Sampling Apparatus for Taking a Number of Samples

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for taking tissue samples and the like in the context of use of a kind of examination or treatment telescope ( 1 ) in the treatment of humans or animals, wherein the apparatus for taking tissue samples and the like is provided with a receptacle ( 8 ) for accommodating tissue samples and the like, and wherein, at the end of biopsy forceps ( 6 ), coupling means are formed for exchangeable attachment of a tool ( 3 ) for use in connection with the biopsy forceps ( 6 ). Moreover, at the end of the telescope ( 1 ), a kind of cap or rounded shield may be arranged that prevents the tool ( 3 ) from being captured in folds or orifices in the intestines of the patient during introduction of the examination or treatment telescope ( 1 ) into the patient, or the telescope ( 1 ) may be provided with a bore ( 14 ) at the end of the telescope ( 1 ) for receiving the tool ( 3 ).

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . An apparatus for taking tissue samples in connection with the use of a kind of examination or treatment telescope ( 1 ) in the treatment of humans or animals, which apparatus ( 2 ,  3 ) is provided with a passage ( 4 ) for advancing a maneuvering cable ( 2 ) through the apparatus ( 2 ,  3 ), the maneuvering cable ( 2 ) being connectable to a tool ( 3 ) for taking tissue samples and including a receptacle ( 8 ) for accommodating tissue samples, including at the end of the examination or treatment telescope ( 1 ) a bore which is introduced into the patient to increase the diameter of the passage ( 4 ) for the maneuvering cable ( 2 ) to a tool ( 3 ) for use as biopsy forceps ( 6 ), said bore ( 14 ) being configured for completely or partially receiving the tool ( 3 ) arranged at the end of the maneuvering cable ( 2 ). 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , including coupling means at the end of cable ( 2 ) for exchangeable attachment of a tool ( 3 ) for use in connection with the cable ( 2 ). 
   
   
       23 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , including a cap or rounded shield at the end of the examination or treatment telescope ( 1 ) that prevents the tool ( 3 ) from being captured in folds or orifices in a patient's intestines during introduction of the examination or treatment telescope ( 1 ) into the patient. 
   
   
       24 . The apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the cap or rounded shield arranged at the end of the examination or treatment telescope is provided with a flexible slot or opening through which the tool ( 3 ) is able to pass from a passive position when the tool ( 3 ) is to be brought to an active position. 
   
   
       25 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) in the tool ( 3 ) contains an exchangeable foil, which foil encloses the samples following completion of sampling. 
   
   
       26 . The apparatus according to  claim 25 , wherein the exchangeable foil is made of or treated with a coating that adheres to and secures the collected samples. 
   
   
       27 . The apparatus according to  claim 26 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) comprises a lid ( 9 ) closing mechanism for opening and closing access to the receptacle ( 8 ). 
   
   
       28 . The apparatus according to  claim 27 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) comprises cutter or swipe means ( 15 ) for taking a sample. 
   
   
       29 . The apparatus according to  claim 27 , wherein the lid of the receptacle ( 9 ) comprises cutter or swipe means ( 15 ) for taking a sample. 
   
   
       30 . The apparatus according to  claim 27 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) and the lid ( 9 ) of the receptacle comprise mutual cutter or swipe means ( 15 ) for taking a sample. 
   
   
       31 . The apparatus according to  claim 30 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) in the tool ( 3 ) comprises an essentially rigid receptacle ( 8 ) which includes perforations ( 11 ) sized so that liquid and the like is able to pass through the perforations ( 11 ), whereas the samples cannot. 
   
   
       32 . An apparatus according to  claim 31 , including perforations in the lid or closing mechanism ( 9 ). 
   
   
       33 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ), at least along a portion of its opening, includes an edge ( 16 ) which is arranged such that it retains collected samples in the receptacle ( 8 ). 
   
   
       34 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) is completely or partially provided by a mesh having a mesh size that allows liquid to pass therethrough, whereas the samples cannot. 
   
   
       35 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) is a cylindrical unit that is arranged at the end of a maneuvering cable ( 2 ) and includes a cutter device ( 12 ) displaceable in the axial direction of the cylindrical unit. 
   
   
       36 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) is a cylindrical unit that is arranged at the end of a maneuvering cable ( 2 ) and includes a cutter device ( 12 ) that comprises two essentially dish-shaped cutting parts ( 17 ). 
   
   
       37 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the end of the tool ( 3 ) that faces towards the coupling means of the cable connection includes suctioning and/or flushing passages ( 7 ), either via passages in the telescope ( 1 ) or via coupling to the maneuvering end of the telescope ( 1 ) or the biopsy forceps ( 6 ). 
   
   
       38 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , including a mesh or grid ( 23 ) at the coupling end of the tool ( 3 ), wherein a passage is formed in the mesh or grid ( 23 ) for at least one inner part ( 21 ) of the operating cable ( 2 ) for the tool ( 3 ). 
   
   
       39 . The apparatus according to  claim 21 , wherein the receptacle ( 8 ) is formed as a turnable cylinder ( 30 ), comprising a plurality of openings ( 31 ) for collecting samples.