Abstract: A biopsy device having a cutting element is disclosed. The cutting element includes an inner cannula having a tissue receiving aperture disposed proximate a distal end thereof and an inner lumen. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of an outer cannula. A vacuum chamber is disposed about at least a portion of the cutting element and is configured to create a vacuum in the cutting element during a biopsy procedure. The inner cannula is advanced distally outwardly and to cause the vacuum to be generated in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum is delivered to the cutting element whereby tissue is drawn into the tissue receiving aperture. The outer cannula is advanced distally outwardly after the inner cannula such that tissue drawn into the tissue cutting aperture is severed.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for establishing operational settings of a plasma arc cutting system automatically using replaceable cartridges. A replaceable cartridge for use with a plasma arc cutting system includes a housing, a connection mechanism for coupling the housing to a plasma arc torch, an arc constrictor connected to the housing, an arc emitter connected to the housing, and an identification mechanism disposed relative to the housing and configured to communicate information to a reader of the plasma arc cutting system and automatically set at least one operating parameter of the plasma arc cutting system.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element, a biopsy line, a motor line, and a vacuum line. The cutting element includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The biopsy line is operatively connected to a control console for moving the inner cannula within the outer cannula to cut tissue cores. The motor line is operatively connected to the control console for operating the surgical device. The vacuum line is operatively connected to the inner cannula. A selectively openable tissue filter is operatively connected to the inner cannula, and is also connected to the vacuum line.

Abstract: In some aspects, a replaceable consumable component for performing a cutting or welding operation can include a body and a readable data storage device coupled to the body or integrated within the body, wherein the data storage device contains an operation instruction for a cutting or welding device.

Abstract: A target localizing and marking device is provided including a cannula having proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, and a tip member releasably attached to the distal end, where the tip member includes and outer shell and at least one inner chamber. The device further includes at least one image enhancing component disposed on the outer shell and/or within the at least one inner chamber, at least one marking component disposed in the at least one inner chamber, and a tip member deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism has a manually engageable actuator, a portion of which is dimensioned to slidably pass through the lumen of the cannula, and is operable to separate the tip member from the cannula and deploy the tip member to a predetermined target site. In some implementations, the device is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible and is identifiable under MRI.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element, a biopsy line, a motor line, and a vacuum line. The cutting element includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The biopsy line is operatively connected to a control console for moving the inner cannula within the outer cannula to cut tissue cores. The motor line is operatively connected to the control console for operating the surgical device. The vacuum line is operatively connected to the inner cannula. A selectively openable tissue filter is operatively connected to the inner cannula, and is also connected to the vacuum line.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a cutting element is disclosed. The cutting element includes an inner cannula having a tissue receiving aperture disposed proximate a distal end thereof and an inner lumen. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of an outer cannula. A vacuum chamber is disposed about at least a portion of the cutting element and is configured to create a vacuum in the cutting element during a biopsy procedure. The inner cannula is advanced distally outwardly and to cause the vacuum to be generated in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum is delivered to the cutting element whereby tissue is drawn into the tissue receiving aperture. The outer cannula is advanced distally outwardly after the inner cannula such that tissue drawn into the tissue cutting aperture is severed.

Abstract: A site marker is provided that includes a generally hollow body defining a cavity. At least one marker element is captured within the cavity but is able to move within the cavity. The capturing prevents migration of the marker within a body. The site marker is formed into a predeployment configuration whereby the site marker is compressed into a predetermined size and shape to as to be readily positionable within a deployment device. The site marker expands from the predeployment position to a post deployment configuration upon insertion into the body.

Abstract: A target localizing and marking device is provided including a cannula having proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, and a tip member releasably attached to the distal end, where the tip member includes and outer shell and at least one inner chamber. The device further includes at least one image enhancing component disposed on the outer shell and/or within the at least one inner chamber, at least one marking component disposed in the at least one inner chamber, and a tip member deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism has a manually engageable actuator, a portion of which is dimensioned to slidably pass through the lumen of the cannula, and is operable to separate the tip member from the cannula and deploy the tip member to a predetermined target site. In some implementations, the device is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible and is identifiable under MRI.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element, a biopsy line, a motor line, and a vacuum line. The cutting element includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The biopsy line is operatively connected to a control console for moving the inner cannula within the outer cannula to cut tissue cores. The motor line is operatively connected to the control console for operating the surgical device. The vacuum line is operatively connected to the inner cannula. A selectively openable tissue filter is operatively connected to the inner cannula, and is also connected to the vacuum line.

Abstract: A site marker deployment device is disclosed. The site marker deployment device comprises an inner member and a deployment cannula. The inner member has a distal end. The deployment cannula has an open distal end. The deployment cannula is slidably disposed over the inner member and a site marker that is disposed within the deployment cannula adjacent the inner member at the distal end of the depolyment cannula. The inner member is configured to be held generally stationary relative to a target location as deployment cannula is selectively moved between a pre-deployment configuration wherein the deployment cannula is positioned over at least a portion of the site marker and a deployed configuration wherein the deployment cannula is retracted such that the site marker is released from the deployment cannula.

Abstract: An introducer assembly is disclosed. The introducer assembly comprises an introducer cannula, an introducer hub and an introducer stylet body. The introducer cannula is defined by a distal end and a proximal end and has a lumen extending therebetween. The introducer hub is operatively connected to the introducer cannula, and wherein the introducer hub is configured for selective connection with multiple medical devices. The introducer stylet body is defined by a proximal end and a distal end and is removably disposed within the introducer cannula. The introducer stylet body may further comprise an imagable feature having a predetermined size disposed on a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A marker deployment system is provided, including at least one cannula, a site marker and at least one wire. The cannula has a tubular side-wall and a distal opening. The cannula defines at least one aperture extending through the side-wall. The wire is selectively interposed within the cannula, and a distal wire end extends through the aperture. A portion of the wire is secured to an end portion of the site marker. The wire is pulled taut at the aperture, thereby at least partially aligning the end portion of the site marker with the distal opening of the cannula.

Abstract: A stent deployment device (110) is provided for deploying a stent in a lumen of a patient. The device can include a catheter (112), a first balloon (122) positioned near a distal end of the catheter and a second balloon (123) adjacent to the first balloon. Alternatively, the second balloon can be positioned over the first balloon. The device also includes an expandable stent (210) positioned over the first balloon and the second balloon. The first balloon comprises a semi-compliant material, a noncompliant material or a compliant material. Similarly, the second balloon comprises a semi-compliant material, a noncompliant material or a compliant material. The first balloon is expandable to a first diameter, while the second balloon can be expandable to a second diameter.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a cutting element is disclosed. The cutting element includes an inner cannula having a tissue receiving aperture disposed proximate a distal end thereof and an inner lumen. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within the inner lumen of an outer cannula. A vacuum chamber is disposed about at least a portion of the cutting element and is configured to create a vacuum in the cutting element during a biopsy procedure. The inner cannula is advanced distally outwardly and to cause the vacuum to be generated in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum is delivered to the cutting element whereby tissue is drawn into the tissue receiving aperture. The outer cannula is advanced distally outwardly after the inner cannula such that tissue drawn into the tissue cutting aperture is severed.

Abstract: A site marker delivery system is provided that may be used in combination with a tissue cutting device for marking a biopsy site. The system includes a tube attached to a hub. A push-rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The push-rod is advanced forward through the lumen of the tube causing a marker seated within the tube to be deployed at a biopsy site.

Abstract: A site marker delivery system is provided that may be used in combination with a tissue cutting device for marking a biopsy site. The system includes a tube attached to a hub. A push-rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The push-rod is advanced forward through the lumen of the tube causing a marker seated within the tube to be deployed at a biopsy site.

Abstract: A site marker is provided that includes a generally hollow body defining a cavity. At least one marker element is captured within the cavity but is able to move within the cavity. The capturing prevents migration of the marker within a body. The site marker is formed into a predeployment configuration whereby the site marker is compressed into a predetermined size and shape to as to be readily positionable within a deployment device. The site marker expands from the predeployment position to a post deployment configuration upon insertion into the body.

Abstract: An intracorporeal site marker that is adapted to be implanted into a biopsy cavity includes a plurality of balls or particles. The balls or particles are either sintered together or bonded together. Other alternative embodiments of site markers visible under various imaging modes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent graft system for intraluminal deployment in an aorta and a branch vessel that includes an aorta stent graft for deployment within the aorta and defining a lumen for the passage of blood therethrough, and having a fenestration positioned and sized so as to allow blood to flow to a contiguous branch vessel. The system also includes a branch vessel prosthesis, preferably a stent graft, having a tubular portion and a flaring portion, such that, when deployed, the flaring portion is located within the lumen of the aorta stent graft and the tubular portion passes through the fenestration and into the branch vessel. A balloon expansion catheter expands the tubular portion and flare the flaring portion. The expansion of the tubular portion and the flaring of the flaring portion may occur sequentially or simultaneously.