Patent ID: 6471659
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for retrieving a tissue volume of given peripheral extent, comprising:a delivery cannula having an outer surface surmounting an interior channel and extending from a proximal end portion along a longitudinal axis to a forward region having a distal end positionable in confronting adjacency with said tissue volume; a capture component positioned within said delivery cannula interior channel at said forward region, having a forward portion extending to a forwardly disposed pursing cable assembly energizable to define an electrosurgical cutting leading edge portion, and including at least one tensionable cable extending from said pursing cable assembly into said inner channel, said leading edge of said forward portion being extendable from said delivery cannula laterally outwardly and forwardly toward an outer peripheral dimension having a predetermined diametric extent effective to provide a circumspective positioning about said tissue volume peripheral extent and subsequently extendable while being drawn in contraction toward said axis by stress at said pursing cable assembly to a capture orientation enveloping said tissue volume; a housing assembly having forward and rearward portions and coupled in supporting relationship with said delivery cannula at said proximal end portion; a drive assembly extending from driving engagement with said capture component to a driven engagement portion at said housing assembly and drivably movable along said axis from a start orientation to a capture position corresponding with said capture orientation; and an actuator and control assembly drivably engageable with said drive assembly to effect said movement thereof, responsive to control said drive assembly movement in correspondence with said stress exhibited by said cable and including a terminal assembly for effecting said energization of said pursing cable assembly.