MEDICAL INSTRUMENT WITH EXTENDABLE SNARE

摘要

An elongated medical instrument with a snare is provided. The snare reciprocates within a sleeve in the instrument. The sleeve reciprocates within the instrument. The snare can be closed without moving the distal portion of the remainder of the instrument by advancing the sleeve while the snare is maintained in a fixed location. The snare can also be closed by retracting the snare into the sleeve or by advancing the sleeve while the snare is retracted. The snare may be formed from a continuous length of wire that is doubled back on itself within the sleeve. The size and lateral position of the snare can be adjusted by controlling the relative amount that the two portions of the doubled back wire are advanced beyond the end of the sleeve.