Abstract: A device for verifying occlusion of the fallopian tube in a female subject includes an elongate member dimensioned to be slidably disposed within the uterine cavity of the subject. An interrogation element is positioned at the distal end of the elongate member. The interrogation element may include a visualization element such as a camera, ultrasonic transducer, MRI imaging element, or the like. In still other aspects, the interrogation element may include an electrode that is used to measure the electrical properties of the occlusion site. For example, the electrode may be used to measure electrical impedance.

Abstract: A slide printing system includes a printer comprising a slide stage and a print head, a first locking mechanism configured to hold a first slide-holding repository, and a slide handler configured to rotate about an axis for transporting a specimen slide from a slide-holding repository held in the first locking mechanism to the slide stage.

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: The invention provides devices, kits and methods for delivering an agent to a breast milk duct. Intraductal agent delivery provides an opportunity to treat a breast condition locally and avoid the pitfalls of systemic drug delivery for a local condition. Time-released agents delivered into the ducts using an intraductal device or formulation reduces the frequency of intraductal administration required for desired efficacy over time. The methods include methods of treating a breast condition, including the conditions of cancer or precancer.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system, and preferably a brachytherapy system, for delivering radiation to tissue surrounding an interstitial space is provided. While the system can be used for a variety of purposes, the system is preferably used to treat spinal metastases. In general, the system includes a catheter member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a structural support adapted to fit within an interstitial space in load bearing portion of a patient's body and having an internal space for removably receiving the distal end of the catheter member. At least one anchoring element can be disposed proximate to the distal end of the catheter. The anchoring element is preferably adapted to fit within the internal space in the structural support so as to anchor the distal end of the catheter therein.

Abstract: Vials used for obtaining an aliquot of a biological sample are provided. Also provided are method of using the vials and instruments to obtain an aliquot of a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for reviewing specimen slides, including apparatus for holding the slides. The invention also relates to an automatic focusing method for an imaging system and methods for accommodating vibration in the imaging system. In particular, the methods and apparatus may be applied to the automated analysis of cytological specimen slides.

Abstract: An automated slide imaging system includes an imager for acquiring images of a specimen slide mounted on a slide stage movable relative to the imager; and an image processing system configured to process the acquired images and identify objects of interest on the slide. The image processing system is configured to identify one or more types of errors associated with each slide, which may relate to the respective specimen and/or to the preparation and/or imaging of the slide. The system comprises at least one marker in operative association with the image processing system for applying one or more human-readable marks to slides having one or more associated errors, or to slides having no errors, or both.

Abstract: A tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample.

Abstract: A vessel for collecting biological particulate matter suspended in fluid includes a body having first and second ends and a fluid passageway there between. A filter member is disposed at one of the first and second ends of the body, the filter member having a porosity that permits passage of fluid but retains at least a portion of the biological particular matter. The exterior surface of the body portion includes at least one agitation member. The agitation member may be formed, for instance, as a blade, fin, projection, helical ring, or other protuberance.

Abstract: A biological specimen filter, for use in a biological specimen collection and transfer system having a vacuum source, comprises a tubular body having an exterior surface, an interior chamber, a first end configured to couple to the vacuum source, and a second end having an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted from a first position, in which the opening is submerged in a fluid source, to a second position, in which the opening is removed from the fluid source.

Abstract: An interstitial brachytherapy apparatus and method for delivering and monitoring radioactive emissions delivered to tissue surrounding a resected tissue cavity. The brachytherapy device including a catheter body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer spatial volume disposed proximate to the distal end of the body member. A radiation source is disposed in the outer spatial volume and a treatment feedback sensor is provided on the device. In use, the treatment feedback sensor can measure the radiation dose delivered from the radiation source.

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 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: Disclosed herein is a cell collection device, comprising a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, each portion having a proximal end and a distal end; a detachable joint between said proximal portion and said distal portion; and a cell collection portion at said distal end of said distal portion; whereby when said proximal portion and said distal portion are detached at said detachable joint, said proximal end of said distal portion is attachable to a vial cap.

Abstract: A medical device and procedure is described which can be used for occluding a fallopian tube. In one implementation, the apparatus includes an elongate member, an electrode carrier and one or more conductors. The elongate member has a lumen operable to couple to a vacuum source and draw moisture way from one or more electrodes included in the electrode carrier, and a lumen configured to receive a hysteroscope. The electrode carrier includes one or more bipolar electrodes and can to couple to a radio frequency energy generator. The one or more conductors connect to a controller operable to control the delivery of radio frequency energy to the one or more bipolar electrodes. The elongate member is a substantially rigid member configured with a curve to facilitate advancement of the distal end transcervically through a uterus and into a region of a tubal ostium of a fallopian tube to be occluded.

Abstract: A method for tissue ablation is described. An RF applicator including an electrode carrier with one or more bipolar electrodes thereon is positioned at a target tissue site for tissue ablation. A current at an initial current level is passed through the one or more bipolar electrodes to the target tissue site to apply an initial power density to destroy tissue for an initial time period. A vacuum source in fluid communication with the RF applicator is employed to remove moisture generated during ablation away from the target tissue site. After the initial time period, the power density is ramped up by increasing the current passed through the one or more bipolar electrodes to the target tissue site for a second time period.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the amplification of a DNA template by subjecting a sample of biological material containing a target nucleotide sequence to amplification using a non-extendable oligonucleotide blocker. The method comprises using oligonucleotide primers and blockers to create primer extension products that are susceptible to cleavage by double-strand-specific ribonucleases. The continuous production and cycling of ribonuclease cleaved products allows for amplification of a target sequence.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for collecting cells or tissue samples from the cervix of a patient for medical testing.

Abstract: An isotropic illuminator is described, including a relay lens configured to focus a source image propagated from a source and a lightpipe having an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. The source image is aligned by a folding element to fill the entrance aperture and the lightpipe propagating the source image provides substantially uniform illumination from the exit aperture to a field stop. Focusing a source image propagated from a source, aligning the source image to fill an entrance aperture, and propagating the source image to provide substantially uniform illumination from an exit aperture to a field stop is also described. A specimen review system including a specimen stage configured to receive specimens for viewing, a source of illumination providing illumination to the specimen stage, and a review scope configured to review specimens on the specimen stage is also described.