Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable handpiece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable handpiece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. The motor also actuates an attached sample revolver drum assembly in coordination with movement of the cutter tube to provide sequentially stored tissue samples in a sample storage bandolier that is rotated about a revolver cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable hand piece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.

Abstract: An endoscope that has an integrated light source and camera mounted at the distal end of the endoscope. The light source is a class of LED devices constructed of high-efficiency LEDs that emit narrow-band blue light coupled with phosphors, which cause a nearly natural “white” light to be emitted. The LEDs are coupled to a waveguide for transmission of the light to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for the efficacious thermal treatment of lumen such as varicose veins during laser surgery is provided. An energy delivery device comprising a diffusing optical fiber with a light-emitting section and a memory device having data programmed therein is also provided. The optical fiber includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature at a treatment site. An energy generator is connected to the optical fiber and to a positioning device. The optical fiber engages positioning device so that the positioning device can moveably position the light-emitting section of the optical fiber. Consequently, the optical fiber can be inserted directly into an appropriate position within a varicose portion of a vein or other lumen for thermal treatment of the vein.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for the efficacious thermal treatment of lumen such as varicose veins during laser surgery is provided. The method includes inserting an optical fiber into a lumen at a treatment site which has at least two treatment segments. The light-emitting section of the optical fiber is aligned with a first treatment segment within the treatment site. Energy is emitted into the lumen at the first treatment segment and a temperature of the lumen is measured at the first treatment segment. The energy delivered to the treatment segment can be adjusted in response to the temperature measurement. The light-emitting section is moved to at least a second treatment segment within the lumen and energy is emitted into the lumen at the second treatment segment. During treatment at the second treatment segment, the temperature of the lumen is measured at the second treatment segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an energy delivery device for use with a medical treatment system for the more efficacious treatment of patients during laser surgery. An energy delivery device comprises an optical fiber and a memory device having data programmed therein. The data is specifically associated with the energy self-absorption properties of the optical fiber. This data may include a calibration parameter indicative of a self-heating characteristic of the optical fiber. The optical fiber and the memory device are operatively connected to the energy delivery device during use of the medical treatment system. The calibration parameter stored within the memory device is used by a main processor to calculate a corrected temperature value from a measured temperature at the treatment site.

Abstract: An improved surgical instrument cartridge and method for manufacturing thereof includes providing a cartridge comprising a housing including a surface member and a pair of sidewalls spaced a distance apart from each and connected to the surface member. At least one of the sidewalls has a plurality of slots arranged therein. The slotted sidewall is then deflected such that a plurality of drivers can be placed adjacent the deflected sidewall. Each driver has a tab extending laterally therefrom. The driver tab is inserted directly into the sidewall slot such that each tab is movably confined within each slot and the driver is movable with respect to the slotted sidewalls.