Abstract: A target tissue localization device (28) has outer and inner members (30, 32) which are longitudinally movable relative to one another. An anchor (42) is secured to the outer and inner members and is movable from a radially-contracted configuration to a radially-expanded configuration. The anchor may be a tubular mesh anchor. The anchor may have a sufficiently large cross-sectional area when in the radially-expanded configuration to substantially eliminate inadvertent dislodgment of the anchor once radially-expanded. In use, the location of the target tissue (56) is determined and the distal end of the localization device is passed through the patient's skin (58) and to the target tissue to create a tissue track (60) between the patient's skin and the target tissue. The target tissue includes near and far sides (62, 64). The anchor element, located at the target tissue is expanded to an expanded configuration. The method the anchor element may be located on the far side of the target tissue.

Abstract: A target tissue localization assembly includes a radially expandable tissue anchor connected to the distal ends of an anchor assembly and an elongated anchor actuator element. A lock, engageable between the actuator element and the placement element, may be used to prevent collapse of the anchor from its radially expanded state. A sheath may be slidably mounted over the anchor assembly. The sheath and the anchor assembly may be configured to permit the sheath to move in a proximal direction, relative to the anchor assembly, past a chosen location while preventing the sheath from moving past the chosen location in a distal direction.

Abstract: A tissue sample collection assembly collects undamaged cells from a tissue specimen comprising a damaged tissue layer at a margin thereof. The assembly includes a tissue-severing device used to separate at least a portion of the damaged tissue layer. The tissue-severing device may have a tissue-adhesive surface so that undamaged cells may contact and adhere to the tissue-adhesive surface for subsequent analysis. The assembly may comprise an apertured device comprising inner and outer surfaces with apertures passing therebetween. The apertures may be sized and shaped so that when the inner surface of the apertured device is pressed against a tissue specimen, portions of an undamaged tissue layer of the tissue specimen pass through the apertures and past the outer surface so that the tissue-severing device can sever the undamaged tissue layer portions from the remainder of the tissue specimen. Exposed undamaged tissue may adhere to a tissue-adhesive surface of the tissue-severing device.

Abstract: A medical device includes a radially expandable and contractible tubular element, having proximal and distal ends, sized to pass through the nostril and into the user's upper airway when in the radially contracted condition. The support element may create an air passageway therethrough when in a radially expanded condition. The tubular element may comprise a porous filter section for filtering air passing through the air passageway. The tubular element may comprise a body material and an agent releasable from the body material for delivery to tissue of the user when the tubular element is radially expanded.

Abstract: Intraoperative tissue treatment methods are used following the removal of target tissue, e.g. diseased tissue, from a target site, e.g. within a patient's breast, leaving access to the target site. In one method an expandable element is introduced into and expanded within a void at the target site. If it is determined that all of the target tissue was not removed, then a layer of tissue at least partially surrounding the expanded element is removed from the patient, preferably in a substantially intact form, to permit inspection for evidence of the target tissue still within the patient. In a second method the suction inlet of a suction device is located so to be in fluid communication with the void. Fluid is then withdrawn through the suction inlet so to at least partially collapse the tissue defining the void.

Abstract: Wires, catheters, endoscopes, etc. and their methods that have flow directed distal ends, which allow and facilitate management of these devices during use are disclosed. Additionally instant invention allows for distal anchoring so that the device will remain in a location once it has arrived and its method for use. Further, the instant invention describes an apparatus and method for a tensioning characteristic to be applied along the device once it is place that will facilitate the passing of another member along the initially placed member. Last, a novel occluder is disclosed and its method of use.

Abstract: Intraoperative tissue treatment methods are used following the removal of target tissue, e.g. diseased tissue, from a target site, e.g. within a patient's breast, leaving access to the target site. In one method an expandable element is introduced into and expanded within a void at the target site. If all of the target tissue was not removed, then a layer of tissue at least partially surrounding the expanded element is removed from the patient, preferably in a substantially intact form. In a second method the suction inlet of a suction device is in fluid communication with the void. If all of the target tissue has not been removed, at least a portion of the collapsed tissue is removed from the patient and analyzed. With a third method, a flexible implant is passed through the sheath and into the void to at least substantially fill the void.

Abstract: Target tissues are accessed and removed using various types of devices and methods.

Abstract: Target tissues are accessed and removed using various types of devices and methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations comprises an elongate dilation member which receives an elongate expansion member in an axial lumen thereof. The dilation tube includes a tubular braid which usually comprises a mesh of non-elastic filaments which are radially expandable from a small diameter configuration to a large diameter configuration and which is optionally covered by a removable sheath. The dilation tube is percutaneously introduced to a target site within a patient's body, usually within the abdomen in a laparoscopic procedure. The sheath (if present) is then removed, and the tubular braid thereafter radially expanded by axial insertion of the expansion member through its lumen. The tubular braid is anchored by axial shortening of the mesh and remains in place to permit subsequent exchange of dilation members to provide for different diameter access lumens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations comprises an elongate dilation member which receives an elongate expansion member in an axial lumen thereof. The dilation tube includes a tubular braid which usually comprises a mesh of non-elastic filaments which are radially expandable from a small diameter configuration to a large diameter configuration and which is optionally covered by a removable sheath. The dilation tube is percutaneously introduced to a target site within a patient's body, usually within the abdomen in a laparoscopic procedure. The sheath (if present) is then removed, and the tubular braid thereafter radially expanded by axial insertion of the expansion member through its lumen. The tubular braid is anchored by axial shortening of the mesh and remains in place to permit subsequent exchange of dilation members to provide for different diameter access lumens.

Abstract: A particle-removing medical device includes an outer, hollow tube having a tube distal end and a porous braided structure having a distal part and a proximal part. Structure, housed within the tube and having a distal end positioned distally of the tube distal end, is used to move the braided structure from a contracted condition to an expanded condition by moving the distal ends of the tube and the structure towards one another. The braided structure is constructed to inhibit particles from moving completely through the braided structure when in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A target tissue localization device (28) has outer and inner members (30, 32) which are longitudinally movable relative to one another. An anchor (42) is secured to the outer and inner members and is movable from a radially-contracted configuration to a radially-expanded configuration. The anchor may be a tubular mesh anchor. The anchor may have a sufficiently large cross-sectional area when in the radially-expanded configuration to substantially eliminate inadvertent dislodgment of the anchor once radially-expanded. In use, the location of the target tissue (56) is determined and the distal end of the localization device is passed through the patient's skin (58) and to the target tissue to create a tissue track (60) between the patient's skin and the target tissue. The target tissue includes near and far sides (62, 64). The anchor element, located at the target tissue is expanded to an expanded configuration. The method the anchor element may be located on the far side of the target tissue.

Abstract: A target tissue localization device (28) has outer and inner members (30, 32) which are longitudinally movable relative to one another. An anchor (42) is secured to the outer and inner members and is movable from a radially-contracted configuration to a radially-expanded configuration. The anchor may be a tubular mesh anchor. The anchor may have a sufficiently large cross-sectional area when in the radially-expanded configuration to substantially eliminate inadvertent dislodgment of the anchor once radially-expanded. In use, the location of the target tissue (56) is determined and the distal end of the localization device is passed through the patient's skin (58) and to the target tissue to create a tissue track (60) between the patient's skin and the target tissue. The target tissue includes near and far sides (62, 64). The anchor element, located at the target tissue is expanded to an expanded configuration. The method the anchor element may be located on the far side of the target tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy localization device made according to the invention includes a bioabsorbable element (34), such as a dehydrated collagen plug, delivered in a pre-delivery state to a soft tissue biopsy site (18) of a patient by an element delivery device (32). The bioabsorbable element preferably swells to fill the biopsied open region (26) and preferably is palpably harder than the surrounding soft tissue at the biopsy site. The bioabsorbable element permits the biopsy site to be relocated by palpation to eliminate the need to use metallic clips during biopsies and often eliminates the need for a return to the radiologist for pre-operative localization. In addition, the bioabsorbable element can be used as a therapeutic tool for treatment of the diseased lesion and for hemostasis.

Abstract: Intraoperative tissue treatment methods are used following the removal of target tissue, e.g. diseased tissue, from a target site, e.g. within a patient's breast, leaving access to the target site. In one method an expandable element is introduced into and expanded within a void at the target site. If it is determined that all of the target tissue was not removed, then a layer of tissue at least partially surrounding the expanded element is removed from the patient, preferably in a substantially intact form, to permit inspection for evidence of the target tissue still within the patient. In a second method the suction inlet of a suction device is located so to be in fluid communication with the void. Fluid is then withdrawn through the suction inlet so to at least partially collapse the tissue defining the void.

Abstract: A target tissue localization device (28) has outer and inner members (30, 32) which are longitudinally movable relative to one another. An anchor (42) is secured to the outer and inner members and is movable from a radially-contracted configuration to a radially-expanded configuration. The anchor may be a tubular mesh anchor. The anchor may have a sufficiently large cross-sectional area when in the radially-expanded configuration to substantially eliminate inadvertent dislodgment of the anchor once radially-expanded. In use, the location of the target tissue (56) is determined and the distal end of the localization device is passed through the patient's skin (58) and to the target tissue to create a tissue track (60) between the patient's skin and the target tissue. The target tissue includes near and far sides (62, 64). The anchor element, located at the target tissue is expanded to an expanded configuration. The method the anchor element may be located on the far side of the target tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations comprises an elongate dilation member which receives an elongate expansion member in an axial lumen thereof. The dilation tube includes a tubular braid which usually comprises a mesh of non-elastic filaments which are radially expandable from a small diameter configuration to a large diameter configuration and which is optionally covered by a removable sheath. The dilation tube is percutaneously introduced to a target site within a patient's body, usually within the abdomen in a laparoscopic procedure. The sheath (if present) is then removed, and the tubular braid thereafter radially expanded by axial insertion of the expansion member through its lumen. The tubular braid is anchored by axial shortening of the mesh and remains in place to permit subsequent exchange of dilation members to provide for different diameter access lumens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations comprises an elongate dilation member which receives an elongate expansion member in an axial lumen thereof. The dilation tube includes a tubular braid which usually comprises a mesh of non-elastic filaments which are radially expandable from a small diameter configuration to a large diameter configuration and which is optionally covered by a removable sheath. The dilation tube is percutaneously introduced to a target site within a patient's body, usually within the abdomen in a laparoscopic procedure. The sheath (if present) is then removed, and the tubular braid thereafter radially expanded by axial insertion of the expansion member through its lumen. The tubular braid is anchored by axial shortening of the mesh and remains in place to permit subsequent exchange of dilation members to provide for different diameter access lumens.

Abstract: Devices with sites that are located using a magnetic field.