SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDED REMOVAL FROM AN IN VIVO SUBJECT

Abstract

In accordance with some configurations, systems and methods for guided removal from an in vivo subject are provided. In some configurations, a method for removing an object is provided. The method comprising, guiding a flexible tube through an in vivo subject's ureter, wherein the flexible tube comprises at least a first passageway and a second passageway. Positioning a distal end of the first passageway adjacent to the object. Infusing saline solution through the second passageway while suction is off. Removing the object through the first passageway with at least a portion of the saline solution.

Claims

1. A method for removing an object, comprising: guiding a flexible tube through an in vivo subject's ureter, wherein the flexible tube comprises at least a first passageway and a second passageway; positioning a distal end of the first passageway adjacent to the object; infusing saline solution through the second passageway while suction is off; and removing the object through the first passageway with at least a portion of the saline solution.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing suction to be applied simultaneous with further infusion of saline solution through the second passageway.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tube has an external diameter of at least about 11 French.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inserting a sheath into the in vivo subject's ureter; inserting a ureteroscope through the sheath; positioning the ureteroscope adjacent to a second object; using the ureteroscope to break the second object into a plurality of objects including the object; and wherein the flexible tube is guided through the sheath.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the flexible tube is guided through the sheath subsequent to removal of the ureteroscope.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the ureteroscope is guided through the flexible tube, and wherein the object is removed through the first passageway subsequent to removal of the ureteroscope.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the second object is a kidney stone that has a diameter greater than about 10 millimeters and cannot be removed through the first passageway, and the object is a fragment of the kidney stone that has a diameter of less than about 4.33 millimeters.

8. A device for removing an object, comprising: a flexible tube comprising at least a first passageway and a second passageway, wherein the flexible tube is configured to be inserted through an in vivo subject's ureter; a navigation mechanism configured to be inserted through the second passageway to guide the flexible tube through the ureter; a port coupled to the second passageway and configured to be coupled to a source of saline solution that is to be provided through the second passageway subsequent to removal of the navigation mechanism; and wherein the object is removed through the first passageway while saline solution is infused through the second passageway.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a valve coupled to the first passageway and configured to be coupled to a suction source.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the navigation mechanism is a guidewire.

11. The device of claim 8, further comprising a sheath comprising a third passageway through which the flexible tube is inserted, wherein the sheath is configured to be inserted through the in vivo subject's bladder and into the in vivo subject's ureter.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the sheath is sized to accommodate a ureteroscope.

13. The device of claim 8, wherein the flexible tube has an external diameter of at least about 11 French.

14. The device of claim 8, wherein the first passageway has a diameter of at least about 10 French.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a removal device including a sheath, a vacuum tube, an introducer, and a navigation mechanism;

[0036] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a sheath of the removal device of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the vacuum tube and navigation mechanism of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the vacuum tube of FIG. 3, with the navigation mechanism removed therefrom for clarity;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view of the introducer of the removal device of FIG. 1 enlarged for magnification purposes;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a partial schematic view of the removal device of FIG. 1 further including a valve that is in communication with a suction source;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view depicting a possible installation of a removal device in a urinary tract of a patient in a first state, wherein a ureteroscope is disposed in the sheath of FIG. 1 adjacent a kidney stone; and

[0042] FIG. 8 is a partial schematic view of the removal device of FIG. 7 in a second state, wherein the vacuum tube and navigation mechanism of FIG. 1 is disposed adjacent kidney stone fragments.

[0043] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a dual lumen vacuum tube that can be used with the removal device of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 9B is a front elevational view of the vacuum tube of FIG. 9A.

[0045] FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of a flow chart setting forth some examples of steps in a process for removing an object from a passageway using the removal device described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-8, a removal device 100 includes a sheath 102, a vacuum tube 104, and a navigation mechanism 106. The removal device 100 optionally includes an introducer core 108 adapted to assist in positioning one or more portions of the removal device 100 in a passageway. The removal device 100 further optionally includes a valve 110 that is in communication with, and assists in controlling suction that is supplied to the vacuum tube 104. One or more of the sheath 102, navigation mechanism 106, and/or introducer core 108 may be optional for use with the removal device 100. For example, in one configuration, the sheath 102 is omitted from the removal device 100.

[0047] As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the removal device 100 is designed to be positioned in a passageway of a patient (e.g., urinary tract), and in particular, into a patient's ureter 112. The removal device 100 includes a renal end 114 designed to be positioned proximate the patient's kidney 116, and more particularly, adjacent to one or more kidney stones 118. The removal device 100 includes a bladder end 120 that is designed to extend through the bladder 122 and out of the patient through the urethra (not shown). The removal device 100 provides an uninterrupted passageway from the kidney stones 118 or kidney stone fragments in the kidney 116, through the ureter 112 and bladder 122, and out of the patient.

[0048] Now turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheath 102 is provided as at least one substantially cylindrical tube 130 defining a lumen. The tube 130 includes at least one passageway 132 extending substantially longitudinally therethrough, although additional passageways may be included in the sheath 102 as desired. The passageway 132 extends through the entirety of the sheath 102 and is adapted to receive a ureteroscope 134 (see FIG. 7) and/or other viewing instrument. The ureteroscope 134 preferably includes a laser (not shown) or other mechanism that fractures the kidney stone 118 into smaller fragments (or dust). The passageway 132 is also designed to accommodate the vacuum tube 104 and/or navigation mechanism 106 therein, as described in more detail hereinbelow. The tube 130 is preferably substantially cylindrical to conform to the orifice and/or passageway of the patient in which the removal device 100 is designed to be utilized. In other configurations, the tube 130 includes other shapes as desired. It should also be noted that the sheath 102 may be omitted from the removal device 100 altogether such that the vacuum tube 104 is utilized and serves the function of the sheath 102, which is discussed hereinbelow.

[0049] The sheath 102 is preferably made of a biocompatible material that is rigid enough to support the other components of the removal device 100 (e.g., the vacuum tube 104 and navigation mechanism 106), but elastic enough to conform to the contours of the passageway of the patient. For example, suitable materials for use as the sheath 102 include polymers and copolymers such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamides. Other useful materials include other biocompatible plastics, e.g., polyester, nylon based biocompatible polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene polymers, silicone polymers, and other thermoplastic polymers.

[0050] The sheath 102 is preferably defined by a length dimension of about 15 cm to about 45 cm. In a different configuration, the sheath 102 includes a length dimension of about 20 cm to about 35 cm. In a further configuration, the sheath 102 has a length dimension of about 25 cm to about 30 cm. It should be apparent that the length of the sheath 102 may be adjusted in view of numerous factors including, for example, patient size.

[0051] The sheath 102 is further defined by an interior diameter dimension of the tube 130. In one configuration, the interior diameter of the tube 130 is between about 2 Fr. to about 30 Fr. In a different configuration, the interior diameter of the tube 130 is between about 10 Fr. to about 16 Fr. In another configuration, the interior diameter is between about 12 Fr. to about 14 Fr.

[0052] Now turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the vacuum tube 104 is characterized by an elongate dual lumen 140 defined by a first (larger) passageway 142 and a second (smaller) passageway 144 extending longitudinally therethrough. The vacuum tube 104 may optionally include a specialized tip (not shown) at an end thereof that assists in maintaining the patency of the vacuum tube 104. The tip may also allow the vacuum tube 104 to be positioned in areas that are difficult to access (e.g., the lowest part of the kidney).

[0053] The first passageway 142 is designed to accommodate the introducer 108, which is used to assist in positioning one or more portions of the removal device 100 in the patient, as explained in more detail hereinbelow. The first passageway 142 is also designed to accommodate the suction provided from a suction source 148 (see FIG. 6) that is utilized with the removal device 100. The first passageway 142 of the vacuum tube 104 guides the suction to an area adjacent the kidney stones 118 (and/or kidney stone fragments) and facilitates the kidney stones 118 being removed therethrough. The first passageway 142 acts as a primary passageway for removal of the kidney stones 118 (and/or kidney stone fragments).

[0054] Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second passageway 144 of the vacuum tube 104 is disposed adjacent an internal surface 160 of the lumen 140 and is designed to accommodate the navigation mechanism 106 as shown in FIG. 3. In a different configuration, the second passageway 144 may also accommodate a ureteroscope or other viewing instrument. In still a further configuration, the second passageway 144 may accommodate other devices that may be utilized in conjunction with the removal device. For example, in one particular configuration, a miniature camera, ureteroscope, or other visualization device may be utilized through either the first or second passageway 142, 144. Although depicted adjacent the internal surface 160, the second passageway 144 may be disposed in any other location within the vacuum tube 104, or may be omitted all together. Further, the size of the first and second passageways 142, 144 may be adjusted as desired.

[0055] In a different configuration, the removal device 100 and/or vacuum tube 104 includes additional lumens extending therethrough. For example, in one configuration, the removal device 100 includes a first passageway adapted to receive a suction source, a second passageway adapted to receive a camera or other visual aid, and a third passageway adapted to receive a guidewire.

[0056] The vacuum tube 104 is preferably made of a flexible biocompatible material such that the vacuum tube 104 is able to move through the contours of the passageway of the patient. The vacuum tube 104 is preferably made of a material that is not susceptible to kinks and knots during insertion, use, and removal. For example, in some configurations, the vacuum tube 104 is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer, or a natural or synthetic polymer such as silicone. In other configurations, suitable materials for use include other polymers and copolymers such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamides. Other useful materials include other biocompatible plastics, e.g., polyester, nylon based biocompatible polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene polymers, silicone polymers, and other thermoplastic polymers.

[0057] One or more portions of the vacuum tube 104 may include a coating and/or may comprise a hydrophilic or hydrophobic material. The coating may assist in positioning the vacuum tube 104 within the sheath 102, positioning the navigation mechanism 106 within the vacuum tube 104, and/or assisting in debris removal through the first passageway 142.

[0058] The vacuum tube 104 may also include a reinforcement mechanism (not shown) along a portion (or all) thereof that assists in maintaining the patency and the flexibility thereof. In one configuration, the reinforcement mechanism is provided in the form of a spiral or non-spiral wire. In a different configuration, the reinforcement mechanism is provided in other forms as known in the art.

[0059] In one configuration, the vacuum tube 104 includes a hydrophilic or hydrophobic coating and the vacuum tube 104 is used without the sheath 102. In a different configuration, the vacuum tube 104 is designed to be disposed at least partially within the sheath 102 during use. Therefore, the circumference of the vacuum tube 104 is smaller than that of the sheath 102. The lumen 140 of the vacuum tube 104 is defined by a diameter of between about 3 Fr. to about 30 Fr., more preferably between about 10 Fr. to about 18 Fr., and most preferably between about 11 Fr. to about 13 Fr. In one configuration, the lumen 140 of the vacuum tube 104 is about 10 Fr. In a different configuration, the lumen 140 of the vacuum tube 104 is about 11 Fr. In still a different configuration, the lumen 140 of the vacuum tube 104 is about 12 Fr.

[0060] The diameter of the second passageway 144 of the vacuum tube 104 is smaller than the diameter of the lumen 140 and is characterized by a diameter of between about 0.5 Fr. to about 8 Fr., and more preferably between about 3 Fr. to about 6 Fr. In one configuration, the second passageway 144 of the vacuum tube 104 is about 3 Fr. In a different configuration, the second passageway 144 of the vacuum tube 104 is about 4 Fr. In still a different configuration, the first passageway 144 of the vacuum tube 104 is about 7 Fr.

[0061] Still referring to FIG. 3, as discussed previously, the second passageway 144 of the vacuum tube 104 is designed to accommodate the navigation mechanism 106 as shown in FIG. 3. The navigation mechanism 106 is preferably provided in the form of a guidewire. Guidewires suitable for use in the removal device 100 are characterized by a diameter of between about 0.014 in. to about 1 in. In one configuration, the guidewire is characterized by an elongate flexible material having a diameter of about 0.035 in. or about 0.038 in. Guidewires suitable for use with the removal device 100 include, for example, the Sensor™ guidewire provided by Boston Scientific (Natick, Mass.), or the Glidewire™ provided by Terumo International Systems (Tokyo, Japan). Additionally, the removal device 100 may be utilized in conjunction with the guidewire described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/660,891, filed on Mar. 5, 2010, and incorporated by reference in its entirety. In other configurations, the navigation mechanism 106 may comprise other devices or mechanisms that assist in positioning portions of the removal device 100.

[0062] The vacuum tube 104 and/or other portions of the removal device 100 may be controlled using various control mechanisms. For example, in one configuration, the vacuum tube 104 is controlled using a knob, a lever, a button, a foot pedal, combinations thereof, and the like. Various operational parameters may be controlled with the aforementioned control mechanisms including positioning and/or navigating one or more components of the vacuum tube 104, and/or controlling (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the level of suction.

[0063] In one configuration, the guidewire is designed to be inserted into the patient and navigated to the kidney 116. The removal device 100 is passed over the guidewire through one of the passageways described herein (e.g., the second passageway 144). In some instances, the sheath 102 is optionally inserted into the patient first, followed by one or more of the guidewire and/or removal device 100.

[0064] In a different configuration, the removal device 100 is designed to interact with and pass over the guidewire. In one configuration, the guidewire is inserted into the sheath 102. In a different configuration, the guidewire is inserted into a portion of the vacuum tube 104 (e.g., through the first or second passageway 142, 144, respectively). The guidewire may be utilized in one or more of the passageways in the removal device 100. In a preferred configuration, the guidewire is initially inserted into the flexible tube 130 of the sheath 102 in conjunction with the ureteroscope 134. The guidewire is also preferably utilized in conjunction with the second passageway 144 as a guidance mechanism for the vacuum tube 104 as described in more detail hereinbelow.

[0065] Now turning to FIG. 5, portions of the removal device 100 may optionally be positioned in the passageway with the assistance of a positioning device, for example, such as an introducer core 108. The introducer core 108 includes a rigid, elongate body 170 with a rounded groove 172 extending longitudinally therethrough. The groove 172 preferably has a contour that accommodates the navigation mechanism 106 (e.g., guidewire). For example, in one configuration, the groove 172 is preferably rounded to accommodate a substantially cylindrical guidewire.

[0066] The body 170 of the introducer core 108 terminates at a tapered tip 174 at an end 176 thereof. The tip 174 includes a taper that allows the introducer core 108 to be more easily inserted into the patient (i.e., through the patient's urethra). The introducer core 108 is adapted to be disposed in at least one of the passageways of the removal device 100 to provide support thereto. In one configuration, the introducer core 108 is inserted into the sheath 102. In a different configuration, the introducer core 108 is inserted into a portion of the vacuum tube 104 (e.g., through the first or second passageway 142, 144, respectively).

[0067] The introducer core 108 may be utilized in one or more of the passageways in the removal device 100 to assist with positioning thereof. In a preferred configuration, the introducer core 108 is inserted into the first passageway 142 of the vacuum tube 104 to assist in placement thereof. The introducer core 108 preferably extends substantially the entire length of the first passageway to provide a rigid support for the vacuum tube 104 as the vacuum tube 104 is being positioned in the passageway (e.g., urinary tract). The introducer core 108 is preferably detachable such that it may be removed from the second passageway 142 (or other portion of the removal device 100) after placement of the vacuum tube 104 is complete.

[0068] The removal device 100 is designed to be optionally utilized with the valve 110 (See FIG. 6) that is in fluid communication with the suction source 148 and is capable of controlling the suction associated with the vacuum tube 104. In one configuration, the valve 110 is a gate valve and may be designed to accommodate tubes and/or portions of the removal device 100 having varying diameters. The valve 110 preferably includes at least two different states, whereby the suction is supplied to the removal device 100 in a first state (i.e., via the vacuum tube 104), and whereby the suction is not supplied to the removal device 100 in a second state. The valve 110 may also include intermediate states that allow the suction to be supplied at a specified level. The valve 110 may further include a safety feature such as an auto-shut down mechanism that terminates the suction once a threshold pressure is breached. Other types of valves may be utilized in conjunction with the removal device as known in the art.

[0069] The valve 110 is adapted to be in communication with the suction source 148 via a tube or other mechanism. In one configuration, the suction source 148 is a wall suction as known in the art. In a different configuration, the suction source 148 may be a standard suction unit that is stationary or otherwise portable. In a further configuration, the suction source 148 may be supplied in some other way. In one configuration, a suction source 148 capable of supplying a pressure of about −22 mmHg is utilized, although it should be appreciated that the suction source 148 may supply other pressures as desired.

[0070] The removal device 100 may optionally include a sealable port (not shown), for example, such as one that uses a stopcock valve, for infusing or otherwise providing a liquid or other substance into the device 100. In one configuration, saline is infused through one or more of the passageways of the removal device 100 described herein. In this configuration, the suction may be off or paused. In a different configuration, the suction may be used to assist in transporting or otherwise moving the substance through the removal device 100.

[0071] Now turning to the use of the removal device 100. In one configuration, the removal device 100 is adapted to be used in a medical setting. In particular, the removal device 100 may be used to remove debris or another foreign object (e.g., kidney stone, diseased tissue, and the like) from a patient (not shown). The debris may reside in one or more organs, orifices, or passageways. Accordingly, the removal device 100 may be utilized in any passageway to assist in removing debris therefrom or adjacent thereto.

[0072] In one configuration best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the removal device 100 is designed to be positioned in a patient's urinary tract. As depicted in FIG. 7, the sheath 102 is inserted into the patient's urethra (not shown) and extends through the bladder 122 and ureter 112 until being positioned proximate a kidney stone(s) 118, which is most likely disposed in a portion of the urinary tract (e.g., adjacent the kidney 116). The ureteroscope 134 (or other viewing instrument) is inserted into the sheath 102 along with the navigation mechanism 106. The ureteroscope 134 and navigation mechanism 106 are pushed through the sheath 102 until extending through substantially the entirety thereof. The ureteroscope 134 is used to fracture the kidney stone(s) 118 into fragments 180 (see FIG. 8) via a laser or other similar device. After the kidney stone(s) 118 are fractured, the ureteroscope 134 is removed from the sheath 102, and preferably, the navigation mechanism 106 is retained within the sheath 102. Alternatively, in a different configuration, the navigation mechanism 106 may be removed.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, the vacuum tube 104 is thereafter inserted into the sheath 102 and utilizes the navigation mechanism 106 for guidance thereof. The introducer 108 is disposed within the vacuum tube 104 (e.g., in the first passageway 142) to maintain open communication through the passageways in the vacuum tube 104 during insertion into the patient. Additionally, the second passageway 144 of the vacuum tube 104 is aligned with the navigation mechanism 106. As the vacuum tube 104 is pushed through the sheath 102 (via the introducer 108), the navigation mechanism 106 aligns the second passageway 144 and guides the vacuum tube 104 to the fragments 180. Once the vacuum tube 104 is positioned adjacent the fragments 180, the introducer 108 is detached and removed therefrom. Once the introducer 108 has been removed, the valve 110 is opened to allow access to the suction source 148 and the fragments 180 are pulled from the patient through the removal device 100. A catch or basket (not shown) may be utilized outside of the patient (or in a portion of the removal device 100) to collect the fragments 180, biopsied tissue, and/or other debris.

[0074] Another configuration for a vacuum tube 204 that can be used in connection with removal device 100 is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the vacuum tube 204 can be characterized by an elongate dual lumen 240 defined by a first (larger) passageway 242 and a second (smaller) passageway 244 extending longitudinally therethrough. The second passageway 244 can be disposed adjacent an internal surface 260 of the dual lumen 240. For example, as illustrated, the second passageway 244 can share a portion of a wall with the internal surface 260 and/or be fused to the internal surface 260. In one configuration, the first passageway 242 can be used to accommodate suction from the suction source 148 (e.g., as described above in connection with FIG. 6).

[0075] Still referencing FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second passageway 244 of the vacuum tube 204 can be configured to accommodate the navigation mechanism 106 (e.g., a guidewire) and/or another device (e.g., ureteroscope 134, another viewing instrument, etc.). Additionally, in some configurations, the first passageway 242 of the vacuum tube 204 can be configured to accommodate the navigation mechanism 106 (e.g., a guidewire) and/or another device (e.g., ureteroscope 134, another viewing instrument, etc.). In some configurations, the second passageway 244 can accommodate the flow of an irrigation fluid from a fluid irrigation source to a distal end of the vacuum tube 204 to facilitate the removal of debris through an in vivo passageway of a patient (e.g., after removal of the navigation mechanism 106 and/or any other device). For example, in one particular non-limiting configuration, the fluid irrigation source can be a syringe connected through any suitable connection, such as a needle that is in fluid communication with the second passageway 244 of the vacuum tube 204, a luer-type connector that is in fluid communication with the second passageway 244 of the vacuum tube 204, and/or any other suitable connector. Pressure can be applied to the syringe to dispense the irrigation fluid through the second passageway 244 in the direction of the object to be removed. In other non-limiting examples, in addition to, and/or in lieu of, the syringe described above, the fluid irrigation source can include a wash bottle, a positive displacement pump, or any other suitable fluid irrigation sources known to those skilled in the art.

[0076] The vacuum tube 204 can be configured to selectively provide suction (e.g., through the first passageway 242) from the suction source (e.g., suction source 148 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8) before, during and/or after flushing a target region of the in vivo passageway with the irrigation fluid. For example, as described above, the valve 110 (as shown in FIG. 6) can be used to control suction that is supplied to the vacuum tube 204. The first passageway 242 and the second passageway 244 can be configured to be any suitable sizes.

[0077] Operation of the removal device 100 when removing a kidney stone 118 from a patient's kidney 116 through the patient's ureter 112 is described below with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. The removal device 100 can include any suitable configuration, such as configurations described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 9B. Additionally or alternatively, in some configurations, the removal device 100 can be configured for other medical uses such as treating bladder stones, and/or for use with other procedures, such as percutaneous stone removal, laparoscopic procedures, spine procedures, arthroscopic surgery, and microsurgery (e.g., to treat knee, ankle, foot, and hand issues). The removal device 100 can also be used to remove dead tissue, masses, and other debris. In a further configuration, the removal device 100 can be used in biopsy procedures.

[0078] At 1000, the removal device 100 can be configured to locate the passageway that contains the object for removal. In one non-limiting configuration, the passageway can be located using a cystoscope, which can be inserted into the bladder and used to find the opening to the patient's ureter 112.

[0079] At 1002, the navigation mechanism 106 can be inserted into the passageway 132 of the patient. In some configurations, the navigation mechanism 106 includes a guide wire that is inserted into the patient's ureter 112, and passed through to the patient's kidney 116. A sheath 102 can then be optionally positioned over the navigation mechanism. If the sheath 102 is being used in the procedure (“YES” at 1004), the sheath can be positioned in the patient's ureter 112 at 1006.

[0080] At 1008, an endoscope can be inserted into the passageway of the patient and positioned adjacent to the target object (e.g., a kidney stone). Note that the endoscope can be used regardless of whether the sheath is being used at 1004. In a non-limiting example, the endoscope can be a ureteroscope (e.g., the ureteroscope 134) that can be positioned adjacent to a kidney stone 118 within a patient's kidney 116.

[0081] At 1010, the endoscope can be used to fragment the object using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. For example, in some configurations, the ureteroscope includes a laser that can be used to break the kidney stone 118 into fragments until the fragments have reached a suitable sized, such as roughly 3 mm or smaller. It is to be appreciated that, in some configurations, the ureteroscope can be maneuvered without the assistance of the guide wire 106. At 1012, the endoscope can be removed from the patient's ureter 112 and/or from the sheath 102.

[0082] At 1014, a catheter can be inserted into the passageway of the patient and/or the sheath 102 of the removal device 100. In some configurations, the catheter can include multiple lumens. For example, as described above in connection with FIG. 3, the first lumen can be the first passageway 142 of vacuum tube 104, and the second lumen can be the second passageway 144, which can, among other things, accommodate the navigation mechanism 106, and/or can be in fluid communication with the irrigation fluid source. Alternatively, a variety of catheters with various configurations can be used, such as the configuration described above in connection with FIGS. 9A and 9B. Note that, in some configurations, the catheter can be inserted through sheath 102 and/or the in vivo passageway of the patient and the endoscope can be inserted through the catheter. For example, as described above in connection with FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second passageway of the vacuum tube 204 can accommodate an appropriately sized endoscope (e.g., an endoscope having an external diameter less than or equal to about 1 millimeter).

[0083] At 1016, the fragments within the passageway of the patient can be removed using the vacuum tube. In one non-limiting configuration, a fluoroscope may be used as a visual guide to position the vacuum adjacent to the fragments to be removed. In some configurations, an irrigation fluid can be used to assist in the removal of the fragments from the passageway 134. If irrigation is to be used (“YES” at 1018), in one non-limiting configuration, an irrigation fluid source (e.g., a syringe containing irrigation fluid, a pump, etc.) can be coupled to at least one lumen of the catheter to place the irrigation fluid source into fluid communication with the at least one lumen in the catheter. If irrigation fluid is to be used, the suction and irrigation provided through the removal device 100 can be configured to operate sequentially (“YES” at 1020) or simultaneously (“NO” at 1020). If suction and irrigation are to be provided simultaneously (“NO” at 1020), at 1022, the valve 110 in fluid communication with the catheter can be opened to provide suction through a first lumen of the catheter (e.g., the first passageway 242 of the vacuum tube 204) during injection of the irrigation fluid through a second lumen of the catheter (e.g., the second passageway 244 of the vacuum tube 204). Alternatively, if suction and irrigation are to be provided sequentially (“YES” at 1020), at 1024, the valve 110 in fluid communication with the catheter can be closed and/or can remain closed while irrigation fluid is injected through the catheter, at 1026.

[0084] At 1028, the valve 110 can be opened to provide suction through a lumen of the catheter (which may be the same or different than the lumen through which irrigation fluid was provided). At 1030, the valve 110 can be closed to stop suction through the lumen of the catheter through which suction was being provided. In some configurations, injecting irrigation fluid at 1026, providing suction to remove irrigation fluid and/or fragments at 1028, and stopping suction at 1030 can be repeated any suitable number of times. At 1032, the catheter can be removed from the passageway of the patient.

[0085] If a post-inspection of the passageway 132 is to be performed (“YES” at 1034), at 1036, an endoscope can be inserted into the sheath 102 and/or the passageway 134 to inspect whether there are any remaining fragments to be removed. If there are remaining fragments to be removed (“NO” at 1038), 1010 through 1034 can be repeated as necessary until there are no longer fragments to be removed. Otherwise, if the results are acceptable (“YES” at 1038), at 1042 the endoscope (and if present, at 1044, the sheath 102) can be removed from the passageway 134.

[0086] At 1046, the passageway 134 can be imaged to inspect for any remaining fragments or other debris and any potential damage (e.g., caused by the procedure). In one non-limiting example, any suitable technique or combination of techniques can be used to image the passageway of the patient. For example, a retrograde pyelogram, an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), and/or any other suitable technique can be performed to provide images of the patient's kidneys 116, the patient's ureter 112, and/or the urinary tract in order to identify problems with the structure or the presence of kidney stones 118, tumors, infection, etc. In some configurations, the retrograde pyelogram or IVP can be performed in association with another suitable imaging technique or combination of techniques, such as an ultrasound, a computed tomography (CT) scan, etc.

[0087] At 1048, in some embodiments, a stent can be placed in the passageway 132 of the patient, and the navigation mechanism 106 can be removed at 1050. Note that, in some configurations, the navigation mechanism 106 can be removed at any suitable time, such as prior to providing irrigation fluid (e.g., in configurations where the same lumen is used for the navigation mechanism 106 and irrigation).

[0088] It should be noted that the removal device 100 may be utilized in the manner described herein without fracturing the kidney stone(s) 118. In particular, the kidney stone(s) may be removed directly so long as they are sized to pass through the removal device 100. The removal device 100 described herein is capable of removing debris having varying sizes. For example, the removal device 100 is designed to remove debris that are characterized as particles of dust (e.g., about 0.001 μm to about 10,000 μm).

[0089] The removal device 100 is also designed to remove small, medium, and large kidney stones or other debris. For example, in one configuration, the removal device 100 is designed to remove kidney stones having an approximate diameter of between about 0.0001 mm to about 8 mm. In a different configuration, the removal device 100 is designed to remove kidney stones having an approximate diameter of between about 0.1 mm to about 6 mm. In a different configuration, the removal device 100 is designed to remove kidney stones having an approximate diameter of between about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In still a different configuration, the removal device 100 is designed to remove kidney stones having an approximate diameter of between about 2 mm to about 4 mm. It should be noted that, in one configuration, the removal device 100 described herein is designed to be utilized as described and does not utilize the working channel of a device (i.e., a ureteroscope).

[0090] In a further configuration, the removal device 100 is designed for other medical uses, such as, to treat bladder stones and for use with other less invasive procedures, such as percutaneous stone removal, laparoscopic procedures, spine procedures, arthroscopic surgery, and microsurgery (e.g., to treat knee, ankle, foot, and hand issues). The removal device 100 may also be used to remove dead tissue, masses, and other debris. In a further configuration, the removal device 100 is used in a biopsy procedure.

[0091] The removal device 100 may be utilized in conjunction with visualization mechanisms including with, for example, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. One or more portions of the removal device 100 may further comprise one or more radio opaque markers (not shown) and/or radio opaque materials to assist in inserting, positioning, and/or removing the removal device 100. For example, a radio opaque marker may be disposed adjacent an end of the vacuum tube 104 and/or navigation mechanism 106 to assist in the positioning thereof. The marker may be visible to a physician under X-ray, fluoroscopy, or other visual aids. The removal device 100 may include one or more radio opaque markers on other portions thereof, including on the sheath 102, the introducer core 108, or other portions thereof. In use, the physician may use the mark(s), for example, to facilitate placement of the removal device 100 in the patient.

[0092] In one particular configuration, the removal device 100 is used in conjunction with fluoroscopy. In another configuration, the removal device 100 is used in conjunction with a cystoscope, miniature camera, or other visualization device. In this configuration, the removal device 100 is not inserted into or utilized by the working channel of the cystoscope. Rather, the cystoscope should have a relatively small diameter (e.g., less than about 3 mm) and the removal device 100 is used in conjunction (separately) therewith or designed as a system with direct visualization and the removal device. A navigation mechanism 106 may optionally be used in this configuration to guide the cystoscope and/or the removal device 100 to the desired location.

[0093] Thus, systems and methods are disclosed that are particularly advantageous for addressing the ureter and kidney using an aspirator. For example, some traditional devices attempt to meet clinical needs with a separate or dedicated aspirator. However, in the present disclosure, the aspirator may be inserted over a guidewire after a treatment, such as a ureteroscopy with laser, has been performed.

[0094] The present invention has been described in terms of one or more preferred embodiments, and it should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention.