Apparatus and method for everting catheter for uterine access for biopsy and cytology
An everting balloon system is disclosed that can be used for biopsy within a body of a patient or animal. The everting balloon system can be used to access a bodily cavity or vessel for tissue specimen collection at specific bodily locations. The everting catheter system described simplifies the process of tissue biopsy.
1. A method for retrieving a tissue sample from a uterus comprising:
inserting a distal end of an elongated element into the uterus, wherein the elongated element has a lateral opening and a cover closeable over the lateral opening;
positioning the tissue sample in the elongated element; and
everting the cover over the opening.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising lavaging of the uterus with at least an irrigation fluid through the lateral opening.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the positioning comprises aspirating of the tissue and irrigation fluid through the lateral opening.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the lavaging comprises cellular collection.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the lavaging comprises specimen collection.
6. The method of claim 2 , further comprising delivery of a cytology element into the uterus.
7. The method of claim 2 , further comprising delivery of a biopsy element into the uterus.
8. The method of claim 2 , wherein the elongated element has an inner catheter, and wherein the inner catheter has a through-lumen, and wherein the method comprises delivering irrigation fluid through the through-lumen.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering contrast media or echogenic fluid through the lateral opening.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising aspirating contrast media or echogenic fluid through the lateral opening.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering medication through the lateral opening.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering therapeutic fluid through the lateral opening.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising aspirating medication through the lateral opening.
14. The method of claim 2 , further comprising delivery of a lavage fluid exiting through the cover.
15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising lavaging of the uterus.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the positioning comprises aspirating of the tissue.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the lavaging comprises cellular collection.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the lavaging comprises specimen collection.
19. The method of claim 15 , further comprising delivery of a cytology element into the uterus.
20. The method of claim 15 , further comprising delivery of a biopsy element into the uterus.