Abstract: The surgical stylet formed as an elongated, thin member which includes a metallic core which is capable of being bent and remain stationary in any particular desired configuration. A rigid plastic is extruded over the core with the fore end of the core being exposed. The fore end of the core includes an enlarged section. The outermost tip of the fore end is smoothly contoured. A second exterior covering is located about the fore end and extends a short distance beyond the tip. The second exterior covering is formed of a plastic substantially softer than the first covering. The second exterior covering is secured to the fore end with the enlarged section of the fore end to facilitate this securement. The thickness of both the first and second exterior coverings may be such so as to permit the including of longitudinal passageways through the coverings. Within each passageway there is to be located a thin wire member which is capable of being manually moved within the passageway.

Abstract: In combination with an instrument for taking tissue specimens which comprises a pair of movable jaws. One jaw is capable of being located within a cavity of the other jaw. The tissue specimen is to be located within the cavity. Also located within the cavity is a biasing means in the form of a leaf spring which is to exert a continuous bias upon the tissue specimen and, upon opening of the jaws, the tissue specimen is automatically moved to the upper end of the cavity to facilitate its removal therefrom.