Abstract: Implantable devices and methods of use are disclosed for marking the location of a biopsy or surgery for the purpose of identification. The methods include providing a biodegradable radiodense implant and taking a tissue sample from a biopsy site within a breast of a patient. The biodegradable implant is then positioned at the biopsy site. The tissue sample is tested and the biopsy site is then relocated. In one embodiment, the entire implant is radiodense. In another embodiment, the entire implant is biodegradable. Methods of using a biodegradable implant having a radiodense material and a biodegradable implant that is visible using an imaging system are also included.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for securing soft tissue to bone, and particularly for axially anchoring suture which attaches the soft tissue to adjacent bone structure.

Abstract: In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.

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 suturing instrument and methods for placing stitches in soft tissues combines the functions of both independently grasping the tissue and passing sutures through the tissue to form a mattress stitch therein. The endoscopic suturing instrument comprises a clamping portion having a longitudinal axis, which is adapted for percutaneous entry into an operative site. The clamping portion further comprises a plurality of jaw members that are movable relative to one another between a closed position wherein the jaw members are disposed in close proximity to one another and an open position wherein the jaw members are spaced apart. A needle portion is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and is adapted for percutaneous entry into said operative site. The needle portion comprises a needle, and preferably a pair of needles, for passage through a portion of soft tissue disposed between the jaw members of the clamping portion.

Abstract: A suturing instrument and methods for placing stitches in soft tissues combines the functions of both independently grasping the tissue and passing sutures through the tissue to form a mattress stitch therein. The endoscopic suturing instrument comprises a clamping portion having a longitudinal axis, which is adapted for percutaneous entry into an operative site. The clamping portion further comprises a plurality of jaw members that are movable relative to one another between a closed position wherein the jaw members are disposed in close proximity to one another and an open position wherein the jaw members are spaced apart. A needle portion is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and is adapted for percutaneous entry into said operative site. The needle portion comprises a needle, and preferably a pair of needles, for passage through a portion of soft tissue disposed between the jaw members of the clamping portion.

Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing connective tissue, such as tendons, to bone are disclosed which permit a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and wherein the suturing material between the connective tissue and the bone anchor is oriented in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor, so that axial pull-out forces exerted on the bone anchor are minimized. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a substantial length of suturing material around a shaft of the anchor, thereby avoiding an eyelet connection which requires a knot and which concentrates stress on a very small portion of the suturing material. Thus, failure rates are greatly decreased over conventional techniques, and the inventive procedures are significantly easier to perform than conventional techniques.

Abstract: In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.

Abstract: A device is provided for stabilizing and positioning an otherwise hand-held medical instrument, such as a biopsy power driver and probe, to ensure the ability to accurately place the probe into the breast and maintain position relative to a particular tissue site from any desired entry point. The device comprises a main arm having a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion. A clamping assembly permits attachment of the apparatus to a stationary object, which is preferably an examination table, and includes a locking clamp having a gripping mode and a releasing mode for alternately gripping and releasing the main arm, and a lever assembly for actuating the locking clamp between the gripping mode and the releasing mode.

Abstract: A tissue sampling apparatus comprises a tubular body having a primary lumen for receiving a tissue sample. The tubular body includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The tissue sampling apparatus further comprises a cutting cylinder having a distal cutting edge, which is movable both distally and proximally relative to the tubular body. A band having an eyelet disposed therein extends across a distal end of the tissue sampling apparatus, wherein the eyelet is advantageously movable relative to the distal cutting edge in order to sever a distal end of the tissue sample.

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: In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.

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: In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.

Abstract: A tissue sampling apparatus comprises a tubular body having a primary lumen for receiving a tissue sample. The tubular body includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The tissue sampling apparatus further comprises a cutting cylinder having a distal cutting edge, which is movable both distally and proximally relative to the tubular body. A band having an eyelet disposed therein extends across a distal end of the tissue sampling apparatus, wherein the eyelet is advantageously movable relative to the distal cutting edge in order to sever a distal end of the tissue sample.

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: Implantable devices are disclosed for marking the location of a biopsy or surgery for the purpose of identification. The devices are remotely delivered, preferably percutaneously. Visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using various state of the art imaging systems. Using the inventive systems, it is possible to permanently mark the location or margins of a lesion or other tissue site, prior to removing or sampling same. The markers function to provide evidence of the location of the lesion after the procedure is completed, for reference during future examinations or procedures.

Abstract: A device is provided for stabilizing and positioning an otherwise hand-held medical instrument, such as a biopsy power driver and probe, to ensure the ability to accurately place the probe into the breast and maintain position relative to a particular tissue site from any desired entry point. The device comprises a main arm having a generally vertical portion and a generally horizontal portion. A clamping assembly permits attachment of the apparatus to a stationary object, which is preferably an examination table, and includes a locking clamp having a gripping mode and a releasing mode for alternately gripping and releasing the main arm, and a lever assembly for actuating the locking clamp between the gripping mode and the releasing mode.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a vacuum-assisted automatic core biopsy device (10) is provided, wherein the automatic core biopsy device (10) comprises a housing (12), out of which extends a needle assembly (14) including a hollow outer piercing needle (16), an inner cutter (18) having a lumen (20), a probe housing (22), and a tissue receiving notch (24). The automatic control system (92) is computerized to move the hollow outer piercing needle (16) automatically to the target tissue lesion, as was true in the prior art, but also is programmed to automatically control the rotational orientation of the piercing needle (16), and its associated tissue receiving notch (24), as well as the axial positioning and rotation of the cutting cannula (18). Consequently, a clinician user need only mark the desired locations within the target location from which tissue samples are desired and the automatic control system will operate the device to retrieve samples from the marked locations.