Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure, comprising an elongated flexible member having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough and an actuator positioned within the aperture. There is a biopsy means connected to the distal end of the actuator for cutting and collecting biopsy specimens and a storage and collection chamber connected to the elongated flexible member for receiving biopsy specimens cut and collected by the biopsy means. The storage and collection chamber is separable from the flexible member and can be sealed by a cap positionable over the storage and collection cassette for storage, processing and in situ or later analysis of biopsy specimens collected by the biopsy means in the order of collection.

Abstract: A method and a device for the intermittent or continuous measurement of portal blood pressure using a tamponade balloon inserted into the esophagus and stomach and a sensor positioned on the bridle, tamponade shaft or esophageal balloon. The tamponade balloons mounted over a tube are placed across the diaphragmatic hiatus and are gradually inflated through a lumen that runs from the balloons to a position that is external from the patient. The measured pressure within the tamponade is increased until the blood flow in the collateral portal veins that traverse the diaphragm are occluded. The cessation of the blood flow into the esophageal varices is signaled when the sensor identifies a change in diameter of the varices, a change in the color of the esophageal wall, or a change in velocity of blood flow. The measured tamponade pressure at the nadir of variceal blood flow is equivalent to portal blood pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure comprising an elongated shaft having multiple apertures extending therethrough. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. An actuator is positioned within the aperture and has a proximal end and an opposite distal end. A spring jaw is connected to the distal end of the actuator for cutting and collecting biopsy specimens. The spring jaw is closed by advancing the shaft over the jaw while holding the actuator in place. This action cuts the biopsy specimen without moving the cutting jaw away from the desired biopsy site, thus facilitating multiple biopsies. Multiple methods for moving the biopsies from the spring jaw into the storage chamber include facilitated suction by entraining air and fluid through the perforated biopsy jaws and fluid injection from the distal shaft into the jaws that entrains the biopsies as it exits proximally through perforations in the storage chamber.