Importance

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Abstract

A multiple biopsy forceps and method for obtaining a biopsy are disclosed. The forceps comprises an outer tube which can be passed through a biopsy channel of an endoscope and an inner tube concentric with the outer tube and slideably received therein. The tubes slide with respect to each other to operate a set of jaws which can be positioned to grasp and remove a tissue sample for biopsy. The grasped tissue sample is then transfixed by a needle at the end of a wire which is slideably mounted in the inner tube and positioned between the jaws. The needle is advanced and retracted with the opening and closing of the jaws. After one tissue sample is removed, the forceps is repositioned at a second tissue area from whence another tissue sample can be taken in similar fashion. The forceps is not withdrawn from the endoscope until a desired number of tissue samples for multiple biopsies have been taken, thus eliminating the need for the repeated withdrawal and feed of the forceps down the biopsy channel during a single endoscopic examination.

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First Claim