Abstract: A system for treating a lesion site of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a cannula having a lumen, a conduit in communication with said lumen, an introducer stylet removably disposed within said cannula, a resecting device selectively insertable within said cannula, and an adjuvant treatment device selectively insertable within said cannula.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting surgical procedures is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopsy needle for obtaining material for histological examination of body tissue, in particular, of bone marrow, or for the isolation, culture and modification of body cells, comprising a cannula with a cutting edge and a manual turning handle and a stylet running in the cannula. At the end of the cannula is an internal thread and preferably an outer thread. An easily visible marking is preferably provided on the manual turning handle. On withdrawing the biopsy needle the biopsy sample is thus held in position in the cannula and the advancing is precisely controllable.

Abstract: A bone-marrow extraction and/or injection device (1) comprising a grip zone (2), and a needle (10) presenting at least one side orifice (15), a protective sleeve (20) surrounding at least part of said needle (10) being mounted to move relative to said needle (10) between a closed position of said at least one side orifice (15) and an open position of said at least one side orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate body including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and configured to be at least partially inserted into a body cavity. The elongate body defines a first passageway and a second passageway. The first passageway is configured to communicate fluid from the distal end portion in a first direction, and the second passageway is configured to communicate material from outside of the elongate body into the distal end portion in a second direction opposite the first direction and includes at least one port. An actuator is coupled to the elongate body and is configured to guide the distal end of the elongate body to an area of interest identifiable by a virtual colonoscopy.

Abstract: A medical instrument for suction and irrigation comprises an elongate shaft with a first channel serving as suction channel and with a second channel serving as irrigation channel, the shaft having a first tube which is closed in cross section and in which one of the channels is present. The shaft has a second tube which is open in cross section along its length and is placed with its open lengthwise side on an outside face of the first tube and secured sealingly thereon, the other channel being formed in the space between the outside face of the first tube and an inside face of the second tube. A method for production of the instrument is also described.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure generating units, in particular to pressure generating unit arranged in the hand piece of a vacuum biopsy device in the form of a sirynge (2). In said units, air intake is open by a piston when said piston (5) is in the rear position thereof in the space of a vacuumed cylinder (11) which is switched for generating a superpressure, thereby initiating the outflow of a tissue liquid by the air introduced into the space of the vacuumed cylinder. For this purpose, the space of the vacuumed cylinder is connected to the space of an atmosphere pressure cylinder (12) arranged behind the piston, by means of a connection line (15), and an absorbing element (14) is placed on the piston axis.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining tissue samples. The biopsy device can include a probe assembly having a cannula and a cutter assembly. The cutter assembly includes a hollow cutter, and the hollow cutter can be removed from the probe assembly without disassembling the probe assembly. The method can include the steps of positioning the tissue receiving port in the tissue to be sampled; removing the cutter from the biopsy device; imaging the biopsy site associated with the tissue receiving port of the biopsy device after removing the cutter from the biopsy device; inserting the cutter into the biopsy device; and severing tissue received in the tissue receiving port with the cutter.

Abstract: A tissue sample collection device and method are described and disclosed. The tissue sample collection device has a filter that is removably disposed within a sleeve. The filter has an open proximal end and an internal passageway that is in fluid communication with the open proximal end for the passage of fluids. The filter is substantially impermeable to tissue samples but allows the passage of fluids into the internal passageway at a plurality of spaced apart locations along at least a portion of the filter's length. When used to collect tissue samples, the samples are collected on the exterior surface of the filter. Thus, the filter can be removed from the sleeve, and samples can be removed from the exterior surface of the filter.

Abstract: A system and method delivers and collects a wash medium into a lumen of the urinary tract system. Isolated saline delivery washes cells from a urethra that are collected for cancer diagnosis. BCG is delivered for local chemotherapy. The isolated delivery and collection is from a region bound by a distal occlusion and proximal occlusion. Inflatable balloons provide the occlusion and or a penis clamp may be used. The two balloons may telescope relative to each other. A balloon inflation lumen may collapse a valve membrane to occlude distal flow of infused fluid to only proximal of the balloon.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a vacuum canister, a vacuum control module, and a plurality of tubes. A first tube is configured to provide an axial vacuum to the biopsy device, while a second tube is configured to provide a lateral vacuum. A third tube is configured to communicate atmospheric air to the second tube. A fourth tube is configured to communicate saline to the second tube. The vacuum canister is configured to collect fluids drawn through the first tube and the second tube. The canister has a lid with trenches formed in it for retaining the first, second, third, and fourth tubes. The lid also has engagement regions for selectively pinching each of the tubes against to prevent fluid communication through selected tubes. The canister can be removably inserted into the vacuum control module, which includes components for selectively pinching the tubes against the engagement regions.

Abstract: A circumferential suction step multibiopsy apparatus for performing a medical procedure has an elongated flexible member with an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough and an actuator positioned within the aperture. The open tube shaft is connected to a side arm for suction or irrigation including radiopaque contrast and dye staining. There is a cassette removably connected to the actuator for cutting and serially collecting biopsy specimens, for in situ chemical, biological or genetic testing by immediate reaction with the biopsy specimens before metabolic changes, degradation or contamination can occur or for fixation, staining and other processing and analysis.

Abstract: A ductal access device is provided for accessing a breast duct and collecting biological material from within the duct. The access device may include an elongated member having an outer diameter sized for positioning within the breast duct and an internal lumen for infusing a fluid into the breast duct and collecting fluid from the breast duct. The elongated member may include a central axis extending through the internal lumen and a different axis being parallel to the central axis defining an off-axis configuration. An elongated distal tip extends beyond the distal end of the internal lumen and along the different axis. The elongated distal tip has a closed distal end for navigating within the breast duct. The elongated distal tip may include an internal passageway that is sized to slidiably or removably receive an elongated introducer.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery are described. The instruments have parts that are easily separable and easily assembled. A reciprocal slide member is operable by a cam portion of a lever received in a slot in the slide member. There is no mechanical connection between the lever and the slide member. The slide member is connected to elongate surgical implement components that extend through an elongate support member. The elongate surgical implement components are capable of reciprocal movement in the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the elongate surgical implements can be used for measuring distances arthroscopically; these surgical implements can have beveled ends for more precise measurement of distances. The surgical instrument can be modular, with separate tool and actuator modules. The surgical instrument can be used with any implement that can be operated by reciprocal motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out an examination of a wall of a body cavity, in particular a uterus, which device comprises a catheter, supply means for supplying a sterile fluid to the body cavity via an outflow opening of the catheter, a sealing element for sealing the body cavity against leakage of the sterile fluid from the body cavity. The device furthermore comprises gripping means, operating means for operating the gripping means from a position outside the body cavity and transmission means for transmitting operating actions performed at the operating means to the gripping means, said transmission means extending through a further catheter via the sealing element, wherein said further catheter forms the catheter. The invention further relates to a method for examining a body cavity, using such a device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterile collection package and methods for sample procurement and manipulation including microbial and forensic testing. The collection package comprises a tissue or sample collection container with a sealable opening, at least one drain container, and at least one tubing set that connects the tissue or sample collection container and the drain container, the tubing set further optionally comprising a sampling hub for withdrawing sample fluid for microbial and forensic testing. Samples, such as donated tissues, diseased tissues and article and tissues for forensic analysis are mixed with a sampling solution in the collection container and aliquots of the sampling solution are withdrawn through the sampling hub for microbial and/or forensic testing.

Abstract: A biopsy system has a cutter defining a cutter lumen along an axis. One conduit in the system is configured to provide fluid communication along the cutter lumen axis; while another conduit in the system is configured to provide fluid communication lateral to the cutter lumen axis. The system may be operated in a variety of modes, including a sample cycle, a clear probe cycle, a cutter positioning cycle, an aspirate cycle, and a maintenance vacuum pulse cycle. The operational modes are selectable by a user. Depending on the mode selected by the user, the communication of vacuum, saline, or atmospheric air through the conduits, or the sealing of the conduits, will vary as a function of the axial position of the cutter.

Abstract: A diagnostic station integrates patient support, imaging, biopsy, and treatment. An illustrative version of a prone mammography table localizes a breast with an imaging modality (e.g., X-ray, etc.) based upon a rotating C-arm that may encircle the localized breast. A biopsy system is integrated into the controls and displays or user interface of the diagnostic station, sharing integrated utilities (e.g., vacuum, power, data communication, etc.). Ancillary devices may be identified and authenticated by the integrated system, such as to base available functionality on the identification and/or authentication of an ancillary device. Ancillary devices that may be integrated with the system may include devices that are operable to perform surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, or other functions.

Abstract: A biopsy device for harvesting at least one tissue sample from a human or animal body, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes a hollow needle with a distal end portion adapted to be introduced into the body. A sample-receiving device with a cavity is movable in the hollow needle between a first extended and a second retracted position. A liquid supply unit comprising a flushing liquid, such as saline, is provided for ejecting the sample from the cavity, when the sample-receiving device is in the second retracted position. The liquid is conveyed form the liquid supply unit to a flushing chamber by an appropriate pump, such as a peristaltic pump.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for securely affixing a medical instrument to desired tissue in a patient's body, using a fixation agent. Such medical instruments may comprise localization wires or tissue acquisition instruments, such as biopsy instruments, for example. In the case of tissue acquisition instruments, the inventors have discovered significant advantages for securely affixing the distal end of the tissue acquisition instrument to a particular tissue target area. For example, such an approach permits the imaging environment to be uncoupled from the procedural environment so that expensive and often unavailable imaging equipment, such as stereotactic imaging equipment, need not be used. In a preferred embodiment, a bonding agent, such as adhesive, surgical glue, or a solvent, is used as the fixation agent.

Abstract: The invention may include a biopsy instrument having a proximal end and a distal end. The biopsy instrument may include a distal assembly for performing a surgical operation, an elongate flexible member connected to and extending in a proximal direction from the distal assembly, the flexible member including a conduit thereth rough, a proximal actuation handle coupled to a proximal end of the flexible member, the proximal actuation handle including an access opening in fluid connection with the conduit, and a sample collector including a catcher handle and a catcher body. The catcher body may be configured for insertion into the access opening and is removably attached to the catcher handle.

Abstract: A combined bone marrow aspiration and core biopsy device. A large bore cannula includes a coaxial stylet which seals both ends of the cannula, allowing fluid to be aspirated through the space between stylet and cannula. Then, a core sample is taken with the cannula after the stylet is retracted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endometrial biopsies, wherein an applicator is disposed on the distal end of an outer tube and an injection device is connected to the proximal end of the same tube. The applicator comprises one or more ridges on its outer surface that anchor the applicator in the cervical os, and that cause the applicator to remain securely positioned and maintain the os in a dilated position during the entire procedure. The ridges may be shaped like protrusions, scalloped edges or grooves, and may be disposed in a helical or circular pattern. A method for performing endometrial biopsies is also provided. The apparatus and methods according to the present invention are configured to minimize discomfort to the patient while facilitating the operation of the clinician.

Abstract: A device for collection of a fluid sample, particularly a biological sample from an internal cavity of a mammal, comprises a barrel having an opening at one end thereof, a plunger operable axially within the barrel, the barrel and the plunger defining a fluid chamber having a volume which varies on axial movement of the plunger within the barrel, and a hollow, elongate tube extending from the fluid chamber through the opening in the barrel, the tube being in operative engagement with the plunger for axial movement to extend and retract the tube within respect to the barrel on axial movement of the plunger, and the tube being in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to provide a fluid flow path to and from the fluid chamber through the hollow tube. A method for collection of a fluid sample from an internal cavity of a mammal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal cervical cell collector that will allow a female patient to collect cervical cells in the privacy of her home, having a proximal end and a distal end that has a position unit formed therein, a guide assembly having a head formed in a front end thereof and exposing from the outer shell and a sampling assembly having a sampling unit. The guide assembly mounted in the outer shell is guiding the personal cervical cell collector to insert into the vagina guided by the head, and the head touches the woman's cervix and the position unit locks with a peripheral of the cervix for achieving position effect. Continuously, the guide assembly is taken out and the sampling assembly is mounted and then the sampling unit is adjusted to a direction corresponding to the cervix so that collecting is proceeding.

Abstract: A tissue biopsy and processing device for capturing and processing a tissue sample is provided. In general, the device includes a biopsy member adapted to remove a tissue sample from a patient's body, and a processing apparatus adapted to receive the tissue sample from the biopsy device, and to dissociate and mince the tissue sample in preparation for further use. The processing apparatus can include a tissue reducing chamber in communication with and adapted to receive the tissue sample from the biopsy member, and a tissue processing element associated with the tissue reducing chamber that is effective to dissociate the tissue sample retained within the tissue reducing chamber.

Abstract: Methods for preserving ophthalmic compositions are disclosed. In one embodiment, such compositions include a liquid medium and an antimicrobial component which is preferably substantially non-oxidative. Compositions which include a liquid medium and antimicrobial peptide magainins, present in an amount effective as a preservative, are also disclosed. Preserved compositions useful for administering a therapeutic component to the eyes or caring for contact lenses are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a micro-endoscope assembly for the removal of tissue and cells from breast ducts comprising a cylindrical guide tube with a beveled distal end defining an internal cylindrical passageway and a first smaller cylindrical tube eccentrically formed in the cylindrical passageway of a smaller diameter than the tube internal cylindrical passageway and adapted to receive and guide an endoscope with a handle assembly wherein the smaller cylindrical tube together with an inner wall surface of the cylindrical guide tube forms a second passageway. A second conduit of a smaller diameter than the smaller cylindrical tube is mounted in the second passageway to divide the second passageway into two separate divided sections and is of sufficient diameter to receive a laser fiber and a micro-endoscope is mounted in the smaller cylindrical tube and a laser is mounted in the second cylindrical tube in the second passageway.

Abstract: A method of extracting biopsy cells from a breast uses an endoscopic instrument having a distal end that is substantially needle like, a working channel, a light source and a lens. The instrument can be coupled to an apparatus for viewing an image including depth of field viewing. The instrument is inserted into a nipple of a breast and liquid is ejected from the distal end. Reverse pressure is applied so that the liquid and biopsy cells are retrieved into the instrument. The cells are then extracted from the breast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopsy forceps having two jaw-pieces (9) capable of being moved away from and of being moved towards each other while a maneuvering element (2) is sliding in a sheath (3). The two jaw-pieces (9) are pivoted about a ball (20) fixed on the end of the maneuvering element. The jaw-pieces (9) are partly housed in a passage in the end of the sheath (3). They are guided by a rod (8) while they are being moved away from each other and by the end surface of the passage in the sheath (3) while they are being moved towards each other.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps instrument is provided having a proximal actuation handle, a flexible multi-lumen tubular member, at least one control member extending through a lumen, an irrigation means, an aspiration means, and a distal assembly. The proximal actuation handle includes a shaft and a spool slidably mounted on the shaft. The actuation handle is coupled to the proximal ends of both the flexible tubular member and the control member. Lumens of the tubular member form irrigation and aspiration conduits. The distal assembly includes a hollow jaw cup coupled to the aspiration conduit and a hollow movable jaw coupled adjacent the irrigation conduit. The movable jaw is coupled to the control member, such that actuation of the actuation handle moves the movable jaw relative to the jaw cup. Moving the hollow jaws into a closed position provides a substantially fluidtight coupling between the irrigation and aspiration conduits.

Abstract: A device and method for determining internal fluid pressure in a body cavity during irrigation procedures is presented. The invention relies on noninvasive measurements on a calibrated surgical apparatus to determine the dynamic internal fluid pressure. Once the dynamic internal fluid pressure is known, a control signal can be generated to indicate needed changes to pressure-regulating equipment, such as a pump.