| abstract |
Systems and methods employing a small gauge steerable catheter ( 30 ) including a locatable guide ( 32 ) with a sheath ( 40 ), particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope ( 14 ). A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter ( 30 ) is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip ( 34 ) of the guide ( 32 ) in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide ( 32 ) is withdrawn, leaving the sheath ( 40 ) secured in place. The sheath ( 40 ) is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target. |