Endosurgical ultrasonic probe with integrated biopsy actuator

Claim 2

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion that has a first shape which facilitates insertion thereof, during use, through a surgical port and into a body cavity, and a second portion that has a second shape which substantially prevents insertion thereof, during use, through the surgical port and that remains outside of the body cavity, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe, wherein said probe handle, due to said second shape, is substantially prevented from being inserted, during use, through said surgical port and remains outside the body cavity; biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device that collects a tissue sample inside the body cavity; and means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means so that said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe can be used with or without said biopsy actuator means and, when used with said biopsy actuator means, forms an integrated unit.

Claim 3

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said first portion comprises a first terminal end that is operatively connected to said second portion and a second terminal end that is inserted through the surgical port during use; wherein said first portion has a substantially circular cross-section located between said first terminal end and said second terminal end; and wherein cross-sections of said first portion at locations extending from said second terminal end towards said first terminal end are less than or equal to said substantially circular cross-section to facilitate use with a surgical port.

Claim 4

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said substantially circular cross-section has a diameter of less than about 10 millimeters.

Claim 5

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said ultrasonic means includes an array of ultrasonic transducers.

Claim 6

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said ultrasonic means including an array of ultrasonic transducers with a first portion of said array of transducers arranged in a substantially linear fashion with respect to one another and a second portion of said array of transducers arranged in a curve with respect to one another.

Claim 7

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said second portion includes a raised lip for use in holding a sheath disposed over said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe in place.

Claim 8

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe and including means for engaging said raised lip.

Claim 9

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 7, wherein: said sheath is designed for disposal after a single use.

Claim 10

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said second portion includes a raised lip for holding a sheath disposed over said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe in place, and includes a keyed shape that is used to orient the sheath relative to the endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe.

Claim 11

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said keyed shape includes a curved portion and a substantially straight portion.

Claim 12

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes a slot located on one of said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means, and a rail located on the other of said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means and capable of matingly engaging said slot.

Claim 13

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for permitting said biopsy actuator means to be moved relative to said probe handle so that the biopsy collection device can be moved to sample the appropriate tissue.

Claim 14

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for permitting said biopsy actuator means to be moved relative to said probe handle when interconnected, so that the biopsy collection device can be moved to sample the appropriate tissue and means for fixing the position of said biopsy actuator means relative to said probe handle so that the biopsy collection device samples the appropriate tissue.

Claim 15

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said probe handle includes a longitudinally extending curved portion and a longitudinally extending, substantially flat portion; wherein said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting positions said biopsy actuator means adjacent to said longitudinally extending, substantially flat portion of said probe handle; wherein said curved portion facilitates grasping of both said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means.

Claim 16

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said biopsy actuator means includes means for cocking a carrier that moves at least a portion of the biopsy collection device, said means for cocking including opposing grips mounted on opposing surfaces of said biopsy actuator means to facilitate cocking of the biopsy actuator means.

Claim 17

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said biopsy actuator means includes a first means for displacing a first portion of the biopsy collection device and a second means for displacing a second portion of the biopsy collection device that is different than said first portion of the biopsy collection device.

Claim 18

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for orienting said biopsy actuator means so that the biopsy collection device can be positioned in the field of view of said ultrasonic means.

Claim 19

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for slidably interconnecting and disconnecting said biopsy actuator means and said probe handle.

Claim 20

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe, said sheath having a cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion through a surgical port.

Claim 21

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe; and means for retaining said sheath to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe to prevent displacement of said sheath during use.

Claim 22

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe that includes a lumen for receiving a biopsy collection device, wherein said lumen has an exit port; and said biopsy actuator means includes means for moving at least a portion of the biopsy collection device beyond said exit port.

Claim 23

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion designed for insertion, during use, into a body through a surgical port and a second portion designed for remaining outside of the body cavity during use, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe; biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device that collects a tissue sample inside the body cavity; means for physically interconnecting with said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means; said second portion includes a raised lip for holding a sheath disposed over said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe in place, and includes a keyed shape that is used to orient a sheath relative to the endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe; and a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe, said sheath includes a lumen for receiving a biopsy collection device and means for engaging said raised lip to hold said sheath in place relative to the endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe, said means for engaging having a complementary keyed shape to said keyed shape of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe so that, upon engagement of said raised lip and said means for engaging, said lumen is oriented so that the biopsy collection device can be disposed in the field of view of the ultrasonic means.

Claim 24

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion designed for insertion, during use, into a body through a surgical port and a second portion designed for remaining outside of the body cavity during use, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe; biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device that collects a tissue sample inside the body cavity; means for physically interconnecting with said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means; said second portion includes a raised lip for holding a sheath disposed over said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe in place, and includes a keyed shape that is used to orient a sheath relative to the endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe; and a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe, said sheath includes a lumen for receiving a biopsy collection device and means for engaging said raised lip to hold said sheath in place relative to the endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe, said means for engaging having a complementary keyed shape to said keyed shape of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe so that, upon engagement of said raised lip and said means for engaging, said lumen is oriented so that the biopsy collection device can be disposed in the field of view of the ultrasonic means.

Claim 25

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 22, wherein: said sheath having a cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion through a surgical port.

Claim 26

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion designed for insertion, during use, into a body through a surgical port and a second portion designed for remaining outside of the body cavity during use, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe; biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device that collects a tissue sample inside the body cavity; means for physically interconnecting with said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means; and a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe and including a lumen for receiving a biopsy collection device that is actuated by said biopsy actuator means.

Claim 27

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion designed for insertion, during use, into a body through a surgical port and a second portion designed for remaining outside of the body cavity during use, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe; biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device that collects a tissue sample inside the body cavity; means for physically interconnecting with said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means; and a sheath for covering said first portion of said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe and including a lumen for receiving a biopsy collection device that is actuated by said biopsy actuator means.

Claim 28

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said biopsy actuator means includes a first means for displacing a first portion of the biopsy collection device and a second means for displacing a second portion of the biopsy collection device that is different than said first portion of the biopsy collection device.

Claim 29

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said means for physically interconnecting includes means for orienting said biopsy actuator means so that the biopsy collection device can be positioned in the field of view of said ultrasonic means.

Claim 30

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said means for physically interconnecting includes means for permitting a location of said biopsy actuator means relative to said probe handle to be changed and thereby, when in use, permit a location of the biopsy collection device relative to said ultrasonic means to be changed.

Claim 31

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 27, wherein: said means for physically interconnecting includes means for fixing the location of said biopsy actuator means relative to said probe handle.

Claim 32

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said sheath having a cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion through a surgical port.

Claim 33

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 24, further comprising: means for retaining said sheath to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe to prevent displacement of said sheath during use.

Claim 34

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 24, further comprising: means for orienting said sheath relative to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe so that, when a biopsy collection device is located in said lumen, the biopsy collection device can be positioned in the field of view of said ultrasonic means.

Claim 35

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion that has a first shape which facilitates insertion thereof, during use, through a surgical port and into a body cavity, and a second portion that has a second shape which substantially prevents insertion thereof, during use, through the surgical port and that remains outside of the body cavity, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe, wherein Said probe handle, due to said second shape, is substantially prevented from being inserted, during use, through said surgical port and remains outside the body cavity; wherein said second portion of said probe includes means for facilitating readily engaging and readily disengaging one of the following: a sheath that can be disposed over said first portion of said ultrasonic imaging probe or a biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device.

Claim 36

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic imaging and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion that has a first shape which facilitates insertion thereof, during use, through a surgical port and into a body cavity, and a second portion that has a second shape which substantially prevents insertion thereof, during use, through the surgical port and that remains outside of the body cavity, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe, wherein Said probe handle, due to said second shape, is substantially prevented from being inserted, during use, through said surgical port and remains outside the body cavity; wherein said second portion of said probe includes means for facilitating readily engaging and readily disengaging one of the following: a sheath that can be disposed over said first portion of said ultrasonic imaging probe or a biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device.

Claim 37

A medical endosurgical apparatus, as claimed in claim 32, wherein: means for facilitating readily engaging and readily disengaging includes one of the following: a groove or a rail for engaging a biopsy actuator means.

Claim 38

A medical endosurgical apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein: said means for facilitating readily engaging and readily disengaging includes a raised lip for engaging a sheath.

Claim 39

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion that has a first shape which facilitates insertion thereof, during use, through a surgical port and into a body cavity, and a second portion that has a second shape which substantially prevents insertion thereof, during use, through the surgical port and therefore remains outside of the body cavity, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe, wherein said probe handle, due to said second shape, is substantially prevented from being inserted, during use, through said surgical port and therefore remains outside the body cavity; biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device that collects a tissue sample inside the body cavity; means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means so that said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe can be used with or without said biopsy actuator means and, when used with said biopsy actuator means, forms an integrated unit; wherein said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for orienting said biopsy actuator means to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe so that the biopsy collection device can be positioned in the field of view of said ultrasonic means; wherein said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for permitting a location of said biopsy actuator means relative to said probe handle to be changed and thereby, when in use, permit a location of the biopsy collection device relative to said ultrasonic means to be changed; wherein said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for fixing the location of said biopsy actuator means relative to said probe handle; a sheath for covering said first portion of said ultrasonic imaging probe; wherein said sheath has a cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion through a surgical port; wherein said sheath includes a lumen for receiving the biopsy collection device that is actuated by said biopsy actuator means; means for retaining said sheath to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe to prevent displacement of said sheath during use; and means for orienting said sheath relative to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe so that, when a biopsy collection device is located in said lumen, the biopsy collection device can be positioned in the field of view of said ultrasonic means.

Claim 40

A medical endosurgical apparatus having ultrasonic and biopsy capabilities, the apparatus comprising: an endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe having a first portion that has a first shape which facilitates insertion thereof, during use, through a surgical port and into a body cavity, and a second portion that has a second shape which substantially prevents insertion thereof, during use, through the surgical port and therefore remains outside of the body cavity, said first portion including ultrasonic means for receiving an ultrasonic signal and generating an electrical signal that is representative of the received ultrasonic signal and which may be used to prepare an image of tissue within the body cavity, said second portion including a probe handle for manipulating the probe, wherein said probe handle, due to said second shape, is substantially prevented from being inserted, during use, through said surgical port and therefore remains outside the body cavity; biopsy actuator means for actuating a biopsy collection device that collects a tissue sample inside the body cavity; means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting said probe handle and said biopsy actuator means so that said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe can be used with or without said biopsy actuator means and, when used with said biopsy actuator means, forms an integrated unit; wherein said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for orienting said biopsy actuator means to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe so that the biopsy collection device can be positioned in the field of view of said ultrasonic means; wherein said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for permitting a location of said biopsy actuator means relative to said probe handle to be changed and thereby, when in use, permit a location of the biopsy collection device relative to said ultrasonic means to be changed; wherein said means for facilitating readily physically interconnecting and readily physically disconnecting includes means for fixing the location of said biopsy actuator means relative to said probe handle; a sheath for covering said first portion of said ultrasonic imaging probe; wherein said sheath has a cross-sectional shape suitable for insertion through a surgical port; wherein said sheath includes a lumen for receiving the biopsy collection device that is actuated by said biopsy actuator means; means for retaining said sheath to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe to prevent displacement of said sheath during use; and means for orienting said sheath relative to said endosurgical ultrasonic imaging probe so that, when a biopsy collection device is located in said lumen, the biopsy collection device can be positioned in the field of view of said ultrasonic means.