Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed having a flexible tube, an end effector, and an actuator. A control member, such as a control wire, can extend through the flexible tube. A mechanical coupling is disclosed for attaching the control member to the actuator. A method for mechanically coupling the control member to the actuator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a catheter having a distal end insertable within a body lumen and having longitudinally spaced apart and circumferentially-protruding first and second pods. The first pod has a first exterior surface with a first surface portion. The first surface portion includes an energizable first electrode pair of circumferentially-spaced-apart electrodes. The first surface portion has a shape adapted to advance the first pod within the lumen upon contraction of muscular lumen tissue contacting an energized first electrode pair. The second pod has a second exterior surface with a second surface portion. The second surface portion includes an energizable second electrode pair of circumferentially-spaced-apart electrodes. The second surface portion has a shape adapted to advance the second pod within the lumen upon contraction of muscular lumen tissue contacting an energized second electrode pair.

Abstract: A surgical device including a shaft defining an axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, a first elongated electrode pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft and deployable from a first configuration, wherein the first electrode is generally coaxially aligned with the axis, to a second configuration, wherein the first electrode is generally perpendicular relative to the axis, and a second elongated electrode pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft and deployable from a first configuration, wherein the second electrode is generally coaxially aligned with the axis, to a second configuration, wherein the second electrode is generally perpendicular relative to the axis, wherein the first elongated electrode is adapted to extend radially relative to the second elongated electrode.

Abstract: A method for forming a needle assembly is provided. A distal portion of the needle can be formed of a first material which does not interfere with MRI imaging of a tissue receiving port disposed in the distal needle portion. A proximal needle portion can be formed of a second, different material, such as a metal. The proximal needle portion can provide strength and stiffness.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone stereotactic biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture can include a breast compression plate and a biopsy probe support plate for supporting a biopsy probe for movement along multiple perpendicular axes. The position of both the breast compression plate and the biopsy probe support plate can be adjustable along an axis which is generally parallel to a probe needle.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument with an internal specimen collection mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method for operating the biopsy device are disclosed. The method of operating the biopsy device can include varying the translational speed of a cutter independently of the speed of a motor driving translation of the cutter. The method can also include providing close loop control of a fluid system, such as a vacuum system, associated with the biopsy device. The method can also include control of a cutter motor including comparing an actual motor current with a predetermined motor current.