Biopsy forceps device having improved locking means

Abstract

A biopsy forceps device is presented herein having improved locking means for locking the forceps in a closed condition. This includes an elongated flexible hollow body portion having a lumen extending therethrough and having a proximal end coupled to a handle and a distal end coupled to a forceps assembly and which includes a pair of forceps. A control wire extends through the lumen in the hollow body portion and is coupled at its proximal end to the handle and at its distal end it is coupled to the forceps assembly. A trigger is connected to the proximal end of the control wire with the trigger being slidably mounted to the handle for slidable movement relative thereto between a rear position, at which the forceps are closed, and a forward position, at which the forceps are open. A releasable locking mechanism serves to normally block forward slidable movement of the trigger from its rear position toward its forward position to thereby prevent the forceps from being actuated to the open condition. The locking mechanism may be released with a release means which moves the locking means transversely of the direction of slidable movement of the trigger to thereby unblock such forward movement and thereby permit the trigger to actuate the forceps to the open condition.