Abstract: A modular device for tissue resection includes a housing, a motor, a tissue receiving chamber, a grabbing mechanism and a resection mechanism. The housing includes a guide track receiving lumen extending therethrough. The motor is mounted within the housing. The motor is selectively engageable with a guide track received within the guide track lumen to move the modular device therealong. The tissue receiving chamber is formed within the housing. The grabbing mechanism draws a selected portion of tissue into the tissue receiving chamber. The resection mechanism resects the selected portion of tissue.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: An instrument for automated processing of sample vials are provided. The instrument causes an aliquot chamber within the vial to be filled with the fluid contained within the vial.

Abstract: Sample vials and methods of processing the sample vials are provided. The sample vial comprises a vial container, a sample collection chamber within the vial container, a vial cap configured to be mated with the vial container to enclose the collection chamber, an aliquot chamber, which may be carried by the vial cap or the vial container, and a valve mechanism for selectively sealing and unsealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber. The method may comprise flowing an aliquot of the sample from the collection chamber while the sample within the collection chamber is isolated from an environment exterior to the vial, sealing the aliquot chamber from the collection chamber to isolate the aliquot sample from the remaining sample portion, and transferring at least some of the remaining sample portion from the collection chamber to a microscope slide while the aliquot chamber is sealed from the collection chamber.

Abstract: A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer system includes a vial cassette configured for accessibly storing a plurality of sample vials, a filter cassette configured for accessibly storing a plurality of filter cartridges, a slide cassette configured for accessibly storing a plurality of specimen slides, a specimen slide processor configured to receive a sample vial, a filter cartridge, and a specimen slide, a transport system including a movable arm having an effecter engagement mechanism; and a plurality of effecters. Each effecter is configured for engaging the movable arm, for retrieving the sample vials, the filter cartridges, or the specimen slides from the respective vial cassette, filter cassette, or slide cassette and positioning them in the specimen slide processor, and for retrieving the sample vials, the filter cartridges, or the specimen slides from the specimen slide processor.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include at least one spacing member for adjustably positioning the manifold hub a desired distance above the surface of the nipple. The spacing member may control the insertion depth of the catheter into the duct. The medical instrument may also include at least one member for anchoring the device to the breast.

Abstract: A method of fixing a biological sample on a slide for cytological analysis, includes transferring a sample to a slide, applying a material having a slide-fixing amount of an inactivated, fixative to the slide, and activating the fixative. By way of example, the material may comprise a tape impregnated with the inactivated fixative, which tape may be removed from the slide after the fixative is activated.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include at least one spacing member for adjustably positioning the manifold hub a desired distance above the surface of the nipple. The spacing member may control the insertion depth of the catheter into the duct. The medical instrument may also include at least one member for anchoring the device to the breast.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for accessing a biological specimen container having a cap without opening the cap. A door covers an opening in the cap of the biological specimen container. The door may be biased to close the opening and to form a substantially fluid tight connection with a seal on the cap. An actuator is activated to open the door and an interior of the biological specimen container is accessible through the opening without contaminating an exterior of the biological specimen container or the cap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for loading a tray containing a plurality of slides into an imaging system, and for verifying the alignment and orientation of the tray in the imaging system. A plurality of retainers secures the slides in recesses defined by the tray. An aligning projection on the tray interacts with an alignment component on the imaging system to verify the alignment and orientation of the tray in the imaging system and to disable the system if it cannot do so.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the yield of cells collected in a urine sample comprising the steps of applying energy wave forms to a bladder wherein the energy loosens cells attached to the inner lining of the bladder, and collecting urine sample containing the loosened cells.

Abstract: Transformable slide storage apparatus and method of transforming a shape of a slide storage apparatus. A slide storage apparatus includes a plurality of trays, a plurality of linking members and a plurality of connectors. The trays are configured to hold slides, and the connectors secure the linking members to the trays. At least one linking member extends between adjacent trays. The linked trays can be moved between stacked and flat configurations. The slides remain horizontal and parallel to each other in both the stacked and flat configurations.

Abstract: An endoluminal access system for accessing a body lumen, comprises a guide track which, when in an operative position, extends through a body lumen to a desired location therewithin and a modular device selectively coupleable to the guide track, the modular device including a drive mechanism for engaging the guide track to move the modular device along the guide track within the body lumen.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include at least one spacing member for adjustably positioning the manifold hub a desired distance above the surface of the nipple. The spacing member may control the insertion depth of the catheter into the duct. The medical instrument may also include at least one member for anchoring the device to the breast.

Abstract: A ductal access device is provided for accessing a breast duct and collecting biological material from within the duct. The access device may include an elongated member having an outer diameter sized for positioning within the breast duct and an internal lumen for infusing a fluid into the breast duct and collecting fluid from the breast duct. The elongated member may include a central axis extending through the internal lumen and a different axis being parallel to the central axis defining an off-axis configuration. An elongated distal tip extends beyond the distal end of the internal lumen and along the different axis. The elongated distal tip has a closed distal end for navigating within the breast duct. The elongated distal tip may include an internal passageway that is sized to slidiably or removably receive an elongated introducer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that increase retrievable cells from ductal fluid of a patient. Ductal fluid typically contains ductal epithelial cells and other markers that can aid in identifying a breast condition, including breast cancer and precancer.

Abstract: An autotransfusion system for collecting blood from a patient and reinfusing the blood back into the patient is disclosed. The system includes a collection unit, a manually operable portable suction evacuator removably connected to the collection unit, and a blood reinfusion bag removably connected to the collection unit. The collection unit includes a collection chamber that is oversized relative to the volume of blood that the unit is intended to contain, and an airflow port located and oriented in the collection chamber to prevent blood from leaking into the port when the collection unit is oriented upright or on its side. When connected to the patient, the collection unit and portable suction evacuator are maintained free of blood by enclosing them within a substantially transparent, flexible envelope. The envelope enables the unit and evacuator to be connected and set-up for proper operation while preventing blood from contacting the outer surfaces of the unit and evacuator.

Abstract: A medical suction and irrigation apparatus includes a suction/irrigation tip removably connected to a conventional suction/irrigation handpiece. Suction is provided through a suction tube which has a bypass conduit in the tip. The bypass conduit is directly connectable to a suction source so that aspirated debris passes through the tip to the suction source. The suction tube thus prevents aspirated debris from entering the conventional suction tube in the handpiece and contaminating the handpiece. The suction tube is also designed to have a maximum size to prevent the tip from clogging. The tip also has an irrigation tube for directing irrigation liquid to the irrigation site, and a connector which connects the irrigation tube to the handpiece so that the handpiece pumps fluid through the tip in a conventional manner. A flexible splash shield, slidably mounted to the irrigation tube, confines irrigation fluid to the local site.