POLYP TOME

摘要

The present invention provides apparatus and methods for facilitating removal of polyps from a bodily cavity, such as the colon. The apparatus comprises a catheter (30) having proximal and distal regions, and a cutting wire (40) extending through a first lumen of the catheter. At least one notched section (45) is formed in the distal region of the catheter, and at least a portion o the cutting wire is visibly exposed at the notched section. At the notched section, the exposed cutting wire does not extend substantially radially outward beyond a main body of the catheter. Therefore, the profile of the catheter is not increased. A stiffening member (60) may be advanced within a second lumen of the catheter to selectively provide support to the cutting wire in the vicinity of the notched section. If the stiffening member is not employed, the cutting wire may be proximally retracted or tensioned to bend the distal region of the catheter in the vicinity of the notched section.