Abstract: A method of using a surgical system that includes an outer cannula is disclosed. The method includes removably mounting a surgical device to an adapter. The adapter is secured to a stage. The surgical device and adapter is positioned at a predetermined location for inserting the outer cannula toward a target site in a body. Once positioned in the body, the outer cannula is fired to the target site. At least one tissue sample is taken using the surgical device and tissue samples are harvested from the surgical device.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a stylet, an outer cannula, and a vacuum chamber is disclosed. The stylet includes a lumen with an open proximal end and a tissue receiving opening near a distal end thereof. The outer cannula is slidably disposed over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. Actuation of the outer cannula causes a vacuum to be delivered to the tissue receiving opening through the lumen of the stylet before the outer cannula advances distally.

Abstract: A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed.

Abstract: A site marker is provided that includes a generally hollow body defining a cavity. A deployment line within the site marker positions at least one marker element within the body portion. The deployment line has a first end that is fixedly secured to a first end of the body portion and a second end that is secured to a second end of the body portion. The deployment line is pre-biased so as to pull the first end of the body portion towards the second end of the body portion, and thereby expand the body portion.

Abstract: A site marker delivery system is provided that may be used in combination with a tissue cutting device for marking a biopsy site. The system includes a tube attached to a hub. A push-rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The push-rod is advanced forward through the lumen of the tube causing a marker seated within the tube to be deployed at a biopsy site.

Abstract: A selectively lockable introducer assembly is disclosed that comprises an introducer cannula and a needle guide. The introducer cannula is defined by a proximal end and a distal end and includes a lumen extending therebetween. The needle guide is defined by a body portion that includes at least one channel extending therethrough. The introducer cannula is configured to be selectively receivable within the at least one channel and the introducer cannula may be selectively lockable with respect to the needle guide such that the introducer cannula is selectively prevented from moving laterally with respect to the needle guide.

Abstract: A site marker is provided that includes a generally hollow body defining a cavity. A deployment line within the site marker positions at least one marker element within the body portion. The deployment line has a first end that is fixedly secured to a first end of the body portion and a second end that is secured to a second end of the body portion. The deployment line is pre-biased so as to pull the first end of the body portion towards the second end of the body portion, and thereby expand the body portion.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The distal end of the stylet is blunt-shaped. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen.

Abstract: A biopsy marker deployment device adapted to selectively deposit a marker in a target location, such as a biopsy site. In one embodiment, the device includes a deployment assembly comprising a cannula adapted to house at least one marker, an outlet aperture defined by a portion of the cannula, and an actuatable pushrod slidably disposed and movable within the cannula. The deployment assembly further comprises a selectively opening outlet door movable between an open position and a closed position. The outlet door is biased in the closed position and at least partially obstructs the aperture in the closed position to prevent a marker from reentering the cannula upon deployment.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen.

Abstract: A fluid control element having a flexible member that is adapted for selective deformation when an element inserted therein. The flexible member includes at least one incision or opening that defines at least one cusp that selectively opens when the element is inserted therein. The incision or opening is biased into a normally and substantially closed position such that fluids are substantially prevented from flowing through the fluid control element.

Abstract: A biopsy marker deployment device adapted to selectively deposit a marker in a target location, such as a biopsy site. In one embodiment, the device includes a deployment assembly comprising a cannula adapted to house at least one marker, an outlet aperture defined by a portion of the cannula, and an actuatable pushrod slidably disposed and movable within the cannula. The deployment assembly further comprises a selectively opening outlet door movable between an open position and a closed position. The outlet door is biased in the closed position and at least partially obstructs the aperture in the closed position to prevent a marker from reentering the cannula upon deployment.

Abstract: A biopsy marker deployment device is provided herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, the deployment device includes a deployment assembly and an actuator configured to selectively actuate the deployment assembly. The deployment assembly is configured to selectively deposit a marker in a biopsy site through at least one aperture and to substantially reduce space between the aperture and the deployment assembly.

Abstract: An introducer assembly is disclosed. The introducer assembly comprises an introducer cannula, an introducer hub and an introducer stylet body. The introducer cannula is defined by a distal end and a proximal end and has a lumen extending therebetween. The introducer hub is operatively connected to the introducer cannula, and wherein the introducer hub is configured for selective connection with multiple medical devices. The introducer stylet body is defined by a proximal end and a distal end and is removably disposed within the introducer cannula. The introducer stylet body may further comprise an imagable feature having a predetermined size disposed on a distal end thereof.

Abstract: Brachytherapy apparatus and methods for performing brachytherapy employing expandable members with at least one external fixation element, offering precise therapy due to rotational and/or longitudinal stability of the expandable member.

Abstract: A selectively lockable introducer assembly is disclosed that comprises an introducer cannula and a needle guide. The introducer cannula is defined by a proximal end and a distal end and includes a lumen extending therebetween. The needle guide is defined by a body portion that includes at least one channel extending therethrough. The introducer cannula is configured to be selectively receivable within the at least one channel and the introducer cannula may be selectively lockable with respect to the needle guide such that the introducer cannula is selectively prevented from moving laterally with respect to the needle guide.

Abstract: A tissue filter for medical collection is disclosed. The tissue filter includes a first member, a second member, and filter material secured thereto. The first and second members are selectively engaged with one another to define a filter body having a collection cavity. The collection cavity is open at one end for tissue to flow into the collection cavity. The first member and the second member may be selectively separated to facilitate tissue removal from the collection cavity.