Apparatus and method for tissue biopsy

Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus can be provided for obtaining portions or samples of tissue from a target region of a biological tissue. One or more needles can be provided that have a small internal diameter, e.g., about 1 mm or less, and the needles can be configured to extract the tissue portions when the needles are inserted into and withdrawn from the tissue. Windows and/or markings can be provided on the wall of the needles to facilitate access to the sample. The needles can be provided in an enclosure, and an actuator can be provided to direct the needles into the tissue and/or withdraw them. A plurality of tissue portions having known relative locations in the target region can be obtained, and extraction of the tissue portions can be well-tolerated by the tissue as compared with conventional punch biopsies or the like.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for obtaining biological tissue samples, e.g., for biopsies or the like.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A punch biopsy is a procedure that removes a sample of skin or other tissue, which can be used for external analysis and/or detection of any of a variety of conditions within the tissue. A punch biopsy can be used, e.g., for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma and melanomas. Punch biopsies can generally include a removal of a relatively large tissue sample using, for example, a round shaped knife or tube typically having a diameter of about 2 mm or greater, up to about 4-6 mm. The underlying portion of the sample may be cut using a scalpel or the like, and the tissue sample removed from the patient using small forceps or surgical tweezers. The tissue sample can then be placed in a fixative or the like to stabilize the sample and sent to a lab for analysis.

For example, a skin punch biopsy tissue sample can generally include a full thickness of skin from the surface down to the underlying subcutaneous fat. These relatively large tissue samples are often preferred to facilitate the handling of the samples for analysis and identification of their orientation after removal from the patient. However, conventionally, the removal of such large tissue samples may require an extended healing time and/or stitches, and can further leave markings after healing has occurred.

Accordingly, there may be a need to provide a simpler and more reliable method and apparatus which can overcome at least some of such exemplary deficiencies, and which can obtain punch biopsy samples safely, e.g., without requiring special skills or facilities, and that addresses the limitations described above.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The herein described exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain to a method and apparatus. Synergetic effects may arise from different combinations of the features and embodiments described herein, although all such combinations might not be described in detail. Further, it shall be noted that embodiments of the present invention concerning a method might be carried out with the order of the steps as described, nevertheless this need not be the only or essential order of the steps of the method unless otherwise specified.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to simple, inexpensive, and safe methods, apparatus and devices for a removal of one or more tissue samples that can be smaller than certain samples that can be removed in conventional punch biopsy procedures, such that the removal of such small tissue samples is well-tolerated, for example, the removal sites may heal quickly without significant bleeding or risk of infection, and that may not require stitches. The small tissue samples can be easily handled (e.g., sent to a lab for analysis) more easily analyzed, and can facilitate a more precise spatial identification of portions of the removed sample.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be directed to an apparatus that includes one or more hollow needles, which are adapted and/or structured to be inserted into a biological tissue to obtain tissue samples therefrom. An exemplary hollow needle can be provided with a tapered or pointed distal end configured or structured to be inserted into the tissue, and the needle can be adapted or structured to remove a core sample of the tissue in a hollow portion of the needle when the needle is subsequently withdrawn from the biological tissue. For example, the internal diameter of the hollow needle can be less than about 2 mm, e.g., about 1 mm, or less than about 1 mm. In certain exemplary embodiments, the internal diameter of the needle can be about 0.5 mm or less. The needles can be formed using metal tubes having a gauge that is greater than 16 gauge in size, e.g., between about 21 and 25 gauge. Other diameters can be used according to certain further exemplary embodiments of the present invention. A length of the needle can be between about 1 mm and 5 mm, or longer needle lengths can be used in further embodiments.

The exemplary hollow needle can optionally be provided with one or more openings or windows provided on the wall thereof. Such openings can facilitate access to the tissue sample without removing the sample from the needle. A plurality of markings can optionally be provided along at least a portion of the length of the needle, e.g., proximal to the one or more openings, to facilitate an identification of distances along the tissue sample in the needle.

The one or more exemplary hollow needles can be affixed or coupled to a handle or substrate to facilitate grasping and manipulation of the needle and/or to provide mechanical stability to the needle. The handle or substrate can be adjustably coupled to the one or more hollow needles, e.g., using a friction fitting, a clamp, a threaded arrangement, or the like. Such adjustable coupling can be adapted to vary the protrusion length of one or more of the hollow needles beyond a lower surface of the handle or substrate, e.g., to vary the effective needle length or maximum penetration distance when the apparatus is pressed into a tissue region. The coupling of the needles to the substrate can be adapted such that lengths of the needles can be adjusted either individually or as a group. Such adjustment can be performed using one or more threaded or screw arrangements, clamps or friction fittings, or the like.

The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of needles, e.g., between about 2 and 12 needles, or up to 25 needles, or up to about 100 needles or more. The needles can be coupled to a substrate having a shape that is substantially square or round, rectangular, ovoid, triangular, or another shape. A width of the substrate (e.g., a diameter of a round substrate or side length of a square, triangular or rectangular substrate) can be between about 3 mm and about 30 mm. Spacings between needles on the substrate can be between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. The spacings between needles can be substantially uniform, or they can vary over the substrate. In further embodiments of the invention, the needles can be affixed or attached to an actuating arrangement, if provided. The geometrical characteristics of the actuating arrangement and arrangement of the needles thereon can include any of these shapes and spacing characteristics.

The needle can be formed of a metal or metal alloy, e.g., a surgical steel, a polymer or plastic, an epoxy, a resin, a glass, or another structural material. In certain embodiments, the needle can be formed using a plurality of materials, such as a metal or metal alloy or another hard material for the distal end that includes a cutting surface, and a polymer or plastic, an epoxy, a resin, a glass, or another structural material for at least a portion of the needle shaft.

According to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a tissue-sampling apparatus can be provided that can include one or more of the hollow needles as described herein that is provided within an enclosure and optionally coupled to a substrate. An actuating mechanism can be provided to extend the one or more needles into the tissue to be sampled when activated, and/or to retract the one or more needles from the tissue. The actuating mechanism can include a spring-loaded device, a piston, a plunger, and/or the like. The actuating mechanism can be adjustable to control a penetration depth of the one or more needles into the tissue when the exemplary apparatus is placed on or near the surface of the tissue. Different ones of the needles can have different penetration lengths, for example, the position of one or more of the needles can be adjustable with respect to the substrate and/or actuating mechanism.

The exemplary apparatus can be further provided with a positioning arrangement configured to facilitate viewing of the surface of the tissue beneath the apparatus, and a precise placement of the one or more needles such that they penetrate the tissue at or proximal to one or more predetermined locations. The positioning arrangement can include one or more optical elements, such as a mirror or reflector, a prism, or a lens, and may also include an illuminating arrangement adapted to direct light onto the tissue when the apparatus is being used.

In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus can be adapted or structured to facilitate fixing at least a portion of the one or more needles in an embedding medium after tissue samples have been obtained in the needles. For example, the enclosure, if provided, can be structured to serve as a mold for a embedding medium. In further embodiments, the substrate or handle can be adapted to attach to such mold and optionally form a portion thereof. The embedding medium can include any conventional medium such as, e.g., a wax or paraffin, agar, gelatin, a plastic, a polymer, an acrylic, or an epoxy or epoxy resin. At least a portion of the needle can be formed using a material that can be easily cut or ground, such as a plastic, a polymer, an acrylic, or an epoxy, for example, when the needle is fixed in a embedding medium.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to exemplary methods, devices, and apparatus for reliably removing small tissue samples in a punch biopsy procedure. For example, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary apparatus100for removing a tissue sample according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1. The exemplary apparatus100ofFIG. 1can include a hollow needle120that is configured or structured to be inserted into a region of tissue to be analyzed, and to remove a portion of such tissue when the needle120is withdrawn from the tissue. The internal diameter of the exemplary needle120, or diameter of the lumen, can be less than about 2 mm to reduce scarring or other skin markings, excessive bleeding, etc., after the tissue sample is removed from the surrounding tissue. Smaller diameters can also facilitate the removal of the tissue sample from the surrounding the biological tissue. For example, the internal diameter of the needle120can be about 1 mm or less than 1 mm. In certain embodiments, the internal diameter can be about 0.5 mm or less. In terms of conventional needle gauge sizes, the needle size can be greater than 16 gauge, or preferably between about 21 and 25 gauge. The tissue samples removed by needles120having such diameters can be better tolerated than larger tissue samples removed by conventional biopsy needles, which typically have diameters of about 2-4 mm or greater. Larger or smaller diameters can also be used in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Walls of the exemplary needle120can be optionally be provided with one or more windows, holes, or openings130therethrough, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The openings130shown inFIG. 1are optional, and are not required in all embodiments of the present invention. According to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the openings130, if present, can be substantially rectangular in shape, as shown inFIG. 1, or they can have another shape such as oval shapes, square shapes, etc. Such openings130can be provided at a plurality of locations around the circumference of the needle120. For example, the openings130can be staggered and/or offset such that the ends of adjacent openings130overlap for a particular and/or predetermined distance. This exemplary configuration can provide at least one opening through a portion of the wall of the needle120at substantially every longitudinal distance along the axis along which the needle120extends. The openings130can facilitate access to and/or analysis of portions of the tissue sample that may be present in the needle120. For example, the openings130can facilitate a direct visual observation of the tissue sample. The openings130can also facilitate a direct access to portions of the tissue sample held within the needle120for subsequent removal and/or analysis of small portions of the tissue sample.

In yet further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the exemplary apparatus100can optionally include a plurality of calibrated markings150spaced along the longitudinal direction of the needle120. Such markings150can facilitate an identification of distances and/or depths in the tissue sample that can be observed through the openings130. The markings150can also facilitate placement of the handle or substrate140at a particular location to provide a predetermined protrusion length of the needle120beyond the distal end of the handle or substrate140, in exemplary embodiments where the position of the handle or substrate140relative to the needle120is adjustable.

The exemplary apparatus100can optionally include a handle or substrate140provided at a proximal portion of the needle120. The handle or substrate140can facilitate holding and manipulation of the needle120, e.g., by a user, and can be provided in various sizes and shapes. The handle or substrate140can also be removable from the needle120after the tissue sample has been obtained. Further, a distal end of the handle can be wider than the outside diameter of the needle120, as shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, a position of the handle or substrate140on the shaft of the needle120can control the penetration depth of the needle120when the apparatus100is inserted into tissue to obtain a tissue sample. The apparatus100can be inserted into the tissue until a bottom portion or distal surface of the handle or substrate140contacts the tissue surface, and then be withdrawn to obtain a tissue sample having a predetermined depth. For example, the apparatus100can be provided with a handle or substrate140such that the protrusion length of the needle120beyond the distal end of the handle or substrate140is a predetermined distance.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the position of the handle or substrate140relative to the needle120can be adjustable. The handle or substrate140can be affixed to the needle120using, e.g., a friction fit, a conventional threaded coupling, a clamping mechanism, or the like. Such an adjustable arrangement can be used, for example, to vary or alter the length of the needle120projecting below the handle or substrate140for particular uses, e.g., to sample specific tissue structures or to obtain tissue samples down to a predetermined depth below the tissue surface. For example, a penetration depth of the needle120when the apparatus100is inserted into tissue to be sampled can be varied by varying the projection length. In further embodiments, a plurality of handles140having different lengths can be provided and affixed to a needle120having a particular size, where the choice of handle size can determine the protrusion length of the needle120beyond the distal end of the particular handle or substrate140.

The length of the needle120protruding from the lower portion of the handle or substrate140can generally be, e.g., between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. This exemplary effective length of the needle120can be determined based on the intended use. For example, a shorter needle120having a length between about 1 and 3 mm can be used to obtain tissue samples from the epidermis or near the surface of skin tissue. Longer needle lengths can be provided to obtain tissue samples from structures located deeper below the surface of the tissue. For example, longer protrusion lengths can be provided in the exemplary apparatus100, e.g., lengths greater than 5 mm. Tissue samples relatively close to the surface can be obtained with such longer needles120by inserting only a portion of the needle120into the tissue being sampled and then withdrawing it. An insertion depth can be determined, e.g., using the markings150and/or positions of the windows130, if such optional features are provided on the apparatus100.

A distal end110of the needle120can be sharpened and/or otherwise configured/structured to facilitate (i) a penetration of the needle120into the region of interest of the tissue, and (ii) a separation of the tissue sample from the surrounding tissue. For example, the distal end110of the needle120can be provided with a sharpened or tapered edge. According to certain exemplary embodiments, the distal end110of the needle120can be provided with a plurality of sharp points to facilitate an insertion of the needle120into the biological tissue and/or removal of the tissue sample when the needle120is withdrawn.

In an exemplary operation, the tissue region to be examined can be numbed, cooled, and/or partially or completely frozen using conventional procedures. The exemplary apparatus100can then be inserted into this tissue region, such that the distal end110of the needle120penetrates the tissue to a desired depth. In certain exemplary embodiments, this depth can correspond to a protrusion distance of the needle120beyond the distal end of the handle or substrate140, as described herein. Alternatively, the insertion depth can be determined using the markings150and/or window locations130, if either is present, as a guide.

The exemplary apparatus100can then be removed from the tissue such that the sample of the tissue to be analyzed is retained within the hollow needle120. The exemplary apparatus120can be twisted slightly around the longitudinal axis thereof to facilitate an insertion into the tissue and/or the separation of the tissue sample from the surrounding tissue. The tissue sample can be held within the hollow center of the needle120. Accordingly, the needle120can facilitate the protection and/or stabilization of the tissue sample enclosed therein, and can also maintain a known orientation of the tissue sample based on the direction in which the needle120was inserted into the surrounding tissue.

The tissue region to be sampled can be on or near the skin surface, in which case the tissue sample can be removed by inserting the exemplary apparatus100directly through the skin surface and then removing it. Biopsy samples from tissue regions located deeper within the body can be obtained by first providing an incision to access the tissue region, then inserting the exemplary apparatus100into this deeper tissue, and removing it to obtain the tissue sample.

According to one exemplary procedure according to the present invention, the exemplary apparatus100can be inserted into a region of the tissue to be analyzed, optionally twisted or rotated to facilitate insertion and/or separation of a tissue sample from the surrounding tissue, and then removed from the tissue such that a small tissue sample is retained within the distal portion of the needle120. Such samples having a small diameter can be more easily separated from the surrounding tissue than the larger tissue samples, which have a larger area beneath them that can still remain attached to underlying tissue after the sides of the tissue sample are cut or separated. The depth of the tissue sample thus obtained can be easily selected and monitored using the markings150provided on the needle120.

After the exemplary apparatus100is removed from the region of tissue, the needle120that includes the tissue sample therein can be placed in a small vial or sleeve that can include formaldehyde or another solution or liquid that can preserve and stabilize the tissue sample. The handle or substrate140, if provided, can also be removed prior to placing the needle120into the vial. For example, the handle or substrate140can be attached to the needle120using a spring-loaded latch or the like. The apparatus100can be manipulated by holding the handle or substrate140, and the needle120can then be released from the handle120and dropped into the vial without being handled directly. After the needle120containing the tissue sample is placed in the vial, the vial can be sealed and sent to a laboratory or other facility for analysis.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an exemplary apparatus200, illustrated inFIG. 2, can be provided that includes the needle120according to any of the various embodiments described herein, and a housing or enclosure210. The enclosure210can be mechanically coupled to the needle120, e.g., to facilitate a manipulation of the needle120and an insertion of the needle120into the tissue to be sampled. The enclosure210can include an actuating mechanism220configured to insert the needle120into the tissue to be sampled, e.g., when a lower portion of the enclosure210is placed in contact with the surface of the tissue region.

For example, the actuating mechanism220can include a spring-loaded actuator or the like that can be configured or structured to extend the distal portion of the needle120into the tissue when activated. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the actuating mechanism220can include a plunger, piston, or the like. The actuating mechanism220can be manually activated, e.g., by applying a force to the plunger or piston, or to a trigger or switch coupled to the actuating mechanism220. The needle120can be affixed or coupled directly to the actuating mechanism220. In further embodiments, the needle120can be affixed directly to a substrate140(not shown inFIG. 2), and the substrate140can be further coupled to the actuating mechanism220.

The protrusion distance of the needle120beyond the lower surface of the enclosure210can be predetermined and optionally adjustable, such that the needle120penetrates a known distance into the tissue when the exemplary apparatus200is placed on the surface of the region of the tissue to be sampled and the actuating mechanism220is subsequently activated. For example, a threaded arrangement can be provided to affix or mechanically couple the needle120to the actuating mechanism220and/or to a first portion of the enclosure210, such that the protrusion distance of the needle120can be adjusted by twisting the actuating mechanism220and/or the first portion of the enclosure120relative to a second portion of the enclosure. In further exemplary embodiments, the actuating mechanism220can include a plurality of stops that are configured to control the protrusion distance of the needle120beyond the lower portion of the enclosure210, for example, when the actuating mechanism220is activated.

One or more markers can optionally be provided on the enclosure210, the needle120, and/or the actuating mechanism220in any of the exemplary embodiments described herein to facilitate the adjustment and/or control of the protrusion length of the needle120when the actuating mechanism220is activated.

In further exemplary embodiments, the actuating mechanism220can be adapted, configured and/or structured to retract the needle120back into the enclosure210after the needle120has been inserted into the tissue to be sampled. The distal end of the enclosure210can optionally be provided with a covering arrangement215. The covering arrangement215can be, for example, a film, e.g., a sheet of foil, plastic, or another thin material that the needle120can easily penetrate when the needle120is advanced so it protrudes from the housing210, e.g., when the actuating mechanism220is activated. In certain exemplary embodiments, the optional covering arrangement215can be a solid cap, a plug, or a stopper that is either fixed in place (e.g., adhered to the housing210or formed as a part thereof) or removable (e.g., affixed to the distal end of the enclosure210with screw threads, a frictional fitting, or the like). The covering arrangement215can be adapted to cover the retracted needle120within the enclosure210, to secure the needle120within the enclosure210, to seal the interior volume of the enclosure210, to protect the tissue sample within the needle120from contamination, etc. The covering arrangement215can optionally be provided with a hole aligned with the needle120and located such that the needle120can pass through the hole when the needle is extended, e.g., when the actuating mechanism220is activated.

According to certain further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a fluid can be provided in the enclosure210after the needle120containing a tissue sample is retracted. Such fluid can include a biological preservative or the like configured to preserve and/or prevent deterioration or degradation of the tissue sample. For example, the fluid can be provided in a vial (not shown) that is affixed to the enclosure210or in fluid communication with the interior volume of the enclosure210. In still further exemplary embodiments, the actuating mechanism220can be configured and/or structured to eject the needle120containing the tissue sample into a vial containing such fluid or another such container, to facilitate preservation and transportation of the tissue sample, e.g., prior to analysis of the tissue sample in a remote facility.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optional positioning arrangement230can be provided on or proximal to the enclosure210. The positioning arrangement230can facilitate a deployment of the needle120into a particular location of the tissue when the actuating mechanism220is activated. For example, the location where the tissue sample is to be obtained can be marked on the tissue surface by the user or practitioner using any conventional tissue marking technique. The positioning arrangement230can then be used to align the exemplary apparatus200with the tissue surface such that the needle120can enter the tissue at the marked location when the apparatus200is activated to propel the needle120into the tissue. Although the apparatus200is shown with such positioning arrangement230inFIG. 2, the apparatus200can be provided and used without such positioning arrangement230.

The exemplary positioning arrangement230can include one or more optical elements affixed to and/or formed as part of the enclosure210. For example, the positioning arrangement230can include one or more lenses configured to facilitate the viewing of a portion of the surface of the tissue beneath the apparatus200when the apparatus200is placed on the surface of the tissue. The positioning arrangement230can further include one or more reflecting surfaces to facilitate such viewing of the surface of the tissue from different angles and/or positions. A set of crosshairs or the like can be provided in the positioning arrangement230to identify the precise location where the needle120will enter the tissue when the actuating mechanism220is activated.

In additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the positioning arrangement230can further include an illumination source to facilitate the viewing of the surface of the tissue beneath the apparatus200. In some exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the enclosure210, e.g., a portion proximal to the distal end thereof, is formed using a transparent or translucent material to facilitate such viewing and/or to allow ambient light to illuminate the tissue surface beneath the distal end of the apparatus200. The positioning arrangement230or a portion thereof can be provided as an assembly separate from the housing210, e.g., an illumination source and/or one or more lenses or reflectors, which can be reused with a plurality of housings210and needles120. The positioning arrangement230or a portion thereof can optionally be formed as part of the housing210or permanently affixed thereto.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an apparatus300can be provided as shown inFIG. 3. The exemplary apparatus300includes a plurality of needles120affixed to or coupled to a common handle or substrate140. The needles120can be provided with some or all of the features of the needle120shown inFIG. 1and described herein such as, e.g., windows130and/or markings150, etc. The needles120of the exemplary apparatus300shown inFIG. 3can all have the same size, or certain ones may have different diameters and/or different protrusion distances from the bottom surface of the base140.

In yet further embodiments, some of the needles120can be adjustably attached or affixed to the base140, e.g., by a threaded coupling or screw arrangement, a friction fitting, a clamp, or the like as described above, which can facilitate variation of the protrusion length of the needles120below the lower surface of the base140. The protrusion length of individual needles120can be separately adjustable, or this length may be adjustable simultaneously for all needles120in the apparatus300. For example, at least two of the needles120in the exemplary apparatus300can have different protrusion lengths.

The apparatus300can include any number of needles120, for example, between about 2 and 12 needles120. Larger numbers of needles120can also be used in certain embodiments, e.g., between 2 and about 25 needles120, or between 2 and about 100 needles120. The number of needles120provided in the apparatus300can be determined based on the intended use. For example, if tissue samples are desired from a small structure such as a typical pigmented lesion or carcinoma, or a biological structure of indeterminate shape or inexact location, a smaller number of the needles120, e.g., between about 2 and 12 needles120, can be provided in the exemplary apparatus300to ensure that a portion of the structure would be present in at least one tissue sample removed by the needles120. If it is desirable to determine a spatial variation in tissue characteristics or to obtain tissue samples from a diffuse structure such as, for example, from a lentigo maligna melanoma, an angioscarcoma, or a desmoplastic tumor, a larger number of the needles120can be provided to obtain more tissue samples when the exemplary apparatus300is applied to a target area of tissue. The apparatus300can include more than 12 needles120for certain uses, for example, up to about 30 needles120, to obtain tissue samples from moderate-sized structures and/or provide a more detailed spatial sampling of the structure, or even up to about 100 needles120. The apparatus300can be adapted such that the plurality of needles120are inserted substantially simultaneously into the biological tissue and/or simultaneously withdrawn therefrom.

The spacing and/or separation distance between the needles120in the exemplary apparatus300can be between about 1 mm and about 20 mm. The exemplary apparatus300having smaller separation distances between the needles120can be used, e.g., to obtain a plurality of tissue samples from a particular target area or a small biological structure. Larger separation distances can be provided to obtain tissue samples over a larger target area or from different portions of a larger biological structure. Needle separation distances greater than about 20 mm can also be provided in further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, e.g., for obtaining tissue samples over a very large target area or from a large biological structure, or to obtain a higher spatial density of tissue samples from a particular biological feature or portion thereof.

The width of the substrate140, which can correspond to e.g., a side length or diameter for a substantially square or circular substrate140, respectively, can be between about 3 mm and about 30 mm. Other substrate shapes can be provided in further exemplary embodiments of the invention such as, e.g., rectangular, ovoid, triangular, or the like. The exemplary shape of the substrate can be determined at least in part by characteristics of the target region of tissue and/or the biological structure from which tissue samples are to be taken from. A plurality of needles120can be provided in any one of various spacings or patterns over the substrate120. For example, the needles120can be arranged in a regular square or triangular array. In other embodiments, the needles120can be spaced closer together in one portion of the substrate140than in another portion thereof, e.g., a non-uniform density of needles120can be provided. An apparatus300having such non-uniformity can be used, e.g., to obtain more tissue samples from a particular identified biological structure and fewer samples from proximal areas of tissue.

In further embodiments, one or more of the needles120in the exemplary apparatus300can be provided with one or more identifying characteristics, such as a distinct coloration, marking, shape, size or diameter, or the like. Such identifying characteristics can be used to assess the orientation of the needles120and tissue samples or portions contained therein, e.g., after the exemplary apparatus300is withdrawn from the tissue. The target region of tissue can optionally be labeled with one or more identifying markings. Such markings can facilitate identification of the orientation and/or location of the plurality of needles120and tissue samples they may contain, relative to the target region of tissue. The relative location of the tissue portions within the target region can be determined based on the relative locations of the needles120in the apparatus300.

FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary apparatus400according to further embodiments of the invention. The apparatus400is substantially similar to the exemplary apparatus200shown inFIG. 2, and also provides a housing or enclosure210. The exemplary apparatus400includes a plurality of the needles120. The enclosure210can be mechanically coupled to the needles120, e.g., to facilitate a manipulation of the needles120and/or insertion of the needles120into the tissue to be sampled.

The enclosure210can optionally include an actuating mechanism220configured to insert the needles120into the tissue to be sampled. The needles120can be coupled or affixed directly to the actuating mechanism220, or they can be coupled or affixed directly to the handle or substrate140, which can be further coupled to the actuating mechanism220. The actuating mechanism220in the exemplary apparatus400can include any of the features that were described herein above with respect to the apparatus200shown inFIG. 2. For example, the actuating mechanism220shown inFIG. 4can include the spring-loaded actuator or the like, the plunger or piston, and/or it can optionally be manually activated. The actuating mechanism220can be adapted such that the plurality of needles120are inserted substantially simultaneously into the biological tissue and/or simultaneously withdrawn therefrom.

The protrusion distances of the needles120beyond the lower surface of the enclosure210can be predetermined and optionally adjustable, such that the needles120penetrates a known distance into the tissue when the exemplary apparatus400is placed on the surface of the region of the tissue to be sampled and the actuating mechanism220is subsequently activated. Each of the needles120can be individually adjustable, and/or all of the needles120in the exemplary apparatus400can be adjustable simultaneously, using the exemplary arrangements and mechanisms described above with respect to the exemplary apparatus200. In further exemplary embodiments, the exemplary apparatus400can be adapted, configured, and/or structured to retract the needles120back into the enclosure210, similar to that described for the exemplary apparatus200herein.

The distal end of the enclosure210in the exemplary apparatus400can optionally be provided with the covering arrangement215, e.g., a sheet of foil, plastic, or another thin material that the needles120can penetrate when they are advanced to protrude from the housing210. In certain exemplary embodiments, the optional covering arrangement215can be a solid cap, plug or stopper that is removable (e.g., affixed to the distal end of the enclosure210with screw threads, a frictional fitting, or the like). The covering arrangement215can further be configured or structured to be placed over the distal end of the enclosure210, e.g., to cover the retracted needles120within the enclosure210, to secure the needles120within the enclosure210, to seal the interior volume of the enclosure210, to protect the tissue samples in the needles120from contamination, etc. The covering arrangement215can optionally include a plurality of small holes therethrough, e.g., where the diameter of the holes may be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outside diameter of the corresponding needles120. The holes can be located in the exemplary covering arrangement215such that the needles120can pass through the holes when the needles120are advanced and project from the enclosure210, e.g., when the actuating mechanism220is activated.

The exemplary apparatus400can optionally include other features that are similar to or the same as those described for the exemplary apparatus200shown inFIG. 2or the exemplary apparatus300shown inFIG. 3, or combinations of such features, such as a fluid provided in the enclosure210, the actuating mechanism220being configured or adapted to eject the needle120into a vial or other container, an optional positioning arrangement230, a size of the substrate140, lengths, diameters, spacings, and arrangements of the plurality of needles120, etc. For example, a positioning arrangement230, if provided on the apparatus400, can include any of the features described above with respect to the positioning arrangement230of the apparatus200.

In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein and/or illustrated inFIGS. 1-4, the needle120can be formed of one or more materials appropriate for a particular application or use. For example, the needle120can be formed of a surgical steel or other metal or metal alloy, such as those used to form conventional hypodermic needles or biopsy punches. In certain embodiments, the distal portion of the needle120including, e.g., the cutting edge, can be formed using such metals or metal alloys, and the needle shaft or a portion thereof can be formed of a different material. For example, the needle shaft can be formed using an acrylic or plastic, or a polymer such as polyethylene, nylon, or the like. For example, an optically transparent material can be used to facilitate observation and/or analysis of the tissue sample contained in the needle. A proximal portion of the needle120can also be formed of a material such as a metal or metal alloy, or another structural material that can be sufficiently strong to provide mechanical strength and stability, e.g., if the needle120is attached to the handle or substrate140or to the activation arrangement220.

In further exemplary embodiments, the one or more needles120can be adapted to be fixed in an appropriate medium after tissue samples have been collected therein. The substrate140and/or enclosure210, if provided, can be configured to facilitate such fixing, e.g., by providing a mold body or being adapted to attach to a mold. A embedding medium such as a paraffin or other wax, an acrylic, an epoxy, a resin, or a curable polymer, or any other conventional embedding medium can be used. Sectioning of the one or more needles120in the embedding medium can then be performed, e.g., using conventional sectioning techniques and devices. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the needle120can be formed using a material that is easily cut or abraded using conventional sectioning devices and systems. For example, at least a portion of the needle120can be formed using the same or a substantially similar material as a embedding medium that the needles120are fixed in. The needles120can be used to obtain and support tissue samples having small widths, and fixing the needles120in a medium and then sectioning and/or grinding them can provide accurate spatial identification of portions of the tissue samples during subsequent analysis.

The exemplary method and apparatus described herein can facilitate removal and stabilization of a small tissue sample using a small needle, and the handling and transfer of the small sample to an apparatus or remote facility for analysis. The exemplary apparatus100/200/300/400can also facilitate observation of, and access to, portions of the sample that are at a known depth and orientation relative to the surrounding tissue from which it was removed. The present invention thereby facilitates biopsy samples to be obtained and analyzed, where the tissue samples are smaller than those used in conventional biopsy procedures. The use of such smaller tissue samples can facilitate healing and avoid the removal of excess tissue and/or formation of scars or markings resulting from such removal.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Other variations to the disclosed exemplary embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practising the claimed invention from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous techniques which, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the present invention.