Patent ID: 8709034
Filing Date: 2014-04-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of accessing target tissue in a lung, the method comprising: locating a target site on an airway wall, wherein the target site is in a location that allows for creation of an opening leading to the target tissue and for advancement of an elongate instrument through the opening to the target tissue; creating an opening through the airway wall at the target site with a hole-making instrument, the opening leading to the target tissue; advancing the elongate instrument through the opening created in the airway wall; providing an atraumatic tipped dissector, the dissector positioned within the elongate instrument; tunneling from the opening in the airway wall to the target tissue with the elongate instrument and the dissector positioned therein; removing the dissector from the elongate instrument such that the elongate instrument provides access to the target tissue for performing monitoring, diagnostic or therapeutic procedures through the elongate instrument; and performing a procedure on the target tissue with a procedure instrument through the previously positioned elongate instrument leading to the target tissue.