Importance

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Abstract

An endoscopic bipolar multiple sample bioptome includes a relatively long conductive flexible member having a lumen with an axially displaceable conductive wire extending therethrough and covered with an electrically insulating sheath. The proximal ends of the flexible member and wire are coupled to a manual actuation device for axially displacing one of the flexible member and wire relative to the other and the manual actuation device is provided with bipolar electrical couplings for electrically coupling one pole of a current source to the flexible member and the other pole of the current source to the wire. The distal end of the flexible member is mechanically and electrically coupled to a partially conductive cylinder having a distal edge and the distal end of the wire is mechanically and electrically coupled to the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly includes a pair of opposed toothed jaw cups each of which is coupled by a narrow resilient arm to a base member. The base member is mounted inside the cylinder and axial movement of the base member relative to the cylinder draws the necks of the jaws into the cylinder to bring the jaw cups together in a biting action. The cylinder is substantially non-conductive with portions of its exterior being conductive. Cautery current flows between the jaw assembly and the conductive portion(s) of the cylinder by way of tissue which is being cauterized.

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First Claim