Tissue extraction device and handle for a tissue extraction device

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle (11) for a tissue extraction device and to said device (1), the device (1) comprising: a first bar (4) with a threaded hole in a longitudinal direction (L); a sample holder (7) with a helical cutting edge; a second bar (2) with a thread (22) screwable into the threaded hole (41), the second bar (2) comprising a first end (24) mechanically and detachably couplable to the sample holder (7), and a second end (21) for the screw-fitting of the thread (22) and the threaded hole (41) to one another; a movable portion (5) movable in the longitudinal direction and mechanically couplable to the first bar (4); and a blade (6) mechanically couplable to the movable portion (5) and delimiting a cavity (61) surrounding at least a portion of the second bar (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Tissue extraction device and handle for tissue extraction device

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to handles for tissue extraction devices for necropsies, as well as to such devices.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Tissue extraction devices for biopsies / necropsies, as well as handles for these devices, are already known in the prior art. Lung necropsies / biopsies are primarily performed for tumor detection and, to a lesser extent, for detecting interstitial lung disease. The samples obtained are small, and due to the characteristics of the lung, there is a high risk of iatrogenic injury (mainly bleeding and pneumothorax). Furthermore, obtaining tissue samples, such as lung tissue, is desirable for other reasons, such as creating a lung tissue biobank. Therefore, facilitating the tissue extraction process is desirable.

[0007] Tissue extraction devices comprising a needle are known (e.g., for fine-needle aspiration biopsies or FNA, or, for example, for core needle biopsies). These devices allow for minimally invasive biopsies (e.g., where the needle is inserted directly into the body from which the sample is to be taken without the need for incisions) designed to minimize complications during tissue extraction, such as bleeding and pneumothorax. These devices have the following drawbacks: they do not allow for the extraction of relatively large tissue samples and they significantly limit the device's design.

[0008] Tissue extraction devices are also known to be used in more invasive biopsies / necropsies. While more invasive biopsies / necropsies allow for the extraction of larger samples than those obtainable with the previously mentioned devices in less invasive procedures, they are technically more complex (since they generally involve opening the body before introducing the tissue extraction device) and are relatively more expensive.

[0009] On the other hand, a tissue extraction device for obtaining samples from corpses is also desirable, as an alternative to conventional autopsy, among other reasons, to minimize the time between death and analysis of the extracted sample (since the tissue to be extracted may be damaged over time since death), to expedite legal procedures for relatives, as well as to minimize the aesthetic changes to the corpse caused by the extraction of tissue.

[0010] Therefore, a tissue sampling device for necropsy is desirable that allows relatively large samples of, for example, lung tissue to be taken relatively easily (for example, by doctors with relatively little surgical experience), at the bedside, in a relatively short time, minimizing aesthetic changes to the organism from which the sample is taken, and in a way that allows useful samples to be extracted for biobanks.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] To overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a handle for a tissue extraction device, the handle comprising: a first bar, the first bar comprising a threaded hole in a longitudinal direction; a second bar, the second bar comprising a thread screwable into the threaded hole, the second bar comprising a first end mechanically detachable to a sample carrier; and the second bar comprising a second end for threaded fit between the thread of the second bar and the threaded hole; a mechanically attachable portion to the first bar; and a blade mechanically attachable to the attachable portion, the blade defining a cavity;The handle is configurable according to a first configuration in which: the thread of the second bar is screwed into the threaded hole, the movable portion is mechanically coupled to the first bar, the blade is mechanically coupled to the movable portion, a portion of the second bar is in the cavity, the movable portion is movable in the longitudinal direction, with respect to the threaded hole, so that a cutting end of the blade moves away from the first end of the second bar when the movable portion is moved in a direction from the threaded hole towards the first end of the second bar, and the movable portion is movable, with respect to the threaded hole, back in the longitudinal direction in a direction from the first end of the second bar towards the threaded hole.

[0013] This handle allows for easy two-handed manipulation of a relatively non-invasive tissue extraction device in which the sample carrier is removable, allowing the sample carrier used to be adapted to the specific conditions of each tissue extraction (for example, to the tissue from which a sample is to be extracted).

[0014] In some embodiments, the first bar includes guides to guide the displacements of the movable portion in the longitudinal direction. These embodiments comprise simple examples of couplings between the first bar and the movable portion, allowing the displacement of the movable portion relative to the first bar.

[0015] In some embodiments, the handle comprises a first stop mechanically attachable and detachable to the second bar; and in the first configuration: the first stop is attached to the second bar and the first stop limits the screwing of the second bar to the threaded hole; the screwing limitation being eliminated by detaching the first stop from the second bar.

[0016] The first stop limits the advancement of the second bar and, consequently, the advancement of the sample carrier. The handle can be configured so that the stop blocks the advancement of the second bar when a complete helical cutting edge of the sample carrier is removed from the cavity. This minimizes tissue cutting by preventing the sample carrier from advancing and cutting additional tissue. Furthermore, the first stop also alerts the user when the maximum extractable sample size has been reached with the sample carrier.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first stop comprises a threaded portion with a C-shaped cross-section, the threaded portion being screwable to the thread of the second bar; and the first stop being mechanically detachable to the second bar by screwing the threaded portion of the first stop to the thread of the second bar.

[0018] By engaging the C-shaped threaded portion of the first stop with the thread of the second bar and screwing the thread of the second bar into the threaded hole of the first bar, the first stop gradually approaches the second end of the second bar and / or the first bar, blocking the screwing by contact between the first stop and the second end of the second bar and by contact between the first stop and the first bar. Logically, a maximum screwing distance between the thread of the second bar and the threaded hole can be adjusted by adjusting a dimension of the first stop in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the handle includes a second stop to limit the displacement of the movable portion from the threaded hole towards the first end of the second bar, and / or a third stop to limit the return displacement of the movable portion from the first end of the second bar towards the threaded hole.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second stop locks the movable portion in a specific position, thus limiting its displacement. This locking mechanism can be overcome by resisting the second stop's resistance, for example, by pushing the movable portion relative to the first bar in the longitudinal direction, from the first end of the second bar towards the threaded hole in the first bar.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second stop is a notch. These embodiments comprise simple examples of the second stop, allowing the second stop to block the displacement of the movable portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the third stop is a projection of the first bar. These embodiments comprise simple examples of the third stop.

[0022] In some embodiments, the movable portion comprises an external projection substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This external projection facilitates, for a user of the handle, the displacement of the movable portion in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first bar.

[0023] A second aspect of the invention relates to a tissue extraction device for necropsy, the device comprising the handle of the first aspect of the present invention and a mechanically attachable and detachable (in other words, reversibly attachable) sample carrier to the first end of the second bar, the sample carrier comprising a helical cutting edge; the device being configurable according to a second configuration in which: the handle is configured according to the first configuration, the sample carrier is mechanically coupled to the first end of the second bar,The movable portion is movable in the longitudinal direction such that a portion of the helical edge of the sample carrier enters the cavity as the movable portion is displaced from the threaded hole towards the first end of the second bar, and the movable portion is movable in the longitudinal direction such that at least a portion of the helical edge of the sample carrier exits the cavity as the movable portion is displaced from the first end of the second bar towards the threaded hole. The tissue extraction device allows for the extraction of relatively large samples. Specifically, it allows for the extraction of relatively long samples because, when the tissue is cut by the helical edge of the carrier, the cut tissue is inserted into the helical groove defined by the helical edge of the carrier. Thus,By moving the movable portion towards the free end of the sample carrier, the tissue is cut longitudinally by the cutting edge of the blade, trapping the sample in the helical groove of the carrier between the blade wall and the helical edge. Furthermore, the device allows for relatively minimally invasive tissue extraction, requiring only a hole that is deeper than it is wide to extract the sample (i.e., it is not necessary to open the cadaver before inserting the device).

[0024] In some embodiments, the helical cutting edge of the carrier has a diameter of at least 1.5 mm, for example, at least 3 mm, or at least 7 mm. In some embodiments, the helical cutting edge has a diameter of at most 15 mm, for example, at most 12.5 mm, or at most 10 mm. This diameter of the helical cutting edge is larger than the diameters of helical cutting edges used in biopsies, which are typically less than 1 mm. The larger diameter requires greater force to displace the movable portion toward the free end of the carrier compared to smaller-diameter helical cutting edges, since it must cut a thicker sample. The tissue extraction device allows the user to exert greater force during this displacement more easily than with other pushing systems.Specifically, the user can grasp at least one of the first bar, the second bar and the first stop (preferably the first bar) with one hand (e.g., by encircling the first bar with the fingers and palm of one hand) while pushing the movable portion with the other hand (e.g., by grasping the movable portion by encircling it with the fingers and palm of the hand to push it) towards the carrier's free end.

[0025] In some embodiments, the distance between the ends of the helical cutting edge is at least 45 millimeters, for example, at least 50 millimeters, or at least 55 millimeters. This distance between the ends of the helical cutting edge is somewhat greater than the diameters of helical cutting edges used in biopsies, which are typically 40 millimeters or less. This larger dimension requires slightly more force to move the movable portion toward the free end of the holder, since a longer sample must be cut. The tissue extraction device allows the user to exert greater force during this movement more easily than with other pushing systems as previously described.

[0026] In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a manipulable portion between the helical edge of the carrier and a coupling portion of the carrier, the coupling portion being for coupling between the carrier and the first end of the second bar. This manipulable portion allows manipulation of the carrier (for example, to decouple the carrier from the second bar) without contaminating a freshly extracted sample carried by the carrier. For example, the manipulable portion may comprise a smooth outer surface and / or a threaded outer surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, in the second configuration: the movable portion is displaced longitudinally so that the sample carrier enters the cavity completely as the movable portion is displaced from the threaded hole toward the first end of the second bar. These embodiments minimize tissue tearing caused when the device with the sample is removed from the tissue. This minimization of tearing is due, at least in part, to the fact that the blade cuts the tissue longitudinally close to the entire helical edge (including the portion of the helical edge closest to the free end of the carrier), minimizing the amount of tissue that connects the cut sample to the rest of the tissue.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the second configuration: the movable portion is movable in the longitudinal direction so that a decoupling between the sample carrier and the first end of the second bar is enabled by moving the movable portion back in the direction from the first end of the second bar towards the threaded hole.

[0029] In this way, the movable portion allows the decoupling between the first end of the second bar and the sample carrier to be blocked until the movable portion is sufficiently displaced in the longitudinal direction from the first end of the second bar towards the threaded hole, enabling with this displacement the decoupling between the sample carrier and the first end of the second bar.

[0030] In some embodiments, the mechanical coupling between the first end of the second bar and the sample carrier comprises a sliding coupling, for example, defining the sliding coupling as a coupling sliding direction, the direction being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the coupling between the first end of the second bar and the carrier comprises a press fit. In some embodiments, in the second configuration: the movable portion is displaced longitudinally from the first end of the second bar towards the threaded hole by a sufficient length so that the press fit and / or the slip fit is / are outside the cavity. This facilitates the user's ability to disconnect the carrier from the second bar, as the user can perceive (for example, visually) the state of the coupling between the sample carrier and the first end of the second bar during disconnection.

[0032] In some embodiments, the coupling between the first end of the second darra and the carrier comprises a threaded coupling.

[0033] A third aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly, the assembly comprising the device of the second aspect of the invention and a container, the helical cutting edge being fully inserted into the container. In this way, the extracted sample can be protected by inserting the carrier into the container.

[0034] In some embodiments, the container includes a threaded hole, with the carrier comprising a thread and a coupling portion for mechanically coupling the carrier to the first end of the second bar. The thread is located between the helical edge and the coupling portion of the carrier, and the carrier's thread is screwed into the threaded hole of the container. These embodiments allow for rapid sample protection, as they permit the sample to be introduced into the container without needing to decouple the carrier from the second bar before screwing the carrier's thread into the threaded hole of the container. Furthermore, they facilitate decoupling the carrier from the second bar, since, once the container has been screwed onto the carrier, a user can manipulate an external wall of the container to decouple the carrier from the second bar, with the container acting as a contamination containment barrier.

[0035] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to using the device of the second aspect of the invention to take a tissue sample. For example, a tissue sample from a cadaver. For example, a sample of an organ from the cadaver, such as a lung from the cadaver.

[0036] The different aspects and embodiments of the invention defined above may be combined with each other, provided they are mutually compatible.

[0037] The advantages and additional features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and will be noted particularly in the appended claims.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] To complement the description and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with some examples of practical embodiments of the invention, a set of figures is included as an integral part of the description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0040] Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a tissue extraction device according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of a tissue extraction device according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a tissue extraction device according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a sample carrier attachable to a tissue extraction device according to the present invention.

[0044] Figures 5 to 8 show positions of a tissue extraction device configuration according to the present invention.

[0045] Figures 9 to 17 show an example of sample extraction and storage in which a tissue extraction device according to the present invention is used.

[0046] Figure 18 shows a side view of a sample carrier attachable to a tissue extraction device according to the present invention.

[0047] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The description of possible embodiments of the invention requires providing numerous details to facilitate a better understanding of it. Even so, it will be apparent to someone skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0049] Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a tissue extraction device 1 for necropsy. Figure 2 shows a section of device 1 resulting from cutting device 1 with an imaginary longitudinal plane AA shown in Figure 1. Logically, the imaginary longitudinal plane AA is parallel to arrow L. Arrow L is imaginary.

[0050] Figure 3 shows components of device 1 in a configuration where the components are not mechanically coupled. Device 1 comprises a handle 11 and a sample holder 7.

[0051] Continuing with figures 2 and 3, the handle 11 comprises a second bar 2, a first stop 3, a first bar 4, a movable portion 5 and a blade 6.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the first bar 4 comprises a threaded hole 41. The thread of the threaded hole 41 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of arrow L. The first bar 4 comprises a gripping portion 42. The gripping portion 42 can be gripped by a user to hold the device 1 when using the device 1 to extract samples. The gripping portion 42 has, for example, an external surface that facilitates gripping (e.g., a knurled external surface) and / or an external surface with a visible gripping indication.

[0053] The first bar 4 comprises a coupling portion 43 for mechanical coupling between the first bar 4 and the movable portion 5. The coupling portion 43 comprises guides for the displacement of the movable portion 5. Specifically, the displacement of the movable portion 5 is a sliding motion along the guides. Although the guides illustrated in Figure 3 are longitudinal grooves, those skilled in the art are aware of other types of guides that allow suitable displacement of the movable portion 5 (for example, longitudinal projections instead of longitudinal grooves) with respect to the first bar 4. The coupling portion 43 is fixed with respect to the gripping portion 42.

[0054] The coupling portion 43 comprises a second stop 44 and a third stop 45 to limit displacement of the movable portion with respect to the first bar 4.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, the second bar 2 comprises a thread 22, a first end 24, an intermediate portion 23, and a second end 21. The thread 22 is screw-in to the threaded hole 41 of the first bar 4. The second end 21 can be rotated by a user to adjust the threading between the thread 22 and the threaded hole 41. The first end 24 is mechanically detachable to the carrier 7.

[0056] The movable portion 5 is mechanically coupled to the coupling portion 43 of the first bar 4. For example, the movable portion 5 may comprise projections 53 with shapes complementary to the shapes of the grooves in the coupling portion 43, such that the grooves act as guides for the projections 53. The movable portion 5 comprises an external projection 54 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The external projection 54 can be pushed by a user to displace the movable portion 5 relative to the threaded hole 41. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second stop 44 may comprise a projection of the first bar 4. The third stop 45 may comprise a notch, fitting a projection 53 of the movable portion 5 into the notch.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 8, the device 1 comprises a blade 6. The blade 6 is mechanically coupled to the movable portion 5. The blade 6 may be mechanically coupled to the movable portion 5 by means of a coupling that fixes the blade to a portion of the movable portion 5 (for example, the blade 6 may be coupled by means of a press-fit coupling and / or by means of an adhesive). Another way in which the blade is mechanically coupled to the movable portion 5 (and, consequently, mechanically coupled to the movable portion 5) is for the blade 6 and the movable portion 5 to form a single piece.

[0058] Continuing with Figure 7, the blade 6 delimits a cavity 61 and has a cutting end 62. Specifically, the cutting end 62 of the blade 6 is a portion of the blade 6, with said portion delimiting the blade 6 in the direction and sense indicated by the imaginary arrow L.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 8, the device 1 comprises a first stop 3. The first stop 3 has a threaded portion with a C-shaped cross-section (i.e., a section perpendicular to the direction of the imaginary arrow L). That is, the cross-section defines an arc of a circle, the arc of which subtends an angle less than 360°. The threaded portion can be detachably screwed onto the thread 22. The first stop 3 can be supported on the first bar 4.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the carrier 7 is for cutting tissue (e.g., from an organ such as a lung) and comprises a coupling portion 72 for mechanically coupling the carrier 7 to the first end 24 of the second bar 2. The coupling between the carrier 7 and the first end 24 is, for example, a push-in coupling (such as the coupling shown in Figure 7) or a threaded coupling (such as the coupling shown in Figure 14). The carrier 7 is made, for example, of stainless steel.

[0061] The carrier 7 comprises a helical edge 71 attached to a free end 711 of the carrier 7. The coupling portion 72 of the carrier 7 is located at an end opposite the free end 711 of the carrier 7. The coupling portion 72 of the carrier 7 is coupled to the helical edge by means of a manipulable portion 73 of the carrier 7, the manipulable portion 73 comprising a smooth external surface. A user can manipulate the carrier 7 by grasping the manipulable portion 73 of the carrier 7. As shown in Figure 18, the helical edge 71 of the carrier 7 has a diameter D1 and a distance L2 between the ends of the helical edge 71; furthermore, the carrier 7 has a distance L1 between the ends of the carrier 7. For example, the diameter D1 of the helical edge 71 measures 7.4 millimeters, the distance L2 between the ends of the helical edge measures 60 millimeters, and the total length L1 of the carrier 7 measures 86 millimeters.Logically, the helical length of the helical edge 71 is greater than the distance L2 between the ends of the helical edge 71, for example, in the case where the diameter D1 of the helical edge 71 measures 7.4 millimeters and the distance L2 between the ends of the helical edge measures 60 millimeters, the helical length of the helical edge 71 measures, for example, 144 millimeters, and the volume of the sample obtained with said carrier 7 is, for example, 1.63 cm³. 3 .

[0062] As shown in figures 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the movable portion 5 is between the carrier 7 and the second end 21 of the second bar 2, more specifically, between the gripping portion 42 of the first bar 4 and the carrier 7. This location facilitates the pushing of the movable portion, allowing a greater force to be exerted.

[0063] The following explains examples of the use of device 1 by referring to configurations of handle 11 and device 1 and component positions in those configurations.

[0064] Figure 3 shows device 1 in a configuration where the components of device 1 (i.e., the first bar 4, the second bar 2, the sliding portion 5, the blade 6, the first stop 3, and the carrier 7) are mechanically decoupled from each other. Figures 5 to 8 show different positions of the handle 11 in a first configuration of the handle 11. Figures 5 to 8 show different positions of device 1 in a second configuration of device 1. In the second configuration of device 1, the handle 11 has the first configuration. In the first configuration of the handle 11: the thread 22 of the second bar 2 is threaded into the threaded hole 41, the sliding portion 5 is mechanically coupled to the coupling portion 43 of the first bar 4, and the blade 6 is mechanically coupled to the sliding portion 5.

[0065] In the first configuration of the handle 11, the movable portion 5 is between the blade 6 and the first bar 4. The second bar 2 passes through the first bar 4 and the movable portion 5, with at least part of the intermediate portion 23 in the cavity 61.

[0066] Figure 5 illustrates a first position of the second configuration of device 1. In the first position, the free end 711 of the carrier 7 is outside the cavity 61, with most of the helical edge 71 being in the cavity 61. The first position allows the free end 711 of the carrier 7 to be inserted into a tissue 100, as illustrated in Figure 9. Note that Figure 5 does not show any tissue.

[0067] Once the free end 711 has been inserted into the fabric 100, the entire device 1 can be rotated, i.e., without relative movement between the components of device 1, as shown by the arrow in Figure 9. To do this, a user can simply rotate the first bar 4. Since the fabric to be cut is generally soft enough, the fabric offers a sufficiently small resistance torque, and it is not necessary to apply a rotational torque to the second bar 2 as well.

[0068] Next, thread 22 is screwed into the threaded hole 41. Specifically, a user can firmly hold the first bar 4 with one hand (i.e., minimizing any movement between the first bar 4 and the fabric 100, thus minimizing tearing caused by displacement without rotation of the helical edge 71) and, at the same time, rotate the second bar 2 with the other hand (this movement is illustrated by the arrows in Figure 10). In this way, the second bar 2 is screwed into the threaded hole 41, causing displacement of the second bar 2 in the direction of the imaginary arrow L and causing rotation of the second bar 2 around an imaginary parallel axis centered on the second bar 2 and parallel to the direction indicated by the imaginary arrow L, the rotation of the second bar 2 being simultaneous with the advancement of the second bar 2.The advance and rotation of the second bar 2 are transmitted to the carrier 7, causing a displacement of the carrier 7 in the direction and sense of the imaginary arrow L and causing a rotation of the carrier 7, the displacement of the carrier 7 being simultaneous with the rotation of the carrier 7.

[0069] Thus, the helical edge 71 of the carrier 7 is introduced into the tissue 100 as illustrated in Figure 10. The carrier 7 cuts the tissue 100 with the helical edge 71 during the displacement of the carrier 7.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 6 (note that Figure 6 does not show any tissue sample), the first stop 3 can limit the threading of the thread 22 into the threaded hole 41. This limit is caused by a blockage resulting from the contact of an upper end (i.e., an end in a direction parallel to and opposite to the direction of the imaginary arrow L) of the first stop 3 with the second end 21 of the second bar 2.

[0071] As illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the first stop 3 can be in contact with the first bar 4. After the thread 22 is screwed in, the device 1 reaches a second position of the second configuration of the device 1. The position of the handle 11 in the second position of the device 1 is considered to be a second position of the handle 11. The second position is illustrated in Figure 6. In the second position: the region of the thread 22 screwed into the threaded hole 41 has increased with respect to the first position, the portion of the helical edge 71 outside the cavity 61 has increased with respect to the portion of the helical edge 71 outside the cavity 61 in the first position, and the relative position between the first bar 4 and the movable portion 5 is the same as in the first position.

[0072] In both the first and second positions, the first end 24 of the second bar 2 and the coupling end 72 of the carrier 7 are in the cavity 61. This location of the first end 24 and the coupling end 72 may favor the resistance to uncoupling of the coupling between the second bar 2 and the carrier 7 because the blade wall 6 limits relative movement between the first end 24 and the coupling end 72 of the carrier 7.

[0073] The sliding portion 5 can then be displaced relative to the first bar 4 in the direction of arrow L, that is, in a direction defined from the threaded hole 41 towards the first end 24 of the second bar 2 (or towards the carrier 7). This displacement occurs in such a way that, for at least part of this displacement, the distance between the first end 24 of the second bar 2 and the cutting edge 62 of the blade 6 increases. To achieve this, a user can firmly hold the first bar 4 with one hand (i.e., minimizing movement between the first bar 4 and the fabric 100, thus minimizing tearing caused by displacement without rotation of the helical edge 71), and simultaneously, with the other hand, push the sliding portion 5 in the direction of imaginary arrow L. Pushing the sliding portion 5 causes the blade 6 to push in the direction of imaginary arrow L.The arrow in Figure 11 illustrates the direction and sense of displacement of blade 6.

[0074] The displacement of the movable portion 5 may be limited by the second stop 44. This limitation also limits the advance of the blade 6 coupled to the movable portion 5. In the first stage, as the blade 6 moves, the portion of the helical cutting edge 71 in the cavity 61 increases. Thus, as the blade 6 moves, the cutting end 62 of the blade 6 cuts the tissue 100, leaving a helical sample 101 (shown in Figure 12) of the tissue 100 in the carrier 7. The cutting by the blade 6 reduces the subsequent resistance offered by the tissue 100 to the extraction of the sample 101, as well as the damage that may be caused to the tissue 101 during the extraction of the sample 101.

[0075] As illustrated in Figure 7, the displacement of the blade 6 can exceed, in the direction and sense of the imaginary arrow L, the free end 711 of the carrier 7, leaving the carrier 7 completely in the cavity 61.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a third position of device 1 in the second configuration of device 1 (note that Figure 7 does not show any tissue sample). The position of handle 11 in the third position of device 1 is considered to be a third position of handle 11. In the third position, the relative position between the first bar 4 and the second bar 2 is the same as the relative position between the first bar 4 and the second bar 2 in the second position.

[0077] Next, sample 101 can be extracted by moving device 1 in the direction of the imaginary arrow L and in the opposite direction to the imaginary arrow L. That is, device 1 is moved in these directions without altering the relative position of its components, i.e., keeping device 1 in the third position. During this movement, it may be advantageous for the second stop 44 to act as a retainer, so that when the movable portion 5 is moved to the second stop 44, the position of the movable portion 5 relative to the first bar 4 is locked by the second stop 44. In this way, a user can remove device 1 from the tissue 100 without needing to maintain the pushing force of the movable portion 5 while removing device 1.

[0078] As illustrated in Figure 7, a portion of the first bar 4 can be housed inside the movable portion 5.

[0079] Next, the movable portion 5 can be displaced relative to the second bar 2 (and consequently relative to the carrier 7) in the direction indicated by the imaginary arrow L and in the opposite sense to that of the imaginary arrow L. To do this, a user can firmly hold the first bar 4 with one hand and, at the same time, push the movable portion 5 with the other hand in the direction of the imaginary arrow L and in the opposite sense to that of the imaginary arrow L. Alternatively, the first stop 3 can be disengaged from the second bar 2, and then the second bar 2 can be screwed into the threaded hole 41, causing the second bar 2 (and consequently the carrier 7) to be displaced relative to the blade 6 in the direction and senses of the imaginary arrow L. Figure 8 shows a fourth position of the second configuration of device 1, the fourth position resulting from the displacements applied to the third position.The position of the handle 11 in the fourth position of the device 1 is considered to be a fourth position of the handle 11. As illustrated in Figure 8, in the fourth position the coupling portion 72 of the carrier 7 and the first end 24 of the second bar 2 can be outside the cavity 61, facilitating decoupling between the carrier 7 and the second bar 2 without contaminating the sample 101. For example, the manipulable portion 73 of the carrier 7 can be grasped and moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow L and / or in the indicated direction and sense of the imaginary arrow L to decouple the sample carrier 7 from the second bar 2. Logically, the helical edge 71 of the sample carrier 7 can be inserted into a container before decoupling the sample carrier 7 from the second bar 2.

[0080] In another example (illustrated in Figures 12 to 17), the mechanical coupling between a second bar and a sample carrier 9 is a threaded coupling. This coupling occurs between the thread 92 of the carrier 9 and a thread at the first end 84 of an intermediate portion 83 of the second bar of a tissue extraction device. Furthermore, the carrier 9 may include an additional thread 95 for screwing the carrier 9 onto a container 200 (shown in Figures 13 to 17).

[0081] Once sample 101 has been removed, a threaded hole 201 of the container 200 can be screwed (as illustrated by the arrow in Figure 14) onto the additional thread 95, so that sample 101 is inside the container 200. Next, the thread 92 of the carrier 9 can be unscrewed (as illustrated by the arrow in Figure 14) from the thread at the first end 84 of the intermediate portion of the second bar. This decouples the carrier 9 from the second bar. This unscrewing can be performed by manipulating (specifically, rotating) the container 200, which is already mechanically coupled to the second bar.

[0082] Finally, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the container 200 can be covered with a first plug 40 and a second plug 50 mechanically coupled to opposite ends of the container 200.

[0083] When an ordinal number (such as "first," "second," "third," etc.) is used as an adjective before a term or expression, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly stated otherwise) simply to indicate a particular characteristic, such as to distinguish that particular characteristic from another characteristic described by the same or a similar term or expression. For example, a "first device" may be so named simply to distinguish it from, say, a "second device." Thus, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "device" does not indicate any other relationship between the two devices, nor does it indicate any other characteristic of either device.For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "device" (1) does not indicate that either device is sequentially before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either device occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does not indicate that either device is above or below any other, such as in importance or quality. Furthermore, the mere use of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit for the characteristics identified by the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "device" does not indicate that there should be no more than two devices, and the mere use of the ordinal number "second" before the term "device" does not indicate that there should be a "first device."

[0084] In view of this description and figures, the expert in the field will be able to understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiments, without departing from the object of the invention as claimed.

[0085] In this text, the term "comprises" and its derivatives (such as "comprehending," etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense. That is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include more elements, stages, etc.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Handle (11) for a tissue extraction device, the handle (11) comprising: a first bar (4), the first bar (4) comprising a threaded hole in a longitudinal direction L; a second bar (2), the second bar (2) comprising a thread (22) screwable into the threaded hole (41), the second bar (2) comprising a first end (24) mechanically detachable to a sample carrier (7); and the second bar (2) comprising a second end (21) for threaded fit between the thread (22) of the second bar (2) and the threaded hole (41); a movable portion (5) mechanically attachable to the first bar (4); and a blade (6) mechanically attachable to the movable portion (5), the blade (6) defining a cavity (61); the handle (11) being configurable according to a first configuration,the first configuration being characterized in that: the thread (22) of the second bar (2) is screwed into the threaded hole (41), the movable portion (5) is mechanically coupled to the first bar (4), the blade (6) is mechanically coupled to the movable portion (5), a portion of the second bar (2) is in the cavity (61), the movable portion (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction, with respect to the threaded hole (41), such that a cutting end of the blade (6) moves away from the first end (24) of the second bar (2) when the movable portion (5) is displaced in a direction from the threaded hole (41) towards the first end (24) of the second bar (2), and the movable portion (5) is movable, with respect to the threaded hole (41), back in the longitudinal direction (L) in a direction from the first end (24) of the second bar (2) towards the threaded hole (41).

2. The handle (11) of claim 1, the handle (11) comprising a first stop (3) mechanically detachable to the second bar (2); and the first configuration is characterized in that: the first stop (3) is coupled to the second bar (2), the first stop (3) limits the threading of the second bar (2) to the threaded hole (41), and the threading limitation is removed by detaching the first stop (3) from the second bar (2).

3. The handle (11) of claim 2, comprising the first stop (3) a threaded portion having a C-shaped cross-section, the threaded portion being screwable to the thread (22) of the second bar (2); and the first stop (3) being mechanically attachable and detachable to the second bar (2) by screwing the threaded portion of the first stop (3) to the thread (22) of the second bar (2).

4. The handle (11) of any one of the preceding claims, the handle (11) comprising a second stop (44) for limiting the displacement of the movable portion (5) in the direction from the threaded hole (41) towards the first end (24) of the second bar (2), and / or a third stop (45) for limiting the return displacement of the movable portion (5) in the direction from the first end (24) of the second bar (2) towards the threaded hole (41).

5. The handle (11) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising the movable portion (5) an external projection (54) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

6. Tissue extraction device (1) for autopsy, the device (1) comprising the handle (11) of any one of the preceding claims and a mechanically detachable sample carrier (7) to the first end (24) of the second bar (2), the carrier (7) comprising a helical cutting edge;the device (1) being configurable according to a second configuration, the second configuration being characterized in that: the handle (11) is configured according to the first configuration, the carrier (7) is mechanically coupled to the first end (24) of the second bar (2), the movable portion (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction so that a portion of the helical edge of the carrier (7) enters the cavity in the displacement of the movable portion (5) in the direction from the threaded hole (41) towards the first end (24) of the second bar (2) and the movable portion (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction so that a portion of the helical edge of the carrier (7) exits the cavity in the displacement of the movable portion (5) in the direction from the first end (24) of the; second bar (2) towards the threaded hole (41).

7. The device (1) of claim 6, comprising the carrier (7) a manipulable portion (73) between the helical edge (71) of the carrier (7) and a coupling portion (72) of the carrier (7), the coupling portion (72) of the carrier (7) being for coupling between the carrier (7) and the first end (24) of the second bar (2).

8. The device (1) of any one of claims 6 and 7, the second configuration being characterized in that: the movable portion (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction so that the carrier (7) enters completely into the cavity (61) in the displacement of the movable portion (5) in the direction from the threaded hole (41) towards the first end (24) of the second bar (2).

9. The device (1) of any one of claims 6 to 8, the second configuration being characterized in that: the movable portion (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction so as to enable a decoupling between the carrier (7) and the first end (24) of the second bar (2) by moving the movable portion (5) back in the direction from the first end (24) of the second bar (2) towards the threaded hole (41).

10. The device (1) of any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising the first end (24) of the second bar (2) pressure coupling means complementary to pressure coupling means comprising a coupling portion (72) of the carrier (7).

11. The device (1) of any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising the first end (24) of the second bar (2) sliding coupling means complementary to sliding coupling means comprising a coupling portion (72) of the carrier (7).

12. The device (1) of any one of claims 6 to 11, comprising the first end (24) of the second bar (2) threaded coupling means complementary to threaded coupling means comprising a coupling portion of the carrier (9).

13. Assembly comprising the device (1) of any one of the claims 6 to 12 and a container (200), the helical edge (71) being intraductible in the container (200).

14. The assembly of claim 13, the container (200) comprising a threaded hole (201), the carrier (7) comprising a thread (95) and a coupling portion (72) for mechanically coupling the carrier (7) to the first end (24) of the second bar (2), the thread (95) being between the helical edge (71) and the coupling portion (72) of the carrier (7), the thread (95) of the carrier (7) being screwable into the threaded hole (201) of the container (200).

15. Use of the device of any one of claims 6 to 12 for taking a tissue sample.

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