Biopsy device

• US 6,228,039 B1
• Filed: 11/03/1999
• Issued: 05/08/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Olympus Corporation
• Original Assignee: Kenneth F. Binmoeller
• Inventors: Binmoeller, Kenneth F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Winakur, Eric F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MARMOR II, CHARLES ALAN
• Application Number:
  US09/433,092
• Time in Patent Office: 552 Days
• Field of Search: 600/104, 600/106, 600/153, 600/562, 600/564, 600/566, 600/567, 606/46, 606/167, 606/169, 606/170, 606/181, 606/182, 604/22, 604/19
• US Class Current: 600/566
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/04 Endoscopic instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3403 Needle locating or guiding means guides for suture needles A61B17/0482; guiding or tracking by nuclear magnetic resonance G01R33/285
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0208 Biopsy devices with actuators, e.g. with triggered spring mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/045 Needles pointed biopsy devices with vacuum aspiration A61B10/0283
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22072 with an instrument channel, e.g. for replacing one instrument by the other in cannulas A61B17/3417
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22077 with a part piercing the tissue A61B2017/22044 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/062 penetration depth

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for performing endoscopic guided fine needle biopsy, in which the needle is automatically controlled by using a pre-biased needle. Upon release of a spring, the needle projects toward tissue, overcoming frictional forces, thanks to high acceleration. This reduces the danger of breaking the needle.

Claims

1. A tissue sampling device adapted for use in an endoscope, said device comprising:

a hollow needle surrounded by an outer sheath;

pre-biasing means for pre-biasing the hollow needle forward in an axial direction of the tissue-sampling device;

release means for causing the pre-biased hollow needle to be released so that the hollow needle is projected forward in the axial direction of the tissue-sampling device at a high velocity; and

an attachment arranged to fix the tissue-sampling device at an inlet port of a needle passage of the endoscope.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the pre-biasing means comprises an outer sleeve adapted to enable adjustment of an exposed portion of the outer sheath.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the pre-biasing means comprises a calibrating sleeve adapted to enable precise adjustment of a depth of insertion of the hollow needle into a tissue sample.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the pre-biasing means comprises a spring that is connectable to and disconnectable from the hollow needle, and wherein when the spring is disconnected from the hollow needle, the hollow needle is adapted to be manually controlled.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the spring is a coil spring.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow needle comprises a distal end portion that is treated by sand-blasting.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the hollow needle comprises a distal end portion that protrudes past a distal end portion of the outer sheath surrounding the hollow needle when the hollow needle is projected forward in the axial direction of the tissue-sampling device.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the outer sheath is movable in a needle passage of the endoscope independently of the hollow needle.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted for used in an echo-endoscope.

10. A device according to claim 1, wherein said attachment comprises a screw attachment.