U.S. patent application number 11/508869 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-14 for multiple biopsy apparatus and related method of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gary McAlister, Paul Sanders.
Application Number | 20060282012 11/508869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31890915 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060282012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McAlister; Gary ; et
al. |
December 14, 2006 |
Multiple biopsy apparatus and related method of use
Abstract
An endoluminal biopsy device is provided with a proximal
actuation mechanism attached to a distal sampler by at least one
elongate member. The distal sampler includes a distal inner portion
defining a plurality of chambers, each configured to receive a
tissue sample, and a distal outer portion defining a cutting
mechanism opening having a cutting edge adjacent the cutting
mechanism opening. The distal outer portion is configured so that,
when the cutting mechanism opening aligns with one of the plurality
of chambers, the distal outer portion covers the remaining
chambers. A related method for the use of such an endoluminal
biopsy device also is provided.
Inventors: |
McAlister; Gary; (Franklin,
MA) ; Sanders; Paul; (Raleigh, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Assignee: |
Boston Scientific Scimed,
Inc.
Maple Grove
MN
|
Family ID: |
31890915 |
Appl. No.: |
11/508869 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11256683 |
Oct 24, 2005 |
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11508869 |
Aug 24, 2006 |
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10411146 |
Apr 11, 2003 |
6986748 |
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11256683 |
Oct 24, 2005 |
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10218915 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
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10411146 |
Apr 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/565 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2010/0225 20130101;
A61B 10/04 20130101; A61B 10/0283 20130101; A61B 10/0266 20130101;
A61B 10/0275 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/565 |
International
Class: |
A61B 10/00 20060101
A61B010/00 |
Claims
1-34. (canceled)
35. A method of obtaining a plurality of tissue samples,
comprising: inserting a distal sampler into a body, the distal
sampler having a longitudinal axis and defining a first biopsy
chamber and a second biopsy chamber, positioning the distal sampler
proximate tissue to be sampled; aligning a cutting mechanism
opening that faces a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis
with the first biopsy chamber while the second biopsy chamber is
covered, the cutting mechanism opening being axially and rotatably
movable relative to the distal inner portion, receiving a first
tissue sample into the first biopsy chamber; and moving the cutting
mechanism opening at least one of axially and rotatably relative to
the first biopsy chamber, thereby severing the first tissue
sample.
36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: aligning the
cutting mechanism opening with the second biopsy chamber while the
first biopsy chamber is covered; receiving a second tissue sample
into the second biopsy chamber; and severing the second tissue
sample.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the distal sampler remains in
substantially the same position when the first and second tissue
samples are severed.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein severing the second tissue
sample comprises moving the cutting mechanism opening relative to
the second biopsy chamber.
39. The method of claim 35, wherein receiving the first tissue
sample into the first biopsy chamber comprises applying a vacuum to
the first biopsy chamber.
40. The method of claim 35, wherein aligning the cutting mechanism
comprises actuating a proximal actuation mechanism of the biopsy
device to cause the cutting mechanism opening to move either
axially or rotationally relative to the first and second biopsy
chambers.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a biopsy device for use in
endoluminal procedures. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a biopsy device that is capable of taking multiple
biopsies.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] An endoluminal procedure is a medical procedure that takes
place in one of the many tubes, or lumens, within the human body.
These endoluminal procedures may take place in vascular,
gastrointestinal, or air exchange lumens and may involve disease
diagnosis and/or treatment. Millions of endoluminal procedures are
performed each year in hospitals around the world.
[0005] Endoluminal procedures are often performed utilizing a
device known as an endoscope. An endoscope is a tube, either rigid
or flexible, that is introduced through a lumen (opening) in the
human body, such as the mouth or rectum. The endoscope may simply
be used to hold open the lumen for examination, but it may also
carry light(s), visioning system(s), or other tools to be used in
the procedure. An open or "working" channel is usually present
within the endoscope into which the endoscopist can insert and
withdraw a myriad of endoluminal diagnostic or treatment
devices.
[0006] In some endoscopic procedures, biopsies (tissue samples) are
obtained. Tissue samples can be examined in a laboratory to
determine the presence of a pathological disorder, such as a
malignancy. Often, the sample may need to be obtained from deep
within the body cavity using medical sampling instruments. It is
usually best to sample at various locations where the disorder is
suspected so that the presence and progress of the disease (if any)
may be determined. The samples may need to be catalogued according
to the location from which each sample is taken, and the integrity
of the samples should be maintained for subsequent lab
analysis.
[0007] Existing endoluminal devices are capable of taking multiple
biopsies without removing the device, but there are disadvantages
to the devices currently in use. Usually the device must be moved
each time a biopsy is taken so that the location of the biopsy is
not completely accurate. In addition, current biopsy devices often
store the tissue samples in one long cylindrical chamber. These
samples may not be separated in any way and contamination between
samples often occurs.
[0008] In addition to these disadvantages, current biopsy devices
often utilize a mechanical means to pull away and cut the sample.
This may create a variation in the amount of tissue taken each
time, and this can also cause either more tissue than necessary to
be taken or possibly not enough tissue to perform the desired
analysis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The advantages and purposes of the invention will be set
forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. These advantages and purposes will be realized and
attained by way of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims.
[0010] To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose
of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, one
aspect of the invention is directed to an endoluminal device for
taking tissue samples. The endoluminal device for taking a
plurality of tissue samples includes a proximal actuation mechanism
attached to a distal sampler by at least one elongate member. The
distal sampler includes a distal inner portion defining a plurality
of chambers, each configured to receive a tissue sample, and a
distal outer portion defining a cutting mechanism opening having a
cutting edge adjacent the cutting mechanism opening. The distal
outer portion is configured so that, when the cutting mechanism
opening aligns with one of the plurality of chambers, the distal
outer portion covers the remaining chambers.
[0011] According to another aspect, the distal sampler includes a
chamber opening corresponding to each of the plurality of chambers
through which the corresponding chamber can receive the tissue
sample.
[0012] According to yet another aspect, the distal inner portion
defines a vacuum inlet corresponding to each of the plurality of
chambers, each vacuum inlet configured to permit a vacuum to be
applied to the corresponding chamber.
[0013] In another aspect, each vacuum inlet is in fluid
communication with a vacuum channel that is capable of
communicating with a vacuum source.
[0014] In yet another aspect, each vacuum inlet is in fluid
communication with a separate vacuum channel to provide the vacuum
to the corresponding chamber.
[0015] According to another aspect, the proximal actuation
mechanism includes a mechanism for alternately applying the vacuum
source to each of the separate corresponding vacuum channels.
[0016] In another aspect, the cutting mechanism opening has a
substantially similar shape as each chamber opening.
[0017] According to yet another aspect, the cutting edge is
configured to sever the tissue sample as the distal outer portion
moves to align with one of the remaining chambers.
[0018] In yet another aspect, the distal inner portion is
configured to keep a tissue sample obtained within one of the
plurality of chambers separate from tissue samples obtained within
the remainder of the plurality of chambers.
[0019] According to another aspect, each of the chambers has
approximately the same volume.
[0020] According to another aspect, one of the plurality of
chambers has a volume different from another of the plurality of
chambers.
[0021] In another aspect, the distal inner portion and the distal
outer portion are substantially cylindrical and substantially
coaxial.
[0022] In yet another aspect, the distal outer portion is rotatably
movable relative to the distal inner portion.
[0023] According to another aspect, the plurality of sample
chambers are located on a distal face of the distal inner portion
and positioned radially about a central axis of the distal inner
portion and the cutting mechanism opening is located on a distal
end of the distal outer portion.
[0024] According to yet another aspect, the distal outer portion is
substantially closed at a distal end of the distal sampler and
substantially covers the distal face of the distal inner
portion.
[0025] According to another aspect, the distal face of the distal
inner portion is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis
of the distal inner portion.
[0026] In another aspect, the distal outer portion is axially
movable relative to the distal inner portion.
[0027] In yet another aspect, the plurality of sample chambers are
located about a periphery of the distal inner portion and the
cutting mechanism opening is located about a periphery of the
distal outer portion.
[0028] According to another aspect, the cutting edge is integral to
the distal outer portion.
[0029] In a further aspect, the distal outer portion comprises a
substantially rigid material.
[0030] In yet another aspect, the distal outer portion is material
comprised of a rigid plastic or surgical stainless steel.
[0031] According to another aspect, the at least one elongate
member comprises a first conduit and a second conduit and the
proximal actuation mechanism comprises a proximal outer portion
connected to the distal outer portion by the first conduit and a
proximal inner portion connected to the distal inner portion by a
second conduit.
[0032] In another aspect, the proximal outer portion includes one
or more finger rings and the proximal inner portion includes a
thumb ring.
[0033] In yet another aspect, the proximal outer portion includes a
first actuator knob and the proximal inner portion includes a
second actuator knob.
[0034] According to another aspect, the invention is directed to a
method of obtaining a plurality of tissue samples. The method
includes inserting into a body lumen a biopsy device with a distal
sampler defining first and second biopsy chambers, positioning the
distal sampler proximate tissue to be sampled, aligning a cutting
mechanism opening with the first biopsy chamber to expose the first
biopsy chamber to the tissue to be sampled while the second biopsy
chamber is covered, receiving a first tissue sample into the first
biopsy chamber, and severing the first tissue sample.
[0035] According to yet another aspect, the method also includes
aligning the cutting mechanism opening with the second biopsy
chamber to expose the second biopsy chamber to tissue to be sampled
while the first biopsy chamber is covered, receiving a second
tissue sample into the second biopsy chamber, and severing the
second tissue sample.
[0036] In another aspect, the distal sampler remains in
substantially the same position relative to the body lumen when
each of the first and second tissue samples is severed.
[0037] In yet another aspect, the severing of the first and second
tissue samples is performed by moving a single cutting mechanism
relative to the first and second biopsy chambers respectively.
[0038] According to another aspect, the receiving of the first and
second tissue samples into the first and second biopsy chambers
respectively includes applying a vacuum to the first and second
biopsy chamber respectively.
[0039] According to yet another aspect, the applying a vacuum to
the first and second biopsy chambers includes applying the vacuum
through first and second vacuum inlets that correspond to the first
and second biopsy chambers respectively.
[0040] In a further aspect, the biopsy device remains in the body
lumen between the severing of the first tissue sample and the
severing of the second tissue sample.
[0041] In yet a further aspect, the vacuum source is applied
selectively to the first and second biopsy chambers by actuation of
a vacuum line selection mechanism located at a proximal end of the
biopsy device.
[0042] In another aspect, the aligning comprises actuating a
proximal actuation mechanism of the biopsy device to translate
movement of the proximal actuation mechanism to a distal sampler of
the biopsy device.
[0043] In yet another aspect, actuating the proximal actuation
mechanism comprises moving a proximal outer portion relative to a
proximal inner portion to cause rotational and axial movement of a
distal outer portion with respect to a distal inner portion, and
the distal outer portion defines a cutting mechanism for severing
the tissue and the distal inner portion defines the first and
second biopsy chambers.
[0044] The foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a biopsy sampling device according
to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a proximal
actuation mechanism and a distal sampler;
[0047] FIG. 2 is a partial section view of the distal sampler of
the biopsy sampling device shown in FIG. 1;
[0048] FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial plan views of two exemplary
embodiments of an internal portion of the distal sampler shown in
FIG. 2;
[0049] FIG. 5A is an end view of a distal sampler according to an
alternative exemplary embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 5B is a partial section view of the distal sampler of
FIG. 5A taken along section line 5B-5B;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a partial section view of another alternative
embodiment of a distal sampler according to the invention;
[0052] FIG. 7 is a partial section view of an alternative
embodiment of an internal part of a distal sampler having separate
vacuum lines for each sample chamber;
[0053] FIG. 8 is a partial section view of an alternative
embodiment of an internal part of a distal sampler having separate
vacuum lines for each sample chamber;
[0054] FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a proximal actuation
mechanism according to an alternative embodiment of the present
invention having a vacuum selection device;
[0055] FIG. 10 is an end view of the vacuum line selection device
of FIG. 9;
[0056] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a biopsy sampling device showing a
proximal actuation mechanism according to an alternative embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0057] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the distal sampler of the biopsy
sampling device shown in FIG. 1 in a body lumen.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred and exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever
possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the
drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0059] FIG. 1 depicts a sampling device 100 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Sampling device 100 includes a
proximal actuation mechanism 101 and a distal sampler 120.
Actuation mechanism 101 includes a finger ring assembly 102 that
includes finger rings 103. Instead of finger ring assembly 102, it
could also be possible to utilize a spool-like arrangement or any
other suitable mechanism known in the art. Finger ring assembly 102
attaches to a flexible elongate member, or connecting conduit 110.
Connecting conduit 110 may be, for example, a braided tube made of
nylon, polyethylene, or other suitable material known to one of
skill in the art. Conduit 110 fixedly attaches at a distal end of
sampling device 100 to an outer portion (or sleeve) 121 of distal
sampler 120.
[0060] Actuation mechanism 101 further includes a thumb ring
assembly 104 that includes thumb ring 105 and extends within finger
ring assembly 102. Thumb ring assembly 104 translates
longitudinally and rotates relative to finger ring assembly 102.
Thumb ring assembly 104 is integral with an elongate conduit 111a
defining a vacuum lumen 111b. Conduit 111a may be made of
polyethylene or another suitable material to provide a suction tube
of sufficient strength so as not to collapse on itself when suction
is applied. Vacuum lumen 111b could also comprise a separate tube,
also of sufficient strength so as not to collapse on itself when
suction is applied, extending within conduit 111b. Vacuum lumen
111b runs from a vacuum port 106 through conduit 111a and
ultimately connects with a vacuum channel 122 located within an
inner portion 123 of distal sampler 120. Vacuum port 106 is
provided to allow for the sampling device to be connected to a
vacuum source (not depicted).
[0061] Conduit 111a ultimately connects with inner portion 123 of
distal sampler 120. In one exemplary embodiment, conduit 111a may
be integral with portion 123, i.e. a unitary part. In the
configuration shown, relative movement of finger ring assembly 102
and thumb ring assembly 104, is translated via conduits 110 and
111a to outer portion (or sleeve) 121 and inner portion 123,
respectively. Thus, as thumb ring 105 rotates with respect to
finger rings 103, that rotational motion will cause inner portion
123 to rotate with respect to outer potion (or sleeve) 121. Axial
motion may also translate from proximal actuation mechanism 101 to
distal sampler 120 in a similar manner. As will be described below,
this rotational and axial motion may be used to take biopsy samples
with device 100.
[0062] FIG. 2 shows a cut-away portion of distal sampler 120. As
can be seen, the vacuum channel 122 extends through a portion of
inner portion 123 and branches off to a plurality of sample
chambers 124 via vacuum inlet ports 127. Preferably, each vacuum
inlet port 127 is of a sufficiently small size so that a tissue
sample obtained within a chamber does not exit the chamber via the
vacuum inlet port 127. Vacuum channel 122, as well as inlet ports
127, may be defined by a flexible or rigid tubing material suitable
for a vacuum line located within distal sampler 120, or vacuum
channel 122 and inlet ports 127 could be manufactured as a part of
distal sampler 120, such as by molding or machining.
[0063] Outer portion 121 includes a cutting mechanism opening 125
that includes a cutting mechanism 126 located along at least one
edge of opening 125. Outer portion 121 may be made of surgical
stainless steel, a rigid plastic or any other material suitable for
medical devices. Cutting mechanism 126 may be a sharpened cutting
edge of opening 125, for example, if portion 121 were made of
stainless steel or any other material capable of having an edge
honed to a cutting sharpness. Cutting mechanism 126 alternatively
may be a pre-manufactured cutting edge that is affixed to an edge
of opening 125, for example by mechanical fastening, welding,
brazing or any other suitable manner for affixing.
[0064] As is depicted by the arrows in FIG. 2, outer portion 121 is
capable of moving both axially and rotatably with respect to inner
portion 123. To allow for portion 121 to slide more easily along
inner portion 123, a coating, such as a lubricant like hydrogel,
could be used between portion 121 and inner portion 123. In
addition, in order to maintain a seal between portion 121 and inner
portion 123, especially in the vicinity of chambers 124, sealing
means such as o-rings or other suitable sealing devices may be
provided surrounding each of chambers 124. Portion 121 and inner
portion 123 also may be manufactured with tight tolerances to
maintain proper sealing, thus eliminating the need for additional
sealing devices.
[0065] Biopsy sampling device 100 having distal sampler 120 may be
used in connection with an endoscope or other similar device. In
operation, distal sampler 120 of biopsy sampling device 100 is
inserted in a lumen of the endoscope that has been inserted in a
patient, until distal sampler 120 reaches an area of tissue to be
sampled. Distal sampler 120 may then be positioned so that one or
more of chambers 124 are proximate the area of tissue to be
sampled. The user may then actuate thumb ring 105 with respect to
finger rings 103 so as to position cutting mechanism opening 125 of
outer portion 121 over one of the plurality of sample chambers 124.
Once cutting mechanism opening 125 is positioned over one of sample
chambers 124, suction may be applied in the selected chamber to
cause tissue to enter the chamber. Portion 121 may then be moved in
an axial sliding motion relative to inner portion 123, again by
actuating thumb ring 105 with respect to finger rings 103, so that
cutting mechanism 126 cuts the tissue from the patient. As portion
121 moves to cut the tissue, it seals the chamber so that only the
sample taken at that time is located in the chamber.
[0066] The user then may actuate portion 121 into a position so
that opening 125 is positioned over a different chamber, by
rotation, axial movement, or both, so that a subsequent tissue
sample may be captured in a similar fashion as just described. This
procedure may be repeated until all chambers have a tissue sample
or until all necessary samples have been obtained. As illustrated
by the Figures, each retrieved sample may be isolated within its
chamber so as to reduce the possibility of contamination between
that sample and any other samples.
[0067] While the device is shown utilizing suction to draw the
tissue sample into the chamber, alternatives could be used to
accomplish this task. For example, in the case of a hanging polyp
or tumor, or any similarly protruding segment of tissue, the distal
sampler could be positioned so that a chamber engulfs the tissue
without the use of suction. With the tissue then inside the
chamber, portion 121 could be moved to cut the tissue. A further
alternative may include a mechanical grabbing device at the base of
the chamber. The mechanical grabbing device may have a jaw assembly
or other mechanism that may be actuated at the proximal end of the
biopsy sampling device by the user. This grabbing device may grasp
and pull the tissue to be sampled into the chamber so that the
tissue may then be cut by the movement of the portion 121. The
mechanical grabbing assembly may also be spear-like and/or have
barbs or hooks for grasping tissue and holding onto the tissue as
tissue is pulled into the chamber.
[0068] The biopsy sampling device may also include indicators, such
as color-coding or other such identification means, on portions of
the proximal operator end 101. For example, axial and radial tick
marks could be placed on portions of thumb ring assembly 104 and/or
finger ring assembly 102 to denote relative positions of assemblies
102, 104 that correspond to each of the plurality of chambers 124
located within distal sampler 120. Each indicator can correspond to
color-coding or other identification means associated with each
chamber at distal sampler 120. This identification could allow the
operator to relate the specific chamber in use to that indicated at
the proximal end when remotely viewing distal sampler 120 during
the procedure. For example, the user in this way may determine that
he or she is viewing and working with the proximal-most chamber, as
determined from the matching identification between the operator
handle and the chamber.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a partial view of inner portion 123 of FIG. 2.
Chambers 124 and vacuum inlet ports 127 are both depicted as having
a generally square shape. FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of
an interior portion 123a. Interior portion 123a has circular shaped
chambers 124a and vacuum inlet ports 127a. Although the vacuum
inlet ports and sample chambers of interior portions 123, 123a are
depicted as having the same shape, a vacuum inlet port could have a
different shape from its corresponding sample chamber. Also,
although square and circular shaped chambers and inlet ports are
depicted, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that
substantially any shape could be utilized for the sample chambers
and inlet ports.
[0070] In addition, each of the chambers in the distal inner
portion may be the same size and/or volume or different sizes
and/or volumes to allow for different size samples to be taken. By
using a vacuum to suck the tissue sample into a chamber that is of
a known volume, a more precise volume of tissue may be taken each
time. Having sample chambers of different volumes within the same
distal sampler may allow the operator more flexibility during a
given procedure by being able to take samples of various sizes
without having to remove the device from the patient.
[0071] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict distal inner portions 123, 123a as
having sample chambers 124, 124a in four axial rows of three
chambers equally spaced around a periphery of inner portions 123,
123a. Other chamber configurations are possible, such as more or
fewer axial rows spaced equally or unequally around the periphery
as well as rows containing more or fewer than three chambers each.
It could also be possible to have axial rows containing chambers of
different size within the row or each row could contain chambers of
the same size within the row, but different from the size of
chambers in another row or other rows. In addition, it could be
possible to have the chambers arranged on the periphery of the
distal inner portion in a helical pattern or any other desired
pattern. Other chamber configurations could also be possible.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 12, a distal end of a device similar to
that depicted in FIG. 1 is positioned over a tumor 30 in a body
lumen 10 such as an intestine. A first chamber 124-1 may be exposed
to the tumor 30 to be sampled so that the tissue sample can be
received into chamber 124-1. Portion 121 may then be moved so that
the cutting mechanism (or cutting edge) 126 may sever the tissue
sample. An additional advantage of this type of configuration is
that with adjacent chambers 124-1 and 124-2 being a predetermined
distance apart, if inner portion 123 is maintained in the same
position while taking samples along the tumor 30 from the various
chambers, the size of the tumor may be discerned. In use, the
device can be placed with an open chamber just at the beginning of
or just before the location of the tumor. Then each successive
chamber can be used in the manner described above to remove tissue
samples along the length of the tumor concluding in a final sample
that contains only healthy tissue. In this manner, by counting the
number of chambers that contain tissue from the tumor, the
approximate size of the tumor can be determined.
[0073] FIGS. 5A and 5B show an alternative embodiment of a distal
sampler 220. According to this embodiment, rather than being
located along the perimeter of distal sampler 220, chambers 224 are
located at a distal face that is substantially perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of sampler 220. Chambers 224 are arranged in a
radial configuration about the longitudinal axis of the device. An
outer portion 221, rather than being open-ended as in the previous
embodiment, encloses and covers the end of sampler 220. A device of
this type could be suitable for procedures in larger lumens where
there is more room for maneuverability, such as the stomach, where
it may be possible to position the distal face of the device
proximate the area to be sampled. This configuration may also be
desirable for use in other locations, such as portions of a lumen
with a sharp turn where it may be difficult to navigate such that
positioning the distal face of the device proximate the area to be
sampled is easier than positioning along the side of the device.
This configuration also may be used in combination with a device
having a deflectable distal end, so that the distal face of the
distal sampler may be turned towards tissue to be sampled.
[0074] The configuration shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B differs from the
previous embodiment in that only rotational motion is necessary to
access various of chambers 224. In operation, portion 221 could be
rotated such that opening 225 communicates with one of chambers
224, allowing suction to be applied to vacuum channel 222, port
227, chamber 224, and ultimately to an area of tissue to be
sampled. The application of suction may draw the tissue into
chamber 224. Portion 221 then could be rotated again so as to allow
a cutting mechanism (or cutting edge) 226 to sever the tissue and
opening 225 to move in position over the next chamber. Distal
sampler 220 could be repositioned to align the next chamber with
another area to be sampled, or, if the next chamber is already in a
desired location for another sample, distal sampler 220 could
remain in the same position for the next sample to be taken.
[0075] FIG. 6 depicts a further embodiment of a device 320 similar
to that of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this embodiment, however, chambers
are not located on a distal face that is substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, as in FIG.
5B. Instead, chambers 324 are located on a rounded, or angled, face
of distal sampler 320. Portion 321 is configured to substantially
match the shape of inner portion 323, and is configured to be
rotatable about inner portion 323. As with distal sampler 220,
distal sampler 320 has a vacuum channel 322 that branches into
vacuum inlets 327 that communicate with each of the sample chambers
324.
[0076] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict alternative embodiments of inner
portions whereby, instead of having a single vacuum channel in
communication with each chamber via a vacuum inlet, each chamber
124, 224 is in communication with its own vacuum channel 122, 222.
Vacuum channels 122, 222 may, in turn, lead to a vacuum channel
selection device 315 at the proximal end of the device, as seen in
FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0077] FIGS. 9 and 10 show plan and end views respectively of an
alternative embodiment of a proximal actuator 301 having a vacuum
selection device 315, especially suited for the embodiments shown
in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, a plurality of vacuum lines
311 is located within an inner portion 304. Each vacuum line 311
corresponds to one of the vacuum channels 122, 222 in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Vacuum lines 311 alternatively
could be integral with vacuum channels 122, 222, for example in the
form of a tube running from vacuum selection device 315 to chambers
124, 224. Vacuum lines 311 could also comprise tubing that is a
separate from, and connects to, vacuum channels 122, 222. In
another configuration, a portion of each of vacuum lines 311 could
be formed or machined into inner portion 304 with a remainder of
each of lines 311 comprising tubing that connects from proximal
inner portion 304 to distal inner portion 123, 223.
[0078] Proximal actuator 301 also has two actuator rings or knobs
303 and 305. Knobs 303, 305 are affixed to outer portion 302 and
inner portion 304, respectively. Outer and inner portions 302, 304
are, in turn, integral with and/or fixedly connected to outer and
inner conduits that extend to the distal end of the device, much
like conduits 110 and 111a in FIG. 1. Proximal actuator 301
operates in a generally similar fashion as the thumb/finger ring
configuration of actuator 101 insofar as movement of proximal outer
portion 302 relative to proximal inner portion 304 which translates
to conduits 110 and 111a and to distal outer portion 121 and distal
inner portion 123. With this configuration, an operator may grasp
actuator knobs 303, 305 and create both axial and rotational
movement of outer portion 302 relative to inner portion 304.
[0079] Vacuum selection device 315 is capable of rotational
movement with respect to knob 305 so that vacuum port 306 may align
and communicate separately with each of vacuum lines 311. In this
manner, an operator may apply suction to each chamber independent
of the other chambers. This configuration also allows for
substantially complete isolation between the various chambers.
[0080] In order to facilitate the rotation of vacuum selection
device 315 with respect to knob 305, proximal actuator 301 could
include a feature to reversibly lock vacuum selection device 315 in
place on knob 305. In order to achieve this rotation without
affecting the positioning of distal end 120, vacuum selection
device 315 could rotate to detent positions whereby an operator
would have to grip both knob 305 and vacuum selection device 315 to
select the various lines. Vacuum selection device 315 could also
include a locking means that unlocks to allow for free rotation of
vacuum selection device 315 with respect to knob 305 until a
desired vacuum line is selected. The locking means could then lock
vacuum selection device 315 in place over a selected vacuum line
with respect to knob 305.
[0081] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a biopsy sampling
device. This embodiment includes a distal sampler 120 like that
shown and described in connection with FIG. 1. In this embodiment,
however, distal sampler 120 is attached to a proximal actuator 201
that is in some respects like actuator 301 shown and described in
connection with FIG. 9. Proximal actuator 201, however,
communicates with a single vacuum channel 111b, so a vacuum
selection device is not needed. Proximal actuator 201 includes a
first actuator knob 203 connected to outer portion 202, which in
turn is connected to outer portion 121 of distal sampler 120 via
flexible conduit 110. A second actuator knob 205 connects to inner
portion 104 that houses vacuum line 111b and eventually connects
via conduit 111a to the distal inner portion 123 of distal sampler
120. Knobs 203, 205 act as handles similar to knobs 303, 305 of
actuator 301. An operator may grip knobs 203, 205 and create both
rotational and axial movement of inner portion 204 with respect to
outer portion 205. This movement may then be translated to the
distal end 120 for operation of portion 121 with respect to inner
portion 123 for biopsy purposes as described above.
[0082] Other configurations for inner portion and outer portion may
be used depending on the desired application. For example, the
cutting mechanism opening may be used to take samples without using
a cutting edge. In this procedure, the device could act as a head
that would selectively open chambers to allow tissue to be sucked
in. The sucking motion alone could be sufficient to pull the tissue
sample away from the patient. Once the tissue sample is completely
contained within the chamber, the distal outer portion would move,
this time without cutting any tissue, to isolate the sample in the
selected chamber and proceed to the next chamber.
[0083] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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