Abstract: A controller for use with a hollow endoscopic needle for collecting tissue, cell and/or fluid specimens from a patient that includes an outer body enclosing a slidably retaining a spring loaded plunger, a click and release plunger holder, a vacuum port, and a hollow needle attached to the plunger that is slidably retained in an outer tube or sheath. The controller permits a surgeon to positively control the needle and penetrate tissue, to pulse the needle, and to quickly and positively return the plunger and its needle back to its original un-pushed position. A vacuum or fluid pathway is defined between proximal and distal seals and along the needle's exterior and the interior of the outer tube or sheath and leads to a distal end of the hollow needle. A stylet can be slidably retained within the hollow needle, and can include a sensor to permit navigation.

Abstract: A controller for use with a hollow endoscopic needle for collecting tissue, cell and/or fluid specimens from a patient that includes an outer body enclosing a slidably retaining a spring loaded plunger, a click and release plunger holder, a vacuum port, and a hollow needle attached to the plunger that is slidably retained in an outer tube or sheath. The controller permits a surgeon to positively control the needle and penetrate tissue, to pulse the needle, and to quickly and positively return the plunger and its needle back to its original un-pushed position. A vacuum or fluid pathway is defined between proximal and distal seals and along the needle's exterior and the interior of the outer tube or sheath and leads to a distal end of the hollow needle. A stylet can be slidably retained within the hollow needle, and can include a sensor to permit navigation.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle for collecting tissue, cell and/or fluid specimens from a patient that uses a multi-channel connector having a first channel for accepting a vacuum source that will fluidly connect with a hollow needle at the distal end, and a second channel for receiving a stylet therein, an outer sheath having proximal and distal ends with the proximal end being operatively connected to a lower portion of a leur-lock, an inner tube fluidly connected to the multi-channel connector and an outer needle assembly connected to or as part of the inner tube, an inner needle or a stylet having a proximal end attached to a cap removably connected to the second channel, the stylet having a distal end connected to an inner needle or slidingly positioned within the outer needle, and a fluid pathway from the multi-channel connector to the interior of the outer needle.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle for collecting tissue, cell and/or fluid specimens from a patient that uses a multi-channel connector having a first channel for accepting a vacuum source that will fluidly connect with a hollow needle at the distal end, and a second channel for receiving a stylet therein, an outer sheath having proximal and distal ends with the proximal end being operatively connected to a lower portion of a leur-lock, an inner tube fluidly connected to the multi-channel connector and an outer needle assembly connected to or as part of the inner tube, an inner needle or a stylet having a proximal end attached to a cap removably connected to the second channel, the stylet having a distal end connected to an inner needle or slidingly positioned within the outer needle, and a fluid pathway from the multi-channel connector to the interior of the outer needle.

Abstract: A medical device for obtaining biopsy tissue samples is provided. The device includes a flexible outer tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and a flexible inner member slidably and preferably coaxially received within the outer tubular member. The inner member includes a flexible member adjacent the proximal end of the outer tubular member, a first spring section having proximal and distal ends and being oriented adjacent the distal end of the outer tubular member, and a second spring section therebetween. A retractable hollow needle member or other specimen collection device is coupled to the distal end of the first spring section.

Abstract: A medical device for obtaining biopsy tissue samples is provided includes a flexible outer tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and an inner tubular member slidably and coaxially received within the outer tubular member and a stylet slidably and coaxially received within the inner tubular member. A spring member coaxially oriented about the stylet has a proximal end attached to the stylet and a distal end attached to an outer hollow needle member. The inner hollow needle is attached to the distal end of the stylet to effect reciprocal movement thereof. The device has a retracted position, a first extended position wherein the outer hollow needle and a first portion of the inner needle are deployed beyond the distal end of the device, and a second extended position wherein a second length of the inner needle is deployed beyond the distal end of the device.

Abstract: A medical device for obtaining biopsy tissue samples is provided. The device includes a flexible outer tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and an inner tubular member slidably and coaxially received within the outer tubular member and a stylet slidably and coaxially received within the inner tubular member. A spring member coaxially oriented about the stylet has a proximal end attached to the stylet and a distal end attached to an outer hollow needle member. An inner hollow needle member is telescopically received within the outer hollow needle member, and the proximal end of the inner hollow needle member is attached to the distal end of the stylet to effect reciprocal movement thereof.

Abstract: A medical device for obtaining biopsy tissue samples is provided. The device includes a flexible outer tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and a flexible inner member slidably and preferably coaxially received within the outer tubular member. The inner member includes a flexible member adjacent the proximal end of the outer tubular member, a first spring section having proximal and distal ends and being oriented adjacent the distal end of the outer tubular member, and a second spring section therebetween. A retractable hollow needle member or other specimen collection device is coupled to the distal end of the first spring section.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly comprised of an outer flexible catheter and a reciprocating interior structure on which the needle is mounted. In one embodiment, the needle is directly connected to an internal guide wire. In another, the needle is directly connected to an inner flexible catheter and the guide wire can either extend through the needle or be stopped within the needle. In each embodiment, the needle includes a lateral opening providing a fluid path from the hollow needle, through the catheter, either between the catheter and guide wire or the inner and outer catheters to an outlet at the proximal end of the assembly. The invention also relates to a syringe plunger stop end lock attachment.

Abstract: A completely flexible bronchoscopic needle assembly having fixed and retractable needle embodiments for use with a fiberoptic bronchoscope.

Abstract: A completely flexible bronchoscopic needle assembly for use with a fiberoptic bronchoscope includes a flexible catheter having a hollow sampling needle rigidly and coaxially fixed to the distal end thereof. The sampling needle defines a lateral opening rearwardly of a cutting edge so as to permit an increased quantity of tissue sample to pass through the lateral opening and into the hollow sampling needle. The rearward portion of the lateral opening is defined by a lateral cutting edge to cut into the surrounding tissues so as to obtain a sample therefrom when the sampling needle is forcibly advanced into the tissue. The forward portion of the lateral opening is defined by a gradual inwardly sloped surface which prevents the tissue from being cut when the sampling needle is withdrawn from the tissue.

Abstract: A completely flexible bronchoscopic needle assembly having fixed and retractable needle embodiments for use with a fiberoptic bronchoscope.