Abstract: A health care apparatus and an operating method thereof are provided. The method includes generating a first blood glucose pattern of an examinee that indicates a blood glucose level of the examinee over a first period of time, generating a second blood glucose pattern of the examinee that indicates the blood glucose level of the examinee over a second period of time, generating a third blood glucose pattern of the examinee that indicates the blood glucose level of the examinee over a third period of time, and calculating a glycemic index of the examinee based on the first blood glucose pattern, the second blood glucose pattern, and the third blood glucose pattern.

Abstract: An example continuous glucose monitor includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) having first and second outer layers and an inner layer, the inner layer disposed between the first and second outer layers; a semiconductor package having four corner portions and a plurality of pins, the semiconductor package coupled to the first outer layer of the PCB via the plurality of pins; an electrical ground plane formed on the PCB and coupled to at least one pin at each of a first, second, and third of the four corner portions, and not coupled to any pins at a fourth corner portion; an electrical contact for a sensor wire formed on the second outer layer of the PCB; a sensor trace having a first portion disposed on the first outer layer, a second portion disposed on the inner layer, and a third portion disposed on the second outer layer, the sensor trace having a first end coupled to a first pin of the plurality of pins and a second end coupled to the electrical contact for the sensor wire, the first pin at the fourth co

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sensor data are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for calibration of a continuous analyte sensor. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for classification of a level of noise on a sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for determining a rate of change for analyte concentration based on a continuous sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods for alerting or alarming a patient based on prediction of glucose concentration are provided.

Abstract: A system for transdermal alcohol sensing to be worn near a skin surface of a user, including: an alcohol sensor; a microporous membrane; a housing coupled to the alcohol sensor and the membrane, defining a volume between the alcohol sensor and a first membrane side, and fluidly isolating the volume from a second membrane side opposing the first membrane side; an electronics subsystem electrically coupled to the alcohol sensor, operable to power and receive signals from the alcohol sensor; and a fastener operable to position the second membrane side proximal the skin surface.

Abstract: A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent.

Abstract: A fluid sampling ports for withdrawing and administering fluids from or to a sampling site. The sampling valve is interconnected in a line to and/or from a patient with the line carrying a fluid that one wishes to sample. In a particular example, the sampling valve or port is interconnected in an arterial line and/or serves as a dialysis fluid sampling port.

Abstract: A prediction, diagnosis, or suggesting of a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder is made based in embodiments of the disclosed technology by determining a shape of one or both pupils in an image of a patient. Such a diagnosis can be made in real-time by diagnosing the patient, or by viewing a digitized version of the patient's face as part of post-processing. By finding a pupil which is ovoid or irregular shape (non-circular) and/or comparing the shape to that of shapes of people with known psychiatric disorders, a diagnosis can be suggested.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a control method therefor are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention comprises: a detection unit for monitoring a stress index on the basis of a user's biometric information and detecting a first interval where the rate of change at which an increased stress index decreases exceeds a reference range; a storage unit for storing context information corresponding to the detected first interval; and a control unit for, when a second interval where the rate of change at which the increased stress index decreases is less than the reference range occurs, generating stress relief information using the stored context information and outputting the generated stress relief information.

Abstract: An optical system for the detection of skin disease, such as melanoma, acquires images of a lesion on a subject's skin at different wavelengths and utilizes a sweeping arm rotating about the lesion in a clock-like sweep to produce diagnostically relevant metrics and classifiers from the image data so as to enhance detection of the skin disease.

Abstract: A measuring device, including a device body, distance measuring units, optical measuring units and a processing unit, is provided. The device body includes a sensing reference surface adapted for a person to be measured to stand thereupon. The optical measuring units are disposed corresponding to the respective distance measuring units. Each of the distance measuring units transmits distance measuring signals to body areas of the person, so as to obtain distance information between each of the distance measuring units and the body areas of the person. Each of the optical measuring signal transmits measuring light to the person to be measured, and receives a measuring pattern formed through reflection of the measuring light from the person. The processing unit calculates and reconstructs a three-dimensional surface structure of the body areas of the person according to the respective distance information obtained from the distance measuring units and the corresponding measuring patterns.

Abstract: An electronic bracelet includes a wristband including a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is rotatable relative to the first layer. One of the first layer and the second layer includes a number of permanent magnets. The other of the first layer and the second layer includes a number of coils. A control module is fixed on the wristband. The second layer rotates relative to the first layer to generate electricity for the control module.

Abstract: A body garment including sensors distributed throughout the garment, each sensor senses body state information from a local surface area of a body; and sensor nodes in proximity to the plurality of sensors, each sensor node including a processor to receive sensing body state information from at least one of the plurality of sensors. Each processor is configured to receive body state information locally from sensors, to utilize the information to determine a local surface shape of the surface of a portion of the body part; and to exchange local surface shape information with neighboring sensor nodes. At least one processor of utilizes the local surface shape information received from the sensor nodes to generate one overall model of a surface shape of the entire surface of the body part covered by the garment.

Abstract: A method and system of universal, secure attachment with attachment detection mechanism, of a wearable sensor-unit to any article of clothing worn around the body in order to measure vital signals of a person, such as motion, movements and activity levels. The method and system permits: reliable attachment to any article of clothing; an attachment in any position to clothing or fabric worn by a person; and detection for the wearable sensor attachment to an article of clothing to minimize false alarms.

Abstract: An electrode support structure assembly is provided comprising an electrode support structure including a plurality of splines. Each of the plurality of splines can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The assembly further comprises a first element defining an axis and comprising an outer surface. The outer surface comprises a plurality of slots configured to receive the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines. The first element is configured such that the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines may move with respect to each slot. In accordance with some embodiments, the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines comprises a section configured for engagement with the first element, wherein the section comprises a shoulder.

Abstract: Provided are mechanisms and processes for an intelligent assistive mobility device. Intelligent assistive mobility devices disclosed herein may include systems including a frame having handles, a plurality of wheels, and a plurality of brakes coupled to the wheels. The frame is configured to provide a user with assistance during walking. The system also includes a motion sensor coupled to the frame. The motion sensor includes a rotary encoder configured to measure a distance traveled by the frame by measuring rotation of at least one of the plurality of wheels. The system also includes a contact interface coupled to the frame and configured to enable connectivity with a mobile device. The contact interface is further configured to enable monitoring of measurements and the detection of distress based, at least in part, on the measurements. The system further includes an application interface configured to communicate with a health and fitness application.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a system for processing a physiological signals is disclosed. The system may comprise a sensor for generating the physiological signal. The system may comprise a processor configured to receive and process the physiological signal in order to improve interpretation and subsequent analysis of the physiological signal. The processor may be configured to generate a wavelet transform based on the physiological signal. The processor may be configured to determine phase values corresponding to the subject's respiration based on the wavelet transform. The processor may be configured to generate a sinusoidal waveform that is representative of the subject's breathing based on the phase values. The system may also comprise a display device configured to display the sinusoidal waveform.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for classifying signals of interest in a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device. A CRM device includes an intrinsic activation sensing circuit configured to pass signals falling within a first passband, a crosstalk sensing circuit configured to pass signals falling within a second passband, wherein the second passband contains higher frequencies than the first passband, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the intrinsic activation sensing circuit and the crosstalk sensing circuit, the computing device configured to classify a signal of interest as one of an intrinsic activation signal and a crosstalk signal based on whether the signal of interest is passed by the intrinsic activation sensing circuit and the crosstalk sensing circuit.

Abstract: A system for guiding and evaluating physical positioning, orientation and motion of the human body, comprising: a cloud computing-based subsystem including an artificial neural network and spatial position analyzer said cloud computing-based subsystem adapted for data storage, management and analysis; at least one motion sensing device wearable on the human body, said at least one motion sensing device adapted to detect changes in at least one of spatial position, orientation, and rate of motion; a mobile subsystem running an application program (app) that controls said at least one motion sensing device, said mobile subsystem adapted to capture activity data quantifying said changes in at least one of spatial position, orientation, and rate of motion, said mobile subsystem further adapted to transfer said activity data to said cloud computing-based subsystem, wherein said cloud computing-based subsystem processes, stores, and analyzes said activity data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for subject rehospitalization management. In an example, multiple physiologic signals can be obtained from a subject using multiple sensors. In response to a hospitalization event, pre-hospitalization characteristics of the multiple physiologic signals can be identified. Post-hospitalization characteristics of the multiple physiologic signals can be identified, including characteristics that differ from their corresponding pre-hospitalization characteristics. Later subsequent physiologic signals can be further monitored after the hospitalization event, such as using the same multiple sensors, and subsequent physiologic signal characteristics can be identified. In an example, a heart failure diagnostic indication can be determined using information about the pre-hospitalization characteristics, the post-hospitalization characteristics, and the subsequent characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a present, or predicting a future, target physiologic event such as worsening heart failure (HF) are described. A system can comprise a patient information receiver circuit, at least two categorical risk analyzer circuits, and a categorical fusion circuit. The patient information receiver circuit receives physiologic signals and generates signal trends. The categorical risk analyzer circuit receives a category-specific input selected from the signal trends according to an associative physiologic condition indicative or correlative of the target event. The categorical risk analyzer circuit produces a signal trend metric indicating relative change in signal strength over time. The categorical risk analyzer circuit calculates a categorical risk index that indicates likelihood of the patient developing or presenting the associative physiologic condition.

Abstract: A method for information management of an electronic device and the electronic device therefor are provided. The method includes receiving a trigger signal for activating a sensor configured to receive bio information, activating the sensor according to the received trigger signal, obtaining, by the activated sensor, the bio information corresponding to at least one of an object approaching the sensor or an object contacting the sensor, and outputting the obtained bio information.

Abstract: Various aspects provide a system for monitoring and/or analyzing physical states, positions, activities, and/or surroundings corresponding to a plurality of users. The smart devices include: a first processing unit; a first set of sensors for acquiring or generating signals corresponding to at least one physiologic parameter of the user; a second set of sensors including at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a geospatial coordinate sensor; a set of image capture devices for capturing images of an environment external to the smart device and generating image data corresponding to each captured image; and a memory storing program instructions that when executed by the first processing unit cause the communication subsystem to wirelessly transmit sensed signals and image data to an electronic or computing destination remote from or external to the smart device; and a set of servers for network communication with the set of smart devices.

Abstract: A method and system for dose-optimized acquisition of a computed tomography (CT) scan of a target organ is disclosed. A localizer spiral CT scan is started at a beginning of a confidence range before a target organ. Real-time localizer scan images are automatically analyzed to predict a beginning location of the target organ based on the real-time localizer scan images. A diagnostic spiral CT scan is automatically started at the predicted beginning location of the target organ. Real-time diagnostic scan images are automatically analyzed to predict an end location of the target organ where full coverage of the target organ will be reached. The diagnostic spiral CT scan is automatically stopped in response to reaching the predicted end location of the target organ. A 3D profile can be acquired using a 3D camera and used to determine the confidence range before the target organ.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein generally relate to object detection for nuclear medicine (NM) imaging. The systems and methods acquire triplets representing line of sights between a plurality of receive diodes and light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned along a circumference of a gantry with respect to one or more objects of a patient. The systems and methods identify a number of the one or more objects based on a number of triplets for one of the LEDs. When a single object is identified, the systems and methods determine a shape of the single object based on a reference point within the single object and line of sights adjacent to the single object. Alternatively, when a plurality of objects are identified, the systems and methods utilize the line of sights to identify shapes of the plurality of objects.

Abstract: A radiation fluoroscopy apparatus provides radiation fluoroscopy from at least three positions without moving the radiation irradiation element and the radiation detector. A control element includes a detection rate calculation element that respectively calculates the detection rate of the position of the marker in a first imaging system having a first X-ray tube and a first flat panel detector, a second imaging system having a second X-ray tube and a second flat panel detector, and a third imaging system having a third X-ray tube and a third flat panel detector, and a fourth imaging system having a fourth X-ray tube and a fourth flat panel detector; and an imaging system selection element that selects the two imaging systems, used for X-ray fluoroscopy, out of one of the imaging systems based on a detection rate of a position of a marker calculated by a detection rate calculation element.

Abstract: A filter is disclosed for the spectral filtration of X-rays emanating from an X-ray source which cross an object under examination and are detected by an X-ray detector in at least two different spectral regions. After crossing the object under examination, the X-rays have an energy spectrum which displays a characteristic distribution for the anode material of the X-ray source. In an embodiment, the filter is configured to suppress part of the energy spectrum comprising the focal point of the energy spectrum. A corresponding X-ray system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus according to an embodiment stores a plurality of reference count data indicative of energy spectra of X-rays, which are associated with a plurality of tube voltages or tube currents. Estimation circuitry estimates a tube voltage or a tube current at a time of X-ray irradiation, based on a comparison of energy spectra between second count data and each of the plurality of reference count data. Correction circuitry corrects first count data acquired together with the second count data, by using an energy spectrum calculated based on the estimated tube voltage or tube current. Reconstruction circuitry reconstructs medical image data, based on the corrected first count data.

Abstract: A system for displaying an image includes at least one x-ray source for emitting radiation, a detector for acquiring the radiation emitted by the radiation source for generating an x-ray image, the detector being disposed opposite the radiation source in relation to an object to be examined, a computer unit for performing computational operations, a display device for displaying x-ray images acquired by the detector and at least one data acquisition unit for acquiring surface information of the object to be examined. The data acquisition unit is disposed on the detector side and the computer unit is configured to correlate the data acquired by the detector-side data acquisition unit with the x-ray image.

Abstract: A gantry rail for a gantry computed tomography (CT) system includes a secondary side of a rotary transformer and an annular body having an annular rolling surface and an annular slip ring surface. The annular body is aligned orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the gantry CT system. The annular rolling surface has a normal vector that extends radially outward and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The annular slip ring surface defines a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and includes a slot disposed in the slip ring surface. The slot is configured to engage the secondary side of the rotary transformer.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to generate X-rays; a detector configured to detect X-rays that have penetrated an object; a stand on which the detector is mounted; and a control panel mounted on the stand, and configured to operate the detector to rotate or move up or down along an extension direction of the stand.

Abstract: A medical system includes a plurality of movable elements, a first control element for controlling a first type of movement and at least one further control element for controlling a further type of movement. The first control element is assigned to a first number of movable elements for controlling the first type of movement and the further control elements are assigned to a further number of movable elements for controlling the further type of movement. The control elements each include an input unit having at least two selection elements for selecting the movable element to be controlled.

Abstract: A radiography system for a patient comprising a generator for generating electromagnetic radiation, a detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation, a generator support, and a detector support. The generator support supports the generator for movement of the generator according to a generator sequence specific to the patient. The detector support supports the detector for movement of the detector according to a detector sequence specific to the patient.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample comprising a first material and a second material of generally different densities and having a junction therebetween, the method comprising defining a region of interest in a cross sectional image of at least a portion of the sample that includes said junction, determining a density profile of the sample within the region of interest and crossing the junction, determining a representative density of said second material, and analyzing said sample using said junction used to distinguish said first and second materials.

Abstract: A first extracting unit extracts at least one portion of a region of a target structure that includes lumen structures having branches from a three dimensional image of the target structure. A second extracting unit extracts the lumen structures from the at least one portion of the region of the target region. An index value calculating unit calculates an index value that represents the uniformity of the distribution of the lumen structures within the at least one portion of the region of the target structure, based on the at least one portion of the region of the target structure and the extracted lumen structures. Further, a quantifying unit quantifies the degree of reliability of the image quality of the at least one portion of the region of the target structure.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving a radiograph of at least a portion of a patient's body, wherein the radiograph is a digital grayscale image, and wherein each pixel of the grayscale image corresponds to a localized exposure index (EI) value; generating an HSL (Hue-Saturation-Lightness) image from the radiograph, wherein: a hue channel and a saturation channel of the HSL image are generated based on the localized EI values, a luminance channel of the HSL image is generated based on the intensity values of the pixels; and transforming the HSL image to an RGB image which conveys both the portion of the radiograph and the localized EI values.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a method for operating a medical appliance, (e.g., an angiography machine), in which an output data stream is produced with a first information item, and a first signature that is dependent on the first information item is embedded into the output data stream. The output data stream is supplied to an output apparatus and to a monitoring unit, wherein the first information item is presented by the output apparatus and the first signature is captured by the monitoring unit. An input is captured and is supplied to the monitoring unit. The input is coded on the basis of the first signature.

Abstract: A CT system for a computed tomography examination is disclosed. In an embodiment, the CT system includes at least one mobile control element for control of the CT system, wirelessly connected to the CT system. At least one position and range determination facility is provided to determine the current position of the at least one control element in a range around the CT system. Furthermore, a method is disclosed for the position and range determination of a mobile control element for control of a CT system. A control and computing unit of a CT system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a model for use in an imaging technique based on an interaction of the model with an electromagnetic radiation. The model comprises a plurality of volume elements. The interaction intensities of two neighboring volume elements are distinguishable by an imaging technique. The model comprises first volume elements made of a supporting material, and second volume elements are made of a supporting material and a contrast material and exhibit a higher interaction intensity with the electromagnetic radiation than the first volume elements because of the presence of contrast material. The second volume elements have been generated by a printing method. The invention further relates to a method for fabricating the model by 3D printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing at least one anatomical parameter of an upper airway of a patient by analysing spectral properties of an utterance, comprising: a mechanical coupler comprising means for restricting the jaw position of the patient; means for recording an utterance; and processing means for determining at least one anatomical parameter of the upper airway from the recorded utterance and comparing the recorded utterance to a threshold value. In addition the present invention relates to the use of the above mentioned systems as a diagnostics tool for assessing obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel device that improves the user's ability to carry or store a stethoscope while it is not in use, thereby enhancing the security of the stethoscope by preventing and reducing falls and collisions. In one embodiment, a device comprises two reversibly connectable connector halves that can be attached at different points along the stethoscope, such that a stable closed loop can be formed when the two halves are in the connected position. The halves can be unconnected easily by the user when the stethoscope is desired to be used, but resists unintended or accidental disconnection. In another embodiment, the device also enhances the ability of a user to identify the stethoscope by providing a surface for tags, text, or images. In other embodiments, embedded electronics provide enhanced tracking and communication options.

Abstract: We disclose a medical toilet that includes at least one stethoscope probe in the toilet lid. The stethoscope probes may be mounted on a compliant extension which extends the stethoscope probes toward a user seated on the toilet. The medical toilet may include a device which adjusts the height of the stethoscope probes to adjust for different size users and to collect measurements from different parts of a user. The medical toilet may include a device which records the sounds collected by the stethoscope and may also include a controller that proposes a diagnosis based on the sounds collected by the stethoscope. The medical toilet may also transmit recordings and other information to an external machine.

Abstract: Guidance is provided in stress echocardiography. The recovery time after cessation of the stress is predicted using patient-specific information. The prediction may assist the user in acquiring images of the heart for stress echocardiography during the patient-relevant period, avoid unnecessary rush, and/or avoid acquisition of less useful images.

Abstract: A multimodality imaging system including ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), photoacoustic (PA) imaging, florescence imaging and endoscopic catheter for imaging inside the gastrointestinal tract with real-time automatic image co-registration capability, including: an ultrasound subsystem for imaging; an optical coherence tomography (OCT) subsystem for imaging, a PA microscopy or tomography subsystem for imaging and a florescence imaging subsystem for imaging. An invasive interventional imaging device is included with an instrumentality to take a tissue biopsy from a location visible on the ultrasound subsystem for imaging, on the optical coherence tomography (OCT) subsystem for imaging, photoacoustic (PA) subsystem for imaging and florescence subsystem for imaging. The instrumentality takes a tissue biopsy from a visible location simultaneously with the visualization of the tissue about to be biopsied so that the tissue biopsy location is visualized before, during and after the biopsy.

Abstract: A probe tip assembly for receiving at least a portion of an ultrasound probe therein includes a body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A first opening may be located at the proximal end of the body. The first opening may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the probe therein. A second opening may be proximate the distal end of the body. A membrane may cover the second opening.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquiring unit and a detecting unit. The acquiring unit acquires fluid volume data representing fluid information related to a fluid flowing through a scan region that is a region three-dimensionally scanned by ultrasonic. The detecting unit detects a region that is a fluid existing region in the scanned region using the fluid information, and detects an inner cavity region of a lumen in volume data to be applied with image processing using the region thus detected.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises a reception data memory that sequentially stores therein pieces of reception data; a beam forming unit that has a cache memory and that divides the pieces of reception data stored in the reception data memory into plural groups, sequentially transfers the plural groups to the cache memory, and performs stepwise phasing addition on the plural groups transferred to the cache memory; and a digital beam forming controller that obtains in advance a total amount of reception data to be used in the phasing addition according to the imaging condition, and controls the beam forming unit in accordance with the total amount of reception data and the cache memory capacity such that the beam forming unit divides the pieces of reception data into the plural groups so as to each fit into the cache memory capacity.

Abstract: A sweat sensing device includes a plurality of sweat collection pads communicating with a sensor. Each of the pads is activated by a timing circuit which allows one or more of the pads to be activated at a selected time and subsequent deactivated after a defined period of time. This allows for selective collection of sweat from a plurality of pads over a prolonged period of time. An impedance measuring circuit can be employed to determine if one or more of the pads becomes disconnected, in order to avoid irritation. Further, the devices can use a common microfluidic device which both transports sweat activating substance, such as pilocarpine, to the surface of the skin and directs sweat away from the skin to a sensing device.

Abstract: Devices, and methods of use thereof, are provided for the collection of a biological sample during insertion into a human orifice. The device may include a body piece, an insertion piece extending from one end of the body piece, and a handle connected to the other end of the body piece. Upon rotation of the handle, a shaft housed within the body piece, with a collection end at a distal portion thereof, is extended from a retracted position to an extended position, such that the collection end exits an opening within the insertion piece. The angle of the body piece relative to the insertion piece may be configured for self-sampling of a vaginal sample in a seated position. The collection end may be a swab with a plurality of pinwheeling fins having leading edge oriented to collect the biological sample when the shaft is rotated in a given direction.

Abstract: A method for effecting a dermatological biopsy procedure and a hand-held instrument for use in such procedure. The instrument has a pen-like housing with an aperture and a biopsy site marker. A syringe for dispensing an anesthetic to a selected marked biopsy site on a patient's skin and a biopsy-sampling blade such as a skin punch or scraper and a wound closure device for closing the biopsy wound with a suture, adhesive or cauterant are contained within the housing. The aperture of the instrument is placed directly against the marked biopsy site and the syringe, biopsy blade and wound closure device are controlled to alternately extend and retract through the aperture and operatively effect anesthetic dispensing, biopsy sampling and wound closure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adjustable delivery handle system for interchangeably delivering a needle to a biopsy site. The adjustable delivery handle system includes a delivery handle having an inner hub housing component configured to interchangeably receive a needle subassembly that can be inserted into and withdrawn from the proximal handle member. The needle subassembly includes a biopsy needle having a distinct tissue collection distal end configured to maximize tissue sampling yield and collect a cohesive unit of sampled tissue. The distal end of the needle includes first and second tip portions extending therefrom and radially opposing one another. The first tip portion has a length greater than the second tip portion, thereby resulting in an increased surface area of a curvilinear cutting edge extending from the first tip portion to the second tip portion.