Biopsy Instruments

Abstract

The biopsy instrument comprises a first part (1) comprising a cutting tube (4) having a distal cutting edge (12), a second part (2) comprising a penetrating rod (5), a third part (3) comprising a knife (6) centrally disposed along the length of the biopsy instrument and having at its distal end a radially extending portion (7) corresponding substantially to the inner radius of the cutting tube, wherein the first and second parts are coaxially disposed about the third part, and the first part is movable distally from a retracted position to an extended position from the second part. the third part is axially movable between a retracted position and an extended position and is rotationally movable at least in the extended position, and includes a stop (11) provided on either the first or second part, the stop cooperating with a slot (15) provided on either the first or second part to inhibit rotational movement of the second part relative to the first part in all axial positions except one or more axially open positions, the stop cooperating with a longitudinal slot provided on the first or second part.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a biopsy instrument. [Background technology]

[0002] Most biopsy instruments are large, bulky instruments that are electrically powered. DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a handheld device that is easy to use, and also to support correct use of the device and prevent incorrect use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a biopsy instrument comprising: a first part comprising a cutting tube having a distal cutting edge; a second part comprising a through rod; a third part comprising a knife centrally located along the length of the biopsy instrument and having at its distal end a radially extending portion substantially corresponding to an inner radius of the cutting tube; the first and second components are coaxially disposed about the third component; the first part is movable distally from the second part from a first retracted position to a second extended position; the third part is axially movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position, the third part is rotationally movable at least in the second extended position; and A stop that restrains rotational movement of the second part relative to the first part, or that restrains rotational movement in all axial positions except one or more axially released positions.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the third part is only rotationally movable relative to the first part when the third part is in its second extended position. Preferably, the third part is only rotationally movable relative to the first part also when the first part is in its second extended position. Most preferably, the third part is only rotationally movable relative to the first part when the second part is in its original axial position relative to the first and third parts.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, a second stop restrains rotational movement of the second part relative to the third part, and preferably the stop is movable with axial movement of the third part.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the stop is in the open position only when the third part is in its second extended position, the second part also being open for rotational movement relative to the first part. Preferably, the stop cooperates with a lateral slot of the first part when in the open position.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the third part is rotatable together with the second part.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the first part is locked in the second extended position by a catch which is releasable to allow the first part to be retracted into the instrument to the first retracted position.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the knife is an electrosurgical knife.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the cutting tube is replaceable.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the first part comprises a distal handle portion and a cutting tube, and preferably the second part comprises a proximal handle portion and a penetrating rod.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the biopsy instrument, the third part is movable by a slider coupled to the third part and located in the second slot of the second part. Preferably, the third part is extrudable in the distal direction by the slider and retractable by a spring means.

[0014] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a biopsy device of the present invention in an intermediate position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 1 in a first position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 1 in a second position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 1 in a third position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates in cutaway view one embodiment of a biopsy instrument in a first position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 5 in a second position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 5 in a third position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a biopsy instrument of the present invention in an intermediate position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 8 in a first position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy device of FIG. 8 in an intermediate position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 8 in a second position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates in cutaway view the embodiment of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 8 in a third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] One embodiment of the biopsy instrument of the invention is shown in Figure 1. A first part 1 with a cutting tube 4 and a second part 2 with a penetrating rod 5 are shown. In the center, a third part with a knife 6 is provided.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a cutaway view to visualize the entering parts and their cooperation. Through the central longitudinal axis of the instrument, a third part 3 is provided, which comprises a knife 6. The knife 6 has a radially projecting portion 7 at its distal end 8. The second part 2 coaxially surrounds the third part 3 and its knife 6, and the tip 9 of the penetrating rod 5 has a slot 10 in which the radially projecting portion 7 of the knife 6 can rest when the third part 3 is in a first, retracted axial position, as shown in FIG. 2. The third part 3 can also be moved distally to a second, extended axial position, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0018] Also, the first part 1 coaxially surrounds the third part 3. In FIG. 2, the first part 1 is in a first retracted axial position. The first part 1 may also be moved axially distally to a second extended axial position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second part 2 remains in its original axial position relative to the first part 1 and the third part 3. Obviously, the whole instrument may be moved by the user. A stop 11 inhibits the rotational movement of the second part 2 relative to the first part 1. The stop 11 may for example be arranged in the second part 2, with a slot 15 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first part 1. Obviously, the stop 11 may be arranged in the first part 1 and may move in a slot 15 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second part 2. In any case, the stop 11 must not inhibit the relative axial movement between the first part 1 and the second part 2. A first seal 13 is preferably provided between the cutting tube 4 and the penetrating rod 5 near their distal tip 9. A second seal 14 may also be disposed between the knife 6 and the penetrating rod 5 near the distal end of the instrument.

[0019] The embodiment of the biopsy instrument according to Fig. 2 can be used as follows: From the beginning, the first part 1 and the third part 3 together with the second part 2 are both in the retracted position. The penetrating rod 5 and the tip 9 of the encircling cutting tube 4 are pushed into the body from which the target tissue is to be taken. If hard tissue gets in the way of the instrument, the third part 3 with the knife 6 can be moved distally relative to the first part 1 and the second part 2 so that the knife 6 protrudes from the slot 10 at the distal end of the instrument, which can be called the intermediate position. In this way, the knife 6 can cut through the hard tissue as required.

[0020] Once the target tissue is reached, the second and third parts 2 and 3 are withdrawn and the first part 1 is axially moved distally relative to the second and third parts 2 and 3 to a second extended position, whereby the cutting tube 4 projects from the tip 9 of the penetrating rod 5 and starts to cut, forming a space 25 for the target tissue in the cutting tube 4 between the cutting edge 12 of the cutting tube 4 and the tip 9 of the penetrating rod 5 (see FIG. 3). If the first and second seals 13, 14 are used, an under-pressure is provided in the space 25. It is also conceivable to provide the under-pressure via a tube through an instrument connected to an under-pressure device. Once the cutting edge 12 has passed through the target tissue, the third part 3 is axially moved distally to its second extended position, whereby the knife 6 cuts the target tissue located inside the distal end of the cutting tube 4 (see FIG. 4). While the third part 3 and its knife 6 are in the second, extended position, the third part 3 and its knife 6 are rotated to sever the target tissue from the surrounding tissue.

[0021] The instrument is then withdrawn from the body and the third part 3 is then moved axially to its first, retracted position. By moving the first part 1 axially towards the first, retracted position, the target tissue within the cutting tube 4 is pushed out through the distal end of the cutting tube 4 by the penetrating rod 5.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the biopsy instrument as shown in FIG. 5, further features of the biopsy instrument allow the user to handle the biopsy instrument in the correct manner.

[0023] The embodiment of figures 5 to 7 corresponds to the embodiment of figures 1 to 4, except that the stop 11 can cooperate with a transverse slot 16 arranged in another part, i.e. if the stop 11 is arranged in the first part 1, the transverse slot 16 is arranged in the second part 2, or, as shown in figures 5 to 7, the stop 11 is arranged in the second part 2 and the transverse slot 16 is arranged in the first part 1. Moreover, the second part 2 and the third part 3 are rotationally fixed. This can also be achieved by a second stop 17 which slides longitudinally along a second slot 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the second stop 17 is arranged in the third part 3 and the second slot 18 is arranged longitudinally in the second part.

[0024] Thus, the first part 1 can be pushed distally, see FIG. 6, so that the stop 11 slides in the longitudinal slot 15 until the second extended position is reached. In this position, the stop 11 aligns with the transverse slot 16 and the second part 2 can rotate relative to the first part 1. The second part 2 can cooperatively rotate the third part 3 relative to the first part 1. When the third part 3 is in its second extended position, the knife 6 cuts the target tissue in the cutting tube 4 during this rotation. By rotating the second part 2, the user can more easily rotate the third part 3.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the biopsy instrument as shown in Figures 8 to 12, the user is assisted by further features of the biopsy instrument in order to handle it in the correct way. For example, it is advantageous that the third part 3 can only be rotated relative to the first part 1 when the first part 1 is in its second extended axial position, but also when the third part 3 is in its second extended axial position.

[0026] The embodiment of Figures 8 to 12 corresponds to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, but has some additional features which are explained below. In Figure 8, an embodiment of a biopsy instrument is shown in an intermediate position. This embodiment has deeper handle portions, a distal handle portion 20 and a proximal handle portion 21, and a slider 19.

[0027] A cutaway view of the biopsy instrument is shown in Figure 9. The first part 1 comprises a distal handle portion 20 and a cutting tube 4. The second part 2 comprises a proximal handle portion 21 and a penetrating rod 5. The third part 3 comprises a slider 19 and a knife 6.

[0028] In this embodiment, a stop 11 is arranged on the second part 2 which prevents rotational movement between the first part 1 and the second part 2 except when the first part 1 is in its second extended position and the third part 3 is in its second extended position and the second part 2 is in its original retracted position. The stop 11 runs in a slot 15 provided in the first part 1. Obviously, the stop 11 and the slot 15 may be arranged vice versa. As shown in FIG. 12, a lateral slot 16 is arranged on the first part to allow the stop 11 to be released in rotation when aligned with the lateral slot 16.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the second stop 17 is located on the third part 3 and the second slot 18 is located on the second part to inhibit rotational movement between the second part 2 and the third part 3. However, axial movement is possible as the second stop 17 slides within the second slot 18.

[0030] The third stop 22 is located on the third part 3 and the third slot 23 is located on the first part 1 to inhibit rotational movement between the first part 1 and the third part 3, except when the third stop 22 is aligned with the transverse slot 16 located on the first part 1. Obviously, the third stop 22 and the third slot 23 may be arranged in the opposite manner, provided that at least the stop 11 is located on the first part, the slot 15 is located on the third part 3, and the transverse slot 16 is located on the third part 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the third stop 22 also cooperates with the slot 26 of the second part 2 to inhibit rotational movement between the third part 3 and the second part 2. Thus, other designs of the slider 19 can be used without providing a rotational inhibition function between the third part 3 and the second part 2.

[0031] The slider 19 is connected to the third part 3 and protrudes from the second part 2 through the second slot 18. The slider 19 allows the user to move the third part 3 and its knife 6 distally along the longitudinal axis of the instrument. In FIG. 10, the slider 19 has been moved axially such that the distal end 8 of the knife 6 with the radially protruding portion 7 is free outside the instrument. Preferably, a spring 24 is arranged between the third part 3 and the second part 2 to retract the third part 3 when the user releases the slider 19 after pushing it distally.

[0032] The embodiment of the biopsy instrument according to Figs. 8 to 12 can be used as follows: From the beginning, the first part 1 and the third part 3 together with the second part 2 are both in their retracted position. The penetrating rod 5 and the tip 9 of the encircling cutting tube 4 are pushed into the body from which the target tissue is to be taken. If hard tissue is in the path of the instrument, the slider 19 makes it possible to move the third part 3 with the knife 6 in the distal direction relative to the first part 1 and the second part 2 so that the knife 6 protrudes from the distal end of the instrument, in the intermediate position as shown in Fig. 10. The knife 6 can thus cut through the hard tissue if necessary. The spring 24 returns the third part 19 to its first retracted position. Due to the stop 11, the first part 1 and the second part 2 do not rotate relative to each other, and due to the second stop 17, the third part 3 and the second part 2 do not rotate relative to each other during this axial movement of the third part 3 relative to the first part 1 and the second part 2. Thus, a stable axial movement of the third part 3 is possible.

[0033] Once the target tissue is reached, the first part 1 is axially moved distally to a second extended position, whereby the cutting tube 4 projects from the tip 9 of the penetrating rod 5, thus starting the cut, and a space 25 for the target tissue is provided in the cutting tube 4 between the cutting edge 12 of the cutting tube 4 and the tip 9 of the penetrating rod 5 (see FIG. 11). Due to the stop 11 and the third stop 22, the axial movement is performed without a rotational movement. If the first and second sealing parts 13, 14 are used, an under-pressure is provided in the space 25. It is also conceivable to provide the under-pressure via a tube through an instrument connected to an under-pressure device. Preferably, a latch latches the first part 1 in its second extended position (not shown). The latch is preferably arranged between the first part 1 and the second part 2 and is releasable when the first part 1 is retracted.

[0034] Once the cutting edge 12 has passed through the target tissue, the third part 3 is axially moved distally by the slider 19 to a second extended position, thereby cutting the target tissue located inside the distal end of the cutting tube 4 with the knife 6 (see FIG. 12). While the third part 3 and its knife 6 are in the second extended position and the first part 1 is in its second extended position, the second part 2 is rotated relative to the first part 1, which is possible due to the release position when the stop 11 and the third stop 22 are aligned with the transverse slot 16. As the second part 2 rotates, the third part 3 is also rotated by the second stop 17, which causes the third part 3 to join the rotational movement of the second part 2. The third part 3 is rotated to sever the target tissue from the surrounding tissue. However, it is easier for the user to just rotate the second part 2 relative to the first part 1 at this step of the method. Preferably, the third part 3 can be latched in its second, extended position, for example by a snap fit between the slider 19 and the second part 2 (not shown). The latch can be released, after which the slider 19 and the third part are retracted by the spring 24.

[0035] The instrument is then withdrawn from the body and the third part 3 is retracted axially by the spring 24 back to the first retracted position. By moving the first part 1 axially towards the first retracted position, the target tissue within the cutting tube 4 is pushed by the penetrating rod 5 through the distal end of the cutting tube 4.

[0036] The knife 6 is preferably an electrosurgical knife using diathermy technology, but mechanical knives are also contemplated. Preferably, the cutting tube 4 is replaceable.

Claims

1. It is a biopsy instrument, A first component (1) comprising a cutting tube (4) having a distal cutting edge (12); A second component (2) having a through rod (5); A third component (3) comprising a knife (6) positioned centrally along the longitudinal side of the biopsy instrument and having a portion (7) at its distal end (8) that extends radially substantially corresponding to the inner radius of the cutting tube (4), Here, the first component (1) and the second component (2) are arranged coaxially around the third component (3), The first component (1) is movable distal to the second component (2) from a first retracted position to a second extended position. The third component (3) is axially movable between a first retracted position and a second extended position, and the third component is rotationally movable at least in the second extended position; and, The second component (2) is provided with a stopper (11) which cooperates with a slot (15) provided on the first component (1), or the reverse arrangement, thereby suppressing the rotational movement of the second component (2) relative to the first component (1) in all axial positions except for one or more axial release positions. Here, when the stopper (11) provided on the second part (2) is in the open position, it cooperates with the lateral slot (16) provided on the first part (1), or the reverse arrangement is also true. Furthermore, the third part (3) is provided with a second stopper (17) that cooperates with the second slot (18) arranged longitudinally on the second part (2), or the reverse arrangement is also true. This suppresses the rotational movement of the third part (3) relative to the second part (2). A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

2. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The third component (3) is movable only in the rotational direction relative to the first component (1) when the third component (3) is in its second extended position. A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

3. A biopsy instrument according to claim 2, The third component (3) is movable only in the rotational direction relative to the first component (1) when the first component (1) is in its second extended position. A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

4. A biopsy instrument according to claim 3, The third component (3) is movable only in the rotational direction relative to the first component (1) when the second component (2) is in its original axial position relative to the first component (1) and the third component (3). A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

5. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The stopper (11) is in the released position only when the third component (3) is also in its second extended position. The second part (2) is also released for rotational motion relative to the first part. A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

6. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The first component (1) is locked in the second extended position by a latch, and the latch is releaseable so that the first component (2) retracts into the first retracted position within the device. A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

7. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The knife (6) is preferably an electrosurgical knife using diathermy technology. A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

8. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The cut tube (4) is replaceable. A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

9. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The first component (1) comprises a distal handle portion (20) and the cutting tube (4), A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

10. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The second component comprises a proximal handle portion (1) and the through rod (5), A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

11. A biopsy instrument according to claim 1, The third component (3) is movable by a slider (19) connected to the third component and positioned in the second slot (18) of the second component (2). A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

12. A biopsy instrument according to claim 11, The third component is extruded distally by the slider (19) and retracted by the spring mechanism (24). A biopsy instrument characterized by the following features.

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