Multiple biopsy apparatus and related method of use

Abstract

An endoluminal biopsy device is provided with a proximal actuation mechanism attached to a distal sampler by at least one elongate member. The distal sampler includes a distal inner portion defining a plurality of chambers, each configured to receive a tissue sample, and a distal outer portion defining a cutting mechanism opening having a cutting edge adjacent the cutting mechanism opening. The distal outer portion is configured so that, when the cutting mechanism opening aligns with one of the plurality of chambers, the distal outer portion covers the remaining chambers. A related method for the use of such an endoluminal biopsy device also is provided.

1 - 34 . (canceled)  
   
   
       35 . A method of obtaining a plurality of tissue samples, comprising: 
 inserting a distal sampler into a body, the distal sampler having a longitudinal axis and defining a first biopsy chamber and a second biopsy chamber,    positioning the distal sampler proximate tissue to be sampled;    aligning a cutting mechanism opening that faces a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis with the first biopsy chamber while the second biopsy chamber is covered, the cutting mechanism opening being axially and rotatably movable relative to the distal inner portion,    receiving a first tissue sample into the first biopsy chamber; and    moving the cutting mechanism opening at least one of axially and rotatably relative to the first biopsy chamber, thereby severing the first tissue sample.    
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising: 
 aligning the cutting mechanism opening with the second biopsy chamber while the first biopsy chamber is covered;    receiving a second tissue sample into the second biopsy chamber; and    severing the second tissue sample.    
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the distal sampler remains in substantially the same position when the first and second tissue samples are severed.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein severing the second tissue sample comprises moving the cutting mechanism opening relative to the second biopsy chamber.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein receiving the first tissue sample into the first biopsy chamber comprises applying a vacuum to the first biopsy chamber.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein aligning the cutting mechanism comprises actuating a proximal actuation mechanism of the biopsy device to cause the cutting mechanism opening to move either axially or rotationally relative to the first and second biopsy chambers.