Laparoscopic and endoscopic instrument guiding method and apparatus

A method for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures, comprising the steps of:

• providing an insertion tube having a biopsy channel;
• providing an elongate tubular member insertable into said channel, said tubular member being formed with a distal end portion having an internal spring bias tending to form said distal end portion into an arcuate configuration in the absence of an external straightening force on said distal end
• providing an elongate flexible endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument slidably insertable into said tubular member, said instrument having a distal tip;
• inserting a distal end segment of said insertion tube into a patient;
• upon insertion of said distal end segment into a patient, pushing said tubular member in a distal direction to eject at least a part of said distal end portion from said channel;
• upon ejection of said part of said distal end portion from said channel, bending said part of said distal end portion by action of said internal spring bias;
• and
• moving said instrument in a distal direction through said tubular member to eject said distal tip from said tubular member, whereby said distal tip projects from said tubular member in a direction determined at least in part by a curvature of said part of said distal end portion of said tubular member.