초록 ▼

This invention provides an inventive tissue sampling probe which offers many advantages over probes available in the prior art. Unexpectedly superior results are obtained in connection with the retrieval of intact tissue specimens, because of a unique combination of cutting features, including, for

This invention provides an inventive tissue sampling probe which offers many advantages over probes available in the prior art. Unexpectedly superior results are obtained in connection with the retrieval of intact tissue specimens, because of a unique combination of cutting features, including, for example, the employment of an electrosurgical cutting element and a vacuum assist in one preferred embodiment. A particularly important feature of the invention is the ability to manipulate the electrosurgical cutting element to cleanly sever the distal end of the tissue specimen. In certain embodiments, this is accomplished without any cutting impact on surrounding tissue. The versatility of the invention permits its use in many applications, including, for example, breast biopsies, laparoscopic surgery, and lymphadenectomy procedures.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A tissue sampling apparatus, comprising:a tubular body having a primary lumen for receiving a tissue sample, the tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; andan electrosurgical cutting element disposed at the distal end of the tubular body

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A tissue sampling apparatus, comprising:a tubular body having a primary lumen for receiving a tissue sample, the tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; andan electrosurgical cutting element disposed at the distal end of the tubular body, said cutting element being movable, relative to said tubular body, in a direction transverse to said axis, across a cross-sectional area defined by the distal end of said tubular body, in order to sever a distal end of an intact tissue sample core captured within said primary lumen.