Abstract: A graphical user interface is disclosed for a tissue biopsy system having a tissue cutting member adapted for cutting one or more tissue specimens from tissue at a target site within a patient. The graphical user interface includes a first GUI area representing a first region of the target site from which the tissue cutting member has separated one or more tissue specimens. The graphical user interface further includes a second GUI area, visually distinguishable from the first GUI area, representing a second region from which the tissue cutting member may separate one or more additional tissue specimens from tissue at the target site.

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 with 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 device also has a driver component to which the probe component is releasably secured. The driver has a drive member for adjusting the orientation of the tubular section and thus the aperture therein and one or more drive members for moving the tissue cutting member within the tubular section to sever a tissue specimen from tissue extending into the interior of the tubular section through the aperture.

Abstract: A control consol is disclosed for controlling one or more medical devices. The control consol communicates to at least one medical device, and at least one peripheral module associated with the medical device if needed. The control consol has a microprocessor for processing data to direct an operation of the medical device.

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: 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 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 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 about 0.25 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 frequence 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: 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: A system for accessing a desired site within a patient's body includes a cannula defining an inner lumen that opens into a longitudinally extending side aperture formed in the side of the cannula, near its distal end. An electrosurgical stylet slidably fits inside the inner lumen. At the distal end of the stylet is an electrosurgical electrode capable of ablating tissue and permitting advancement of the system into a patient's body. The electrode, in an expanded deployed configuration, can be wider than the maximum transverse dimension of the cannula, but it may be deflected toward the center of the stylet so that the electrode fits within the inner lumen of the cannula, permitting the stylet to be inserted and removed through the cannula.