Abstract: A device for encapsulating tissue specimens includes a wand assembly, a sheath, and a guide assembly. The guide assembly pulls, draws, or otherwise moves the sheath about the tissue specimen. The wand assembly is disposed proximate to the tissue specimen, typically either adjacent or through the specimen. In an aspect of the encapsulating device, the guide assembly has sheath deployment members that are disposed about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is attached to ends of the sheath deployment members and the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the sheath deployment members are pushed or pulled. The guide assembly is an arm or a housing that rotates about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is secured at one end to the guide assembly and at another end to the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the guide assembly rotates.

Abstract: A device for localizing a target tissue mass in a body includes a tubular trocar portion having a distal end and a proximal end portion that is removably attachable to a handle portion. The trocar portion contains at least a first plurality of locator wires that are movable between a retracted position within the trocar and a deployed position extending radially from the trocar. The first plurality of locator wires mounted for axial movement within the trocar portion between a proximal retracted position and a deployed distal position. The second plurality of locator wires is mounted for movement between a distal retracted position and a proximal deployed position. The locator wires are electrically energized to facilitate their deployment electrosurgically.

Abstract: A tissue specimen collector includes a collector housing defining an interior, and has a proximal opening and a distal port opposite the proximal opening. The distal port is configured to receive a proximal end of a tubular elongated member of a biopsy probe such that the proximal end can extend into the interior. A tray is releasably attached to the collector housing at the proximal opening. The tray includes a grated portion configured to extend through the proximal opening of the collector housing toward the distal port and into the interior to separate the collector housing to define a tissue chamber and a vacuum chamber, such that a tissue discharge port of the tubular elongated member is able to be positioned in the tissue chamber above the grated portion. The grated portion has a plurality of holes to facilitate fluid communication between the tissue chamber and the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant comprising a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis, the first permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject, the external adjustment device comprising a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis and a third permanent magnet configured for rotation about a third axis different from the second axis; and wherein cooperative rotation of the second permanent magnet about the second axis and rotation of the third permanent magnet about the third axis result in rotation of the first permanent magnet about the first axis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant having a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject comprising at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet, whereby rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes drive control circuitry configured to drive the motor of the external adjustment device to achieve a target dimension of the adjustable implant.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant system includes an adjustable restriction device having a contact surface configured for at least partially engaging a surface of a gastrointestinal tract of a mammal. The implant system further includes an implantable interface including a first driving element, the first driving element being moveable and operatively coupled to the adjustable restriction device by an actuator configured to change the dimension or configuration of the contact surface in response to movement of the first driving element. The system also includes an external adjustment device having a second driving element configured to non-invasively engage the first driving element of the implantable interface from a location external to the mammal. In the system, actuation of the second driving element of the external adjustment device produces movement in the first driving element of the implantable interface and results in a change in the dimension or configuration of the contact surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a patient's target site. The device includes a probe member with a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture, and a tissue cutting member which is rotatable disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture. The longitudinal edges of the aperture are preferably sharpened to engage the cutting edges of the tissue cutting member. Vacuum may be provided in the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue therethrough. Rotation, rotational oscillation and/or longitudinal reciprocation of the tissue cutting member is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue. An accessing cannula having an tissue receiving aperture may be concentrically disposed within the probe member and about the tissue cutting member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component with an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The device also has a driver component to which the probe component is releasably secured. The driver has a drive member for adjusting the orientation of the tubular section and thus the aperture therein and one or more drive members for moving the tissue cutting member within the tubular section to sever a tissue specimen from tissue extending into the interior of the tubular section through the aperture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a patient's target site. The device includes a probe member with a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture, and a tissue cutting member which is rotatable disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture. The longitudinal edges of the aperture are preferably sharpened to engage the cutting edges of the tissue cutting member. Vacuum may be provided in the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue therethrough. Rotation, rotational oscillation and/or longitudinal reciprocation of the tissue cutting member is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue. An accessing cannula having an tissue receiving aperture may be concentrically disposed within the probe member and about the tissue cutting member.

Abstract: A control consol is disclosed for controlling one or more medical devices. The control consol communicates to at least one medical device, and at least one peripheral module associated with the medical device if needed. The control consol has a microprocessor for processing data to direct an operation of the medical device.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for use in removing tissue samples from within a patient's body. The devices include instruments having shafts for cutting a path to a tissue mass, and an inflatable balloon or balloons attached to the shaft effective to dilate the path upon inflation in order to aid in the removal of tissue masses from within the body of a patient. The devices also include instruments having dilation plates that may be inserted into a path leading to a tissue mass to be removed, and the plates separated effective to dilate the path to aid in the removal of tissue masses. Methods include inserting a device into a path leading to a tissue mass, and inflating a balloon or separating plates, thereby widening the path, and removing the tissue mass. Such devices and methods find use, for example, in biopsy and in lumpectomy procedures.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: An electrosurgical biopsy device includes a stylet and a cannula movably mounted on a base. The stylet has a shaft with a head at its distal end and a stylet ablation element extending distally from the head. The stylet shaft is disposed through the cannula for axial translation therein between withdrawn and extended positions. In use, the stylet and the cannula are pushed through the skin and the underlying tissue until the stylet head is adjacent a targeted tissue mass. Next, the stylet is extended distally from the distal end of the cannula so that its head penetrates the tissue mass. The cannula ablation element is then activated, and the cannula is pushed through the tissue mass toward the stylet head, thereby cutting a “core” through the tissue mass that is captured as a tissue specimen within the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separate a tissue specimen from the tissue site. The device includes a probe member having a tissue penetrating distal tip having a plurality of concaved surfaces which form curved cutting edges at the intersection of adjacent concave surfaces. The probe member has an inner lumen which when subjected to a vacuum, secures tissue for the specimen to the surface of a distal tubular section of the probe which may be off-set from a central longitudinal axis. A circular tissue-cutting blade is configured to move longitudinally to sever a tissue specimen from tissue secured to the surface of the distal tubular section by the application of a vacuum to the inner lumen of the probe.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool includes a cutting loop, which can be an RF cutting loop, which is secured to a shaft which rotates about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.