Multiple sample biopsy device
AssigneeEndonetics, Inc.
InventorsPhilip J. Simpson, David G. Matsuura, John Kilcoyne
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A biopsy device for acquiring more than one tissue sample comprises an elongated, flexible actuator shaft which is slidable within an outer sleeve. A jaw portion is coupled to the actuator shaft and the outer sleeve in such a manner as to open when the shaft is moved in a first direction relative to the sleeve and close when the shaft is moved in a second direction relative to the sleeve.
Claims38
A multiple sample biopsy device, comprising:
- an elongate body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and an open inner lumen;
- a control on the proximal end of the body;
- and
- an articulating tip on the distal end of the body;
- the articulating tip comprising a tubular housing, said tubular housing having a slit extending in a proximal direction from a closed distal end thereof, said slit dividing the tubular housing into first and second opposing jaws, the jaws being adapted to move into a least an open and a closed configuration;
- the jaws delimiting an interior space when the jaws are in the closed configuration;
- and
- the space being in communication with the open inner lumen.
A cutter tip for mounting on the distal end of a biopsy device, the tip comprising:
- a tubular housing having a proximal end and a closed distal end, the distal end of the tubular housing axially bisected into first and second jaw portions by a proximally extending cut therethrough;
- a tubular sample collection container axially movably positioned within the housing;
- and
- a moveable connection between the tubular sample container and the first and second jaws such that axial displacement of the tubular sample collection container in a first direction causes the first and second jaws to move laterally away from each other, and axial displacement of the tubular sample container in a second axial direction causes the first and second jaws to advance medially towards each other.
A method of making a cutting tip for use in a medical instrument, comprising the steps of:
- providing a tube having a closed distal end and an inner lumen;
- cutting the tube from the closed distal end in a proximal direction to divide a portion of the tube into first and second opposing jaws, the jaws delimiting an interior space when the jaws are in a closed configuration, and the space being in communication with the inner lumen;
- positioning an actuator within the inner lumen of the tube;
- and
- connecting a portion of each jaw to the actuator so that axial displacement of the actuator produces lateral movement of at least one of the jaws.
A multiple sample biopsy device, comprising:
- an elongate body, having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a control on the proximal end of the body;
- an articulating tip on the distal end of the body;
- the articulating tip comprising a tubular housing having first and second opposing jaws integrally formed with the housing;
- and
- a sample collection chamber in a distal portion of the device, wherein the sample collection chamber is defined within a tubular housing, said housing axially movably positioned within the articulating tip.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.