Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether one or more slides are loaded properly within a cassette. Each slide includes one or more transparent regions and one or more non-transparent regions. The slides are between a light source and a sensor. The light source generates light that is directed towards the sensor through the slides. If the sensor is able to detect light from the light source, then the slides are properly loaded in the cassette. Slides are not properly loaded if the light is blocked by a non-transparent region before reaching the sensor. The sensor or a separate controller can generate a signal or data to provide an indication to a user or to processing equipment that the slides are or are not properly loaded. For example, a speaker or an indicator light can be used to provide an indication to the user. The signal or data can also be used for other functions, such as displaying a message on a screen indicating whether the slides are properly loaded.

Abstract: A medical device and procedure is described for sterilizing a female. A two-part procedure includes an immediate sterilization part and a permanent sterilization part. The immediate sterilization part provides immediate sterility that endures at least until the permanent effects of a tubal occlusion procedure provide permanent sterility.

Abstract: A stage for supporting a specimen slide and for calibrating a microscope includes a base and a calibration component integral with the base. The calibration component includes at least one calibration element for positional calibration and at least one calibration element for optical calibration. Calibration of the microscope can be performed without the need for independent calibration slides. The calibration component may be a glass calibration component or may be defined by a calibration element formed or etched through the base.

Abstract: Methods and devices for occlusion of the fallopian tubes of a woman. The method involves thermally damaging the lining of the utero-tubal junction with relatively low power, followed by placement of a reticulated foam plug. In one embodiment, vascularized tissue grows into the plug and prevents or discourages formation of scar tissue around the plug. Another embodiment with a relatively small foam pore size encourages formation of a vascularized capsule around the plug. The presence of this vascularized capsule limits the patient's foreign body response, so that the capsule does not constrict around the plug. Also presented is a catheter designed for wounding the epithelial layer of the utero-tubal junction, and a method of using the catheter to form a long yet shallow lesion in the utero-tubal junction.

Abstract: A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well.

Abstract: First and second images of respective portions of a cytological specimen are acquired at different brightness levels. Sections of the respective first image are selected and combined with selected sections of the second image of each portion to form a composite image, so that non-nuclei cytological components that would otherwise appear dark in a single exposure image are brighter in the composite image.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample, where the compositions and methods include an RNA polymerase, a FEN nuclease, and a probe.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detection and typing of HPV infection using PNA probes. More specifically, methods are provided for detecting high-risk types of HPV infection with minimal numbers of PNA probes or using PNA probes to selectively amplify only high-risk types of HPV.

Abstract: An automated method for classifying a cytological sample is provided. The method comprises interrogating the sample with one or more wavelengths of light to obtain a result, and then attaching one or more designators to the sample based on whether the result meets a given criterion. The method allows for rapid feedback on the characteristics of the sample, permitting automated designation of the sample as positive for a given characteristic, and allowing for immediate remedial actions if the sample fails to meet the criterion.

Abstract: An ablation device includes an inflatable member having a cavity, a layer surrounding at least part of the inflatable member, wherein the layer includes one or more ablation elements for providing ablation energy, and a plurality of channels located between the layer and the inflatable member, wherein the layer has a plurality of openings that are in fluid communication with the plurality of channels. An ablation device includes an inflatable member having a cavity, and a layer surrounding at least part of the inflatable member, wherein the layer includes one or more ablation elements for providing ablation energy, wherein the layer has a plurality of openings, and is spaced away from at least a portion of the inflatable member.

Abstract: Embodiments of passive vent valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from a packaging configuration to a use configuration. The packaging configuration allows sterilization gases to penetrate into the device through standard valve openings as well as through vented mesh openings. Passage of gas into the device, in turn, provides a means of sterilizing all surface areas in the device. Alternatively, when the valve is placed in a use configuration, the passage of gas through the vented mesh is inhibited providing a sealed environment that functions as a valve. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in a packaging configuration or when it is in a use configuration.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of focus of a digital image of a biological specimen includes obtaining a digital image of a specimen using a specimen imaging apparatus. A measure of image texture is calculated at two different scales, and the measurements are compared to determine how much high-resolution data the image contains compared to low-resolution data. The texture measurement may, for example, be a Brenner auto-focus score calculated from the means of adjacent pairs of pixels for the high-resolution measurement and from the means of adjacent triples of pixels for the low-resolution measurement. A score indicative of the quality of focus is then established based on a function of the low-resolution and high-resolution measurements. This score may be used by an automated imaging device to verify that image quality is acceptable. The device may adjust the focus and acquire new images to replace any that are deemed unacceptable.

Abstract: Embodiments of luer-type needle-free valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from an open state to a closed state. The open position eliminates the potential for a differential pressure to exist between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The closed position enables the device to maintain a differential pressure between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in an open configuration when it is in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for sealing a cervical opening includes a support structure, and a seal coupled to the support structure, the seal having a surface for abutting against tissue next to the cervical opening, wherein the seal is tiltable relative to the support structure. A device for sealing a cervical opening includes a support structure, and a member coupled to the support structure, wherein the member is inflatable to create a seal for abutting against cervical tissue. A device for sealing a cervical opening includes a seal having a surface for contacting tissue next to the cervical opening, an opening formed on the surface of the seal, and a vacuum port, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with the vacuum port.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of focus of a digital image of a biological specimen includes obtaining a digital image of a specimen using a specimen imaging apparatus. A measure of image texture is calculated at two different scales, and the measurements are compared to determine how much high-resolution data the image contains compared to low-resolution data. The texture measurement may, for example, be a Brenner auto-focus score calculated from the means of adjacent pairs of pixels for the high-resolution measurement and from the means of adjacent triples of pixels for the low-resolution measurement. A score indicative of the quality of focus is then established based on a function of the low-resolution and high-resolution measurements. This score may be used by an automated imaging device to verify that image quality is acceptable. The device may adjust the focus and acquire new images to replace any that are deemed unacceptable.

Abstract: Apparatus and slide cassette for removably retaining or securing a slide. The cassette includes trays for holding a slide. Each tray has a retaining lip at an end thereof. A first edge of a slide contacts a support member within the cassette when the slide that is placed in a slot. The support member can be an elastomeric member, a spring, a foam member, or an insert with slide retention surfaces. The support member pushes or urges the slide in the opposite direction so that an opposite edge of the slide contacts the retaining lips of the trays. As a result, the slide is removably retained or secured on the trays and between the retaining lips and the support member(s).

Abstract: A system and method for infusing a drug under continuous positive pressure (such as convection enhanced deliver) to a target tissue to be treated is particularly useful for post-resection anticancer drug therapy. The system comprises a drug infusion catheter having an expandable device which is expanded within the target tissue such that the target tissue conforms to an outer surface of the expandable device, thereby creating a form of seal around the target volume in order to maintain an effective drug pressure gradient within the target tissue. The system further comprises a sensor to measure a parameter which can be correlated to the degree of conformance between the target tissue and the outer surface of the expandable device. The sensor is coupled to a feedback control system to determine whether there is a loss of conformance, and to adjust the expansion of the expandable device in order to maintain good conformance.

Abstract: Sample vials and methods of processing the sample vials are provided. The sample vial comprises a vial container, a sample collection chamber within the vial container, a vial cap configured to be mated with the vial container to enclose the collection chamber, an aliquot chamber, which may be carried by the vial cap or the vial container, and a valve mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber. The method may comprise flowing an aliquot of the sample from the collection chamber while the sample within the collection chamber is isolated from an environment exterior to the vial, sealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber to isolate the aliquot sample from the remaining sample portion, and transferring at least some of the remaining sample portion from the collection chamber to a microscope slide while the aliquot chamber is sealed from the collection chamber.

Abstract: An improved image segmentation algorithm is provided that identifies each object in an image. Pixels of the image are sorted based on a range of attribute values of the image. These pixels are then added to a labeling image one by one starting with an extreme point in the range of attribute values. Features are calculated for each object located and these features are matched with pre-defined acceptance criteria. If there is a match, the object is output to an output image. The steps of adding pixels to the image, evaluating the features of the resulting objects and outputting the objects are repeated until a stopping point is reached.