Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that includes a housing maintaining a stylet and a cannula. A control device is operably coupled to operate the stylet and the cannula. A handle operates to modify the device from a loading configuration with an expanded profile to a delivery configuration with a reduced profile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tissue removal devices and methods. A tubular element having an open distal end is advanced into tissue so that tissue enters the tubular element. The tissue, which entered the tubular element is cut to separate the tissue from the surrounding tissue. The tissue is then transported proximally by the cutting element or a separate transport element.

Abstract: A kit of components for extracting and storing a skin tissue sample includes an extraction cartridge with a plurality of blades, an actuator cartridge, and a cap with an aqueous preservative. The actuator cartridge is removeably attached to the extraction cartridge and causes the plurality of blades of the extraction cartridge to extract a skin tissue sample from the person. After the skin tissue sample is extracted, the cap is attached to the extraction cartridge to store and suspend the skin tissue sample in an aqueous preservative preloaded in a container in the cap. A liquid-tight seal prevents bodily fluids from contaminating the actuator cartridge and this enables the actuator cartridge to be removed from the extraction cartridge and to be reused. The extraction cartridge and the attached cap, which store the skin tissue sample, are sent to medical laboratory so that the skin tissue sample can be analyzed.

Abstract: A medical device including a tissue characterization probe having 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 within at least a distal portion thereof, 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. The elongated carrier has two integral portions including said distal portion and a hollow portion extending between a proximal end of the carrier and said distal portion. The carrier is configured for passing a predetermined treatment tool through the hollow portion thereof and enabling at least a part of the treatment tool to project from the hollow portion and extend along the distal portion.

Abstract: Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include safe access needle injection instruments incorporating electrosurgical capability, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

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 acquiring more than one tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device can have at least two tissue engaging elements, where at least one element contains a helical feature. A control mechanism can be used to spin an outer element relative to an internal element, resulting in transport of multiple tissue samples from the mass of tissue to an accessible collection chamber. The outer element may have a sharp distal end which may sever the samples from the mass of tissue. Samples may be stored sequentially in the collection chamber and be removed by the operator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an elongate member having opposite ends, and a clevis attached to one end of the opposite ends. The clevis has a pair of spaced arms. The instrument includes a pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis, and an end effector having a pivot hole receiving the pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis for pivotal movement relative to the clevis and a control arm for pivoting the end effector about the pin. The instrument also includes an actuator wire having a helical portion connected to the control arm of the end effector.

Abstract: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a handle and a flexible catheter, the handle having a bore, the proximal end of the catheter being fixed within the handle bore. A protective tubular hub having a flared distal end is press-fit coaxially within the distal end of the catheter, the distal end of the catheter being sealed around the distal end of the hub so as to define a distal opening. A hollow needle having a sharp tip at its distal end is disposed within the catheter, the needle tip being sized for insertion through the distal opening of the catheter. The distal end of a flexible wire is coupled to the proximal end of the needle, the proximal end of the wire extending through the handle bore and coupled to a button slide accessible through a slot in the handle.

Abstract: A first trocar as an medical apparatus includes an insertion hole having a projection opening for leading out a biopsy forceps into a body of a subject, a lid body for blocking the projection opening of the insertion hole, and a cooling sheet for cryogenically cooling a biopsy portion arranged in the vicinity of the lid body in a state where the biopsy forceps is stored in the insertion hole, and is capable of easily harvesting a living tissue while retaining morphological change of tissues in a living body under various hemodynamics.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprises a funnel having a tube with opposite first and second ends, respectively, with a conical portion at the first end. Conical portion has an outer conical surface which increases in outer diameter in a direction from the second end to the first end. A mouth is provided at an end of the conical portion distant to the end, and a lip extends about a part of the circumference of the mouth. The lip protrudes from the conical surface. A first grip is formed axially along the tube and provides a visual reference to the lip.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a support base for supporting a mass to be examined, a compression plate for compressing and holding the mass to be examined against the support base, and a biopsy needle moving mechanism for moving a biopsy needle in a plane along the compression plate as well as in directions perpendicular to the compression plate. The biopsy needle is movable through an opening defined in the compression plate for insertion into the mass to be examined. The biopsy device also includes a determining section for determining whether or not the biopsy needle has pierced the mass to be examined, and a movement limiter for limiting movement of the biopsy needle within a plane perpendicular to a piercing direction along which the biopsy needle pierces the mass to be examined, if the determining section judges that the biopsy needle has pierced the mass to be examined.

Abstract: In a microdissection method and a microdissection system, first and second objects are transported from a preparation to first and second collection devices, respectively, so that a position of the second collection device relative to the first collection device substantially corresponds to a position of the second object relative to the first object in the preparation.

Abstract: An biopsy apparatus includes a pressure and vacuum generator including a first cylinder and a first piston movably disposed within the cylinder. The cylinder has a pressure generating region and a vacuum generating region. The biopsy apparatus also includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula having a lumen. The inner cannula is movably disposed within the outer cannula, and the vacuum generating region is in one-way fluid communication with the inner cannula lumen.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component with an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The device also has a driver component to which the probe component is releasably secured. The driver has a drive member for adjusting the orientation of the tubular section and thus the aperture therein and one or more drive members for moving the tissue cutting member within the tubular section to sever a tissue specimen from tissue extending into the interior of the tubular section through the aperture.

Abstract: A charging station for a battery powered biopsy apparatus includes a charging dock having a housing and a charging unit contained in the housing. The charging unit has a set of electrical contacts. The housing is received in a first cavity of a driver assembly with the electrical contacts being coupled in electrical communication with the driver assembly when the driver assembly is mounted on the charging dock for charging. The charging unit provides a signal to the driver assembly to reset the driver assembly to an initialized state when the driver assembly is mounted to the charging station.

Abstract: An endoscopic puncture needle includes a sheath, an outer needle, an outer needle moving member, an inner needle, an inner needle moving member, and an operation portion. The outer needle moves along an axial direction of the sheath in the sheath, and is retractable with respect to a distal end of the sheath. The outer needle moving member is arranged at a proximal end portion of the outer needle, and moves the outer needle with respect to the sheath. The inner needle moves in the outer needle along the axial direction of the sheath, and is retractable with respect to a distal end of the outer needle. The inner needle moving member is arranged at a proximal end portion of the inner needle, and moves the inner needle with respect to the outer needle. The operation portion operates the outer needle moving member and the inner needle moving member.

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

Abstract: A disposable tissue removal device comprising a cutting element mounted to a handpiece. The cutting element includes an outer cannula defining a tissue-receiving opening and an inner cannula concentrically disposed within the outer cannula. The outer cannula has a trocar tip at its distal end and a cutting board snugly disposed within the outer cannula. The inner cannula defines an inner lumen that extends the length of the inner cannula and terminates in an inwardly beveled, razor-sharp cutting edge. The inner cannula is driven by both a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. At the end of its stroke, the inner cannula makes contact with the cutting board to completely sever the tissue. An aspiration vacuum is applied to the inner lumen to aspirate excised tissue through the inner cannula and into a collection trap that is removably mounted to the handpiece. The rotary and reciprocating motors are hydraulically powered through a hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A method and device for removing tissue from a patient during a biopsy procedure utilizing a biopsy collection device are provided. The biopsy collection device includes a body portion configured for attachment to an endoscope and a receptacle portion configured to retain a portion of tissue removed from a target site during the biopsy procedure. The biopsy collection device further includes a passageway configured to receive a biopsy sampling device, such as a pair of forceps, passing through the endoscope to the target site.

Abstract: In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.

Abstract: A handheld biopsy device comprises a needle, cutter, and body. The cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding into a transverse aperture of the needle. The body includes a cutter actuation mechanism, at least two trigger buttons, and a control module. The biopsy device is configured such that the at least two trigger buttons are selectively enabled and disabled. A selectively enabled trigger button is operable to activate the cutter actuation mechanism. A selectively disabled trigger button is not operable to activate the cutter activation mechanism. The enabled trigger button may be selected electronically, such that the control module receives a user's button selection input and enables or disables the trigger buttons accordingly. Alternatively, the body may include movable covers to selectively cover or expose trigger buttons in accordance with the user's preference. The biopsy device may thus accommodate different operators having different gripping styles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopsy device, methods, kits and systems for marking the location of a biopsy site in order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery in a subject, where the marker is a dye or tattoo which is not visible to the naked eye under normal (white) light, but is visible under UV light. Some embodiments relate to marking a biopsy site for later visualization of the marker.

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 method to perform an endoscopic biopsy includes deploying a mechanical forceps through an accessory channel of an endoscope assembly, deploying an optical probe through the accessory channel to an area of investigation, optically evaluating tissue at the area of investigation, actuating the mechanical forceps to grasp a sample of the tissue, and retrieving the mechanical forceps and the optical probe through the accessory channel of the endoscope assembly. A biopsy apparatus includes a delivery conduit, an optical probe configured to investigate the tissue upon a distal end of an optical conduit extending through the delivery conduit, and a forceps assembly slidably engaged over the optical conduit, the forceps assembly comprising jaws configured to operate between a closed position and at least one open position, wherein the jaws of the forceps are urged into the closed position as the forceps are retracted within the delivery conduit.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio biopsy needle achieves reliable performance with large solid sample size by means of a variety of features and combinations thereof, including support to prevent bending, reinforcement of the needle, and cutting edges arranged to resist deformation.

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

Abstract: A device for cauterising tissue is arranged to be mounted to a biopsy and/or sampling instrument and includes a conductive cauterising portion and means for heating the cauterising portion. The device may be mounted either permanently or releasably removable from the biopsy and/or sampling instrument.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder has a rotatable manifold that is configured to redirect fluid from one axial direction to an opposite axial direction. The tissue sample holder also has a plurality of tissue sample trays through which fluid may be communicated. The tissue sample trays define chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. The tissue sample trays are removable relative to the manifold. A cup is configured to cover the manifold and trays. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively index each chamber of the tissue sample trays with the cutter lumen. A feature may prevent rotation of the manifold when one part of the biopsy device is separated from another part of the biopsy device.

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: An adapter is provided for use with a biopsy device that includes a cutting element having an outer cannula hub removably mounted to a handpiece. The cutting element includes an outer cannula connected to the outer cannula hub and an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula and attached to the handpiece. The outer cannula hub allows removal of the handpiece and inner cannula from the outer cannula. The adapter includes a base, a cradle moveably mounted to the base and configured to rotatably support the biopsy device therein, and an indexing guide moveable with the cradle having a receptacle within which the outer cannula hub is rotatably received. The cradle and indexing guide are configured to inhibit rotation and axial movement of the biopsy device relative to the cradle, and facilitates removal of the handpiece and inner cannula from the outer cannula, while maintaining registration with the biopsy site.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device includes a sizing element which detects the diameter of the vessel in which the cutting device is positioned. The sizing element is coupled to the cutting element so that the amount of the cutting element that is exposed varies in response to movement of the sizing element.

Abstract: A biopsy device for acquiring more than one tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device can have at least two tissue engaging elements, where at least one element contains a helical feature. A control mechanism can be used to spin an outer element relative to an internal element, resulting in transport of multiple tissue samples from the mass of tissue to an accessible collection chamber. The outer element may have a sharp distal end which may sever the samples from the mass of tissue. Samples may be stored sequentially in the collection chamber and be removed by the operator.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a longitudinal element sufficiently flexible to permit insertion into a body. The longitudinal element extends from a proximal end to a distal end and includes a lumen extending therethrough. The device also includes a stylet slidably received within the lumen having a distal end split into a pair of arms biased away from one another so that, when distal end of the stylet is advanced out of a distal end of the longitudinal element, the arms separate from one another into a tissue receiving configuration, the stylet including a tissue receiving space between the arms. The stylet is coupled to a handle via which the stylet is drawn proximally into the lumen of the longitudinal element so that contact between the longitudinal element and the arms draws the arms toward one another into a tissue capture configuration in which tissue is gripped therebetween.

Abstract: A biopsy tissue sampling treatment instrument includes a stem portion having a predetermined length sufficient to puncture living tissue; a puncturing portion formed at a distal end of the stem portion and having a protruding surface portion expanding rearward along a puncture direction of the stem portion; a tissue holding surface provided on a rear side of the protruding surface portion in the puncturing portion and having an area large enough to hold the living tissue; a stopper member provided at a rear end of the stem portion and having an abutting portion capable of abutting against the living tissue punctured by the stem portion; and an operating member provided on the stopper member and configured to hold the stem portion to the living tissue, allowing the stem portion to puncture the living tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking tissue samples in the treatment of humans or animals includes a telescope, a maneuvering cable which extends through the telescope, and a biopsy tool at an end of the maneuvering cable, the biopsy tool including a turnable cylinder which is perforated for collecting samples and has walls that define a receptacle and a lid which closes over the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) for removing a sample (50, 82) from a body of tissue (80) comprises a support structure (30) and a knife (32) arranged to cut into the body of tissue (80). The knife (32) has at least a first blade (36a), a second blade (36b) and a third blade (36c), and each blade has two cutting edges (42a, 44a; 42b, 44b; 42c, 44c) defining an apex. The knife (32) is movable between a first configuration in which the blades (36a, 36b, 36c) are substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis (X) of the support structure (30), and a second configuration in which the blades (36a, 36b, 36c) define the walls of a pyramidal enclosure for containing the sample (50, 82). In one embodiment, the instrument (10) further comprises a biasing member (52a, 52b, 52c) arranged to urge each blade (36a, 36b, 36c) towards the central axis (X) of the support structure (30).

Abstract: A treatment instrument for endoscope of the present invention includes a puncture needle having a barb. A lymph node removing method of the present invention includes: an insertion step, wherein an endoscope has an insertable insertion portion which is inserted into an esophagus or a trachea being a lumen inside the body of a subject; the step of inserting a distal end portion arranged at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope into the lumen; a confirmation step of confirming the position of a mediastinal lymph node by performing ultrasound scanning using an ultrasound transducer arranged at the distal end portion; an anchoring step of placing an anchoring device which has been inserted through a channel inside the insertion portion of the endoscope, on the mediastinal lymph node by performing the ultrasound scanning; a incision step of cutting a wall of the lumen to make a fistula; and a drawing-in step of drawing the mediastinal lymph node into the lumen with the anchoring device.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a biopsy device and a localization grid plate, which is configured to localize part of a patient and defines a plurality of round openings. A probe of the biopsy device and/or other associated other components may be inserted through a selected one of the openings. The grid plate may thus guide the probe and/or other components as such components are inserted into the localized part of the patient; and may further support the probe and/or other components after insertion. The grid plate may thus be used without a targeting cube or other inserted guide. Alternatively, the openings of the grid plate may be configured to receive a targeting guide having a cylindraceous body. The guide body may define passageways for inserting a probe or other components, and may be rotatable to position the passageways to selectively define an insertion axis for the probe.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a housing, a stylet carriage having a strike, a cannula carriage having a strike, and a cocking element comprising a catch carried by a resilient shaft that extends along an operational axis of the biopsy device. To arm the biopsy device, the cocking element is moved in a first arming stroke such that the catch engages the strike on the cannula carriage to deflect the resilient shaft from the operational axis such that the catch clears the strike on the stylet.

Abstract: There is provided an in-vivo information acquisition apparatus capable of detecting high-accuracy in-vivo information substantially at the same time in a plurality of different examination sites in a body cavity and an in-vivo information acquisition apparatus system capable of introducing a plurality of in-vivo information acquisition apparatuses into a patient at the same time. The in-vivo information acquisition apparatus includes a specimen-collecting section for collecting a specimen at an examination site in a body cavity, a specimen-evaluating section for evaluating the specimen collected by the specimen-collecting section and outputting an evaluation result, a labeling section having identification information unique to the in-vivo information acquisition apparatus, a communication section for receiving a signal transmitted from the outside and for transmitting to the outside the evaluation result output by the specimen-evaluating section, and a power supply section for supplying electrical power.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: The distribution of abnormal tissue, such as lesions, in an observed object is precisely detected regardless of the distribution of absorbing material present in a living organism. Provided is a fluorescence imaging apparatus (1) including an excitation-light radiating unit (2) that irradiates an observed object with excitation light of a plurality of wavelengths; a filter (14) that transmits fluorescence in a specific wavelength band from among fluorescence produced by the observed object in response to the excitation light radiated from the excitation-light radiating unit (2); a light detector (15) that detects the fluorescence transmitted through the filter (14); and a computing unit (18) that calculates a fluorescence intensity ratio in the same wavelength band in response to the excitation light of the plurality of wavelengths, which is detected by the light detector (15).

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 rotating surgical system is provided that includes a base, a first member rotably engaged with the base, and a second member fixed with said first member such that said first member and said second member rotate together.

Abstract: A tissue-sampling tool is made in the form of a tube presenting an inside face of circular section and an outside face of circular section, the tube having a blunt distal end and at least one sampling orifice extending symmetrically relative to a transverse plane and to a longitudinal plane. The orifice is peripherally bordered by two transverse borders that are symmetrical relative to the transverse plane and that are connected to two longitudinal borders that are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal plane. Each transverse border possesses a cutting edge situated at the intersection between said borders and the inside face, each transverse border co-operating with the inside face to form a cutting angle lying in the range 6° to 18°. The longitudinal borders have a cup-shape relative to the transverse borders, with a profile in the longitudinal plane that is different from the profile of the transverse borders.

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.