Abstract: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention are adapted to treat tissue inside a patient's body. Aspects of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, but certain embodiments provide minimally invasive alternatives for treating atrial fibrillation by delivering a tissue-damaging agent to selected areas of the heart. One exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia. This method includes positioning a distal tissue-contacting portion of a body in surface contact with a tissue surface of cardiac tissue; detecting the surface contact between the tissue-contacting portion and the tissue surface; and thereafter, injecting a tissue-ablating agent into the cardiac tissue through the tissue-contacting portion of the body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention are adapted to treat tissue inside a patient's body. Aspects of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, but certain embodiments provide minimally invasive alternatives for treating atrial fibrillation by delivering a tissue-damaging agent to selected areas of the heart. One exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia. This method includes positioning a distal tissue-contacting portion of a body in surface contact with a tissue surface of cardiac tissue; detecting the surface contact between the tissue-contacting portion and the tissue surface; and thereafter, injecting a tissue-ablating agent into the cardiac tissue through the tissue-contacting portion of the body.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides for methods and devices for treating tissues, and in particular, ischemic heart tissue. Preferred devices includes tools integrating both injury and treatment effectors in a single unit. An optional third effector provides an effector for marking locations on a tissue surface that have been visited by the device. Methods are provided in which a target tissue is identified, injury sites are created at known locations, and therapeutic-substance is infused at known locations different than the injury sites.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for treating a patient who has lost, or is at risk of losing cardiac function by cardiac ischemia are disclosed. Treatment includes first imaging a patient's heart, or a portion thereof, to identify underperfused regions of cardiac muscle, and a source of oxygenated blood that is proximate to the underperfused region. Between the underperfused regions and the oxygenated blood source, a target area is selected where thermal or mechanical injury is introduced, and optionally reintroduced, to convert initial capillary blush, resulting from the injury.

Abstract: A device suitable for viewing and illuminating a mammary duct orifice comprising a hollow receptacle defining an interior volume and an open aperture at a distal end thereof sized to circumscribe the nipple. The open aperture preferably is surrounded by an outwardly extending flange that can be provided with an adhesive. A vacuum port suitable for connection to a vacuum source to create a vacuum in the interior volume may also be configured as part of the hollow receptacle. An illumination source is provided within the device to illuminate nipple orifices when a nipple is positioned within the hollow receptacle.

Abstract: A biopsy device 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 method and apparatus for treating an atherosclerotic target region of a coronary vessel in a patient are disclosed. The method includes delivering to the patient, a photoatherolytic compound, to cause accumulation of the compound in the target region, accessing the target region intraluminally with a guidewire, and advancing over the guidewire, a catheter having (i) a proximal main-body sleeve, (ii) a flexible, non-inflatable, translucent distal-end sleeve joined to the main-body sleeve at a catheter juncture, and (iii) an inner lumen extending through the two sleeves, said advancing being effective to position the catheter's distal-end sleeve within the target region. The guidewire is then removed and replaced by a fiber-optic bundle having a light-diffusing tip, until said tip is positioned adjacent the catheter juncture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention are adapted to treat tissue inside a patient's body. Aspects of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, but certain embodiments provide minimally invasive alternatives for treating atrial fibrillation by delivering a tissue-damaging agent to selected areas of the heart. One exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a method of treating cardiac arrhythmia. This method includes positioning a distal tissue-contacting portion of a body in surface contact with a tissue surface of cardiac tissue; detecting the surface contact between the tissue-contacting portion and the tissue surface; and thereafter, injecting a tissue-ablating agent into the cardiac tissue through the tissue-contacting portion of the body.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided for accessing the coronary ostia transluminally from a peripheral arterial access site, such as the femoral artery, and for inducing cardioplegic arrest by direct infusion of cardioplegic solution into the coronary arteries. In a first embodiment, the catheter system is in the form of a single perfusion catheter with multiple distal branches for engaging the coronary ostia. In a second embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single arterial cannula. In a third embodiment, multiple perfusion catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter. In a fourth embodiment, multiple catheters are delivered to the coronary ostia through a single guiding catheter which has distal exit ports that are arranged to direct the perfusion catheters into the coronary ostia.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for treating a patient who has lost, or is at risk of losing cardiac function by cardiac ischemia are disclosed. Treatment includes first imaging a patient's heart, or a portion thereof, to identify underperfused regions of cardiac muscle, and a source of oxygenated blood that is proximate to the underperfused region. Between the underperfused regions and the oxygenated blood source, a target area is selected where thermal or mechanical injury is introduced, and optionally reintroduced, to convert initial capillary blush, resulting from the injury.

Abstract: A biopsy device suitable for collecting cells from a mammary duct is provided. The device is suitable for conducting brushing biopsy and tissue excision procedures. The device comprises a sheath that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The device further comprises an endoscope disposed within and extending through the sheath. An adjustment mechanism is also operatively connected to the endoscope to longitudinally extend and retract the endoscope within the sheath.

Abstract: A cytology brush suitable for conducting a brushing biopsy within a mammary duct of a human patient is provided. The cytology brush comprises a handle and a detachable or releasable brush. After a brushing biopsy the brush end can be released and retained in the collection vessel. Optionally, a dispensable biopsy site marker is carried by the brush and can be left in place after biopsy.

Abstract: An adjustable dilator assembly suitable for the dilation of a mammary duct includes an elongated hollow housing that terminates at one end into a cannula and defines a through passageway. A pliant probe, extendable though the catheter, is mounted within the hollow housing for adjustable axial movement. The probe is preferably mounted to a probe support or carrier that is threadedly engaged with the hollow housing.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for treating a patient who has lost, or is at risk of losing cardiac function by cardiac ischemia are disclosed. Treatment includes first imaging a patient's heart, or a portion thereof, to identify underperfused regions of cardiac muscle, and a source of oxygenated blood that is proximate to the underperfused region. Between the underperfused regions and the oxygenated blood source, a target area is selected where thermal or mechanical injury is introduced, and optionally reintroduced, to convert initial capillary blush, resulting from the injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractor for providing surgical access through a passage in tissue, together with methods for its use and deployment. The retractor comprises an anchoring frame having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening therethrough which defines an axial axis. A flexible tensioning member is attached to the frame, and is extendable from the frame out of the body through the passage when the frame is positioned through the passage and into a body cavity. This tensioning member is selectively tensionable to spread the tissue radially outwardly from the axial axis. Hence, it is the tension imposed on the flexible liner which effects retraction of the tissue, rather than relying on the structural integrity of an artificial lumen.

Abstract: A breast exudate expression device includes a frame and a pair of opposed, elongate compression members attached to the frame and spaced from one another. The compression members are mounted to the frame for movement toward one another from an open position to a constriction position. The compression members are maintained in opposing relationship to one another by the frame and are adapted to receive a human breast nipple therebetween. The compression members express a fluid aliquot from the nipple for use in evaluating, diagnosing, and managing breast diseases. A method of collecting a breast exudate utilizing a device as well as kits for collecting a breast exudate are also described.

Abstract: A biopsy device 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 breast nipple duct protective device of the present invention comprises a post having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end. The post has an anchor at the distal end, and a grip at the proximal end. The post has an outside diameter of no more than about 0.5 millimeters, and the anchor has a transverse dimension at least about 1.25 times the outside diameter of the post. The transverse dimension of the anchor is selected to be small enough to be pushed through the nipple duct orifice without causing damage to the duct, but large enough to hold the device in place in the duct for a prolonged period of days to weeks. The grip is dimensioned to prevent the device from entering the duct any further than the sum of the lengths of the post and the anchor. The anchor can have an articulating form with an adjustable transverse dimension. The device may also be utilized as a decorative breast nipple ornament.

Abstract: A medical device suitable for delivering electromagnetic energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) or microwave energy, to breast tissue in need of thermal treatment includes a hollow catheter sized to fit within a mammary duct of a patient and defining at least one passageway having a distal end portion and an open proximal end. An elongate insulating sleeve is slidably disposed within the passageway. An electromagnetic energy transmission line is disposed within the sleeve. The energy transmission line terminates, at its distal end, in an elongate, flexible, ablation probe. The ablation probe is configured for generating an electromagnetic field sufficient to cause tissue ablation and the probe is adapted for penetration of breast tissue. In use the catheter is passed through the orifice of a mammary duct and positioned within the duct adjacent to a region of breast tissue in need of thermal treatment, such as cancerous or pre-cancerous breast tissue.

Abstract: An atraumatic dilator suitable for the dilation of mammary ducts is a filament with opposed end portions. At least one end portion is pliable and has a taper that terminates in a rounded tip.