Abstract: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention are adapted to treat tissue inside a patient's body. Aspects of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, but certain embodiments provide minimally invasive alternatives for treating atrial fibrillation by delivering a tissue-damaging agent to selected areas of the heart. One exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia. This method includes positioning a distal tissue-contacting portion of a body in surface contact with a tissue surface of cardiac tissue; detecting the surface contact between the tissue-contacting portion and the tissue surface; and thereafter, injecting a tissue-ablating agent into the cardiac tissue through the tissue-contacting portion of the body.

Abstract: A biopsy assembly suitable for marking of a biopsy site and providing a cut down guide. The assembly includes a pliable filament having an indicator for marking the biopsy site and a stiffener guidable along the filament to provide a cut down guide.

Abstract: A biopsy device suitable for collecting cells from a mammary duct is provided. The device is suitable for conducting brushing biopsy and tissue excision procedures. The device comprises a sheath that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The device further comprises an endoscope disposed within and extending through the sheath. An adjustment mechanism is also operatively connected to the endoscope to longitudinally extend and retract the endoscope within the sheath.

Abstract: A biopsy device having an endoscope comprises a biopsy instrument, suitable for collecting at least one tissue sample from a body lumen, such as a mammary duct, and a cutter introducer sized for receiving the biopsy instrument and introducing the biopsy instrument into a mammary duct to retrieve a tissue sample therefrom.

Abstract: A catheter retainer includes a spacer and an anchor that coact to maintain a catheter in a predetermined position within a mammary duct during a ductal lavage procedure. The spacer and the anchor operate together to resist angular or axial displacement of the catheter. A catheter retainer kit is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A breast stabilizing and positioning device comprises a torso band for enveloping and securement about the chest of a human female patient, a breast elevating module and a breast stabilizing ring. The torso band defines a through aperture sized to receive a human breast there through. The breast elevating module is attached to the torso band, and comprises a base framing the through aperture of the torso band and a plurality of flexible, elongate tabs extending radially from the base. The breast stabilizing ring is adapted for securement about the areolar region of a human breast and defines an opening sized to receive a human breast nipple there through. The breast stabilizing ring is adapted for removable engagement with the tabs of the breast elevating module. The present devices assist in performing diagnostic procedures such as ductal lavage, or a surgical procedure, such as removal of ducts from the breast nipple.

Abstract: A breast stabilizing and positioning device comprises a torso band for enveloping and securement about the chest of a human female patient, a breast elevating module and a breast stabilizing ring. The torso band defines a through aperture sized to receive a human breast therethrough. The breast elevating module is attached to the torso band, and comprises a base framing the through aperture of the torso band and a plurality of flexible, elongate tabs extending radially from the base. The breast stabilizing ring is adapted for securement about the areolar region of a human breast and defines an opening sized to receive a human breast nipple therethrough. The breast stabilizing ring is adapted for removable engagement with the tabs of the breast elevating module. The devices of the present invention conveniently and effectively hold a human breast in a stable position suitable for performing a diagnostic procedure, such as ductal lavage, or a surgical procedure, such as removal of ducts from the breast nipple.

Abstract: A guide assembly for directing a medical instrument to a desired location in a patient is provided. The guide assembly comprises an arcuate guide support having a constant radius of curvature. The guide assembly further includes an introducer that has a hollow elongated sheath and a probe that is spaced from the introducer along the guide support. The longitudinal axes of the introducer and the probe intersect at a target location within the patient.

Abstract: A breast exudate expression device includes a frame and a pair of opposed, elongate compression members attached to the frame and spaced from one another. The compression members are mounted to the frame for movement toward one another from an open position to a constriction position. The compression members are maintained in opposing relationship to one another by the frame and are adapted to receive a human breast nipple therebetween. The compression members express a fluid aliquot from the nipple for use in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing breast diseases. A method of collecting a breast exudate utilizing a device as well as kits for collecting a breast exudate are also described.

Abstract: A medical device suitable for delivering electromagnetic energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) or microwave energy, to breast tissue in need of thermal treatment includes a hollow catheter sized to fit within a mammary duct of a patient and defining at least one passageway having a distal end portion and an open proximal end. An elongate insulating sleeve is slidably disposed within the passageway. An electromagnetic energy transmission line is disposed within the sleeve. The energy transmission line terminates, at its distal end, in an elongate, flexible, ablation probe. The ablation probe is configured for generating an electromagnetic field sufficient to cause tissue ablation and the probe is adapted for penetration of breast tissue. In use the catheter is passed through the orifice of a mammary duct and positioned within the duct adjacent to a region of breast tissue in need of thermal treatment, such as cancerous or pre-cancerous breast tissue.

Abstract: An atraumatic dilator suitable for the dilation of mammary ducts is a filament with opposed end portions. At least one end portion is pliable and has a taper that terminates in a rounded tip.

Abstract: A biopsy device suitable for collecting cells from a mammary duct is provided. The device is suitable for conducting brushing biopsy and tissue excision procedures. The device comprises a sheath that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The device further comprises an endoscope disposed within and extending through the sheath. An adjustment mechanism is also operatively connected to the endoscope to longitudinally extend and retract the endoscope within the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collection device and kit for collecting an exudate from a mammary duct that terminates at a human breast nipple. The collection device comprises a hollow receptacle defining an interior volume and having an open aperture sized to circumscribe the nipple and defined by a rim. The collection device further includes an absorbent pad in the interior volume, which pad is positionable to contact the nipple when the receptacle is situated over the nipple. In order to keep the collection device in place, a pressure sensitive adhesive is also provided on the collection device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a channel in an organ or vessel to enhance perfusion therein. The apparatus may include a bioactive agent to stimulate tissue growth and vascularization in tissue adjacent to the channel. The apparatus includes a stent, suitable for percutaneous or intraoperative placement, that includes a tubular member having a plurality of tines, barbs, ribs or other structure to secure the stent at a desired position within tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a channel in an organ or vessel to enhance perfusion therein. The apparatus may include a bioactive agent to stimulate tissue growth and vascularization in tissue adjacent to the channel. The apparatus includes a stent, suitable for percutaneous or intraoperative placement, that comprises a tubular member having a plurality of tines, barbs, ribs or other means to secure the stent at a desired position within tissue.