Abstract: There is shown and described embodiments of a biopsy needle that is simpler to make and use than existing devices. An inner and outer cannula are provided, with the outer cannula having a superelastic finger that lies along the length of the inner cannula in a retracted position and partially covers the lumen of the inner cannula in an extended position. The finger is pointed and in the form of a triangle in a particular embodiment, and does not extend beyond the outer extent of the inner cannula in the extended position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for tissue dissection and testing are disclosed herein. A method for tissue dissection and testing may comprise inserting a tissue dissecting wand (TD) through an incision in a patient's body. The TD may comprise a tip having a plurality of protrusions with lysing segments positioned between the protrusions to dissect and/or modify tissue. The TD may also comprise a sensor dock positioned on top of the TD that is configured to allow tissue and/or body fluid contact to a sensor. After separating tissue using the lysing segment(s) to access a target region, the sensor may be activated and moved around within the target region to assess tissues.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, and a cutter. A motor is operable to both move the cutter relative to the needle and actuate a needle firing assembly to retract and fire the needle relative to the body. The biopsy device also includes a needle rotation assembly that is configured to substantially prevent rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a proximal position yet permit rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a distal position. A valve assembly of the biopsy device includes a slider that selectively couples a secondary lumen in the needle with either atmospheric air or saline based on the longitudinal position of the slider. The cutter passes through the slider.

Abstract: A device for sampling biological tissue (1) to be used in a label for marking animals includes: a hollow needle (3) having a cutting edge (36) at one end, capable of sampling a biological tissue sample when the sampling device is inserted into the biological tissue; a fixation part (22) of the hollow needle, made as a single piece and including a tank (2) containing a chemical for processing a biological tissue sample, the base of the tank including a partition (211) that is punctured by the needle when a pressure is applied upon the insertion of the sampling device into the biological tissue. After puncturing the partition, the content of the tank flow into the hollow needle and contacts the recovered sample. The end of the hollow needle containing the sample can further be protected by a cap, and the sample remains easily accessible for further analysis.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue includes isolating the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue by using a separating device to sever and separate the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue; damaging the isolated tissue specimen with a tissue specimen damaging device; and using an encapsulating device to encapsulate the isolated and damaged tissue specimen, the encapsulating device configured for operation independent from the separating device and the tissue specimen damaging device.

Abstract: A guide block for an MRI device has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and a plurality of passageways extending between the two faces. A first guide passageway within the guide block is open along the body length, extends between the proximal face and the distal face, and is configured to receive a tissue-removing device. A second guide passageway within the guide block is open along the body length, extends between the proximal face and the distal face, and is configured to receive the tissue-removing device. A longitudinal opening extends between the first guide passageway and the second guide passageway, and is coextensive with the first guide passageway and the second guide passageway between the proximal face and the distal face.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes a sheath member, a treatment part, an operating part body, an operating wire, a slider, and a force limiting part. When a predetermined force is applied to the force limiting part with advance and refraction of the slider, the force limiting part engages a wall surface of the insertion passage of the operating wire and fixes the slider by being compressed in an advance-and-retraction direction and expanding in a radial direction.

Abstract: An expandable biopsy device and a method of obtaining a biopsy sample are provided. The expandable biopsy device includes an expandable portion including an expandable plate member and a cable operably connected to the expandable plate member. The expandable plate member has a substantially flattened configuration and an expanded configuration where the expanded configuration is longitudinally elongated relative to the flattened configuration. The flattened configuration has a first diameter. The expandable biopsy device also includes a cutting portion including a blade and a housing. The blade is positionable at least partially within the housing and the blade has a second diameter. The housing includes an opening and a cavity formed within housing. The second diameter of the blade is greater than the first diameter of the expandable plate member in the substantially flattened configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for crossing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The systems generally include an elongate member such as a hollow guidewire that houses a rotatable and translatable drive shaft. The drive shaft typically has a distal portion that is advanced to create a path in the occlusive material that is large enough to allow the hollow guidewire to cross the occlusive material.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy region positional information calculator for calculating a three-dimensional position of a biopsy region, a biopsy needle moving mechanism for moving a biopsy needle along three axes and/or turning the biopsy needle obliquely to an object to be examined, a biopsy needle positional information calculator for calculating a three-dimensional position of the biopsy needle, and a traveled distance calculator for calculating a distance over which the biopsy needle moves with respect to the biopsy region based on the three-dimensional position of the biopsy needle and the three-dimensional position of the biopsy region.

Abstract: A method for removing at least part of a brain tumor may first involve contacting a forward-facing tissue cutter disposed at the distal end of a tissue removal device with the brain tumor. The tissue removal device may include a shaft having a diameter no greater than about 10 mm, and in some embodiments the tissue cutter does not extend laterally beyond the diameter of the shaft. The method may next involve cutting tissue from the brain tumor, using the tissue cutter. The method may then involve moving the cut tissue through a channel of the shaft in a direction from the distal end of the tissue removal device toward a proximal end of the device.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for treating spinal stenosis comprising percutaneously accessing the epidural space from a first side of the spine. The first side of the spine is located on one side of the medial plane with respect to the spinal cord. A tissue removal tool is then advanced through the first side of the epidural space into the other side of the epidural space, where the other side of the epidural space is located on the other side of the medial plane of the spinal cord. Once the tissue removal tool is located on the second side of the medial plane, stenosis can be reduced using the tissue removal tool.

Abstract: A lung biopsy tool having a deployable snare and an inflatable pull type cutter for removing small samples of tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy needle system includes a carrier. A trocar is inserted into the carrier for percutaneous insertion to a biopsy site. A biopsy needle is inserted into the carrier, replacing the trocar, for removal of a tissue biopsy specimen. A biopsy needle and a method for obtaining a tissue biopsy specimen with the system, are also provided.

Abstract: A biopsy needle system includes a carrier. A trocar is inserted into the carrier for percutaneous insertion to a biopsy site. A biopsy needle is inserted into the carrier, replacing the trocar, for removal of a tissue biopsy specimen. A biopsy needle and a method for obtaining a tissue biopsy specimen with the system, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.

Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly to be grasped by a user and a disposable biopsy probe assembly for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes a first vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward a vacuum source and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a second vacuum path having a second one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from a sample basket and to redundantly prevent the positive pressure fluid flow toward the sample basket. In some embodiments, a fluid management tank may be fluidically interposed in the second vacuum path to prevent a flow of residual biopsy biological material from the sample basket to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly to be grasped by a user and a disposable biopsy probe assembly for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes a first vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward a vacuum source and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a second vacuum path having a second one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from a sample basket and to redundantly prevent the positive pressure fluid flow toward the sample basket. A vacuum monitoring mechanism is coupled to the vacuum source and configured to shut off the vacuum source when a vacuum level in at least one of the first vacuum path and the second vacuum path reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly and a disposable biopsy probe assembly for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes a first vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward a vacuum source and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a second vacuum path having a second one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from a sample basket and to redundantly prevent the positive pressure fluid flow toward the sample basket. A fluid management tank is fluidically interposed in the second vacuum path between the first end and the second end. The fluid management tank includes a filter arrangement to prevent a flow of residual biopsy biological material from the sample basket to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A safety device is presented for securely stowing a double sharp-ended needle. The device comprises a tubular adapter with a longitudinally-elongated channel. A needle holder is located in the channel to move from a distal orientation, in which one needle end projects from a distal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which both needle ends are enclosed within the adapter body. A top plate transitions from a distal orientation, in which the plate is distal from a proximal adapter opening, and a proximal orientation, in which the top plate obstructs the proximal adapter opening. An actuator plate is attached to the adapter body to transition from a first position where the actuator plate retains the needle holder and top plate in distal orientations, and a second position where the needle holder and top plate move to proximal orientations.

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 biopsy device includes a probe assembly and a driver unit. The probe assembly includes a first cannula having a first aperture extending to a lumen proximal to a first distal end of the first cannula. A second cannula has a second aperture extending to a lumen proximal to the second distal end of the second cannula. The second cannula is disposed co-axially with the first cannula. A least one of the first aperture and the second aperture has a cutting edge. The driver unit is configured for releasably mounting the probe assembly. The driver unit is operatively configured to simultaneously rotate the first cannula and the second cannula at different rotational velocities so that the first aperture and the second aperture periodically come into alignment to form a virtual tissue sample aperture.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus has a biopsy needle, which faces a radiation reception surface of a radiation detector and is held obliquely to the radiation reception surface by a biopsy needle holding mechanism. The biopsy apparatus includes a radiographic image capturing apparatus for capturing two radiographic images. One of the two radiographic images is produced according to a scout image capturing mode or a stereographic image capturing mode, and the other is produced according to the stereographic image capturing mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices for obtaining tissue including a proximal actuator and a distal assembly having first and second end effectors. The first and second end effectors include the features of at least one element within the inner surface either of the first and second end effectors for aiding in the capture and retention of a targeted tissue sample.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device for performing a skin biopsy that includes a generally curved blade to cut the skin at a predetermined depth disposed within or an integral part of a blade holder assembly. The blade holder assembly has an outer surface and the generally curved blade is coupled to the outer surface of the blade holder assembly. The device also includes a housing having an outer wall and said outer wall defining an interior space within the housing, such that the blade holder assembly and generally curved blade are disposed substantially within the inner space of the housing. The device also includes a handle coupled to the blade holder assembly and configured to rotate the blade holder assembly and in turn the generally curved blade within the inner space of the housing to perform the skin biopsy or removal of skin conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for collecting a tissue sample from an animal, comprising: a collection means having at least one cutting element (21) for cutting a tissue sample from the animal, and a means for storing said sample. According to the invention, the collection means also includes a push element (23) which can move in relation to the cutting element (21) in order to push the sample into the storage means after the sample has been cut with said cutting element (21).

Abstract: A treatment tool used with an endoscope includes a flexible sheath having an internal insertion through hole which extends in the axial direction of the sheath; one or more holes that are placed in a distal end portion of the sheath, and that penetrate a wall portion of the sheath so as to allow the insertion through hole to communicate with the outside of the sheath; a wire that passes from the insertion through hole in the sheath through the hole portion so that a portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the sheath; and a wire restricting portion that is provided in the vicinity of at least one hole portion from among the one or more hole portions, and that prevents the wire which is passing through the hole portion and extending to the outside of the sheath from shifting from the radial direction of the sheath.

Abstract: Biopsy instruments having an ergonomic design are described. A biopsy instrument comprises a housing, a needle assembly, and a handle. The needle assembly includes a cannula that defines a lumen and a stylet slidably disposed within the lumen. The housing and the handle have longitudinal axes that intersect at an acute angle.

Abstract: A method for treating tissue through a branched luminal network of a patient is provided. A pathway to a point of interest in branched luminal network of a patient is generated. An extended working channel is advanced transorally into the branched luminal network and along the pathway to the point of interest. The extended working channel may be positioned in a substantially fixed orientation at the point interest. A tool is advanced though the extended working channel to the point of interest. Tissue at the point of interest is treated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to tissue cutting members and biopsy devices with such tissue cutting member for separating a tissue specimen from a patient's body at a target site. The tissue cutting member is slidably disposed within an inner lumen of an elongated probe member of the biopsy device to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of an outer cannula of the biopsy device through a tissue receiving aperture in the probe. The tissue cutting member has a tubular distal portion with a distal tip having an outer tissue cutting edge, an inner tissue receiving aperture, and a longitudinally oriented opening with a closed proximal end and open distal end which opens to the inner tissue receiving aperture to facilitate flaring of the distal tubular portion. The cutting member has at least one opening in a wall of the tubular portion to maintain a vacuum during use.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting and processing apparatus comprises a body and a distally extending needle. The needle includes an aperture configured to receive tissue. A tissue cutting member is movable relative to the needle to sever a specimen from tissue protruding through the aperture. A tissue processor is operable to mince tissue severed by the tissue cutting member. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. The medical fluid mixture may be expelled through an applier tip coupled with the body. The tissue processor may comprise a mincing die such that tissue specimens are minced upon being extruded through the mincing die. The tissue processor may comprise a blade that cooperates with a sliding press. The tissue processor may comprise auger blade sections that cooperate with inwardly extending pins. A mixing piston may mix the minced tissue with the medical fluid component.

Abstract: A hyperechogenic needle includes a rigid shaft, which can be a hollow metal cannula, having a hyperechogenic particulate material affixed on an outer surface of the shaft that provides for visualization of the needle in two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound, particularly when the needle is in a position forming a non-90° angle between the longitudinal axis and the direction of the ultrasound waves in the two-dimensional ultrasound plane. The hyperechogenic particulate material can be covered by a polymeric coating or embedded in a polymeric material to provide a hyperechogenic layer. The polymeric coating and polymeric material can be electrically non-conductive or electrically conductive.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly, a holster assembly, a tissue sample holder, and a manually operated rotation mechanism configured to rotate the tissue sample holder. The probe assembly comprises a cutter configured to sever a tissue sample. The tissue sample holder includes a plurality of tissue chambers configured to receive discrete severed tissue samples. The holster assembly comprises the non-motorized, manually operated rotation mechanism configured to allow a user to align consecutive chambers to successively collect discrete severed tissue samples. The tissue sample holder rotation mechanism may comprise a first button, a first lever, a first pawl, a first ratchet, an indexing shaft, and a first gear, which are all configured to, ultimately, rotate a tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder rotation mechanism may alternately include thumbwheels, a worm gear, or a ratcheting lever, among other things.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.

Abstract: A dermal punch for extracting skin or tissue samples. The dermal punch has a blade having a pair of walls. Each wall is convex and opens towards each other. The walls are connected to each other at a pair of mating edges. Each wall has a cutting edge. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the opening created by the walls is between 1 to 3 and 1 to 4, wherein the major axis extends through the mating edges. The cutting edge is formed of a plurality of teeth and the teeth have a sawtooth shape. The cutting edge has a projecting edge for each wall, and the projecting edge is concave. The cutting length is greater than twice the length of the projecting edge.

Abstract: A bone tissue extracting device operable with one hand comprises an ergonomic handle containing a forward and reverse cannula driver and a vacuum source. The device uses a disposable sterile single use cannula/trocar and disposable vacuum containers. The device and method for use improve the ability of a physician to locate accurately the target tissue in a patient, increase the probability that one or more suitable samples will be recovered from the patient at a single attempt, decrease attendant tissue trauma and patient discomfort, and decrease the chance of infection.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a full thickness biopsy of the wall of a hollow organ, comprising obtaining an apparatus comprising a cannula comprising a proximal cannula end comprising a cutting edge; and a distal cannula end comprising a biased spring, the biased spring being coupled to a needle carrier and a releasable lock; and a needle disposed within the cannula and carried on the needle carrier, the needle comprising: a tip; a flange; a notch portion comprising a notch thickness; and a shaft comprising a shaft thickness; where the shaft thickness is greater than the notch thickness and the releasable lock is configured to hold the cannula in a withdrawn position relative to the needle; obtaining a patient having skin, a first wall, and a second wall; creating an incision through the skin of the patient; inserting the apparatus into the incision; advancing the apparatus through the first wall and the second wall; withdrawing the cannula relative to the needle; locking the cannula with the releasable lock; align

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for treating spinal stenosis comprising percutaneously accessing the epidural space from a first side of the spine. The first side of the spine is located on one side of the medial plane with respect to the spinal cord. A tissue removal tool is then advanced through the first side of the epidural space into the other side of the epidural space, where the other side of the epidural space is located on the other side of the medial plane of the spinal cord. Once the tissue removal tool is located on the second side of the medial plane, stenosis can be reduced using the tissue removal tool.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body and a needle extending distally from the body. The needle comprises a cannula and a tissue piercing tip that is unitary with the cannula. The tissue piercing tip may be formed by compressing the distal end of the cannula to put two distal cannula portions in apposition with each other. One of the apposed distal cannula portions may be removed. The remaining distal cannula portion may be formed into a blade of the tissue piercing tip. A cutter may be moved relative to the needle to sever samples from tissue protruding through a transverse aperture formed in the cannula. A gap may be provided between the exterior of the cutter and the interior of the cannula, permitting the cutter to be distally vented while a proximal vacuum is communicated to the cutter to transport severed tissue samples proximally through the cutter.

Abstract: A tissue handling system includes a biopsy device having an invasive unit with tissue-receiving and tissue-severing components being capable of harvesting and bringing at least one tissue sample to a point outside the body of a patient. The tissue handling system further includes a tissue collecting device adapted to be brought in detachable operative engagement with the tissue-receiving components of the biopsy device to remove the at least one tissue sample. Additionally, the tissue handling device comprises a tissue storage container configured to receive the at least one tissue sample, the entire tissue collecting device, or the part of the collecting device that contains the at least one tissue sample. The tissue storage container further is configured to receive a volume of preserving agent. The tissue handling system also comprises a vessel including the preserving agent adapted to be gas-tightly mated or coupled to the tissue storage container.

Abstract: A biopsy system with a grid plate used as either a lateral or medial compression plate of a localization fixture used with a breast coil includes a rotatable guide cube that may be inserted into a desired rectangular recess in the grid plate after rotating to position a selected guide hole in the desired spatial orientation. Versions of a guide cube include those rotatable in two axes to provide additional hole positions, angled holes, enlarged circular holes that function with a rotating guide to support a noncircular biopsy instrument cannula (e.g., trocar/sleeve combination, core biopsy probe of a biopsy device) for rotation. A rotating guide may have an unlocked state for easily sliding to a selected longitudinal position thereon. Thereafter, the rotating guide is locked to serve as a positive depth stop (e.g., quarter turn locking elastomeric rings, triangular and scissor clips, and shutter depth stops).

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing, a stylet having a portion in the housing, a cannula coaxially receiving the stylet and having a portion in the housing, and a member slidably coupled to the housing. The stylet and the cannula are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The member is configured with first and second bars to move the stylet and the cannula from their extended positions to their retracted positions.

Abstract: A pen type device for ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsy comprises a hollow body having a needle hole, a sliding part slidably mounted inside the body, elastic members mounted inside the body, a syringe having a cylinder mounted, a rotating part disposed inside the sliding part and the body, a head screw-coupled to the rear end of the sliding part and drawn out from the body, and a negative pressure generating part mounted on the body to generate negative pressure to the syringe by pulling a piston of the syringe when a button located on the outer face of the body is pushed.