Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member; the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: Medical devices for retaining an end of a medical tube. Each of the devices of the present invention comprises a base and at least one tab having a portion that is moveable within the base. The base comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, at least one side cavity for receiving a tab, and an opening transverse to the upper and lower surfaces. To facilitate tube retention, the tube is inserted through the opening in the base and the tab(s) is(are) moved within the cavity(ies) such that a portion of each tab contacts and retains the tube.

Abstract: A novel instrument for automatic sampling or removal of tissue percutaneously from a patient. In a disclosed embodiment the instrument comprises a housing, a means for excising tissue from a target site within a patient's body extending from the housing, a means for impelling the excising means into a target tissue site in response to an impelling force, and a rotatable handle.

Abstract: Devices and methods permit dilation of a track of a body to any of a plurality of diameters using a single integrated device that can reach any of a plurality of expanded diameters upon actuation by a user of an actuating mechanism which directs and controls the dilation of a dilating element to which it is connected by a dial and transmission mechanism. A variety of dials, transmission mechanisms and dilating elements are disclosed which may be combined in a variety of ways.

Abstract: An instrument for collecting body tissue includes a tubular cutting member having an exterior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and a flexible cutting extension coaxially and slidably disposed around the exterior surface of the cutting member, the flexible cutting extensions having a proximal end and distal end capable of cutting tissue located at the distal end of the cutting member and covering the distal end of the cutting member so that tissue that has entered the cutting member is retained in the cutting member. A first tubular member may be connected to the cutting member, and a second tubular member mayb connected to the cutting extension, the second tubular member being coaxially disposed on the first tubular member.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a catheter with a distal anchor. Suture threads extend from the anchor to the control mechanism. A first body contains a reel with a radial port through which the suture threads extend to be received in a termination structure on a second, partially concentric and axially coextensive body of the control mechanism. Rotation of the second body wraps and unwraps the sutures about the reel thereby to remove or introduce slack into the suture threads after the anchor device forms. Removing slack in the suture threads prevents complete straightening of the anchor device and therefore inadvertent removal of the catheter from the patient.

Abstract: A tissue sampling device, comprising a stylet having a notch therein and a cannula at least partially surrounding the stylet. The notch has an exposed portion for receiving tissue to be sampled, and the cannula is adjustable relative to the stylet to vary the size of the exposed portion and therefore the amount of tissue to be sampled. The device also comprises a trigger mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the cannula and the stylet. Actuation of the trigger mechanism causes relative movement of the stylet with respect to the cannula for collection of a tissue sample.

Abstract: A tool actuating assembly for a multi-function surgical instrument is disclosed. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of differently configured multi-function surgical instruments and can be embodied in various physical configurations. The tool actuating assembly of the present invention provides for more efficient use of the tools of the instrument by the surgeon who is utilizing the instrument.

Abstract: A drainage catheter includes a tubular member with an anchor at a distal end and suture threads extending from the anchor to the proximal ends of the tubular member. A locking mechanism attaches to the proximal end of the tubular member and includes a body with an extension of the lumen. A displaceable body in the locking mechanism body attaches to the proximal end of the sutures to control the amount of slack or tension in the suture threads. An extension of that displaceable body lies externally of the locking mechanism body to enable the operation of the displaceable body without handling the suture threads.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a catheter with a distal anchor. Suture threads extend from the anchor to the control mechanism. A first body contains a reel with a radial port through which the suture threads extend to be received in a termination structure on a second, partially concentric and axially coextensive body of the control mechanism. Rotation of the second body wraps and unwraps the sutures about the reel thereby to remove or introduce slack into the suture threads after the anchor device forms. Removing slack in the suture threads prevents complete straightening of the anchor device and therefore inadvertent removal of the catheter from the patient.