Abstract: In a system and method for deployment of an implant device, the implant device includes a first loop at its proximal end, and a deployment tool has a second loop attached at its distal end. A release wire slidably disposed within the deployment tool has a distal end extending through the first and second loops to releasably couple the implant device to the deployment tool, and a proximal portion extending from a proximal end of the deployment tool, which is held in a retraction device. The retraction device is operable to hold the proximal end of the deployment tool and to pull the release wire proximally through the deployment tool until the distal end of the release wire is withdrawn from the first and second loops to decouple the implant device from the deployment tool.

Abstract: In a system and method for deployment of an implant device, the implant device includes a first loop at its proximal end, and a deployment tool has a second loop attached at its distal end. A release wire slidably disposed within the deployment tool has a distal end extending through the first and second loops to releasably couple the implant device to the deployment tool, and a proximal portion extending from a proximal end of the deployment tool, which is held in a retraction device. The retraction device is operable to hold the proximal end of the deployment tool and to pull the release wire proximally through the deployment tool until the distal end of the release wire is withdrawn from the first and second loops to decouple the implant device from the deployment tool.

Abstract: In a system and method for deployment of an implant device, the implant device includes a first loop at its proximal end, and a deployment tool has a second loop attached at its distal end. A release wire slidably disposed within the deployment tool has a distal end extending through the first and second loops to releasably couple the implant device to the deployment tool, and a proximal portion extending from a proximal end of the deployment tool, which is held in a retraction device. The retraction device is operable to hold the proximal end of the deployment tool and to pull the release wire proximally through the deployment tool until the distal end of the release wire is withdrawn from the first and second loops to decouple the implant device from the deployment tool.

Abstract: In a system and method for deployment of an implant device, the implant device includes a first loop at its proximal end, and a deployment tool has a second loop attached at its distal end. A release wire slidably disposed within the deployment tool has a distal end extending through the first and second loops to releasably couple the implant device to the deployment tool, and a proximal portion extending from a proximal end of the deployment tool, which is held in a retraction device. The retraction device is operable to hold the proximal end of the deployment tool and to pull the release wire proximally through the deployment tool until the distal end of the release wire is withdrawn from the first and second loops to decouple the implant device from the deployment tool.

Abstract: An intracorporeal marker delivery device includes a delivery tube which has a distal tip, a discharge orifice and an inner bore extending to the discharge orifice. A plug is releasably secured within the inner bore. The plug may itself serve as a marker, and may be the sole marker. Markers may be positioned proximal to the plug, and may be detectable by ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and other imaging devices, and may include bioactive elements.

Abstract: An intracorporeal marker delivery device includes a delivery tube which has a distal tip, a discharge orifice and an inner bore extending to the discharge orifice. A plug is releasably secured within the inner bore. The plug may itself serve as a marker, and may be the sole marker. Markers may be positioned proximal to the plug, and may be detectable by ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and other imaging devices, and may include bioactive elements.

Abstract: An intracorporeal marker delivery device includes a delivery tube which has a tapered, tissue penetrating distal tip, an inclined discharge orifice in the tapered distal tip and an inner bore extending to the orifice. A plurality of remotely detectable markers, which are formed at least in part of bioresorbable material, are slidably disposed within the inner bore. A plug having an inclined exposed surface, which is formed at least in part of bioresorbable material, is releasably secured within the inner bore of the delivery tube distal to the plurality of remotely detectable markers disposed therein to retain the plurality of remotely detectable markers within the inner bore. The plug is disposed at least in part within the inclined discharge orifice. A plunger is slidably disposed within the inner bore proximal to the plurality of remotely detectable markers.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separating a tissue specimen from the tissue site suitable for evaluation. The device includes a probe member having an arcuate tissue-cutting RF powered electrode secured to and distally spaced from the distal end of the probe and a small dimensioned distal extremity which when an inner lumen thereof is subjected to a vacuum, secured tissue for the specimen to the surface of the distal extremity. A circular tissue-cutting blade preferably secured to the distal end of a supporting tube is configured to rotate and move longitudinally along the shaft of the probe member effective to sever a tissue specimen from tissue secured to the surface of the distal extremity of the probe member. The supporting tube covers the separated specimen, and may be disposed within an accessing cannula.

Abstract: The invention provides marker delivery devices, assemblies, and methods. Assemblies embodying features of the invention include marker delivery devices having a delivery tube with an orifice, markers, and a plug releasably disposed in the tube occluding the orifice. The plug prevents markers from passing through the orifice before the marker is to be placed at a desired location within a patient's body, prevents ingress of tissue into the bore of the tube, and allows markers to pass out of the orifice when marker delivery is desired. Guidance of a delivery tube to a desired location within a patient's body may include the use of an imaging device, with or without the use of a guide cannula. The plug may itself serve as a marker, and may be the sole marker. Markers may be detectable by ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and other imaging devices, and may include bioactive elements.

Abstract: The invention provides marker delivery devices, assemblies, and methods. Assemblies embodying features of the invention include marker delivery devices having a delivery tube with an orifice, markers, and a plug releasably disposed in the tube occluding the orifice. The plug prevents markers from passing through the orifice before the marker is to be placed at a desired location within a patient's body, prevents ingress of tissue into the bore of the tube, and allows markers to pass out of the orifice when marker delivery is desired. Guidance of a delivery tube to a desired location within a patient's body may include the use of an imaging device, with or without the use of a guide cannula. The plug may itself serve as a marker, and may be the sole marker. Markers may be detectable by ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and other imaging devices, and may include bioactive elements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrosurgical device having a shapeable elongate cutting electrode having a free distal end with an exposed length of at least 0.5 inch and secured by its proximal end to the distal end of a handle. The electrosurgical device is designed for use with a high frequency electrosurgical generator which has an output at a frequency of between about 1 MHz and about 10 MHz, preferably about 3 to about 8 MHz. Preferably, the output has an essentially sinusoidal waveform with little harmonic distortion. The methods provide for the enhanced cutting of a variety of tissue including muscular, connective, glandular and fatty tissue. The device is particularly suitable in performing a breast biopsy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrosurgical device having a shapeable elongate cutting electrode having a free distal end with an exposed length of at least 0.5 inch and secured by its proximal end to the distal end of a handle. The electrosurgical device is designed for use with a high frequency electrosurgical generator which has an output at a frequency of between about 1 MHz and about 10 MHz, preferably about 3 to about 8 MHz. Preferably, the output has an essentially sinusoidal waveform with little harmonic distortion. The methods provide for the enhanced cutting of a variety of tissue including muscular, connective, glandular and fatty tissue. The device is particularly suitable in performing a breast biopsy.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component which is releasably secured to the driver component. The probe component has an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The driver has drive members for operating the elements of the probe component. The tissue penetrating distal tip preferably has a triple concave curvature shape with three curved cutting edges leading to a sharp distal point.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component which is releasably secured to the driver component. The probe component has an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The driver has drive members for operating the elements of the probe component. The tissue penetrating distal tip preferably has a triple concave curvature shape with three curved cutting edges leading to a sharp distal point.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separating a tissue specimen from the tissue site suitable for evaluation. The device includes a probe member having an arcuate tissue-cutting RF powered electrode secured to and distally spaced from the distal end of the probe and a small dimensioned distal extremity which when an inner lumen thereof is subjected to a vacuum, secured tissue for the specimen to the surface of the distal extremity. A circular tissue-cutting blade preferably secured to the distal end of a supporting tube is configured to rotate and move longitudinally along the shaft of the probe member effective to sever a tissue specimen from tissue secured to the surface of the distal extremity of the probe member. The supporting tube covers the separated specimen, and may be disposed within an accessing cannula.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for accessing a desired target site within a patient's body and for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from the target site. The device includes a probe member or cannula with a penetrating distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen from supporting tissue at the biopsy site. This probe is releasably secured to a housing to provide a plurality of discrete orientations of the probe about its longitudinal axis. Vacuum may be provided to the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue through the inner lumen thereof. Rotation (and optionally longitudinal reciprocation) of the tissue cutter is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue at the target site. Vacuum or fluid pressure may be used to move the specimen cut from the target site proximally within the inner lumen defined at least in part by the cutting member for collection.

Abstract: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical or horizontal to the first, the third passageway is located diagonal to the first and has a longitudinal opening in fluid communication with the first passageway, and the fourth passageway is diagonal to the first and in an opposite side of the body from the third passageway. In an alternative embodiment the guide block has at least one passageway that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separating a tissue specimen from the tissue site suitable for evaluation. The device includes a probe member having an arcuate tissue-cutting RF powered electrode secured to and distally spaced from the distal end of the probe and a small dimensioned distal extremity which when an inner lumen thereof is subjected to a vacuum, secured tissue for the specimen to the surface of the distal extremity. A circular tissue-cutting blade preferably secured to the distal end of a supporting tube is configured to rotate and move longitudinally along the shaft of the probe member effective to sever a tissue specimen from tissue secured to the surface of the distal extremity of the probe member. The supporting tube covers the separated specimen, and may be disposed within an accessing cannula.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.