Abstract: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Abstract: A permanent or temporary marker is embedded within a hydrogel plug used in a biopsy procedure to indicate the location of a suspicious lesion so that the marker may be found in a subsequent surgical procedure. A combination of at least one permanent and at least one temporary marker may be used. Inserts of differing sizes and shapes may also be placed into the hydrogel plugs during their manufacturing process and removed from the plugs after the plugs have cured so that air-filled cavities are left in the plug. These cavities are temporary but may be used to augment location of a permanent marker.

Abstract: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Abstract: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Abstract: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site expands the sealant. The expanded sealant is formed of a hydrogel and is therefore more compatible to the surrounding tissue than the material of the tissue marker. The sealant and the tissue marker are both bioabsorbed over time.

Abstract: Openings in a mammalian body made by any medical procedure or non-medical event are sealed with a bioabsorbable plug or sewn with a bioabsorbable suture. In one exemplary embodiment, the plug in dehydrated, unexpanded condition is pushed by a pushing device through the lumen of a needle until a first part of the plug is external to the opening and a second part is internal to the opening. The needle is then withdrawn while the position of the pushing device is maintained. The pushing device is then withdrawn, leaving the plug in sealing relation to the opening. The body's moisture causes the plug to expand to complete the sealing of the opening, or the expansion may be caused by exposure to air, light, or other stimulant. The opening may be formed in soft tissue, internal organs, or hard tissue. The plug seals the flow of liquid or gaseous biological fluids.

Abstract: A clip and a bioabsorbable marker are employed to mark a biopsy site. The former provides a permanent marker that is clamped onto tissue and that cannot migrate from the site over time. The latter is gradually bioabsorbed over time but the time may vary widely from weeks to months. In most embodiments, the clip and marker are integrally formed with one another at the time of manufacture. In one embodiment, the clip and marker are independently made but are joined to one another during the site-marking process. The markers are deployed by core biopsy needles of the type employing a vacuum, of the type that does not employ a vacuum, and by coaxial biopsy needles.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular size from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle, elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge provides a second sharp edge. A bottom of the slot is proximal to the opening of the slot. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. A vacuum pulls the scraped cellular material into the lumen of the needle.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable sealant plug that expands in response to contact with moisture in a mammalian body is optimally positioned in a biopsy tract to seal the biopsy tract when a biopsy procedure is completed. In a first method, the leading end of the sealant plug is advanced through the lumen of a coaxial needle by a plunger until a leading end of a supporting leg abuts the patient's skin surface. A second method is performed with a pistol-shaped tool having a trigger that enables adjustment of the plunger. A third embodiment includes a plunger having a bifurcated end that grasps the plug. A fourth embodiment has a turning nut that causes compression of a gasket that clamps down on the plug. A supporting rod and coaxial needle are in parallel relation to one another in a fifth embodiment.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: Openings in a mammalian body made by any medical procedure or non-medical event are sealed with a bioabsorbable plug or sewn with a bioabsorbable suture. In one exemplary embodiment, the plug in dehydrated, unexpanded condition is pushed by a pushing device through the lumen of a needle until a first part of the plug is external to the opening and a second part is internal to the opening. The needle is then withdrawn while the position of the pushing device is maintained. The pushing device is then withdrawn, leaving the plug in sealing relation to the opening. The body's moisture causes the plug to expand to complete the sealing of the opening, or the expansion may be caused by exposure to air, light, or other stimulant. The opening may be formed in soft tissue, internal organs, or hard tissue. The plug seals the flow of liquid or gaseous biological fluids.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable marker is placed in soft tissue such as breast tissue near a lesion during a biopsy procedure. If tests prove the lesion to be malignant, the marker indicates the location of the lesion and the marker is removed surgically together with the lesion. If tests prove the lesion to be benign, there is no need to surgically remove the marker due to its bioabsorbability. One or more markers may be carried in an elongate, flexible marker carrier that is ensheathed within an elongate, flexible outer sheath. The flexible outer sheath is slidingly introduced into the proximal end of a biopsy needle until its distal free end protrudes from a port formed in the distal end of the biopsy needle. Retraction of the outer sheath relative to the marker carrier then exposes the marker carrier. The markers exit the marker carrier under their own inherent bias or an auxiliary bias is employed to eject them from the marker carrier.

Abstract: A guide needle for locating the position of a lesion or tumor in soft tissue has an inflatable balloon adjacent its pointed tip so that the position of the guide needle with respect to the lesion or tumor can be determined upon visual inspection of an ultrasound, CT scan, or other imaging technique when the balloon is inflated. A flexible bulbous reservoir positioned near a proximal end of the guide needle contains a saline solution or other suitable contrasting liquid fluid and is in fluid communication with the inflatable balloon through a tube. Squeezing the bulbous reservoir inflates the balloon and releasing the bulbous reservoir deflates the balloon. A clamp attachable to the proximal end of the tube is closed after the bulbous reservoir has been squeezed to lock the balloon into its inflated configuration when the guide needle is properly positioned relative to the lesion or tumor. The inflated balloon indicates the position of the guide needle and also anchors the guide needle into position.

Abstract: An apparatus used in balloon angioplasty and/or stenting in a first embodiment includes a guide wire, a balloon catheter that ensleeves the guide wire, and a guide catheter that ensleeves the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter has a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially spaced apart slots formed in it to define a plurality of elongate members between the slots. A joint is formed at the proximal, distal, and mid-point of each elongate member. Displacing the respective proximal and distal joints toward one another causes the respective middle joints to displace radially outwardly, and radial inward travel of the middle joints is caused by increasing the distance between the proximal and distal joints. A bead is formed in the distal end of the guide wire and retraction of the guide wire causes the bead to abut the distal end of the balloon catheter and displace it in a distal-to-proximal direction, opening the elongate, jointed members.