Apparatus for removing tumors from hollow organs of the body

An apparatus for use in the removal of a tumour from a hollow body organ accessible to an endoscope comprising, in combination,

• an endoscope having a first end through which a telescope passes, which end is seated against the egress of fluid, a second open operative end, means for the continuous introduction of an irrigation fluid into the said endoscope adjacent the said first end thereof for passage therethrough and out of the second open operative end, and a diathermy suction tube extending through the said first end of the said endoscope to the said open end,
• said diathermy suction tube having an electrode with an exposed tip portion attached to a first operative end, said tip portion being located immediately adjacent an opening at the said operative end of the said tube, the said electrode being connected to a source of electrical power, a second end of said diathermy suction tube remote from said operative end of said diathermy suction tube connected to a vacuum source,
• means for retracting said diathermy suction tube into said endoscope, and means for biasing said suction diathermy tube to a forward operative position relative the endoscope whereby the operative end thereof including the exposed portion may be withdrawn within the endoscope during insertion of the said endoscope into the body organ and thereafter advanced into the tumour whilst maintaining an exit for the severed tumour and irrigating fluid,
• the relative locations of the electrode tip and the said opening in the diathermy suction tube being such that the severed tumour, irrigation fluid and body fluids are immediately and continuously withdrawn through the said tube, the electrode tip and opening in the operative end of the said suction tube being at the side and instant of severance of the tumour from the hollow organ thereby reducing the likelihood of tumour cells gaining attachment to the organ mucosa.