Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing solid tissue from beneath a tissue surface are described. The methods rely on positioning an energy conductive element at a target site beneath the tissue surface and energizing the element so that it can vaporize tissue. The element is then moved in a pattern which provides the desired tissue removal geometry, such as spherical, ovoid, or cylindrical. Usually, the shaft is moved, typically rotated or reciprocated, and the energy conductive element is moved relative to the shaft, typically by pivoting a rigid element or bowing a flexible element.

Abstract: A multi-part tool assembly for harvesting and implanting follicular units, comprising an outer cannula having an open, tissue-piercing distal end, and an inner cannula coaxially positioned in a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula having an open, tissue-coring distal end sized to engage and retain single hair follicular units. An obturator may be positioned in the lumen of the second cannula, wherein at least one of the first cannula, second cannula, and obturator are movable relative to the other ones.

Abstract: An ocular device applicator that is a combined delaminating and inserting device configured to partially delaminate the corneal epithelium and to place a corrective ocular device onto the delaminated cornea under the partially delaminated epithelium. The ocular device applicator leaves at least a portion of the delaminated corneal epithelium attached to the cornea. The ocular device applicator comprises an edge and an ocular device holder. In some versions an ocular device may be secured in and/or released from the device by force applied in the holder, or by a releasable adhesive. The ocular device applicator may be oscillated to facilitate delamination of the corneal epithelium and placement of an ocular device.

Abstract: A biopsy device having an endoscope comprises a biopsy instrument, suitable for collecting at least one tissue sample from a body lumen, such as a mammary duct, and a cutter introducer sized for receiving the biopsy instrument and introducing the biopsy instrument into a mammary duct to retrieve a tissue sample therefrom.

Abstract: A sample preparation device for precisely measuring a sample volume, mixing the sample with a reagent and then separating out any resulting precipitant from the sample. In using the device, the sample is nonquantitatively dispensed by the user and is volumetrically delivered by the device using a positive displacement method. No vortexing or shaking is required and the sample and reagent are precisely and reproducibly mixed automatically.

Abstract: A water separator adapted for use in a gas monitor includes a gas inlet port, a gas outlet port, a two-stage gas/water separator section, and a fluid reservoir. The two-stage gas/water separator section includes a first portion defining a first chamber which communicates with the gas inlet and gas outlet ports via a connecting conduit, a second portion defining a second chamber which communicates with the first chamber and the fluid reservoir, and an intermediate portion interposed between the first and second portions and defining a constricted passage between the first and second chambers. The second chamber has a frusto-conical shape in longitudinal cross section.

Abstract: A separatory apparatus for selectively separating components of multi-component fluids in which a multiplicity of contiguous capillary fibers are uniquely arranged and supported within a housing having a non-cylindrically shaped central portion. In the primary application of the device a multicomponent fluid such as blood flows interiorly of the fibers and a dialysate flows externally of the fibers. Embodied proximate the fluid inlet portion of the device is a uniquely configured fluid distribution element which stratigically positions the fibers and directs the flow of the external fluid, or dialysate, uniformly through the passageways defined by the external walls of the fibers. In this way channeling of the fluid is eliminated and a uniform fluid flow along the external surfaces of each fiber is realized. In this way all of the fibers can be effectively used for mass transfer thereby markedly improving the overall efficiency of the device.