Method and apparatus for sonographic examination, biopsy, and excision

An apparatus for use in combination with a sonographic transducer for examination and performance of biopsies within a uterine chamber and a vaginal chamber of a human female and other bodies, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a substantially rigid tubular catheter having an anterior end, a posterior end, an exterior surface, and an interior lumen;
• (b) the external surface that is viewable by commonly known ultrasonic and radiographic imaging techniques, such that the catheter is adaptable for use in combination with sonographic examination of uterine and endometrial abnormalities;
• (c) a substantially tapered tip that is offset from the central axis of the catheter located at the anterior end of the catheter;
• (d) a distal port continuous with said internal lumen at said tapered tip;
• (e) at least one bumper affixed to the anterior end of the catheter proximal to said tip, such that the catheter is insertable at least as far as the vaginal chamber, whereby the depth of catheter insertion is limited by a body cavity passage such as the cervix;
• (f) at least one fender located along the external surface of the catheter, proximal to said bumper, whereby the catheter is supportable in a selected juxtaposition relative to the uterine chamber;
• (g) a biopsy device coaxially disposed within the catheter and slidably engaging the internal lumen of the catheter, said biopsy device being longitudinally and rotationally positionable within said catheter, whereby said biopsy device is inserted into the uterine chamber through the catheter, and operationally manipulated while disposed therein;
• and
• (h) a port at the posterior end of the catheter, whereby said biopsy device is removable (with or without a biopsy sample) and replaceable by an alternate biopsy device while the catheter remains in a fixed operational position within a body cavity.