CA2172128A1

CA2172128A1 - Multiple biopsy sampling forceps

Info

Publication number: CA2172128A1
Application number: CA 2172128
Authority: CA
Inventors: Alyssa J. Dassa; Bruce H. Diamond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Boston Scientific Corp
Priority date: 1993-09-20
Filing date: 1994-09-20
Publication date: 1995-04-06
Also published as: JPH09502907A; WO1995008944A3; WO1995008944A2; EP0720441A1; EP0720441A4

Abstract

This invention features a device for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body having a proximal portion and a distal portion (16) with a jaw arrangement (30, 30a) for severing multiple tissue samples. This invention includes a retaining element (44) in the space encompassed by the jaws for storing multiple samples arranged axially in the order in which they were severed.

Description

WOss/089~ ~ Y~ PCT~Sg4/lOS64 MULTIPLE BIOPSY SAMPLING FORCEPS
Field of the Invention This invention relates to tAk; ng samples of t;
5 from the body for biopsy analysis.
BaC~4L GUIld of the Invention Tissue samples can be examined in a laboratory to determine the pr~sence of a pathological disorder (e.g.
malignancy). Often, the samples must be obt~;n~ from 10 deep within the body using a medical sampling instrument.
It is usually best to obtain several samples around the location where the disorder is suspected so that the presenc~ and ~o~-ess of disease, if any, can be accurately determined. The samples must be catalogued 15 according to the location from which each sample is taken and the integrity of the samples must be maintained for the subsequent laboratory analysis.
Summarv of the Invention In a first aspect, the invention features a device 20 for obt~ini~g ti~slle samples from a site deep within the body having a proximal portion constructed to follow a long tG~Lu~ùs path to the site and a distal portion constructed with a jaw arrangement that can be opened and closed to sever a sample, including tissue specimens, 25 polyps and the like, from the surface. The device is constructed for severing and storing at least three sllccescive samples. The device includes a sample storing and re~ining element in the space enComr~ce~ by the jaws. The element is fixed to maintain an orientation 30 èxtpn~ing generally distally along a selected length to a distal end and has a profile along the length for engaging multiple samples that are arranged axially in the order in which they were severed from the surface.
The element engages samples with sufficient frictional 35 force to substantially retain the samples from moving W095/08944 2 1 7 2 1 28 PCT~S94/10564 distally from the space encompassed by the jaws when the jaws are opened to sever a sl~sce~cive sample from the surface.
In another aspect, the invention features a device 5 for obtaining tissue samples having a distal end constructed with a jaw arrangement that can be opened and closed to sever the sample, including tissue specimens, polyps and the like, from a surface. The device is constructed for severing storing at least five -c~l~re~sive lO samples. The device includes an elongated sample storing and ret~;n;ng element in the form of an elongated spear-form member in the space encompassed by the jaws. The member is fixed to maintain an orientation exten~;ng along a selected length to a distal end constructed to 15 pierce the samples and allow proximal sliding of previous samples along its length during piercing of tissue to take a successive sample. The element includes near its distal end a retAin;n~ protrusion exten~ing to diameter larger than the diameter of portions proximal of the 20 ~loL~sion. The ~vLL~sion provides sufficient frictional force to substantially retain a sample positioned at least in part proximally of the ~oLLusion from moving distally from the space encompassed by the jaws when the jaws are opened to sever a successive 25 sample from the surface. The length of the ~GLLUSiOn is less than about 15~ of the length of element.
The features of the aspects above can be combined.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following.
The element has a profile of smaller diameters distal of 30 the retaining ~Lo~L~sion to facilitate piercing of the tissue. The pLG~Lusion is integral with the tissue-piercing profile. The ~LoLL~sion and tissue piercing profile are about 5 to 15% of the length of the member proximal of the ~loLL~sion. The length of the element 35 proximal of the retaining ~oLLusion is about 0.065 inch W095/089~ 2 1 721 2~ PCT~S94110564 or longer. The length of the element proximal of the retaining protrusion is about 0.300 inch. The maximum diameter of the retaining ~oL~sion is about 25-250%
larger than portions of the element proximal of the 5 protrusion. The element has a substantially constant diameter proximal of the ret~i~i ng ~ o LL ~sion. The element has a diameter of about O.OlO inch or larger.
The ~GL~sion and the tissue piercing profile form an arrow head-type profile. The sample-retA;n;ng element is lO constructed for deattachment from the device at a location proximal of samples stored on the member. The sample-ret~i~ing element and device include mating structure so a sample ret~; n; ng element can be detached and attached to the device. The sample-ret~; n; ng element 15 and device include a plug and socket-type mating arrangement. The length and profile are constructed for retaining at least five sl1cc~C,eive samples. The element is of substantially constant diameter for most of its length and includes textural surface on at least part of 20 its length to substantially retain the sample. The element extends proximally from the larger diameter of the ret~;ng ~Lr~sion to smaller diameters along a continuous gradual angular profile. The transition between portions of different diameter are rounded for 25 smooth distal sliding release of the samples after removal from the body.
In another aspect, the invention features a method of t~ki ng multiple biopsy samples. The method includes providing a device as described above and delivering the 30 device deep into the body along a tOlL~ous path to a desired site. The method also includes opening the jaw arrangement, exten~;ng the device distally to imbed the spear-form element into a tissue surface at the desired site, and closing the jaws to sever a sample from the 35 surface. The op n; ng, exte~;ng and closing steps are W095l08944 2 1 7 2 1 2 8 PCT~S94/10~4 repeated to take additional samples. The device is removed from the body and the samples removed from the device.
In particular aspects, the samples may be 5 recovered from the device by detaching the element. At least five samples may be taken before removing the device from the body.
Brief DescriDtion of the Drawinq We first briefly describe the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an emho~;ment of the invention being delivered into the body through an endoscope;
Figs. 2-2d illustrate the structure of an embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 3-3b illustrate the use of an embodiment of the invention;
Figs. 4-8 illustrate additional embodiments of the invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to Fig. 1, the device 10 for multiple biopsy sampling may be delivered into the body through the channel of an endoscope device 11 (e.g., gastroscope, sigmoidoscope, or colonoscope). The endoscope device typically has a length of about 100-250 cm and a channel 25 diameter of 2.0 - 3.8 mm, typically about 2.8 mm. A
distal sampling portion 16 is extended from the endoscope for cutting and storing a sample of tissue from a body surface 18 of a patient (e.g., from a surface in the gastrointestinal tract or bronçhi~l tract). The device 30 has a diameter of preferably around 1.8 - 2.4 mm, typically about 2.3 mm or less and is of sufficient flexibility so it passes easily though the ch~nn~l when the endoscope follows a tortuous body passageway. The endoscope includes other lumens for water, air, suction, 35 and viewing. Devices according to the invention can be Woss/08944 2 1 7 2 1 2 8 PCT~S94/10564 adapted to be inLLo~ ce~ to sites (e.g., urinary tract, reproductive organs, cardiac tissue, or the like) deep within the body by other means. For example, a device can be configured with a lumen so that it can be advanced 5 over a guidewire, e.g., in v~cc~ r applications. The device may be p~Cse~ through an introducer or guiding catheter in, e.g., cardiac applications. The sampling and storage arrangements may be useful in open surgery applications.
Referring to Figs. 2-2d, particularly Fig. 2, the sampling portion 16 includes a forceps-type device with a pair of jaw members 30, 30a which are movable with respect to each other (arrow 32) between an open and closed position. The jaw members may include ~agged 15 edges 34 around their periphery for cutting a sample of tissue from a body surface. The jaw members are attached to the distal end of the device body 36 at a pivot pin 38. The ope~ing and closing of the jaw members can be c~llL~olled from proximal portions of the device using 20 pull wires 40, 42. The jaw members have a length, I4, coordinated to accommodate a sample storing and retA; n; "g member 44, and open to an angle ~, and a width d3. The spear-form sample storing and retaining member 44, formed, e.g., of metal, is positioned within the space 25 encomp~cce~ by the jaws and fixed with respect to the body of the device. Sampling retA i n i~g member 44 is coll~L~cted and oriented for storing multiple samples, at least three, preferably five or more. The jaws may be elongated to accommodate a long member 44 to store a 30 large number of samples.
The retA;ning member 44 includes a proximal portion 46 for attaching the element to the device, an elongated body 48, for storing, e.g., samples 1-4, and a distal portion 50 shaped like an arrow (shown) or barb 35 that is used to pierce the samples and to help retain Wosslo8944 PCT~S94/10564 them on the element as the jaws are opened in preparation to cut another sample from the tissue surface.
Referring particularly to Figs. 2a and 2b, respectively, a top view and a partial cross-sectional 5 side view with the jaws not shown, the proximal portion 46 may include plug members 47, 47a which are mateable with a socket arrangement 49 in body 36 of the device.
The plug members 47, 47a extend around and proximal of the pivot pin 38 to feet 53, 53a that lock into cutouts 10 55, 55a in the body 36. The plug members may be biased outward with respect to the spacing of the socket openings (arrows S7, Fig. 2b) so the members bear on the inside of the openings to prevent rotation or axial motion of the ret~;ning member 44. After a sufficient 15 number of samples have been taken and the device removed from the body, the plug members can be removed from the socket openings by manually overcomming the bias of the legs 47, 47a to remove the feet 53, 53a from the cutouts 55, 55a and then moving the member 44 axially distally.
20 The member 44, holding the samples, can be sent to the lab where the plug members can be removed e.g. by cutting at a location proximal of the samples, (dotted line 43) and slipping the samples off the body 48. Other attachment assemblies, e.g. screw-forms, indents, etc.
25 can also be used to attach the member to the device. For a single-use forceps instrument, the member 44 can simply be removed by cutting at a region proximal of the samples stored on the body 48.
The length of the member 44 ext~n~ing distally of 30 the pivot pin is L3. The body portion 48 is of substantially constant diameter, d1, over an ext~n~e~
length, Ll, selected to accommodate a desired number of samples. Referring particularly to Fig. 2c, the body portion is of substantially narrow, uniform, symmetric 35 cross-sectional dimension.

2~ 721 28 WO9~l0~31~ PCT~S94/10564 The distal portion 50 has a protrusion 51 to diameters larger than the diameter, dl, of the body portion proximal of the ~ sion. The maximum diameter of the protrusion is d2. The proximal edge 54 of the 5 protrusion extends distally with an abrupt profile. The proximal edge 54 may extend substantially perpendicular to the axis of the body 48. Distally and integrally with the protrusion 51, the portion 50 extends along a gradual conical surface to a sharp tip 52 for piercing tissue.
10 Referring particularly to Fig. 2d, the cross-sectional profile of the ~oL~usion and distal portion are narrow and symmetric. The distal portion has a short length, L2. The relatively gradual angle of distal conical surface and the abrupt angle in the distal direction of 15 surface 54 allows the member to pierce tissue, then retain tissue samples from slipping off when the jaws are opened while the device is still in the body.
In embodiments, the maximum diameter, d2, of the ~oLL~sion 51 is preferably 25-50~ (or more, up to e.g.
20 250%) larger than the diameter, d1, of the body 48. The portion 50 and ~oL-~sion 51 are also relatively short compared to the body 48 so that samples may be disposed proximally of the portion 50 and retained against distal motion. The length, L2, of the distal portion 50 is 25 about 5-15% of the length, L1, of the body 48. The length of the ~oLL~sion is less than 15% of the length of the body.
Typical embodiments include the following combinations of dimensions. The body 48 of the member 30 has a length, L1, about 0.065 to 0.300 inch, and a diameter, dl, about 0.010 to 0.035 inch. The distal portion 50 has a length, L2, about 0.015 to 0.035 inch and a maximum diameter d2, about 0.015 to 0.045 inch.
The overall length, L3, of the member 44 is about 0.075 35 to 0.325 inch. The jaw members have a working length of, 2 1 72~ 28 woss/~8944 PCT~S94/10564 L4, about O.lol to 0.350 inch. The jaws open to an angle, ~, e.g. about 45 (may vary) with respect to the axis 41 of the device, creating an op~n;n~ of diameter, d3, about 0.225 to 0.350 inch. A particular embodiment 5 for t~k;ng five successive samples has body length, L1, of about 0.300 inch, a distal portion length, L2, of about 0.015 inch, a body diameter, dl, of 0.010 inch, a distal portion maximum diameter, d2, of about 0.015 inch, and the jaws are elongated to a length, L4, of about 10 0.350 inch.
Referring to Figs. 3-3a, particularly Fig. 3, in use, after the device has been delivered into the body, the jaws 30, 3Oa are placed in the open position. The ~GL~sion 51 on the distal portion 50 prevents 15 previously-taken samples 1-4 from slipping distally off the retaining member 44. Referring to Fig. 3a, the spear-form ret~in;ng member is advanced into a tissue surface 18 at a location where an additional sample is to be taken. As the element 44 is advanced the pressure 20 applied in the distal direction displaces (arrow 54), the previous samples, samples 1-4, distally along the long narrow body 48 of the member 44. The member 44 is advanced distally such that the entire short distal portion, beyond the protrusion 51, is inside tissue.
Referring to Fig. 3b, the jaws 30, 30a are closed and the cutting edge 34 cuts or evulses the next sample, sample 5, from the tissue surface 18. The ~oL~sion 51 holds sample 5 and the other samples ~ lly in place.
The device can be removed from the body and the samples 30 recovered for laboratory analysis or, if sufficient retaining element length is provided, the process above can be repeated for taking still additional samples.
After a sufficient number of samples have been taken, the device is removed from the body and the sample recovered (e.g. by removing the element 44 as discussed above) and WO9~/08944 2 1 72 1 28 PCT~S94110564 sent to a laboratory for analysis. In cases where structure is provided for reattachment, a new element is installed in the jaws for further sampling.
Other ~mbodiments Referring to Fig. 4, in another emho~i~ent, a sample ret~;ni~g member 60 includes a distal portion 61 with an angular surface 62 ext~n~ing distally to smaller diameters and a sharp tip 64. Proximal of a ret~ining region 66, the member includes a continuous gradual l0 angular storage surface 68 that extends to smaller diameters in the proximal direction. In this embodiment, the angle of the surface 68 may be more gradual than the angle of surface 62; the profile and length of the surface 68 discourages samples from slipping beyond the 15 ret~;n;ng region 66 when the jaws are opened in preparation for taking an additional sample.
Referring to Fig. 5, a ret~;n;~g element 70 includes a short distal portion 71 that includes a surface 72 exten~;ng distally to smaller diameter, such 20 as to a sharp point 74, and a rolln~e~ surface near a ret~;n;ng region 76. The ro~ e~ surface gr~ ly transitions into a relatively abrupt angular surface 78, that extends to a body 79 of substantially constant diameter. The shape and diameter difference between the 25 body 79, transitioning along surface 78 to the region 76, is sufficient to ~;scollrage previously taken samples from slipping distally. Yet, after the device has been removed from the body, the samples can be removed without damage by pllll;ng them distally over the gradually 30 contoured surfaces.
Referring to Fig. 6, a ret~; n; ng element 80 includes a distal portion 8l having a rounded or spherical shape that atraumatically pierces soft tissue.
Referring to Fig. 7, an element g0 includes a 35 distal portion 9l having a block-form shape. The body 92 W095/08944 2 1 7 2 1 2 8 PCT~S94110564 has a gradual slope to smaller diameter in the distal direction causing a ledge 93 that retains samples from sliding proximally.
Referring to Fig. 8, in another embodiment, a 5 member lOO has a distal portion lOl with a diameter no greater than a body portion 102. The surface of element includes a texture 103 formed, e.g. by sandblasting, for increasing frictional force between the surface and stored samples. The distal portion lOl includes a lO sharpened tip 104 and is (optionally) not textured to improve piercing of tissue. Further embodiments do not include a tex*ured surface or a ret~ining ~lo~L~sion.
The distal portions have a diameter substantially equal to the bodies. The length and diameter of the bodies is l5 selected such that sufficient frictional force exists between the body and the sample to discourage the sample from slipping off distally when the jaws are opened to take an additional sample. Yet, the dimensions of the body are not so large as to detrimentally reduce the 20 sample size.
In various embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the ret~inin~ member is preferably round, but may be of other, preferably symmetric, geometrical configurations, e.g. square, etc. Long, narrow retaining 25 members have the advantage that relatively large samples can be taken, e.g., when not used in a multiple biopsy mode. Other embodiments employ features discussed in "Multiple Biopsy Sampling Device" by Bruce H. Diamond, Donald E. Robinson, Alyssa J. Dassa and Charles Warich, 30 filed September 20, 1993, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The general structure of a typical forceps device is discl1~s~ in Bales et al.
U.S. 5,133,727, which is also hereby incorporated by reference. A biopsy forceps device that could be 35 modified by the addition of retaining members taught W095/08944 PCT~$94/10564 herein is available Radial JawTM from Boston Scientific CoL~o~ation, Watertown, M~c~chllsetts~
Still further embodiments are in the following claims.

Claims

1. In a device for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body having a proximal portion constructed to follow a long torturous path to said site and a distal portion constructed with a jaw arrangement that can be opened and closed to sever a sample, including tissue specimens, polyps and the like, from said surface, the improvement comprising:
said device constructed for severing and storing at least three successive samples from said surface including:
a sample storing and retaining element in the space encompassed by said jaws, said element fixed to maintain an orientation extending generally distally along a selected length to a distal end and having a profile along said length for engaging multiple samples arranged axially in the order in which they were severed from said surface with sufficient frictional force to substantially retain said samples from moving distally from said space encompassed by said jaws when said jaws are opened to sever a successive sample from said surface.

2. The instrument of claim 1 wherein said sample retaining element is an elongated spear-form member of extended length oriented to pierce said sample and allow proximal sliding of previous samples along its length during piercing of tissue to take a successive sample.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the retaining element includes a retaining protrusion extending to diameter larger than the diameter of portions proximal of said protrusion, said protrusion providing sufficient frictional force to substantially retain said sample when said sample is positioned at least in part proximally of said protrusion.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said protrusion is less than about 15% of the length of said element.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said retaining protrusion is positioned near the distal end of said element.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said element has a profile of smaller diameters distal of said retaining protrusion to facilitate piercing of said tissue.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said protrusion is integral with said tissue-piercing profile.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said protrusion and tissue piercing profile are about 5 to 15% of the length of said member proximal of said protrusion.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein the length of said element proximal of said retaining protrusion is about 0.065 inch or longer.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the length of said element proximal of said retaining protrusion is about 0.300 inch.

11. The device of claim 3 wherein the maximum diameter of said retaining protrusion is about 25-250 larger than portions of said element proximal of said protrusion.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said element has a substantially constant diameter proximal of said retaining protrusion.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said element has a diameter of about 0.010 inch or larger.

14. The device of claim 7 wherein said protrusion and tissue piercing profile form an arrow head-type profile.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein said sample-retaining element is constructed for deattachment from said device at a location proximal of samples stored on said member.

16. The device of claim 15 wherein said sample-retaining element and device include mating structure so a sample retaining element can be detached and attached to said device.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein said sample-retaining element and device include a plug and socket-type mating arrangement.

18. The device of claim 1 wherein said length and profile are constructed for retaining at least five successive samples.

19. The device of claim 1 wherein said element is of substantially constant diameter for most of its length and includes textured surface on at least part of its length to substantially retain said sample.

20. The device of claim 3 wherein said element extends proximally from said larger diameter of said retaining protrusion to smaller diameters along a continuous gradual angular profile.

21. The device of claim 3 wherein the transition between portions of different diameter are rounded for smooth distal sliding release of said samples after removal from the body.

22. In a device for obtaining tissue samples having a distal end constructed with a jaw arrangement that can be opened and closed to sever said sample, including tissue specimens, polyps and the like, from a surface, the improvement comprising:
said device constructed for severing storing at least five successive samples, including:
an elongated sample storing and retaining element in the form of an elongated spear-form member in the space encompassed by said jaws, said member fixed to maintain an orientation extending along a selected length to a distal end to pierce said samples and allow proximal sliding of previous samples along its length during piercing of tissue to take a successive sample, said element including near its distal end a retaining protrusion extending to diameter larger than the diameter of portions proximal of said protrusion, said protrusion providing sufficient frictional force to substantially retain a sample positioned at least in part proximally of said protrusion from moving distally from said space encompassed by said jaws when said jaws are opened to sever a successive sample from said surface, the length of said protrusion being less than about 15%
of the length of element.

23. The device of claim 22 wherein said retaining protrusion is formed near the distal end of said element and integral with it having a profile of smaller diameters distal of said retaining protrusion to facilitate piercing of said tissue.

24. The device of claim 23 wherein said element has a length of about 0.300 inch proximal of said retaining protrusion.

25. The device of claim 24 wherein the protrusion and tissue piercing profile are about 5 to 15% of the length of said member proximal of said protrusion.

26. The device of claim 25 wherein the maximum diameter of said retaining proptrusion is about 25-50%
larger than portions of said element proximal of said protrusion.

27. The device of claim 26 wherein said has a substantially constant diameter proximal of said protrusion.

28. The device of claim 27 wherein said element has a diameter of about 0.010 inch to 0.035 inch proximal.

29. The device of claim 22 including a proximal portion constructed to follow a long torturous path to said site.

30. A method of taking multiple biopsy samples, comprising:
(a) providing a device as described in claim 2, (b) delivering said device deep into the body along a torturous path to a desired site, (c) opening said jaw arrangement, (d) extending said device distally to imbed said spear-form element into a tissue surface at said desired site, (e) closing said jaws to sever a sample from said surface, (f) repeating steps (c)-(e) to take additional samples, (g) removing said device from the body, (h) removing said samples.

31. The method of claim 30 further including:
recovering said samples by detaching said spear-form element from said device.

32. The method of claim 31 including:
repeating steps (c)-(e) to take at least five samples.