Biopsy device having endoscope

Abstract

A biopsy device having an endoscope comprises a biopsy instrument, suitable for collecting at least one tissue sample from a body lumen, such as a mammary duct, and a cutter introducer sized for receiving the biopsy instrument and introducing the biopsy instrument into a mammary duct to retrieve a tissue sample therefrom.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 422,381, filed on Apr. 24, 2003.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention generally relates to a device for obtaining mammary duct tissue samples for analysis. More specifically, the invention relates to a biopsy device having an endoscope and an introducer therefor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Breast cancer is one of the health threats most feared by women, and is indeed the most common form of cancer in women. A key to treatment is early detection. For example, an annual mammogram is a method that has been used in hopes of early detection of breast cancer. One problem with mammography is that such an imaging technique can only find breast cancer once it has taken form. All too often, breast cancer is discovered at a stage that is too far advanced, when therapeutic options and survival rates are severely limited. While breast cancer is most common among women, in rare...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Preferably included within the housing is a power source, such as a battery, which can be a primary battery, i.e., single use, or a secondary battery, i.e., rechargeable. Alternatively, the power source may be external to the housing and the holster therefor, but operatively connected to the power connector. The housing and holster are preferably formed of a lightweight rigid plastic. The cutter is preferably formed of a lightweight metal such as stainless or surgical steel, or the like.

[0011] The other component of the biopsy device is the cutter introducer, which is comprised of a hollow handle, and an elongated sheath having open opposite ends, i.e., a distal end and a proximal end, mounted to the handle and adapted to receive the cutter element therewithin. A window cut-out or aperture is provided at a distal end portion of the sheath. The window or aperture preferably includes a hook portion for grasping and pulling the target tissue through the window and into the sheath. A proximal end portion of the sheath is fixed within the handle. The hollow handle further defines an axial passage leading to the sheath.

[0012] Th...

Problems solved by technology

One problem with mammography is that such an imaging technique can only find breast cancer once it has taken form.

All too often, breast cancer is discovered at a stage that is too far advanced, when therapeutic options and survival rates are severely limited.

Such a system significantly decreases the invasiveness of the biopsy procedure by only requiring a small incision and puncture, which may be done under local anesthetic.

However, in certain situations, such as where the tissue to be biopsied is in a mammary duct, the incision and probe insertion required with the Mammotome® is unnecessarily invasive and undesirable.

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