Abstract: A system and method is configured for use with an endoscope, a biopsy needle, and a data acquisition system. The system includes a sensor tip and a pressure sensor coupled to the sensor tip and having at least one piezo-resistor component with an internal-facing side and an external-facing side, and an opening adjacent to the at least one piezo-resistor component to allow fluid access to the internal-facing side and the external-facing side. The system also includes a tubing member with a distal end and a proximal end, the sensor tip coupled to the distal end, the sensor tip and the tubing member configured to be routed through the biopsy needle and connection elements coupled to the proximal end of the tubing member, the connection elements configured to mount the tubing member relative to the biopsy needle and to couple the pressure sensor to the data acquisition system.

Abstract: Featured is a medical instrument driver, a robotic apparatus embodying such a medical instrument driver and methods related thereto for inserting a medical instrument into tissue of a mammal (e.g., human). Such medical instruments include medical needles, biopsy needles, trocars, cutters and introducers. Such a medical instrument driver according to the present invention is configured and arranged so that medical instrument is rotated as it is being moved longitudinally for insertion into the tissue such that the medical instrument is spiraling as it pierces and traverses the tissue to the target area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for selectively accessing an interior lumen of a patient vessel include a needle. The needle has a needle body and a needle distal end. A first catheter has a first catheter body, defining a first catheter inner lumen, and a first catheter distal end. The first catheter inner lumen is larger in diameter than the needle body and the needle distal end. The first catheter distal end has a first catheter open tip. A second catheter has a second catheter body, defining a second catheter inner lumen, and a second catheter distal end. The second catheter inner lumen is larger in diameter than the first catheter body and the first catheter distal end. The second catheter distal end has a second catheter open tip. At least two of the needle, the first catheter, and the second catheter are selectively joined concentrically together.

Abstract: Featured is a medical instrument driver, a robotic apparatus embodying such a medical instrument driver and methods related thereto for inserting a medical instrument into tissue of a mammal (e.g., human). Such medical instruments include medical needles, biopsy needles, trocars, cutters and introducers. Such a medical instrument driver according to the present invention is configured and arranged so that medical instrument is rotated as it is being moved longitudinally for insertion into the tissue such that the medical instrument is spiraling as it pierces and traverses the tissue to the target area.

Abstract: A system and method is configured for use with an endoscope, a biopsy needle, and a data acquisition system. The system includes a sensor tip and a pressure sensor coupled to the sensor tip and having at least one piezo-resistor component with an internal-facing side and an external-facing side, and an opening adjacent to the at least one piezo-resistor component to allow fluid access to the internal-facing side and the external-facing side. The system also includes a tubing member with a distal end and a proximal end, the sensor tip coupled to the distal end, the sensor tip and the tubing member configured to be routed through the biopsy needle and connection elements coupled to the proximal end of the tubing member, the connection elements configured to mount the tubing member relative to the biopsy needle and to couple the pressure sensor to the data acquisition system.