging data at the distal end of the insertion tube. A second electrically conductive elongated probe is electrically connectable to a second pole of a power source. The second probe is slidably received by one of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the first probe and has a distal end capable of being inserted into the target tissue.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a system includes a power supply having a pole to which current is selectively applied. An imaging device is configured to receive output from an imaging sensor and display imaging data acquired by the imaging sensor. An insertion tube defines a lumen therein. The insertion tube is configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passage to reach a target tissue. A first electrically conductive elongated probe is electrically connectable to a first pole of the power supply. The first probe is slidably received by one of a plurality of lumens and has a distal end that is insertable into the target tissue. The elongated imaging probe is electrically connectable to the imaging device, which is configured to acquire imaging data at its distal end. The imaging probe is further configured to slide through a lumen of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the first probe and to be positioned to acquire imaging data at the distal end of the insertion tube. A second electrically conductive elongated probe is electrically connectable to a second pole of the power supply. The second probe is slidably received by one of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the first probe and has a distal end that is insertable into the target tissue.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a method includes inserting an insertion tube into a body orifice and passing it through a body passage to a target tissue. The insertion tube defines a lumen therein that is configured to simultaneously receive at least two of a first conductive elongated probe, a second conductive elongated probe, and an elongated imaging probe. The distal end of the insertion tube is positioned near the target tissue, and the imaging probe slides through one of the plurality of lumens. Imaging data is collected with the imaging probe to verify the position of the distal end of the insertion tube near the target tissue. The first probe slides through one of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the imaging probe to insert the distal end of the first probe into the target tissue. Imaging data is collected with the imaging probe to verify the insertion of the first imaging probe into the target tissue. The second probe slides into one of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the first probe to insert the distal end of the second probe into the target tissue. The proximal ends of the first and second probes are electrically connected to a power source so that current is applied to the target tissue between the distal ends of the first and second probes.

[0010] Other features, advantages, and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a partial schematic block diagram of an exemplary system for processing tissue;

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a device inserted into a peripheral bronchial passage of a lung;

[0014] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a distal portion of an insertion tube;

[0015] Figure 4-Figure 6 for Figure 3 a partial cutaway perspective view of a distal portion of an insertion tube;

[0016] Figure 7-Figure 15 for Figure 3 - a partially cutaway perspective view of a distal portion of the insertion tube; and

[0017] Figure 16 A flow chart of an illustrative method for positioning an insertion tube and an elongate instrument received therethrough. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be noted that the first digit of a three-digit reference numeral and the first two digits of a four-digit reference numeral correspond to the first digit of a one-digit reference numeral and the first two digits of a two-digit reference numeral, respectively, where the element first appears.

[0019] The following description explains, by way of illustration only and not limitation, various embodiments of an insertion tube defining a lumen therein for delivering a conductive probe, an imaging probe, and other elongated instruments to a target tissue in the body. As will be described in detail below, when used in electrosurgery, the insertion tube can be used to position a first conductive probe and a second conductive probe in or near a target tissue to which electrical therapy (e.g., ablation therapy) is to be applied. For specific examples, the devices, systems, and methods of using the same can be used to ablate and / or coagulate tissue, remove lesions, and perform other medical procedures within the lungs.

[0020] It should be understood that various embodiments of the insertion tube and elongated instrument delivered through the insertion tube described herein can help simplify the process of positioning the conductive probe. As will be described below, various embodiments can be used to achieve positioning of the conductive probe and / or verify positioning of the conductive probe, as well as potentially maintain the conductive probe and / or insertion tube in place.

[0021] See also Figure 1 , an exemplary system 100 for treating tissue (not shown) in a target area of ​​a patient is provided. As desired, the system 100 can be a bipolar or monopolar radiofrequency (RF) system for treating tissue in a patient's body. However, the various embodiments described herein are configured to position two conductive probes within and / or adjacent to the target tissue to support the implementation of a bipolar treatment system, thereby allowing electric current to be selectively passed through a specific target area in the patient's body. Specifically, the system 100 can be used to coagulate and / or ablate soft tissue during percutaneous and / or endoscopic surgical procedures (such as, for example, bronchoscopic surgical procedures for partial and / or complete ablation of cancerous and / or non-cancerous organ lesions). As will be further described, the tissue is treated by positioning one or more conductive probes within and / or near the tissue to be treated and selectively passing electric current through the tissue.

[0022] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an insertion tube 110 for delivering an elongated instrument (such as a first conductive probe 120, a second conductive probe 130, and an imaging probe 140) to a target tissue ( Figure 110). The system 100 also includes an electrosurgical radio frequency (RF) generator operating as a switchable current source 180 and an imaging device 190, such as an ultrasound or other imaging system as required for a particular application. If desired, an infusion pump (not shown) may also be included to supply a conductive fluid, such as a saline solution, to the target tissue via a lumen in the insertion tube 110. The system 100 may also include an electrosurgical device (not shown), such as an endoscope or bronchoscope configured to receive the insertion tube 110 therein. The electrosurgical device can be used to deliver the insertion tube 100 into the body (not shown) near a body passage that may be too narrow to receive the distal end (not shown) of the electrosurgical device, but into which the insertion tube 110 can enter.

[0023] Conductive probes 120 and 130 can be coupled to a switchable current source 180 via connectors 182 and 184, respectively, or the conductive probes 120 and 130 can be connected to the poles of the switchable current source 180 using a single bipolar connector (not shown). The switchable current source 180 can be operated using a foot-operated unit 186 electrically connected to the switchable current source 180. The foot-operated unit 186 can include, for example, a first pedal 188 and a second pedal 189. The first pedal 188 directs the switchable current source 180 to apply current to the conductive probes 120 and 130 to cut, ablate, or otherwise treat tissue. The second pedal 189 instructs the switchable current source 180 to apply a lower current to one or more conductive probes 120 and 130 to coagulate tissue. It should be understood that the switchable current source 180 can be any number of suitable current sources and can be controlled by any number of hand-operated, foot-operated, computer-controlled devices, or any other form of activation device.

[0024] The imaging device 190 may include a display configured to visually present, in color or monochrome, imaging data acquired by the imaging probe 140. In various embodiments, the imaging device 190 includes an ultrasound system having a display screen 192 that displays imaging data acquired by the imaging head 142 at the distal end 144 of the imaging probe 140. In various embodiments, the imaging probe 140 and the imaging system 190 provide visualization of the acquired imaging data in a 360-degree or other panoramic view around the imaging head 140. As further explained below, the imaging probe 140 and the imaging system 190 may be used to acquire imaging data to verify the position of one or more of the insertion tube 110 and / or the conductive probes 120 and 130 relative to the target tissue.

[0025] As referenced below Figure 3-Figure 15As further described, in various embodiments, the insertion tube 110 defines a lumen therein through which the conductive probes 120 and 130 and the imaging probe 140 slidably extend into the proximal end 111 of the insertion tube 110. The conductive probe 130 extends through the length of the insertion tube 110 to reach the proximal end 111 of the adjacent target tissue ( Figure 1 1 and 2. As also described below, in various embodiments, the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 can be slidably passed through a body passage, such as a bronchial passage, a gastrointestinal passage, or other passage, and can be positioned adjacent to a target tissue.

[0026] The position of the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 relative to the target tissue can optionally be verified by extending the imaging head 144 of the imaging probe 140, which is slidably received in one of the lumens of the insertion tube 110, beyond the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110. The imaging device 190 can then be used to review the imaging data acquired by the imaging probe 140 to assess whether the insertion tube 110 has been deployed relative to the target tissue as desired.

[0027] The first conductive probe 120 can then be extended beyond the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 to position the distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 within or near the target tissue. The distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 can include a coiled segment 124, as described further below. The position of the distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 can be verified using an imaging probe 140.

[0028] The distal end 132 of the second conductive probe 130 can then be extended beyond the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 100 into or near the target tissue. To extend the second conductive probe 130, the imaging probe 140 can be withdrawn from the lumen in the insertion probe 110 through which it extends, and the second conductive probe 130 can be extended through the same lumen. Alternatively, if the insertion tube 110 defines more than two lumens therethrough, the second conductive probe 130 can be extended through additional lumens to reach the target tissue. The imaging probe 140 can then be used to verify the position of the second conductive probe 130. If the imaging probe 140 remains deployed through another lumen, it should be understood that the imaging probe 140 can ideally be partially withdrawn into the insertion tube 110 before current is applied through the conductive probes 120 and 130. Withdrawing the imaging probe 140 can prevent damage to the imaging probe 140 or prevent current intended for the target tissue from being redirected through the imaging probe 140. Reference is made below to Figures 7 to 15 The process is shown and described in more detail.

[0029] See also Figure 2The apparatus, system and method of the present disclosure can be used to treat target tissue 202 within a human respiratory system 200. Specifically, the target tissue 202 is in the upper convex corner 204 of the right lung 206 of the respiratory system 200 (the view of the respiratory system 200 is that the subject faces the Figure 2 Insertion tube 110 is passed through the patient's oral cavity ( Figure 2 The insertion tube 110 is inserted into the respiratory system 200. The insertion tube 110 extends through the trachea 210 via the main bronchial passage 220 into the right lung 206. The insertion tube 110 also extends through the secondary bronchial passage 230 and the peripheral bronchial passage 240, where the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is positioned adjacent to the target tissue 202. With the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 positioned adjacent to the target tissue 202, the probes 120, 130, and 140 ( Figure 2 202 and / or into the target tissue 202. Figure 1 As described above, an electrosurgical device, such as a bronchoscope (not shown), can be used to deliver and manipulate the insertion tube 110 through the trachea 210, the main bronchial passage 220, and / or the secondary bronchial passage 230. The insertion tube 110 can then be slidably extended beyond the end of the electrosurgical device into the secondary bronchial passage 220 and / or the peripheral bronchial passage 230.

[0030] See also Figures 3 to 6 , elongated instruments, such as probes 120 , 130 , and 140 , are slidably received in and extend through lumens 310 and 320 in insertion tube 110 . Figures 3 to 6 as well as Figures 7 to 15 The distal portion 300 of the insertion tube 110 is shown. In various embodiments, the insertion tube 110 and the lumens 310 and 320 are uniform throughout the length of the insertion tube 110 and, therefore, the distal portion 300 is representative of the structure and function of the entire insertion tube 110.

[0031] See also Figure 3 , the distal portion 300 of the insertion tube 110 includes a first lumen 310 and a second lumen 320 defined by the insertion tube 110. The sizes of the lumens 310 and 320 may be the same, such as Figure 3 As shown, or they may have unequal sizes to accommodate different probes or other instruments. In addition, although the lumens 310 and 320 are Figures 3 to 15 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, 690, 700, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 770, 780, 790, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880, 890, 900, 910, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, 1000, 1010 Figure 1) extends to the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110. In various embodiments, the insertion tube 110 defines two lumens, including a first lumen 310 and a second lumen 320, but in other embodiments, the insertion tube can define three or more lumens.

[0032] See also Figure 4 , the lumens 310 and 320 of the distal portion 300 of the insertion tube 110 receive a pair of exemplary instruments 410 and 140 therein. The second lumen 320 receives the imaging probe 140, wherein the imaging probe 140 supports an imaging head 142 at a distal end 144. Figure 4 , the first lumen 310 receives a sampling needle 410. The sampling needle 412 has a tip 412 shaped to cut or puncture tissue (not shown) and retrieve a portion of the tissue for testing. The sample can be retrieved by applying suction to the proximal end (not shown) of the sampling needle 412 or by fully retracting the sampling needle 412 from the insertion tube 110 and removing the sample from the tip 412. Various embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate positioning the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 at or near the tissue, extending the imaging head 142 of the insertion tube 140 and the tip 412 of the sampling needle 410 beyond the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110. Using the imaging head 142 (and Figure 1 The insertion tube 110 can be used to potentially collect tissue samples immediately prior to applying electrical therapy, as further described below, by monitoring and guiding the sampling needle 410 using an imaging system 190 .

[0033] See also Figure 5 , while the imaging probe 140 (and supported imaging head 142) remains in place within the second lumen 320, the first lumen 310 is empty, awaiting insertion of another elongated instrument (such as the first conductive probe 120). Figure 1 As shown, the first conductive probe 120 includes a coiled segment 124 toward the distal end 122. In various embodiments, at least the first conductive probe 120 toward the distal end 122 is constructed of memory wire (such as nylon). The memory wire allows the coiled segment 124 to re-assume its coiled shape even after the coiled portion 124 is constrained into a straightened form, as described below.

[0034] See also Figure 6 , while the imaging probe 140 is still received in the second lumen 320, the first conductive probe 120 is received in the first lumen 310. Figure 5As explained, the coiled segment 124 of the first conductive probe 120, which is confined within the first lumen 310, is constrained to assume a straightened position. The straightening of the coiled segment 124 allows the first conductive probe to be extended and retracted through the first lumen 310, while still enabling the coiled segment 124 to resume its coiled shape once extended beyond the first lumen 310 at the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110.

[0035] See also Figures 7 to 15 , the insertion tube 110 and the probes 120 , 130 , and 140 extend to and / or into the target tissue 202 in preparation for applying an electric current in or at the target tissue 202 . Figures 7 to 15 The positions and configurations shown represent only two examples of possible configurations and manipulations of the insertion tube 110 and probes 120, 130, and 140. It should be understood that other actions may be performed, such as using a sampling needle 410 ( Figure 4 ) or take other actions using a combination of insertion tube 110 and one or more of probes 120, 130 and 140.

[0036] See also Figure 7 , the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is ready to be extended toward the target tissue 202. In various embodiments, the first lumen 310 receives the imaging probe 140, and the second lumen 320 receives the first conductive probe 120. In various embodiments, the imaging probe 140 is partially extended from the second lumen 320 so that the imaging head 142 extends beyond the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110. With the imaging head 142 extended, the imaging probe 140 can be used to determine the position of the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 relative to the target tissue 202. However, if other techniques are used to determine the position of the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 relative to the target tissue 202, such as ultrasound imaging performed from outside the body (not shown), the imaging probe 140 can be partially retracted to maintain the imaging head 142 within the insertion tube 110 while it is extended to the target tissue 202.

[0037] See also Figure 8, the insertion tube 110 is advanced a distance 802 such that the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is positioned adjacent the target tissue 202. The first conductive probe 120 and the imaging probe 140 received within the lumens 310 and 320 of the insertion tube 110 move simultaneously and in unison with the insertion tube 110 and through the same distance unless or until the probes 120 and 140 are manipulated independently of the insertion tube 110. As previously described, if the imaging probe 140 has been extended such that the imaging head 142 extends beyond the insertion tube 110 before the insertion tube 110 is moved, the imaging probe 120 can be used to guide the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 to a desired position adjacent to the target tissue 202. Alternatively, if the insertion tube 110 is guided into position using another imaging system, once the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is positioned adjacent to the target tissue 202, the imaging probe 140 can be advanced to extend the imaging head 142 out of the insertion tube 110 for further verification of the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 and / or for monitoring or verifying the deployment of the first conductive probe 310.

[0038] See also Figure 9 , the insertion tube 110 is in position with its distal end 112 adjacent to the target tissue 202, and the imaging probe 140 is extended to deploy the imaging head 142. At this point, the first conductive probe 120 is extended into the target tissue 202. The first conductive probe 120 is advanced a linear distance 902. As previously described, adjacent to the distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 is the coiled segment 124. When the first conductive probe 120 is advanced into the target tissue, the coiled segment 124 is no longer constrained by the first lumen 130 and can resume its coiled shape as it extends out of the first lumen 310. The imaging head 142 of the imaging probe 140 can be used to verify that the first conductive probe 120 is in the desired position.

[0039] See also Figure 10 , the first conductive probe 120 is further extended through the first lumen 310 by a linear distance 1002, thereby allowing the coiled segment 124 of the first conductive probe 120 to fully resume its coiled shape. Likewise, the imaging head 142 of the imaging probe 140 can be used to verify that the first conductive probe 120 is in the desired position.

[0040] It should be appreciated that when the first conductive probe 120 is extended, thereby allowing the coiled segment 124 to resume its coiled shape, the coiled segment 124 will spiral or auger into the target tissue 202, thereby securing the distal end 122 of the main conductive probe 120 in the target tissue 202. Furthermore, because the first conductive probe 120 extends through the first lumen 310 of the insertion tube 110, the coiled segment 124 holds the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 in position relative to the target tissue 202.

[0041] See also Figure 11 With the first conductive probe 120 in place in the target tissue 202 and the coiled distal section 124 holding the first conductive probe 120 and the insertion tube 110 in place, the imaging probe 140 can be withdrawn from the second lumen 320. Figure 11 Continuing to move the imaging probe 140 in direction 1102 , the imaging probe 140 can be completely withdrawn from the second lumen 320 , thereby freeing the second lumen 320 to receive the second conductive probe 130 .

[0042] See also Figure 12 , the second conductive probe 130 extends into the distal portion 300 of the insertion tube 110 in direction 1202. With the coiled section 124 of the first conductive probe 120 in place, the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is oriented so that the second lumen 320 faces the target tissue 202.

[0043] See also Figure 13 , the second conductive probe 130 is further extended through a distance 1302 such that the distal end 132 of the second conductive probe 130 is positioned in or adjacent to the target tissue 202. With the distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 inserted into the target tissue 202 and the distal end 132 of the second conductive probe 130 inserted into or positioned immediately adjacent to the target tissue 202, the switchable current source 180 can be activated to apply electrical power between the distal ends 122 and 132 of the conductive probes 120 and 130. Thus, the application of electrical power can be used to ablate the target tissue 202, cut the target tissue 202, coagulate the target tissue 202, or perform some other treatment on the target tissue 202 depending on the desired application.

[0044] Although the second conductive probe 130 is Figure 1 、 Figure 12 ,and Figure 13 20. Although shown as a straight instrument in FIG. 20, the second conductive probe can also be shaped to facilitate positioning the second conductive probe within or adjacent to the target tissue 202. For example, the second conductive probe can include an angled portion formed by a memory wire or simply mechanically biased into an angled position, as is the case with the coiled distal segment 124 of the first conductive probe 120. The angled portion of the second conductive probe can be constrained in a generally straightened position within the second lumen 320 of the insertion tube 110, but free to flex once extended out of the second lumen 320 to reach the target tissue 202.

[0045] See also Figure 14 , the first conductive probe 120 is as previously described. Figures 9 to 1314. The first conductive probe 120 is positioned such that the coiled distal segment 124 of the first conductive probe 120 is inserted into the target tissue 202. The second conductive probe 1430 having the angled segment 1434 adjacent the distal end 1432 is received within the second lumen 320 of the insertion tube 110. As previously described, the angled segment 1434 is constrained to a generally straightened shape when received within the second lumen 320 of the insertion tube 110.

[0046] See also Figure 15 , the second conductive probe 1430 is advanced a distance 1502 such that the distal end 1432 of the second conductive probe 1430 extends out of the second lumen 320 and the angled segment 1434 of the second conductive probe 1430 is able to resume its angled configuration. The angled segment 1434 can be configured to extend toward or into the target tissue 202.

[0047] Although not shown in the drawings or otherwise described, it should be understood that insertion tube 110 and probes such as probes 120, 130, 140, and 1430 may be withdrawn from the body by reversing the process used to deploy insertion tube 110 and probes 120, 130, 140, and 1430. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As described above, after the insertion tube 110 and the conductive probes 120 and 130 are used to apply electrical treatment to the target tissue 202, the proximal ends ( Figure 13 The insertion tube 110 and any electrosurgical device (not shown) that may have been used to deliver the insertion tube 110 mid-route toward the target tissue 202 may be removed from the body (not shown).

[0048] See also Figure 16 , a flow chart shows an exemplary method 1600 of positioning an insertion tube and extending an elongated probe through the insertion tube for applying electrical power to treat a target tissue. The method 1600 begins at block 1605. At block 1610, the insertion tube is inserted into a body orifice and passed through a body passage to the target tissue. The insertion tube defines a lumen therein that is configured to simultaneously receive at least two of a first conductive elongated probe, a second conductive elongated probe, and an elongated imaging probe, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 15 At block 1620, the distal end of the insertion tube is positioned adjacent to the target tissue, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 At block 1630, slide the imaging probe through one of the plurality of lumens, as previously described. Figures 5 to 10At block 1640, imaging data is acquired with the imaging probe to verify the position of the distal end of the insertion tube proximate to the target tissue, as previously described. Figure 7 and Figure 8 At block 1650, the first probe is slid through one of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the imaging probe to insert the distal end of the first probe into the target tissue, as previously described with reference to FIG. Figures 7 to 15 At block 1660, imaging data is acquired with the imaging probe to verify insertion of the first imaging probe into the target tissue, as previously described. Figure 9 and Figure 10 At block 1670, a second probe is slid into one of the plurality of lumens that does not receive the first probe to insert the distal end of the second probe into the target tissue, as previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 12 、 Figure 13 and Figure 15 At block 1680, the proximal ends of the first and second probes are electrically connected to a power source so that current is applied to the target tissue between the distal ends of the first and second probes, as previously described. Figure 1 and Figure 13 The method 1600 ends at block 1685 .

[0049] It should be understood that the detailed description set forth above is merely illustrative in nature, and that variations that do not depart from the gist and / or spirit of the subject matter protected by the claims are intended to be within the scope of the claims. Such variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter protected by the claims.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: an insertion tube defining a plurality of lumens therein, the insertion tube being configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passage to a target tissue; a first electrically conductive elongated probe electrically connectable to a first pole of a power source, the first electrically conductive elongated probe slidably receivable through a first lumen of the plurality of lumens and having a distal end insertable into the target tissue; an elongated imaging probe electrically connectable to an imaging device configured to acquire imaging data at a distal end, the elongated imaging probe further configured to slide through a second lumen of the plurality of lumens and positionable to acquire imaging data at the distal end of the insertion tube, the imaging head of the elongated imaging probe being configured to verify that the first electrically conductive elongated probe is in a desired position; a second electrically conductive elongated probe electrically connectable to a second pole of the power source, the second electrically conductive elongated probe slidably receivable through a second lumen of the plurality of lumens, wherein the second electrically conductive elongated probe is configured to be inserted into the second lumen after the elongated imaging probe is removed from the second lumen, and the second electrically conductive elongated probe has a distal end insertable into the target tissue; Wherein, when the distal end of the first conductive slender probe is inserted into the target tissue and the distal end of the second conductive slender probe is inserted into the target tissue or positioned close to the target tissue, the power source is activated to apply power between the distal end of the first conductive slender probe and the distal end of the second conductive slender probe.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first conductive elongated probe is independently slidable through the first lumen, and the second conductive elongated probe and the elongated imaging probe are independently slidable through the second lumen.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the slender imaging probe is configured to be received in the second lumen to acquire imaging data, wherein the imaging data is used to position the distal end of the insertion tube adjacent to the target tissue and to confirm that the distal end of the first conductive slender probe is inserted into the target tissue through the first lumen.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second electrically conductive elongated probe is configured to be inserted through the second lumen into the target tissue.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a third lumen of the plurality of lumens is further configured to slidably receive an elongated sampling needle configured to collect a sample of the target tissue.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the first conductive slender probe includes a coiled segment, which is configured to be constrained to a straightened shape within the first tubular cavity receiving the first conductive slender probe, and is also configured to be coiled into a coiled shape when leaving the distal end of the first tubular cavity.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the coiled segment of the first electrically conductive elongated stylet is configured to spirally drill into the target tissue upon exiting the distal end of the first lumen.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the coiled section of the first electrically conductive elongated probe that is spirally drilled into the target tissue anchors the distal end of the insertion tube adjacent the target tissue.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the second conductive slender probe includes an angled segment, which is configured to be constrained to a straightened shape within the second tubular cavity receiving the second conductive slender probe, and is also configured to be deformed into an angled shape when leaving the distal end of the second tubular cavity.

10. A system, comprising: a power source having poles to which current is selectively applied; an imaging device configured to receive an output of an imaging sensor and to display imaging data acquired by the imaging sensor; an insertion tube defining a plurality of lumens therein, the insertion tube being configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passage to a target tissue; a first electrically conductive elongated probe electrically connectable to a first pole of a power source, the first electrically conductive elongated probe slidably receivable through a first lumen of the plurality of lumens and having a distal end insertable into the target tissue; an elongated imaging probe electrically connectable to an imaging device configured to acquire imaging data at a distal end, the elongated imaging probe further configured to slide through a second lumen of the plurality of lumens and positionable to acquire imaging data at the distal end of the insertion tube, the imaging head of the elongated imaging probe being configured to verify that the first electrically conductive elongated probe is in a desired position; a second electrically conductive elongated probe electrically connectable to a second pole of the power source, the second electrically conductive elongated probe slidably receivable through a second lumen of the plurality of lumens, wherein the second electrically conductive elongated probe is configured to be inserted into the second lumen after the elongated imaging probe is removed from the second lumen, and the second electrically conductive elongated probe has a distal end insertable into the target tissue; Wherein, when the distal end of the first conductive slender probe is inserted into the target tissue and the distal end of the second conductive slender probe is inserted into the target tissue or positioned close to the target tissue, the power source is activated to apply power between the distal end of the first conductive slender probe and the distal end of the second conductive slender probe.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first electrically conductive elongated probe is independently slidable through the second lumen, and the second electrically conductive elongated probe and the elongated imaging probe are independently slidable through the second lumen.

12. A system according to claim 10, wherein the slender imaging probe is configured to be received in the second lumen to acquire imaging data, the imaging data being used to position the distal end of the insertion tube adjacent to the target tissue and to confirm that the distal end of the first conductive elongated probe is inserted through the first lumen into the target tissue.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the second electrically conductive elongated probe is configured to be inserted through the second lumen into the target tissue.

14. A system according to claim 10, wherein the distal end of the first conductive slender probe includes a coiled segment, which is configured to be constrained to a straightened shape within the first tubular cavity receiving the first conductive slender probe, and is also configured to be coiled into a coiled shape when leaving the distal end of the first tubular cavity.

Images