Abstract: Instruments for performing percutaneous biopsy procedures are disclosed, which have advantageous features for improving functionality and performance over prior art devices. These instruments comprise two types, single-use devices, and multiple-use devices having active tissue capture capability. Improved features include the ability to retrieve and evaluate multiple tissue samples during a single insertion procedure, without physical handling of the samples, as well as constructional features, such as a molded tissue cassette housing, variant vacuum port embodiments suited for different tissue environments, and a method for backflushing the instrument to remove biological debris, among others.

Abstract: Instruments for performing percutaneous biopsy procedures are disclosed, which have advantageous features for improving functionality and performance over prior art devices. These instruments comprise two types, single-use devices, and multiple-use devices having active tissue capture capability. Improved features include the ability to retrieve and evaluate multiple tissue samples during a single insertion procedure, without physical handling of the samples, as well as constructional features, such as a molded tissue cassette housing, variant vacuum port embodiments suited for different tissue environments, and a method for backflushing the instrument to remove biological debris, among others.

Abstract: A blood filter for use in filtering blood having side walls, a top, and a bottom joined to the side walls defining an axis with a filtration element surrounding at least a portion of the axis is disclosed. A delivery conduit delivers blood to the interior of the filter at an angle extending upwardly away from a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the filter to form a vortex which is offset from the filter axis for release of entrapped air through an overlying top vent offset from the central axis, and an exit conduit connected to the interior of the filter element allows blood to flow from the filter element to an exit opening.