Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drainage catheter including an elongated hollow drainage tube having a proximal end, a distal end, a tip, a flexible region adjacent the tip, a filament routing channel, a hub associated with the proximal end of the elongated hollow drainage tube, and a filament member associated with the flexible tip for altering the shape of the flexible tip to facilitate retention of the drainage tube in a patient's body. The filament member is slidably positioned within the filament routing member in the distal end of the drainage tube to permit removal of same from the catheter. The filament member exits the catheter through the hub, which further includes at least one filament member passageway. The filament member passageways enable slidable movement of the filament member therein, while also maintaining a liquid tight seal from leakage through the hub.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes an outer cannula, an inner rod, a sheath operably associated with the outer cannula, a handle assembly removably attachable to the sheath, and a release member for releasably attaching the handle assembly to the sheath. In one embodiment, a locking element associated with the sheath comprises a pair of notches located on either side of the sheath, and a locking element associated with the handle assembly comprises a pair of slots in communication with an opening within the handle assembly. The release member comprises a rotatable collar located in a channel on the handle assembly. When the release member is rotated from a first position to a second position, a portion thereof protrudes through the slots into the notches on the sheath, thereby locking the sheath in place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bone marrow biopsy device including an outer cannula, an outer cannula handle having a locking member, an inner rod, an inner rod handle having a locking member, and an independent locking element. The outer cannula handle locking member further comprises a flange element, and the inner rod handle locking member further comprises at least one prong. In one embodiment, the locking element comprises a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the at least one prong and the flange element. The cylindrical sleeve comprises at least one slot which aligns with the at least one prong when the locking element is in its unlocked orientation. The locking element is placed into its locked orientation by rotation of the locking element about the at least one prong and the flange element such that the at least one prong no longer aligns with the at least one slot and is therefore prevented from passing over the flange element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bone marrow biopsy needle including an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, a hollow section therebetween and a handle portion associated with the proximal end, and an inner rod having a proximal end, a distal end and a handle cap. The handle portion further includes a grip enhancement member which is formed from a material distinct from at least a portion of the handle portion, such as rubber. The grip enhancement member may take the form of insert members which fit into cavities in the handle portion of the outer cannula. The grip enhancement member not only enhances the gripping surface of the bone marrow biopsy needle, but also provides cushioning for a user and adds weight to the handle portion to facilitate weight distribution throughout the outer cannula handle.

Abstract: An isotope seeding system that controls the release of radioactive seeds for treatment of cancerous cells during cancer treatment procedures. The isotope seeding system comprises at least one seed that is chargeable with radioactive isotopes. At least one dissolvable web netting may alternatively be positioned about the at least one seed, and a seed deployment assembly is utilized for delivering the at least one seed, with or without the dissolvable web netting, into an organism's tissue, to surround cancerous cells. The seed deployment assembly includes an elongated cannula, a hub assembly and an obturator. The hub assembly includes an initial inner diameter at its proximal end and an operable length between the proximal end of the hub assembly and the proximal end of the cannula, the ratio of the initial inner diameter relative to the operable length being in the range of 0.075 to 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biopsy needle for extracting bone marrow from a living bone. The biopsy needle comprises an outer cannula, an inner cannula slidable therein, an obturator and an ejector rod. The outer cannula has a proximal end, affixed to a handle, and a distal end which has a tapered inner diameter. The inner cannula likewise has a proximal end, affixed to an interlocking handle, and a distal end. The inner cannula distal ends consists of a tissue receiving region and a tissue grasping mechanism. The tissue grasping mechanism comprises a resilient deformable wall with an asymmetric configuration, preferably, two opposing slits, and a structure-maintaining spanning member. The tissue grasping member is which are deformed and at least partially closed upon insertion into the tapered region of the outer cannula. In operation, this deformation severs a tissue sample into the receiving region of the inner cannula, which may then be withdrawn from a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biopsy needle orientation fixture for use in association with diagnostic mammography equipment, and in particular, a horizontal stereotactic mammography x-ray machine having a radiation source. The biopsy needle orientation fixture comprises a substantially L-shaped frame having both horizontal and vertical members. The horizontal and vertical members are joined at one end, while the second end of the horizontal member houses a vertical needle guide, and the second end of the vertical member houses a horizontal needle guide. The horizontal and vertical needle guides allow a biopsy procedure to be performed accurately along both vertical and horizontal needle pathways. The fixture further comprises a means for mounting the substantially L-shaped frame to the stereotactic mammography x-ray machine, and a displacement from alignment with the horizontal needle path in the horizontal member.

Abstract: A drainage catheter apparatus for draining fluid from a body cavity of a patient, of the catheter type having an elongated hollow drainage member, a flexible tip, an interfacing hub member, a sealing member, a restraining member, a flexible drawing member and a retention facilitating member. The flexible drawing member capable of altering the flexible tip. This sealing member of elastomeric material seals the draw-string opening to automatically seal the opening from the passage of fluid therethrough, while enabling extension of the flexible drawing member. Similarly, the restraining member facilitates releasable restraint of the draw-string in a desired position. The retention facilitating member facilitates the proper positioning of the flexible drawing member with the restraining member and/or sealing member.

Abstract: A drainage catheter apparatus for draining fluid from a body cavity of a patient, of the catheter type having an elongated hollow drainage member, a flexible tip, an interfacing hub member, and further comprising a flexible drawing member capable of altering the flexible tip. A sealing member of elastomeric material seals the draw-string opening to automatically seal the opening from the passage of fluid therethrough, while enabling extension of the flexible drawing member, together with releasable restraint of the draw-string in a desired position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated and facilitated handling and operation of a biopsy needle system, having a first needle component and a second needle component. The first and second needles are provided with first and second handles, respectively, which are fitted into first and second yokes of the apparatus. The apparatus is configured to maintain the first and second needles in a first position, during insertion of the biopsy needle point into the tissue being sampled. The apparatus is further configured to forwardly move the first and second needles into subsequent positions, respectively, in rapid, automated succession so as to segment and enclose a tissue sample, which may be tested after removal of the biopsy needle system from the tissue.