Intraluminal biopsy of the small intestine

Summary 1. An instrument for obtaining intraluminal biopsies of the intestinal mucosa has been described. It consists of a capsule containing a rotating knife which is spring-activated and triggered by suction. The suction first draws a bit of mucosa into the capsule before the knife is sprung. The capsule is held captive by a polyethylene tube 2 mm. in diameter, which also serves to transmit suction and to retrieve the capsule.2. Although the instrument was devised for jejunal biopsy it can be used to obtain specimens from any site between the oropharynx and the ileocecal valve.3. The method is safe and reliable. It is technically uncomplicated and it imposes a minimum of hardship on the subject.We are indebted to Colonel Benjamin H. Sullivan who obtained the biopsies and to Major Carl M. Russell for fluoroscopy and roentgenograms.