Abstract: A control circuit is provided for use with a surgical tool, illustratively a vacuum-assisted surgical tool. The vacuum-assisted surgical tool has an outer cannula for insertion into a body to a point adjacent to a mass to be examined, and a cutter device may be housed within the outer cannula. In one embodiment, various other surgical devices may be housed within a multi-purpose outer cannula. A rinse or other liquid can be provided for assisting in the removal of the mass to be examined. Other desirable fluids and materials may also be provided and placed in communication with the surgical tool. A vacuum source may also be provided for assisting in the removal of the mass to be examined. A cabinet may house portions of the pneumatic circuit and control circuit.

Abstract: A guide (100) is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula (120) defining a lumen (125) sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening (124) in communication with the lumen (125) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The invention also includes a solid tip (130) having an anatomically distal end (131) secured to the first end (121) of the cannula (120) and a proximal end (132) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (135) is disposed within the cannula (120) at an end (136) of the lateral opening (124) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The ramp (135) is inclined toward the lateral opening (124), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening (124) as it advances within the lumen (125) and exits the cannula (120). In some embodiments, the item is a biopsy needle, ablation means or a radiopharmaceutical seed.

Abstract: A biopsy-marking assembly for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site in a patient and marking the biopsy site is provided. The biopsy marking assembly includes a biopsy device and a marking element for marking the biopsy site. In preferred embodiments, the marking assembly is configured so that the marking element is deposited at the biopsy site before the tissue sample is taken. In some embodiments, the marker element is a V-shaped rod including two legs and a joint between the two legs. In some embodiments, the biopsy device includes an outer hollow needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidingly engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a marker chamber for carrying the marker element for delivery to the biopsy site, and a cavity for receiving a tissue sample. Methods are also provided for obtaining a biopsy sample and marking the biopsy site.

Abstract: A guide (100) is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula (120) defining a lumen (125) sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening (124) in communication with the lumen (125) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The invention also includes a solid tip (130) having an anatomically distal end (131) secured to the first end (121) of the cannula (120) and a proximal end (132) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (135) is disposed within the cannula (120) at an end (136) of the lateral opening (124) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The ramp (135) is inclined toward the lateral opening (124), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening (124) as it advances within the lumen (125) and exits the cannula (120). In some embodiments, the item is a biopsy needle, ablation means or a radiopharmaceutical seed.

Abstract: A guide (100) is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula (120) defining a lumen (125) sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening (124) in communication with the lumen (125) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The invention also includes a solid tip (130) having an anatomically distal end (131) secured to the first end (121) of the cannula (120) and a proximal end (132) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (135) is disposed within the cannula (120) at an end (136) of the lateral opening (124) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The ramp (135) is inclined toward the lateral opening (124), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening (124) as it advances within the lumen (125) and exits the cannula (120). In some embodiments, the item is a biopsy needle, ablation means or a radiopharmaceutical seed.

Abstract: A biopsy-marking assembly for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site in a patient and marking the biopsy site is provided. The biopsy marking assembly includes a biopsy device and a marking element for marking the biopsy site. In preferred embodiments, the marking assembly is configured so that the marking element is deposited at the biopsy site before the tissue sample is taken. In some embodiments, the marker element is a V-shaped rod including two legs and a joint between the two legs. In some embodiments, the biopsy device includes an outer hollow needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidingly engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a cavity for carrying the marker element for delivery to the biopsy site and for receiving a tissue sample. Methods are also provided for obtaining a biopsy sample and marking the biopsy site.

Abstract: A suturing assembly is provided which includes a cannula with first and second ends. A first portion adjacent the first end defines a proximal lumen for slidably receiving a needle, a first bend and a needle exit aperture at the first bend in communication with the proximal lumen. The first lumen and the needle exit aperture define a needle path. A second portion is adjacent the second end and defines a distal lumen. The cannula defines a second bend between the first bend and the second portion. A needle entrance aperture is defined in the second portion in communication with the distal lumen and in line with the needle path. The cannula defines a first opening in the first end in communication with the proximal lumen. A needle with a piercing end is slidably disposed within the proximal lumen. The needle has a first position within the proximal lumen and a second deployed position with the piercing end in the distal lumen and the opposite end in the proximal lumen.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a stylus including a first generally conically shaped end tapering to a point at a predetermined angle and a second end. A cannula includes a first lumen for slidably receiving the stylus. The cannula includes a first end having an end wall and a second end. A catheter includes a second lumen for slidably receiving the cannula, a first end and a second end. The first end of the catheter includes an end wall having an outer surface tapered at the predetermined angle and an inner surface. The stylus, cannula, and catheter are configured so that the stylus, cannula, and catheter are aligned when the stylus, cannula and catheter are assembled for insertion into a patient's body.