Abstract An instrument (11) for collecting cells of tissues comprises an operating wire (12) having a cell-collecting brush (13) mounted on its distal end, and a tube (15) through which the operating wire is passed in a movable manner. Means is provided (tapered surfaces 14a, 16b) for integrally joining the operating wire (12) to the tube (15) in a detachable manner when the brush (13) projects from the distal end of the tube for use. The instrument is passed through a channel of an endoscope, whereby the brush (13) may be rubbed against tissues of the interior of a physical body to collect cells therefrom by moving the whole instrument to and fro relative to the endoscope.
An instrument for collecting cells of tissues from the interior of a physical body including an operating wire (12) carrying a cell-collecting brush (13) on its distal end, and a tube (15) through which the operating wire is passed in a movable manner, wherein, in use the tube is passed through a channel of an endoscope so that the brush on the operating wire may be caused to project from the distal end of the tube to be rubbed against the tissues to collect cells therefrom; characterized in that the operating wire (12,22) can be connected to the tube (15,25) in a firm but detachable manner while the brush (13,23) on the operating wire (12,22) is projecting from the distal end of the tube (15,25).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
An instrument for collecting cells of tissues from the interior of a physical body including an operating wire (12) carrying a cell-collecting brush (13) on its distal end, and a tube (15) through which the operating wire is passed in a movable manner, wherein, in use the tube is passed through a channel of an endoscope so that the brush on the operating wire may be caused to project from the distal end of the tube to be rubbed against the tissues to collect cells therefrom; characterized in that the operating wire (12,22) can be connected to the tube (15,25) in a firm but detachable manner while the brush (13,23) on the operating wire (12,22) is projecting from the distal end of the tube (15,25).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
177 words
.2. An instrument according to claim 1, in which a cap (16) is secured to the proximate end of the tube (15) and has an opening in its rear end which is defined by a tapered surface (16b), and an operating member (14) is secured to the proximate end of the operating wire (12) and has a tapered surface (14a) formed on its front peripheral portion which is adapted to be fitted into the tapered surface (16b) formed in the cap (16). 3. An instrument according to claim 1, in which said cap (26) is secured to the proximate end of the tube (25) and has a rounded peripheral bead or flange (26a) forced on its outer periphery adjacent to its rear end, and an operating member (24) of an elastic material is secured to the proximate end of the operating wire (22) and has an opening (24a) formed in its front end, with a peripheral groove (24b) formed in the inner surface of the opening (24a) for fitting engagement with the peripheral bead or flange (26a).