Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and is configured to wind down when the inner tube rotates in a first direction relative to the outer cannula and uncoil when the inner tube rotates in a second direction relative to the outer cannula. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to a needle holder that is coupled to and moves with a movable base that is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure (curvilinear part) is configured to selectively engage the movable base and travel therewith in a first stage of operation and in a second stage of operation in which the inner driven structure is disengaged from the movable base, the inner driven structure is driven along the movable base which is held in a stationary position.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to a needle holder that is coupled to and moves with a movable base that is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure (curvilinear part) is configured to selectively engage the movable base and travel therewith in a first stage of operation and in a second stage of operation in which the inner driven structure is disengaged from the movable base, the inner driven structure is driven along the movable base which is held in a stationary position. The coupling between the inner driven structure and the inner tube is such that the axial driving of the inner driven structure imparts rotation to the inner tube relative to the outer cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and a movable base is disposed within the handle housing. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to the base and the movable base is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure that is coupled to the inner tube is configured to travel axially across an upper surface of the movable base. The coupling between the inner driven structure and the inner tube is such that the axial driving of the inner driven structure imparts rotation to the inner tube relative to the outer cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and a movable base is disposed within the handle housing. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to the base and the movable base is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure that is coupled to the inner tube is configured to travel axially across an upper surface of the movable base. The coupling between the inner driven structure and the inner tube is such that the axial driving of the inner driven structure imparts rotation to the inner tube relative to the outer cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and is configured to wind down when the inner tube rotates in a first direction relative to the outer cannula and uncoil when the inner tube rotates in a second direction relative to the outer cannula. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to a needle holder that is coupled to and moves with a movable base that is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure (curvilinear part) is configured to selectively engage the movable base and travel therewith in a first stage of operation and in a second stage of operation in which the inner driven structure is disengaged from the movable base, the inner driven structure is driven along the movable base which is held in a stationary position.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and a movable base is disposed within the handle housing. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to the base and the movable base is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure that is coupled to the inner tube is configured to travel axially across an upper surface of the movable base. The coupling between the inner driven structure and the inner tube is such that the axial driving of the inner driven structure imparts rotation to the inner tube relative to the outer cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes an outer cannula that is at least partially received within a handle housing and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and configured to receive a stylet. A snare coil is attached between the inner tube and the outer cannula and a movable base is disposed within the handle housing. The outer cannula is fixedly coupled to the base and the movable base is axially movable within the handle housing. An inner driven structure that is coupled to the inner tube is configured to travel axially across an upper surface of the movable base. The coupling between the inner driven structure and the inner tube is such that the axial driving of the inner driven structure imparts rotation to the inner tube relative to the outer cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for removal of tissue from a patient includes an outer tube having a distal end that has an inner diameter (IDtip) and an inner tube within said outer tube and having an inner diameter (IDsc), defined at the distalmost section of the inner tube. The needle also includes a snare having a first end connected to the inner tube and a second end coupled to the outer tube. The snare has a variable diameter that is controlled by rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube in a prescribed direction resulting in the opening and closing, respectively, of the snare. A ratio (R) that is defined by (IDsc)/(IDtip) is greater than 1.

Abstract: Please substitute the following paragraph(s) for the abstract now appearing in the currently filed specification: A biopsy needle for removal of tissue from a patient includes an outer tube having a distal end that has an inner diameter (IDtip) and an inner tube within said outer tube and having an inner diameter (IDsc), defined at the distalmost section of the inner tube. The needle also includes a snare having a first end connected to the inner tube and a second end coupled to the outer tube. The snare has a variable diameter that is controlled by rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube in a prescribed direction resulting in the opening and closing, respectively, of the snare, A ratio (R) defined as (IDsc)/(IDtip) is greater than 1.

Abstract: An aspirating needle for collecting a specimen including an elongated hollow body that includes a first lumen portion and a second lumen portion. The first lumen portion is open at both ends for placement at a specimen site to collect and permit aspiration of the specimen from the specimen site. The second lumen has first and second vent ports, with the second vent port being formed along the elongated body such that that when the needle is placed at the specimen site, the second vent port is positioned at the specimen site. The first vent port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air when the needle is positioned at the specimen site so as to permit pressure within the specimen site to equilibrate with atmospheric pressure by means of the venting action of the second lumen.

Abstract: An aspirating needle for collecting a specimen including an elongated hollow body that includes a first lumen portion and a second lumen portion. The first lumen portion is open at both ends for placement at a specimen site to collect and permit aspiration of the specimen from the specimen site. The second lumen has first and second vent ports, with the second vent port being formed along the elongated body such that that when the needle is placed at the specimen site, the second vent port is positioned at the specimen site. The first vent port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air when the needle is positioned at the specimen site so as to permit pressure within the specimen site to equilibrate with atmospheric pressure by means of the venting action of the second lumen.

Abstract: A system for controlled delivery of a predetermined volume of an additive (e.g., a liquid, solid, etc.) to a vacuum sealed container is provided and includes a delivery device that includes a housing having a chamber defined therein for holding the predetermined volume of additive and a piston or the like that is axially moveable within the chamber. The system includes a connector that is detachably connected to or formed as integral part of the delivery device. The connector has a hollow piercing element for piercing through a stopper of the vacuum sealed container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a biopsy needle that is particularly suited for shearing and collecting soft tissue specimens is provided and is formed of an inner tube with a snare at a distal end thereof, an outer cannula, a stylet and a handle assembly. In one aspect of the present invention, the handle assembly includes a spring loaded mechanism described in greater detail below that permits the user to selectively actuate the biopsy needle so that the outer cannula and the inner tube are rapidly advanced beyond the stylet to provide a shearing action of the soft tissue specimen. In one exemplary embodiment, the rapid advancement of the needle to achieve appropriate shear/cutting forces and to facilitate specimen transit into the needle is accomplished by a first spring loaded mechanism. A second spring loaded mechanism is automatically actuated after actuation of the first spring loaded mechanism and serves to rotate the inner tube relative to the outer cannula resulting in actuation of the snare coil.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a biopsy needle that is particularly suited for shearing and collecting soft tissue specimens is provided and is formed of an inner tube with a snare at a distal end thereof, an outer cannula, a stylet and a handle assembly. In one aspect of the present invention, the handle assembly includes a spring loaded mechanism described in greater detail below that permits the user to selectively actuate the biopsy needle so that the outer cannula and the inner tube are rapidly advanced beyond the stylet to provide a shearing action of the soft tissue specimen. In one exemplary embodiment, the rapid advancement of the needle to achieve appropriate shear/cutting forces and to facilitate specimen transit into the needle is accomplished by the spring loaded mechanism in which there is coordination between the rapid advancement of the needle over the shaft and activation of the winding down of the snarecoil.

Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed for connecting the proximal end of a medical device to a handle without comprising the sterility of the working end of the medical device. The connector assembly comprises a body that is rigidly attached to the proximal end of the medical device. A lever is attached to the body, and is resiliently biased towards a first position which engages the handle. A lock tab projects from the lever in a direction away from the body and is shaped to be received in a lock slot within the handle.

Abstract: A disposable biopsy needle of simple construction is disclosed. The biopsy needle includes inner and outer tubes which are affixed, respectively, to a knob and handle assembly. A resiliently flexible lip is positioned within the handle to overlie and constrict the aperture through which the knob is received during assembly of the inner needle and the outer needle. During assembly, the lip deflects as the knob passes into the handle and then returns to an undeflected state once the knob is fully seated within the handle. The lip restrains axial movement of the knob and the inner tube in the fully assembled biopsy needle. The knob may be provided with a knurled surface which engages the free end of a resiliently flexible tab disposed within the handle when the knob is rotated. The interaction of ridges and valleys on the knurled surface with the free end of the flexible tab provides a positive tactile and audible indication of the relative rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: An improved biopsy needle having an outer cannula, an inner tube, and a stylet. A snare in the form of a coil is provided between the distal ends of the outer cannula and the inner tube. The coil is coupled to a sleeve affixed to the inner surface of the outer cannula using axially directed coupling elements. Upon rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer cannula, the coil will decrease in diameter to either sever or hold the biopsy piece within the outer needle. After removal of the needle from the patient, rotating the inner tube in the opposite direction will cause the coil to expand to its original diameter and allow the biopsy piece to be removed from the needle.

Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed for connecting the proximal end of a medical device to a handle without compromising the sterility of the working (distal) end of the medical device. The connector assembly comprises a body that is rigidly attached to the proximal end of the medical device. A lever is attached to body and is resiliently biased towards a first position which engages the handle. A lock-tab projects from the lever in a direction generally away from the body and is shaped to be received in a lock-slot within the handle. The lock-tab and handle preferably are shaped to permit a snap-lock engagement of the handle and the body upon insertion of the body within the handle. This assembly can be used on a variety of medical devices and with a variety of handles. One industrial application is a biopsy needle having the connector assembly attached at its proximal end for a secure, snap-lock engagement to the handle.

Abstract: An improved biopsy needle having an outer cannula, an inner tube, and a stylet. The distal end of the inner tube is provided with a snare in the form of a coil extending from the inner tube. The free end of the coil is adhered to the inner surface of the outer cannula. Upon rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer cannula, the coil will decrease in diameter to either sever or hold the biopsy piece within the outer needle. After removal of the needle from the patient, rotating the inner tube in the opposite direction will cause the coil to expand to its original diameter and allow the biopsy piece to be removed from the needle.

Abstract: An improved biopsy needle having an outer cannula, an inner tube and a stylet. The distal end of the inner tube is provided with a snare in the form of a coil extending from the inner tube. The free end of the coil is adhered to the inner surface of the outer cannula. Upon rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer cannula, the coil will decrease in diameter to either sever or hold the biopsy piece within the outer needle. After removal of the needle from the patient, rotating the inner tube in the opposite direction will cause the coil to expand to its original diameter and allow the biopsy piece to be removed from the needle.