Cytology brush devices and methods of use
AssigneeBoston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
InventorsJames Weldon, Larry E. Stanton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cytology brush may include an elongated shaft including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The cytology brush may also include a plurality of bristles mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. The plurality of bristles may be arranged at least partially around the distal end portion of the elongated shaft, and may be configured to engage tissue. An outer surface of at least one of the bristles may include a micropattern formed by a plurality of protrusions or recesses. The plurality of protrusions or recesses may be separated by one or more gaps.
Claims16
A cytology brush, comprising:
- an elongated shaft including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion;
- and
- a plurality of elongated bristles each having a longitudinal axis, the plurality of elongated bristles mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft with the longitudinal axis of each bristle extending radially away from the elongated shaft, the plurality of bristles being arranged at least partially around the distal end portion of the elongated shaft and configured to engage tissue;
- wherein an outer surface of one of the plurality of bristles includes a micropattern formed by a plurality of protrusions or recesses extending radially outward or inward from the outer surface of the bristle, separated by one or more gaps, wherein the plurality of protrusions or recesses are arranged in longitudinally extending columns separated by the one or more gaps, or the plurality of protrusions or recesses are arranged in circumferentially extending rows separated by the one or more gaps.
A medical device, comprising:
- a cytology brush, including:
- an elongated shaft including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and
- a plurality of elongated bristles each having a longitudinal axis, the plurality of elongated bristles mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft with the longitudinal axis of each bristle extending radially away from the elongated shaft, the plurality of bristles being arranged at least partially around the distal end portion of the elongated shaft and configured to engage tissue,
- wherein an outer surface of one of the plurality of bristles includes a micropattern formed by a plurality of protrusions or recesses extending radially outward or inward from the outer surface of the bristle, separated by one or more gaps, wherein the plurality of protrusions or recesses are arranged in longitudinally extending columns separated by the one or more gaps, or the plurality of protrusions or recesses are arranged in circumferentially extending rows separated by the one or more gaps;
- and
- a sheath including a central lumen and a distal end opening, wherein the central lumen is configured to receive at least a portion of the cytology brush, and at least a portion of the cytology brush is configured to pass through the distal end opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.