Abstract: A multiple biopsy device has a number of chambers into which tissue samples are received. A cutting mechanism, such as a blade, moves relative to the chambers to cut a tissue sample that is within a chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the multiple biopsy device is removably secured to the distal end of an endoscope/bronchoscope.

Abstract: A device for suturing an opening in an internal organ of a patient, comprises a first catheter for insertion to an opening to be sealed through a working channel of an endoscope, a plurality of anchoring members received within the first catheter, each of the anchoring members including a shaft extending from a tissue penetrating distal tip to a suture receiving proximal end and a gripping arm moveable between an insertion configuration in which the gripping arm is folded against the shaft and a gripping configuration in which the gripping member extends away from the shaft and a driving member extending through the first catheter to a proximal end thereof, wherein advancing the driving member distally into the first catheter advances the anchoring members distally through the first catheter to drive a distal-most one of the anchoring members out of the first catheter to anchor in tissue. A length of suture extends between the suture receiving proximal ends of the anchor members.

Abstract: A multiple biopsy device has a number of chambers into which tissue samples are received. A cutting mechanism, such as a blade, moves relative to the chambers to cut a tissue sample that is within a chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the multiple biopsy device is removably secured to the distal end of an endoscope/bronchoscope.

Abstract: A multiple biopsy device has a number of chambers into which tissue samples are received. A cutting mechanism, such as a blade, moves relative to the chambers to cut a tissue sample that is within a chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the multiple biopsy device is removably secured to the distal end of an endoscope/bronchoscope.

Abstract: A device for suturing an opening in an internal organ of a patient, comprises a first catheter for insertion to an opening to be sealed through a working channel of an endoscope, a plurality of anchoring members received within the first catheter, each of the anchoring members including a shaft extending from a tissue penetrating distal tip to a suture receiving proximal end and a gripping arm moveable between an insertion configuration in which the gripping arm is folded against the shaft and a gripping configuration in which the gripping member extends away from the shaft and a driving member extending through the first catheter to a proximal end thereof, wherein advancing the driving member distally into the first catheter advances the anchoring members distally through the first catheter to drive a distal-most one of the anchoring members out of the first catheter to anchor in tissue. A length of suture extends between the suture receiving proximal ends of the anchor members.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an endoscopic instrument includes first and second end effectors, a screw and optionally a washer. The end effectors have arms which are biased away from each other. The screw has a threaded portion dimensioned to engage the distal end of the endoscopic instrument and a head portion with a pair of arm receiving grooves. In a presently preferred embodiment, the washer extends over arms of the end effectors which pass through grooves in the head of the screw. In this manner, the arms of the end effectors are captured between the screw and the washer. The grooves are preferably provided with upstanding pins which engage mounting holes in the arms of the end effectors.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided with a hollow tube, first and second end effectors coupled to the hollow tube and having arms biased away from each other, a cylindrical member slidably disposed over the hollow tube, a push/pull wire extending through the tube, a handle assembly coupled to the push/pull wire and the hollow tube, and a disk segment connected to the push/pull wire and connected to the cylindrical member by a crimp in the cylindrical member. When the handle assembly is actuated, the push/pull wire moves the disk segment and hence the cylindrical member relative to the end effectors and causes the cylindrical member to ride over the arms of the end effectors, thereby forcing the end effectors closed or permitting them to open. Preferably, the disk segment has two curved sides which are coupled to the cylindrical member by crimping, and two substantially parallel sides which provide room for the arms of the end effectors so that the disk segment can move relative to the end effectors.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for an endoscopic instrument includes first and second end effectors, a screw, and optionally a washer. The end effectors have arms which are biased away from each other. The screw has a threaded portion dimensioned to engage the distal end of the endoscopic instrument and a head portion with a pair of arm receiving grooves. In a presently preferred embodiment, the washer extends over the arms of the end effectors which pass through grooves in the head of the screw. In this manner, the arms of the end effectors are captured between the screw and the washer. The grooves are preferably provided with upstanding pins which engage mounting holes in the arms of the end effectors.