APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING TOOLS THROUGH A NARROW PASSAGE IN A BODY

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments include devices, systems, and methods for transporting tools through a narrow passage within a body. In one illustrative embodiment, an insertion tube has lumens within it and is configured to slide through an orifice and into a passage to target tissue. A first probe, connected to a power source, can be received by sliding through one of the lumens. An imaging probe can be connected to an imaging device configured to collect imaging data at a distal end and can be positioned to collect imaging data at a distal end of the insertion tube.A second probe can be connected to the energy source and has a distal end that can be inserted into the target tissue. The distal end of the first probe includes a coiled section configured to be confined in an upright form within the lumen in which the first probe is received. This coiled section is further configured to be coiled while outside the distal end of the lumen. The coiled section of the first probe is configured to perforate the target tissue while outside a distal end of the lumen. The coiled section of the first probe perforating the target tissue anchors the distal end of the insertion tube adjacent to the target tissue. (See Figure 1 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of Invention: APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING TOOLS THROUGH A NARROW PASSAGE IN A BODY

[0001] DOMAIN

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the transport of tools through a narrow passage in a body.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] The statements in this section only provide background information regarding the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0005] The insertion and manipulation of thin elements into living bodies or other objects allows for further improvement in the types of analysis, diagnosis, and treatment of these bodies or objects with minimally invasive techniques. As two examples, endoscopic imaging and catheterization treatments have allowed the evaluation and treatment of numerous internal lesions without invasive surgery.

[0006] Electrosurgical techniques also provide minimally invasive therapies by selectively applying an electrical current to selected tissues. Electrosurgical techniques involve inserting one or more electrodes through a port or small incision and then extending the one or more electrodes to a desired location in a patient's body. A radiofrequency ("RF") electrical 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 that is electrically connected to the patient's body. A bipolar electrosurgical instrument involves deploying two electrodes to the location in the patient's body where the treatment is to be delivered.

[0007] Positioning one or two electrodes at the desired location in a patient's body is an important part of electrosurgical treatments. Electrosurgical devices, such as endoscopic or bronchoscopic devices, may be useful for transporting electrodes to targeted regions in a body. However, some body passages may be too narrow to allow insertion of certain electrosurgical devices.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting tools through a narrow passage in a body.

[0010] In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion tube defining lumens therein, the insertion tube configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passageway to a target tissue. A first elongated electrically conductive probe may be electrically connected to a first pole of an electrical energy source. The first probe may be slidably received through one of the plurality of lumens and has a distal end insertable into the target tissue. An elongated imaging probe may be electrically connected to an imaging device configured to collect imaging data at a distal end.The imaging probe is further configured to be slidable through one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the first probe and to be positionable to collect imaging data at a distal end of the insertion tube. A second elongated electrically conductive probe may be electrically connected to a second pole of the electrical energy source. The second probe may be slidably received through one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the first probe and has a distal end insertable into the target tissue.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment, a system includes an electrical power source having poles through which an electrical current is selectively applied. An imaging device is configured to receive an output from an imaging sensor and display imaging data collected by the imaging sensor. An insertion tube defines lumens therein. The insertion tube is configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passageway to a target tissue. A first elongated electrically conductive probe may be electrically connected to a first pole of an electrical power source. The first probe may be slidably received through one of the plurality of lumens and has a distal end insertable into the target tissue.An elongated imaging probe may be electrically connected to an imaging device configured to collect imaging data at a distal end. The imaging probe is further configured to be slidable through one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the first probe and may be positioned to collect imaging data at a distal end of the insertion tube. A second electrically conductive elongated probe may be electrically connected to a second pole of the electrical energy source. The second probe may be slidably received through one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the first probe and has a distal end insertable into the target tissue.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment, a method includes inserting an insertion tube into a body orifice and through a body passageway to a target tissue. The insertion tube defines therein lumens configured to simultaneously receive at least two of a first electrically conductive elongated probe, a second electrically conductive elongated probe, and an elongated imaging probe. A distal end of the insertion tube is positioned proximate a target tissue. The imaging probe is slid through one of the plurality of lumens. Imaging data is collected with the imaging probe to verify a position of a distal end of the insertion tube proximate the target tissue. The first probe is slid through one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the imaging probe to insert a distal end of the first probe into the target tissue.Imaging data is collected with the imaging probe to verify insertion of the first imaging probe into the target tissue. The second probe is slid into one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the first probe to insert a distal end of the second probe into the target tissue. Proximal ends of the first and second probes are electrically connected to an electrical power source such that an electrical current is applied to the target tissue between the distal ends of the first probe and the second probe.

[0013] Other features, advantages, and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0014] 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 figures are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being on illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0015] [Fig-1] is a functional diagram in partial schematic form of a system illustrative for the treatment of a fabric;

[0016] [Fig.2] is a schematic diagram in the form of a partial section of a device inserted into a peripheral bronchial passage of a lung;

[0017] [Fig.3] is a perspective view in the form of a partial section of a distal portion of an insertion tube;

[0018] [Figures 4 to 6] are perspective views in partial section of the distal portion of the insertion tube of [Fig.3];

[0019] [Fig. 7-15] are perspective diagrams in partial section of the distal portion of the insertion tube of FIGURES 3- ; and

[0020] [Fig. 16] is a flowchart of an illustrative method of positioning the insertion tube and elongated tools received therethrough. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It will be noted that the first digit of the three-digit reference numerals and the first two digits of the four-digit reference numerals correspond, respectively, to the first digit of the one-digit figure numerals and the first two digits of the two-digit figure numerals in which the element first appears.

[0022] The following description explains, by way of illustration only and not as a limitation, various embodiments of an insertion tube defining lumens therein for transporting conductive probes, imaging probes, and other elongated tools to a target tissue in a body. As will be described in detail below, when used for electrosurgical techniques, the insertion tube may be used to position first and second conductive probes in or adjacent to a target tissue where electrical treatment, such as ablative treatment, is to be applied. As a specific example, the apparatuses, systems, and methods of their use described may be used for ablation and / or coagulation of tissue, excision of lesions, and for performing other medical procedures in a lung.

[0023] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the insertion tube and elongated tools carried through the insertion tube described herein may help simplify the process of positioning the conductive probes. As will be described below, various embodiments may be used to accomplish positioning and / or verifying the positioning of the conductive probes, as well as potentially holding the conductive probes and / or the insertion tube in place.

[0024] With reference to [Fig. 1], an illustrative system 100 is provided for treating tissue at a target region of a patient (not shown). The system 100 may be a bipolar or monopolar radiofrequency (RF) system, as desired, for treating tissue in a patient. However, 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 selectively passing electrical current through a particular target region in a patient. Specifically, the system 100 may be employed for coagulation and / or ablation of soft tissue during percutaneous and / or endoscopic surgical procedures, such as, for example, bronchoscopic surgical procedures for partial and / or complete ablation of organ lesions. cancerous and / or non-cancerous. As will be further described, the tissue is treated by positioning one or more conductive probes within and / or adjacent to the tissue to be treated and selectively passing an electrical current through the tissue.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system 100 includes an insertion tube 110 for transporting elongated tools, such as a first electrically conductive probe 120, a second electrically conductive probe 130, and an imaging probe 140, to the target tissue (not shown in [Fig. 1]). The system 100 also includes a radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgical generator operating as a switchable current source 180 and an imaging device 190, such as an ultrasound imaging system or the like as desired for a particular application. If desired, an infusion pump (not shown) may also be included for delivering a conductive fluid, such as saline, via lumens in the insertion tube 110 to the target tissue.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 may be used to transport the insertion tube 100 into a body (not shown) proximate a body passageway that may be too narrow to receive a distal end (not shown) of the electrosurgical device, but through which the insertion tube 110 can pass.

[0026] The conductive probes 120 and 130 may be connected to the switchable current source 180 via connectors 182 and 184, respectively, or the conductive probes 120 and 130 may be connected to poles of the switchable current source 180 using a single bipolar connector (not shown). The switchable current source 180 may be operated with the use of a foot-operated unit 186 electrically connected to the switchable current source 180. The foot-operated unit 186 may include, for example, a first foot pedal 188 that directs the switchable current source 180 to apply an electrical current to the conductive probes 120 and 130 to cut, ablate, or otherwise treat tissue and a second foot pedal 189 that directs the switchable current source 180 to apply a lower electrical current to the one or more conductive probes 120 and 130 to coagulate tissue.It will be appreciated that the switchable current source 180 may be any number of suitable current sources and the switchable current source 180 may be controlled by any number of manually operated, foot operated, computer controlled, or other forms of activating devices.

[0027] The imaging device 190 may include a display configured to visually present, in color or monochrome, imaging data collected 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 collected by an imaging head 142 at a distal end 144 of the imaging probe 140. In various embodiments, the imaging probe 140 and the imaging system 190 provide visualization of collected imaging data in a 360-degree or other panoramic view around the imaging head 140. As explained in more detail below, the imaging probe 140 and the imaging system 190 are operable to collect imaging data to verify a position of the insertion tube 110 and / or one or more of the conductive probes 120 and 130 relative to a target tissue.

[0028] As described in more detail below with reference to FIGURES 3-15, in various embodiments the insertion tube 110 defines lumens therein through which the conductive probes 120 and 130 and the imaging probe 140 are slidably extended into a proximal end 111 of the insertion tube 110. The conductive probes 130 are extended through a length of the insertion tube 110 to reach a distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 which is to be positioned adjacent to the target tissue (not shown in [Fig.l]). As also described below, in various embodiments, the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is slidable through a body passageway, such as a bronchial passageway, a gastrointestinal passageway, or another passageway, and may be positioned adjacent to the target tissue.

[0029] The position of the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 relative to the target tissue may optionally be verified by extending the imaging head 144 of the imaging probe 140, 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 may then be used to review imaging data collected by the imaging probe 140 to assess whether the insertion tube 110 has been deployed as desired relative to the target tissue.

[0030] A first conductive probe 120 may then be extended beyond the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 to position a distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 in or near the target tissue. The distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 may include a coiled section 124, as described in more detail below. The position of the distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120 may be verified using the imaging probe 140.

[0031] A distal end 132 of the second conductive probe 130 may 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 may be withdrawn from the lumen in the insertion probe 110 through which it was extended and the second conductive probe 130 may be extended through this same lumen. Alternatively, if the insertion tube 110 defines more than two lumens therethrough, the second conductive probe 130 may be extended through an additional lumen to reach the target tissue. The imaging probe 140 may then be used to verify the position of the second conductive probe 130. If the imaging probe 140 remains deployed through another lumen, it will be appreciated that the imaging probe 140 may desirably be partially withdrawn into the insertion tube 110 before electrical current is applied through the conductive probes 120 and 130. Withdrawal of the imaging probe 140 may prevent damage to the imaging probe 140 or prevent electrical current intended for the target tissue from being redirected through the imaging probe 140. This process is shown and described in more detail below with reference to FIGURES 7-15.

[0032] With reference to [Fig. 2], the apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may be used with respect to treating a target tissue 202 in a human respiratory system 200. In particular, the target tissue 202 is in an upper lobe 204 of a right lung 206 (the view of the respiratory system 200 is with the subject facing the page of [Fig. 2]) of the respiratory system 200. The insertion tube 110 is inserted into the respiratory system 200 through a patient's mouth (not shown in [Fig. 2]). The insertion tube 110 is extended through a trachea 210 into the right lung 206 via a primary bronchial passage 220. The insertion tube 110 further extends through a secondary bronchial passage 230 and a 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 (not shown in [Fig. 2]) may be extended adjacent to and / or into the target tissue 202. As previously mentioned with reference to [Fig. 1], the insertion tube 110 may be transported and maneuvered through the trachea 210, the primary bronchial passage 220, and / or the secondary bronchial passage 230 using an electrosurgical device, such as a bronchoscope (not shown). The insertion tube 110 may then be slidably extended beyond one end of the electrosurgical device into the secondary bronchial passage 220 and / or the peripheral bronchial passage 230.

[0033] Referring to FIGURES 3-6, elongated tools, such as probes 120, 130, and 140, are slidably received in and extended through lumens 310 and 320 in the insertion tube 110. FIGURES 3-6, as well as FIGURES 7-15, depict a distal portion 300 of the insertion tube 110. In various embodiments, the insertion tube 110 and lumens 310 and 320 are uniform across the length of the insertion tube 110, thus, the distal portion 300 is representative of the structure and function of the insertion tube 110 as a whole.

[0034] Referring to [Fig. 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 lumens 310 and 320 may be of the same size as shown in [Fig. 3], or they may have unequal sizes to accommodate different probes or other tools. Also, while both lumens 310 and 320 are shown in FIGURES 3-15 as being cylindrical in shape, various embodiments may include lumens with rectangular cross-sections, triangular cross-sections, or other shapes as may be suitable for receiving and / or maintaining an orientation of probes or other tools received therein. The lumens 310 and 320 extend from a proximal end 111 ([Fig.l]) of the insertion tube 110 to the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110.In various embodiments, the insertion tube 110 defines two lumens, including the first lumen 310 and the second lumen 320, but, in other embodiments, the insertion tube may define three or more lumens.

[0035] Referring to [Fig. 4], lumens 310 and 320 of distal portion 300 of insertion tube 110 receive therein a pair of illustrative tools 410 and 140. Second lumen 320 receives imaging probe 140, with imaging probe 140 supporting imaging head 142 at distal end 144. In the example of [Fig. 4], first lumen 310 receives a sampling needle 410. Sampling needle 412 has a tip 412 that is shaped to cut or pierce tissue (not shown) and retrieve a portion of the tissue to be tested. The sample may be retrieved by applying suction to a proximal end (not shown) of sampling needle 412, or by fully retracting sampling needle 412 from the tube. insertion 110 and taking the sample from tip 412.Various embodiments of the disclosure provide for the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 to be positioned at or adjacent to the tissue, such that the imaging head 142 of the insertion tube 140 and the tip 412 of the sampling needle 410 extend beyond the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110. By using the imaging head 142 (and the imaging system 190 of [Fig. 1]) to monitor and guide the sampling needle 410, the insertion tube 110 is operable to collect a tissue sample, potentially immediately prior to the application of an electrical treatment as described in more detail below.

[0036] Referring to [Fig. 5], while the imaging probe 140 (and the supported imaging head 142) remains in place within the second lumen 320, the first lumen 310 is empty, awaiting insertion of another elongate tool, such as the first conductive probe 120. As previously described with reference to [Fig. 1], the first conductive probe 120 includes a coiled section 124 toward the distal end 122. In various embodiments, the first conductive probe 120, at least toward the distal end 122, includes a memory wire such as nylenol. The memory wire allows the coiled section 124 to return to its coiled shape even after the coiled section 124 may have been constrained into a straightened shape, as described below.

[0037] Referring to [Fig. 6], with the imaging probe 140 still received in the second lumen 320, the first conductive probe 120 is received within the first lumen 310. As previously explained with reference to [Fig. 5], the coiled section 124 of the first conductive probe 120, confined within the first lumen 310, is constrained to adopt a straightened position. Straightening the coiled section 124 allows the first conductive probe to be extended and retracted through the first lumen 310, while allowing the coiled section 124 to resume its coiled shape once extended beyond the first lumen 310 at the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110.

[0038] With reference to FIGURES 7-15, the insertion tube 110 and probes 120, 130, and 140 are extended toward and / or into the target tissue 202 to provide for the application of an electrical current into or at the target tissue 202. The positions and configurations shown in FIGURES 7-15 represent only two examples of possible configurations and manipulations of the insertion tube 110 and probes 120, 130, and 140. It will be appreciated that other actions could be performed, such as using the sampling needle 410 ([Fig. 4]) or taking other actions using the insertion tube 110 and combinations of one or more of the probes 120, 130, and 140.

[0039] Referring to [Fig. 7], the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is prepared to extend 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 such 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 may be partially retracted to maintain the . imaging head 142 in the insertion tube 110 when extended toward the target tissue 202.

[0040] Referring to [Fig. 8], the insertion tube 110 is advanced a distance 802 such that the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is positioned adjacent to the target tissue 202. The first conductive probe 120 and the imaging probe 140 received in the lumens 310 and 320 of the insertion tube 110 move in concert, at the same time and a same distance, with the insertion tube 110 unless or until the probes 120 and 140 are individually manipulated separately from the insertion tube 110. If the imaging probe 140 has been extended such that the imaging head 142 is extended beyond the insertion tube 110 before the insertion tube 110 is moved, as previously described, the imaging probe 120 may be used to guiding the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 to the desired location adjacent to the target tissue 202.Alternatively, if the insertion tube 110 is guided into place with other imaging systems, once the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 is in place adjacent to the target tissue 202, the imaging probe 140 may now 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 to monitor or verify deployment of the first conductive probe 310.

[0041] Referring to [Fig. 9], the insertion tube 110 is in place 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, the coiled section 124 is adjacent to the distal end 122 of the first conductive probe 120. When the first conductive probe 120 is advanced into the target tissue, the coiled section 124 is no longer constrained by the first lumen 130 and can resume its coiled shape when 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.

[0042] Referring to [Fig. 10], the first conductive probe 120 is further extended through the first lumen 310 a linear distance 1002, allowing the coiled section 124 of the first conductive probe 120 to fully resume its coiled shape. Again, 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.

[0043] It will be appreciated that when the first conductive probe 120 is extended, allowing the coiled section 124 to return to its coiled shape, the section coiled section 124 corkscrews or punctures the target tissue 202, securing the distal end 122 of the primary conductive probe 120 in the target tissue 202. Further, because the first conductive probe 120 extends through the first lumen 310 of the insertion tube 110, the coiled section 124 maintains the distal end 112 of the insertion tube 110 in position relative to the target tissue 202.

[0044] Referring to [Fig. 11], with the first conductive probe 120 in place in the target tissue 202, with 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. The imaging probe 140 is moved in a direction 1102 in [Fig. 11]. By continuing to move the imaging probe 140 in the direction 1102, the imaging probe 140 can be completely withdrawn from the second lumen 320, freeing the second lumen 320 to receive the second conductive probe 130.

[0045] Referring to [Fig. 12], the second conductive probe 130 is extended in a direction 1202 into the distal portion 300 of the insertion tube 110. 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 toward the target tissue 202.

[0046] With reference to [Fig. 13], the second conductive probe 130 is further extended 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 adjacent to the target tissue 202, the switchable current source 180 can be activated to apply electrical energy between the distal ends 122 and 132 of the conductive probes 120 and 130. The application of electrical energy can thus be used to ablate the target tissue 202, cut the target tissue 202, coagulate the target tissue 202, or perform another treatment on the target tissue 202 according to a desired application.

[0047] Although the second conductive probe 130 is shown as a straightened tool in FIGURES 1, 12, and 13, the second conductive probe could also be shaped to facilitate positioning of the second conductive probe in or adjacent to the target tissue 202. For example, the second conductive probe may include a bent portion, formed of a memory wire, or simply mechanically biased into a bent position. As in the case of the coiled distal section 124 of the first conductive probe 120. The bent portion of the second conductive probe may be constrained into a generally straightened position within the second lumen 320 of the insertion tube 110, but free to deflect to reach the target tissue 202 once extended outside the second lumen 320.

[0048] Referring to [Fig. 14], the first conductive probe 120 is positioned as previously described with reference to FIGURES 9-13, with the coiled distal section 124 of the first conductive probe 120 inserted into the target tissue 202. A second conductive probe 1430, having an angled section 1434 adjacent a distal end 1432, is received within the second lumen 320 of the insertion tube 110. As previously described, the angled section 1434 is constrained into a generally straightened shape when received in the second lumen 320 of the insertion tube 110.

[0049] Referring to [Fig. 15], the second conductive probe 1430 is advanced a distance 1502, causing the distal end 1432 of the second conductive probe 1430 to extend out of the second lumen 320, the angled section 1434 of the second conductive probe 1430 is capable of returning to its angled configuration. The angled section 1434 may be shaped to extend toward or into the target tissue 202.

[0050] Although not shown in the figures or otherwise described, it will be appreciated that the insertion tube 110 and probes, such as probes 120, 130, 140, and 1430, may be removed from the body by inversion processes used to deploy the insertion tube 110 and probes 120, 130, 140, and 1430. For example, after the insertion tube 110 and conductive probes 120 and 130 are used to apply electrical treatment to the target tissue 202 as described with reference to [Fig. 13], proximal ends (not shown in [Fig. 13]) of the conductive probes 120 and 130 may be mechanically displaced to withdraw the distal ends 122 and 132 of the conductive probes 120 and 130 within the lumens 310 and 320, respectively, of the insertion tube 110.The insertion tube 110, along with any electrosurgical device (not shown) that may have been used to transport the insertion tube 110 partially to the target tissue 202, may be removed from the body (not shown).

[0051] Referring to [Fig. 16], a flowchart depicts an illustrative method 1600 of positioning an insertion tube and extending elongated probes therethrough to apply electrical energy to treat target tissue. The method 1600 starts at a block 1605. At a block 1610, an insertion tube is inserted into a body orifice and through a body passageway to a target tissue. The insertion tube defines lumens therein configured to simultaneously receive at least two of a first electrically conductive elongated probe, a second electrically conductive elongated probe, and an elongated imaging probe, as described with reference to FIGURES 1, and 3-15. At a block 1620, a distal end of the insertion tube id positioned proximate a target tissue, as described with reference to FIGURES 7 and 8. At a block 1630, the imaging probe is slid through one of the plurality of lumens, as previously described with reference to FIGURES 5-10. At a block 1640, imaging data is collected with the imaging probe to verify a position of a distal end of the insertion tube proximate the target tissue, as previously described with reference to FIGURES 7 and 8. At a block 1650, the first probe is slid through one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the imaging probe to insert a distal end of the first probe into the target tissue, as previously described with reference to FIGURES 7-15.At a block 1660, imaging data is collected with the imaging probe to verify insertion of the first imaging probe into the target tissue, as previously described with reference to FIGURES 9 and 10. At a block 1670, the second probe is slid into one of the plurality of lumens not receiving the first probe to insert a distal end of the second probe into the target tissue, as previously described with reference to FIGURES 12-13 and 15. At a block 1680, proximal ends of the first and second probes are electrically connected to a source of electrical power such that an electrical current is applied to the target tissue between the distal ends of the first probe and the second probe, as previously described with reference to FIGURES 1 and 13. The method 1600 terminates at a block 1685.

[0052] It will be understood that the detailed description set forth above is merely illustrative in nature and that variations which do not depart from the essence and / or spirit of the claimed subject matter are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Such variations should not be considered as a deviation from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. Claims Device comprising: an insertion tube (110) defining therein a plurality of lumens (310, 320), the insertion tube (110) being configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passageway to a target tissue (202); a first elongated electrically conductive probe (120) electrically connectable to a first pole of an electrical power source (180), the first probe (120) slidably receivable through one of the plurality of lumens (310, 320) and having a distal end (122) insertable into the target tissue (202); an elongated imaging probe (140) electrically connectable to an imaging device (190) configured to collect imaging data at a distal end (144), the imaging probe (140) further configured to be slidable through one of the plurality of lumens (310, 320) not receiving the first probe (120) and positionable to collect imaging data at a distal end (112) of the insertion tube (110); a second elongated electrically conductive probe (130) electrically connectable to a second pole of the electrical power source (180), the second probe (130) slidably receivable through one of the plurality of lumens (310, 320) not receiving the first probe (120) and having a distal end (132) insertable into the target tissue (202), wherein the distal end (122) of the first probe (120) includes a coiled section (124) that is configured to be confinable in a straightened form within the lumen (310) in which the first probe (120) is received and further configured to be coiled in a coiled form while outside the distal end of the lumen (310), wherein the coiled section (124) of the first probe (120) puncturing the target tissue (202) anchors the distal end (112) of the insertion tube (110) adjacent to the target tissue (202).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first probe (120), the second probe (130), and the imaging probe (140) are separately slidable through the lumens (310, 320) in which each is received.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first probe (120) is received within the first lumen (310) and the second lumen (320) is configured to interchangeably receive the imaging probe (140) and the second probe (130).

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the imaging probe (140) is configured to be received within the second lumen (320) to collect imaging data used in positioning the distal end (112) of the insertion tube (110) adjacent the target tissue (202) and in confirming insertion of the distal end (122) of the first probe (120) through the first lumen (310) into the target tissue (202).

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second probe (130) is configured to be inserted into the second lumen (320) after removal of the imaging probe (140) from the second lumen (320) to allow insertion of the second probe (130) through the second lumen (320) into the target tissue (202).

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of lumens (310, 320) is further configured to slidably receive an elongated sampling needle (410) configured to collect a sample of the target tissue (202).

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end (1432) of the second probe (1430) includes a bent section (1434) which is configured to be confinable in a straightened form within the lumen (320) in which the second probe (1430) is received and further configured to be deformable in a bent form (1434) while being outside a distal end of the lumen (320).

8. A system (100) comprising: an electrical power source (180) having poles through which an electrical current is selectively applied; an imaging device (190) configured to receive an output from an imaging sensor (142) and display imaging data collected by the imaging sensor; an insertion tube (110) defining therein a plurality of lumens (310, 320), the insertion tube (110) being configured to slide through a body orifice and into a body passageway to a target tissue (202); a first elongated electrically conductive probe (120) electrically connectable to a first pole of an electrical power source (180), the first probe (120) slidably receivable through one of the plurality of lumens (310, 320) and having a distal end (122) insertable into the target tissue (202); an elongated imaging probe (140) electrically connectable to an imaging device (190) configured to collect imaging data at a distal end (144), the imaging probe (140) further configured to be slidable through one of the plurality of lumens (310, 320) not receiving the first probe (120) and positionable to collect imaging data at a distal end (112) of the insertion tube (110); a second elongated electrically conductive probe (130) electrically connectable to a second pole of the electrical energy source (180), the second probe (130) slidably receivable through one of the plurality of lumens (310, 320) not receiving the first probe (120) and having a distal end (132) insertable (110) into the target tissue (202), wherein the distal end (122) of the first probe (120) includes a coiled section (124) that is configured to be confinable in a straightened form within the lumen (310) in which the first probe (120) is received and further configured to be coiled in a coiled form while outside the distal end of the lumen (310), wherein the coiled section (124) of the first probe (120) puncturing the target tissue (202) anchors the distal end (112) of the insertion tube (110) adjacent to the target tissue (202).

9. The system (100) of claim 8, wherein the first probe (120), the second probe (130), and the imaging probe (140) are separately slidable through the lumens (310, 320) in which each is received.

10. The system (100) of claim 9, wherein the first probe (120) is received within the first lumen (310) and the second lumen (320) is configured to interchangeably receive the imaging probe (140) and the second probe (130).

11. The system (100) of claim 10, wherein the imaging probe (140) is configured to be received within the second lumen (320) to collect imaging data used in positioning the distal end (112) of the insertion tube (110) adjacent the target tissue (202) and in confirming insertion of the distal end (122) of the first probe (120) through the first lumen (310) into the target tissue (202).

12. The system (100) of claim 11, wherein the second probe (130) is configured to be inserted into the second lumen (320) after removal of the imaging probe (140) from the second lumen (320) to allow insertion of the second probe (130) through the second lumen (320) into the target tissue (202).

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