Patent attributes
A medical device for obtaining biopsy tissue samples is provided. The device includes a flexible outer tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and a flexible inner member slidably and preferably coaxially received within the outer tubular member. The inner member includes a flexible member adjacent the proximal end of the outer tubular member, a first spring section having proximal and distal ends and being oriented adjacent the distal end of the outer tubular member, and a second spring section therebetween. A retractable hollow needle member or other specimen collection device is coupled to the distal end of the first spring section. The device has a retracted position wherein the needle member is retractably housed within the outer tubular member, a first extended position wherein the needle member is at least partially deployed beyond the distal end of the outer tubular member and the second spring section is in an uncompressed state, and a second extended position wherein the second spring section is in a compressed state.
