Methods and apparatus for securing medical instruments to desired locations in a patients body

A tissue acquisition device for retrieving target tissue from a patient's body comprising:

• a shaft having a distal end configured for entry into the patient's body;
• a cutting element disposed on the distal end of the shaft configured for cutting target tissue surrounding the shaft;
• and
• a fixation agent disposed on the distal end of the shaft for securing the shaft adjacent target tissue, said fixation agent being configured for penetrating tissue.

A method of performing a medical procedure, comprising:

• a) providing a medical device comprising a shaft having a distal end with a distal tip configured for entry into a patient's body within target tissue, a radially extendable fixation member which has a free end and which is spaced proximal from the distal tip and a cutting element;
• b) placing the distal end of the shaft within the patient's body, so that the distal end is disposed within target tissue;
• and
• c) extending into the target tissue the free end of at least one radially extendable fixation member from a side of the shaft so that the distal end of the shaft becomes secured within the target tissue.

A method for performing a tissue acquisition procedure using a tissue acquisition device having a shaft with a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal axis, and a cutting element, comprising:

• a) placing the distal end of the instrument in a patient's body, so that the distal end is disposed adjacent the target tissue;
• b) securing the distal end of the shaft adjacent the target tissue by extending into the target tissue at least one radially extendable and retractable member from a side of the shaft spaced proximal to the distal end, said member having a free end configured for engaging tissue;
• and
• c) actuating the cutting element to acquire one or more tissue samples of target tissue.