Abstract: A retractable brush structure is attached to a cylindrical rigid rod which in the closed position passes through a channel in an endoscope. After the brush passes through the endoscope, the brush moves against the tissue in order to remove cells from an area under examination. The brush is withdrawn from the endoscope and sample tissue is removed from said brush for examination after it is withdrawn from the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel applicator for topical anesthetics and a method using said novel applicator which provides for pain-free injections in mucosa by the application of a topical anesthetic followed by an injection limited to penetrate the mucosa only to the extent of penetration of the topical anesthetic. The method is accomplished by applying a topical anesthetic to the desired mucosal area by means of a novel applicator swab, comprising a handle on which is attached an absorbent material and an abrasive portion. The swab is dipped in topical anesthetic and placed at the desired oral location, where the abrasive portion is used to mildly abrade the oral mucosa. The application of the topical is then followed with an injection which penetrates the tissues only to the extent of penetration of the topical anesthetic.

Abstract: A cervical sampler for insertion into the cervical canal of a patient comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a brush disposed on the distal end, and a cannula slidably positioned on the shaft. The cannula is moveable between a first position in which the cannula covers the brush and reduces the insertion profile of the cervical sampler, and a second position in which the cannula exposes the brush for operative contact with the cervical canal. There is also disclosed a method of obtaining sample tissue from the cervical canal of a patient with a sampling brush having a shaft and a bristled portion on the shaft. The method comprises covering the bristled portion of the sampling brush by sliding a sheath distally along the shaft and over the bristled portion and inserting the sampling brush into the cervical canal until the bristled portion, covered by the sheath, is disposed within the cervical canal.

Abstract: A collection container for containing a solution useful for retrieval of cell samples both from a spatula having a collector with ectocervical cell samples thereon and from a cytology brush having bristles with endocervical cell samples thereon.

Abstract: A retractable brush structure is attached to a cylindrical rigid rod which in the closed position passes through a channel in an endoscope. After the closed brush passes through the endoscope, the brush is opened and moves transversely to the tissue in order to remove cells from an area under examination. The brush is closed and withdrawn from the endoscope and sample tissue is removed from said brush for examination after it is withdrawn from the endoscope.

Abstract: A cartilage fragment removal device and method permits the removal of articular cartilage fragments, without undue risk of harm to the healthy cartilage surface. The device consists of a brush attachment located at the end of a shaft, which shaft is in turn coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism imparts a desired brushing motion to the brush attachment, the bristles of which are brought into contact with the articular cartilage fragment during an arthroscopic procedure so as to cause the fragment's removal. The removed fragment is then suctioned from the joint cavity, preferably using a suction tube that is integral to the cartilage fragment removal device.

Abstract: A retractable brush structure is attached to a cylindrical rigid rod which in the closed position passes through a channel in an endoscope. After the closed brush passes through the endoscope, the brush is opened and moves transversely to the tissue in order to remove cells from an area under examination. The brush is closed and withdrawn from the endoscope and sample tissue is removed from said brush for examination after it is withdrawn from the endoscope.

Abstract: Cervical cells can be sampled in such a way as to retain the spatial relationships that existed between the cells prior to sampling. The cells can be collected by using a cervical cell collector that samples a cervix in a spatially resolved manner. The cervix is sampled by placing a sampling balloon in position adjacent to a cervix and inflating the sampling balloon to force a sampling surface of the sampling balloon into contact with the cervix, thereby transferring cervical cells from the cervix to the sampling surface of the sampling balloon. The sampling balloon is then deflated and withdrawn. Then, the adhered cervical cells are treated with a marker and are optically analyzed.

Abstract: A cervical sampling system for collecting a cervical sample for using a Pap test. The cervical sampling system includes an insertion tube with an insertion position indicator, and an introduction guide member that guides the insertion tube into a vaginal cavity. The vaginal insertion tube includes an insertion depth indicator to allow the user to determine the appropriate depth to insert the tube. A cervical sampler is positioned within the vaginal insertion tube and extends into the vaginal cavity to collect samples. The insertion tube and cervical sampler include signaling members that cooperate to indicate to the user when the cervical sample has been rotated through a complete revolution. After the cervical sample has been collected, an ethanol based fixative is applied onto the collecting member before it is forwarded to a lab for slide preparation.

Abstract: A device is provided for self-sampling a body cavity, in particular the cervix, and a method is provided to use the device to obtain samples from the cervix for testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The device includes elongated flexible bristles attached to a handle to form a mop-like sampling member. The sampling member is rotated to mop the cervix and obtain a sample of cervical cells on the elongated bristles. The sampling device is then withdrawn from the vaginal cavity and the sample is sent for analysis.

Abstract: Spatulas for biological sampling. The spatulas of the present invention include an elongated stem formed as a flat strip of uniform width, which has at one end thereof a flat scraper having a slit or an opening at about the center of the flat scrapper. At the other end, the elongated stem has either a second flat scraper or, alternatively, forms a rod-like handle.

Abstract: A cervical cell collection device can easily and comfortably be used by a woman in the privacy and comfort of her own home. Once the woman obtains the cervical cell sample, she can be forward it to a physician's office or other lab location for analysis. The collection device includes an outer guide assembly and an inner sampling assembly bearing a collector.

Abstract: A gynecological instrument for collecting cell samples from the endocervix and exocervix and exocervix, e.g., a Pap Smear brush, has a handle portion carrying a brush base. The brush is connected to the brush base and comprises a central portion of stiff bristles which are generally perpendicular to the handle axis, and a line of softer bristles generally aligned with that axis.

Abstract: A device for collecting cervicovaginal cells, including a first end portion for contacting an ectocervical region and obtaining a sampling of cells therefrom, a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and an elongated middle portion connecting the first and second end portions. A region is formed on the device that provides a designated edge against which an endocervical brush is able to be rubbed for harvesting of cells from the endocervical brush in a vial of preservative.

Abstract: A device is provided for self-sampling a body cavity, in particular the cervix, and a method is provided to use the device to obtain samples from the cervix for testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The device includes elongated flexible bristles attached to a handle to form a mop-like sampling member. The sampling member is slidably disposed within an annular shield for insertion into the vaginal cavity and for positioning in contact with the cervix. After the shield is located in position, the shield is partially withdrawn to expose the elongated bristles to the cervix. The sampling member is rotated to mop the cervix and obtain a sample of cervical cells on the elongated bristles. The sampling device is then withdrawn from the vaginal cavity and the sample is sent for analysis.

Abstract: A cervical cell collection device can easily and comfortably be used by a woman in the privacy and comfort of her own home. Once the woman obtains the cervical cell sample, she can be forward it to a physician's office or other lab location for analysis. The collection device includes an outer guide assembly and an inner sampling assembly bearing a collector.

Abstract: This flask for preparing a fixative-based cytological suspension, which flask is provided with an opening (5) which is intended for receiving a brush (3) for cytological sampling, which brush is detachably fastened to a manipulation handle (4), is such that the opening (5) of the flask comprises abutment means (6) for the brush, which means enable the brush to be locked in the flask and to be detached from the handle (4), and at least one portion of perforated screen (6) for filtering the suspension during pouring.

Abstract: A medical device 10 for collecting both endocervical cells and exocervical cells from a human or veterinary patient includes an elongate handle 12 having first and second handle ends 14 and 16, an elongate foam portion 18 carried by one of the handle ends 14 or 16, and a disk-like foam portion 19 carried by either the same or the opposite handle end 14 or 16. The device 10 includes at least one base plate 30 or 32 connected to the handle 12, to which the elongate and disk-like foam portions 18 and 19 are affixed. The elongate foam portion 18 can be cylindrical in shape, while the disk-like portion 19 can be a convex disk 20 or a generally flat disk 60 or 80. The first foam portion 18 is positioned about a tip 40 or 48 carried by the first handle end 14, for example, connected to the first base plate 30. The first and second foam portions 18 and 19 can be carried on opposite ends 14 and 16 of the handle 12, or can be unitarily formed as a single foam portion 22 carried by the first handle end 14.

Abstract: A cervical sampler for insertion into the cervical canal of a patient comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a brush disposed on the distal end, and a cannula slidably positioned on the shaft. The cannula is moveable between a first position in which the cannula covers the brush and reduces the insertion profile of the cervical sampler, and a second position in which the cannula exposes the brush for operative contact with the cervical canal. There is also disclosed a method of obtaining sample tissue from the cervical canal of a patient with a sampling brush having a shaft and a bristled portion on the shaft. The method comprises covering the bristled portion of the sampling brush by sliding a sheath distally along the shaft and over the bristled portion and inserting the sampling brush into the cervical canal until the bristled portion, covered by the sheath, is disposed within the cervical canal.

Abstract: An endocervical sampling device 10 and method comprising a cytology brush 12 slidably received within a protective cylindrical sleeve 14 and having a tapered distal tip 16 protected by a penetrable seal 18.

Abstract: A cervical sampling system for collecting a cervical sample for a Pap test. The cervical sampling system includes an insertion tube and an introduction guide member that guides the insertion tube into a vaginal cavity. The vaginal insertion tube includes an insertion depth indicator to allow the user to determine the appropriate depth to insert the tube. A cervical sampler is positioned within the vaginal insertion tube and extends into the vaginal cavity to collect samples. The insertion tube and cervical sampler include signaling members which cooperate to indicate to the user when the cervical sample has been rotated through a complete revolution.

Abstract: A non-lacerational method and system employing an abrasive brush for obtaining a transepithelial sample of an epithelial lesion which may be keratinized is disclosed in which an analytical system including an imaging system is provided to detect precancerous and cancerous cells. The transepithelial non-lacerational brush produces sufficient cells from all three layers of the epithelium so that an analytical system comprising a programmed computer can detect which cells require further examination because of a likely suspicion of said pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions. The method and system can apply to the diagnosis non-cancerous conditions as well.

Abstract: A non-lacerational technique to collect cells in an oral mouth cavity utilizes a brush with bristles which have an abrading surface and collect cells from the superficial, intermediate and basal layers of the oral tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brush suitable for taking a smear from the endocervical canal, comprising an elongated handle and a brush head placed on the handle, which brush head comprises a mandrel lying in line with the handle and brush hairs which run substantially parallel placed on the mandrel.

Abstract: A cytologic brush for an endoscope has a flexible sheath removably inserted into an instrument-inserting channel. A brush member is provided at the distal end of the sheath. A single control wire is inserted in the sheath to change the direction of the brush member from the proximal end of the sheath. The proximal end of the brush member is connected to a forward link member of a link mechanism provided at the distal end of the sheath. The distal end of the control wire is connected to the rear end of the link mechanism. By moving the control wire back and forth at an operating part connected to the proximal end of the sheath, the link mechanism is operated to change the direction of the brush member with respect to the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: A swab is described formed of a paper stick having opposite ends of less paper density than the rest of the stick. An absorbent covering such as cotton is placed around the ends. The stick is obtained by rolling a paper having left and right edges harmonically cut with at least two amplitude maxima and at least one amplitude minima. Softer stick ends are achieved through this structural arrangement. A cut paper used for forming the swab stick and a manufacturing process are also described.

Abstract: A fecal antigen specimen tube apparatus preferably consists of a 16.times.75 mm screw-top specimen tube and a special screw cap assembly. The screw cap has a hollow "straw" with a specimen collection brush on the end. The screw-cap assembly can be removed from the specimen tube so that the brush end may be dipped into a fecal sample and rotated to collect a specimen. The cap assembly with specimen is then screwed back into the specimen tube to seal the container. The straw preferably has a number of openings along its length, which permits fluid to move back and forth through the straw as the specimen tube is agitated. Filters with pore sizes of approximately 100 microns are disposed over the openings to prevent larger pieces of fecal matter from penetrating into the straw. The filter, however, will permit most parasites to pass into the straw. The top of the straw (and cap assembly) is preferably sealed with a heat-seal film. This film seals the specimen tube, preventing spillage and evaporation.

Abstract: A portable device for extemporaneous analysis of a body fluid in an intracorporeal cavity includes a tube adapted for introduction into the cavity and a rod slidably mounted in the tube. The rod has a gripping end which emerges from one end of the tube, and a second end that has elements for sampling of body fluid. The rod is capable of assuming two relative positions with respect to the tube, one retracted and the other deployed. The second end of the rod has two branches which can be spaced apart angularly, and the free end of each of the branches has elements for sampling of the body fluid. The branches are arranged in relation with the tube in such a way that, in the retracted position, the sampling elements of the two branches are drawn together and remain at a distal end of the tube, and in the deployed position, the branches are spaced apart outside the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A self-actuated sampling instrument for the collection and short term preservation of cervical tissues for testing purposes by remote laboratory. The sampling and preserving device includes a collection cylinder and a retractable plunger having a sampling broom thereon. A containment collection chamber within the collection cylinder providing a sterile transportation container for the tissue sample which is suspended in a preservative gel that is mechanically disposed from within the collection cylinder onto the sampling broom by the user before transportation to the laboratory.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus for insertion in a forceps channel of an endoscope. The treatment apparatus includes a treatment instrument, a flexible element, and a cover tube. The flexible element is slidable within the cover tube and the treatment instrument is provided at a distal end of the flexible instrument. A distal end of the cover tube expands to receive the treatment instrument as the flexible element is drawn toward a proximal end of the cover tube. The treatment device may include a connecting instrument that supports the cover tube within the forceps channel and seals a proximal end of the forceps channel.

Abstract: A self-actuated sampling instrument for the collection and short term preservation of cervical tissues for testing purposes by remote laboratory. The sampling and preserving device includes a collection cylinder and a retractable plunger having a sampling brush thereon. A containment enclosure is removably positioned over the collection cylinder providing a sterile transportation container for the tissue sample which is suspended in a preservative solution that is mechanically disposed from within the collection cylinder into the containment enclosure around the sample by the user before transportation to the laboratory.

Abstract: A protected microbiological sampling brush assembly includes a sampling brush mounted on the distal end of a control wire, an inner catheter which houses the brush, an outer catheter which houses the inner catheter, and an elastomeric tip which is rigidly attached to the distal end of the outer catheter and which has a weakened end. The proximal ends of the control wire and catheters are coupled to a handle for independently moving the control wire, the inner catheter, and the outer catheter relative to each other. The weakened end of the elastomeric tip is preferably a slit which defines lips which are parted when the distal end of the inner catheter is moved distally against the elastomeric tip to allow the inner catheter to pass therethrough. When the inner catheter is moved proximally relative to the outer catheter, the lips of the elastomeric tip close to protect the inner catheter (and the sampling brush) from contamination.