Abstract: An ultrasound transducer for use in intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging systems including a single crystal composite (SCC) layer is provided. The transducer has a front electrode on a side of the SCC layer; and a back electrode on the opposite side of the SCC layer. The SCC layer may have a dish shape including pillars made of a single crystal piezo-electric material embedded in a polymer matrix. Also provided is an ultrasound transducer as above, with the back electrode split into two electrodes electrically decoupled from one another. A method of forming an ultrasound transducer as above is also provided. An IVUS imaging system is provided, including an ultrasound transducer rotationally disposed within an elongate member; an actuator; and a control system controlling activation of the ultrasound transducer to facilitate imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image guidance include an imaging system (124) configured to generate images, the imaging system including a display (126) to permit user selection of areas of interest in the images. One or more objects (134, 138) are visible in the images. A computation engine (116) is configured to combine coordinate systems of the imaging system, the areas of interest, and the one or more objects to provide measurement and/or location information. A bidirectional communication channel (122) is configured to couple the imaging system and the computation engine to permit transmission of the images and the areas of interest to the computation engine and transmission of the measurement and/or location information to the imaging system.

Abstract: In ARFI imaging, a cost function is used to identify a time of displacement that best or sufficiently indicates the desired information. For example, the displacements associated with a combination of contrast and signal-to-noise ratio are identified. The time at which the desired displacements occur may be other than the time of the maximum. Since the time is common to displacements for one or more scan lines, the displacement image may be assembled line-by-line or by groups of lines.

Abstract: A multi-modal catheter combining at least NIRF and IVUs imaging channels used to reveal integrated biological and structural features of a lumen intravascularly imaged through flowing blood in vivo and corrected for distance-related attenuation and/or scattering parameters of in vivo blood to compensate for discovered overestimation of the degree of in-vivo-blood attenuation of NIRF signal Enhancing the sensitivity of detection of vascular injury and/or plaque deposition beyond the capability of a standalone IVUS imaging as a result of the use of such corrected catheter.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a data acquirer acquiring first ultrasound data and second ultrasound data with respect to an object, and a controller detecting a first position of an object of interest included in the object on the first ultrasound data, detecting a second position of the object of interest based on the first position, and changing a condition for transceiving an ultrasound beam based on the second position.

Abstract: The TGC slide switches (20) which provide the TGC control of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system have LEDs (10) mounted on the sliders (22) of the slide switches so that the switches can be easily visualized in a darkened room. The light emitted by the LED of a switch is changed to an indicative color or brightness when the slider of the switch is set in its default position (36) for the application of a nominal gain to echo signals received from a given depth.

Abstract: An allergy testing kit contains a plurality of allergy testing applicators, an allergy testing tray and a plurality of allergen bottles each containing an allergen. Each of the applicators contains an elongated handle, a plurality of arms extending from the elongated handle and disposed in an asymmetrical configuration, and a plurality of legs with tines extending from each of the arms. The allergy testing tray contains a main body having an underside and a top surface, a cover for locking with the main body and a plurality of reservoirs extending from the underside of the main body. The reservoirs each have a chamber with an opening extending from the top surface. The reservoirs are disposed in different groups and each group has an asymmetrical configuration matching that of the applicator.

Abstract: The container straw comprises a tube (11) and a stopper (12) that is permeable to gasses and impermeable to liquids, in which stopper (12) is arranged in the tube (11) near one end (16), characterized in that it comprises an indicator component (20) configured to emit, at least when the container straw (10) is full, light the spectrum of which contains at least one spike having a peak of predetermined wavelength. The assembly comprises the container straw (10) and a container straw recognition device (26).

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder includes a rotatable manifold, and has a plurality of chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively align each of the chambers with the cutter lumen. A controller in communication with the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the manifold to a presentation position to present a collected tissue sample within a chamber to a user (e.g., at an angular position approximately 90 degrees from the cutter lumen). The controller is further configured to rotate the manifold align the next, empty chamber with the cutter lumen in response to a user input instructing the biopsy device to obtain another tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological sample preservation tube with an identification code, wherein an information element which records the sample information is fused integrally with the bottom wall and/or side walls during molding the preservation tube, the preservation tube is suitable for the preservation of a biological sample at low temperature and can ensure the effectiveness and stability at low temperature; and at the same time also relates to a method for manufacturing the biological sample preservation tube, wherein the preservation tube is molded by a one-step process, without an additional secondary processes for manufacturing the identification code, the method improves the production efficiency, reduces the production cost, employs multi-point symmetrical feeding, and has good quality and stability of the product, so that the method is of great significance as it opens up a new idea for developing and producing the similar product in the industry, especially the small-sized preservatio

Abstract: The system and method of the invention pertains to an MR-guided breast biopsy procedure, specifically as to quickly identifying the biopsy location. More particularly, the system utilizes a diagnostic imaging modality such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate one or more lesions in a human breast. Non-rigid registration between uncompressed screening images (where the lesion has been previously identified) and the compressed biopsy images enables easier identification of the biopsy site, hence shortening the biopsy procedure.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder includes a rotatable manifold, and has a plurality of chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively align each of the chambers with the cutter lumen. A controller in communication with the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the manifold to a presentation position to present a collected tissue sample within a chamber to a user (e.g., at an angular position approximately 90 degrees from the cutter lumen). The controller is further configured to rotate the manifold align the next, empty chamber with the cutter lumen in response to a user input instructing the biopsy device to obtain another tissue sample.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder includes a rotatable manifold, and has a plurality of chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively align each of the chambers with the cutter lumen. A controller in communication with the rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the manifold to a presentation position to present a collected tissue sample within a chamber to a user (e.g., at an angular position approximately 90 degrees from the cutter lumen). The controller is further configured to rotate the manifold align the next, empty chamber with the cutter lumen in response to a user input instructing the biopsy device to obtain another tissue sample.

Abstract: A self-contained, port-closing trocar and method of use which may include an elongated body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a side wall between the first end and the second end, the body further including at least two channels therein, each of the channels originating near the second end, running parallel to the elongated body, and curving towards and forming an opening in the side wall near the first end. The self-closing trocar may also include at least two needles, each disposed within one of the at least two channels, and a handle insertable into the second end of the elongated body, the handle having at least two needle drivers coupled thereto, each needle driver being insertable into one of the at least two channels and engagable with an end of a needle.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therein and a clip slidably received within the lumen of the capsule. The clip includes a middle prong, a first outer prong and a second outer prong. The first prong is coupled to the middle prong so that the first prong is movable relative to the middle prong between a first open configuration and a first closed configuration. The second outer prong coupled to the middle prong so that the second prong is movable relative to the middle prong between a second open configuration and a second closed configuration. The first and second outer prongs are independently movable relative to the middle prong to be moved between the first and second open configurations to the first and second open configurations and the first and second closed configurations.

Abstract: Closure systems, kits and methods for sealing a percutaneous puncture or other opening in a blood vessel wall, body cavity or biopsy tract are disclosed. A closure system can comprise an implant assembly, a delivery assembly, and an introducer sheath. The closure system can further comprise a valve bypass and a dilator. The implant assembly can include an inner member, a sealing membrane, and an outer member, each of which can be delivered by the delivery assembly. The inner member can be extended through the puncture or opening and positioned adjacent an inner tissue surface. The outer member can be positioned adjacent an outer tissue surface. The sealing membrane can have a distal end attached to the inner member, a proximal end including an opening configured to receive the outer member, and a mid-region therebetween.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system for facilitating closure of a bodily opening. In one embodiment, the system comprises an anchor having a deployed state dimensioned for engaging tissue surrounding the opening, a first tether coupled to the anchor and extending proximally therefrom, and a graft member comprising a first bore disposed therein. The anchor may comprise a width that is larger than a width of the opening such that the anchor is disposed securely within or distal to the opening. The first tether is dimensioned to be disposed through the first bore in the graft member, such that the graft member is advanced distally over the first tether. The graft member then may be secured to the anchor. Various anchor designs are provided along with a supporting framework that may be coupled to the graft member.

Abstract: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture and having a first opening. A first retainer is positionable external of the vessel. A flexible connecting member operatively connects the covering member and the first retainer, wherein the first opening of the covering member is configured to restrict movement of the connecting member.

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom with a single hand. Frames and rails for supporting and/or constraining movement of a tool or tools are also described herein.

Abstract: A manual distractor unit is mounted upon a support frame attached to an operating table side rail. An ankle strap is attached to the support frame and to the patient's ankle. A patient's knee support pad, extending from the distractor unit, is positioned under the patient's knee to provide traction to the patient's limb at the ankle, which is secured to the support frame by the ankle strap.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor includes a blade, a handle, a curved section and an illumination assembly. The blade has a top surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends at an angle from a proximal end of the blade. The curved section connects the handle to the blade. The illumination assembly includes at least one light source, at least one battery and an activation device for energizing the light source. The illumination assembly is attachable to the curved section.

Abstract: Instrument introducers and methods of using the same are provided to facilitate the introduction of a surgical instrument into a cavity or a body opening of a patient. The instrument introducers include a body portion defining a lumen therethrough, a flexible distal end portion having a distal orifice, a proximal end portion having a proximal orifice, and at least one fold formed in at least the distal end portion.

Abstract: A lock and method for suspending suture(s) from bone and providing a secure fixation of the suture(s) within the lock including a generally cylindrical shell having a threaded interior wall, a screw adapted to be driven into shell and a plug separately positioned within the shell below the screw or made unitary with and positioned at the driven end of the screw.

Abstract: Devices and methods to attach soft tissue to bone include, for example, forming a bone tunnel in a bone, passing a suture through soft tissue, and inserting an anchor in the bone tunnel, wherein a distal portion of the anchor is positioned underneath the soft tissue, a proximal portion of the anchor is positioned beyond an edge of the soft tissue, the suture first portion extends from the distal portion of the anchor to the soft tissue, and the suture second portion extends from the proximal portion of the anchor to the soft tissue.

Abstract: Methods of joint repair employing sutures and attached fixation devices are discussed. For example, a bone block graft procedure (e.g., Latarjet) is discussed which employs fixation devices to secure contact between graft surfaces of two bones. A suture construct, including a continuous suture loop routed through a first fastener, is secured to a first bone. Looped ends of the suture loop are passed through passageways formed in the two bones. The looped suture ends are further routed through a second fastener. The second fastener is mounted to the second bone and a sliding knot, formed in the looped suture ends, is advanced into contact with the second fastener. The suture is further tensioned using a tensioner device to secure the two bones together.

Abstract: A system includes a tool and a suture connected to a needle. The tool includes a bore formed in a tube, and a suture slide communicating with the bore. The suture slide has a curved surface formed between an exterior surface of the tube and the bore of the tube. The needle is disposed in the bore. A segment of the suture is disposed within the bore and alongside the needle. The suture is in contact with the suture slide, and a proximal portion of the suture extends out of the bore at the suture slide. The suture slide is located forward of the back end the needle. Tension applied to the suture ejects a pointed distal end of the needle out of the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a power assist device, and its method of use for deploying surgical fasteners, is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include a handle, an elongated shaft extending from the handle, and a surgical fastener deployment system including a driveshaft. The driveshaft is actuatable between at least a first proximal position and a second distal position. A striker is movable relative to the driveshaft and an impact surface is associated with the driveshaft. The impact surface is constructed and arranged to be struck by the striker member to displace the driveshaft to the second distal position and deploy the surgical fastener.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a delivery device for delivering a detachable medical implant that comprises an elongated delivery member and a first engagement portion. The first engagement portion comprises a first proximal-facing surface, a first distal-facing surface, and a first lumen that is configured to accommodate an activation wire, wherein at least 50% of a surface area of the first proximal-facing surface is angled away from a proximal end of the first engagement portion. In other aspects, the present disclosure provides a medical delivery system comprising: such a delivery device; an implantable device comprising a medical device portion and a second engagement portion, the second engagement portion comprising a second lumen configured to accommodate an activation wire, a second proximal-facing surface and a second distal-facing surface; and an activation wire. Other aspects pertain to methods of medical device delivery using such a medical delivery system.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a lumen occlusion device includes a pusher configured for releasably coupling with and pushing and pulling a proximal end of the occlusion device in a distal or proximal direction and a distal control wire capable of releasably coupling with the distal end and the proximal end of the occlusion device. The control wire may be configured for moving the distal end of the occlusion device in both proximal and distal directions allowing precise simultaneous control of both proximal and distal ends of the occlusion device. Control of both ends provides for placing the occlusion device in tension during delivery through a delivery catheter, thereby reducing delivery forces, achieving greater compaction of the occlusion device in the lumen, and precisely locating both distal and proximal ends of the occlusion device within the lumen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for actively releasing embolic coils within a body lumen of a patient.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for forming the medical devices are disclosed in the present application. In one illustrative example, a medical device may comprise a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end and may include a plurality of lumens extending through at least a portion of the catheter shaft. In some examples, the medical device may further include a balloon member disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter shaft, and the catheter shaft may comprise a frangible portion disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to embolic coils that eliminate kick-back into a parent vessel by providing a proximal end that retracts following deployment within the vasculature. Also disclosed are methods of making such coils, delivery systems that comprise such coils, and methods of delivering such coils to a patient.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure pertain to blood vessel occlusion devices having a central longitudinal axis and comprising: (a) a hub, (b) a self-expanding support frame comprising a plurality of wire segments forming a plurality of cells, and (c) a covering material covering cells within the transition portion. The support frame may be self-expandable from a constrained shape to an unconstrained shape that comprises (ii) a substantially cylindrical portion having a diameter and an axis that is coincident with the central longitudinal axis, the substantially cylindrical portion comprising a first ring of the cells extending in a 360° rotation around the central longitudinal axis and (ii) a transition portion disposed between the substantially cylindrical portion and the hub. Other aspects for the disclosure pertain to assemblies, kits and methods that employ such devices.

Abstract: A delivery system for the delivery of embolic agents to a patient includes a control valve assembly interconnecting first, second, third and fourth conduits, wherein the control valve assembly selectively moves between first, second, and third states under the control of a medical professional. In the first state, the first conduit communicates with the second conduit for transmitting a solution of embolic agents between a first syringe secured to the first conduit and a second syringe secured to the second conduit. In the second state, the second conduit communicates with the third conduit for transmitting the solution of embolic agents from the second syringe to a delivery catheter secured to the third conduit. In the third state, the third conduit communicates with the fourth conduit for flushing the delivery catheter via a third syringe, which is filled with saline, connected to the fourth conduit.

Abstract: A surgical drill bit is formed by a cylindrical body that comprises a distal fluted drill section, a fluted midsection and a proximal drive transmission shank. The distal end of the drill section forms the drill point of the surgical bit and comprises at least two opposed cutting edges that extend from the tip of the drill point to the leading edge of a land defined by the outer surface of a respective drill point flute. The outside diameter of the midsection is less than the outside diameter of the drill section. In cross section the flute consists of a land radially extending from an enlarged central web. A small conical tip is concentrically located on the drill point.

Abstract: A device for creating a void space in living tissue includes a handle from which a shaft extends. A tip is moveably attached to the distal end of the shaft. The angular position of the tip is controlled by the rotation of a knob mounted to the handle. The knob is mounted to the handle to project beyond opposed side surfaces of the handle and a surface that bridge between the side surfaces.

Abstract: A glenoid guide has an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is a patient-specific surface configured as a negative surface of a glenoid face based on a three-dimensional image of a shoulder joint of a patient reconstructed preoperatively from image scans of the shoulder joint of the patient. The glenoid guide includes an anatomic tubular drill guide extending from the upper surface along an anatomic alignment axis configured preoperatively with a patient-specific orientation and insertion location for guiding a glenoid implant into the glenoid face for anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. The glenoid guide includes a reverse tubular drill guide extending from the upper surface along a reverse alignment axis configured preoperatively with a patient-specific orientation and insertion location for guiding a glenoid baseplate into the glenoid face for reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Abstract: A patient-specific acetabular guide can be used for preparing an acetabulum of a patient to receive an acetabular implant. The acetabular guide includes a patient-specific engagement surface designed to be complementary and mateable with a corresponding surface of the patient's pelvic anatomy. The acetabular guide is designed during a pre-operative plan for the patient by a three-dimensional reconstruction of the anatomy of the patient using two-dimensional medical images. The patient-specific engagement surface has a first portion mateable with a portion of the acetabulum of the patient. The acetabular guide includes a guiding element that extends from the acetabular guide opposite to the first portion of engagement surface. The guiding element defines a bore designed to be oriented along an alignment axis for an acetabular implant when the acetabular guide is engaged to the acetabulum.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by recanalizing or removing the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: A device may be used for capturing and retrieving vascular debris. The device may include: at least two segments radially expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state, each of the at least two segments having (a) a waist including a radially largest region of the segment and (b) two longitudinal ends; at least one intermediate portion, each of the at least one intermediate portion including a pivot that connects adjacent segments, each pivot having a diameter less than a diameter of the waist; wherein each of the at least two segments includes at least two struts that extend longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end of the segment, the at least two struts tapering from the waist radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the device as the at least two struts approach an adjacent intermediate portion.

Abstract: Medical devices are described. More particularly, medical devices and methods for the identification and treatment of bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are described herein. An exemplary medical device comprises an elongate member, a handle, and a wire member. The elongate member is moveable between a first straight, or substantially straight, configuration to a second curved configuration.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device includes a tool head defining a trough that delivers the vacuum flow from an inlet to the inner surface disposed above a working edge for efficient removal of debris. The trough has a defined rear wall giving it a defined width. This allows the vacuum flow to be directed to where it is needed to remove debris. One configuration of the device has a head that defines a liquid distribution channel with an outlet disposed in front of the working edge with a supply of liquid being removably in fluid communication with the liquid distribution channel. The liquid supply being a bulk supply or a hand held bottle with a supply tube extending down the handle of the device. Another configuration of the device includes vacuum control openings controlled by the user's finger.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for providing remote traction to tissue. Generally, the systems may comprise a grasper and a delivery device configured to releasably couple to the grasper. The grasper may have a first jaw and a second jaw and a main body having a barrel portion. The barrel portion may have a lumen extending therethrough, and a portion of the delivery device may be advanced through the lumen to rotate one or both of the jaws. The delivery devices may include a handle, a shaft, and a distal engagement portion. The delivery devices may further include an actuation rod which may be advanced through a barrel portion of a grasper to actuate the grasper. In some instances, the delivery device may further comprise a locking sheath, wherein the locking sheath is configured to temporarily couple to a grasper.

Abstract: Medical device including a lift tool having a distal end configured to removably engage an anatomic layer. The lift tool includes a shaft lumen that extends longitudinally through the lift tool and through the distal end. The shaft lumen is configured to receive an elongated insert device that is movable through the shaft lumen and through the distal end. The medical device also includes a locking mechanism that is coupled to the lift tool. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that is selectively movable with respect to the insert device between a released position and an engaged position. The locking member engages the insert device when in the engaged position to hold the insert device at a fixed position with respect to the lift tool and permits the insert device to move through the shaft lumen when in the released position.

Abstract: Provided is a method for lifting a first tissue layer with respect to a second tissue layer adjacent thereto, during an endoscopic procedure. The method includes delivering a composition configured to undergo phase transition, to a region between the first tissue layer and the second tissue layer, and controllably inducing phase transition of the composition from a liquid state to a solid state thereof. Further provided is a device and a kit for lifting a first tissue layer with respect to a second tissue layer adjacent thereto, during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes an injection module having an elongate body, a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region may include at least one outlet to a region between the first tissue layer and the second tissue layer, and a phase transition module.

Abstract: Prostate treatment using fluid stream to resect prostate tissue, thereby relieving symptoms of conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, and prostatic carcinoma. A device having a fluid delivery element is positioned within a lumen of the urethra within the prostate. A fluid stream is directed outwardly from the fluid delivery element toward a wall of the urethral lumen. The fluid delivery element is moved to scan the fluid stream over the wall to remove a volume of tissue surrounding the lumen. The fluid may be combined with therapeutically active substances or with substances that increase resection efficiency. Fluid force may be adjusted to provide selective tissue resection such that soft tissue is removed while harder tissue is left undamaged. In order to gain a working space within the urethra, another fluid may be introduced to insufflate the urethra in the region of treatment.

Abstract: A medical knife which maintains low penetration resistance, without the maximum-width parts of the medical knife creating sudden changes in penetration resistance even when passing through tissue. Knife includes a pointed tip, a cutting part which has edges having first oblique faces which are formed along the outer periphery, and second oblique faces which are formed inside the first oblique faces. Maximum-width parts are formed contiguously with the cutting part. A shank part is formed contiguously with the maximum-width parts. The cutting part is formed in such a way that the shape of the planar projection thereof becomes wider from the pointed tip towards the maximum-width parts, and the first oblique faces extend further towards the shank part side than the second oblique faces over at least one portion of the area running from the maximum-width parts to the shank part.

Abstract: A system and method for holding a cutting tool at a predetermined distance from a defined cutting surface to prepare a tissue flap of substantially uniform thickness for optimal viability. A tissue holder plate having a vacuum chamber is provided to stabilize the tissue mass, and a cutting tool holder and guide plate restrict the movement of the cutting tool with respect to the tissue holder plate.