Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for automatically extracting a sample of tissue of a predetermined size and shape from a body, e.g. female uterine cervix. The apparatus is generally comprised of a generally cylindrically core-cutter with a rotatably mounted cutting blade faired within the circumference of the cutting end of the core cutter for severing the tissue sample upon rotation of the blade. A plunger, slidably mounted within the core-cutter, is used to both limit the depth which the core-cutter advances into the tissue body and thus in part limit the size of the sample to be severed, and to expel or eject the severed sample in response to a forward movement of the plunger. An outer sleeve, preferably having a pronged edge located adjacent the cutting edge of the core cutter for properly positioning the apparatus against the tissue surface, telescopically surrounds the core cutter.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim