Devices and methods are disclosed for creating passages in tissue and detecting blood vessels in and around the passages. The devices may be used to create channels for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In addition, the devices may be used to sample tissue during biopsy or other medical procedures where perforating a blood vessel could result in injury to a patient.