Patent ID: 7635372
Filing Date: 2009-12-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for removing a selected portion of tissue from a surface of a body cavity, comprising the steps of: inserting into the body cavity an insertion device; advancing a substantially transparent flexible cup through a lumen of the insertion device in a folded insertion configuration; advancing the flexible cup distally from the lumen of the insertion device, wherein the flexible cup deploys to an operative configuration in which the flexible cup is substantially funnel shaped as it exits the lumen; visually positioning the flexible cup adjacent to the selected portion of tissue by observing the selected portion of tissue at least partially through the flexible cup; applying a vacuum pressure to an interior of the flexible cup to draw the selected portion of tissue thereinto; severing the selected portion of the tissue from surrounding tissue; withdrawing the flexible cup into the lumen while maintaining vacuum pressure within the flexible cup to retain the severed tissue within the flexible cup; and maintaining the selected portion of tissue within the flexible cup during withdrawal of the flexible cup from the body.