Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding at least a portion of a surgical device to a desired position between two tissues in a patient's body involves coupling a guidewire to the device and pulling the distal end of the guidewire to guide at least a portion of the surgical device to a desired position between the two tissues. The surgical device generally includes one or more guidewire coupling members and may comprise a tissue access device. A system may include a guidewire and a surgical device. In some embodiments, a guidewire, a tissue access device, and one or more additional devices to use with the access device may be provided. Methods, devices and systems may be used in open, less-invasive or percutaneous surgical procedures, in various embodiments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that may be used for collecting target cells or tissue and preparing a cell block are disclosed.

Abstract: A needle biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy device includes a housing, a needle set and an actuator assembly. The needle set includes a needle having a tissue receiving opening and a cutting element adapted to pass over or through the tissue receiving opening to sever tissue extending therein. The actuator assembly includes a first magnetic member fixed in a stationary position in the housing and a second magnetic member arranged in the housing so that the second magnetic member is either magnetically attracted toward or repelled from the first magnetic member. The second member is coupled to a respective one of the needle and cutting member so that movement of the second magnetic member effectuates movement of one of the needle and cutting element.

Abstract: A dicing device dices tissue harvested from a patient. The dicing device comprises a grid cutting element and a tray to receive diced tissue. The dicing device may be integrated into an otherwise conventional biopsy device. The diced tissue specimens may be further processed, such as by being introduced into a self-expanding fistula plug creation and delivery system. The self-expanding fistula plug creation and delivery system comprises a sheet and a reinforcement tube. A scaffold material may be placed in the sheet, which may then be folded and reinforced, with the scaffold material being compressed in the sheet. The scaffold material may then be pushed into a catheter end. The catheter end may be inserted in a fistula. The scaffold material may then be flushed with a cell matrix that is based on the diced tissue to create a fistula plug, which may be left in the fistula.

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 surgical instrument includes a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the body portion. The end effector assembly having an elongate member has a cavity for the reception of a tissue sample therein and a closing member for securely enclosing the tissue sample within the cavity.

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 cannula and an inner divider wall disposed in the cannula. The inner divider wall defines a plurality of cannula fluid openings. The outer wall of the cannula and the inner divider wall together define a cutter receiving lumen and a cannula vacuum lumen. The cannula fluid openings provide fluid communication between the cutter receiving lumen and the cannula vacuum lumen. A cutter is translatable with respect to the cannula for severing tissue drawn into the cannula. The cutter is operable to cover and/or uncover the cannula fluid openings. A proximal portion of the cutter is spaced away from the inner divider wall. A distal portion of the cutter is configured to slide adjacent to the inner divider wall.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus has a body including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a liner interconnecting the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion and the distal portion are longitudinally movable relative to each other. A holder is releasably attached to the body for holding the body in a first state, in which the proximal portion and the distal portion are a first distance apart. Removing the holder from the body allows the body to transition to a second state, in which the proximal portion and the distal portion are a second distance apart. The second distance is greater than the first distance. At least one port extends through the proximal portion and is adapted for the reception of an object. Compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object.

Abstract: A guide element is used to guide a cutting device when removing breast tissue. The cutting device may have a tissue collection element for collecting tissue. The tissue collection element may be detachable so that the collection element may be removed independent from the cutting device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of a needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for collecting a sample of animal tissue, for interacting with collection means including at least one cutting element capable of cutting out said sample and a pushing element movable with respect to said cutting element and capable of pushing said sample into post-cutting storage means. According to the invention, such a tool includes: a means for driving said cutting element (21), a means for driving said pushing element (23), and a means for reversibly coupling said drive means of the cutting element with said drive means of the pushing element.

Abstract: An apparatus for morcellating tissue specimens comprises a housing and a cutting member. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue specimens into morcellated or minced tissue pieces. The cutting member may include one or more screens. One of the screens may be rotatable or capable of reciprocating relative to the housing. One screen may cooperate with another screen to provide shearing of the tissue specimens. The cutting member may include a plurality of discs that are rotatable relative to the housing. The discs may include inwardly directed notches formed in their outer perimeter, with the notches cooperating with an interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The discs may include perimeters having ovular or elliptical shapes that cooperate with a cylindrical interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus or may be incorporated into a tissue harvesting apparatus.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining and storing multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in an end to end configuration. The device can include a sample tube having a sample lumen and a generally parallel vacuum lumen. A movable member, such as rod, can be advanced to uncover a predetermined number of fluid passageways between the sample lumen and the vacuum lumen as each sample is severed.

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 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 probe mechanism includes an elongate sample receiving member having a longitudinal axis and having a sample receiving notch. An elongate sample receiving member and a cutting cannula are movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis between a first relative position and a second relative position. A first echogenic feature is established on the elongate sample receiving member and a second echogenic feature is established on the cutting cannula. The first echogenic feature is in longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the first relative position. The first echogenic feature is out of longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the second relative position.

Abstract: This invention provides a needle for a living body and a process for sampling a tissue with the needle. The needle and the process are used for harvesting a tissue sample from a living body with minimal damage. The needle is made of ceramics, and is provided with a sampling hole for aspirating a sample and with a cooling hole for supplying cooling gas. The holes penetrate through in the longitudinal direction, and have openings on a pricking-end surface of the needle. For the purpose of cutting off the tissue sample, the pricking-end surface is provided with a cutting part positioned between the openings. When the needle is pricked into a body, a tissue is aspirated through the sampling hole while cooling gas is being supplied through the cooling hole. Thus, the tissue is partly frozen or semi-frozen and cut off with the cutting part to harvest by aspiration.

Abstract: Methods and devices for obtaining biopsy samples are described. In one embodiment, a capture tube with capture arms slides over a core tube to grasp and/or cut a tissue sample. Forceps with jaws may be used to hold the tissue before the capture tube is used to obtain the tissue sample. In another embodiment, a core tube includes needle channels in which capture needles are advanced to grasp and/or penetrate a tissue sample. In yet another embodiment, a capture tube includes grasping arms which close through slots in a core tube to grasp and/or cut a tissue sample.

Abstract: An operation unit of a treatment tool for an endoscope includes a first joining member configured to be joined to a rear end of a flexible sheath of the treatment tool, a second joining member configured such that the first joining member is fitted therearound rotatably around an axis line of the first joining member relative to the second joining member, and a pin fit hole formed between the first joining member and the second joining member such that a pin is fitted therein, the pin fit hole being configured to restrict rotational movement of the first joining member around the axis line relative to the second joining member when the pin is fitted in the pin fit hole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device with one or more of a variety of features. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to endoscopic devices that include one or more features that improve the use of the device. Examples of such features include chamfered edges and corners on, for example, the end effectors, a surface with a controlled finish also on, for example, the end effectors, a jaw with teeth and/or a tang having various configurations, a handle having soft-grip features, and/or an elongate member with varied rigidity.

Abstract: A tissue-separating catheter assembly comprises a rotatable shaft, having a distal shaft portion, and a tissue separator device extending along the shaft. The tissue separator device has a distal separator part at the distal shaft portion movable between a retracted state, towards the distal shaft portion, and an outwardly extending, operational state, away from the distal shaft portion. A pivot joint may be used to pivotally connect the distal separator end to the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion may comprise a distally-facing transition surface at a proximal end of the distal shaft portion. First and second energizable tissue separator elements may be used at the transition surface and the tip of the device, respectively.

Abstract: The invention includes a forceps and collection assembly for acquiring and storing a plurality of tissue samples in a single pass, and accompanying mechanisms for use with the forceps and collection assembly. The accompanying mechanisms include an endoscope working channel cap assembly configured to minimize compression of a pouch of the forceps and collection assembly as it traverses a seal of the cap assembly, and a flush adapter configured to be coupled to the pouch so as to assist in removing tissue samples in the pouch by flowing fluid through the pouch.

Abstract: A filter assembly has an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured to allow a vacuum to be communicated through the outer member. The outer member comprises hydrophobic material and an interior cavity. The hydrophobic material is configured to substantially repel fluids at atmospheric pressure. At least a portion of the inner member is positioned within the interior cavity of the outer member. The inner member comprises occluding media configured to absorb fluids both at atmospheric pressure and when a vacuum is being communicated through the inner member. The filter assembly may be incorporated within a vacuum canister to be used in conjunction with a biopsy device as part of a biopsy system, although other suitable applications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. The inner cannula also includes a bending portion between the proximal end of the inner cannula and the hinge which is bendable with the outer cannula. The device is particularly suited for accessing neurosurgical sites that are not accessible along a linear path.

Abstract: A biopsy device targeting set includes a vertical member, a carriage that is vertically movable along the vertical member, and a cradle coupled with the carriage. The cradle has a pair of substantially perpendicular mounting arms. Each mounting arm has a recess that may receive a rail of the carriage, such that the cradle may be mounted to the same rail in different orientations. Each mounting arm also has a biopsy device mounting feature, which may be a recess or a rail. The biopsy device mounting feature is configured to engage with a complementary feature of a biopsy device, such that a biopsy device may be mounted to either mounting arm. A z-stop feature is operable to selectively restrict longitudinal motion along either or both of the biopsy device mounting features. The targeting set may be used with a biopsy device in an MRI environment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a patient's target site. The device includes a probe member with a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture, and a tissue cutting member which is rotatable disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture. The longitudinal edges of the aperture are preferably sharpened to engage the cutting edges of the tissue cutting member. Vacuum may be provided in the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue therethrough. Rotation, rotational oscillation and/or longitudinal reciprocation of the tissue cutting member is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue. An accessing cannula having an tissue receiving aperture may be concentrically disposed within the probe member and about the tissue cutting member.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic tool easily and efficiently obtains samples of multiple polyps from a patient by debriding one or more polyps and retrieving the debrided polyps without having to alternate between using a separate cutting tool and a separate sample retrieving tool and may be used with an endoscope.

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: 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: Improved biopsy forceps include pivotally coupled self aligning jaws with drainage holes therethrough. The biopsy forceps include a pair of jaw members that include cup shaped jaws. The biopsy forces may be formed by a series of metal etching and forming operations to allow the manufacture of the biopsy forceps using high volume manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tool is of a concentric tube configuration comprising first and second elongated bodies, in which the second elongated body can be retracted into the first elongated body. The tool may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.

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 capsule medical device includes a capsule-shaped casing that can be introduced into an in-vivo region of a subject; and a rotation driving unit that generates torque along a circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing. The capsule medical device also includes a cutting-obtaining unit that rotates along the circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing due to the torque to cut out and obtain a mass of body tissue from the in-vivo region of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint biopsy needle (1) for taking tissue samples and to a method therefor. The joint biopsy needle (1) has a trocar tip (2) and a substantially rigid guide sleeve (11), which adjoins a base surface (23) of the trocar tip (2) and has a lateral opening (12) in a region adjacent to the trocar tip (2). The biopsy needle (1) also has a plunger (3), which can be displaced in the guide sleeve (11) in the longitudinal direction thereof and has a cutting blade (31) on a side (30) that faces the trocar tip (2), wherein the tissue which is to be taken in the region of the lateral opening (12) of the guide sleeve (11) and can enter the guide sleeve (11) through the lateral opening (12) can be severed by the cutting blade (31). The guide sleeve (11) is inserted into a handle (6).

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The inner cannula reciprocates at a rate that is greater than 1000 reciprocations per minute, and variable aspiration may also be provided to the device to control tissue traction and provide fine shaving and debulking.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to access bone marrow at various target areas. Such apparatus may include an intraosseous device operable to penetrate bone at a selected target area and a depth limiter operable to control depth of penetration of the intraosseous device into bone and associated bone marrow. A manual driver and a guide may be included to optimize optimum insertion of the intraosseous device at a selected insertion site on a sternum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible actuator, and methods for manufacturing and using a flexible actuator, for transmitting high loads from a user to an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible actuator can extend from a handle of a medical device to an end effector located on a distal end of the device. The actuator can include a head formed on a terminal end thereof with at least one planar surface that is approximately coplanar with an outer surface of the flexible actuator. In use, the actuator can be coupled to a medical device having an end effector located on a distal end thereof. Tension applied to the actuator can be effective to actuate the end effector.

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: A biopsy device for excising tissue from skin and hair comprising a syringe for numbing the area to be excised coupled to a sleeve mounted on the exterior of the syringe with a blade attached to the distal edge of the sleeve. The sleeve is manually slidable from an extended position where the needle is retracted within to a retracted position where the needle is exposed.

Abstract: A medical device is presented for use in tissue characterization and treatment. The device comprises: a tissue characterization probe comprising an elongated carrier for carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors arranged in a spaced-apart relationship at least along an axis of said carrier, such that progression of the probe through a tissue mass provides for locating and determining a dimension of an abnormal tissue specimen inside said tissue mass based on characterization signals from the sensors in the array, thereby enabling consequent treatment of the abnormal tissue specimen by a treatment tool.

Abstract: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical or horizontal to the first, the third passageway is located diagonal to the first and has a longitudinal opening in fluid communication with the first passageway, and the fourth passageway is diagonal to the first and in an opposite side of the body from the third passageway. In an alternative embodiment the guide block has at least one passageway that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes a handle including a handle body that defines a hollow interior that includes a hollow inner housing member and a cannula assembly including an inner cannula, an outer cannula and a snarecoil coil at a distal end that is attached to the outer cannula. The biopsy needle also includes a first biasing element that is coupled to the cannula assembly and is configured to apply a force thereto when stored energy of the first biasing element is released to cause forward projection of the cannula assembly. A first mechanism of the needle has a first component associated with a proximal end of the inner cannula that is received within the inner housing member and a second component associated with the inner housing to cause controlled rotation of the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula after the cannula assembly is projected a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Single piece biopsy forceps having jaws that are caused to open and close in response to longitudinal movement of an actuation rod. The single piece forceps are formed from a single metal blank with opposing jaw sections connected via a self-hinge. The metal blank includes a self-hinge portion, a channel section on either end of the hinge portion and a jaw section on distal ends of the channel sections. The jaws are formed from the jaw section of the metal blank and the channel sections are bent to provide generally U-shaped channel sections. The hinge portion is bent so that the jaws are oriented in opposed aligned relation. A fixed and a movable pin are disposed through slots in the channel sections. Movement of the movable pin with respect to the fixed pin via an actuator rod or wire causes the jaws of the biopsy forceps to open and close.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a targeting set assembly, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set assembly comprises a needle assembly, which comprises a connecting member. The probe assembly comprises components configured to selectively attach to the connecting member of the needle assembly. In some versions, the connecting member comprises a recess, and the probe assembly comprises a protrusion configured to selectively engage the recess. The protrusion may be provided on a rocking member or on a resilient arm. The rocking member or resilient arm may bias the protrusion to enter the recess. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly provides a device for use during a biopsy procedure. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly may further permit rotation of the needle assembly for indexing.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in obtaining biopsy material from the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal (e.g., a human). For example, devices (e.g., percutaneous biopsy devices) configured to allow a user (e.g., a surgeon) to obtain biopsy material from the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal in a minimally-invasive manner as well as methods for using biopsy devices are provided.

Abstract: Traction means (14) for excising a tissue sample comprising a distal portion (14a), comprising at least one clip (20) suitable for being fixed to at least one portion (12) of tissue to be excised and a proximal portion (14b) suitable for being subjected to traction. Said at least one clip (20) is suitable for being connected to a distal end (22a) of a suture (22) to pull the tissue to be excised, said suture (22) extending between said distal end (22a) and a proximal end corresponding to the proximal portion of said traction means (14). Moreover, said at least one clip (20) is connected to a ring (24) formed at a distal end (24a) of said suture (22) to pull the tissue to be excised.

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.