Abstract: Systems and methods for transdermal drug delivery with controlled heat are provided. Such systems can comprise a heating apparatus that includes an exothermic chemical composition, typically in the form of individual heating elements. The heating apparatus can be exposed to ambient oxygen through a cover. The cover can reduce the amount of ambient oxygen capable of contacting the chemical composition compared to when the cover is not present. In some embodiments, the heating apparatus can include more than one heating element. The systems can further include a drug-containing layer that includes a drug. The drug-containing layer can have a surface area of about 50 cm2 to about 400 cm2. The systems of the present invention can be deliver ketoprofen in an amount sufficient to produce a mean blood plasma concentration of ketoprofen in a human subject of at least 45 ng/ml within four hours after initial application of the system to a skin surface.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for taking a biopsy wherein the apparatus is formed of a biocompatible cylindrical member with an outer wall and a hollow core, the cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. An opening in the outer wall of the member is provided and a cutting device cuts tissue entering the opening as it travels along the opening. Cut tissue is treated with a coagulating agent or member so that the coagulation occurs concurrently or just after the tissue is cut wherein the coagulation occurs at a trailing edge of the opening as it travels.

Abstract: A guide wire holding apparatus includes a tray, one or more raised corrugated areas, a fluid source, a syringe, a valve, a drainage system, and one or more coupling devices. Each of the one or more raised corrugated areas is located on the inner surface of the tray and includes one or more slots. A reservoir is formed by the inner surface of the tray and the tray end caps. A flow of fluid provided by the fluid source or the syringe and controlled by the valve partially fills the reservoir. The height of the fluid in the reservoir is partially controlled by the location of the cap hole. Preferably, the cap hole is located at a height that causes the guide wire, which is shown resting in a slot formed in the one or more raised corrugated areas, to be slightly submerged when fluid is flowing from the fluid source or syringe to the drainage system.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for taking a biopsy wherein the apparatus is formed of a biocompatible cylindrical member with an outer wall and a hollow core, the cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. An opening in the outer wall of the member is provided and a cutting device cuts tissue entering the opening as it travels along the opening. Cut tissue is treated with a coagulating agent or member so that the coagulation occurs concurrently or just after the tissue is cut wherein the coagulation occurs at a trailing edge of the opening as it travels.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for taking a biopsy wherein the apparatus is formed of a biocompatible cylindrical member with an outer wall and a hollow core, the cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. An opening in the outer wall of the member is provided and a cutting device cuts tissue entering the opening as it travels along the opening. Cut tissue is treated with a coagulating agent or member so that the coagulation occurs concurrently or just after the tissue is cut wherein the coagulation occurs at a trailing edge of the opening as it travels.

Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for taking a biopsy wherein the apparatus is formed of a biocompatible cylindrical member with an outer wall and a hollow core, the cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. An opening in the outer wall of the member is provided and a cutting device cuts tissue entering the opening as it travels along the opening. Cut tissue is treated with a coagulating agent or member so that the coagulation occurs concurrently or just after the tissue is cut wherein the coagulation occurs at a trailing edge of the opening as it travels.