Cutting tool for obtaining a strip-shaped tissue sample and sampling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting tool (10) for obtaining a strip-shaped tissue sample for histological examination, comprising a handle (12) and a flat cutting section (16). The cutting section (16) has a first free end and a second free end, which are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the cutting section (16). The free ends are connected to the handle (12). A section of the cutting section (16) that extends beyond a user-remote end (14) of the handle (12) forms a loop along the longitudinal direction. The cutting section (16) comprises a first narrow side, on which the cutting section (16) has a cutting edge (22), and a second narrow side (24), which is opposite the first narrow side in the width direction of the cutting section (16).The cutting element (16) forms a funnel, at least in the section forming the loop, which tapers from the second narrow side (24) towards the cutting edge (22). Furthermore, the invention relates to a sampling device with such a cutting tool (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting tool for obtaining a strip-shaped tissue sample for histological examination. The cutting tool comprises a handle part and a flat cutting part, wherein the cutting part has a first free end and a second free end, which lie opposite one another in the longitudinal direction of the cutting part. The free ends are connected to the handle part. A section of the cutting part, which projects beyond an end of the handle part remote from the user, forms a loop along the longitudinal direction. The cutting part comprises a first narrow side, on which the cutting part has a cutting edge. The cutting part also comprises a second narrow side, which lies opposite the first narrow side in the width direction of the cutting part. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sampling device having such a cutting tool.

[0002] Medical instruments or tools for biopsies, i.e., for obtaining tissue samples from the skin or other tissues, exist in numerous designs. For example, a biopsy can be used to obtain tissue samples from small areas of the skin or other tissues that show abnormalities. Histological examination of the tissue sample can attempt to clarify the cause of the abnormalities.

[0003] For example, skin biopsies are performed on humans or animals by excising and removing small areas of skin. Taking strip-like or thread-like tissue samples is particularly important during biopsies to enable the most comprehensive microscopic assessment possible during skin cancer surgery. This applies particularly to micrographically controlled surgery (such as Mohs Micrographic Surgery), i.e., a 3D histologically guided surgical procedure. Furthermore, it can be advantageous to obtain thread-like skin strips from the dermis, especially human skin, for transplantation, particularly autologous transplantation.

[0004] US 2017 / 265887 A1 describes an adjustable curette in which a band-shaped blade forms a loop. The loop extends beyond the end of a handle portion of the curette that is remote from the user. The size of the loop can be changed, for example, by moving a sliding piece guided on the handle portion. The sliding piece is connected to a first end of the band-shaped blade, with the second end of the band-shaped blade being fixed in the handle portion.

[0005] The disadvantage here is that only comparatively wide, strip-shaped tissue samples can be obtained with such a curette.

[0006] DE 34 06 961 A1 describes a skin punch with a tubular punching element having a cutting edge and with a handle.

[0007] Using a skin punch of this type, only a circular and comparatively large tissue sample can be obtained. This usually requires the wound created by taking the tissue sample to be closed with several sutures to prevent bleeding. Therefore, the use of a skin punch for obtaining tissue samples is disadvantageous. Furthermore, a skin punch cannot be used to obtain a strip-shaped tissue sample.

[0008] However, obtaining large tissue samples using the curette described in US 2017 / 265887 A1 is also unfavorable, especially if deep penetration into the epidermis is required to obtain biopsy material of sufficient depth. Such a biopsy results in correspondingly large and deep tissue defects, which can be accompanied by severe bleeding and lead to the formation of unfavorable scars.

[0009] This is particularly disadvantageous if the tissue sample is taken from the face, i.e. where skin cancer or other undesirable changes occur particularly frequently.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a cutting tool of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which a particularly small cutting width can be achieved, and to provide a sampling device with such a cutting tool.

[0011] This object is achieved by a cutting tool having the features of patent claim 1 and by a sampling device having the features of patent claim 11. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims and in the following description.

[0012] The cutting tool according to the invention for obtaining a strip-shaped tissue sample for histological examination comprises a handle part and a flat cutting part. The cutting part has a first free end and a second free end, which lie opposite one another in the longitudinal direction of the cutting part. The free ends are connected to the handle part, wherein a section of the cutting part, which projects beyond an end of the handle part remote from the user, forms a loop along the longitudinal direction. The cutting part comprises a first narrow side, on which the cutting part has a cutting edge. The cutting part further comprises a second narrow side, which lies opposite the first narrow side in the width direction of the cutting part. The cutting part forms a funnel, at least in the section forming the loop, which is tapered from the second narrow side to the cutting edge.

[0013] This is based on the following insight: when bending a flat or band-shaped cutting part, in which a hollow space enclosed by the loop is not delimited by inclined walls, but by straight walls or walls perpendicular to a horizontal plane and formed by the cutting part, the cutting part would break as soon as a certain bending radius were exceeded at a reversal point of the loop. This can be avoided particularly easily in the present case. Because of the funnel shape, which the cutting part has, at least in the section forming the loop, a very tight bending radius can be achieved, particularly at the reversal point of the loop, without the cutting part designed as a blade completely breaking.

[0014] Due to the funnel shape, at least in the section of the cutting part that forms the loop, mechanical stresses are not concentrated along a single line. The latter would be the case, however, if a very narrow bending radius were formed at a reversal point of the loop, with the cavity enclosed by the loop being delimited by the straight or non-inclined walls in the shape of the cutting part. In other words, in the cutting tool in which the cutting part has a funnel shape in the section that forms the loop, forces are distributed particularly well in the width direction and in the length direction of the cutting part, which could otherwise lead to the cutting part breaking at the reversal point. This makes it possible to achieve a very narrow bending radius in the area of ​​the cutting edge. Consequently, a particularly narrow cutting width can be achieved using the cutting tool.

[0015] This is advantageous. In particular, a biopsy of sufficient depth can be performed through both loose tissue, such as eyelid skin or the subcutaneous tissue, and the firm dermis or corium, by obtaining the strip-shaped tissue sample with a pulling incision using the cutting tool. The cutting tool is ideal for obtaining samples of skin and / or other tissues.

[0016] Due to the funnel shape of at least the loop-forming section of the cutting part, a sectional view of the cutting part, in which the cutting plane coincides with the width direction of the cutting part, results in a V-shape that tapers towards the cutting edge. The funnel shape is associated with the fact that the loop-forming section encloses a smaller area along the cutting edge than along the second narrow side of the cutting part.

[0017] By means of the cutting tool, in which the cutting part forms the funnel tapering from the second narrow side to the cutting edge at least in the section forming the loop, an elongated, thread-like or strip-like tissue sample can be obtained, in particular by means of a pulling cut through a skin area.

[0018] In a plan view of the first narrow side of the cutting part, which is designed as a cutting edge, the section forming the loop has a shape that becomes narrower toward the reversal point. Depending on the bending radius of the cutting part at the reversal point, the cutting part can have a U-shape, a teardrop shape, in particular a narrow or elongated teardrop shape, or essentially a V-shape in the loop section. Depending on the depth of the cut made by the cutting tool, the obtained tissue sample also has such a U-shape, teardrop shape, or V-shape in cross-section.

[0019] An operator or user holding the cutting tool by the handle can determine the desired length and depth of the tissue sample while performing the pulling cut. This is particularly advantageous when a specific skin area is to be examined histologically.

[0020] Due to the funnel shape of the loop-forming section of the cutting part, the tissue sample is also very easily accessible from the larger opening of the funnel. This advantageously facilitates the removal of the sample obtained with the cutting tool from the funnel, for example, in a laboratory examining the tissue sample.

[0021] A wound caused by the cutting tool, which has an elongated strip shape, can be treated very easily, for example by pulling the wound together with a staple plaster. The corresponding scar is advantageously barely visible and therefore considerably more aesthetic than would be the case with a curette, which only allows wide incisions, or with a skin punch. The use of the cutting tool to obtain the strip-shaped tissue sample is therefore particularly advantageous when the cutting tool is to be used for an operation on the face of a patient being examined. However, it is also advantageous for obtaining a transplant for the purpose of a transplantation, in particular an autologous one, that a particularly narrow, strip-shaped tissue sample can be obtained using the cutting tool.

[0022] In particular, a bending radius at the loop's reversal point can be such that a strip-shaped tissue sample with a width of approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 8 mm can be obtained using the cutting tool, with cutting widths in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm, in particular from 1 mm to 1.5 mm, being particularly advantageous. Such particularly narrow tissue samples can be obtained very reliably and easily using the cutting tool, in which the cutting part forms the funnel tapering toward the cutting edge, at least in the section forming the loop.

[0023] This makes it possible to create a very tight bending radius for the loop without completely breaking the cutting part, especially at the reversal point. Therefore, commercially available razor blades, such as those typically used in safety razors, can be advantageously used to provide the cutting part or blade for the cutting tool. Such razor blades, which are made of hardened steel, have two edges opposite each other in the width direction of the razor blade and are tapered at both edges, ensuring a very sharp edge.

[0024] When such a standard razor blade is inserted into the safety razor, the two edges of the razor blade protrude from the head of the safety razor on opposite sides. Therefore, for a wet shave, either edge can be used.

[0025] In this case, it is sufficient and expedient to use a section of such a razor blade as the cutting part to provide the cutting part for the cutting tool, by cutting or splitting the commercially available razor blade intended for use in the safety razor. For example, the razor blade can be cut in half between the two cutting edges. Such a quasi-half razor blade of a commercially available type can be used particularly advantageously to provide the cutting part of the cutting tool. This is because, despite the comparatively high brittleness of the hardened steel from which the razor blade is made, bending the section of the razor blade advantageously does not result in the section forming the loop breaking. This is because the cutting part, at least in the section forming the loop, forms the funnel tapering from the second narrow side to the cutting edge.

[0026] Preferably, the section of the cutting part forming the loop is continuous, at least in a region of the cutting part that is spaced from the cutting edge in the width direction. This ensures good cohesion of the cutting part in its longitudinal direction. This cohesion allows for a very good distribution of mechanical stresses that arise in the cutting part due to the formation of the loop.

[0027] On the second narrow side, which is opposite the cutting edge in the width direction of the cutting part, the section of the cutting part forming the loop need not be continuous. Rather, the cutting part can have recesses on the second narrow side, as may be present in particular when a commercially available razor blade for a safety razor, split centrally between the two cutting edges, is used to provide the cutting part.

[0028] The section of the cutting part forming the loop can be continuous along the cutting edge. With such a continuous cutting edge, the tissue sample can be easily obtained at the desired depth from the tissue to be examined. However, it is also possible for the cutting edge to be discontinuous rather than continuous.

[0029] Accordingly, it can be provided that the section of the cutting part forming the loop has a reversal point which is spaced from the end of the handle part remote from the user, wherein the cutting edge is interrupted at the reversal point. This results in a first cutting section and a second cutting section along the cutting edge, which converge towards the reversal point. By configuring the cutting edge in this way, a particularly narrow cutting width can be achieved at the reversal point. The uninterrupted portion of the cutting part forming the loop ensures a defined alignment of the cutting sections relative to one another. This is advantageous.

[0030] In particular, the uninterrupted portion of the cutting part ensures that the two legs of the cutting part, namely a first leg having the first cutting section and a second leg having the second cutting section, do not move apart when pressure is applied to the cutting edge, as is the case when a pulling cut is made by means of the cutting tool.

[0031] During production of the loop, the cutting part can be subjected to heat at a certain distance from the cutting edge, particularly in the area of ​​the reversal point to be produced. The heat input can be roughly equivalent to that which can occur when producing a weld seam on the cutting part. By maintaining the distance from the cutting edge, it can be ensured that the heat input does not lead to a loss of sharpness in the area of ​​the cutting edge. If such heating of the cutting part or heat input takes place during production of the loop, a very narrow reversal point or a reversal point with a very small bending radius can be created particularly easily. Additionally or alternatively, it can be advantageous to create a small bending radius at the reversal point if the cutting part is subjected to ultrasonic or similar vibrations during production of the loop.

[0032] Preferably, the position of the free ends of the cutting part relative to one another is fixed within the handle part in a region of the cutting part that borders the cutting edge in the width direction. By fixing the free ends of the cutting part in this way close to the cutting edge by means of the handle part, it is very easy and reliable to ensure that the cutting part forms the funnel, which tapers towards the cutting edge, at least in the section forming the loop.

[0033] The second narrow side does not need to be located within the handle in a section of the cutting part adjacent to the loop. Rather, in the area of ​​the cutting part where the position of the free ends of the cutting part is fixed within the handle, the second narrow side can project beyond the handle in the width direction of the cutting part. This largely avoids mechanical stresses in the area of ​​the funnel.

[0034] The free ends of the cutting part can abut one another in the area of ​​the cutting part that borders the cutting edge in the width direction. This ensures particularly reliable fixation of the free ends of the cutting part relative to one another.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the free ends of the cutting part can be connected to one another by means of at least one connecting means in the region of the cutting part that borders the cutting edge in the width direction. For example, the connecting means can be provided by an adhesive, such as an adhesive suitable for bonding metal, a superglue, or the like. This allows at least a pre-fixation of the free ends of the cutting part in their position relative to one another during the manufacture of the cutting tool.

[0036] If the adhesive is arranged between the free ends of the cutting part, the adhesive can hold the free ends together without the free ends being in contact with one another, in particular without the free ends being in contact with one another in a flat manner.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting means can be provided by a welded joint and / or by a mechanical connecting part such as a clamp, a rivet, or the like. This also allows for a good and reliable fixation of the positions of the free ends of the cutting part relative to each other.

[0038] Preferably, a section of the cutting part that overlaps the handle part in the longitudinal direction of the handle part has, in a cross-section that coincides with the width direction, a shape that tapers toward the cutting edge, in particular a V-shape that tapers toward the cutting edge. As a result, the cutting part's shape that tapers toward the cutting edge is formed not only in the loop region, but also in the section that overlaps the handle part. This is particularly advantageous for absorbing and distributing mechanical stresses from the loop reversal point.

[0039] In the section of the cutting part that overlaps the handle in the longitudinal direction of the handle, the cutting part can protrude beyond the handle perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This allows for a narrow shape of the handle in the section that overlaps the cutting part, which is advantageous for obtaining the strip-shaped tissue sample. Furthermore, the handle does not obstruct the user's view through the loop into the cutting area. This is advantageous.

[0040] It can be provided that the cutting part, in the section overlapping with the handle part, which in cross-section has the shape tapering towards the cutting edge, in particular the V-shape, is at least partially embedded in a material from which the handle part is formed, at least in a partial region of the handle part comprising the end remote from the user. The handle part can be formed from a plastic material, for example by injection molding, at least in the partial region comprising the end remote from the user. In this way, it can be achieved particularly easily that the section of the cutting part which has the shape tapering towards the cutting edge and which overlaps with the handle part in the direction of its longitudinal extent is embedded in the plastic material.If the cutting part has at least one through-opening in the area where it is embedded in the plastic material, a particularly good connection between the free ends of the cutting part and the handle part is achieved.

[0041] In addition, the embedding in the material, especially plastic, ensures very good fixation of the section of the cutting part that overlaps the handle to the handle. Furthermore, the material in which the section of the cutting part that overlaps the handle is embedded ensures that the shape is maintained, especially the V-shape that tapers towards the cutting edge. This is advantageous.

[0042] Preferably, the cutting part has an inner side defining the funnel and an outer side facing the surroundings, with the outer side of the first free end facing the inner side of the second free end in the region where the ends connect to the handle. Such twisting of the cutting part allows for a particularly narrow cutting width in the region of the loop's reversal point. The helical weave of the cutting part, designed as a blade, allows the cutting sections of the blade to converge particularly closely toward the reversal point. This is advantageous.

[0043] In this configuration, the outer side of the first free end and the inner side of the second free end do not need to be aligned parallel to each other. Rather, it is equally possible for the outer side of the first free end and the inner side of the second free end to form an acute angle. In this case, too, the twisting of the cutting part allows for a particularly small bending radius at the loop's reversal point.

[0044] The cutting tool preferably comprises at least one stabilizing element designed to increase the rigidity of the funnel tapering toward the cutting edge. The at least one stabilizing element thus ensures that the funnel shape is at least largely maintained in the loop-forming section when the preferably pulling cut for obtaining the tissue sample is performed using the cutting tool. This is advantageous.

[0045] The at least one stabilizing element can be designed in the manner of a plate-like cover part, which is arranged in the loop-forming section on the second narrow side of the cutting part and is connected to the second narrow side. If the cover part is made of a weldable material, the cover part can be welded to the cutting part. However, other, particularly material-bonded, designs of the connection are also possible.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one stabilizing element can be provided by a stiffening part that is associated with the handle part. For example, a material, in particular a plastic material, of the handle part can be used to stiffen or reinforce the funnel shape. In particular, for this purpose, the second narrow side of the cutting part can be embedded in the material or plastic material from which the handle part is formed, at least in a partial area comprising the end remote from the user. This can be achieved very easily, for example, when manufacturing the handle part in an injection molding process by overmolding or backmolding the second narrow side of the cutting part in the section forming the loop.

[0047] In order to ensure that the operator handling the cutting tool can see through the funnel to the cutting edge, at least one passage opening and / or at least one window made of a transparent material can be formed in the stabilizing element.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the at least one stabilizing element can be provided by a coating applied to a broad side of the cutting part, at least in the section forming the loop. The coating can be in the form of a lacquer layer and / or a layer of a plastic or adhesive, which can in particular be chemically curing or physically setting, whereby the lacquer layer and / or the plastic or adhesive, in the cured state, increases the rigidity of the funnel.

[0049] It has also been shown to be advantageous if at least one broad side of the cutting part is provided with a coating that increases gliding properties, such as a non-stick coating. This facilitates the incision when obtaining the tissue sample.

[0050] The cutting tool can comprise a spacer which is inserted into the funnel from the second narrow side. In this case, the spacer can at least limit any widening of the funnel at the cutting edge when obtaining the strip-shaped tissue sample. In other words, the spacer can largely prevent the funnel from widening at the cutting edge when obtaining the strip-shaped tissue sample. This is because the spacer ensures that the funnel shape is maintained even when pressure is exerted on the cutting edges when the cut is made using the cutting tool. This is particularly advantageous when the cutting edge is interrupted at the reversal point, i.e. has the first cutting edge section and the second cutting edge section which converge towards one another towards the reversal point.When the cut is made, pressure is also applied to the cutting edge in the area of ​​the interrupted reversal point.

[0051] Preferably, an inner surface of the cutting part bordering the funnel is designed to reflect light. This makes it particularly easy to illuminate the area through the funnel where the cut is made when handling the cutting tool to obtain the strip-shaped tissue sample. Such a highly light-reflecting surface can be created particularly easily, for example, by using a steel material to provide the cutting part. This is especially true if the inner surface of the cutting part is polished.

[0052] It has also proven advantageous for the cutting part to be made of hardened steel. This ensures the cutting part's high robustness and, in particular, a good sharpness of the edge. Furthermore, this takes into account the fact that standard razor blades, such as those used in safety razors for wet shaving, are particularly well suited for forming the cutting part.

[0053] It has also been shown to be advantageous if the cutting part has a greater thickness on the second narrow side than on the first narrow side, which is designed as the cutting edge. This makes it particularly easy to prevent injury to the user if the user of the cutting tool comes into contact with the second narrow side. Furthermore, the cutting part with the greater thickness on the second narrow side can be provided particularly easily by splitting or dividing the commercially available razor blade intended for safety razors along a dividing line located between the two edges of the razor blade.

[0054] The cutting tool can comprise a handling device configured as an extension of the handle. The handling device can be connected to the handle to provide a cutting tool that is extended in the longitudinal direction of the handle. This can facilitate handling of the cutting tool. After the handle is separated from the handling device, a tissue sample held on the cutting part, approximately in the area of ​​the loop, can be introduced into a container together with the now shortened cutting tool without hindrance.

[0055] The sampling device according to the invention comprises the cutting tool according to the invention. The cutting tool has a closure element connected to the handle. The closure element is designed to close a container of the sampling device, wherein the tissue sample is or can be introduced into the container.

[0056] Such a sampling device provides a convenient set in which the extracted tissue sample can be stored safely in the container immediately after collection. In particular, the container can contain an aqueous solution of formaldehyde or another medium suitable for preserving tissue samples. The obtained tissue sample can be stored safely in such a medium until histological examination.

[0057] For example, the closure element can be designed as a screw cap that can be screwed onto an open end of the container. The end of the handle, far from the user, over which the loop-forming portion of the handle protrudes, is located inside the container. This allows the obtained tissue sample to be stored safely within the container.

[0058] However, other designs of the closure element are also possible, for example in the form of a plug or the like, by means of which a tight, in particular liquid-tight, closure of the container can be achieved.

[0059] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the cutting tool according to the invention apply analogously to the sampling device according to the invention and vice versa.

[0060] The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments are also to be considered encompassed and disclosed by the invention that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which emerge from the explained embodiments and can be produced by separate feature combinations. Thus, embodiments and feature combinations that do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be considered to be disclosed.Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features are to be regarded as disclosed, in particular by the embodiments set out above, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the reliances of the claims.

[0061] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments, and the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a detail and a perspective view of a cutting tool for obtaining a strip-shaped tissue sample, wherein a section of a cutting part of the cutting tool, which forms a loop, is designed as a funnel, wherein the funnel tapers towards a cutting edge of the cutting part; Fig. 2 an exemplary shape of the cutting part or a blade as used for the cutting tool according to Fig. 1, wherein the cutting part or the blade is shown before the loop is formed; Fig. 3 shows a section and a further perspective view of the cutting tool according to Fig. 1, wherein the cutting part is shown in a view of the cutting edge of the cutting part; Fig. 4 shows a further perspective view of the cutting tool in detail, from which the fixing of a region of the cutting part close to the cutting edge within the handle part can be seen; Fig. 5 a schematic sectional view through a user-remote end of the handle part along a line VV in Fig. 4 and a variant of the handle; and Fig. 6 schematically shows a possibility of forming a helically wound loop in which an outer side of a first free end of the cutting part faces an inner side of a second free end of the cutting part; Fig. 7 is a further schematic perspective view of the cutting part formed into the loop without the handle part; Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a sectional view of the cutting part, wherein a spacer is inserted into the funnel formed by the cutting part in the loop-forming section; and Fig. 9 schematically shows a sampling device which comprises the cutting tool with a closure element and a container which can be closed by means of the closure element.

[0062] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0063] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of a cutting tool 10, such as can be used to obtain a strip-shaped tissue sample for histological examination. The cutting tool 10 comprises a handle 12, the end of which is closest to the user and is arranged in the direction shown in Fig. 1 is not visible. However, in Fig. 1 shows a user-remote end 14 of the handle part 12. The cutting tool 10 comprises a flat cutting part 16 designed as a blade, which Fig. 2 is shown in a possible form, not yet bent into a loop.

[0064] According to Fig. 2, the cutting part 16 comprises a first free end 18 and a second free end 20. The free ends 18, 20 are opposite one another in the longitudinal direction x of the cutting part 16. In other words, the free ends 18, 20 are designed as end regions of the cutting part 16 that are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction x. The longitudinal direction x of the cutting part 16 and a width direction y of the cutting part 16 are in Fig. 2 is illustrated by a coordinate system.

[0065] If the cutting part 16 of the cutting tool 10 is fixed to the handle part 12 (compare Fig. 1), the two free ends 18, 20 of the cutting part 16 are connected to the handle part 12. A section of the cutting part 16, which projects beyond the end 14 of the handle part 12 remote from the user, forms a loop along the longitudinal direction x (compare Fig. 1).

[0066] The cutting part 16 comprises a first narrow side, on which the cutting part 16 has a cutting edge 22. Furthermore, the cutting part 16 comprises a second narrow side 24, which is opposite the first narrow side in the form of the cutting edge 22 in the width direction y of the cutting part 16 (cf. Fig. 2). The second narrow side 24 of the cutting part 16 is preferably blunt.

[0067] In Fig. 1, the cutting part 16, which forms the loop in the section projecting beyond the end 14 of the handle part 12 remote from the user, is shown in a view of the second narrow side 24. In contrast, in Fig. 3 the cutting tool 10 is shown in a view of the cutting edge 22 of the cutting part 16, i.e. rotated by 180 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the handle part 12 compared to the view in Fig. 1.

[0068] In particular from Fig. 1 in conjunction with Fig. 3 clearly shows that the cutting part 16 forms a funnel in the loop-forming section, which is tapered from the second narrow side 24 to the cutting edge 22. This can be seen, for example, in the fact that Fig. 1 area enclosed by the second narrow side 24 is larger than an area in Fig. 3 area enclosed by the cutting edge 22. This funnel-shaped widening of the cutting part 16 in the section of the cutting part 16 which forms the loop allows a particularly tight bending radius of the cutting part 16 bent into the loop in the region of a reversal point 26 of the loop.

[0069] The reversal point 26, or the turning point of the loop toward which the respective cutting sections of the cutting edge 22 converge, is thus particularly narrow. This allows strip-shaped tissue samples with a particularly narrow cutting width to be obtained or achieved using the cutting tool 10. The funnel shape in the section of the cutting part 16 forming the loop ensures that the cutting part 16 does not completely break apart at the reversal point 26 when the loop is created by bending the cutting part 16 and during proper use of the cutting tool 10.

[0070] Out of Fig. 2 it is evident that the cutting part 16 can be manufactured particularly easily and inexpensively from a commercially available razor blade, such as can be used in a safety razor. For example, such a commercially available razor blade can be cut along a dividing line 28, which is shown in Fig. 2, into two parts or sections. Such a section of the standard razor blade, as shown in Fig. 2 in a plan view of a broad side of the section, can be used in the cutting tool 10 as a blade in the form of the cutting part 16.

[0071] Such a blade, which is obtained by cutting a standard razor blade, is typically made of hardened steel, which has only limited flexibility. However, the cutting edge 22 of the cutting part 16, which can be produced from the razor blade, is advantageously particularly sharp. At the cutting edge 22, a base body of the cutting part 16 is thinned or tapered. This ensures the great sharpness of the cutting part 16 in the area of ​​the cutting edge 22.

[0072] It may be that at the reversal point 26, the cutting edge 22 is not continuous, but rather interrupted. In this case, a first cutting edge section and a second cutting edge section converge toward the reversal point 26. However, the cutting edge 22 is then split at the reversal point 26.

[0073] At least in a region 30 of the cutting part 16 spaced from the cutting edge 22 in the width direction y (cf. Fig. 2), however, the section of the cutting part 16 forming the loop is continuous. This cohesion of the cutting part 16 in the region 30 prevents two legs of the cutting part 16 from separating when pressure is applied to the cutting edge 22, as occurs when performing a pulling cut using the cutting tool 10.

[0074] In particular, if the cutting part 16 is not continuous in the area of ​​the cutting edge 22, but interrupted, as shown schematically and by way of example in the sectional view of the cutting part 16 according to Fig. 8, the cutting tool 10 may include a spacer 32 inserted from the second narrow side 24 into the funnel formed in the loop-forming portion of the cutting part 16.

[0075] The spacer 32 ensures that when performing the cut, during which pressure is applied to the cutting edge 22, the V-shaped inclined alignment of the opposite legs of the cutting part 16 in the region of the loop is maintained. Accordingly, the spacer 32 can be provided on contact sides on which the spacer 32 is provided with an inner side 34 (see Fig. 4) of the cutting part 16, have an inclination which corresponds to the inclination of the legs in the funnel-shaped section of the cutting part 16 forming the loop.

[0076] In particular from Fig. 4 clearly shows that a position of the free ends 18, 20 of the cutting part 16 relative to each other in an area which borders the cutting edge 22 in the width direction y of the cutting part 16 is fixed within the handle part 12. This fixation of the cutting part 16 close to the cutting edge within the handle part 12 is also evident from the perspective view in Fig. 3. From the Fig. 5 shown sectional view along the line VV in Fig. 4 it is clearly visible in this regard that in the area close to the cutting edge 22, in which the position of the free ends 18, 20 relative to each other within the handle part 12 is fixed, the free ends 18, 20 can abut against each other.

[0077] In particular, the free ends 18, 20 can be welded or otherwise connected to one another in this area, for example, by means of an adhesive. Following such pre-fixing, in which the funnel-shaped shape of the loop is already established, the cutting part 16 can be connected to the handle part 12 during the manufacture of the cutting tool 10.

[0078] For example, the handle part 12 can be formed by injection molding from a plastic material, wherein the free ends 18, 20 are embedded in the plastic material. The cutting part 16 with the pre-fixing of the free ends 18, 20 relative to each other is shown in perspective in Fig. 7 shown.

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a cross section of the cutting part 16, which coincides with the width direction y in a section of the cutting part 16, wherein the section in a longitudinal direction 36 (compare Fig. 4) of the handle part 12 overlaps with the handle part 12. In this cross-section, which coincides with the width direction y, the cutting part 16 has the V-shape tapering towards the cutting edge 22. The V-shape tapering towards the cutting edge 22 is also present when the legs forming the V-shape do not converge like two straight lines, but as in Fig. 5 are slightly curved.

[0080] This is particularly good from Fig. 5. Accordingly, in the cutting plane, the distance between the second narrow sides 24 of the two legs of the cutting part 16 forming the loop is greater than the distance between the legs in the area near the cutting edge 22, in which the free ends 18, 20 can abut one another.

[0081] In Fig. In Figure 5, the shape of the handle part 12 in the region of the end 14 of the handle part 12 remote from the user is only indicated schematically. Accordingly, the handle part 12 can also have a shape other than the essentially cuboidal shape shown here as an example. For example, the handle part 12 can have a triangular cross-section.

[0082] In Fig. 5, a line 38 illustrates that the cutting part 16, in the section overlapping with the handle part 12, which has a V-shape in cross-section, can be embedded at least in regions into a material 40 of the handle part 12, from which the handle part 12 is formed, at least in the portion of the handle part 12 comprising the end 14 remote from the user. The line 38 thus indicates a possible outer contour of the handle part 12 in the region of the end 14 remote from the user. Accordingly, the second narrow side 24 does not need to be as far as in Fig. 4, in the transverse direction of the handle part 12 (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction 36 of the handle part 12) in the overlap region. Rather, the V-shaped widened legs of the cutting part 16 can be at least partially or even completely embedded in the material 40 of the handle part 12 in the overlap region.

[0083] Out of Fig. 6 it is evident that the free ends 18, 20 are not as in Fig. 3, their inner sides 34 need not face each other. Rather, an outer side 42 of the cutting part 16, which faces the surroundings, can face the inner side 34 of the other of the two free ends 18, 20 in the region of the free ends 18, 20.

[0084] In Fig. In this regard, Figure 6 shows, by way of example, that the outer side 42 of the first free end 18 faces the inner side 34 of the second free end 20. By means of such a wound or helical shape of the loop, at the reversal point 26 of the loop (compare Fig. 4) provide a particularly narrow bending radius.

[0085] In Fig. Figure 9 schematically shows a sampling device 44 comprising the cutting tool 10. The cutting tool 10 has a closure element, for example in the form of a screw cap 46, which is connected to the handle part 12. A container 48 of the sampling device 44 can be closed by means of the closure element, for example, the screw cap 46.

[0086] In particular, following the extraction of the strip-shaped tissue sample by means of the cutting part 16 of the cutting tool 10, the sample can be introduced directly into a preservative liquid, which can be stored in the container 48.

[0087] Using the closure element, such as the screw cap 46, the container 48 can then be sealed, preferably in a liquid-tight manner. This allows the strip-shaped tissue sample to be stored in the preservative liquid and subsequently submitted for histological examination.

Claims

[1] Cutting tool (10) for obtaining a strip-shaped tissue sample for a histological examination, comprising a handle part (12) and a flat cutting part (16), wherein the cutting part (16) has a first free end (18) and a second free end (20) which are opposite one another in the longitudinal direction (x) of the cutting part (16), wherein the free ends (18, 20) are connected to the handle part (12), wherein a section of the cutting part (16) which projects beyond an end (14) of the handle part (12) remote from the user forms a loop along the longitudinal direction (x), wherein the cutting part (16) comprises a first narrow side on which the cutting part (16) has a cutting edge (22), and wherein the cutting part (16) comprises a second narrow side (24) which is opposite the first narrow side in the width direction (y) of the cutting part (16), characterized bythat the cutting part (16) forms a funnel, at least in the section forming the loop, which is tapered from the second narrow side (24) to the cutting edge (22). [2] Cutting tool (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the section of the cutting part (16) forming the loop is continuous at least in a region (30) of the cutting part (16) which is spaced from the cutting edge (22) in the width direction (y). [3] Cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the section of the cutting part (16) forming the loop has a reversal point (26) which is spaced from the end (14) of the handle part (12) remote from the user, the cutting edge (22) being interrupted at the reversal point. [4] Cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a position of the free ends (18, 20) of the cutting part (16) relative to one another in a region of the cutting part (16) which adjoins the cutting edge (22) in the width direction (y) is fixed within the handle part (12). [5] Cutting tool (10) according to claim 4, characterized by in that the free ends (18, 20) of the cutting part (16) in the region of the cutting part (16) which adjoins the cutting edge (22) in the width direction (y) abut one another and / or are connected to one another by means of at least one connecting means, wherein a section of the cutting part (16) which overlaps the handle part (12) in the longitudinal direction (36) of the handle part (12) has a shape, in particular a V-shape, which tapers towards the cutting edge (22) in a cross-section which coincides with the width direction (y). [6] Cutting tool (10) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the cutting part (16) in the section overlapping with the handle part (12), which in cross section has the shape tapering towards the cutting edge (22), is embedded at least in some regions in a material (40) from which the handle part (12) is formed, at least in a partial region of the handle part (12) comprising the end (14) remote from the user. [7] Cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cutting part (16) has an inner side (34) delimiting the funnel and an outer side (42) facing the environment, wherein the outer side (42) of the first free end (18) faces the inner side (34) of the second free end (20) in the region of the connection of the ends (18, 20) to the handle part (12). [8] Cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cutting tool (10) comprises at least one stabilizing element which is designed to increase the rigidity of the funnel (24) tapering towards the cutting edge (22). [9] Cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the cutting tool (10) comprises a spacer (32) which is introduced into the funnel from the second narrow side (24), wherein the spacer (32) can at least limit an expansion of the funnel at the cutting edge (22) when obtaining the strip-shaped tissue sample. [10] Cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an inner side (34) of the cutting part (16) delimiting the funnel is designed to reflect light, and / or the cutting part (16) is formed from a hardened steel, and / or the cutting part (16) has a greater thickness on the second narrow side (24) than on the first narrow side, which is designed as the cutting edge (22). [11] Sampling device (44) with a cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting tool (10) has a closure element (46) which is connected to the handle part (12), and wherein the closure element (46) is designed to close a container (48) of the sampling device (44) into which the tissue sample can be introduced.

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