Patent Application
20200054309
The disclosure relates generally to medical instruments, and more particularly to jaw assemblies for surgical tools and biopsy sample collection members.
Devices for harvesting biopsy samples from within a patient are commonly used in conjunction with endoscopes. An example of such devices is a biopsy forceps which can be inserted into a working channel of an endoscope. The use of such forceps typically includes a physician locating a tip of the endoscope at the desired location within the body of a patient, advancing the biopsy forceps in the working channel of the endoscope until it protrudes out of the tip of the endoscope, opening jaws of the biopsy forceps, advancing the jaws against the tissue and then closing the jaws to avulse or cut away a biopsy sample from the tissue. The biopsy forceps is then retrieved, while closed, from the endoscope by withdrawing it from the working channel of the endoscope and the biopsy sample is removed from the jaws for in situ fixation. The biopsy sample is then sent for further processing and histopathological evaluation.
It is often desired to obtain more than one biopsy sample during a procedure. For example, in cases of patients with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) the current state of the art calls for a minimum of 32 biopsies of the colon to be taken. In these cases, the procedure can be time consuming as the biopsy forceps is repeatedly inserted into and withdrawn from the patient via the working channel of the endoscope to harvest each biopsy sample individually. Furthermore, maintaining the tip of the endoscope in a steady position during the removal and re-insertion of the forceps is often a tedious and difficult task. Accordingly, the clinician's ability to keep track of which areas have been biopsied and which have not can be impaired. Harvesting of multiple biopsy samples from a patient requires the location and/or harvesting sequence of the biopsy samples to be tracked. Accordingly, the physician and/or other personnel involved with the harvesting, processing and/or examination of the biopsy samples must be careful to avoid mixing-up the biopsy samples.
Improvement is desirable.
In one aspect, the disclosure describes a jaw assembly for a biopsy forceps device. The assembly comprises:
first and second jaws pivotable about a common pivot axis, the first and second jaws being pivotally movable between respective open and closed positions and configured to cooperatively harvest and retain one or more biopsy samples by actuation of the first and second jaws between their respective open and closed positions;
one or more actuation members for actuating the first and second jaws between their respective open and closed positions; and
one or more guides configured to urge one or more of the first and second jaws toward their respective closed positions when the one or more jaws are actuated toward their respective closed positions using the one or more actuation members.
The one or more actuation members may be configured to cause translation movement of the first and second jaws relative to the one or more guides.
The one or more actuation members may be configured to cause movement of the first and second jaws toward the one or more guides when the first and second jaws are actuated toward their respective closed positions.
The one or more actuation members may comprise a common actuation wire configured to actuate both the first and second jaws.
The one or more actuation members may comprise respective actuation wires for actuating the first and second jaws.
The actuation wires may be configured to be actuated in unison to cause opening and closing of the first and second jaws.
The actuation wires may be connected to respective ones of the first and second jaws at respective offset distances from the common pivot axis.
The one or more guides may comprise an aperture into which a portion of the first and second jaws is progressively received during closing of the first and second jaws.
The aperture may be defined by an urging surface configured to engage with respective radially-outer surfaces of the first and second jaws during closing of the first and second jaws.
The one or more guides may comprise a sleeve.
The first and second jaws may cooperatively define a sample-retaining volume configured to retain a plurality of biopsy samples in an order of harvest.
The first and second jaws may comprise respective inner surfaces cooperatively defining a sample-retaining volume configured to retain the one or more biopsy samples. The inner surface of the second jaw may provide a larger contact area for interfacing with the one or more biopsy samples than the inner surface of the first jaw, to promote adhesion of the one or more biopsy samples to the inner surface of the second jaw.
The one or more guides may comprise a sleeve into which a portion of the first and second jaws is progressively received during closing of the first and second jaws.
The first and second jaws may be configured so that at least a majority of the sample-retaining volume remains outside of the sleeve when the first and second jaws are closed.
The first and second jaws may be pivotally coupled to a common pivot member.
The first and second jaws may be substantially rigid.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve; the first and second jaws may be pivotally coupled to a common pivot member; opposite ends of the common pivot member may be engaged with the sleeve; and the common pivot member may be translatable relative to the sleeve during closing of the first and second jaws.
The sleeve may comprise diametrically opposed slots engaging respective opposite ends of the common pivot member.
In some embodiments, the first and second jaws may define a sample-retaining volume having an elongated shape having a central longitudinal axis; and the one or more guides may define a maximum radially-outer dimension that is the same or less than a maximum radially-outer dimension defined by the first and second jaws when the first and second jaws are closed.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; the first and second jaws may each comprise a radially-outer surface and a transition surface portion extending between two regions of the radially-outer surface having different radially-outer dimensions relative to the central axis of the sleeve; and the sleeve may comprise one or more urging surfaces configured to engage with the transition surface portions of the first and second jaws during closing of the first and second jaws.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; the first and second jaws may each comprise a radially-outer surface and a transition surface portion extending radially inwardly from the radially-outer surface relative to the central axis of the sleeve; and the sleeve may comprise one or more urging surfaces configured to engage with the transition surface portions of the first and second jaws during closing of the first and second jaws.
The transition surface portions may be substantially transverse to the central axis of the sleeve.
The transition surface portions may be substantially oblique to the central axis of the sleeve.
The common pivot axis may have a variable position relative to the one or more guides.
The first jaw may have a first rocking surface for interfacing with a second rocking surface of the second jaw during pivotal movement of the first and second jaws.
The common pivot axis may be disposed at an interface between the first rocking surface and the second rocking surface.
The first and second jaws may be slidingly engaged to respective parallel guide pins. The guide pins may be secured to the one or more guides.
The first and second jaws may be slidingly engaged to a common guide pin.
The common guide pin may have a rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile.
A longitudinal axis of the common guide pin may be transverse to the common pivot axis.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; the first and second jaws may be slidingly engaged to a common guide pin; the common guide pin may have has a rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile; and a dimension of the transverse cross-sectional profile along the central axis of the sleeve may be greater than a dimension of the transverse cross-sectional profile transverse to the central axis of the sleeve.
The common guide pin may be secured to the one or more guides.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; and the assembly may comprise a guide insert for guiding the movement of the first and second jaws. The guide insert may be disposed inside of the sleeve. The guide insert may comprise one or more resilient features for engagement with one or more corresponding sleeve features and for retention of the guide insert inside of the sleeve. The one or more resilient features may be resiliently movable in a radially inward direction relative to the central axis.
The one or more sleeve features may comprise respective receptacles formed in the sleeve for receiving the corresponding one or more resilient features of the guide insert. The one or more resilient features of the guide insert may extend radially outwardly into the corresponding one or more receptacles.
The guide insert may comprise one or more cutouts to facilitate resilient radially inward movement of the one or more resilient features and thereby facilitate insertion of the guide insert into the sleeve during assembly.
The guide insert may comprise one or more stoppers for limiting an opening movement of one or more of the first and second jaws.
The guide insert may comprise a surface defining a proximal end of a sample-retaining volume cooperatively defined by the first and second jaws.
Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.
In another aspect, the disclosure describes a jaw assembly for an endoscopic surgical tool. The assembly comprises:
first and second jaws pivotable about a common pivot axis, the first and second jaws being pivotally movable between respective open and closed positions;
one or more actuation members for actuating the first and second jaws between their respective open and closed positions; and
one or more guides configured to urge one or more of the first and second jaws toward their respective closed positions when the one or more jaws are actuated toward their respective closed positions using the one or more actuation members.
The one or more actuation members may be configured to cause translation movement of the first and second jaws relative to the one or more guides.
The one or more actuation members may be configured to cause movement of the first and second jaws toward the one or more guides when the first and second jaws are actuated toward their respective closed positions.
The one or more actuation members may comprise a common actuation wire configured to actuate both the first and second jaws.
The one or more actuation members may comprise respective actuation wires for actuating the first and second jaws.
The actuation wires may be configured to be actuated in unison to cause opening and closing of the first and second jaws.
The actuation wires may be connected to respective ones of the first and second jaws at respective offset distances from the common pivot axis.
The one or more guides comprise an aperture into which a portion of the first and second jaws is progressively received during closing of the first and second jaws.
The aperture may be defined by an urging surface configured to engage with respective radially-outer surfaces of the first and second jaws during closing of the first and second jaws.
The one or more guides may comprise a sleeve.
The first and second jaws may be pivotally coupled to a common pivot member.
The first and second jaws may be substantially rigid.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve; the first and second jaws may be pivotally coupled to a common pivot member; opposite ends of the common pivot member may be engaged with the sleeve; and the common pivot member may be translatable relative to the sleeve during closing of the first and second jaws.
The sleeve may comprise diametrically opposed slots engaging respective opposite ends of the common pivot member.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; the first and second jaws may each comprise a radially-outer surface and a transition surface portion extending between two regions of the radially-outer surface having different radially-outer dimensions relative to the central axis of the sleeve; and the sleeve may comprise one or more urging surfaces configured to engage with the transition surface portions of the first and second jaws during closing of the first and second jaws.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; the first and second jaws may each comprise a radially-outer surface and a transition surface portion extending radially inwardly from the radially-outer surface relative to the central axis of the sleeve; and the sleeve may comprise one or more urging surfaces configured to engage with the transition surface portions of the first and second jaws during closing of the first and second jaws.
The transition surface portions may be substantially transverse to the central axis of the sleeve.
The transition surface portions may substantially oblique to the central axis of the sleeve.
The common pivot axis may have a variable position relative to the one or more guides.
The first jaw may have a first rocking surface for interfacing with a second rocking surface of the second jaw during pivotal movement of the first and second jaws.
The common pivot axis may be disposed at an interface between the first rocking surface and the second rocking surface.
The first and second jaws may be slidingly engaged to respective parallel guide pins.
The guide pins may be secured to the one or more guides.
The first and second jaws may be slidingly engaged to a common guide pin.
The common guide pin may have a rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile.
A longitudinal axis of the common guide pin may be transverse to the common pivot axis.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; the first and second jaws may be slidingly engaged to a common guide pin; the common guide pin may have a rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile where a dimension of the transverse cross-sectional profile along the central axis of the sleeve is greater than a dimension of the transverse cross-sectional profile transverse to the central axis of the sleeve.
The common guide pin may be secured to the one or more guides.
In some embodiments, the one or more guides may comprise a sleeve having a central axis; and the assembly may comprise a guide insert for guiding the movement of the first and second jaws. The guide insert may be disposed inside of the sleeve. The guide insert may comprise one or more resilient features for engagement with one or more corresponding sleeve features and for retention of the guide insert inside of the sleeve. The one or more resilient features may be resiliently movable in a radially inward direction relative to the central axis of the sleeve.
The one or more sleeve features may comprise respective receptacles formed in the sleeve for receiving the corresponding one or more resilient features of the guide insert. The one or more resilient features of the guide insert may extend radially outwardly into the corresponding one or more receptacles.
The guide insert may comprise one or more cutouts to facilitate resilient radially inward movement of the one or more resilient features and thereby facilitate insertion of the guide insert into the sleeve during assembly.
The guide insert may comprise one or more stoppers for limiting an opening movement of one or more of the first and second jaws.
The first and second jaws may each comprise a scissor blade.
Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.
In another aspect, the disclosure describes a jaw assembly for a biopsy forceps device. The assembly comprises: first and second substantially rigid jaws pivotally movable between respective open and closed positions and configured to cooperatively harvest and retain one or more biopsy samples by actuation of the first and second jaws between their respective open and closed positions, the first and second jaws comprising respective inner surfaces cooperatively defining a sample-retaining volume configured to retain the one or more biopsy samples, the inner surface of the second jaw providing a larger contact area for interfacing with the one or more biopsy samples than the inner surface of the first jaw to promote adhesion of the one or more biopsy samples to the inner surface of the second jaw.
The sample-retaining volume may be configured to retain a plurality of biopsy samples.
The sample-retaining volume may be configured to accommodate a row of biopsy samples in an order of harvest.
The sample-retaining volume may be configured to accommodate a row of biopsy samples in an orientation of harvest.
The sample-retaining volume may be configured to retain five or more biopsy samples.
The sample-retaining volume may have an elongated shape having a central longitudinal axis.
A contact interface between the first and second jaws may lie entirely in a plane that intersects and that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis.
A face of the second jaw may lie substantially entirely in a plane that intersects and that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis when the second jaw is in its closed position.
A portion of a face of the first jaw may be offset from the plane when the first jaw is in its closed position.
In some embodiments, the first jaw may comprise a window defined in the inner surface of the first jaw; and the second jaw may be free of windows defined in the inner surface of the second jaw.
A fenestration of the first jaw may be different from a fenestration of the second jaw.
The first and second jaws may be pivotable about a common pivot axis.
The assembly may comprise one or more guides configured to urge the one or more of the first and second jaws toward their respective closed positions when the one or more jaws are actuated toward their respective closed positions.
Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.
In a further aspect, the disclosure describes a kit for harvesting one or more biopsy samples. The kit comprises:
a biopsy forceps device comprising first and second jaws configured to cooperatively harvest and retain one or more biopsy samples; and
a collection member comprising an adherent portion configured to contact and adhere to the one or more biopsy samples being retained by the biopsy forceps device, and collect the one or more biopsy samples from the biopsy forceps device upon withdrawal of the collection member and the biopsy forceps device from each other.
The biopsy forceps device may be configured to retain all of the one or more biopsy samples in only one of the first and second jaws.
The adherent portion may be disposed exclusively on one side of the collection member.
The adherent portion may comprise a chemical bonding agent.
The chemical bonding agent may comprise an epoxy.
The chemical bonding agent may comprise glue.
The adherent portion may comprise a mechanical bonding agent.
The mechanical bonding agent may comprise a surface texture.
The mechanical bonding agent may comprise an array of sample-adhering features.
The adherent portion may be configured to cause electrostatic bonding of the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member.
The adherent portion may be configured to cause thermal bonding of the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member.
The adherent portion may be configured to cause freeze bonding of the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member.
The adherent portion may be configured to cause dry bonding of the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member.
The adherent portion may comprise one or more vacuum ports in communication with a vacuum source.
The collection member may be configured to be received between the first and second jaws.
The collection member may comprise a guide for constraining a position of the biopsy forceps device during the collection of the one or more biopsy samples.
The guide may define an opening for receiving the first or second jaw therethrough. The opening may have a shape that matches at least a majority of a transverse cross-sectional profile of the first or second jaw received therethrough for constraining the orientation of the biopsy forceps device.
The collection member may have a tubular configuration where the opening defined by the guide is an opening to a lumen of the tubular collection member in which the first or second jaw is received during the collection of the one or more biopsy samples.
The adherent portion may be disposed on an outer wall of the tubular collection member.
The collection member may comprise a label indicative of an order of harvest of a plurality of the one or more biopsy samples.
In some embodiments, the biopsy forceps device may comprise a sleeve into which a portion of the first and second jaws is progressively received during closing of the first and second jaws, the sleeve urging the first and second jaws toward their respective closed positions when the one or more jaws are actuated toward their respective closed positions; the first and second jaws may cooperatively define a sample-retaining volume configured to retain a plurality of the one or more biopsy samples in an order of harvest; and at least a majority of the sample-retaining volume may remain outside of the sleeve when the first and second jaws are closed.
Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.
In a further aspect, the disclosure describes a collection member for collecting one or more biopsy samples retained by a biopsy forceps device. The collection member comprises:
an adherent portion configured to contact with and adhere to the one or more biopsy samples being retained by the biopsy forceps device, and collect the one or more biopsy samples from the biopsy forceps device upon withdrawal of the collection member and the biopsy forceps device from each other; and
a guide for constraining a disposition of the biopsy forceps device relative to the adherent portion during the collection of the one or more biopsy samples.
The adherent portion may be disposed exclusively on one side of the collection member.
The adherent portion may comprise a chemical bonding agent.
The adherent portion may comprise a mechanical bonding agent.
The guide may define an opening for receiving one of the jaws therethrough.
The opening may have a shape that substantially matches at least a majority of a transverse cross-sectional profile of the one jaw received therethrough for constraining an orientation of the biopsy forceps device.
The collection member may have a tubular configuration where the opening defined by the guide is an opening to a lumen of the tubular collection member in which the one jaw is received during the collection of the one or more biopsy samples.
The adherent portion may be disposed on an outer wall of the tubular collection member.
The collection member may comprise a label indicative of an order of harvest of a plurality of the one or more biopsy samples.
The collection member may be configured to be received between the first and second jaws.
Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.
In a further aspect, the disclosure describes a method for collecting one or more biopsy samples from a biopsy forceps device comprising first and second jaws configured to cooperatively harvest and retain the one or more biopsy samples. The method comprises:
contacting an adherent portion of a collection member with the one or more biopsy samples being retained by the biopsy forceps device;
adhering the one or more biopsy samples to the adherent portion; and collecting the one or more biopsy samples adhered to the adherent portion of the collection member from the biopsy forceps device.
The method may comprise clamping the collection member between the first and second jaws to adhere the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member. The method may comprise unclamping the collection member and then withdrawing the collection member and the biopsy forceps device from each other.
Adhering the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member may comprise chemically bonding the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member.
Adhering the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member may comprise mechanically bonding the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member.
Adhering the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member may comprise electrostatically bonding the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member.
Adhering the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member using coagulation.
Adhering the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member using a vacuum source.
Adhering the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples to the collection member using an epoxy.
Collecting the one or more biopsy samples may comprise withdrawing the collection member and the biopsy forceps device from each other after opening the first and second jaws of the biopsy forceps device.
Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.
Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of this application will be apparent from the detailed description included below and the drawings.
Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
and
The following disclosure relates to jaw assemblies for biopsy forceps devices configured to harvest and retain one or more biopsy samples and for other tools. In some embodiments, the jaw assemblies disclosed herein are configured to harvest and retain a plurality of biopsy samples in the order of harvest so that the repeated insertion and withdrawal of the biopsy forceps device into and out of the patient may be reduced. In some embodiments, the jaw assemblies disclosed herein are configured to also retain the plurality of biopsy samples in the orientation of harvest. In some embodiments, the jaw assemblies may comprise a guide member that is configured to enhance the clamping force (e.g., biting action) of the jaws and facilitate the harvesting of the biopsy samples. In some embodiments, the jaws of the jaw assemblies may be configured to promote the adhesion of the biopsy samples harvested to one of the jaws. This may facilitate the retention of the biopsy samples in the biopsy forceps device during use and also facilitate the collection of the biopsy samples from the biopsy forceps device.
Aspects of this disclosure are applicable to other (e.g., endoscopic and/or surgical) tools that can benefit from an enhanced clamping or closing force. For example, the term “jaws” as used herein is intended to encompass two or more opposable parts capable opening and closing for holding, crushing, avulsing and/or cutting something between them. For example, aspects of this disclosure can be applicable to other tools such as surgical clip appliers, scissors, grabbers, retrievers, suturing devices, punches and any combination of these tools.
Also disclosed is an adherent collection member that facilitates the collection of the biopsy sample(s) from biopsy forceps devices and, in the case of multi-sample biopsy forceps devices, facilitates the tracking of the order and orientation of collection of the biopsy samples and cataloguing of the biopsy samples according to the location from which each biopsy sample is taken.
Aspects of various embodiments are described through reference to the drawings.
The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein to describe opposite directions along central longitudinal axis “L”. The term “proximal” is used to describe a direction toward an operator of jaw assembly 100 (i.e., downward along axis L in
Jaw assembly 100 may be attached to a distal end of an elongated tube such as shaft 13, which may be flexible or rigid in various embodiments. Jaw assembly 100 may be opened and closed by a suitable actuating mechanism as described below. Such actuating mechanism may be controlled by manipulating suitable controls located at a proximal end of shaft 13. The controls may be configured to permit actuation and/or rotation of jaw assembly 100 by a physician or an assistant during operation for example.
It is understood that biopsy forceps devices comprising the jaw assemblies disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with an endoscope with or without utilizing a working channel thereof. It is also understood that such biopsy forceps devices may be suitable for use without an endoscope, for instance for a cardiac muscle biopsy. In various embodiments, the jaw assemblies disclosed herein may be suitable for use at sites (e.g., colon, urinary tract, reproductive organs, cardiac tissue, or the like) deep within the body of a patient. For example, such biopsy forceps device may be configured to be passed through an introducer or guiding catheter. In some embodiments, the biopsy forceps devices disclosed herein may be provided with electrical connections for cautery or hot biopsy applications. In some embodiments, biopsy forceps devices as disclosed herein may be suitable for veterinary procedures.
In some embodiments, first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be pivotable (i.e., hinged) about a common pivot axis P. For example first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be pivotally coupled using a common pivot member 14 (e.g., pin or eyelet) via holes 16, 18 formed in respective arms 20, 22 of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 respectively. First jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be slidingly engaged with flat member 24 via slot 26. For example, arm 20 of first jaw 10 may be disposed on one side of flat member 24 and arm 22 of second jaw 12 may be disposed on an opposite side of flat member 24. Arms 20, 22 may be pivotally secured via pivot member 14 extending through flat member 24 via holes 16, 18 and slot 26. Slot 26 may be oriented along longitudinal axis L of jaw assembly 100 in order to permit longitudinal (i.e., distal and proximal) movement of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 relative to flat member 24 during the actuation (i.e., opening and closing) of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12. Accordingly, common pivot axis P may move along longitudinal axis L due to movement of pin 14 within slot 26 during actuation.
Jaw assembly 100 may comprise one or more actuation members for actuating first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 between their respective open and closed positions. For example, as illustrated, jaw assembly 100 may comprise respective actuation wires 28 for actuating first jaw 10 and second jaw 12. In some embodiments, one or both wires 28 may have a multi-strand construction. In some embodiments, one or both wires 28 may comprise a solid wire.
Actuation wires 28 may be connected to respective ones of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 at actuation points 30 and 32 respectively disposed on arms 20 and 22 at an offset distance from common pivot axis P. The actuation (i.e., pulling or pushing) of actuation wires 28 along longitudinal axis L of jaw assembly 100 may cause the opening and closing of first jaw 10 and of second jaw 12. For example, the pushing (i.e., distal movement) of both actuation wires 28 in unison may cause pivot member 14 to slide distally in slot 26 and cause first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 to pivot about common pivot axis P in respective opposite directions that cause opening of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12. Alternatively, the pulling (i.e., proximal movement) of both actuation wires 28 in unison may cause pivot member 14 to slide proximally in slot 26 and cause first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 to pivot about common pivot axis P in respective opposite directions that cause closing of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12.
Shaft 13 may comprise an opening extending therethrough along longitudinal axis L of jaw assembly 100 for receiving therein part of flat member 24. Actuation wires 28 may also extend through shaft 13 and to a suitable actuation handle or other control(s) (e.g., user interface) for pulling and pushing on actuation wires 28 in unison. Alternatively, actuating wires 28 may terminate within shaft 13 and be operatively connected to hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or other actuators contained within shaft 13 for example. In some embodiments, shaft 13 may be sufficiently flexible to facilitate lateral deflexion of the biopsy forceps device in order to facilitate the channelling of the biopsy forceps device along a curved path, which may be relatively long and/or tortuous, defined by a working channel of an endoscope for example. In some embodiments, shaft 13 may comprise a coil spring made of a suitable metallic material. In some embodiments, shaft 13 may, for example be of a type as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,404, which is incorporated herein by reference. Flexible sheath 34 may extend over shaft 13 and actuation wires 28 may extend proximally through shaft 13 and flexible sheath 34 to suitable control means. Flexible sheath 34 may be made of a suitable plastic material. Flexible sheath 34 may be secured to shaft 13 by suitable means.
Jaw assembly 100 may comprise one or more guides configured to urge first jaw 10 and/or second jaw 12 toward their respective closed positions when first jaw 10 and/or second jaw 12 is/are actuated toward their respective closed positions using actuation wires 28. The guide(s) may have the form of sleeve 38 as illustrated herein but it is understood that such guide(s) may have different forms suitable for enhancing the closing moment of first jaw 10 and/or second jaw 12 in order to enhance the cutting performance of jaw assembly 100 for example. In some embodiments, such guide(s) may comprise any suitable arrangement of one or more shoulder surfaces configured to supplement the closing moment applied to first jaw 10 and/or second jaw 12 by actuation wires 28 alone.
Actuation wires 28 may be configured to cause relative translation movement between jaws 10, 12 and the guide(s) (e.g., sleeve 38). For example, in some embodiments, sleeve 38 may comprise aperture 40 extending through sleeve 38 and into which a portion of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 is progressively received during closing of first jaw 10 and of second jaw 12. For example, arms 20, 22 of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 respectively may be disposed inside sleeve 38, and jaws 10, 12 may be longitudinally movable within sleeve 38 by the longitudinal movement afforded by the movement of pivot member 14 within slot 26. As first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 are being opened, first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may translate distally relative to sleeve 38. Alternatively, as first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 are being closed, first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may translate proximally relative to sleeve 38. Common pivot axis P may have a position that is variable relative to sleeve 38 by way of movement of pivot member 14 in slot 26 when first and second jaws 10, 12 are actuated.
Sleeve 38 may define one or more urging surfaces 42 configured to engage with one or more radially-outer surfaces 44, 46 of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 respectively when first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 are actuated. In some embodiments, urging surface 42 may be a radially-inner surface of sleeve 38. For example, in some embodiments, aperture 40 in sleeve 38 may be defined by such radially-inner urging surface 42 of sleeve 38. Urging surface 42 may be disposed at or near a distal end of sleeve 38. For example, urging surface 42 may be part of a distal rim or edge of sleeve 38. In various embodiments, urging surface 42 may comprise a squared distal end surface of sleeve 38 and/or urging surface 42 may comprise a chamfered, bevelled, and/or rounded surface at or near the distal end of sleeve 38.
When first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 are pulled proximally into sleeve 38 via actuation wires 28 from the open configuration shown in
In some embodiments, sleeve 38 may have a tubular configuration and may have a substantially circular cross-sectional profile transverse to longitudinal axis L. Sleeve 38 may have a central axis that is substantially coaxial with longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments, sleeve 38 may have a non-circular (e.g., oval, polygonal) cross-sectional profile transverse to longitudinal axis L. Similarly, radially-outer surfaces 44, 46 of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may cooperatively define a transverse cross-sectional profile that is substantially circular, partially circular or non-circular when jaws 10 and 12 are closed.
Urging surface 42 of sleeve 38 may be circumferentially continuous about longitudinal axis L. However, it is understood that urging surface 42 of sleeve 38 or of some other type of guide(s) may not necessarily be circumferentially continuous. For example, such guide may comprise one or more separate urging surfaces 42 respectively associated with each of jaws 10 and 12. It is also understood that aspects of jaw assembly 100 disclosed herein could be used to enhance the clamping force of either both or only one of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12. It is also understood that aspects disclosed herein could be used for enhancing the closing performance of jaw assemblies comprising more than two jaws (e.g., four jaws).
First jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may comprise respective inner surfaces 48, 50 cooperatively defining a sample-retaining volume 52 (see
In some embodiments, sample-retaining volume 52 may be configured to accommodate a row of biopsy samples (e.g., see
The harvesting (e.g., avulsing, cutting, clipping) of biopsy samples from the patient may be performed mainly by distal regions of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 as they are brought together during closing of the jaws 10, 12. Accordingly, one or both of faces 54, 56 of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may comprise a cutting edge that facilitates the harvesting of the biopsy sample(s). In some embodiments, one or both of faces 54, 56 may be serrated. Due to the elongated shape of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 along longitudinal axis L and to the relatively large distance (i.e., moment arm) between the distal ends of jaws 10, 12 from pivot member 14, a relatively large closing moment about common pivot axis P may be needed or desired on first jaw 10 and/or second jaw 12 to achieve the desired clamping force at the distal ends of jaws 10, 12 in comparison with a shorter single-sample jaw assembly. Accordingly, the use of sleeve 38 or other type of guide as disclosed herein may be beneficial to the harvesting performance of multi-sample jaw assemblies.
The use of sleeve 38 to supplement the clamping force of jaws 10, 12 may also promote a relatively small diametric or cross-sectional size of jaw assembly 100 while, at the same time, allowing an adequate clamping force to be obtained. For given actuation forces provided by actuation wires 28, instead of achieving the desired actuation moment using large offset distances of actuation points 30, 32 from common pivot axis P, sleeve 38 serves to supplement the closing moment obtained from smaller offset distances by converting some of the longitudinal actuation forces provided by actuation wires 28 into respective clamping forces onto jaws 10, 12. In other words, for given longitudinal actuation forces provided by actuation wires 28, the use of sleeve 38 may allow, in some embodiments, increasing of the total clamping forces on jaws 10 and/or 12 without increasing the offset distances of actuation points 30, 32 from common pivot axis P and hence without having to significantly increase the girth of the biopsy forceps device.
As explained above, the closing of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may cause jaws 10, 12 to be translated proximally relative to (stationary) sleeve 38 so that portions of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be progressively received into aperture 40 of sleeve 38. However, in some embodiments, the amount of such proximal translation may be relatively small so that the movement of jaws 10, 12 away from the tissue during closing of jaws 10, 12 may not significantly affect the harvesting performance of jaw assembly 100. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of such proximal translation exhibited between the open and closed configurations may be about 1.3 mm.
In reference to
The configuration of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may also reduce or eliminate the likelihood of damaging and/or contaminating the biopsy samples during the harvesting and retaining of the biopsy samples. For example, in some embodiments, jaw assembly 100 may not require the use of a spike with a barb or other means to mechanically anchor (e.g., pierce, hook, skewer) the biopsy sample(s) when retained in first jaw 10 and/or second jaw 12. Also, jaw assembly 100 may, in some embodiments, not require the use of suction, irrigation, pushing mechanisms or storage containers for collecting individual biopsy samples. Further, jaw assembly 100 may, in some embodiments, not require the use of a sleeve moving over substantially the entire length of the jaws (or alternatively jaws moving similarly into such sleeve) and that could potentially damage or alter the harvest orientation of the biopsy samples. Accordingly, jaw assembly 100 may, in some embodiments, promote maintaining the integrity of the biopsy samples for the subsequent laboratory analysis.
In some embodiments, first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may have a substantially identical configuration. In some embodiments, first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be substantially symmetric across a mid-plane that intersects and that is parallel to longitudinal axis L. For example, a contact interface between first jaw 10 and second jaw 12, defined by face 54 of first jaw 10 and face 56 of second jaw 12, may lie entirely in such mid-plane. In some embodiments, a distal portion of face 54 of first jaw 10 may lie in the mid-plane (in the closed configuration) and a proximal portion of face 54 of first jaw 10 may be offset from the mid-plane in order to form windows 48A to sample-retaining volume 52 in inner surface 48 of first jaw 10. Similarly, in some embodiments, a distal portion of face 56 of second jaw 12 may lie in the mid-plane (in the closed configuration) and a proximal portion of face 56 of first jaw 10 may be offset from the mid-plane in order to form windows 50A to sample-retaining volume 52 in inner surface 50 of second jaw 12.
In some embodiments, the configuration of first and second jaws 10, 12 may also promote the retention of the orientation of harvest of each biopsy sample. For example, the configuration (e.g., orientation and elongated shape) of windows 48A and 50A may help retain the harvest orientation of the biopsy samples as the biopsy samples slide proximally in sample-retaining volume 52 as additional biopsy samples are harvested. For example, the outline of window 48A and/or the outline of window 50A may come in contact engagement with the biopsy samples harvested and hinder the rotation of the biopsy samples while still permitting sliding movement of the biopsy sample proximally in sample-retaining volume 52. It is understood that other elongated features such as ribs or grooves could be provided inside one of jaws 10, 12 to promote the retention of the orientation of harvest of each biopsy sample instead of or in addition to relying on the configuration of windows 48A, 50A.
In reference to
First jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be relatively rigid so that their actuation between the open and closed configurations does not cause significant or meaningful deflection of the first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 under normal intended use. For example, each jaw 10, 12 may have a transverse cross-sectional profile (i.e., perpendicular to longitudinal axis L) that defines part (e.g., half) of an annulus. Accordingly, the transverse cross-sectional area of each jaw 10, 12 may have a moment of inertia that is sufficiently high to substantially prevent significant bending or flexing of jaws 10, 12 when they are being closed for harvesting a biopsy sample. First jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be made from a suitable metallic material. Jaws 10 and 12 may be manufactured by any suitable means such as press work (e.g., stamping from sheet metal), machining from a solid blank, moulding, additive manufacturing, laser processing, etching or any combination of the foregoing. Jaws 10 and 12 may be mass produced in a relatively inexpensive manner and may be suitable for use on disposable devices (e.g., single patient use devices). In some embodiments, jaws 10 and 12 may be produced from a plastic material or a combination of materials, such as metal and plastic, ceramic and plastic, for example. In various embodiments, the mechanical arrangement of jaw assembly 100 may be configured to allow some control over the angle of opening of jaws 10, 12.
In contrast with jaw assembly 100, jaw assembly 200 may comprise first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 that are configured differently from each other to promote the retention of the biopsy samples in only one of jaws 10, 12 during use. Such feature may, for example, cause a row of biopsy samples harvested by jaw assembly 200 to be retained in second jaw 12 as jaws 10, 12 are repeatedly opened and closed and are moved to different locations within the patient to harvest a plurality of biopsy samples.
It is understood that features promoting the retention of the biopsy samples in only one of jaws 10, 12 may be incorporated into any of the jaw assemblies disclosed herein and also into other types of jaw assemblies. In some embodiments, a fenestration of first jaw 10 may be different from a fenestration of second jaw 12 so that, for example, inner surface 50 of second jaw 12 may provide a larger contact area for interfacing with the one or more biopsy samples than inner surface 48 of first jaw 10 to promote adhesion of the one or more biopsy samples to inner surface 50 of second jaw 12 after harvesting instead of inner surface 48 of first jaw 10. In various embodiments, first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may each have a different number of windows, and/or, first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may have windows of different sizes. For example, in some embodiments, first jaw 10 may comprise window(s) 48A defined in inner surface 48 of first jaw 10, and, second jaw 12 may be free of windows (e.g., windows 50A in
In some embodiments, inner surface 48 and inner surface 50 may cooperatively define sample-retaining volume 52 having a substantially circular or non-circular cross-sectional profile which may be interrupted due to the presence of windows. For example, due to the presence of windows 48A in first jaw 10 and to the lack of windows in second jaw 12, a transverse cross-sectional profile of inner surface 50 of second jaw 12 may have a longer arc length than a corresponding transverse cross-sectional profile of inner surface 48 of first jaw 10.
Jaw assembly 300 may be mostly identical to jaw assembly 100 except for the addition of another guide (e.g., shoulder(s) 60) formed into sleeve 38 for interacting with one or both of arms 20 and 22 of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 respectively.
In contrast with jaw assembly 100, jaw assembly 400 may be configured so that instead of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 being slidingly engaged with flat member 24, jaws 10, 12 may be pivotally coupled to flat member 24 via hole 62 instead of slot 26 from jaw assembly 100. In order to achieve similar actuation of jaws 10, 12 and clamping force-enhancing effect provided by sleeve 38, flat member 24 may instead be slidingly disposed inside sleeve 38 so that longitudinal movement of flat member 24 to accommodate the actuation of jaws 10, 12 may be guided by slots 64 provided in sleeve 38. In this embodiment, sleeve 38 may be welded to shaft 13 at W1 but flat member 24 may not be welded to shaft 13 in order to permit longitudinal movement of flat member 24 relative to shaft 13.
In contrast with the jaw assemblies described above, jaw assembly 500 may be configured so that first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be actuated by a single common actuation wire 28 coupled to both arms 20 and 22 at actuation points 30, 32 respectively. In this embodiment, the distal movement of actuation wire 28 may cause both jaws 10, 12 to open and proximal movement of actuation wire 28 may cause both jaws 10, 12 to close. In this embodiment, common pivot axis P may pass through actuation points 30, 32 and the opening/closing movement of jaws 10, 12 may be guided by pin 66, which may be secured to sleeve 38, by way of sliding engagement of pin 66 with slots 68 and 70 formed in arms 20 and 22 respectively as jaws 10, 12 are translated longitudinally by actuation wire 28 during actuation. Pin 66 and corresponding slots 68 and 70 may provide a cam/follower arrangement for controlling the movement of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12.
Like jaw assembly 500, jaw assembly 600 may also be configured so that first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be actuated by a single common actuation wire 28 coupled to both arms 20 and 22 at actuation points 30, 32 respectively. In this embodiment, the opening/closing movement of jaws 10, 12 may be guided by pin 66, which may be secured to sleeve 38, by way of sliding engagement of pin 66 with surfaces 72 and 74 formed on arms 20 and 22 respectively as jaws 10, 12 are translated longitudinally by actuation wire 28 during actuation. Pin 66 and corresponding surfaces 68 and 70 may provide a cam/follower arrangement for controlling the movement of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12.
In contrast with jaw assembly 100, jaw assembly 700 may be configured so that instead of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 being slidingly engaged with flat member 24 (see
Similar to jaw assembly 700, jaw assembly 800 may also comprise diametrically opposed slots 75 formed in sleeve 38 for sliding engagement with opposite ends of common pivot member 14. Instead of a single actuation wire 28, jaw assembly 800 may comprise separate actuation wires 28 respectively associated with first jaw 10 and second jaw 12. Actuation wires 28 may be actuatable in unison to cause opening and closing of jaws 10 and 12. In this embodiment, jaws 10 and 12 may be pivotally coupled to common pivot member 14 via holes 16 and 18 respectively. In some embodiments, common pivot member 14 may be retained in a manner described above in relation to jaw assembly 700.
The actuation mechanism of jaw assembly 900 is similar to that of jaw assembly 100 described above. However, in contrast with jaw assembly 100, jaw assembly 900 may have a sleeve 38 having a similar or a smaller outer diameter than that of jaw assembly 100 to promote size reduction of (i.e., a slimmer) jaw assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the outer diameter of sleeve 38 may be substantially the same as or less than that defined by jaws 10 and 12 when in their respective closed positions. In particular, sleeve 38 may define a maximum radially-outer dimension that is the same or less than a maximum radially-outer dimension cooperatively defined by first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 when first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 are closed.
Flat member 24 may be secured to sleeve 38 by (e.g., lap) welding at W2 or by other suitable means. In some embodiments, jaws 10 and 12 may be pivotally mounted to flat member 24 via the engagement of common pivot member 14 with slot 26. An assembly comprising jaws 10 and 12 and flat member 24 may be inserted into sleeve 38 as unit prior to welding or otherwise securing flat member 24 to sleeve 38. Sleeve 38 may be secured to shaft 13 by (e.g., lap) welding at W1 or by other suitable means, such as crimping, fastening, soldering, brazing, gluing or press fitting for example.
In some embodiments, in order to permit translation of jaws 10 and 12 into and out of sleeve 38 along longitudinal axis L, jaws 10 and 12 may comprise a proximal portion 44B of reduced outer diameter that is configured to be received in aperture 40 of sleeve 38. In reference to
In some embodiments, transition surface portion 44A may not necessarily be between two regions of the radially-outer surface 44 having different radially-outer dimensions relative to the longitudinal axis L.
Jaw assembly 1000 may comprise a separate guide pin 66 associated with each of jaws 10, 12 and secured to sleeve 38. Each guide pin 66 may guide the opening/closing movement of a respective jaw 10, 12 by way of sliding engagement of pins 66 with respective slots 68 and 70 formed in jaws 10, 12 respectively as jaws 10, 12 are translated longitudinally by respective actuation wires 28 during actuation. Guide pins 66 may be configured to limit the movement of jaws 10, 12 along longitudinal axis L during the actuation of jaws 10, 12. Guide pins 66 may be substantially parallel when opposite ends of pins 66 are engaged with sleeve 38. Guide pins 66 and corresponding slots 68 and 70 may provide a cam/follower arrangement for controlling the movement of first jaw 10 and second jaw 12. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, first jaw 10 of jaw assembly 1000 may comprise one or more rocking surfaces 76 and second jaw 12 may comprise one or more corresponding rocking surfaces 78. During the pivotal movement of jaws 10, 12, rocking surface(s) 76 may interface with rocking surface(s) 78 and guide the movement of jaws 10, 12. Rocking surfaces 76, 78 may be arcuate and convex when viewed from the orientation of
The opposite ends of guide pins 66 may be secured to sleeve 38 by (e.g., laser) welding at locations W3 for example (see
In some embodiments, the arrangement of jaw assembly 1000 may facilitate a relatively short proximal movement of jaws 10, 12 during the closing of jaws 10, 12 to promote a good harvesting performance of jaw assembly 1000. The arrangement of jaw assembly 1000 may also facilitate manufacturing by press working in some embodiments by reducing the severity of bends in the parts relative to some other embodiments.
Jaw assembly 1100 may comprise a single common guide pin 80 to which first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be slidingly engaged via respective holes 16 and 18. Common guide pin 80 may be oriented generally in a plane of the movement of jaws 10, 12 during actuation of jaws 10, 12. For example, a longitudinal axis 80A of common guide pin 80 may be transverse to common pivot axis P.
The ends of guide pin 80 may be secured to sleeve 38 by engagement with slots 58 and by (e.g., laser) welding at locations W3 for example (see
Common guide pin 80 may be configured to limit the movement of jaws 10, 12 along longitudinal axis L or the central axis of sleeve 38 during the actuation of jaws 10, 12. Common guide pin 80 may be configured to stabilize and promote alignment of jaws 10, 12 during actuation. Common guide pin 80 may comprise a rectangular bar. For example, common guide pin 80 may have a rectangular cross-sectional profile transverse to its longitudinal axis 80A. A dimension of the transverse cross-sectional profile along the longitudinal axis L may be greater than a dimension of the transverse cross-sectional profile transverse to the longitudinal axis L.
Similar to jaw assembly 1000, jaw 10 of jaw assembly 1100 may comprise one or more rocking surfaces 76 and jaw 12 may comprise one or more rocking surfaces 78. During the pivotal movement of jaws 10, 12, rocking surface(s) 76 may interface with rocking surface(s) 78 and guide the movement of jaws 10, 12. Common pivot axis P may be disposed at a contact interface between rocking surfaces 76, 78. As the contact interface (e.g., two contact points) between the opposed rocking surfaces 76, 78 moves during actuation of jaws 10, 12, the common pivot axis P also moves along longitudinal axis L as shown in FIGS, 11 D and 11G.
The arrangement of jaw assembly 1100 may also facilitate manufacturing by having fewer parts compared to jaw assembly 1000 for example. The arrangement of jaw assembly 1100 may also facilitate assembly by eliminating the need for riveting or eyeleting of a main pivot pin.
Jaw assembly 1200 may comprise guide insert 82 to which first jaw 10 and second jaw 12 may be slidingly engaged via respective holes 16 and 18. Guide insert 82 may function similarly to common guide pin 80 of jaw assembly 1100 as described above with respect to guiding the movement of the first and second jaws 10, 12 during actuation. In some embodiments, guide insert 82 may be molded from a suitable plastic material. In some embodiments, guide insert 82 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded as one piece) to have a unitary construction. Guide insert 82 may be resiliently inserted into sleeve 38 for ease of assembly and secured to sleeve 38 via engagement with one or more sleeve features. For example, in reference to FIGS. 12H-12J, guide insert 82 may comprise one or more resilient features 84 for engagement with one or more corresponding slots 58 (see
In reference to
The configuration of guide insert 82 may facilitate the assembly of jaw assembly 1200 by facilitating the insertion of guide insert 82 into sleeve 38 via aperture 40 (see
Stoppers 88 of guide insert 82 may serve to limit an opening movement of one or more of first and second jaws 10, 12. As illustrated in
Surface 90 of guide insert 82 may define a proximal end of sample-retaining volume 52 cooperatively defined by first and second jaws 10, 12 as shown in
Instead of jaws 10, 12 configured to harvest biopsy samples as described above, first and second jaws 10, 12 of jaw assembly 1300 are cooperating scissor blades for the purpose of illustrating that aspects of jaw assemblies disclosed herein are not limited to biopsy forceps devices. For example, the enhanced clamping force and other benefit(s) provided by embodiments of jaw assemblies disclosed herein can also be applicable to other types of instruments such as surgical and/or endoscopic tools. As explained above, aspects of this disclosure can be applicable to other tools such as surgical clip appliers, scissors, grabbers, retrievers, suturing devices, punches and any combination of these tools.
In reference to the nomenclature in
In some embodiments, jaws 10, 12 of biopsy forceps device 106 may be of a type configured to retain all of the biopsy samples 104 harvested in the same jaw such as jaw assembly 200 (see
In various embodiments, collection member 108 may have a sheet or plate configuration. In various embodiments, collection member 108 may be substantially flat or may be curved (e.g., concave or convex), or a combination of flat and curved. In some embodiments, collection member 108 may be shaped to fit a pathology processing cartridge. In some embodiments, collection member 108 may comprise cut-out 112 adapted to accommodate part(s) of biopsy forceps device 106 and allow jaws 10, 12 of biopsy forceps device 106 to be at least partially closed with collection member 108 disposed therebetween.
Adherent portion 110 may be configured to come into contact with biopsy samples 104 and cause biopsy samples 104 to adhere thereto so as to cause biopsy samples 104 to be retrieved from biopsy forceps device 106 after jaws 10, 12 of biopsy forceps device 106 have been closed onto collection member 108, opened and removed from collection member 108. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may comprise a chemical bonding agent. For example, adherent portion 110 may comprise a suitable epoxy which may be activated by moisture, light, heat or by other means. For example, adherent portion 110 may comprise a suitable epoxy which may be activated by moisture present in biopsy samples 104. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may comprise a cyanoacrylate epoxy. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may comprise a suitable adhesive (e.g., glue) such as a cyanoacrylate adhesive for example. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may be configured to cause one or more biopsy samples adhesion through freeze bonding. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may be configured to cause one or more biopsy samples adhesion through dry bonding. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may comprise a hydrophilic substance (e.g., gelatin) activated by moisture present in biopsy samples 104.
In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may comprise a mechanical bonding agent. For example, adherent portion 110 may comprise a suitable surface texture, weave, perforations, spikes, hooks, barbs, divots, slots, windows, slits and/or other sample-adhering features arranged in a grid pattern. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may comprise an array of plurality of sample-adhering features. In some embodiments, collection member 108 and adherent portion 110 may be flexible so as to permit some resilient bending of collection member 108 to cause some feature(s) (e.g., slits) to open/close by such bending and grab onto biopsy samples 104. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may be configured to cause adherence of biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 by way of capillary action. For example, adherent portion 110 may comprise features (e.g., small bores, cavities, crevices) formed therein to facilitate such adherence by capillary action.
In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may comprise a combination of two or more types of bonding agents. For example, adherent portion 110 could comprise a mechanical bonding agent and a chemical bonding agent.
In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may be configured to cause electrostatic bonding of biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108. In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may be configured to cause coagulation (e.g., electrocoagulation and/or heat coagulation) bonding of biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108. For example, a thermally-activated adherence (i.e., thermal bonding) of biopsy samples 104 onto collection member 108 could be achieved by having collection member 108 at a different temperature than that of biopsy samples 104 during sample collection in order to cause freezing, drying and/or coagulation of part of biopsy samples 104 when coming in contact with adherent portion 110 and thereby causing adhesion to adherent portion 110.
In some embodiments, adherent portion 110 may be configured to cause adherence of biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 by way of surface tension. In some embodiments, perforations formed in adherent portion 110 may serve as vacuum ports in communication with vacuum source 114.
Adherent portion 110 may be disposed on an outer wall of tubular collection member 108 so that when first jaw 10 is received through opening 118 as shown in
Adherent portion 110 of collection member 108 may, for example, be placed to a side of biopsy forceps device 106 so as to contact protruding portions of biopsy samples 104 and thereby cause adhesion of biopsy samples 104 to adherent portion 110. After such adhesion, first and/or second jaws 10, 12 may be opened to release biopsy samples 104 and collection member 108 (and adherent portion 110) may be withdrawn from biopsy forceps device 106 in order to collect biopsy samples 104 from biopsy forceps device 106. It is understood that biopsy forceps device 106 could instead or in addition be withdrawn from collection member 108 (and adherent portion 110) in order to collect biopsy samples 104 from biopsy forceps device 106. Withdrawal of collection member 108 and biopsy forceps device 106 from each other may include moving adherent portion 110 away from biopsy forceps device 106 and/or moving biopsy forceps device 106 away from adherent portion 110.
In some embodiments, contacting adherent portion 110 of collection member 108 with the one or more biopsy samples 104 may comprise receiving collection member 108 between jaws 10, 12 of biopsy forceps device 106. Correspondingly, withdrawing collection member 108 and biopsy forceps device 106 from each other may comprise removing collection member 108 from between jaws 10, 12 to collect the one or more biopsy samples 104 from biopsy forceps device 106.
The use of collection member 108 for collecting biopsy samples 104 from biopsy forceps device 106 may maintain the order and orientation of harvest that was represented in the row of biopsy samples 104 retained in jaws 10, 12 of biopsy forceps device 106. Maintaining the order of harvest may allow biopsy samples 104 to be associated with their respective locations of harvest within the body of the patient and may be important to the analysis of biopsy samples 104 and to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Maintaining the order of harvest may also be important to the analysis of biopsy samples 104 and to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
As shown in
In some embodiments, method 2000 may comprise clamping collection member 108 between jaws 10, 12 to adhere the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108. Method 2000 may also comprise unclamping collection member 108 before removing collection member 108 from between jaws 10, 12. Removal of collection member 108 from between jaws 10, 12 may be done manually. Removal of collection member 108 from between jaws 10, 12 could be done by shaking off collection member 108 along with biopsy samples 104 from the open jaws 10, 12 and into a jar containing fixative fluid.
In some embodiments, adhering the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 may comprise chemically bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108.
In some embodiments, adhering the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 using an epoxy.
In some embodiments, adhering the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 may comprise mechanically bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108.
In some embodiments, adhering the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 may comprise electrostatically bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108.
In some embodiments, method 2000 may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 using coagulation (e.g., electrocoagulation and/or heat coagulation) bonding.
In some embodiments, method 2000 may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 using vacuum source 114.
In some embodiments, method 2000 may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 using two or more bonding approaches. In some embodiments, method 2000 may comprise bonding the one or more biopsy samples 104 to collection member 108 using two or more bonding approaches disclosed herein.
The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the relevant arts will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The present disclosure is intended to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. Modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims. Also, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/462,021 filed on Feb. 22, 2017 and to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/550,860 filed on Aug. 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA2018/050194 | 2/21/2018 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62462021 | Feb 2017 | US | |
| 62550860 | Aug 2017 | US |
