Patent Description:
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of biopsy and, more specifically, to forceps deployable through a needle.

Endoscopes are well-known in the medical arts and are commonly used for numerous medical procedures. One such procedure is removing objects from the inside of a human subject, such as for example, foreign bodies, excised human tissues from the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, and previously inserted medical objects, such as stents. One conventional technique for removing objects is using a grasping tool in an endoscopic procedure. Conventional endoscopic grasping devices have one or two jaws which pivot relative to a base. The jaw or jaws at the distal end of the device may be pivoted by a user operating a handle at a proximal end of the device and at a proximal location outside of the endoscope. The object may be held by the jaws while the endoscope, grasping device, and object are removed from the patient. The success of the user to grasp and retain objects during the procedure is dependent on several factors, including the shape and structure of the jaws (and the jaw teeth). <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose forceps of the prior art.

An endoscopy device according to the present invention is defined in the appended claims.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

These and other features of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings in which:.

Aspects and implementations of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of the various aspects and implementations of the disclosure. This should not be taken to limit the disclosure to the specific aspects or implementations, but explanation and understanding only. In this specification the non-SI unit 'inch' is used, which may be converted to the SI or metric unit according to the following conversion: <NUM> inch = <NUM>.

In discussing the exemplary embodiments herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are often used. These terms are used to describe a position or a direction with reference to the operator of the device. For example, the proximal position or proximal direction is toward the user or operator of the tool, and the distal position or direction is away from the user or operator of the tool, i.e., position or direction toward the object which the operator is attempting to grasp and retain.

Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the subject matter herein only, and not for limiting the same, <FIG> show an exemplary embodiment of an endoscopic grasping device <NUM> which may be used during an endoscopy ultrasound (EUS) procedure.

As shown in the figures, the endoscopic grasping device <NUM> may include at least a forceps assembly (e.g., a microforceps assembly <NUM>), a sheath <NUM>, and a needle <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the endoscopic grasping device <NUM> is shown with at least one embodiment of the microforceps assembly <NUM> in a closed position (<FIG>) and an open position (<FIG>).

In some embodiments, the jaws of the microforceps assembly <NUM> may open between <NUM>°-<NUM>°. In a further embodiment, a diameter of the microforceps assembly <NUM> may be between <NUM> to <NUM> inches when the jaws of the microforceps assembly <NUM> are in the closed position. Additionally, or alternatively, the diameter of the microforceps assembly <NUM> may be between <NUM> to <NUM> inches, for example, when used with a <NUM> gauge needle.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the microforceps assembly <NUM> is shown extending in a distal direction from the sheath <NUM> of the needle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the endoscopic grasping device <NUM> may further include one or more control wires or drive wires (not shown). The drive wires may be operably connected to one or more jaws of the microforceps assembly <NUM>, for example, through the sheath <NUM> and towards the proximal end of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>, for facilitating the opening and closing of the jaws. For example, a movement of the drive wire(s) in the distal direction may open the jaws as shown in <FIG>, while a movement of the drive wire(s) in the proximal direction may close the jaws as shown in <FIG>. The drive wire may be formed from stainless steel materials and/or other materials suitable for performing the functions of the drive wire and connectable to parts of the microforceps assembly <NUM> (e.g., a nickel titanium such as Nitinol). In some embodiments, the suitable materials may include any medical grade materials (i.e., materials safe for use in a medical application).

In some embodiments, the sheath <NUM> may be a spring sheath catheter, a solid tube, or a tube with laser cuts. The sheath <NUM> may run the length of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>, for example, from the microforceps assembly <NUM> (or portions thereof (e.g., a fork)) to a handle assembly <NUM> of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> may be formed of a coil wire and may be a variety of shapes, such as for example, a circular cross section or a rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, the sheath <NUM> may be PTFE (Teflon) coated or a heat shrink coated (e.g., on its outside). The diameter of the sheath <NUM> may vary and be based on a diameter of the needle <NUM>. In some embodiments, an outside diameter range of the sheath <NUM> may be between <NUM> to <NUM> inches. Additionally, or alternatively, the diameter may be between <NUM> to <NUM> inches, for example, when used with a <NUM> gauge needle.

It should be appreciated that the sheath <NUM> may be long enough to allow for a reasonable length beyond the proximal end and/or beyond the distal end of an endoscope. It should be further appreciated that the length of the sheath <NUM> may be based on a total working length of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, a length of the sheath <NUM> may be between <NUM> to <NUM> inches. In some embodiments, the drive wire within the sheath <NUM> may run the length of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>.

The inside of the sheath <NUM> may include or be formed from a lubricious material, such as a High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other thermoplastic polymers, or in some embodiments, the sheath <NUM> may include a tubing of some lubricious material, such as HDPE, running through the length of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the tubing may reduce metal-on-metal contact between the sheath <NUM> and the drive wire, which may further reduce wear and provide for a smoother operation of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>. It should further be appreciated that other friction-reducing structure(s) may be used.

In some embodiments, the needle <NUM> may be a <NUM> gauge hollow needle. It should be appreciated that embodiments of the microforceps assembly <NUM> disclosed herein may be sized or otherwise shaped for being disposed (e.g., at least partially disposed) within the <NUM> gauge needle. It should further be appreciated that due to the size of the needle <NUM>, one or more parts of the microforceps assembly <NUM> (or the device itself) may be fabricated via a micromachining process, metal injection molding process, a ceramic injection molding process, a stamping process, or other process configurable to fabricate microforceps of a same or similar size for use with, e.g., the <NUM> gauge needle.

With reference now to <FIG>, the endoscopic grasping device <NUM> may be operably connected to a handle assembly <NUM> for operably controlling the grasping function (e.g., an opening and closing) of the microforceps assembly <NUM> in operation. The handle assembly <NUM> may be at the proximal end of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handle assembly <NUM> may include at least a base <NUM> and a slider <NUM>. The handle assembly <NUM> may be used to transfer a linear motion of the slider <NUM> to open and close jaws of the microforceps assembly <NUM> at the distal end of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the handle assembly <NUM> may include a ring <NUM> and link <NUM> for operably opening and closing the jaws.

In operation, a user may insert a thumb from one hand into the ring <NUM> and rest several fingers (e.g., from the same hand) on, or around the slider <NUM>. The link <NUM> may be attached directly or indirectly to the drive wire within the sheath <NUM>. Moving the slider <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> may cause the link <NUM> to move. Consequently, the user may open the jaws by actuating the slider <NUM> and moving it, for example, in the distal direction, and may close the jaws by moving the slider, for example, in the proximal direction. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the design and operation of the handle assembly <NUM> and the link <NUM> to the control and/or drive wire may vary in the practice.

With reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the microforceps assembly <NUM> may include at least a fork <NUM>, and in some embodiments, a pusher <NUM> operably connected to one or more arms <NUM> (two shown in <FIG>) and a first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and to improve the closing force of the jaws in operation, length A of the first jaw <NUM> and/or second jaw <NUM> may be greater than length B of one or more of the arms <NUM>.

In some embodiments, length A may be the distance between a first point of a first opening in the jaw and a second point of a second opening in the same jaw. For example, <FIG> (and also <FIG>) shows length A measured from a distal point of a first opening <NUM> to a point of a second opening <NUM>, which may be at or near a center of the second opening <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, length A may be measured between a center point of the first opening <NUM> and a point of the second opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, length B may be the distance between a first point at one end of the arm <NUM> (e.g., where the arm <NUM> may be pivotally connected to the jaw) and a second point at an opposite end of the arm <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> (and also <FIG>), length B is shown measured between a center point of an arm pin <NUM> at a distal end of the arm <NUM> and a center point of an opening (e.g., a first opening <NUM>) at a proximal end of the arm <NUM>, for example, where the arm <NUM> may be connectable to the fork <NUM> and/or a pusher <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that length A and/or length B may be measured from one or more points or areas proximate to and/or surrounding a center point of the openings described above.

With reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fork <NUM> includes one or more guide channels <NUM>. In some embodiments, portions of the guide channel <NUM> (e.g., at a proximal end of the guide channel <NUM>) may be sized or otherwise shaped for receiving at least a portion of the pusher <NUM> therebetween. Additionally, or alternatively, portions of the guide channel <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped for receiving portions of one or more of the remaining parts of the microforceps assembly <NUM> therebetween (e.g., one or more arms <NUM> and/or first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM>).

The fork <NUM> includes fork pins <NUM> for connecting parts of the microforceps assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, a pair of fork pins <NUM> is provided at a distal end of the fork <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the pair of fork pins <NUM> are offset from one another. It should be appreciated that offset fork pins <NUM> provides a mechanical advantage and improves the closing force of the microforceps assembly <NUM> in operation. For example, the offset fork pins <NUM> may raise the point of leverage during operation, so when the pusher <NUM> pulls in the proximal directions, the arm <NUM> pushes down resulting in an increased closing force.

Additionally, or alternatively, each fork pin <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped for being at least partially received between openings within the jaws and/or arms of the microforceps assembly <NUM> so that the jaws and/or arms may pivot therefrom when operably connected to the fork <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fork pin <NUM> may be secure to or formed on an inside wall of the fork <NUM> within the guide channel <NUM>.

With continue reference to the figures, the fork <NUM> may include a collar <NUM> at the proximal end of the fork <NUM>. The distal end of the sheath <NUM> may be attached to the fork <NUM> at the collar <NUM>. The collar <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> for receiving the drive wire therebetween and into the guide channel <NUM> for connecting the drive wire (e.g., via weld) to portions of the pusher <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may extend from the proximal end of the fork <NUM> through the collar <NUM> and into the guide channel <NUM> to allow for the drive wire to connect to the pusher <NUM> via the collar <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, the fork <NUM> may include one or more openings or slots <NUM> (<FIG>) in opposed sides of the fork <NUM>. Each slot <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped to allow for a movement (e.g., a slidable movement) of one or more arms <NUM> (or arm extensions <NUM>) operably connected to the fork <NUM> via the slot <NUM> when opening and closing the jaws of the microforceps assembly <NUM> in operation. In some embodiments, the slot <NUM> may be elongated.

It should be appreciated that the slot <NUM> (e.g., the elongated slot) provides a mechanical advantage by allowing for an improved opening width of the jaws based on the slidable movement within the slot <NUM>, and also improves/increases the closing force of the jaws. It should further be appreciated that the slot <NUM> may assist with aligning one or more parts of the microforceps assembly <NUM> (e.g., the arm <NUM> and/or pusher <NUM>) in operation.

In some embodiments, the slot <NUM> allows for a shorter arm <NUM> to be provided without sacrificing the opening width of the jaws. A shorter arm <NUM> may increase the downward force on the arm pin <NUM>, which increases the closing force on the jaws.

With reference now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pusher <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped to be at least partially disposed within the guide channel <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the portions of the fork <NUM> (e.g., the guide channel <NUM>) may be arranged (or designed) to keep the pusher <NUM> in a substantially straight line for the entire stroke of the endoscopic grasping device <NUM> in operation.

In some embodiments, the pusher <NUM> may include one or more pusher pins <NUM> at a distal end of the pusher <NUM>. The pusher pin <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped to be at least partially disposed between an opening in the arm <NUM> for pivotably connecting the arm <NUM> thereto.

Additionally, or alternatively, the pusher <NUM> may include one or more openings or recessed areas. In one embodiment, an opening <NUM> may be formed at a proximal end of the pusher for receiving, for example, the drive wire therethrough. The drive wire may be disposed between the opening <NUM> at a proximal end of the pusher <NUM> and may be welded or otherwise affixed to the pusher <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, a gap may be formed in the pusher <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> may be placed or otherwise positioned within the guide channel <NUM> such that the pusher <NUM> may then move (e.g., slide) within the guide channel <NUM> from a proximal end of the guide channel to a distal end of the guide channel <NUM>.

In operation, for example, a movement of the pusher <NUM> within the guide channel <NUM> in a distal direction may result in the jaws being opened, while a movement of the pusher <NUM> in a proximal direction may result in the jaws being closed. Additionally, the jaws may be opened via two separate pins that push outward to open the jaws and pulled inward to close the jaws.

With continued reference to the figures, and now with reference to <FIG>, the arm <NUM> may include an arm pin <NUM> disposed at or near a distal end of the arm <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the arm <NUM> may include one or more openings, including at least a first opening <NUM> at a proximal end of the arm <NUM>.

The arm pin <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped for connecting (e.g., pivotably connecting) the arm <NUM> to at least one of the first jaw <NUM> and/or second jaw <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped for receiving at least a portion of the pusher <NUM> (e.g., the pusher pin <NUM>) therebetween.

In some embodiments, the arm <NUM> may include a shoulder <NUM>. The shoulder <NUM> may protrude or otherwise be formed from a side of the arm <NUM> and may be arranged such that the arm pin may be disposed between the shoulder and a side of the arm <NUM> at the distal end. As shown in <FIG>, the shoulder <NUM> may protrude at or near a center of the arm <NUM> and may extend in a distal direction towards the distal end of the arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, a distal end of the shoulder <NUM> may extend beyond the distal end of the arm <NUM>.

With continued reference to the figures, and now with reference to <FIG>, exemplary embodiments of the first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> are illustrated. As illustrated in the figures, each jaw includes at least a jaw body <NUM> having a connection portion <NUM> and a grasping portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the connection portion <NUM> may have a thickness T (<FIG>) less than a width of the grasping portion <NUM>. In some embodiment, the combined thickness of the connection portions <NUM> for the first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> may be equal to or less than a width of any one jaw grasping portion <NUM>.

The connection portion <NUM> may include one or more openings at or near a distal end and/or proximal end of the connection portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, a first opening <NUM> may be provided at or near a distal end of the connection portion <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may be sized for receiving at least a portion of the fork pin <NUM> therebetween and for connecting the fork <NUM> to the first jaw <NUM> and/or second jaw <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may be shaped to allow for a movement (pivoting and/or sliding movement) of the fork pin <NUM> within the first opening <NUM> in operation. In some embodiments, the first opening <NUM> may be elongated to provide for slidable movement.

With continued reference to the figures, a second opening <NUM> may be provided at or near a proximal end of the connection portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second opening <NUM> may be sized or otherwise shaped for receiving at least a portion of the arm pin <NUM> therebetween. In some embodiments, the second opening <NUM> may be elongated (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to allow for movement (pivoting and/or sliding) of the arm pin <NUM> within the second opening <NUM> in operation. It should be appreciated that the described geometries for the openings (e.g., the first opening <NUM> and/or the second opening <NUM>) allow for a greater opening width of the jaws while improving the closing force by allowing for the arm <NUM> to be fabricated as short as possible. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the arm pin <NUM> may be elongated.

In some embodiments, a thickness T of the connection portion <NUM> may be equal to or less than an arm pin gap (AG of <FIG>) between the shoulder <NUM> and the arm <NUM> body from where the shoulder <NUM> protrudes.

With continue reference to the figures, the grasping portion <NUM> may include at least a topside <NUM>, an underside <NUM>, a distal end, and a proximal end. The proximal end of the grasping portion <NUM> may begin at or near the distal end of the jaw body <NUM>. As illustrated in the figures, the grasping portion <NUM> of each jaw may include a plurality of teeth formed thereon or otherwise extending from an underside <NUM> of each jaw. As described herein, one or more teeth at a distal end of the grasping portion <NUM> may be referred to as a forward tooth and/or teeth <NUM> while one or more teeth at a proximal end of the grasping portion <NUM> of each jaw may be referred to a rear tooth and/or teeth <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first jaw <NUM> may include a pair of forward teeth <NUM> formed at or near the distal end of the grasping portion <NUM>, and on opposed sides of the underside <NUM>. It should be appreciated that each opposed side where any teeth may be formed may be referred to as a row of teeth, even if only one tooth may be provided in a particular row.

As illustrate in <FIG>, the forward teeth <NUM> may be aligned with each other on opposed sides of the grasping portion <NUM> at the distal end. In some embodiments, a jaw gap JG (<FIG>) may be defined or otherwise formed between the forward teeth <NUM>. The jaw gap JG may extend from the distal end of the grasping portion <NUM> towards the proximal end of the grasping portion <NUM> where a rear tooth <NUM> may be formed, or in some embodiments, towards the distal end of the connection portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rear tooth <NUM> may have a width corresponding to a width of the jaw gap JG.

With continued reference to the figures, the first jaw may include one or more intermediate teeth <NUM>. The intermediate teeth <NUM> may be disposed in a row along opposed sides of the underside <NUM> of the grasping portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the intermediate teeth <NUM> may be backward curved teeth (i.e., teeth curved or otherwise angled in the proximal direction). At least one intermediate tooth <NUM> may be adjacent to a forward tooth <NUM> on one side of the grasping portion <NUM> such that a tooth gap TG (<FIG>) is defined or otherwise formed between the forward tooth <NUM> and the adjacent intermediate teeth <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tooth gap TG between a forward tooth <NUM> and a next intermediate tooth <NUM> may be less than the tooth gap between intermediate teeth <NUM> in the same row of teeth along the underside <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, a tooth gap TG between a forward tooth <NUM> and intermediate tooth <NUM> in one row may be different (e.g., equal to or less and/or equal to or greater) than a tooth gap TG between a forward tooth <NUM> and intermediate tooth <NUM> in a second opposite row. In some embodiments, the tooth gap TG between intermediate teeth <NUM> may be the same for each row of teeth. Additionally, or alternatively, the tooth gap TG between the rear tooth <NUM> and any intermediate teeth <NUM> on either row may be the same or vary.

With continue reference to the figures, the grasping portion <NUM> of one or more jaws may include one or more openings <NUM> (or similar fenestrations) extending through a thickness of the grasping portion <NUM> (i.e., through the topside <NUM> and underside <NUM>).

In some embodiments, a diameter of each fenestration may be between <NUM> and <NUM> inches. Additionally, or alternatively, the diameter may be between <NUM> and <NUM> inches when used, for example, with a <NUM> gauge needle. In the embodiment of <FIG>, at least <NUM> fenestrations <NUM> are shown extending through the thickness of the grasping portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, where multiple fenestrations are provided, a diameter for each fenestration <NUM>, or one or more of the fenestrations <NUM> may be at or about <NUM> inches.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the first jaw <NUM> is shown with four (<NUM>) openings <NUM> between the distal end and proximal end of the grasping portion <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the series of openings <NUM> on the jaws may assist with capturing samples from the grasp of the microforceps assembly <NUM> after the MFA is removed from the patient. It should be appreciated that the fenestrations (i.e., openings <NUM>) are provided to assist with removing samples after the microforceps assembly <NUM> has been removed from the patient by allowing for any samples to be pushed out via the fenestrations.

In some embodiments, the openings <NUM> may be spaced an equidistance apart from one another. Additionally, or alternatively, the openings <NUM> in the first jaw <NUM> may be aligned (fully or partially) with openings <NUM> in the second jaw <NUM>.

With continued reference to the figures, a height H of the forward teeth <NUM> (<FIG>) may extend vertically pass a centerline of both the first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> when the first jaw and second jaw are operably connected. Additionally, or alternatively, the height of the intermediate teeth <NUM> may be less than a height of the forward teeth <NUM>, and in some embodiments, greater than a height of the rear tooth <NUM> and/or teeth.

In some embodiments, one or more of the forward teeth <NUM> may extend in a vertical direction such that a tip of the forward teeth <NUM> points toward the underside of the opposed jaw. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more tips for the intermediate teeth <NUM> may be pointed in the proximal direction (i.e., towards the proximal end of the microforceps assembly <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, the second jaw <NUM> may include a topside <NUM> and underside <NUM>. The underside <NUM> may include only one forward tooth <NUM> disposed at or near the distal end of the grasping portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the forward tooth <NUM> may be positioned at the distal end such that the forward tooth <NUM> may be seated between the forward teeth <NUM> when the first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> are operably connected (<FIG>) and in a closed position. In this embodiment, for example, the forward tooth <NUM> may be disposed at or near a center of the jaw gap JG (<FIG>) formed on the underside <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the forward tooth <NUM> may extend from the underside <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the forward tooth <NUM> may extend outwardly from the distal end of the second jaw <NUM> and not the underside <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in an embodiment where the forward tooth <NUM> extends from the distal end of the second jaw <NUM>, the distal most point of the forward tooth <NUM> may be aligned (fully or partially aligned) with the distal most point of the forward teeth <NUM> when the microforceps assembly <NUM> is in the closed position.

Additionally, or alternatively, one or more rear teeth <NUM> of the second jaw <NUM> may be greater in height than the rear tooth <NUM> of the first jaw <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the second jaw <NUM> is shown with two rear teeth <NUM> disposed at opposite sides of the grasping portion <NUM> and spaced apart by the jaw gap JG, which may extend to the distal end of the connection portion <NUM>. In some embodiments of the second jaw <NUM>, the rear teeth <NUM> may be the only pair of teeth that may be aligned with one another on opposite sides of the grasping portion <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one intermediate tooth <NUM> on one side of the grasping portion <NUM> may be arranged closer to the rear tooth <NUM> than another intermediate tooth <NUM> on the opposite side of the grasping portion <NUM> is closer to the rear tooth <NUM> on the opposite side.

With continued reference to the figures, and now with reference to <FIG>, one or more teeth of the first jaw <NUM> may overlap with one or more teeth of the second jaw <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more teeth of the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> may alternate as the outermost tooth of the microforceps assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment where teeth from both jaws alternate as the outermost teeth of the microforceps assembly <NUM> such that each outermost tooth belongs to a different jaw.

With reference now to <FIG>, one or more teeth of the first jaw <NUM> and second jaw <NUM> may be primarily backwards angled (i.e., with minimal or no curvatures). This embodiments may be similar to the other embodiments of the jaws described herein in that a gap may be formed between the forward teeth of the first jaw <NUM> (and intermediate teeth <NUM> of both jaws) that may extend the length (or a portion of the length) of the grasping portion <NUM> (e.g., from the distal end of the grasping portion to a rear tooth at or near a proximal end of the grasping portion <NUM>).

With reference now to <FIG>, one or more teeth in the first jaw <NUM> may be grooved or recessed (e.g., via machining) to allow for one or more tips of teeth in the second jaw <NUM> to be seated therein when the microforceps assembly <NUM> is in the closed position. It should be appreciated that only the intermediate teeth <NUM> of the first jaw <NUM> may be configured for corresponding teeth tips of the second jaw <NUM> to be seated therein. In some embodiments, one or more rear teeth <NUM> of the first jaw <NUM> may be recessed for seating any tips of corresponding rear teeth of the second jaw <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the tip portions within the seated (recessed) area near the distal end of the grasping portions <NUM> may be greater than the tip portions within the seated area near the proximal end of the grasping portions <NUM>. It should be appreciated that providing an embodiment of the microforceps assembly <NUM> where one set of teeth sits inside another set of teeth may result in an improved closing and gripping force of the microforceps assembly <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An endoscopy device (<NUM>) comprising:
a fork (<NUM>) defining a guide channel (<NUM>) and including a pair of fork pins (<NUM>) at a distal end of the fork (<NUM>) within the guide channel (<NUM>);
a pair of control arms (<NUM>) pivotally mounted about the fork (<NUM>) at a proximal end of the guide channel (<NUM>); and
a pair of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) movable between a closed position and open position,
wherein each jaw (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a grasping portion (<NUM>) having a plurality of teeth (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a connection portion (<NUM>), wherein the grasping portion (<NUM>) includes at least a front tooth (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed at a distal end of the grasping portion (<NUM>) and a plurality of rear teeth (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) formed between the front tooth (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a proximal end of the grasping portion (<NUM>);
wherein the connection portion (<NUM>) includes a first opening (<NUM>) at a distal end of the connection portion (<NUM>) and a second opening (<NUM>) at a proximal end of the connection portion (<NUM>), wherein the first opening (<NUM>) is elongated and the pair of jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>) are pivotally mounted to the pair of fork pins (<NUM>) at a distal end of the guide channel (<NUM>) via the first opening (<NUM>), wherein each jaw (<NUM>, <NUM>) is pivotally mounted to one of the pair of control arms (<NUM>) via the second opening (<NUM>), wherein the pair of fork pins (<NUM>) are offset from one another within the guide channel (<NUM>); and
wherein each jaw (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a first length extending between the first and second openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) and each control arm (<NUM>) has a second length, the first length being greater than the second length.