Frictional tissue sampling and collection method and device

#This application is related to the following applications: (1) U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No: 12/669,638, entitled “FRICTIONAL TRANS-EPITHELIAL TISSUE DISRUPTION AND COLLECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF INDUCING AND/OR AUGMENTING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE” by Neal M. Lonky et al., filed Jan. 19, 2010, and (2) U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No: 13/072,773, entitled “FRICTIONAL TRANS-EPITHELIAL TISSUE DISRUPTION COLLECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF INDUCING AN IMMUNE RESPONSE” by Neal M. Lonky et al., filed on the same date as this application. These applications (1)-(2) are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.

#This invention relates to a method of and device for obtaining a biopsy tissue sample.

#A lesion is caused by any process that alters or damages tissue. A lesion can be defined as any pathological or traumatic discontinuity of tissue with partial loss of tissue function. The concept of a lesion includes wounds, sores, ulcers, tumors, cataracts and any other tissue damage. Lesions can range from the skin sores associated with eczema to the changes in lung tissue that occur in tuberculosis. Generally, a lesion can be characterized by the epithelium covering the connective tissue becoming fragile, leading to ulceration and bleeding.

#This invention is described with respect to specific embodiments thereof. Additional features can be appreciated from the Figures in which:

#FIG. 1 is an apparatus for frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption of an epithelial flat surface;

#FIG. 2A is a side view of an apparatus for frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption of an epithelial lined canal surface with tapered cone tip; FIG. 2B is an oblique view of an apparatus for frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption of an epithelial lined canal surface with tapered cone tip; FIG. 2C is a top view of an apparatus for frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption of an epithelial lined canal surface with tapered cone tip;

#The transitional term “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

#The transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim, but does not exclude additional components or steps that are unrelated to the invention such as impurities ordinarily associated with a composition.

#The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.