Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved handles for medical devices. Embodiments of the invention include handles that allow for the device's introduction, positioning, and actuation with a single hand of an operator, handles that allow an operator to simultaneously position and manipulate two devices relative to each other as well as relative to an additional medical device, such as an endoscope, and handles that allow an operator to simultaneously manipulate an endoscope and an additional medical device without the help of an assistant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved handles for medical devices. Embodiments of the invention include handles that allow for the device's introduction, positioning, and actuation with a single hand of an operator, handles that allow an operator to simultaneously position and manipulate two devices relative to each other as well as relative to an additional medical device, such as an endoscope, and handles that allow an operator to simultaneously manipulate an endoscope and an additional medical device without the help of an assistant.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for actuating a minimally invasive medical device using fluid pressure. The invention involves a medical device that includes a fluid source, such as a compressible bladder that may apply positive fluid pressure into a sheath to controllably deploy an end-effector from a distal end of the sheath. In some embodiments, the fluid source may apply negative fluid pressure into the sheath to controllably retract the end-effector into the distal end of the sheath. Typical end-effectors for use with the medical device of the invention include biopsy devices and retrieval devices, including basket-type retrieval devices and grasper retrieval devices. Generally, the fluid that is used to actuate the device may be a liquid or a gas, including air.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a device for collecting body tissue. The device may include an inner member comprising a hollow portion to collect body tissue and a distal end configured to both penetrate body tissue and define an opening of the hollow portion. The device may further include an outer member, co-axially and slidably disposed around the exterior of the inner member, comprising a distal end portion. The distal end portion of the outer member may be configured to penetrate body tissue, prevent body tissue from exiting the hollow portion of the inner member, and allow the distal end of the inner member to extend beyond the distal end of outer member. The opening of the hollow portion of the inner member may be disposed in a plane that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner member.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an entry needle. The entry needle may include a cannula, a needle extending within a lumen of the cannula, and a hub operatively associated with a proximal portion of the cannula. The hub may include a branch in communication with the lumen of the cannula. The needle may be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the needle may prevent communication between an opening in an outer wall of the cannula and the branch. In the second position, the needle may allow communication between the opening in the outer wall of the cannula and the branch.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device includes a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: A needle guiding apparatus includes a base, a guide assembly, and an imaging sight. The base defines an opening that extends through the base. The guide assembly includes at least one passage, and the guide assembly is disposed within the opening of the base. The guide assembly also is rotatable about at least one axis. The imaging sight is disposed adjacent the passage. An entry needle can be inserted through the needle guiding apparatus and into a body. Devices and methods according to the present invention allow a medical professional to accurately and rapidly place a probe, such as a needle, in a patient.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a device for collecting body tissue. The device includes an inner end effector comprising a hollow portion, a distal edge that defines an opening of the hollow portion at least a portion of which is sufficiently sharpened to cut body tissue, and a proximal end configured to receive an inner tubular member. The device also includes an outer end effector comprising a flexible extension on a distal end with an edge at least a portion of which is sufficiently sharpened to cut body tissue and biased inwardly toward the hollow portion of the inner end effector to cover the opening, and a proximal end configured to receive an outer tubular member. The inner end effector is slidably disposed within the outer end effector.

Abstract: An improved medical device, such as a needle, has a surface which enhances the “echogenicity” or ultrasound visibility of the medical device so that the medical device can be guided inside a human body using ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, concave slots are formed on the surface of the improved medical device to enhance the ultrasound visibility of the improved medical device. The surface of each concave slot is substantially flat in a radial cross section of the needle and curved in an axial cross section of the improved medical device.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: A needle guiding apparatus includes a base, a guide assembly, and an imaging sight. The base defines an opening that extends through the base. The guide assembly includes at least one passage, and the guide assembly is disposed within the opening of the base. The guide assembly also is rotatable about at least one axis. The imaging sight is disposed adjacent the passage. An entry needle can be inserted through the needle guiding apparatus and into a body. Devices and methods according to the present invention allow a medical professional to accurately and rapidly place a probe, such as a needle, in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for actuating a minimally invasive medical device using fluid pressure. The invention involves a medical device that includes a fluid source, such as a compressible bladder that may apply positive fluid pressure into a sheath to controllably deploy an end-effector from a distal end of the sheath. In some embodiments, the fluid source may apply negative fluid pressure into the sheath to controllably retract the end-effector into the distal end of the sheath. Typical end-effectors for use with the medical device of the invention include biopsy devices and retrieval devices, including basket-type retrieval devices and grasper retrieval devices. Generally, the fluid that is used to actuate the device may be a liquid or a gas, including air.

Abstract: A needle guiding apparatus includes a base, a guide assembly, and an imaging sight. The base defines an opening that extends through the base. The guide assembly includes at least one passage, and the guide assembly is disposed within the opening of the base. The guide assembly also is rotatable about at least one axis. The imaging sight is disposed adjacent the passage. An entry needle can be inserted through the needle guiding apparatus and into a body. Devices and methods according to the present invention allow a medical professional to accurately and rapidly place a probe, such as a needle, in a patient.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device includes a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

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.