Method and apparatus for endoconduit targeting

摘要

A method for performing a surgical operation on a body conduit includes the step of inserting into the conduit an apparatus having at its distal end an element the location of which is detectable from regions exterior of the body. The apparatus is moved within the conduit until the element is positioned relative to a predetermined location where the element functions as a target. Detecting the location of this target within the conduit facilitates insertion of a surgical instrument percutaneously of the body and toward the predetermined location. The targeting apparatus may be used with an endoscope and may include a variety of active and passive elements which form the target. The surgical instrument can be inserted percutaneously transverse to the axis of the conduit to perform a variety of surgical operations. Sidebranch occlusion in an insitu procedure is greatly facilitated by this method and apparatus.