US Patent 7635341 Insertion sleeve assembly

An insertion sleeve assembly consisting of a sleeve and an insertion instrument. The sleeve is made of a material that collapses after having been introduced into the body and on withdrawal of the biopsy needle. Cells are captured as a result. Such a material can be a material that is relatively rigid at relatively low temperature and low humidity outside the body and becomes soft on insertion into the body under the influence of temperature and moisture. The insertion sleeve can be provided with a number of break locations so that no stress can arise between the various parts of the body after withdrawal of the biopsy needle.