Cook Medical has introduced BIGopsy Backloading Biopsy Forceps, a device designed and engineered to obtain large renal or ureteral tissue specimens up to 4mm for cancer diagnosis. The larger sample size helps produce biopsy results without the need for repeat tissue-sampling procedures associated with other biopsy devices.
Cook Medical’s BIGopsy, designed in collaboration with practicing endourologists, overcomes the issue of insufficient specimens for diagnosis by having a 4 mm3 biopsy cup, which is over four times larger than other biopsy forceps on the market.
To accommodate the large cup size, BIGopsy has a removable, replaceable handle that allows it to be backloaded through the working channel of an endocscope.
Jaime Landman, director of minimally invasive urology at the department of urology at Columbia University, said: “There have been a number of significant advancements in how we access, view and treat a tumor in the ureter or kidney, but what’s been missing is our ability to obtain adequately sized tissue samples for biopsy.
“Cook Medical’s BIGopsy is a prime example of leading-edge medical technology furthering the biopsy process, without negatively impacting patient comfort. This unique device with its ability to capture large samples up to 4 mm3 allows us to more precisely diagnose tumors and determine the best treatment options for each patient.”
Nicky James, vice president and global strategic business unit leader at Cook Urology, said: “In addition to the increased specimen size, the BIGopsy has an extremely small working shaft that improves flow, which can help the urologist’s field of vision.
“Increasing the size of the tissue specimens taken in just one procedure will have a positive impact on both patients and physicians. We’re proud to have created and brought to market a technology that directly responds to the needs of physicians and patients.”