Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the chance that a patient will develop a bedsore may determine whether a caregiver physically approaches a patient and remains in close physical proximity to a patient for a time sufficient to perform a bedsore prevention action. If a planned bedsore prevention action does not appear to be performed, the systems and methods may alert the patient, the caregiver, or others. A determination may be made as to whether the patient's position has changed in a manner consistent with a bedsore prevention action.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for measuring body joint range of motion using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors capable of measuring their orientations relative to Earth. The method mounts a primary IMU sensor on a proximal body segment, and a secondary IMU sensor on a distal body segment connected to the proximal body segment via a joint. The sensor orientation relationship is measured between the primary IMU sensor and the secondary IMU sensor. In one aspect, the sensor orientation relationship is expressed as a quaternion. The sensor orientation relationship is converted into at least one physiologically modeled constituent joint rotation relationship between the proximal body segment and the distal body segment. More explicitly, the sensor orientation relationship is converted to a constituent axial axis, composite radial, or primary and secondary radial rotations of the distal body segment measured with respect to the proximal body segment.

Abstract: A method and system for providing computer-aided feedback to a person with the aid of a monitor and expert system. The providing of feedback includes monitoring a state, such as heart rate, of the person continuously by a monitor for at least a portion of a day, determining at least one temporal context from the analysed measurement data, classifying the value of each preselected variable into one said value range and picking from each feedback series a feedback corresponding to this value range, arranging the picked feedbacks into an order according to the priority rules, thus forming a group of consecutive feedbacks, and displaying the consecutive feedbacks, picked from the group of consecutive feedbacks, for viewing by the person.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods using which users may learn and become familiar with the effects of various aspects of their lifestyle on their health, e.g., users may learn about how food and/or exercise affects their glucose level and other physiological parameters, as well as overall health. In some cases the user selects a program to try; in other cases, a computing environment embodying the system suggests programs to try, including on the basis of pattern recognition, i.e., by the computing environment determining how a user could improve a detected pattern in some way. In this way, users such as type II diabetics or even users who are only prediabetic or non-diabetic may learn healthy habits to benefit their health.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for prompting a patient to take a blood glucose management action. A diabetes management application on a mobile device can receive diabetes-related information from the mobile device. The diabetes management application can identify a blood glucose management action prompt based on a comparison of the received diabetes-related information to one or more predetermined prompt criteria. The diabetes management application can generate a blood glucose management action prompt based on the blood glucose management action prompt condition. The diabetes management application can present the blood glucose management action prompt to the patient on a user interface of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sleep stage determination are disclosed. Example systems disclosed herein includes a complexity module operable to measure the complexity of regularities in an EEG channel, and a stager operable to output at least one corresponding sleep stage. Some example systems also include monitoring a subject, and determine the subject may have impairment, Alzheimer's disease, or anesthesia problem that is associated with sleep staging problem.

Abstract: Systems are described including a monitoring device dimensioned for placement on a human. The monitoring device can include a plurality of sensors for monitoring a sleep position, a temperature, a carbon dioxide level and a respiration of the human. The system can further including a processing unit coupled to the monitoring device, the processing unit capable of processing information from the plurality of sensors and performing an algorithm to determine the presence of a sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk factor based on the information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus related to identification of apnea type. One aspect of the present subject matter provides a method for real-time apnea discrimination. The method includes sensing an impedance-based tidal volume signal to monitor a respiratory cycle of a patient, and detecting a reduction in tidal swing using the sensed impendence to detect an apnea event. When the apnea event is detected, a shape of the sensed signal is compared to a stored signal shape to determine whether the apnea event is primarily an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event or primarily a central sleep apnea (CSA) event, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A mobile application for a mobile computing device that charts a patient's weight loss after a bariatric surgical procedure compared to a reference curve. By having a reference curve for the patient to conduct a self-comparison, the App can potentially encourage the user to try harder to either meet or beat the average weight loss over time, resulting in improved results for the patient.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are disclosed for assisting patients in behavioral modification and cessation programs aimed at terminating undesired behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use and others. Patient devices configured to be easily carried or worn including test units such as carbon monoxide blood level sensors with automated patient prompting for self-testing, analysis of test results and data logging are included in a networked system with a specifically designed treatment modality. Devices and methods disclosed are particularly suited to use in smoking cessation treatment and programs.

Abstract: A description is provided of a wearable device that is made up of a display device and a securing device that provides at least an overlay portion to provide electrical connection to the display device. The display device and the securing device may both contain electrical circuitry. The overlay connection to the display device can create an electrical connection between the electrical circuitry on the display device and the electrical circuitry in the securing device.

Abstract: A wrist band shaped device which can accurately warn when there is something wrong with heart by reducing interference of noise and by easily detecting heart condition in everyday life.

Abstract: An integrated adhesive sensor array includes an adhesive a patch, a sensor hub, and a detachable sensor pod packaged as a unit. The patch may include a docking area for the detachable sensor pod. The detachable sensor pod may include at least one sensor and may be configured to be detached from the patch and applied to various locations on a body. The detachable sensor pod may send sensor data to the sensor hub via a wired link when on the patch and via a wireless link when detached from the patch. The sensor hub receives sensor data from the various sensors, and relays the data to a receiver. The sensor hub and detachable sensor pod may include indicators for communicating information. The sensor hub may include a power source for powering the sensor hub and a detachable sensor pod attached to the main sensor unit or patch.

Abstract: An electrode includes an electrically conductive member having a first surface oriented to face the skin of a patient when the electrode is placed on the skin of the patient. The electrode further includes a housing member. The electrode further includes an abrasive member configured to abrade the skin of the patient. The electrode further includes an integrated gripping portion configured to allow an operator to grip the gripping portion by hand and abrade the skin by moving the electrode using the gripping portion.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a sensor for a medical de vice may include the application of semiconductor fabrication techniques to the manufacture of a sensor directly in a structure of the medical device or in a substrate that can be integrated into a medical device structure. The methods may be applied to manufacture position sensors, strain gauges, other transducers, and the like, and to integrate the sensors into a variety of medical device types including, but not limited to, elongate medical devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device and method for neuroprosthetics comprises microactuators and microelectrodes. The microelectrodes are to be positioned in a nerve bundle and bonded with the microactuators through an interconnect. The position of each of the microactuators can be individually tuned through control signals so that the microelectrodes are implanted at desired positions in the nerve bundle. The control signals are transmitted to the microactuators and generated with a open-loop or closed-loop control scheme that uses signals acquired by the microelectrodes from the nerve bundle as feedback.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a heart rate monitor (HRM) circuit. The HRM circuit includes an analog front end (AFE). The AFE receives a Photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal, and generates a fine PPG signal. A motion cancellation circuit is coupled to the AFE, and receives the fine PPG signal and an accelerometer signal. The motion cancellation circuit subtracts the accelerometer signal from the fine PPG signal to generate a coarse heart rate. A peak detector is coupled to the motion cancellation circuit and the AFE, and generates an instantaneous heart rate. A filter is coupled to the peak detector, and generates an estimated heart rate from the instantaneous heart rate, the estimated heart rate is provided as a feedback to the peak detector.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured for insertion into a conduit of a subject includes a housing, at least one physiological sensor coupled to the housing, a transmitter coupled to the housing, an expandable element, inflatable element, stretched membrane or balloon coupled to the housing and configured to occlude at least a portion of the conduit, a power source attached to the housing, and a processor coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to memory containing computer instruction causing the monitoring device to obtain physiological information via the at least one physiological sensor where the physiological information includes one or more of pulse rate information, body temperature information, breathing rate information, blood pressure information, cardiac output information, or blood gas level information, and processing and analyzing the physiological information to provide a result.

Abstract: A handheld gas sensing device and sensing method thereof are provided. The handheld gas sensing device includes a plurality of gas sensing chips and a gas collector. The plurality of gas sensing chips respectively include a sensing array, a sensing interface circuit, a microcontroller, and a memory. The gas signal is determined by the gas adsorption of the sensing array. The gas signal is converted to a visible operand by using the sensing interface circuit. The visible operand is projected to a hidden operand by utilizing the calculation of Continuous Restricted Boltzmnan Machine (CRBM). The plurality of gas sensing chips are connected with each other to do the multi-layer calculation of CRBM. The probability of the to-be-detected gas is obtained. The result is recorded in the memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting heart failure by monitoring the time-sequence of physiological changes of a subject using a state machine circuit configured to receive information about physiological characteristics of the subject is described. The current state transitions between a first and a second state in response to a first transition trigger. The current state transitions between the second and first states in response to at least one of the expiration of a first timer or ceasing of the first transition trigger. The current state transitions between the second and third states in response to a second transition trigger. The current state transitions between the third and second states in response to at least one of expiration of a second timer or ceasing of the second transition trigger.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for prompting a patient to take a blood glucose management action. A diabetes management application on a mobile device can receive diabetes-related information from the mobile device. The diabetes management application can identify a blood glucose management action prompt based on a comparison of the received diabetes-related information to one or more predetermined prompt criteria. The diabetes management application can generate a blood glucose management action prompt based on the blood glucose management action prompt condition. The diabetes management application can present the blood glucose management action prompt to the patient on a user interface of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for identifying when a subject is likely to be affected by a medical condition. For example, at least one processor may be configured to receive information reflective of an external soft tissue image of the subject. The processor may also be configured to perform an evaluation of the external soft tissue image information and to generate evaluation result information based, at least in part, on the evaluation. The processor may also be configured to predict a likelihood that the subject is affected by the medical condition based, at least in part, on the evaluation result information.

Abstract: A sensor interface system for providing a connection between at least one sensor and a maternal-fetal monitor, wherein the interface system converts electrical muscle activity captured by the sensor(s) into uterine activity data signals for use by the maternal-fetal monitor. The sensor interface system of the invention preferably includes a conversion means for converting the signals from the sensor(s) into signals similar to those produced by a tocodynamometer.

Abstract: A method of generating a real-time electrophysiology map, such as a cardiac electrophysiology map, includes displaying a cardiac surface model and receiving a plurality of electrophysiology data points (e.g., using a plurality of intracardiac electrodes). The electrophysiology data from the received electrophysiology data points can be displayed and updated on the cardiac surface model in real-time when it satisfies a preset inclusion criteria, such as a projection distance criterion (e.g., the electrophysiology data point is within a preset distance of the cardiac surface model), a contact force criterion (e.g., the intracardiac catheter is exerting at least a preset contact force on the tissue surface), and/or an electrical coupling criterion (e.g., the electrode-tissue electrical coupling exceeds a preset threshold). New electrophysiology data points can be received when a triggering event, such as a point in the cardiac cycle, occurs, or according to a preset timer interval.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a medical monitoring hub as the center of monitoring for a monitored patient. The hub includes configurable medical ports and serial ports for communicating with other medical devices in the patient's proximity. Moreover, the hub communicates with a portable patient monitor. The monitor, when docked with the hub provides display graphics different from when undocked, the display graphics including anatomical information. The hub assembles the often vast amount of electronic medical data, associates it with the monitored patient, and in some embodiments, communicates the data to the patient's medical records.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may fully integrate personal computing and health care into a wearable waistband having a length sensor, a pressure sensor, and a motion sensor; or into a wearable “mesh” having an array of sound sensors, which will create convenient and seamless access to a personal computer and biofeedback of the wearer. Such biofeedback from the waistband may include determining respiration rate, waist length, food quantity of a meal, sitting or sleep time, and frequency of visits to the bathroom. Such biofeedback from the mesh or array may include determining whether there is or has been damage or other issues of the heart, lungs, bones, joints, jaw, throat, arteries, digestive tract, and the like. Such biofeedback may also detect whether whether a person has an allergic reaction at a location, is drinking (and what volume of fluid), is walking, is jogging or is running.

Abstract: A sensor system for obtaining and displaying information relating to physiological parameters, such as Total Hemoglobin and Pulse rate for use by a user such as an athlete. The system can present the measured physiological parameters to the user in a useful way. For example the system can display a visual multi quadrant infographic display, which can present the total hemoglobin values measured by the system in a particular season. The system can also display a visual elevation infographic display, which can present a comparison of the total hemoglobin values measured by the system over a period of time and/or at various altitudes. The system can also display a visual yin-yang infographic display, which can present a comparison of one or more metrics calculated by the system or one or more parameters measured by the system. The system can provide useful information about the user's health and/or well-being and allow the user to quickly and easily view and interpret relevant information.

Abstract: A portable CT scanner may include a rotatable frame with separable portions. An x-ray source may be coupled to one portion of the rotatable frame, and an x-ray detector may be coupled to another portion of the rotatable frame. During storage and transportation, one portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a first enclosure, and another portion of the rotatable frame may be housed in a second enclosure. When operation of the scanner is desired, the two enclosures may be connected, and/or the rotatable frame portions may be connected with the enclosures abutting one another, to allow for rotation of the rotatable frame about an aperture formed by the enclosures.

Abstract: Various configurations of shielding materials within shielding layers, such as for use in shielding radiation from implanted radioactive carriers, are discussed herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for detecting x-rays inside the mouth, which can be conveniently moved inside the mouth, can increase user convenience, and has improved economic feasibility. The device for detecting x-rays inside the mouth according to the present invention comprises: a sensor unit having a sensor built therein for detecting x-rays; a hinge unit formed on one surface of the sensor unit; and a cable connecting unit including a pivoting connecting portion having an external cable coupled thereto and coupled to be pivotable to the hinge unit. An internal cable withdrawn from the sensor unit is electrically connected to the external cable through the inside of the cable connecting unit by means of the hinge unit and the pivoting connecting portion.

Abstract: A method of preparing a radioactive material to serve as a radiation source for an intra-lumen imaging capsule, including, receiving a radioactive substance having grains in powder form, forming a solid pellet wherein the grains of the radioactive substance are dispersed homogenously in the pellet and surrounded by less dense materials having lower radiation absorption.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) image apparatus includes a plurality of photon-counting detectors (PCD); and processing circuitry configured to obtain a photon count of a PCD of the plurality of PCDs, compare the obtained photon count to a predetermined photon-count threshold, and apply an external light source to the PCD when the obtained photon count is larger than the predetermined photon-count threshold.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (110) with a focal spot (204) that emits a beam of x-ray photons that traverses an examination region (106). The imaging system further includes a photon counting detector array (122) that detects a sub-set of the x-ray photons that traverse an examination region. The imaging system further includes a controller (116) that generates and transmits a pause signal, in response to a calculated drop in an intensity of the emitted the beam of x-ray photons below a predetermined intensity level, which causes the photon counting detector array to pause detecting the sub-set of the x-ray photons. The imaging system further includes a counter (136) that counts, for each of a plurality of counting periods, the x-ray photons of the sub-set detected by the photon counting detector array in the corresponding counting period.

Abstract: Exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a mobile base integral with a medical imaging machine or on which a medical imaging machine is to be mounted are described. The mobile base comprises an air cushion platform generating an air cushion between the platform and the ground under the supplied pressurized air so that the platform is then easily movable, the platform being configured to maintain the mobile base and its medical imaging machine stable on the ground when not supplied with pressurized air.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector including a plurality of detector strips arranged in a first direction of the x-ray detector. Each detector strip includes a plurality of detector pixels arranged in a second direction of the x-ray detector. A phase grating and a plurality of analyzer gratings including grating slits are disposed between the x-ray source and detectors. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are adapted to perform a scanning movement in relation to an object in the first direction, in order to scan the object. Each of the plurality of analyzer gratings is arranged in association with a respective detector strip with the grating slits arranged in the second direction. The grating slits of the analyzer gratings of the detector strips are offset relative to each other in the second direction.

Abstract: An imaging device for animals of the present invention comprises: a darkroom box having an opening part through which a portion of a subject to be examined protrudes to the outside or an external stimulator can be inputted or outputted in order to apply stimulation; a subject-to-be-examined supporter for mounting the subject to be examined thereon so as to facilitate the protruding of the portion of the subject to be examined to the outside or the application of an external stimulus; an image capturing device for photographing the subject to be examined before, after or during the application of the external stimulus while applying the external stimulus to the portion of the subject to be examined mounted on the subject-to-be-examined supporter; and an image processing system for processing the image captured through the image capturing device.

Abstract: An on-line energy coincidence method for an all-digital PET system, comprising: a detection module conducting information collection on a scintillation pulse, forming a single event data frame and sending it to an upper computer; the upper computer conducting two-bit position distribution statistics on an incident gamma photon event and conducting position spectrum partition; performing statistics on an energy distribution spectrum of each crystal bar, to acquire an energy correction value; the detection module uploading a crystal bar partition data table and an energy peak correction data table; starting information collection of on-line energy correction; when an event is coming, according to a two-dimensional coordinate thereof, from the crystal partition table, searching for a crystal bar number corresponding thereto, and searching for an energy correction value from the energy correction table; and sending data passing the energy coincidence to the upper computer.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for spectral computed tomography imaging are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring a first projection dataset and a second projection dataset, detecting a location of metal in the first projection dataset, applying corrections to the first and second projection datasets based on the location of the metal, and displaying an image reconstructed from the corrected first and second projection datasets. In this way, metal artifacts may be substantially reduced in dual or multi-energy CT imaging.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present application discloses utilizing a continuous spoiled gradient echo sequence with 3D radial trajectory and 1D self-gating for respiratory motion detection. In certain embodiments, data acquired are retrospectively sorted into different respiratory phases based on their temporal locations within a respiratory cycle, and each phase is reconstructed via a self-calibrating CG-SENSE program.

Abstract: A tool navigation system employing an ultrasound probe (20), an ultrasound scanner (60), an interventional tool (30) (e.g., a needle or a 41 catheter), a plurality of ultrasound transducers (21, 31), a tool tracker (70) and an image navigator. In operation, the ultrasound probe (20) generates an acoustic image plane for scanning an anatomical region, and the ultrasound scanner (60) generates an ultrasound image of the anatomical region from a scan of the anatomical region. During the scan, the interventional tool (30) is navigated within the anatomical region relative to the acoustic image plane, and the ultrasound transducers (21, 31) facilitate a tracks by the tool tracker (70) of a position of the interventional tool (30) relative to the acoustic image plane.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for an ultrasound system includes an elongated catheter for insertion into the cardiovascular system of a patient. The catheter includes a sheath that defines a lumen extending along the sheath. The catheter assembly also includes an imaging core for inserting into the lumen of the catheter. The imaging core includes an elongated, rotatable driveshaft and an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the driveshaft with rotation of the driveshaft causing a corresponding rotation of the imaging device. The imaging device includes at least one transducer for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. The imaging core further includes a swellable material disposed on at least the at least one transducer and configured and arranged to rotate with rotation of the driveshaft and to swell upon exposure to a fluid.

Abstract: Intravascular systems, devices, and methods having a captively-held filling are provided. An intravascular imaging device can include a flexible elongate member including a lumen having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a drive cable disposed within the lumen such that an ultrasound transducer coupled to the drive cable is positioned within the distal portion of the lumen; and a filling captively held within at least the distal portion of the lumen and surrounding the ultrasound transducer, the filling facilitating transmission and receipt of ultrasound signals. A method of manufacturing an intravascular imaging device can include acquiring a flexible elongate member including a lumen; inserting a drive cable into the lumen, a rotational ultrasound transducer being coupled to the drive cable; inserting a filling that facilitates transmission and receipt of ultrasonic signals into the lumen such that the filling surrounds rotational ultrasound transducer; and sealing the filling within the lumen.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transmission and reception for sound speed setting is performed in response to an instruction to freeze, an instruction on an observation target range, an instruction to change image quality and an instruction to change an image mode, a reception signal obtained by the ultrasonic transmission and reception for sound speed setting is used to set the sound speed in a subject, and a reception signal obtained during ultrasonic transmission and reception is processed based on the set sound speed to produce an ultrasound image. Such method makes it possible to produce a high-quality ultrasound image subjected to delay correction appropriate to various operations on an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, such as freezing and change in image quality.

Abstract: An image processing unit (20) performs resolution conversion processing on an ultrasound image obtained on the basis of a reception signal, to generate a plurality of resolution images having mutually different resolutions. Furthermore, the image processing unit (20) performs non-linear processing on a difference image obtained by comparing the plurality of resolution images with each other, to generate boundary components related to boundaries included in the image. Moreover, a boundary-enhanced image is generated by performing enhancement processing on the ultrasound image on the basis of the generated boundary components.

Abstract: A medical kit for analysis of vaginal biological samples includes a sample collector, an extractor, and an assay cartridge. The sample collector is compressible and insertable in a vaginal canal for collecting biological samples, and includes a cup-shaped head configured to cradle a cervical os. The extractor includes a sample receptacle configured to receive the sample collector via an open end. The extractor includes a compression mechanism with a compression element that is movable inwards into the open end of the sample receptacle to apply a compression force in response to activation of a release element. The extractor further includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the sample receptacle, the reservoir receiving the biological samples from the sample collector in response to the compression force being applied within the sample receptacle. The assay cartridge has a docking mechanism configured to fluidly communicate with the reservoir of the extractor.

Abstract: A sampling unit (1) with a needle, which forms a sample-holding space for receiving a sample and in or on which a cutting element (6) is mounted movably along the longitudinal axis, wherein the needle and the cutting element (6) can be moved relative to a stationary part by means of a driving device (2), is characterized in that the needle and the cutting element (6) are designed such that they can be moved from a first position into a second position by means of a driving element (9) of the driving device (2), wherein the needle is blocked in the second position, and the cutting element (6) can be moved further into a third position. A sampling device comprises, in addition to such a sampling unit (1), a driving device (2) interacting with the sampling unit (1).

Abstract: A tissue removal apparatus and needle assembly for extracting a tissue portion from tissue or the like, the needle assembly comprising an inner tube having an interior cavity, an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and an interior cavity, the interior cavity of the outer cannula having an interior diameter to slidably receive the inner tube and a collapsible section operably engaged with the inner tube and the outer cannula whereby a forward movement of a portion of the inner tube within the interior cavity of the outer cannula changes the collapsible section from a neutral position to a collapsed position to engage the tissue portion. In some embodiments, the outer cannula further comprises an aperture configured to allow a tissue portion from within the needle assembly to pass through or otherwise be expelled outside of the needle assembly.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises an introducer, a biopsy device having a needle, and a marker applier. The introducer may include a closed distal tip, a lateral aperture, a proximally facing interior wall, and a ramp that guides the closed distal end of a marker applier up and into abutment with the wall as the applier is fed into the introducer. The needle of the biopsy device includes a blunt distal end and features providing clearance for the ramp as the blunt distal end is brought into abutment with the wall when the needle is fed into the introducer. The introducer may alternatively include an open distal end having resiliently biased leaves that bear against an inserted biopsy device needle. In some other versions, a fin projects laterally from the closed distal end of a marker applier, spacing the distal end away from a sidewall region of the introducer cannula.