US20010025174A1

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Publication number: US20010025174A1
Application number: US09/853,059
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven Daniel; Stuart Harman; Timothy Reynolds
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-03-29
Filing date: 2001-05-10
Publication date: 2001-09-27
Also published as: US6258083B1; US6174307B1

Abstract

A viewing and treatment apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgery through an opening in a patient's chest, the apparatus includes a visualization scope with an elongated portion and a distal end, and a working device such as a tissue ablation energy delivery device. The working device is encompassed within a working channel that communicates with the distal end of the scope. In one embodiment, a bronchoscope is used whose catheter shafting includes an introducer sleeve at the distal section of the scope for providing stability during introduction to a patient's chest while stabilizing the treatment and visualization distal ends of the scope at a treatment site. This embodiment can include a needle piercing assembly that cooperatively works with the work device such as for drug delivery. In a second embodiment a rigid endoscope with a viewing channel has an introducer member that is slidably disposed and detachable from the viewing channel and has a transparent convex distal tip which provides non-articulation at the distal end. This introducer member can also be used in conjunction with the first embodiment where the catheter shaft requires non-articulation. Both types of visualization scopes include a working channel in which the working device can translationally egress from the scope's distal end. Additionally, the rigid introducer member can be modified to include a movable transparent rotatable member design for varying the direction which the working devices egresses the apparatus' distal end. The preferred surgical procedure is transmyocardial revascularization and the preferred working device is an optical fiber element that is translatable from the distal end of the apparatus during the procedure. The working device can optionally include a flexible piercing needle with an internal lumen which allows translation of a working device such as an optical fiber or act as a conduit for drug delivery.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of Ser. No. 08/794,733, entitled “MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING REVASCULARIZATION CHANNELS”, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/627,704, entitled “LATERAL-AND POSTERIOR-ASPECT METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LASER ASSISTED TRANSMYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION AND OTHER SURGICAL APPLICATIONS”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,523, which are all incorporated by reference herein.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention[0002]

This invention relates to a viewing surgical scope apparatus capable of introducing a visualization scope and a working device such as an energy delivery device in minimally invasive surgical procedures. In particular, the preferred procedure is transmyocardial revascularization “TMR” wherein the energy delivery device is an optical fiber element.[0003]

2. Discussion of Related Art[0004]

The human heart is a muscular dual pump that beats continuously throughout life sending blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. The interior of the heart consists of four distinct chambers. The septum, a thick central muscular wall, divides the cavity into right and left halves. On the right side, the upper half is known as the right atrium. Deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body arrives in the right atrium via the vena cava, the blood is pumped across a one-way valve known as the tricuspid valve into the lower portion known as the right ventricle. From there the blood circulates to the lungs through the pulmonary valve via the pulmonary artery where it is oxygenated by circulation through the alveoli of the lungs (not shown). The blood returns via the pulmonary veins to the left atrium and flows through a second valve, the mitral valve into the left ventricle where it is pumped via the aorta to the rest of the body.[0005]

Much of the heart consists of a special type of muscle called myocardium. The myocardium requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to allow it to contract and pump blood throughout the vasculature. The inner surfaces of the chambers of the heart are lined with a smooth membrane, the endocardium, and the entire heart is enclosed in a tough, membranous bag known as the pericardial sac.[0006]

The pumping action of the heart has three main phases for each heart beat. Diastole is the resting phase during which the heart fills with blood: while deoxygenated blood is entering the right atrium, oxygenated blood is returned from the lungs to the left atrium. During atrial systole, the two atria contract simultaneously, squeezing the blood into the lower ventricles. Finally, during ventricular systole the ventricles contract to pump the deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries and the oxygenated blood into the main aorta. When the heart is empty, diastole begins again. The electrical impulses which stimulate the heart to contract in this manner emanate from the heart's own pacemaker, the sinoatrial node. The heart rate is under the external control of the body's autonomic nervous system.[0007]

Though the heart supplies blood to all other parts of the body, the heart itself has relatively little communication with the oxygenated blood supply. Thus, the two coronary arteries, the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery, arise from the aorta and encircle the heart muscle on either side “like a crown” to supply the heart itself with blood. Heart disorders are a common cause of death in developed countries. They also impair the quality of life of millions of people and restrict activity by causing pain, breathlessness, fatigue, fainting spells and anxiety. The major cause of heart disease in developed countries is impaired blood supply. The coronary arteries become narrowed due to atherosclerosis and part of the heart muscle is deprive of oxygen and other nutrients. The resulting ischemia or blockage can lead to angina pectoris; a pain in the chest, arms or jaw due to lack of oxygen to the heart's myocardium, or infarction; or tissue necrosis in myocardial tissue.[0008]

Techniques to supplement the flow of oxygenated blood directly from the left ventricle into the myocardial tissue have included needle acupuncture to create transmural channels (see below) and implantation of T-shaped tubes into the myocardium. Efforts to graft the omentum, parietal pericardium, or mediastinal fat to the surface of the heart had limited success. Others attempted to restore arterial flow by implanting the left internal mammary artery into the myocardium.[0009]

Modernly, coronary artery blockage can be relieved in a number of ways. Drug therapy, including nitrates, beta-blockers, and peripheral vasodilator drugs (to dilate the arteries) or thrombolytic drugs (to dissolve clots) can be very effective. If drug treatment fails transluminal angioplasty is often indicated—the narrowed part of the artery, clogged with atherosclerotic plaque or other deposits, can be stretched apart by passing a balloon to the site and gently inflating it a certain degree. In the event drug therapy is ineffective or angioplasty is too risky (often introduction of a balloon in an occluded artery can cause portions of the atherosclerotic material to become dislodged which may cause a total blockage at a point downstream of the subject occlusion, thereby requiring emergency procedures, the procedure known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common and successful major heart operation performed, with over 500,000 procedures done annually in America alone. The procedure takes at least two surgeons and can last up to five hours. First, the surgeon makes an incision down the center of the patient's chest and the heart is exposed by opening the pericardium. A length of vein is removed from another part of the body. The patient is subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass during the operation. The section of vein is first sewn to the aorta and then sewn onto a coronary artery at a place such that oxygenated blood can flow directly into the heart. The patient is then closed. Not only does the procedure require the installation of the heart-lung machine, a very risky procedure, but the sternum must be sawed through and the risk of infection is enhanced during the time the chest cavity is spread open.[0010]

Another method of improving myocardial blood supply is called transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), the creation of channels from the epicardial to the endocardial portions of the heart. The procedure uses needles to perform “myocardial acupuncture,” that has been experimented with at least as early as the 1930s and used clinically since the 1960s, see Deckelbaum. L. I., Cardiovascular Applications of Laser Technology,[0011]Lasers in Surgery and Medicine15:315-341 (1994). This technique has relieved ischemia by allowing blood to pass from the ventricle through the channels either directly into other vessels perforated by the channels or into myocardial sinusoids which connect to the myocardial microcirculation. This procedure has been likened to transforming the human heart into one resembling that of a reptile. In the reptile heart, perfusion occurs via communicating channels between the left ventricle and the coronary arteries. Frazier, O. H., Myocardial Revascularization with Laser—Preliminary Findings,Circulation,1995; 92 [suppl II:II-58-II-65]. There is evidence of these communicating channels in the developing human embryo. In the human heart, myocardial microanatomy involves the presence of myocardial sinusoids. These sinusoidal communications vary in size and structure, but represent a network of direct arterial-luminal, arterial-arterial, arterial-venous, and venous-luminal connections. This vascular mesh forms an important source of myocardial blood supply in reptiles but its role in humans is not well understood.

Numerous TMR studies have been performed using lasers where channels are formed in the myocardium. In one study, 20-30 channels per square centimeter were formed into the left ventricular myocardium of dogs prior to occlusion of the arteries. LAD ligation was conducted on both the revascularized animals as well as a set of control animals. Results showed that animals having undergone TMR prior to LAD ligation acutely showed no evidence of ischemia or infarction in contrast to the control animals. After sacrifice of the animals post operatively between 4 weeks and 5 months, the laser-created channels could be demonstrated grossly and microscopically to be open and free of debris and scarring.[0012]

It is possible that the creation of laser channels in the myocardium may promote long-term changes that could augment myocardial blood flow such as by inducing angiogenesis in the region of the lazed (and thus damaged) myocardium. Support for this possibility is reported in histological evidence of probable new vessel formation adjacent to collagen occluded transmyocardial channels. In the case of myocardial acupuncture or boring, which mechanically displaces or removes tissue, acute thrombosis followed by organization and fibrosis of clots is the principal mechanism of channel closure. By contrast, histological evidence of patent, endothelium-lined tracts within the laser-created channels supports the assumption that the inside of the laser channels is or can become hemocompatible and that it resists occlusion caused by thrombo-activation and/or fibrosis.[0013]

U.S. patents that deal with TMR and myocardial revascularization include U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,817 which teaches a method and apparatus for TMR using a laser. A surgical CO[0014]₂laser includes a handpiece for directing a laser beam to a desired location. Mounted on the forward end of the handpiece is a hollow needle to be used in surgical applications where the needle perforated a portion of tissue to provide the laser beam direct access to distal tissue. U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,926 teaches a heart-synchronized pulsed laser system for surgical TMR. This patent's system and method include a sensing device for synchronized firing of a laser during the contraction and expansion of a beating heart during a predetermined portion of the heartbeat cycle. This heart-synchronized pulsed laser system is important where the type of laser, the energy and pulse rate are potentially damaging to the beating heart or its action. Additionally, as the heart beats, the spatial relationship between the heart and the tip of the laser delivery probe may change so that the necessary power of the beam and the required position of the handpiece may be unpredictable. U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,316 teaches of TMR performed by inserting a portion of an elongated flexible lasing apparatus into the chest cavity of a patient and lasing channels directly through the outer surface of the epicardium into the myocardium tissue. U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,096 and 5,607,421 teach of myocardial revascularization that is performed by guiding an elongated flexible lasing apparatus into a patient's vasculature percutaneously such that the firing end of their respective lasing apparatus are adjacent the endocardium for lasing channels directly through the endocardium into myocardium tissue without perforating the heart's pericardium layer. None of the above listed patents teach methods for performing myocardial revascularization using minimally invasive surgical techniques, nor do their respective system's include a device for visualizing areas of the heart during such a procedure.

Patent literature that deals with minimally invasive surgical procedures for myocardial revascularization includes PCT application WO 97/13468 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,259 which teach of thoracoscopic myocardial revascularization devices using a CO[0015]₂type laser based handpiece. U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,857 teaches of a thoracoscopic cannula device. PCT Application WO 97/34540 teaches of video assisted thoracoscopic CO₂type laser TMR surgical method for a thoracoscopic myocardial revascularization procedure.

Finally, viewing devices used in cardiac interventional procedures include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,784,133 and 4,976,710 which both teach of an angioscope/bronchoscope device that includes a flexible distal end with an inflatable balloon structure for viewing intravasculature structures. This device's flexible catheter includes a working channel for introducing a procedural device at the viewing/treatment distal end.[0016]

There is a need for an apparatus and method for performing myocardial revascularization from one or more minimally invasively formed penetrations and eliminating the need for open chest surgery by providing a viewing surgical scope allowing for single handed use during such a procedure.[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedure and in particular for the creation of a TMR channels in a heart wall. The surgical viewing scope apparatus comprises a visualization device such as a bronchoscope or endoscope in combination with a working device such as an optical fiber element or other energy delivery device which is introduced through a minimally invasive formed penetration of a patient's chest. The preferred use of the apparatus is to deliver sufficient energy to the heart wall to form a channel through at least a portion of the heart wall wherein the energy delivery device is introduced through a minimally invasive formed penetration in the patient's chest.[0018]

The first viewing surgical scope embodiment is an articulating bronchoscope with a midsection introducer sleeve assembly for placement of the distal end of the viewing surgical scope through a patient's chest penetration. This embodiment of the viewing surgical scope has an integrated working channel and an integrated handle member for providing both advancement of the working device and articulation of the distal end of the viewing surgical scope from which a working device can egress.[0019]

The second viewing surgical scope embodiment is a rigid endoscope with various designs of the working channel from which the working device can egress from the viewing surgical scope. This second embodiment includes a closed ended introducer sleeve member with a preferred convex viewing tip that can be pushed against the heart and allows viewing of a beating heart while performing the operation. This sleeve member acts as an introducer tubular member that also stops bleeding by applied pressure and can perform multiple operative procedures from the same chest wall penetration. This second embodiment can also include a pistol grip hand-piece which members for advancement and actuation of the working device. The introducer tubular member allows for quick disconnect and interchangeability for operating on both lateral, anterior and posterior sides of the heart from a single penetration in a patient's chest. The introducer tubular member is either a disposable or reusable member.[0020]

The method of the invention includes introducing a first viewing surgical device through a first minimally invasive penetration of a patient's chest. The first viewing surgical device includes a working channel. An energy delivery device is introduced through the working channel of the first viewing surgical device. Sufficient energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to the wall of the heart to form a channel through at least a portion of the wall. Another embodiment of the method includes forming first, second and third minimally invasive penetrations in a patient's chest. A first viewing scope device is introduced through the first minimally invasive penetration. The heart is prepared for channel formation by using tools introduced through the second and third minimally invasive penetrations. A second visualization device includes a working channel and is introduced through the third minimally invasive penetration. An energy delivery device is introduced through either the second minimally invasive penetration or the working channel of the second viewing surgical scope device. Sufficient energy from the energy delivery device is delivered to the heart wall and create a channel through at least a portion of the wall. The positioning of the visualization devices and the working tools can be interchanged between the first, second and third minimally invasively formed penetrations.[0021]

An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method using a minimally invasive surgical technique for TMR.[0022]

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for performing TMR through at least one minimally invasively formed penetration of a patient's chest.[0023]

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for TMR through two or more minimally invasively formed penetrations of a patient's chest.[0024]

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for TMR through a minimally invasively formed penetration in a patient's chest with an articulating viewing bronchoscope that includes at least one working channel, wherein multiple working channels could be incorporated for other procedural devices, such as a piercing needle for drug delivery at treatment sites.[0025]

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for TMR through first and second minimally invasively formed penetrations in a patient's chest with a viewing surgical scope in the first penetration and a trocar configured to introduce working tools through the second penetration.[0026]

Another object of the invention is provide a method and apparatus for TMR by forming one or more minimally invasively formed penetrations and providing access to more than one region of the heart.[0027]

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) which is sufficiently rigid to support surrounding tissue, which allows channels to be created at angles to the apparatus' axis, e.g. normal to target tissue, or at an oblique angle to the target tissue site.[0028]

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for TMR which is atraumatic to surrounding tissue, minimizes bleeding, and reduces tissue movement at a target tissue site.[0029]

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having enhanced use and functional capabilities, such as a tissue piercing capability for added stability during the TMR procedure or drug delivery use.[0030]

These and other objects of the invention are achieved in a method for a closed-chest formation of a channel in a wall of a heart. An energy delivery device is introduced through a first minimally invasive penetration of a patient's chest. Sufficient energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to the wall of the heart to form a channel through at least a portion of the wall. In its simplest embodiment, a conventional pneumo-needle may be inserted through the chest wall and a laser waveguide inserted therethrough to form a channel, preferably using a viewing device to show the position of the advancing waveguide and the heart wall.[0031]

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.[0032]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a representative isometric view of a first embodiment of the viewing surgical scope apparatus of the present invention using articulated distal section members.[0033]

FIG. 1B is a section view of viewing surgical scope apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.[0034]

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the distal end of the viewing surgical scope's introducer assembly shown in FIG. 1A.[0035]

FIG. 2B is a section view of FIG. 2A.[0036]

FIG. 2C is an exploded view of the distal end of the viewing surgical scope shown in FIG. 2A.[0037]

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the proximal end of the viewing surgical scope apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.[0038]

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of FIG. 3A.[0039]

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the optical fiber advancement and control handle assembly of the viewing surgical scope apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.[0040]

FIG. 4B is a section view of FIG. 4A.[0041]

FIG. 4C is an exploded view of FIG. 4A.[0042]

FIG. 5 is a representative side view of a piercing needle assembly used with the embodiments of the invention's viewing surgical scope apparatus.[0043]

FIGS. 6A, 6B,[0044]6C &6D are representative section views of viewing tubular assemblies that each have a clear distal tipped section with a working channel having various orientations at the clear distal tip.

FIG. 7 is a representative section view of a variation to the clear distal tip tubular member as shown in FIGS.[0045]6A-6D that has elements's for controlling the working device's orientation at the viewing surgical scope's distal end.

FIGS. 8A is a second viewing surgical scope apparatus embodiment of the invention using a non-articulating viewing surgical scope that includes the clear distal tip tubular member shown in FIGS.[0046]6A-6D.

FIGS. 8B is a variation of the second viewing surgical scope embodiment of the invention using a non-articulating viewing surgical scope that includes the clear distal tip tubular member shown in FIGS.[0047]6A-6D where the handle uses a sliding advance mechanism for the working device.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a patient illustrating first, second and third minimally invasively formed penetrations formed in the patient's chest, such as used for access in TMR.[0048]

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an interior of the patient's chest shown in FIG. 9.[0049]

It will be understood that the invention's preferred embodiments have many of the individual elements whose functional aspects are similar. Thus, it will be understood that structural elements having similar or identical functions may have like reference numerals associated therewith. The appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefor not to be limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.[0050]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A minimally invasively formed penetration is a chest penetration that does not entail “open chest” surgery by gross spreading of the ribs or cutting through excessive ribs and/or the sternum. Minimally invasive surgery also involves formation of penetrations that may be performed intercostally or non-intercostally to access tissues and organs without large incision openings in a patient. Once devices have been introduced in this manner, treatments may be affected from within an organ outwards, i.e. “inside-out,” or in an “outside-in” manner. “Channels” refer to revascularization entries through the epicardium or myocardium and further includes entries that extend (i) through the endocardium from the epicardium; (ii) partially or fully through the myocardium; (iii) to form stimulation zones; or (iv) to form drug pockets. “Working devices” for attached either permanently to or slidably disposed within the[0051]

tube

112. Flexibletubular member114 in turn is attached to thecup member116. The optionalinner tube111 is attached to the flexibletubular member114 and theinner tube111 is slidably disposed within thetube112. Theinner tube111 is made integral with thetube112 when thetubular member114 is permanenetly attached totube112.Tube111 when used attaches to thecollet housing202, otherwise thetube112 is attached thereto. The distal end of thecatheter120, not shown in FIGS.2A-2C, is disposed insideinner tube111 andflexible tube114 in thebore108. Thecatheter120 is secured to the introducertubular assembly102 at a fixed location by manually tighteningcollet thumbscrew200 intocollet housing202, which compressesgripper204. A distalend lock ring113 attaches the distal end of thecatheter120 to thecup member116 as shown in FIG. 2C. The flexibletubular member114 can be drawn into thetube112 by making thecup member116 smaller then shown such that when handle110 can be decoupled from thecollet housing202 by twisting thehandle110 and then pushinghandle member110 withtube112 towards the distal end of thescope100, thecup member116 collapses and resides within thetube112 thereby providing ease ofscope100 positioning through a minimally invasively formed penetration in a patient's chest so that entanglement with other instruments or internal body parts is minimized.

The flexible[0052]

tubular member

114 and thesuction cup member116 formdistal end assembly115. This articulatingdistal end assembly115 is disconnectable and interchangeable with a essentially rigid non-articulatingviewing tubular assembly600 discussed below and shown in FIGS.6A-6D for a viewing surgical scope apparatus. The introducertubular assembly102 withcatheter120 is for insertion into a patient's chest through a minimally invasive penetration using thehandle110 for emplacement, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/794,733, which teaches of a trocar used for initially providing a chest wall penetration for introducing instruments into a chest cavity.

[0053]

Catheter

120 comprises the elongated shafting of a bronchoscope or flexible endoscope tubing. The introducertubular assembly102 provides: a) stable support for emplacement within a patient's chest cavity and b) prevents unintended rotation and axial movement of the distal end of a working device such as the laser energy deliveryoptical fiber element510. Theflexible tuber member114 allows deflection at the distal end of thescope100 by pivotal motions of thehandle122 which in turn causes a pivotal joint indicated by double arrow A-A in FIG. 1A to push or pull a control wire (not shown) or an equivalent translational member communicating between the bronchoscope'sproximal body assembly104 and the distal end of thecatheter120. Tip deflection mechanisms in bronchoscopes are well known in the art. The flexibletubular member114 can be made of flexible silicon rubber or other elastic material with flexural characteristics for providing the necessary stability on a beating heart.Cup member116 can optionally communicate with a vacuum treatment and diagnosis of affected coronary/vasculature tissue include devices configurable and extendable through a lumen within the viewing surgical scope's distal end such as: optical fiber elements capable of delivering laser energy with or without a piercing needle assembly at the distal end of the viewing surgical scope, drug delivery using a piercing needle assembly, RF tissue ablation devices, ultrasound devices, or mechanical coring devices.

FIG. 1A is a representative isometric view of the first embodiment of the invention's viewing[0054]

surgical scope

100. The viewingsurgical scope100 is an articulating bronchoscope with a distal end introducerassembly102 and amain body assembly104. Theintroducer assembly102 includes ahandle portion110 coupled to an essentiallyrigid tube112.Tube112 is aflexible member114 with an attachedsuction cup116 member.Catheter120 couples to themain body assembly104 and is either rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. A control handle122 provides control of an opticalfiber advancement member442 of anoptical fiber element510 which transmits laser energy from a remote laser energy source. The bronchoscope'scatheter120 has multiple conduits which are accessed through themain body assembly104 via multiple portal openings such as a fiber opticwaveguide portal opening124. These conduits accomplish functions such as illumination, aspiration or irrigation of target tissue at the scope's distal end atsuction cup member116. A hollow working channel is included with thecatheter120 for introducing implements such as a laser energy delivery optical fiber. The visualization scope shown can be a standard articulating bronchoscope or custom designed flexible endoscope made by Storz, Olympus or Pentax. The visualization scope'scatheter120 is within thebore108 of theintroducer assembly102 shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 1B is a section view at[0055]

sectional line

1B-1B of the viewingsurgical scope100 shown in FIG. 1A. Thecatheter120 is a shaft of a bronchoscope withconduits130 and visualization lumen withinternal fiber132 & workingchannel134 with internal laser energyoptical fiber element510 extending the length ofcatheter120 that communicates between themain body assembly104 and the end atcup member116. In a typical configuration, one ormore conduits130 can be included within thecatheter120. Aneyepiece326 shown in FIG. 1A observes target tissue at the distal end of the viewingsurgical scope100 via the visualization lumen withinternal imaging fiber132. Various types of ancillary viewing capabilities such as CCD monitoring can be attached at theeyepiece326. A translatable laser energyoptical fiber element510 is translatable and is disposed within the workingchannel134 to deliver laser energy at thedistal cup member116 to form TMR channels in the heart.

FIGS. 2A, 2B &[0056]2C show the introducertubular assembly102 of the viewingsurgical scope100 shown in FIG. 1A.Handle member110 couples, either by threaded member for quick uncoupling or permanently coupled thereto, to an essentiallyrigid tube112. Aflexible tubular member114 is source attached to theproximal body assembly104 throughport324 via one of theinternal conduits130 to assist in heart wall attachment.Cup member116 provides a broad surface which locks on the heart when evacuated for stability during the procedure.Cup member116 keeps the optics clean and provides a protective shield for sharp tools which can scratch adjacent heart tissue. Thecup member116 can equivalently be a flange member with a flexible grooved annular surface for locking onto a heart surface with or without vacuum assist or be a flange member with a gripping textured surface that attaches to tissue during the procedure.

FIGS. 3A & 3B are views of the[0057]

main body assembly

104 as shown in FIG. 1A that can be mounted to the operating table or other structure using mountingshaft306 that is attached to thebody mount308. The body mount handle310 allows manipulation of themain body assembly104 when mounted to a fixture where the practitioner uses one hand to hold theintroducer tube112 athandle110 and the other hand controls thehandle122 foroptical fiber510 translations and/or deflections of the distal end'scup member116.Main body assembly104 in exploded view shown in FIG. 3B has aright body housing302 and aleft housing body304. The right and left

body housings

302 and304 are configured as mating halves of an outer housing that encompass the proximal end of thevisualization scope342, which is an articulating-type bronchoscope in this embodiment of the invention. Thevisualization scope342 has at least two channels wherein a first workingchannel portal322 communicates with the workingchannel134 and the visualization portal througheyepiece326. A CCD-camera can optionally be used via theeyepiece326.Portal opening124 typically provides illumination at target tissue sites at the distalend cup member116.Linkage332 couples lever330 viawheel linkage334 to handlepivot member336. Pivoting ofhandle122 shown by double headed arrow A-A in FIG. 1A results in articulation of theflexible member section114 viacontrol lever330 action. The workingchannel port322 optionally allows introducing procedural tools and instruments including but not limited to scissors, graspers, fiber optic tools, suture mechanisms without the pivot arm assembly as shown. Workingchannel port322 with thehandle122 feature as discussed above substantially aligns with and allows free movement of thehandle pivot member336 through a ball joint socket design that couples to theport340 onvisualization scope342. Handlepivot member336 allows translatation of the working device such as anoptical fiber element510 therethrough.

FIGS. 4A & 4B are partial component views of the[0058]

handle

122 with the optical fiberelement thumb slider442 shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 4B shows thehandle122 without thespring biasing element420 and an interposed triggering/retraction leaf spring member and aninternal slider444 for clarity. FIG. 4C is an exploded view showing the internal components of thehandle122. Thethumb slider442 advances and retracts the energy delivery device such as theoptical fiber510 independent of the triggered piercing needle member assembly as shown in FIG. 5. Thehandle122 as discussed above moves in unison withhandle pivot336 shown in FIG. 1 A thereby providing articulation ofdistal tip cup116. The practitioner's hand can control both the advancement of theoptical fiber510 and articulation of the distaltip cup member116. Thedistal end400 ofhandle122 is inserted intopivot handle member336 and retained in place by lockingmember402. Anend tube404 sleeve enters thehandle122 at itsproximal end406 and another similardistal end tube408 sleeve is disposed at thedistal end400 and extends to the distal end of thescope100. A matingright handle portion410 and aleft handle portion412 are coupled together and enclose a needle piercing spring loaded drive assembly and energy delivery device advancement and control components. Theoptical fiber element510 passes through the proximal and distal ends throughtube404 and aneedle advance tube408 which telescope with each other, thetube404 is smaller than thetube408 and thetube404 attaches to theoptical fiber element510, thetube404 attaches internally to theinternal slider444 and thetube404 slides within thetube408, thus allowing translation of theoptical fiber510 independent of thetube408 movement. Movement ofthumb slider442 in direction C disengages aratchet416 in mechanical cooperation with aflexible latch418 distal end locking member that disengages a piercingneedle slider422 resulting inneedle advance spring420 to push theneedle slider422 forward causing theneedle advance tube408 to move in direction C as well to advance the piercing needledistal end assembly500 as shown in FIG. 5. Continued forward movement ofthumb slider442 advances thefiber optic element510 through the needleadvance end tube408 which remains stationary. Movement of thethumb slide442 is limited by fiber advance anddepth stop button424 slidably disposed withinslot426 by either a threaded compression or a biased detent member that cooperatively engages theslot426 at predetermined positions. Finally, retraction ofadvance thumb slider442 in the direction of arrow D causes theinternal slider444 to move rearwardly and causes the distal end of the triggering/retraction leaf spring member, which cooperatively slides within and engage internal slots in theslider444, to engage the distal end face of theslider444 and pull the piercingslider422 rearwardly as well, thus resetting and latching theneedle slider422 withspring420 in relation to thelatch418 distal end face. Thetube408 is inserted into the working channel of the inventions viewing surgical scope apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a representative side view of the piercing needle assembly's[0059]

distal end

500. Piercingneedle end portion502 has a bevel cut end for piercing tissue and is coupled to aflexible section504 which allows passage of the piercing needledistal end assembly500 through a working channel with bending such as a flexible catheter or pre-shaped tubing. Afiber optic element510 or otherenergy delivery device510 passes through a lumen within piercingneedle assembly500 as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and5. Moreover, the distalend needle assembly500 can be a flexible drug delivery conduit and be a working device for the invention's viewing surgical scopes. Similarly, the distal end piercingneedle assembly500 can be replaced with a piercing optical fiber element as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,985 entitled “Optical Fiber Device and Method for Laser Surgery Procedures,” which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIGS.[0060]6A-D are representative section views of variations of aviewing tubular assembly600. Theassembly600 can be used with either a flexible or rigid endoscope. In particular, theassembly600 as used with the viewingsurgical scope100 replaces the flexibledistal end assembly115 as shown in FIG. 1A; or alternatively and preferably used with a rigidshafted endoscope200 discussed below and representatively shown in FIGS. 8A & 8B. Theviewing tubular assembly600 includes an optically clear or transparentend tube cap602 which fits over the visualization portdistal end604 of a scope's visualization shaft and has a working channel606 (cut-off view). The distal ends604 in FIGS. 6A & 6B lie in planes essentially perpendicular to the central axis of theviewing tubular assembly600 such that optics provide essentially direct forward visualization with a predetermined divergence viewing angle E as shown. Theend port604 shown in FIG. 6C is at a 30° angle with respect to the central axis of theviewing tubular assembly600.Distal end604 can be varied such that the field of view is at an angle offset with respect to the central axis of viewingtubular assembly600. Theviewing tubular assembly600 replaces the components offlexible member114 andcup member116 in FIGS.2A-2C and cooperatively combines with theshaft member112 and connectively interfaces representatively with the workingchannel134 with appropriate tubing connectors with the workingchannel606 shown in FIGS.6A-6D. Theend cap602 member is made from an acrylic or equivalent polycarbonate transparent material and coupled to a rigidtubular sleeve member615. Moreover, theassembly600 can be a solid object made of the same material as theend cap602 member. The distal end of thevisualization scope604 terminates near thetransparent end cap602. Theend cap602 can made with desired optical light absorption/reflection characteristics. Furthermore, the shape of theend cap602 can be conical, elliptical or include planar facets at various angles with respect to the viewing tubular assembly's600 central axis. Theend cap602 is designed and made in accordance with required optical lens characteristics such as focus, divergence, convergence, directionability, collimation, polarization or diffusion.

The working[0061]

channel

606 has various designs with differing bends that cooperatively are attached to theviewing tubular assembly600. The workingchannel606 as shown is external to theassembly600, but can be incorporated into a lumen or be a structural tube either in the wall of theviewing tubular assembly600 or conformably designed to fit within the inner wall surface ofassembly600 adjacent thedistal end604 of thevisualization scope342 or an end shaft of a rigid or flexible endoscope. The workingchannel606 is shown attached to the external wall ofassembly600 in FIGS.6A-6D. Viewingtubular assembly600 functions to allow viewing of affected tissue while applying pressure to tissue for stopping bleeding and minimizing active tissue movement, e.g. a beating heart. The workingchannel606 directs and protects the operative working device such as theoptical fiber element510, a drug delivery needle or other energy delivery device that is controlled byhandle800 as shown in FIGS. 8A. The workingchannel606 can be made of stainless steel, plastic or comparable material. In the preferred embodiment, the workingchannel606 is clear to enable visualization of fiber movement. The workingchannel606 in FIG. 6A has acurvature608 such that the fiber or other working device is directed through thetransparent end cap602 in a direction essentially parallel with/or contiguous with respect to the central axis of theassembly600. The workingchannel606 has acurvature612 in FIG. 6B which directs the working device through thetransparent end cap602 at approximately 45° with respect to the central axis of theassembly600. Likewise, thecurvature614 in the workingchannel606 of FIG. 6C directs the working device through thetransparent end cap602 in a direction approximately 90° with respect to the central axis of theviewing tubular assembly600. Other orientations of workingchannel606 and/or distal end bends intube606 can be used to direct the working device.

FIG. 7 is a representative section view of a variation of a movable distal ended optical ball viewing[0062]

tubular assembly

700 that provides variable positioning of the working device such as theoptical fiber510 and can also be part of either viewing

surgical scope

100 or200 as discussed below. The optically transparentrotatable member706, which is either a ball or cylinder member, is at thedistal end708 and seats within a conformalshaped end tube701 that allows free rotation of therotatable member706.Upper steering wire710 and alower steering wire712 are coupled to therotatable member706. The

steering wires

710 and712 pass back to a proximal portion of the

scope

100 or200 to controlmechanism714. The

steering wires

710 and712 are coupled todeflector knobs716 for rotating therotatable member706 in a direction as shown by double headed arrow F. Aguide channel718 passes through therotatable member706. Aflexible coupling portion720 extends between theguide channel718 of therotatable member706 and the workingchannel606, thereby providing a path for directing the working device such as anoptical fiber510 therethrough.Flexible coupling portion720 is a telescoping or an accordion-like interconnection allowing reorientation of therotatable member706 to direct the working device in a direction G.Tensioning steering wire710 rotates therotatable member706 and re-directs theguide channel718 in opposition tosteering wire712. Additionally, more control wires can be includes to provide multiple degrees of rotation of therotatable member706 for greater controllability.

The articulating distal ended viewing[0063]

tubular assembly

700 can replace the components offlexible member114 andcup member116, i.e.assembly115 in FIGS.2A-2C and cooperatively slides onshaft member112. Theviewing tubular assembly700 connectively interfaces at least with the

conduits

130 and134 with appropriate tubing channeling connectors and by appropriate internal control wire connections within the proximal end ofsleeve member715 and to appropriate connections in theflexible catheter shaft120. Moreover, thecatheter120 can be a stand alone viewing device whose distal end which representatively can be604 in FIG. 7 and thework channel606 would be tubing attached to thecatheter120 shafting. The viewingsurgical scope200 discussed below and shown as FIG. 8A and 8B would have acontrol member714 on thehandle800 with connectingcontrol wires710 &712. Theassembly700 would encompass the rigid endoscope shafting601 as discussed below.

The articulating[0064]

assembly

700 of FIG. 7 can have alternative designs such as an assembly comprising an internal mechanical deflecting linkage mechanism for changing the orientation of the egression angle of the workingchannel606. The transparent surfacerotatable member706 would be replaced with an essentially transparent cap member comparable to602 with a flexible membrane to allow orientation displacement of the workingchannel606 that is sealed within the membrane. Moreover, the deflecting linkage mechanism can be a light reflecting surface such that observations of tissue can be at offset angles with respect to the axial direction of theassembly tube715 where the distal end of thevisualization scope604 has a normal surface with respect thereto.

FIG. 8A shows viewing[0065]

surgical scope

200 with ahandle assembly800 using a fingertrigger advance mechanism804 and has thetubular viewing assembly600. Theassembly600 is non-articulating distalclear end cap602 for visualizing and has a workingchannel606 for directing the working device, e.g. anoptical fiber510 at a treatment site. The visualization scope is an endoscope whosedistal end604 is viewed through aneyepiece806. Thedistal end604 of the endoscope can have different angular orientations as discussed above for a required distal end viewing field from theviewing tubular assembly600. The viewingsurgical scope200 for example can be a 10-mm sized rigid endoscope with aviewing tubular assembly600 that has a 12 mm-O.D. A smaller 5-mm system endoscope, can also be used where theassembly600 is about 10-12 mm O.D. that allows for additional space inside theassembly600 for additional workingchannels606 that allow for drug delivery, lighting etc. Thehandle assembly800 is ergonomically designed for hand gripping. Thehandle assembly800 includes a fiber advance mechanism usingfinger trigger804 within the handle and alignment retaining members for attaching endoscope shafting601 along with theviewing tubular assembly600. Theviewing tubular assembly600 is user removable for quick disconnect from the endoscope shafting601 for quick interchange oftubular assemblies600 with different workingchannel606 egress angles for surgical procedures that occur at various aspects of the heart surface, such as the lateral, anterior, posterior or apexial walls when operating from a single chest penetration. Theviewing tubular assembly600 has a quickdisconnect coupling member808 for connections of the workingchannel606 for quick interchangeability of theassembly600. Additionally, the articulatedviewing tubular assembly700 shown in FIG. 7 can be used with the necessary control features incorporated within thehandle800. This feature allows access to lateral, anterior or posterior locations of an organ where a practitioner uses the same chest wall penetration.

[0066]

Finger trigger

804 controls translatable movement of the working device, e.g. anoptical fiber element510 with or without a piercing needledistal end assembly500 as shown in FIG. 5. Thefinger trigger804 actuates mechanical or electrically movement of the working device from the distal end of theviewing tubular assembly600 shown by the double arrow H, preferably using incremental control. Mechanisms for the advancement/retraction function include rack and pinion components, a stepper motor with appropriate control, pneumatic driven mechanisms with incremental stepping functional components.

Alternatively, the handle can include a[0067]

slide member

810 as shown in FIG. 8B which can include a mechanism comparable to that discussed above in FIGS. 4A & 4B wherein a triggering mechanism advances aneedle piercing member500 and cooperatively works with theoptical fiber510 through an adjustable range, e.g. 1.5-2.5 cm. Theslide member810 can include detents for a user to sense rate of advancement. The advancement mechanism can also be geared to provide advancement at translation ratios other than 1:1. Retraction of theoptical fiber510 can be accomplished by reversing thetrigger button812 that cooperates with a reversing rack mechanism insidehandle800. Astop setting member814 can be used to position the optical fiber distal ending flush with the viewing tubular assembly's600 outer surface. Alternatively, the mechanisms shown in FIGS. 4A & 4B showing a slide controlled mechanism could be incorporated inhandle800 in lieu of thefinger trigger804. An equivalent lever mechanism can be used in lieu of thefinger trigger804 which would include stops to limit optical fiber extension and retraction. In a TMR operation, theoptical fiber element510 would typically would be advanced in 1-mm increments.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a patient[0068]10 with first, second and third minimally invasive formed

penetrations

12,14 and16 respectively. It will be appreciated that the exact location of

penetrations

12,14 and16 is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 9. Additionally, from 1 to N+1 numbers of penetrations may be made. The patient is prepared for the procedure and is positioned similarly to that used for a left thoracotomy. The patient's left arm is draped. A conventional double lumen endotracheal tube is used to selectively deflate one side or the other of the lungs. Preferably the left lung is collapsed which allows access to the chest cavity in the vicinity of the left lung. The other lung remains inflated to provide oxygenation.

The distal portion of either viewing[0069]

surgical scope

100 or200 is positioned to reach a desired aspect of a ventricular wall. A plurality of different revascularization channels are formed in the heart. A distal portion of the energy delivery device or other working device can be positioned against tissue of the wall of the heart through which the channel is to be formed while transmitting energy from a remote energy source through theoptical fiber element510 or other energy delivery device. Additionally, the waveguide may be configured to pierce the epicardium, such as with a piercing needle as shown in FIG. 5, so that energy is or can be subsequently delivered to the myocardium. A revascularization channel can be formed through an epicardium into at least a portion of a myocardium or continue through the myocardium into all or only a portion of the endocardium.

In one method,[0070]

penetration

12 is used for the introduction of either

scope

100,200 or a separate rigid scope to provide global viewing capability of an internal chest area of interest. For standard TMR at the apex20 region of the heart, afirst penetration12 can be formed in the intercostal spaces, for example the fourth to sixth intercostal space that is 10-12 mm in diameter. A slight cut is made and a thoracic trocar is advanced through the chest.

The[0071]

scope

100,200 or separate rigid visualization scope is used to visualize the area, look for larger coronary vessels, to inspect the condition of the pericardium, and to check for adhesions. The shape of the heart as well as its position is visualized.Second penetration14 is formed inferior topenetration12 and can be formed just above the diaphragm andthird penetration16 is formed superior topenetration12. Penetrations14 and16 can be formed substantially the same way aspenetration12 is formed or may be cut downs only.

For initial procedures a pair of thoracoscopic graspers may be introduced through[0072]

penetration

14. Additional tools that can be introduced throughpenetration14 include scissors. Thepericardial sac18 shown in FIG. 10, if intact, is grabbed and opened up using standard surgical techniques. The pericardial sac is pulled away from the heart and may be suspended. Unwanted adhesions are removed.

After the tools are removed from[0073]

penetration

14, either

scope

100 or200 with a working channel is introduced where the visualization scope, either abronchoscope342 or an endoscope can use a camera device attached to the eyepiece for viewing on a monitor. Additionally, additional viewing scope devices can be used during the procedure as inserted in the first penetration and the rigid scope can be inserted intosecond penetration14 after the tools are removed fromsecond penetration14.

[0074]

Third penetration

16 is formed, a trocar introduced and a pair of forceps places an absorbing medium, including but not limited to a piece of gauze, through thethird penetration16.Third penetration16 is created initially to open the pericardial sac and subsequently may be used as a treatment port, for visualization or for safety reasons. In the event that a structure, such as a coronary artery is nicked and bleeding is initiated, direct pressure is applied by placing the gauze on the area throughthird penetration16 to stop the bleeding. The gauze is also useful for manipulating the heart and applying slight pressure to TMR entrance sites to avoid excessive bleeding. When using thescope200, thetubular member assembly600 stops bleeding when applied to areas undergoing treatment.

Either of the viewing[0075]

surgical scopes

100 or200 shown in FIGS. 1A, 8A or8B is initially positioned inpenetration14 and revascularization channels are created at the desired location, such as the apex20. Preferably the working device such as the energy delivery device is inserted through the working channel of either of the

scopes

100 or200 adapted for the procedure. The articulating-type scope100 also may be initially positioned in

penetration

12 or16. Once the desired number of revascularization channels are formed, either of the

scopes

100 or200 can be removed and positioned in any of the other penetrations. Graspers and needle holders, or other instruments, are introduced through one of the penetrations to stitch back the pericardial sac as required. A check is made to ensure that there is no bleeding, trocars are removed and the penetrations closed. It will be recognized that the procedure will vary, depending upon the condition of the heart and the site of the procedure.

In the preferred use of the present invention, the distal portion of the working device such as the energy delivery device is positioned to reach a desired aspect of a ventricular wall. A plurality of different revascularization channels are formed in the heart. A distal portion of the energy delivery device can be positioned against tissue of the wall of the heart through which the channel is to be formed while transmitting energy from a remote energy source through the energy delivery device.[0076]

Suitable working devices that can be inserted in the working channels of viewing[0077]

surgical scopes

100 or200 include energy delivery devices which include laser wave guides, RF electrodes, microwave cutters, ultrasound transmitters, mechanical coring devices or fluid jets. Each energy delivery device is configured to be coupled to an energy source including but not limited to RF, laser, microwave, ultrasound, mechanical coring, fluid jet, cryogenic fluid, chemical ablation and the like. The distal portion of the working device such as an energy delivery device can be positioned next to the heart wall while energy is delivered through the energy delivery device. Alternatively, the energy delivery device can deliver energy through a gaseous medium to the heart wall. The

scopes

100 or200 distal end can include a piercing obturator member for initial entry between the pericardial sac and the epicardium so that energy is delivered into the myocardium with minimal tissue destruction. A revascularization channel can be formed through an epicardium into at least a portion of a myocardium or continue through the myocardium into all or only a portion of the endocardium.

Other surgical procedures that[0078]

scopes

100 or200 could be used include gall bladder, laparoscopy or laparotomy, colosectomy and other MIS operations that use other working devices for treatment of diseased tissue, such devices structurally configured for a working channel.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.[0079]

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to those skilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and scope of the invention.[0080]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A surgical procedural apparatus for visualizing and treating tissue in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising:

a) working means for effectuating the surgical procedure;

b) a visualization scope having a body member at the proximal end, an elongated sleeve member attached to the body member, the sleeve member provides optical viewing at the apparatus' distal end; and

c) a rigid introducer and viewing assembly having a length sufficient to effectuate both penetration by the working means' distal end and treatment at target tissue, the assembly including:

i) a tubular member that slidably encompasses the sleeve member,

ii) a working tube defining a working channel that attaches to the tubular member wherein the working means is configurabaly disposed therein and egressable at the assembly's distal end, and

iii) an inelastic and transparent distal tip member that encloses the tubular member's distal end wherein the working tube's distal end attaches to the tip member thereby enabling visualization of the working channel's distal end,

whereby the introducer and viewing assembly stabilizes the apparatus' distal end and reduces active muscular tissue movement during the procedure.

2. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the visualization scope and sleeve member constitutes a rigid endoscope and the working channel's distal end terminates at the distal tip member.

3. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the visualization scope is a bronchoscope, the sleeve member is a flexible catheter shaft and the introducer and viewing assembly further includes an essentially rigid outer sleeve member attached to a distal portion of the catheter shaft with a handle member at the outer sleeve member's proximal end.

4. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the introducer and viewing assembly's tubular member and transparent distal tip member is a unitary member made of acrylic or polycarbonate material and has substantially uniform wall thickness.

5. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the working means has an actuation means for controlling operation of the working means that is mounted to the body member, the actuation means includes a handle member with an advancement means for translating a distal portion of the working means out from the working channel's terminus at the transparent distal tip member.

6. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the visualization scope's distal end surface is essentially normal to the axial direction of the introducer and viewing assembly's axial direction thereby providing visualization in a forward direction, and the working channel's distal end portion includes at least one bend to direct the working device's distal end at an angle essentially parallel to the introducer and viewing assembly's axial direction.

7. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the visualization scope's distal end surface is essentially normal to the axial direction of the introducer and viewing assembly's axial direction thereby providing visualization in a forward direction, and the working channel's distal end portion includes at least one bend to direct the working device's distal end at an offset angle to the introducer and viewing assembly's axial direction.

8. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the visualization scope's distal end surface is at an offset angle with respect to an axial direction of the introducer and viewing assembly thereby providing visualization in a direction offset to the axial direction of the introducer and viewing assembly, and the working channel's distal end portion includes at least one bend to direct the working device's distal end at an angle essentially parallel to the introducer and viewing assembly's axial direction.

9. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein the visualization scope's distal end surface is at an offset angle with respect to an axial direction of the introducer and viewing assembly thereby providing visualization in direction offset to the axial direction of the introducer and viewing assembly, and the working channel's distal end portion includes at least one bend to direct the working device's distal end at an offset angle with respect to the introducer and viewing assembly's axial direction.

10. The apparatus of

claim 5

wherein the introducer and viewing assembly's distal tip member is a rotatable member with an internal channel that communicates with the working channel, the actuation means further includes means for controlling the orientation of the rotatable member thereby providing variable orientation of the distal end of the internal channel that directs of the working means' distal end.

11. The apparatus of

claim 3

wherein the body member includes a handle member, the working means includes an actuation means for controlling operation of the working means and is mounted to the handle member, the actuation means includes an advancement means for translating a distal portion of the working means out from the working channel's terminus at the distal tip member.

12. The apparatus of

claim 11

wherein the handle member is pivotally mounted to the body member through an articulation means for repositioning the distal end of the introducer and viewing assembly's distal tip member.

13. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein at the distal end, of the working means, a piercing needle member with an internal lumen allows translation of the working means through the internal lumen.

14. The apparatus of

claim 11

wherein actuation means further includes a triggering member that interlockingly operates a spring loaded member that attaches to and advances a displacement member that attaches to a piercing needle member, the needle member has an internal lumen at the working channel's distal end.

15. The apparatus of

claim 14

wherein the piercing needle member's lumen contains an optical fiber element which is a distal portion of the working means that translates independently of the piercing needle member.

16. The apparatus of

claim 11

wherein the working means is an optical fiber element.

17. The apparatus of

claim 1

wherein an outer surface of the introducer and viewing assembly's transparent distal tip member's outer surface is convex shaped thereby spreading and stabilizing a surface of target tissue when pressing the introducer and viewing assembly against the target tissue and enhancing viewing thereof.

18. The apparatus of

claim 2

wherein the endoscope's elongated sleeve member is the endoscope's rigid visualization scope on which the introducer and viewing assembly is slidably disposed, the working means has an actuation means for controlling operation of the working means that is mounted to the body member, the actuation means includes a finger controlled trigger member connected to an advancement means for translating a distal portion of the working means out from the working channel's terminus at the distal tip member.

19. The apparatus of

claim 18

wherein actuation means further includes a triggering member with a spring loaded interlocking member with the advancement means, the triggering mechanism advances a piercing needle member with an internal lumen at the working channel's distal end.

20. The apparatus of

claim 19

wherein the piercing needle member's lumen contains an optical fiber which is the working means' distal portion, the fiber translates independently with respect to the piercing needle member.

21. The apparatus of

claim 18

wherein the working means' distal portion is an optical fiber element.

22. A surgical procedural apparatus for visualizing and treating tissue in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising:

working means for effectuating the surgical procedure;

a visualization scope which is an articulating bronchoscope having a body member at the proximal end, an elongated flexible catheter attached to the body member, the catheter having at least two channels wherein one channel provides optical viewing at the apparatus' distal end and a second channel is a working channel for introducing the working means to the apparatus and terminating at the distal end of the catheter;

means for deflecting the distal end portion of the catheter, a proximal end of the means for deflecting is an articulating handle member that is pivotally mounted on the body member, the handle member includes an actuation means for a) controlling operation of the working means and b) translating a distal portion of the working means out from the working channel's terminus;

actuation means includes a triggering member that interlockingly operates a spring loaded member that attaches to and advances a displacement member that attaches to a piercing needle member, the needle member has an internal lumen at the working channel's distal end; and

an essentially rigid introducer member attached and encompassing a portion of the catheter juxtaposed to the distal end portion of the catheter, the introducer member's length is sufficient to effectuate penetration by a distal end of the working means at target tissue undergoing the procedure thereby stabilizing the distal end of the working means, the introducer member includes a handle member at a proximal end thereof for the introducer member's placement within a patient, and the deflecting distal end portion of the catheter includes a flexible cup member to provide a working space for unobstructed visualization and treatment of target tissue.

23. The apparatus of

claim 22

wherein the piercing needle member's lumen contains an optical fiber element which is a distal portion of the working means, the optical fiber element translates independently with respect to the piercing needle member by the advancement means.

24. A surgical procedural apparatus for visualizing and treating tissue in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising:

working means for effectuating the surgical procedure;

actuation means for advancing the working means; and

an essentially rigid introducer member that slidably encompasses a portion of the catheter juxtaposed to the distal end portion of the catheter, the introducer member's length is sufficient to effectuate penetration by a distal end of the working means at target tissue undergoing the procedure thereby stabilizing the distal end of the working means,

the introducer member includes a twist-lock coupling handle member at a proximal end of the introducer member that lockingly attaches to a gripping member permanently attached to the catheter and the deflecting distal end portion of the catheter attaches to a flexible tube with cup member that provides a working space for unobstructed visualization and treatment of target tissue, whereby the introducer member encompasses the flexible tube with cup member advanced thereover thereby providing ease of placement within a patient's chest.

25. The apparatus of

claim 24

wherein the actuation means includes a triggering member that interlockingly operates a spring loaded member that attaches to and advances a displacement member that attaches to a piercing needle member, the needle member has an internal lumen at the working channel's distal end.

26. A surgical procedural apparatus for visualizing and treating tissue in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising:

a) working means for effectuating the surgical procedure;

b) a visualization endoscope having a body member at the proximal end, an elongated rigid sleeve member attached to the body member, the sleeve member having an optical viewing channel for viewing at the apparatus' distal end; and

I) a tubular member that slidably encompasses the sleeve member,

27. The apparatus of

claim 26

wherein the body member includes a pistol-type gripping handle, the working means includes an actuation means for controlling operation of the working means that is mounted to the handle, the actuation means includes an advancement means for translating a distal portion of the working means out from the working channel's terminus through the transparent distal tip member.

28. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the advancement means includes a slider member that attaches to the working means and the slider member is translates linearly and located on the handle's outer housing.

29. The apparatus of

claim 27

wherein the advancement means includes a finger trigger member that operatively attaches to the working means and the trigger member is spring-biased for resetting.