Abstract: A probe assembly for endoscopic procedures includes a gear motor having a rotatable gear shaft through which a such as a wire or hollow needle is inserted with the probe being clamped to rotate by the gear motor. The probe extends through a catheter and the catheter and probe extend through a medical scope to the location to be viewed by the scope, such as a bile duct. Where the probe is a hollow needle, a stylet may extend outwardly of the needle and jointly rotate with the needle.

Abstract: A method of puncturing the thoracic duct by endoscopic ultrasound is performed on humans to collect specimens from the thoracic duct lymph.

Abstract: A probe vibrating assembly for endoscopic procedures includes a base unit having a rotatable spindle. A drive member is eccentrically mounted to the spindle. The drive unit is secured to a slide plate to move the slide plate back and forth while the spindle is rotating. A clamp mechanism is secured to the slide plate and is used for clamping a probe so that the probe also moves back and forth. The probe is mounted to a medical scope.

Abstract: A probe vibrating assembly for endoscopic procedures includes a base unit having a rotatable spindle. A drive member is eccentrically mounted to the spindle. The drive unit is secured to a slide plate to move the slide plate back and forth while the spindle is rotating. A clamp mechanism is secured to the slide plate and is used for clamping a probe so that the probe also moves back and forth. The probe is mounted to a medical scope.

Abstract: A medical device performs simultaneous brush cytology and scrape biopsy on structures within an organic duct by collecting cells and tissue on a brush having irregular semi-rigid bristles, preferably formed as the hook portion of a hook and pile fastener (e.g., the hook potion of a Velcro pad). A wire guided catheter has a brush strip located near a distal end for insertion into the duct. Once the distal end and brush are positioned at a selected location within the duct, the catheter is pushed and pulled back and forth to gather cells and scrapings from the selected location, which accumulate in the irregular bristles. The catheter can be enclosed in a retractable sleeve during insertion and/or withdrawal. An enlargement at the distal end of the catheter assists in opening the duct to admit the brush. A radio-opaque marker is externally detectable to assist in locating the brush at the selected location.

Abstract: A medical device performs simultaneous brush cytology and scrape biopsy on structures within an organic duct by collecting cells and tissue on a brush having irregular semi-rigid bristles, preferably formed as the hook portion of a hook and pile fastener (e.g., the hook portion of a Velcro pad). A wire guided catheter has a brush strip located near a distal end for insertion into the duct. Once the distal end and brush are positioned at a selected location within the duct, the catheter is pushed and pulled back and forth to gather cells and scrapings from the selected location, which accumulate in the irregular bristles. The catheter can be enclosed in a retractable sleeve during insertion and/or withdrawal. An enlargement at the distal end of the catheter assists in opening the duct to admit the brush. A radio-opaque marker is externally detectable to assist in locating the brush at the selected location.