Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is located or oriented on a site within a body cavity or canal with a retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is retained or held in place on a desired specific location on the epithelial tissue with the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the epithelial tissue within the cavity or canal is presented to the tissue biopsy sampling device using the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the retention device is used to assist withdrawal of the tissue biopsy sampling from within the body cavity or canal.

Abstract: The invention relates to trans-epithelial frictionally abrasive tissue sampling devices for performing biopsies and methods of inducing an immune response against a pathogen, wherein epithelial cells containing the pathogen are disrupted with the frictionally abrasive tissue sampling device to introduce the pathogen into the bloodstream of a patient.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a manipulator attaches to and allows a sheath to be positioned inside the cervix and a catheter to thereby be inserted through the sheath and be positioned in a desired location in the uterus. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator may be attached or permanently connected to the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the sheath is fenestrated to allow the catheter to be detached from the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator allows the sheath to be positioned through the cervix canal to allow for catheter transmitted intrauterine pressure monitoring or balloon catheter assisted ripening of the cervix.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a manipulator attaches to and allows a sheath to be positioned inside the cervix and a catheter to thereby be inserted through the sheath and be positioned in a desired location in the uterus. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator may be attached or permanently connected to the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the sheath is fenestrated to allow the catheter to be detached from the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator allows the sheath to be positioned through the cervix canal to allow for catheter transmitted intrauterine pressure monitoring or balloon catheter assisted ripening of the cervix.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is located or oriented on a site within a body cavity or canal with a retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is retained or held in place on a desired specific location on the epithelial tissue with the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the epithelial tissue within the cavity or canal is presented to the tissue biopsy sampling device using the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the retention device is used to assist withdrawal of the tissue biopsy sampling from within the body cavity or canal.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a manipulator attaches to and allows a sheath to be positioned inside the cervix and a catheter to thereby be inserted through the sheath and be positioned in a desired location in the uterus. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator may be attached or permanently connected to the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the sheath is fenestrated to allow the catheter to be detached from the sheath. In various embodiments of the invention, the manipulator allows the sheath to be positioned through the cervix canal to allow for catheter transmitted intrauterine pressure monitoring or balloon catheter assisted ripening of the cervix.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a vacuum pump can be used as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump can be controlled by a processor and automatically increases or decreases the vacuum based on monitoring of parameters selected from the group consisting of heart-rate of the fetus, heart rate of the mother, heart rate of patient, blood pressure of the fetus, blood pressure of the mother and blood pressure of the patient, position of the wound, position of the fetus, condition of the fetus, condition of the mother, condition of the patient. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the care giver increased control of the pumping device while carrying out the procedure.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a vacuum pump can be used as a stand alone unit to create, monitor and control a vacuum in a variety of surgical procedures. The vacuum pump can be controlled by a processor and automatically increases or decreases the vacuum based on monitoring of parameters selected from the group consisting of heart-rate of the fetus, heart rate of the mother, heart rate of patient, blood pressure of the fetus, blood pressure of the mother and blood pressure of the patient, position of the wound, position of the fetus, condition of the fetus, condition of the mother, condition of the patient. Visual or audio feedback is used to allow the care giver increased control of the pumping device while carrying out the procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical vacuum device including a vacuum cup sized for attachment to and manipulation of a target tissue. The device further includes a vacuum hose for applying a vacuum to the interior of the cup, and structure for applying a tensioning force to the cup once it has been placed and a vacuum applied. The vacuum device may be utilized with minimal or no trauma to the target tissue or surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A non-lacerational technique to collect cells in an oral mouth cavity utilizes a brush with bristles which have an abrading surface and collect cells from the superficial, intermediate and basal layers of the oral tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for performing medical examinations in body cavities, and a method of performing such examinations. The apparatus has a chemiluminescent light source having particular wavelength characteristics made up of blue and green wavelengths, and preferably a smaller peak of red light. The apparatus permits improved screening of the mucosal surfaces of body cavities such as the vaginal, anal and oral cavities for a number of abnormalities including lesions, atypia, dysplasia, abnormal vascularization and abnormal discharge. The method of performing examinations using the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for performing medical examinations in body cavities, and a method of performing such examinations. The apparatus has a chemiluminescent light source having particular wavelength characteristics made up of blue and green wavelengths, and preferably a smaller peak of red light. The apparatus permits improved screening of the mucosal surfaces of body cavities such as the vaginal, anal and oral cavities for a number of abnormalities including lesions, atypia, dysplasia, abnormal vascularization and abnormal discharge. The method of performing examinations using the apparatus is also described.