Disclosed embodiments include catheter assemblies, systems for sampling a targeted region of tissue, and methods of sampling a targeted region of tissue. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a catheter assembly includes: a catheter defining a lumen therein, a wall of the catheter defining an opening therein at a distal end of the catheter; and a curved flexible needle disposable in the lumen and being extendable from the opening at the distal end of the catheter at an angle that diverges from an axis of the lumen.