A Biopsy Cap with Helical Brushes for Endoscopes

This patent describes a specialized cap for endoscopes that uses brushes arranged in a spiral pattern to collect tissue samples during medical procedures.

What it covers

The patent details an endoscope assembly that includes an endoscope with an internal channel and a port to access it. A cap attaches to this port. This cap has a base that secures it to the endoscope and an outer shell. Inside the cap, there is a brush section, which contains multiple brushes arranged in a helical, or spiral, fashion. This design allows for the collection of biopsy samples through the endoscope's channel, for example, by rotating the cap or moving it along the tissue to efficiently gather cells or small tissue fragments.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover biopsy caps that use different mechanisms for sample collection, such as suction or cutting blades, without brushes.
• —Does not cover biopsy caps where the brushes are arranged in a non-helical pattern, such as straight lines or random configurations.
• —Does not cover endoscopes or biopsy methods that do not involve a cap coupled to a port with an internal brush section.
• —Does not cover general endoscope components or biopsy tools that are not specifically a cap designed with helical brushes.
• —Does not cover methods of biopsy where the sample is collected directly by the endoscope itself without a separate cap attachment.

The clever bit

The novel aspect is arranging the multiple brushes within the cap in a helical fashion. This spiral arrangement likely improves the ability to sweep and collect tissue samples more thoroughly or from a wider area compared to other brush configurations.

Why it matters

Biopsies are crucial for diagnosing many diseases, including cancers, by examining tissue samples. This type of specialized biopsy cap aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sample collection during endoscopic procedures. Better sample collection can lead to more accurate diagnoses and earlier treatment for patients.

Real-world examples

• 1.Gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures
• 2.Bronchoscopy for lung tissue sampling
• 3.Colonoscopy for detecting polyps
• 4.Medical devices for tissue collection during minimally invasive surgery
• 5.Flexible endoscopes used in various medical fields