Separable economically partially disposable flexible biopsy forceps

Claim 1

A biopsy forceps comprising: disposable cable means for providing bendable steering and support for a reusable forceps instrument assembly, said cable means comprising a helically wound wire having distal and proximal ends and forming a continuous passage therethrough from the distal to the proximal end; and a reusable forceps instrument assembly comprising: a control wire passing through said passage and having proximal and distal ends; forceps instrument means at the distal end of said control wire and operative in response to movement of said control wire to effect a surgical procedure; and unitary mounting means to which said forceps instrument means is operatively mounted at one end thereof, said mounting means comprising a socket means at an opposite end thereof for selective coupling and uncoupling to the distal end of said helically wound wire by rotating the distal end of said helical wire into or out of said socket means such that said cable means can be uncoupled from said mounting means and discarded, and said reusable forceps assembly, including said control wire, said forceps instrument means and mounting means can be resterilized and reused with another cable means.