Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. The handle includes a clutched-gear actuation mechanism configured for incrementally or otherwise controlled deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system. A fiducial may include dimples to enhance echogenicity and/or to provide for engagement with a delivery cannula or stylet. The needle system may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time, when the fiducials are coaxially disposed around a central deployment member that may be embodied as a delivery cannula or stylet. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. An elongate structure may be included that is configured to distally advance fiducials along the deployment member.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system including a needle and at least one splayed-end fiducial retained within the needle by frictional engagement and/or by engagement of the splayed end with one or more distal detents in the needle's lumen. A fiducial may include one or more splayed portions configured to engage the wall of the needle lumen, which may include one or more detents. The needle, which may include echogenic enhancements, may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. A variety of splayed-portion fiducials are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue-sampling needle is provided including an elongate needle shaft having a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion extends into and is fixedly attached to an inner diameter of a proximal shaft portion lumen. The distal shaft portion lumen is configured for collection of patient tissue by including a distal penetrating tip and/or a side aperture with a cutting edge configured to excise tissue from a target site in a patient body. The proximal shaft portion includes a length of cable tube configured to provide enhanced flexibility in use via an endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue-sampling needle includes an elongate needle shaft having a proximal and a distal shaft portion. The proximal shaft portion includes an inner tubular core that may be constructed of a same material as the distal shaft potion, having a longer length and a smaller outer diameter than the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion extends into and is fixedly attached to an inner diameter of a distal shaft portion lumen. The distal shaft portion lumen is configured for collection of patient tissue, with a distal penetrating tip and/or a side aperture with a cutting edge configured to excise tissue from a target site in a patient body. The proximal shaft portion includes polymer coating around the inner tubular core, which is configured to provide an outer diameter for the proximal shaft portion that may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: A self calibrating irradiation system is provided. The system includes sources for providing a calibration beam and a radiation beam, one or more detectors and a processor. A method of calibrating an irradiation system is also provided. The method includes measuring the energy of a calibration beam and periodically updating a transmission value of the laser system based on a calibration factor and the energy of the calibration beam.

Abstract: A self calibrating irradiation system is provided. The system includes sources for providing a calibration beam and a radiation beam, one or more detectors and a processor. A method of calibrating an irradiation system is also provided. The method includes measuring the energy of a calibration beam and periodically updating a transmission value of the laser system based on a calibration factor and the energy of the calibration beam.

Abstract: A handpiece for a dermatologic treatment includes a cooling fluid module and a gas source. The cooling fluid module contains cooling fluid in a liquid state. The gas source provides a flow of gas to cool the handpiece to maintain the cooling fluid in the liquid state prior to delivery of cooling fluid spray to a target region of skin.