The invention relates to trans-epithelial frictionally abrasive tissue sampling devices for performing biopsies and methods of inducing an immune response against a pathogen, wherein epithelial cells containing the pathogen are disrupted with the frictionally abrasive tissue sampling device to introduce the pathogen into the bloodstream of a patient.

The present invention provides an endoscopic device for examination cum sample collection of an orifice of a user's body. In particular, the device is useful for vaginal and cervical examination. The device comprises a camera attached on the probe along with a radial luminous system and cytobrush for sample collection attached within the probe. A latex balloon and air flow directly through port are provided to inflate the vaginal cavity. The invention also provides the method for sample collection and supervision through controlled camera.

A biopsy device, comprising a flexible coaxial structure, comprising a wire within a sheath, the wire being adapted to be displaced with respect to the sheath along the coaxial axis by a force applied at a proximal end; a disruptor, at a distal end of the obturator, adapted to disrupt a tissue surface to free cells therefrom, having a first position covered within the sheath and a second position freely extending beyond the sheath; an element, on an exterior of the sheath, configured to limit a depth of insertion of the sheath into a body orifice.

A tissue biopsy device includes an input configured to receive a rotational input and to rotate in a first direction in response thereto, an outer tube, and an inner cutting member extending through the outer tube. A mechanism couples the input with at least one of the inner tube or the outer tube and/or one of the inner tube or the outer tube is coupled to the input such that rotation of the input in the first direction drives rotation of the one of the outer tube or the inner cutting member in the first direction and drives rotation of the other of the outer tube or the inner cutting member in a second, opposite direction.

The invention relates to trans-epithelial frictionally abrasive tissue sampling devices for performing biopsies and methods of inducing an immune response against a pathogen, wherein epithelial cells containing the pathogen are disrupted with the frictionally abrasive tissue sampling device to introduce the pathogen into the bloodstream of a patient.

A universal single-handed device for self-collection of a biological sample is described herein. The single-handed device may comprise a sheath comprising a distal end for insertion into a portion of a user's body, a shaft at least partially within the sheath, having a collection head for collecting the biological sample positioned at the distal end thereof, and an actuator coupled to the shaft to transition the distal end between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The collection head is covered by the distal end in the closed configuration and is exposed when the distal end is in the open configuration.

A method of collecting a biological sample inside a body cavity (18) using filaments (132). The body cavity (18) is accessed with the filaments (132) contained in a sheath (126) with ends thereof spaced apart from each other. To collect the sample, the filaments (132) are deployed outside the sheath (126) in the body cavity (18) and the ends of the filaments (126) are longitudinally brought closer to each other to bulge the portion extending therebetween to a radius larger than the radius of the sheath 126). Also, a device (100, 300) for performing the method.

A device for the collection of biological samples comprising a cylindrical body with a proximal end and a distal end. In addition, the cylindrical body includes a tab located within the cylindrical body, between the proximal end and the distal end; and a stop located on the inner surface of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end. In addition, the device includes a rod located within the cylindrical body, wherein the rod has a proximal tip and a distal tip sticking out from the distal end of the cylindrical body; and a tab located between the proximal tip and the distal tip. Also, the device includes a brush with a distal connection connected to the proximal tip of the rod, wherein the distal connection is located apart from the stop in the proximal direction. On the other hand, when the rod moves longitudinally along the cylindrical body in the proximal direction, the rod connects the flange to the tab. Furthermore, when the rod moves longitudinally along the cylindrical body in the distal direction, it causes the distal connection of the brush to strike against the cylindrical body stop, causing the brush to detach from the rod.

An endoscopic system includes an integrated grasper device passing through a device lumen in the cannula. The grasper device has distal end forming two jaw portions that are biased to remain in an open position if unconstrained. The grasper has arch shaped portions that push against the inner surface of the device lumen when the grasper is retracted. To close the jaws of the grasper the grasper is retracted proximally until the arch shaped portions engage the opening of the device lumen. Further retraction causes the grasper jaws to close through engagement with the device lumen inner surface. The endoscopy system can include a single-use, removable cannula having a camera module on its distal tip. A re-usable portion can include the hand piece and display screen.

A device for collecting cervical cells for analysis includes a thin saucer-shaped base portion having two opposite concave and convex side faces and having an outer edge which is oval in shape and elongate in form. In addition, the base portion is insertable into the vaginal canal of a female for cell-collecting purposes and includes a leading end which first enters the vaginal canal when the device is directed therein and an opposite trailing end. Furthermore, a plurality of bristles are joined to and extend away from the concave side of the base portion so that by inserting the device along the vaginal canal, the bristles of the device move across and collect cervical cells from the surface of the cervix.