Abstract: An imaging system includes a computed tomography (CT) acquisition unit and at least one processor. The CT acquisition unit includes an X-ray source and a CT detector configured to collect CT imaging data of an object to be imaged. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the CT acquisition unit, and is configured to reconstruct an image using the CT imaging information; extract spatial frequency information from at least a portion of the image, wherein the spatial frequency is defined along a longitudinal direction; and remove a periodically recurring artifact from the at least a portion of the image based on a spatial frequency corresponding to a longitudinal collection periodicity to provide a corrected image.

Abstract: A method for producing an attenuation-corrected time-gated PET image comprising includes obtaining a baseline MR image and a cine MR image of a structure; registering the baseline MR image to the cine MR image to create an image transform; and generating a corresponding cine ACF matrix using the image transform, and time-correlating the ACF matrix to a time-gated PET data set to produce an attenuation-corrected time-gated PET image.

Abstract: An apparatus is utilized for accessing the lumen of a vessel. The apparatus includes a main body and a disposable cartridge. The main body includes a imaging device attachment, wherein the imaging device attachment is utilized to secure an image capturing instrument to the main body; a cartridge carrier coupled to the imaging device attachment, wherein the cartridge carrier is adjustable to achieve a target insertion depth; and a first motor coupled to the cartridge carrier, wherein the first motor adjust the cartridge carrier to achieve the target insertion depth. The disposable cartridge is attached to the cartridge carrier and houses a sheath, needle, or guidewire to be inserted into the vessel to the target insertion depth.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observation apparatus includes: a region of interest setting unit capable of setting information on a region of interest; a focus point calculation unit that divides the region of interest into a plurality of partial regions of interest according to the number of focus points in the region of interest, calculates a focus point in each of the partial regions of interest, and determines a transmission timing according to calculation results; a transmitting and receiving unit that performs a transmission-and-reception of an ultrasonic wave which is focused on the focus point; a frequency analysis unit that calculates a plurality of frequency spectra by analyzing the received ultrasonic wave with reference to the focus point; a feature data extracting unit that approximates the frequency spectra to extract feature data thereof; and an image processing unit that generates display image data based on the feature data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound probe which outputs ultrasound on a basis of a drive signal which is to be received. The ultrasound probe including a composite piezoelectric layer in which a piezoelectric material and a polymer material are arranged alternately in a one-dimensional array or in a two-dimensional array, an acoustic reflection layer which has an acoustic impedance higher than an acoustic impedance of the composite piezoelectric layer and an adhesion layer which bonds the composite piezoelectric layer and the acoustic reflection layer wherein in a bonding surface of the composite piezoelectric layer that bonds with the acoustic reflection layer, a polymer material part is concaved in a direction opposite to an acoustic reflection layer side comparing to an piezoelectric material part.

Abstract: A medical imaging assembly includes an elongated catheter having a connector at the proximal end; an array of transducers on the distal end of the catheter; conductors electrically coupled to the array of transducers and in electrical communication with the connector of the catheter; and a control unit coupleable to the catheter to send and receive electrical signals between the control unit and the array of transducers through the connector of the catheter. The control unit has a processor to execute instructions including 1) selecting a first subset of M transmitting transducers and a second subset of N receiving transducers from the array of transducers, where N>M; and 2) for each of at least N transmit/receive cycles, a) directing the first subset of M transmitting transducers to transmit an acoustic signal; and b) directing the second subset of N receiving transducers to receive corresponding echo signals.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring data including a first plane and a second plane. The system and method includes adjusting a first orientation of the first plane and automatically adjusting a second orientation of the second plane in order to maintain a fixed relationship between the second plane and the first plane.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment, a direction determining unit determines a moving direction of an ultrasonic probe. A scanning control unit controls a transmitting and receiving unit so as to repeatedly perform first scanning for acquiring first image data by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal in a first direction and second scanning for acquiring second image data by transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic signal in a second direction inclined toward the moving direction with respect to the first direction. An image superimposing unit generates panoramic image data by superimposing a plurality of pieces of first image data acquired through the first scanning. A display control unit displays the second image data together with the panoramic image data or the first image data on a display unit during scanning.

Abstract: A breast measurement apparatus comprises a receptacle for surrounding a breast; a plurality of optical fibers for irradiating the breast with examination light and detecting transmitted scattered light from the breast; an inner image generation unit for generating an optical CT image concerning the breast according to a detection signal of the transmitted scattered light; an ultrasonic probe, arranged so as to face the inside of the receptacle, for scanning the breast with an ultrasonic wave and receiving a reflected wave from the breast; an image generation unit for generating an ultrasonic image concerning the breast according to the reflected wave; and a mechanism for injecting and discharging a liquid interface agent into and from the inside of the receptacle.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a main power-supply button that operates an internal power-supply unit to be turned on/off as a result of depression of the main power-supply button; a moving member capable of moving substantially in parallel to a direction of the depression of the main power-supply button in conjunction with the depression of the main power-supply button; an internal power-supply switch provided at the power-supply unit so as to be in contact with the moving member, the internal power-supply switch switching the power-supply unit on/off by being depressed along with movement of the moving member; and a movement amount adjusting mechanism that upon the depression of the main power-supply button, if an amount of movement of the main power-supply button exceeds a predetermined movement amount, adjusts an amount of movement of a contact portion of the moving member.

Abstract: A delivery device for an annular implant is provided, comprising an annular implant having an adjustable dimension; a plurality of movable elongated deployment members, each having a proximal end and a distal end and an annular implant deployment region therebetween; and a distal joining member for joining the distal ends of the deployment members, wherein the deployment members are expandable by an expansion means to a deployment configuration, and the implant deployment regions of the deployment members are substantially parallel in an expanded configuration. The annular implant can comprise an adjustment mechanism in communication with a releasably attached elongated adjustment tool, whereby the size or shape of the annular implant can be incrementally adjusted.

Abstract: Vessel wound closure systems and method for sealing a puncture wound in a target vessel, such as those puncture wounds that occur from interventional procedures. The vessel wound closure system comprises at least a biocompatible, viscoelastic, self-sealing septum material injected onto the adventitia of the target vessel prior to performance of an interventional procedure. The prior injected septum material remains and seals the puncture wound of the target vessel even after various components associated with accessing the target vessel and the performance of the interventional procedure are removed from the target vessel and the puncture wound.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for closing an arteriotomy site are disclosed which may employ the use of a delivery sheath within which is provided an anchoring device formed of memory metal wherein the anchoring device can be extended into the blood vessel itself. The memory metal, has a linear insertion configuration and obtains a non-linear or coiled configuration which can then be pulled back against the inner surface of the blood vessel to form a backstop. A biodegradable plug is then introduced into the tissue tract until it engages the backstop thereby ensuring proper positioning of the biodegradable plug. The anchoring device can then be retracted through the biodegradable plug leaving the arteriotomy site substantially closed with hemostasis being formed therearound.

Abstract: A self-closing device for implantation within a patient's body includes base material including an inner surface area for securing the base material to a tissue structure, and a plurality of support elements surrounding or embedded in the base material. The support elements are separable laterally within a plane of the base material to accommodate creating an opening through the base material for receiving one or more instruments through the base material, and biased to return laterally towards a relaxed state for self-closing the opening after removing the one or more instruments. The device may be provided as a patch or integrally attached to a tubular graft or in various shapes.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering material into a catheter through a catheter port includes a cannula having a generally tubular shape and a distal end and a stability collet having a distal attachment portion configured to attach the stability collet to a catheter port. The stability collet has a longitudinal channel through which the cannula extends. The longitudinal channel is dimensioned to allow a longitudinal movement of the cannula in the longitudinal channel. The delivery device further includes an elastic member acting between the cannula and the stability collet. The elastic member biases the cannula distally relative to the stability collet. Thus, when the stability collet is attached to the catheter port, the cannula is urged toward the catheter port, thus reducing a risk of improper alignment between the cannula and the catheter port.

Abstract: A device for the repair of tissue and methods of use and manufacturing thereof are described herein. Applications for the use of the device include, e.g., repair of atrial septal defects (ASD), patent foramen ovale (PFO), left atrial appendage closure and stent graft fixation among other applications throughout the anatomy. The implant portion of the device is available in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate the vast complexity of the target anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. In an embodiment, the device for enhancing the hemostasis of a puncture site in a body lumen or tract comprises a catheter having one tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end with one inner lumen extending between at least a longitudinal portion of the catheter tubular member. The one tubular member includes external and internal tubular bodies each having proximal and distal ends. At least one of the external and the internal tubular bodies is longitudinally movable with respect to the other. An expansible member with proximal and distal ends is disposed on the distal end of the one tubular member. The distal end of the expansible member is connected to the distal end of internal tubular body and with its proximal end connected to the distal end of external tubular body.

Abstract: A die-cuttable retractor/stabilizer comprising a top layer having an adhesive applied one side thereof and a backing layer which covers the adhesive and which is removable from the top. The retractor/stabilizer includes a dividing cut in the backing layer which extends the width of the backing layer to separate the backing layer into an upper panel and a lower panel. A first lower panel back cut in the backing layer lower panel extends from the bottom edge of the backing layer to a point proximate the dividing cut to divide the lower panel in to at least a lower panel positioning portion and a lower panel second portion.

Abstract: The devices and methods described can be used to create and maintain a working space within the lumen of an organ or between or among organs or tissue structures during medical procedures in order to elicit a diagnosis, biopsy, surgery, or therapy.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for performing assessments while doing surgery using evoked potential somatosensory and/or magnetic field induction to determine the proximity and/or location of nerves relative to surgical instruments when accessing a surgical target site.

Abstract: A device (100) includes a shaft (108), a coil (120), and a suture (106). The coil has a sharp tip (126) and is releasably coupled to the shaft. The suture is coupled to the coil and extends through the shaft.

Abstract: A suture needle driving instrument comprises a shaft, an end effector, and a handle assembly. The end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of grasping arms having a respective pair of jaws driven by a respective drive shaft. Each pair of jaws is operable to cooperate to grasp and release a suture needle. The handle assembly includes a control assembly that is operable to rotate the drive shafts to transfer the suture needle between the grasping arms. In some versions, the control assembly may include an actuatable rack. The rack may include one or more control features that selectively rotate the drive shafts as the rack is actuated. The rack may further include cam surfaces to selectively restrict the motion of the drive shafts as the rack is actuated. In some versions the rack may actuate vertically.

Abstract: A surgical suturing system comprises a reusable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end has a receiver and a rotary drive. A reusable actuator is connected to the proximal end of the shaft. A disposable cartridge is adapted to be attached to and detached from the receiver. The cartridge comprises an arced track, an arced needle positioned in the track having a leading end and a trailing end, a length of suture connected to the trailing end, a reciprocating needle driver operative to engage and move the needle in the arced circular track, and a transmission operatively connected to the needle driver having a rotary input adapted to couple to the rotary drive. The reusable shaft and actuator may be autoclavable.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding a suture anchor having a body, including a holder assembly adapted to releasably hold at least one suture anchor, the body having a proximal face, a passage extending from the proximal face of the body to the holder assembly, and a spool adapted to releasably wind a portion of a suture therearound is provided. A kit, including at least one suture anchor, a cartridge for holding the at least one suture anchor, and a suture may also be provided.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an implant into soft tissue. The system may include an elongate arm having an implant at a first end of the elongate arm and an actuator at a second end of the elongate arm. The implants may be contained in a cartridge assembly. Methods of inserting an implant may be used during nasal septum reconstruction.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft assembly including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft assembly. The driveshaft may include an internal channel and at least one guide surface shaped and arranged to maintain an orientation of at least one fastener in the channel of the driveshaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft assembly for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft assembly towards a distal fastener deployment position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a non-deforming surgical fastener are discussed. In one embodiment, the fastener includes two legs and a backspan extending between the two legs. The fastener also includes a backspan thickness that is adapted to reduce the pressure and/or increase the holding strength applied to underlying materials. The non-deforming fastener is constructed and arranged to retain substantially the same shape before, during and after deployment into the target implantation site.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, unique products and methods for occluding vascular vessels. Implantable devices useful in some inventive embodiments include at least two expandable occluding members, e.g., self-expandable sponge form devices, with an intermediate segment extending between the members. These devices are preferably compressible for placement in a delivery device lumen for delivery to a vascular vessel site. Upon deployment in the vessel, each of the members expands to occlude the vessel at a separate vessel location with the intermediate segment occupying space in the vessel between the two members. Optionally, the intermediate segment can be constructed to provide a hollow or other interior region for receiving one or more materials, for example, to receive an injectable fill material after one or both of the expandable members have been deployed.

Abstract: An occlusion device (10) includes a cannula (24), a dilator tip (20) fixed to the cannula and a frame member formed of an occlusion member (28) and a sleeve (30). The occlusion member (28) is covered with occlusion material (26). The cannula (24) is in the form of a tube having a lumen (25) passing therethrough. The dilator tip (20) also has a lumen therethrough and a valve (32). The arrangement is such that the occluder (10) can be delivered by an over the wire method using a guide wire, whereupon the cannula and dilator tip remain in the patient as part of the occluder assembly (10).

Abstract: Bleeding arising from the left atrial appendage (LAA) can have fatal consequences because it can result in cardiac tamponade. The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for treating and preventing bleeding arising from the LAA, at the pre-hemorrhage and post-hemorrhage stages. In particular, catheters having inflatable catheter balloons are advanced into the LAA and the inflatable catheter balloons are inflated in and around the LAA in a manner that occludes the LAA ostium and the LAA cavity. Additionally, electromagnetic coils are present within the inflatable catheter balloons to create electromagnetic forces that help to further occlude the LAA ostium firmly. When the catheter balloons are inflated, these electromagnetic coils also expand.

Abstract: A device (1) includes at least an inflatable balloon (2), an implantable port (2A), and a conduit (3) intended for connecting the balloon (2) and the implantable port in a sealed manner. The balloon (2), the port (2A), and the conduit (3) are filled with a gas, and the pressure is such that the balloon (1) is normally inflated but is capable of being compressed during systole. A catheter (5) slidingly carries the balloon (2) in a deflated condition. At least one anchoring member (6) is connected to an actuating wire (7) which is slidable in the catheter independently of the balloon (2). The conduit (3) and said actuating wire (7) are connected to the catheter (5) to either prevent or allow sliding of this conduit and of this actuating wire relative to the catheter (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of a cardiovascular valve has leaflets comprising a grasper capable of grabbing and co-apting the leaflets of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the grasper has jaws that grasp and immobilize the leaflets, and then a fastener is inserted to co-apt the leaflets. The apparatus is particularly useful for repairing mitral valves to cure mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A junctional and truncal tourniquet and hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a pelvis that has been fractured and to secure a pressure applying device with a preferred amount of tension so that blood vessel-occluding pressure can be applied to stem hemorrhaging. The device may be wrapped around a patient's torso and may include inflatable pressure application bladders useful to occlude blood vessels proximal to an injury on a limb. A stabilizing support device may carry an inflatable pressure application bladder and a separate and removable pressure-concentrating member. An auxiliary strap may be connected to the stabilizing support device and used to keep the junctional and truncal tourniquet and the inflatable pressure application bladder in place on a patient's torso.

Abstract: An adjustable radial and ulnar vascular compression wristband assists in achieving partial or full occlusion of a blood vessel when applied to a patient's wrist during or following a medical procedure. At least two adjustably inflatable non-adjacent balloons on the wristband apply preferential compression to portions of the circumference of the wrist, including in particular those portions overlying the ulnar and radial arteries.

Abstract: Providing a system for performing a CORA based leveling osteotomy. The system enables a uniform precise osteotomy and mechanical rotation of the proximal tibia concentric to the osteotomy and a means for fixing an osteotomy plate or brace while the system reduces the osteotomy through compression.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously drilling at least two peripheral peg holes in a bony surface, the method comprising providing a peripheral peg drill component including a housing with a first side, a second side opposite the first side and at least two drill bits extending from the second side of the housing; releasably coupling the first side of the peripheral peg drill component to a drilling device; advancing the peripheral peg drill component over an alignment pin extending from a bony surface until each of the at least two drill bits engage the bony surface; actuating a driving mechanism of the peripheral peg drill component with the drilling device to cause the at least two drill bits to rotate; and simultaneously penetrating the bony surface with the at least two drill bits as they rotate.

Abstract: A guide pin gauge is described for use in measuring the thickness of an object at a particular location. The guide pin gauge includes a distal cutting head, a proximal shank having an outside diameter equivalent to an outside diameter of said distal cutting head, and a reduced diameter portion extending a length between the distal cutting head and the proximal shank. A proximal facing shoulder is provided at a transition between said distal cutting head and said reduced diameter portion. Markings are provided as a scale along said reduced diameter portion. The distal cutting head may be passed entirely through the hole, and displaced to a side such that a distal extent of the hole engages with the proximal facing shoulder. The markings may then be read to determine a distance to the distal extent of the hole.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of providing protection during a procedure performed in the vasculature using an open loop filter device comprising two elongate support members positioned to form at least one crossover location between adjacent open loops of the device. The method may also include placing the open loop device down stream of a location in the vasculature performing a procedure to treat the vasculature in proximity to the location; and capturing debris released during the procedure in a material capture structure suspended between the elongate support members and across the vessel. Additionally, there can be a step of maintaining the open loop filter device downstream of the location along the wall of the vasculature while permitting movement along the wall of the vasculature of the two elongate support members adjacent the material capture structure.

Abstract: A medical device for collecting objects from a body lumen comprises a catheter, a basket having a closed first end and an open second end, and an actuator connected to the closed first end of the basket, the catheter and basket moveable relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration to draw objects from a body lumen into the basket. In the first configuration the closed first end of the basket is inside the catheter and the open second end is everted over at least a part of the closed first end. The apparatus may be actuated to pull the closed first end of the basket further into the catheter and invert the second end of the basket, the second end scraping the sides of the lumen as it inverts, surrounding an object in the lumen, and drawing the object into the basket.

Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to use the right or left hand to engage and disengage a ratcheting means on the clamp. The locking clamp has hingedly connected first and second elongated members each with a finger engaging member, a working head, and a latching member featuring a flexible arm and ratcheting teeth. One of the latching members has its ratcheting teeth facing toward the working heads, and the other latching member has its ratcheting teeth facing away from the working heads. The ratcheting teeth are engaged by moving the finger engaging members toward each other thereby flexing the flexible arms. The ratcheting teeth are disengaged by sliding them in a motion perpendicular to a ratcheting teeth engaging motion thereby flexing of the first and second members away from each other with an opposing force applied to the finger engaging members.

Abstract: A medical cutting instrument for cutting muscles and tendons, having a shaft on whose distal end a tool is mounted consisting of two jaw members, such that at least one jaw member can move with respect to the other jaw member, and on whose proximal end a handle is mounted, such that the movable jaw member and the handle operatively interact with one another by way of an actuation element mounted in the shaft in such a way that the movable jaw member can be shifted between a closed position and an opened position of the tool by actuating the handle and whereby the tool is configured for simultaneous severing and holding of one end of the severed muscle/tendon tissue. At least in the other jaw member, a guide is configured for controlled insertion of the muscle/tendon tissue that is to be severed.

Abstract: A surgical endoscopic cutting device includes cutting elements fitted in a protective tube. The device has an inlet for fluid, a discharge outlet for tissue and fluid, and a further outlet that discharges most of the fluid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a probe body which includes an outer peripheral portion provided along a longitudinal axis, and a void defining surface defining a void, which is open to an outside along the longitudinal axis in at least one part of the outer peripheral portion, along the longitudinal axis. The void defining surface defines the void in the probe body from a first anti-node position of the ultrasonic vibrations to a second anti-node position of the ultrasonic vibrations different from the first anti-node position.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a housing, an ultrasonic transducer assembly rotatably supported within said housing and communicating with a source of ultrasonic electrical signals, a motor within said housing and communicating with a source of motor drive signals, said motor coupled to said ultrasonic transducer assembly for applying rotational motion thereto, a horn coupled to said ultrasonic transducer assembly, an outer sheath coupled to said housing, said outer sheath including a distal portion, and a blade operably coupled to said horn, said blade rotatably supported relative to said outer sheath, wherein said blade includes an outer sheath contacting surface, wherein said distal portion of said outer sheath includes a blade contacting surface, and wherein at least one of said outer sheath contacting surface and said blade contacting surface includes a friction reducing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that combines blade end-effector geometry to best affect the multiple functions of a shears-type configuration. The shape of the blade is characterized by a radiused cut offset by some distance to form a curved geometry. The cut creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the curve of the instrument is corrected by a non-functional asymmetry proximal to the functional asymmetry. Imbalance due to the asymmetric cross-section of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry. The shape of the blade in one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by two radiused cuts offset by some distance to form a curved and potentially tapered geometry. These two cuts create curved surfaces including a concave surface and a convex surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body, a tool assembly, and an electrical energy source. The handle assembly includes an actuation knob. The elongate body extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. In particular, tool assembly is operatively coupled to the handle assembly and extends from a distal end of the elongate body. The tool assembly includes first and second jaw members each including an electrically conductive cutting element. The cutting elements are operatively coupled to the actuation knob. In particular, the cutting elements are movable between a first position in which the cutting elements are disposed within the respective jaw members and a second position in which the cutting elements extend out of the respective jaw members and are in general vertical registration with each other such that electrical energy can be transferred from the first jaw member to the second jaw member.

Abstract: A clot extraction catheter comprises an expandable tubular mesh, a tapered tip fixed to the tubular mesh distal end, a self-expanding rim attached to the tubular mesh proximal end, at least three control wires, an inner sheath, and an outer sheath advancable over the inner sheath. To extract a clot, the catheter is advanced through the clot. The inner sheath is retracted relative to the control wires and the tubular mesh, allowing the rim and the tubular mesh to expand. The tubular mesh is retracted to capture the clot, closed once the clot is captured, constrained proximally by the distal portion of the inner sheath, and retracted with the inner sheath into the outer sheath. The control wires may be manipulated to control the angle of the rim relative to the longitudinal axis of the sheaths, facilitating clot capture and retraction of the tubular mesh into the sheaths thereafter.

Abstract: A device for applying medical fluid to an area and for cutting within the area is provided. The device includes an inlet port, a fluid flow channel, an outlet and a blade. The inlet port is configured for receiving the medical fluid into the device. The fluid flow channel is configured for the fluid to flow through the device. A first end of the fluid flow channel is connected to the inlet port. An outlet is configured for the fluid to come out of the device. The outlet is positioned at a second end of the fluid flow channel. The blade is configured for cutting within the area.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a kit of parts for use in a surgical procedure performed under image guidance, and particularly under real time image guidance. The kit includes a sterilized drape for use with the chosen imaging machine and which can be used to provide a sterile operating environment when the procedure is performed under the imaging beam. The kit also includes a needle holder that can keep the surgeon's hand away from the imaging beam. The needle holder is operable to hold a needle that is made from a material suitable for piercing tissue, but also substantially preserves the appearance of the needle when it is viewed under the imaging beam.