transbronchial needle aspiration device . in one embodiment , the device comprises a handle and a flexible catheter , the handle having a bore , the proximal end of the catheter being fixed within the handle bore . a protective tubular hub having a flared distal end is press - fit coaxially within the distal end of the catheter , the distal end of the catheter being sealed around the distal end of the hub so as to define a distal opening . a hollow needle having a sharp tip at its distal end is disposed within the catheter , the needle tip being sized for insertion through the distal opening of the catheter . the distal end of a flexible wire is coupled to the proximal end of the needle , the proximal end of the wire extending through the handle bore and coupled to a button slide accessible through a slot in the handle . the button slide is movable between a distal position in which the needle tip extends through the distal opening of the catheter and a proximal position in which the needle tip is disposed within the hub . when in either its distal position or its proximal position , a pawl on the button slide releasably engages a corresponding notch on the handle to lock the button slide in place .