Tissue sample securement and extraction apparatus and method

摘要

A tissue sample securement apparatus secures a volumetric tissue sample. The tissue sample securement apparatus according to the present invention includes an expandable-retractable tissue sampling device, which tissue sampling device includes an axial displacement member, an expandable tip construction, and a tensile member. The axial displacement member includes a distal member end and a proximal member end. The tip construction extends from the distal member end, and the tensile member extends in adjacency to the axial displacement member and is connected to the tip construction for selectively retracting a member-retractable distal portion of the tip construction. The selectively retracted distal portion simultaneously severs and secures a volumetric tissue sample. The tissue sample may then be retrieved via a catheter member for directing the device to and from the target tissue mass.

主权项

1. A tissue sample securement apparatus for securing a volumetric tissue sample, the tissue sample securement apparatus comprising:
an expandable-retractable tissue sampling device, an actuator, and a catheter member, the tissue sampling device comprising a tubular portion and an expandable tip construction, the tubular portion comprising a distal tube end and a proximal tube end, the tip construction extending from the distal tube end, the catheter member comprising a distal catheter end, a proximal catheter end, and an inner catheter surface, the tubular portion being receivable within the catheter member and being axially displaceable relative thereto, the tip construction being receivable within the catheter member when the tubular portion is axially displaced in a first direction, the inner catheter surfacing retaining the tip construction in a spring-actuated state when the tip construction is received in the catheter member, the tubular portion being displaceable in a second direction for emerging the tip construction from the catheter member, the tip construction being expandable when emerged from the catheter member, the expanded tip construction for slicing into a target tissue mass when further displaced in the second direction, the actuator connected to the tip construction, the actuator capable of causing the tip construction to sever, engulf, and secure a volumetric tissue sample from the target tissue mass when actuated in a first amount; wherein the tip construction comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced cutting blades; wherein the cutting blades overlap laterally and are mounted to the tubular portion distally via hinge means for enabling pivotal motion of the cutting blades about a plurality of hinge axes of rotation thereby enabling expansion and retraction of the tip construction, the hinge axes of rotation being orthogonal to the device axis.