BIOPSY FORCEPS INSTRUMENT HAVING IRRIGATION AND ASPIRATION CAPABILITIES

摘要

A biopsy forceps instrument (10) is provided having a proximal actuation handle (12), a flexible multi-lumen tubular member (14), at least one control member (23) extending through a lumen(70), an irrigation means (24, 25), an aspiration means (26, 27), and a distal assembly (22). The proximal actuation handle (12) includes a shaft (30) and a spool (34) slidably mounted on the shaft (30). The actuation handle (12) is coupled to the proximal ends of both the flexible tubular member (14) and the control member (23). Lumens of the tubular member (14) form irrigation and aspiration conduits (72, 74). The distal assembly (22) includes a hollow jaw cup (88) coupled to the aspiration conduit (74), and a hollow movable jaw (90) coupled to the irrigation conduit (72). The movable jaw (90) is coupled to the control member (23), such that actuation of the actuation handle (12) moves the movable jaw (90) relative to the jaw cup (88). Moving the hollow jaw (90) into a closed position provides a substantially fluidtight coupling between the irrigation and aspiration conduits (72, 74).