Abstract: A guide element is used to guide a cutting device when removing breast tissue. The cutting device may have a tissue collection element for collecting tissue. The tissue collection element may be detachable so that the collection element may be removed independent from the cutting device.

Abstract: A guide element is used to guide a cutting device when removing breast tissue. The cutting device may have a tissue collection element for collecting tissue. The tissue collection element may be detachable so that the collection element may be removed independent from the cutting device.

Abstract: A suction sleeve is configured to couple to the shaft of an RF device to evacuate hot gasses, fluids and/or other aspirates. The suction sleeve may be configured to be disposed coaxially around the shaft between the first end of the shaft and the work element (e.g., an RF cutting element) thereof. The suction sleeve defines a suction port and a plurality of openings near the work element, and is configured to enable suction in through the plurality of openings and out through the suction port.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for manipulating a tissue structure within a body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a system and method for retracting and supporting the heart wall to provide access into the heart during a cardiac surgical procedure. The system comprises a tissue supporting member (500) positionable through a first percutaneous intercostal penetration into the thoracic cavity. The tissue supporting member has a contact surface (502) configured for supporting a portion of the heart wall. A retractor (40a) includes a shaft (400) with a proximal end, a distal end configured for introduction through a second percutaneous penetration and a diameter less than the width and length of the contact surface. A hook (428) is slidably coupled to the distal end of the shaft for releasably holding the tissue supporting member such that the contact surface is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A powered rotatable surgical tissue working tool for chucking in a powered rotating surgical handpiece includes a tubular elongate outer member having a distal tip portion angled off the central axis of the proximal portion of such tubular outer member, by reason of a angled portion therebetween. A rotatable elongate inner member extends coaxially and rotatably within the tubular outer member and has a rotatably drivable proximal portion, a distal tip portion for tissue working interaction with the distal tip portion of the outer member, and a flexibly bendable portion therebetween rotatably housed within the angled portion of the outer member. An annular space between the inner and outer member communicates between the distal tip portions thereof and the handpiece for permitting suction withdraw of flowable materials from a surgical site axially through such annular space and to a suction source.