Biopsiezange

Abstract

A biopsy forceps for excising a tissue sample is described, comprising at least two forceps jaws which are reversibly pivotable between an open and a closed position via a pivoting kinematics, of which at least one forceps jaw has a concave contour which, in the closed position, encloses a resection volume in cooperation with the at least one other forceps jaw. The invention is characterized in that a cutting device is provided which is connected or can be brought into operative connection with at least one of the forceps jaws in such a way that the cutting device divides the resection volume into two resection sub-volumes in the closed position of the at least two forceps jaws and separates a tissue sample located in the resection volume into two tissue sample parts by mechanical cutting.

Description

Technical FieldThe invention relates to a biopsy forceps for excision of a tissue sample, comprising at least two forceps jaws which are mounted reversibly between an open and a closed position via a swivel kinematics, of which at least one forceps jaw has a concave contour which, in the closed position, encloses a resection volume in cooperation with the at least one other forceps jaw.Prior ArtBiopsy forceps for excision of a tissue sample are known in a variety of different embodiments. Typical identification features of all biopsy forceps relate to at least two forceps jaws which are mounted pivotably about an axis and which can be reversibly transferred from a closed position into an open position of the forceps jaws via a joint kinematics. For this purpose, control means connected to the joint kinematics and discharging them on the proximal side are used, for example in the form of cable pulls or control rods, which are connected to a manual actuating means, for example in the form of a scissors handle.The majority of known biopsy forceps have two half-shell-shaped forceps jaws which enclose a capsule- or pill-shaped resection volume in the closed forceps position. For tissue sample resection which protects the tissue as possible, both tong jaws have blade-like cutting edge edges which surround the respective tong jaws which are half-shell-like and come into direct contact in the state of closed tong jaws.A known biopsy forceps is disclosed in the publication U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,630, which has two forceps jaws which are pivotably connected via a joint kinematics and are designed in the manner of half shells. In addition, the known forceps jaw has a spear-like spinous process which is arranged centrally between the two forceps jaws and penetrates a tissue specimen region to be separated for receiving tissue samples in the opened state of the forceps jaws and fixes the same relative to the closing forceps jaws within the resection volume formed by the closing forceps jaws.Comparable biopsy forceps can be found in the following publications: EP 1 221 896 B1, EP 2 083 699 B1, EP 3 967 243 A1.All known biopsy forceps are based on the resection goal that the tissue sample taken from a specific tissue region ideally corresponds in shape and size to the resection volume enclosed by the forceps jaws.The tissue sample taken extracorporeally with the aid of a biopsy forceps is subjected to a histological examination in order to examine it for malignant or other diseased tissue regions or tissue structures. For this purpose, the tissue sample is usually prepared for the purpose of an optical microscopic examination and is colored with high contrast by means of suitable coloring techniques for visually identifying different tissue structures. Among the variety of different staining methods, hematoxylin-eosin staining, HE staining for short, has become established as a widely used standard histological study.Histological screening methods based on the above-mentioned HE staining are all subject to the visual assessment ability of a person carrying out the screening measure and thus represent subjectively qualified statements. Alternatively or in addition to conventional screening methods based on HE staining, Raman spectroscopy offers a reliable, objective and reliable tissue analysis. Thus, Raman spectroscopy enables a material examination in the sense of a material identification based on the interaction of monochromatic light and the molecules contained in the material or in the tissue, which are each capable of scattering the incident light in a molecule-specific manner. In particular, so-called stimulated Raman histological (SRH), a laser-based optical imaging, offers the possibility of acquiring an intraoperative diagnosis in a few minutes.In order to significantly improve the load-bearing capacity of histological analysis results on a tissue sample, it is possible to carry out both the visually supported analysis method based on the HE staining technique and a tissue examination based on Raman spectroscopy.A particular challenge when applying both examination methods to a tissue sample is the requirement that ideally be met that the tissue region to be analyzed with both examination methods should be as identical as possible. This prerequisite could be fulfilled by first subjecting a specific tissue sample to Raman spectroscopy and subsequently a standardized visual tissue examination based on an HE staining. However, this presupposes that the tissue sample does not undergo any degradations already by Raman spectroscopy. In addition, when performing histological examination of tissue samples, there is often the desire to perform the analyses as quickly as possible, in particular in cases in which the analysis result should already be present during a surgical procedure in which a tissue sample was taken.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe object of the invention is to specify a medical instrument with which it is to be possible to remove a tissue sample from a tissue region by means of excision and to prepare it as pinch-free as possible in such a way that two tissue sample surfaces which are as identical as possible and can be handled separately are obtained. Both tissue sample surfaces can subsequently be examined at the same time by histological examination, so that one of the visual tissue examinations based on the HE staining and the other can be analyzed by Raman spectroscopy using identical tissue sections.The solution of the object underlying the invention is specified in claim 1. Features which develop the concept of the invention in an advantageous manner can be gathered from the dependent claims and from the further description.The invention is based on the concept of imparting a further, novel function to a biopsy forceps known per se, which is capable of separating a tissue sample enclosed by the at least two forceps jaws of the biopsy forceps and separated from a surrounding tissue region by means of excision into two parts, in each case forming a tissue sample surface.A biopsy forceps according to the invention for excision of a tissue sample, comprising at least two forceps jaws which are mounted pivotably reversibly between an open and a closed position via a pivot kinematics and of which at least one forceps jaw has a concave contour which encloses a resection volume in the closed position in cooperation with the at least one other forceps jaw, is characterized in that a cutting device is provided which is connected to or can be brought into operative connection with at least one of the forceps jaws in such a way that the cutting device divides the resection volume in the closed position of the at least two forceps jaws into two resection partial volumes and separates a tissue sample located in the resection volume into two tissue sample parts by mechanical incision formation.With the biopsy forceps according to the invention, it is possible in a manner known per se to separate a tissue sample from a preferably intracorporeal tissue environment and to enclose it completely within the entire circumference of the closed forceps jaws within the resection volume. With the aid of the additional cutting device, which is either designed as an integral component of the biopsy forceps or as a separate component, the tissue sample encompassed by the forceps jaws of the biopsy forceps is separated into two tissue sample parts by cutting to form two tissue sample surfaces that are mirror-image, but otherwise identical. Since the separated tissue sample is located within the closing or already closed forceps jaws, while the tissue sample is separated into two tissue sample parts, squeezing effects caused by the cut and directed onto the tissue sample are substantially minimized, especially since any compressive and shear forces caused by the cutting process and directed onto the tissue sample are absorbed or supported directly and fully over the entire circumference by the inner wall of the forceps jaws comprising the resection volume. In this way, the tissue sample retains its shape and structure even after it has been cut through.After opening the biopsy forceps, both separated tissue sample parts can be removed from the biopsy forceps, so that the tissue sample surfaces of the two tissue sample parts that are mirror-image but otherwise identical can be subjected to the visual examination method by means of HE staining on the one hand and to Raman spectroscopy on the other simultaneously. Thus, in particular Raman spectroscopy enables a diagnosis to be produced within 3 to 4 minutes and allows a clear acceleration of the therapy and a higher level of certainty in the selection of possible therapies. In addition, the diagnosis result obtainable in parallel, in the context of the conventional HE staining method, offers a second independent diagnosis possibility of one and the same tissue sample surface, which differs only in its mirror image from the tissue surface which has been subjected to Raman spectroscopy.In a first preferred embodiment, the cutting device is connected in an inextricable manner to at least one forceps jaw of the biopsy forceps. The cutting device has at least one planar separating means with a cutting blade which is fixedly attached to one of the tong jaws in such a way that the planar separating means separates the resection volume in the closed position of the at least two tong jaws into the two resection partial volumes, wherein the cutting blade bears flush against a surface contour of the other tong jaw oriented facing the resection volume.Preferably, the cutting device is mounted centrally along a forceps jaw, so that the cutting device, in the closed state of the forceps jaws of the biopsy forceps, divides the resection volume into in each case two resection volume halves of equal size, so that the tissue sample separated by the biopsy forceps by way of the excision is severed by means of the cutting device in the form of two symmetrical tissue sample halves of equal size. Of course, deviating spatial separations of the resection volume with the aid of the cutting device are also conceivable or desirable, for example in such a way that the tissue sample provided for Raman spectroscopy is to be smaller, for example has a thickness of approximately 250 μm, than the tissue sample provided for HE examination, for example having a thickness of greater than 1 mm.Preferably, the planar separating means is joined to one of the at least two tong jaws in a materially bonded manner, preferably monolithically, wherein its cutting blade is oriented facing the opposite tong jaw. The shape and size of the planar separating means are adapted to the inner contour of the forceps jaws completely enclosing the resection volume in the closed state of the biopsy forceps. In this case, the planar separating means projects beyond the resection partial volume which is bounded by that gripper jaw to which the cutting device is attached. The surface part of the planar separating means protruding beyond the forceps jaw has the cutting blade oriented facing the opposite forceps jaw, which in the closed state of the biopsy forceps lies flush against the inner surface contour of the opposite forceps jaw. This ensures that the tissue sample enclosed within the forceps jaws is completely severed into two tissue sample parts, e.g. two tissue sample halves, by the closing movement of the forceps jaws and the penetration of the cutting device through the tissue sample connected thereto.Alternative embodiments with regard to the shape and size of the flat separating means fixedly attached to one of the at least two pliers jaws are conceivable. Thus, a possible alternative embodiment on the side of both tong jaws has in each case a planar separating means with a cutting blade which is joined in an indivisibly materially integral manner in each case to the concave inner wall of the respective tong jaw, and the cutting blades of which touch each other linearly in the closed state of the tong jaws. Both planar separating means can be identical in shape and size or have different shapes and surface sizes matched to one another.A further alternative provides a surface contour designed as a groove-shaped recess on the otherwise smooth, concave inner wall of that pliers jaw which is opposite the pliers jaw connected to the planar separating means, so that the cutting blade of the planar separating means engages flush in the groove-shaped recess in the closed state of the pliers jaws. The groove-shaped recess provides mechanical support for the cutting blade on the one hand and also assists the complete severing of the tissue sample.In contrast to a cutting device firmly joined to at least one tong jaw, a further preferred embodiment of a biopsy tong according to the invention provides a cutting device which is mounted movably relative to the tong jaws and which, in the closed position of the pivotably mounted tong jaws, can be transferred from an initial position in which the planar separating agent is mounted outside the resection volume enclosed by the tong jaws or projects only slightly into the resection volume, into a final position in which the planar separating agent separates the resection volume into two resection subvolumes. Due to the possibility of introducing the planar separating agent after complete closing of the forceps jaws for the purpose of separating tissue samples into the resection volume completely enclosed by the at least two forceps jaws, tissue sample separation with the aid of the biopsy forceps is effected completely unaffected by the cutting device. Only after complete closing of the forceps jaws and the tissue sample removal connected thereto, i.e. the removed tissue sample is found within the resection volume enclosed by the at least two forceps jaws, does the planar separating means of the cutting device penetrate into the resection volume and cut through the tissue sample located therein.In a preferred embodiment, for this purpose, the planar separating means is configured as a component which is separate from the pliers jaws and can be manually introduced into the resection volume enclosed by the pliers jaws from outside the closed pliers jaws through a slot-shaped recess within at least one of the pliers jaws. For this purpose, the planar separating agent has a thickness which corresponds to the slot width of the slot-shaped recess plus an overdimension which otherwise makes possible an insertion of the separating agent into the slot-shaped recess which is largely free of gaps and unimpeded.The shape and dimension of the planar separating means and also of the slot-shaped recess are matched to one another in such a way that the planar separating means can be introduced into the resection volume along a movement trajectory that is as linear as possible.As an alternative to the separate embodiment of the planar separating means, a further embodiment of the biopsy forceps provides a planar separating means which is designed and arranged such that it cannot be separated from and relatively movable relative to at least one forceps jaw. The inability of the planar separating means to be separated by the jaw does not pose a risk of a possible loss of the separating means, and the handling of the planar separating means is also considerably facilitated, especially as a threading of an otherwise separate planar separating means into the slot-shaped recess is avoided or facilitated.One possibility for an indivisible but relatively movable mounting is to arrange the planar separating means on that tong jaw which has a slot-shaped recess via a linear guide in such a way that the planar separating means, in the open state of the tong jaws, is arranged outside the resection subvolume delimited on one side by the tong jaw and can be completely introduced into the interior of the resection volume by means of the linear guide in the closed position.A further possibility provides an integral arrangement of the planar separating means within a biopsy forceps designed according to the invention, in which the planar separating means is mounted movably deflectable relative to the forceps jaws. The pivotably mounted forceps jaws have a longitudinal extension in the closed position, which is oriented from a proximal forceps jaw end region in the direction of a distal forceps jaw end region. The planar separating means, which is formed as an integral component of the biopsy forceps, is attached in an initial position on the proximal side to the resection volume enclosed by the forceps jaws. In this position, the planar separating means remains until a tissue sample is taken by means of the biopsy forceps and is surrounded by the forceps jaws. With the aid of a suitably configured actuating means which is operatively connected to the planar separating means, the planar separating means can be transferred distally into the final position in which the planar separating means separates the resection volume into two resection subvolumes. For this purpose, the planar separating means has, at least on the end face, the cutting blade which is oriented facing the distal forceps jaw end region, by means of which cutting blade the tissue sample enclosed by the forceps jaws is cut as pinch-free as possible into two tissue sample parts.The planar separating means is additionally adapted to the geometry of the resection volume enclosed by the pliers jaws in such a way that the planar separating means in the final position lies flush against a surface contour oriented facing the resection volume or the inner wall of the pliers jaws.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe invention is described below by way of example without limiting the general concept of the invention on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. The following are shown: FIGS. 1a, b, c are illustrations of a biopsy forceps known per se, FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view through a pair of pliers jaws designed according to the invention, FIG. 2 b longitudinal view of the clamp jaw according to the invention. FIG. 2a, FIG. 2 cshows a cross-sectional representation of a further pair of pliers jaws designed according to the invention, FIG. 2d is a perspective view of the clamp jaw according to the invention. FIG. 2c, FIGS. 3 a- c show multiple side views of a tong jaw designed according to the invention with separate separating means, FIGS. 3 d- f show multiple side views of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a tong jaw designed according to the invention with a separate separating means, and FIGS. 4 a- c are schematic sequence image representations of clamp jaws designed according to the solution with integral separating means.WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION, INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYFIGS. 1 aand b show schematically a biopsy forceps known per se for excision of a tissue sample in the open position a) and in the closed position b). The biopsy forceps have two forceps jaws 1, 2 each configured in the manner of half shells, which can be reversibly transferred from the open position (see FIG. 1 a) into the closed position (see FIG. 1 b) by means of a manually actuatable swivel kinematic system 3. The swivel kinematics 3 is connected via a means 4 transmitting tensile and / or shear forces to a manual actuating unit 5 arranged proximally, preferably in the form of a scissors handle.The tong jaws 1, 2 each have a blade-like cutting contour 6 on their open tong jaw edge, which cutting contour is able to separate tissue material (not shown) projecting between the tong jaws 1, 2 by shearing and cutting action when the tong jaws 1, 2 are closed, see in this connection also a perspective illustration, illustrated in FIG. 1 c, of one of the two tong jaws 1, 2, which are preferably designed like half shells and with their concave half shape delimits the resection volume to be enclosed by the two tong jaws 1, 2, for example in half. Not necessarily, but preferably, both pliers jaws 1, 2 are identical in shape and size.Proceeding from a biopsy forceps known per se illustrated in FIGS. 1 ato c, the biopsy forceps according to the invention differs in that, in addition to the blade-like cutting edges 6 for separating a tissue sample from a tissue environment, a further cutting device 7 can be connected or operatively connected to at least one of the forceps jaws 1, 2, so that, on the one hand, the resection volume formed by closing the forceps jaws 1, 2 and enclosed by the forceps jaws is divided into two resection sub-volumes by the cutting device 7 and, on the other hand, the cutting device can separate a tissue sample located in the resection volume into two tissue sample parts by mechanical incision.In FIG. 2 a, a cross section through two pliers jaws 1, 2 joined together in the closed position is illustrated for this purpose. In the closed position, the blade-like cutting edges 6 of the two tong jaws 1, 2 respectively abut one another in a flush and form-fitting manner. In addition, in the case of FIG. 2 a, the upper pliers jaw 2 ais firmly connected, preferably integrally connected, to the cutting device 7 according to the invention, which in turn comprises a flat separating means 8 and a cutting blade 9 rotating the separating means 8 on the end face. To illustrate the shape and size of the planar separating means 8 and the cutting blade 9 encircling this end face, the upper pliers jaw 1 is illustrated in a side longitudinal view in FIG. 2 b, as it were the illustration of the upper pliers jaw as can be seen from FIG. 1 a. In contrast to the known pliers jaw 1, the latter projects beyond the planar separating means 8 with the cutting blade 9 attached thereto in such a way that the cutting blade 9 in the closed state of both pliers jaws 1, 2 comes into linear contact with the inner wall of the lower pliers jaw 2. In this way, the resection volume enclosed by both tong jaws 1, 2 is divided into two resection subvolumes 10, 11, as can be seen from FIG. 2 a.In a preferred development of the tong jaw arrangement shown in FIG. 2 a, the lower tong jaw 2 has a surface contour in the form of a groove-shaped recess 12 in the region in which the cutting blade 9 comes into contact with the inner wall of the tong jaw 2, by means of which recess the shearing action of the cutting blade 9 is assisted.FIG. 2c shows an alternative embodiment of a tong jaw arrangement 1, 2 designed according to the invention with a cutting device 7', which has a flat separating means 8' with a cutting blade 9' per tong jaw, wherein the cutting blade 9' of the flat separating means 8' lies in a plane predetermined by the blade-like cutting contour 6 of the respective tong jaws 1, 2. For illustration purposes, FIG. 2 dillustrates a perspective illustration of one of the tong jaws 1, 2 in each case. Of course, the dimensions and shapes of both cutting devices 7' can be selected variably in a manner coordinated with one another, but provided that the cutting blades 9' touch one another in the closed tong jaw position and ensure the shearing action.The effect of the cutting device 7 according to the invention consists in that a tissue sample detectable in the open position with the aid of the biopsy forceps is separated from the tissue environment by closing the forceps jaws and is cut into two tissue sample parts or halves, for example of the same size, within the forceps jaws 1, 2 with the aid of the cutting device 7 according to the invention, wherein the tissue sample surfaces of both cut tissue sample parts formed by the shearing or cutting effect of the cutting device 7 are mirror-image and otherwise identical. After complete closing of the biopsy forceps, the tissue sample surfaces thus bear directly on both sides on the flat separating means 8 or 8' and are additionally spatially stabilized by these.A further embodiment of the biopsy forceps according to the invention provides a cutting device 7 which is formed spatially separately from the forceps jaws 1, 2 of the biopsy forceps and, after the forceps jaws 1, 2 have been transferred into the closed position, is introduced through a slot-shaped recess in one of the two forceps jaws into the resection volume completely surrounded by the two forceps jaws.FIG. 3a shows an upper jaw 1 in a plan view, which has a longitudinal slot 13. The longitudinal slot 13 preferably extends over the entire length of the resection volume enclosed by both pliers jaws 1, 2. FIG. 3b shows a side view of the tong jaws 1, 2 transferred in the closed position and the cutting device 7', which is embodied separately therefrom and which consists of a flat separating means 8' and a cutting blade 9' encircling the latter on the end face. The length and thickness of the flat separating means 8' corresponds to the length and width of the slot-shaped recess 13 in such a way that the cutting device 7' can be introduced as flush and unimpededly slidingly as possible into the resection volume enclosed by the two pliers jaws 1 and 2. The wall thickness of the tong jaw 1, at least in the region of the longitudinal slot 13, is preferably selected to be so large that the slot walls delimiting the longitudinal slot 13 develop a guiding action centering on the planar separating means 8' which support a linear guidance of the planar separating means 8' as exactly as possible during the introduction into the resection volume.FIG. 3c illustrates a longitudinal sectional view through both tong jaws 1, 2 in the closed position with a cutting device 7', which is completely introduced into the resection volume and the cutting blade 9' of which rests flush against the inner wall of the lower tong jaw 2. In this way, it is ensured that the tissue sample present within the forceps jaws 1, 2 is completely separated into two tissue sample parts.FIGS. 3d to f illustrate a cutting device 7", which is formed similarly separately from the pliers jaws 1, 2, but in contrast to the above-explained embodiment according to FIGS. 3a to c, the slot-shaped recess 13' is arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent of the upper pliers jaw 1, as can be seen from FIG. 3d. FIGS. 3e and f are functionally equivalent illustrations comparable to FIGS. 3b and c.The advantage of a cutting device 7', 7" which is formed separately from the forceps jaws 1, 2 and is to be handled is that the tissue cutting process can be carried out with the aid of the biopsy forceps in a completely unaffected manner by the cutting device according to the solution, as is otherwise also the case with biopsy forceps known per se.If a tissue sample is located within the closed forceps jaws, the cutting device according to the invention enables the tissue sample to be cut through into two separate tissue sample parts. The complete enclosure of the tissue sample by both forceps jaws ensures that the compressive and shear forces acting on the tissue sample by the cutting device are absorbed uniformly by the inner walls of the forceps jaws. Squeezing effects occurring on the tissue sample can thereby be minimized or even avoided, whereby fine-woven structures are not irritating, or only negligibly irritating.A further optional embodiment of the separately to be handled cutting device 7', 7" relates to the formation of the flat separating means 8', 8" in the form of a light-transparent, thin glass plate which, in addition to its cutting action by means of its cutting blade 9', 9", is also capable of serving as a tissue substrate carrier plate for the subsequent Raman and / or HE examination.FIGS. 4a to c illustrate a cutting device 7''', designed according to the invention, in combination with two pliers jaws 1, 2, which is arranged on the one hand to be movable relative to the pliers jaws 1, 2 and on the other hand is designed in the form of a structural unit which is indivisible with the pliers jaws 1, 2. FIG. 4a shows the opened position of the pliers jaws 1, 2. the cutting device 7''' is arranged on the proximal side to the pliers jaws 1, 2, which does not extend, or only extends slightly, into the region of the resection volume which is not completely surrounded by the two pliers jaws 1, 2. The arrows 14 indicated between the cutting device 7''' and the pliers jaws 1, 2 are intended to illustrate that the cutting device 7''' is connected to the pliers jaws 1, 2 in a linearly movable manner and in an indivisibly by means of a kinematic system, not shown in detail. In the open position according to FIG. 4 a, a tissue sample is taken up between the two forceps jaws 1, 2, which is then transferred to the closed position, see FIG. 4 b, for separating the tissue sample from the surrounding tissue. The cutting device 7''' is still located on the proximal side outside the closed pliers jaws 1, 2 or opens only slightly into the resection volume enclosed by the two pliers jaws 1, 2.FIG. 4 cshows a cross-sectional representation through the pliers jaws 1, 2 in the closed position. In addition, it can be seen that the cutting device 7''' is introduced into the resection volume enclosed by both forceps jaws 1, 2 by a complete distal advancement relative to the forceps jaws 1, 2. During the distal advance, the cutting device 7''' with its cutting blade 9''' arranged on the end face of the flat separating means 8''' severs the tissue sample located within the resection volume.In order to make linear guidance of the cutting device possible both distally and proximally relative to the forceps jaws 1, 2, a separate, preferably manual operating unit 15 is used, which is formed and arranged on the proximal side of the biopsy forceps separately from the manual operating unit 5 explained at the beginning. The manual operating unit 15 is capable of transmitting to the cutting device 7''' pushing and / or pulling forces, by means of which the cutting device 7''' can be moved relative to the pliers jaws 1, 2 distally and also proximally in a controlled manner with the aid of the linear kinematics 14. Of course, for the insertion of the cutting device 7''' into the resection volume enclosed by both pliers jaws 1, 2, a slot-shaped recess 16 extending over both proximal end regions of the pliers jaws 1, 2 and adapted to the cutting device 7''' is required.List of reference characters1 Tong jaw 2 Tong jaw 3 Swivel kinematics 4 Tension- and / or thrust-transmitting means 5 Manual actuation unit 6 Blade-like cutting contour 7, 7', 7", 7"' Cutting device 8, 8', 8", 8"' Planar separating means 9, 9', 9", 9"' Cutting blade 10 Resection partial volume 11 Resection partial volume 12 Groove-shaped recess 13 Slot-shaped recess 14 Linear kinematics 15 Manual operating unit 16 Slot-shaped recess

Claims

Biopsy forceps for excision of a tissue sample, comprising at least two forceps jaws which are mounted pivotably reversibly between an open and a closed position via a pivot kinematics and of which at least one forceps jaw has a concave contour which, in the closed position, encloses a resection volume in cooperation with the at least one other forceps jaw, characterized in that a cutting device is provided which is connected to at least one of the forceps jaws or can be brought into operative connection in such a way that the cutting device divides the resection volume in the closed position of the at least two forceps jaws into two resection subvolumes and separates a tissue sample located in the resection volume into two tissue sample parts by mechanical incision formation.Biopsy forceps according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting device has at least one planar separating means with a cutting blade, which is fixedly attached to one of the forceps jaws in such a way that the separating means separates the resection volume in the closed position of the at least two forceps jaws into the two resection partial volumes and the cutting blade lies flush against an inner wall or surface contour of the other forceps jaw oriented facing the resection volume.Biopsy forceps according to claim 2, characterized in that the surface contour of the other forceps jaw is configured as a cutting blade, against which the cutting blade of the separating means in the closed position abuts flush, or that the surface contour of the other forceps jaw is configured in the manner of a groove-shaped recess, into which the cutting blade of the separating means in the closed position engages flush.Biopsy forceps according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting device has at least one planar separating means with a cutting blade, which is mounted so as to be relatively movable with respect to the forceps jaws and, in the closed position of the pivotably mounted forceps jaws, can be transferred from an initial position, in which the separating means is mounted outside the resection volume enclosed by the forceps jaws or projects only slightly into the resection volume, into a final position, in which the separating means separates the resection volume into the two resection subvolumes.Biopsy forceps according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the forceps jaws has a slot-shaped recess into which the separating means can be inserted from the initial position into the final position.Biopsy forceps according to claim 5, characterized in that the planar separating means has a thickness dimension which corresponds to a slot width of the slot-shaped recess plus an excess dimension which permits otherwise slot-free insertion of the separating means into the slot-shaped recess.Biopsy forceps according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the pivotably mounted forceps jaws in the closed position can be assigned a longitudinal extension which is oriented from a proximal end in the direction of a distal forceps jaw end region, and that the slot-shaped recess is oriented in the longitudinal extension or transversely.Biopsy forceps according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the planar separating means is formed as a component separate from the forceps jaws or is connected in an indivisibly to one of the forceps jaws.Biopsy forceps according to claim 4, characterised in that a longitudinal extension can be assigned to the pivotably mounted forceps jaws in the closed position, which longitudinal extension is oriented from a proximal end in the direction of a distal forceps jaw end region, in that the planar separating means is formed as an integral component of the biopsy forceps and is attached in the initial position on the proximal side to the resection volume enclosed by the forceps jaws, and in that the separating means is operatively connected to an actuating means, by means of which the separating means can be transferred distally for assuming the final position.Biopsy forceps according to claim 9, characterized in that the separating means is adapted to the geometry of the resection volume enclosed by the forceps jaws such that the separating means in the final position lies flush against a surface contour of the forceps jaws oriented facing the resection volume.Biopsy forceps according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the concave contour of the at least one forceps jaw is surrounded circumferentially by a blade-like contour.Biopsy forceps according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cutting device divides the resection volume in the closed position of the at least two forceps jaws into two equally sized resection volume halves and separates a tissue sample located in the resection volume into two tissue sample halves by mechanical incision forming to form two tissue sample surfaces which are mirror-symmetrically identical.

Images