Device for collecting a biological sample
A device for collecting a biological sample in a patient includes a collection portion having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. The second axial end portion has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second axial end portion moves in an axial direction relative to the first axial end portion when the second axial end portion moves between the collapsed position and the expanded position. The second axial end portion extends axially into the first axial end portion and has a concave shape when in the collapsed position. The second axial end portion is convex when in the expanded position.
1 . A device for collecting a biological sample in a patient, the device comprising
a collection portion in fluid communication with a flexible tubular member, the collection portion and the tubular member each respectively provided with a size and shape sufficiently dimensioned to intubate the patient, the collection portion having a relatively larger exterior dimension, along its length, than the tubular member,
a first rigid axial end portion and a second expandable axial end portion defining the collection portion, the second axial end portion being designed to bias between a collapsed position where the second axial end portion extends axially into the first axial end portion and has a concave shape and an expanded position where the second axial end portion extends from the first axial end portion and has a convex shape, and
circumferentially extending ribs (i) positioned between adjacent tissue collecting members arranged in rows about the second axial end portion and (ii) configured to move along with the second axial end portion when it is biased between the collapsed position and the expanded position, the tissue collecting members being shaped to receive the biological sample.
2 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second axial end portion has an outer surface facing radially outwardly when the second axial end portion is in the expanded position, the outer surface facing radially inwardly when the second axial end portion is in the collapsed position.
3 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of the tissue collecting members has a V-shape.
4 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 3 wherein the at least one of the tissue collecting members has first and second sides extending from an intersection at an angle to each other, the first and second sides extending toward the first axial end portion from the intersection when the second axial end portion is in the expanded position.
5 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of tissue collecting members includes at least one radially extending cylindrical projection.
6 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of tissue collecting members includes at least one bi-directional curved shaped projection.
7 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the plurality of tissue collecting members includes at least one X-shaped projection.
8 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second axial end portions are integrally formed as one-piece.
9 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second axial end portions are connected by a circumferentially extending hinge.
10 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second axial end portion expands axially relative to the first axial end portion as the second axial end portion moves between the collapsed and expanded positions.
11 . A device for collecting a biological sample as set forth in claim 1 wherein the collection portion and the flexible tubular member are integrally formed.
12 . The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the tissue collecting members has a V-shape terminating in a curved or flat surface.
13 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible tubular member has a length sufficient to extend from a mouth to at least a stomach of the patient.
14 . A device for collecting a biological sample in a patient, the device comprising
a collection portion in fluid communication with a flexible tubular member, the collection portion and the tubular member each respectively provided with a size and shape sufficiently dimensioned to intubate the patient, the collection portion having a relatively larger exterior dimension, along its length, than the tubular member,
a first rigid axial end portion and a second expandable axial end portion defining the collection portion, the second axial end portion being designed to bias between a collapsed position where the second axial end portion extends axially into the first axial end portion and has a concave shape and an expanded position where the second axial end portion extends from the first axial end portion and has a convex shape, and
ribs extending about a circumference of the second axial end portion, the ribs extending between adjacent tissue collecting members arranged in rows about the second axial end portion, the tissue collecting members each being generally proximally facing to receive the biological sample when the device is drawn proximally.
15 . The device of claim 14 , wherein at least one of the tissue collecting members has a V-shape terminating in a curved or flat surface.
16 . The device of claim 14 , wherein the flexible tubular member has a length sufficient to extend from a mouth to at least a stomach of the patient.