Abstract: A preparation tray for use in a medical procedure involving a solution and one or more swab implements for applying the solution to a patient. The preparation tray, which may be held in the hand or supported on a surface, may be formed as a removable component of a surgical kit. The preparation tray includes a relatively planar sheet having a pair of opposed sides and various embossments for retaining medical implements such as swabs and solution utilized in the medical procedure. A digit opening may be provided on an opposed side of the sheet to accommodate a user's fingers as the tray is held in the hand. The tray further includes a pressing surface formed between two opposed sides of the sheet that communicates with a basin embossment that holds a quantity of the solution. A user may compress the swab implement against the pressing surface to remove excess solution absorbed by the swab, which is returned to the basin embossment.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided with enhanced ultrasonic visibility. The medical instrument includes an elongate probe or needle for insertion into a patient. Selected locations along the instrument are provided with deposits of a material exhibiting a high degree of ultrasonic reflectivity. The material includes a matrix of gas bubbles contained in a polymeric material. The gas bubbles exhibit high reflectivity of ultrasonar energy.

Abstract: A safety shield assembly is provided for safely enclosing a needle cannula. The safety shield assembly includes an inner shield that is slidably movable along the needle cannula. The inner shield includes a locking structure which locks the inner shield with respect to the distal end of the needle cannula. The safety shield assembly also includes an outer shield that is in releasable engagement with the inner shield. The outer shield will separate from the inner shield in response to excessive force exerted thereon, and hence avoids failure of the structure locking the inner shield to the needle cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy cannula and a method are provided for capturing and retrieving a specimen of soft tissue for subsequent diagnostic evaluation. The biopsy cannula defines a passageway of non-circular cross-section. The cannula is inserted into target tissue and rotated about the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the passageway in the cannula helps the cannula grippingly engage the tissue and cause the tissue to rotate with the cannula. Regions of the tissue adjacent the distal end of the cannula will be subjected to torque and will be severed from tissue outside the cannula. The cannula may then be withdrawn with the severed core of target tissue therein. The exterior of the cannula may be generally rounded or cylindrical in shape.