Method for electrosurgically obtaining access to the biliary tree with an adjustably positionable needle-knife

摘要

A method of electrosurgically obtaining access to the biliary tree of a patient and visualizing a duct thereof using a catheter having at least a first lumen and a second lumen defined therethrough, each lumnen terminating in an opening defined at a distal end of the catheter, the first lumen of the catheter having a needle-knife disposed therein and the second lumen of the catheter enabling infusion of a contrast medium to visualize the duct of the patient while the needle-knife remains in the first lumen of the catheter, the needle-knife having a distal end and being connected to a deployment mechanism at a proximal end of the catheter for extending and retracting the needle-knife between a deployed position and a fully sheathed position relative to the distal end of the catheter, the deployment mechanism having an adjustable stop for adjusting the distance between the distal end of the needle-knife and the distal end of the catheter, the needle-knife electrically communicating with a power source to enable the operator to electrosurgically incise tissue in the duct of the patient.