Patent ID: 7588557
Filing Date: 2009-09-15
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An endoscopic medical instrument comprising an elongate tubular member containing a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a plurality of hollow needle elements connected to one end of said elongate member so that each of said hollow needle elements communicates at a proximal end with said lumen of said elongate tubular member, said elongate tubular member being sufficiently flexible, long and narrow to traverse a biopsy channel of a flexible fiberoptic endoscope, said needle elements extending in a direction away from said one end of said elongate tubular member, said needle elements each being convex on an outer side facing away from others of said needle elements and concave on an inner side facing said others of said needle elements so that said needle elements together define a bulbous ovoid shape, with tips of said needle elements angled inwardly at a distal tip of the medical instrument, said needle elements each being sufficiently flexible to negotiate bends in said biopsy channel, each of said hollow needle elements being provided with at least one aperture so that fluid may be delivered through said elongate tubular member into said hollow needle elements and out through the apertures in said hollow needle elements.