Importance

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Abstract

A device for cutting and collecting a specimen from a mass of tissue may include a shaft, an integrated cut and collect assembly coupled to the shaft and an actuator. The shaft may define an opening and may include an outer surface that defines a trough adjacent the opening, the trough defining a ledge portion that is cut out of the shaft. The integrated cut and collect assembly may include an RF cutting portion and a collection portion that includes a flexible membrane, the collection portion being attached to the cutting portion, the integrated cut and collect assembly being configured to assume a retracted position at least partially within the opening such that part of the collection portion is disposed within the trough and in contact with the ledge portion and a selectable expanded position that extends through the opening and away from the shaft. The cutting portion may be configured to cut the specimen from the mass of tissue and the collection portion may be configured to collect the cut specimen and to isolate the cut specimen within the membrane. The trough may be configured to minimize contact of the cutting portion with the tissue to be cut as the cutting portion is becoming fully energized in the retracted position. The actuator may be coupled to the integrated assembly such that operation of the actuator causes a deployment of the integrated assembly from the retracted position to the selectable expanded position.

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First Claim