A medical instrument
usable with an
ultrasound-
endoscope for performing a
needle biopsy on a patient's internal body tissues
usable at a
surgical site not visible to the unaided eye or viewed endoscopically, comprises an elongate tubular member with a hollow needle element connected at its distal end, a sheath member housing said tubular member and needle element, an
actuator subassembly with a shifter member operatively connected to elongate tubular member's proximal end, and a distal camming subassembly, said subassembly enabling a rotating motion of said needle member while
handle actuator is moved in the forward direction. Upon inserting an
ultrasound-
endoscope into a patient and locating a
mass, the fine needle with sharply pointed spoon shaped distal end is inserted into the
mass aided by endoscopic and ultrasonographic guidance. Once in the
mass, a camming action is initiated, causing rotation of the fine needle within the mass, resulting in a scooped out
core biopsy. This instrument enables the performance of a
fine needle aspiration requiring only one or two needle introductions, with a
resultant core biopsy substantial enough for diagnostic purposes.