Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient, particularly a breast of a patient, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the capture of body tissue samples such as lymph nodes. The system includes a bag formed of a flexible material having a first end opened for receiving the body tissue sample and a second end which is closed to the body tissue sample but which permits a vacuum to be pulled through the bag. The system further includes a vacuum tube in which the body tissue sample capture bag may be disposed and a vacuum source that pulls a vacuum through the body tissue sample capture bag for pulling the body tissue sample into the bag through the opened end of the bag.

Abstract: A tissue sample collection assembly collects undamaged cells from a tissue specimen comprising a damaged tissue layer at a margin thereof. The assembly includes a tissue-severing device used to separate at least a portion of the damaged tissue layer. The tissue-severing device may have a tissue-adhesive surface so that undamaged cells may contact and adhere to the tissue-adhesive surface for subsequent analysis. The assembly may comprise an apertured device comprising inner and outer surfaces with apertures passing therebetween. The apertures may be sized and shaped so that when the inner surface of the apertured device is pressed against a tissue specimen, portions of an undamaged tissue layer of the tissue specimen pass through the apertures and past the outer surface so that the tissue-severing device can sever the undamaged tissue layer portions from the remainder of the tissue specimen. Exposed undamaged tissue may adhere to a tissue-adhesive surface of the tissue-severing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient, particularly a breast of a patient, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.

Abstract: An excision and aspiration apparatus adapted to sample a tissue mass includes a receptacle, such as a suction cup, which is adapted to receive a superficial portion only of the total tissue mass. An excision mechanism, such as a cutting wire, excises the superficial portion from the rest of the tissue mass. The excision and aspiration apparatus further includes a suction tube having a receiving channel for collecting the excised superficial portion of the tissue mass, as well as a vacuum source for creating suction within the suction tube that is sufficient to draw the excised superficial portion of the tissue mass into the receiving channel of the suction tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing tissue. In one embodiment, one portion of an implant, which is at least partially formed of a biodegradable material, is connected to another portion of the implant by applying heat to the implant. The implant is positioned relative to a patient's body tissue. In another embodiment, graft tissue is enclosed with a biodegradable enclosure having a number of openings. The graft tissue is positioned in the patient's body at a location that enables body tissue to grow through the openings in the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting bone material from an extraction site using a vacuum source. The apparatus comprises a needle having a proximal end adapted for fluid communication with the vacuum source and a distal end. The needle has an interior surface defining a passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end. An abrading member is disposed in the needle passageway, and an actuator is operably coupled to the abrading member.

Abstract: A method of controlling a surgical cutting device, the device including a hollow needle with a port for tissue entry and a moveable cutting blade for severing tissue entering the needle through said port, the blade being movable between a first portion enabling tissue entry through said port and a second portion closing said port, the tissue entering the needle being severed as the blade moves between the first and second portions, the method includes the steps: a) providing vacuum to said hollow needle to cause tissue entry into the needle through said port; b) moving the blade from the first portion to the second position to sever the tissue entering the needle; c) evacuating severed tissue from the needle by vacuum; d) reducing vacuum to the needle before moving the blade from the second position to the first position; and repeating steps (a) through (d).

Abstract: A specimen retrieving needle is in the form of an elongated body having a closed lead end. At least one cutting blade is formed on the body. The blade has a sharpened edge so as to remove a specimen from an internal organ. The needle is ultrathin to minimize tissue trauma and to reduce the risk of hemorrhage and organ damage.

Abstract: A device for obtaining multiple biopsy samples from a body cavity is provided, comprising: a flexible hollow tube having a sample port; a moveable helical cutting element extending within the tube, wherein the cutting element is capable of severing, entrapping and carrying forward multiple biopsy samples; a means for maneuvering the cutting element along the tube; a removable seal secured to the distal end of the tube; and a vacuum port configured to be connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separating a tissue specimen from the tissue site suitable for evaluation. The device includes a probe member having an arcuate tissue cutting RF powered electrode secured to and distally spaced from the distal end of the probe and a small dimensioned distal extremity which when an inner lumen thereof is subjected to a vacuum, secured tissue for the specimen to the surface of the distal extremity. A circular RF powered cutting electrode preferably secured to and spaced from the distal end of an outer sheath which when operatively energized with high frequency electrical power and longitudinally moved along the shaft of the probe member severs the tissue specimen secured to the surface of the distal extremity of the probe member from the tissue site. The outer sheath covers the separated specimen.

Abstract: Catheter apparatus for performing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in the biliary tree includes a catheter with multiple lumens. A first lumen is adapted to receive a guidewire and can serve as a transport lumen for contrast agent. A second lumen carries a cutting wire for performing a sphincterotomy. A third lumen can be used as an inflation lumen for a distally located balloon. Expansion of the balloon occludes a portion of the biliary tree and allows the catheter to sweep any gallstones through the sphincter of Oddi into the duodenum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ovum retrieval device for retrieving an ovum and follicular fluid from a follicle. The device comprises a housing having a first end wall and a second end, the housing defining a chamber, a movable support arrangement arranged within the chamber, and a needle extending through the first end wall. The needle has a sharpened proximal end disposed within the chamber and a second sharpened distalmost end. A trigger mechanism is connected to the movable support arrangement, and at least one vacuum cartridge is arranged on the support arrangement. Displacement of the support arrangement effects mating of the cartridge and the proximal end of the needle to cause a suction at the second end of the needle to permit an ovum to be withdrawn from a follicle and suctioned into the cartridge prior to further treatment thereof.

Abstract: A device for obtaining multiple biopsy samples from a body cavity is provided, comprising: a flexible hollow tube having a sample port; a moveable helical cutting element extending within the tube, wherein the cutting element is capable of severing, entrapping and carrying forward multiple biopsy samples; a means for maneuvering the cutting element along the tube; a removable seal secured to the distal end of the tube; and a vacuum port configured to be connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument of the type comprising a probe which has a hole in the side wall and contains a knife in contact with the wall of said hole together with means designed to create a vacuum inside said probe, characterised in that said means designed to create a vacuum inside said probe are integrated into the instrument, which is also equipped with means designed to activate said vacuum-creating means and said knife simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the non-invasive removal of tissue from animal or human tissue, which device has a hollow needle that is provided with a hollow channel. The invention is distinguished by the hollow needle being designed as a multi-wall hollow needle and being provided with at least two hollow needle walls enclosing at least one intermediate space which is designed open at the distal end, by a cutting wire suppliable with electric energy extending at the distal end from the intermediate space, by a supply line being provided for the material flow at the proximal end in the intermediate space of the multi-wall hollow needle and the intermediate space and the supply line being designed in such a manner that the material flow flows through the intermediate space and exits at the distal end, and by a vacuum source being connectable at the proximal end of the hollow channel of the multi-wall hollow needle.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy needle assembly for use in combination with a stereotactic platform for excising tissue from the interior of the body. The biopsy needle includes a rotatable flexible blade that is capable of transforming between a contracted configuration for piercing into the interior of the body and an expanded configuration in which the flexible blade is expanded relative to the shaft of the needle for excising tissue. The needle assembly may be mounted in a stereotactic needle for a breast biopsy procedure that digitally directs the needle tip into a lesion with the flexible blades in a contracted configuration, then expands the flexible blades to the expanded configuration and rotates the blades thus excising tissue in a region having a cross sectional dimension that is large in relation to the cross section of the needle shaft. The excised tissue is extracted from the needle tip through an aspiration channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the biopsy of tissue specimens and, more particularly, a single insertion multiple sample percutaneous biopsy apparatus and method are provided. a tip at a distal end of a vacuum support tube is introduced into a tissue mass. The vacuum support tube is retracted exposing a basket tube bounded by a front washer and a rear washer mounted thereabout forming a tissue basket. The basket tube is supported internally by a thrust tube which provides structure to the apparatus to allow it to penetrate tissue. The thrust tube and the basket tube are in fluid communication and are provided with suction to draw tissue inward. The tissue is then severed by rotating and advancing a knife edge at the distal end of the vacuum support tube. The tissue basket is withdrawn and the tissue sample is removed by rotating the vacuum support tube. The tissue sample is sliced longitudinally, and a stripper scrapes the tissue sample from an opening in the vacuum support tube.

Abstract: A non-linear flow restrictor that limits the maximum flowrate in a medical aspiration system. The flow restrictor changes the direction of fluid flow to generate non-linear effects in the fluid. This creates a non-linear relationship between the pressure within the system and the flowrate of the fluid. The non-linear relationship may define a pressure versus flowrate curve that has a flat portion where the flowrate does not increase with an increase in pressure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for biopsying soft body tissue includes: (1) a distal barrel section, which includes: (a) a hollow barrel having an open, distal end and a proximal end; (b) a piston rod which movably extends substantially through the barrel; (c) a cutting mechanism coupled to the distal end of the barrel, which includes a movable surgical blade; (d) a trigger mechanism coupled to the cutting mechanism for releasing the movable blade; and (2) a proximal handle section coupled to the barrel and the piston rod. When the proximal handle section is compressed by a user, the piston rod retracts, and suction is created within the distal end of the barrel. When the trigger mechanism is pulled by the user, the movable blade moves from an open, ready position to a closed position, and the tissue sample is excised.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure, comprising an elongated flexible member having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough and an actuator positioned within the aperture. There is a biopsy means connected to the distal end of the actuator for cutting and collecting biopsy specimens and a storage and collection chamber connected to the elongated flexible member for receiving biopsy specimens cut and collected by the biopsy means. The storage and collection chamber is separable from the flexible member and can be sealed by a cap positionable over the storage and collection cassette for storage, processing and in situ or later analysis of biopsy specimens collected by the biopsy means in the order of collection.

Abstract: A lavage for suction and removal of body tissues in a patient comprises a shield formed to include an opening, a cannula defining a cannula interior, the cannula having proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is insertable and positionable in a patient's body. The cannula defines a cannula opening to permit access to the cannula interior for the capture of body tissue in the cannula interior. The cannula is positioned to lie in the opening formed in the shield. An instrument is coupled to the cannula. A shield actuator is adapted to be engaged by a user, the shield actuator being coupled to the shield to move the shield relative to the cannula between a first position covering the instrument and a second position exposing the instrument. A valve is connected to the cannula for independent actuation to control irrigation and vacuum within the cannula.

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

Abstract: A syringe-like disposable cutaneous biopsy instrument equipped with a tubular blade at its lower end, and designed so that a vacuum is created during use, said vacuum serving to retain undeformed a plug of tissue cut from a patient's skin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for extracting and collecting bone marrow from the jawbone of a patient before, during, or after dental procedures. The method and apparatus further provides a readily accessible, and easily harvested, source of bone marrow without the drawbacks of current extraction methods.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising an insertion section, an operation section connected to a proximal end of the insertion section, and sampling means. The insertion section has a sheath comprising an inner tube and an outer tube capable of moving back and forth in an axial direction with respect to the inner tube. The operation section is connected to a proximal end of the inner tube and has suction means for generating a suction force. The sampling means comprises a distal unit provided on a distal portion of the inner tube and having an opening through which a living tissue is to be drawn by the suction force applied from the inner tube, and cutting means for cutting a part of the living tissue drawn into the distal unit as the inner tube and the outer tube are moved relative to each other in an axial direction.

Abstract: A flat section is provided at a distal end of a snare pipe located in a sheath. When a snare is pushed, the snare is moved in the snare pipe with a looped expansible section of the snare kept in contact with both opposite sides of the flat section. As a result, the expansion direction of the looped section is regulated.

Abstract: A method of collecting a tissue portion at an obstructed site within anatomical tissue comprising the steps of inserting a distal end of a guide member in the anatomical tissue to position the distal end of the guide member at an obstructed site adjacent a tissue portion to be collected, visualizing the obstructed site remotely with an endoscope, injecting a viscous, optically clear fluidic material through the guide member for release at the obstructed site to displace the anatomical tissue and create a fluid filled space in the anatomical tissue adjacent the tissue portion, introducing a distal end of a tissue collector in the space, dissecting the tissue portion from the anatomical tissue with the distal end of the tissue collector and removing the tissue portion from the anatomical tissue.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a vacuum-assisted automatic core biopsy device (10) is provided, wherein the automatic core biopsy device (10) comprises a housing (12), out of which extends a needle assembly (14) including a hollow outer piercing needle (16), an inner cutter (18) having a lumen (20), a probe housing (22), and a tissue receiving notch (24). The automatic control system (92) is computerized to move the hollow outer piercing needle (16) automatically to the target tissue lesion, as was true in the prior art, but also is programmed to automatically control the rotational orientation of the piercing needle (16), and its associated tissue receiving notch (24), as well as the axial positioning and rotation of the cutting cannula (18). Consequently, a clinician user need only mark the desired locations within the target location from which tissue samples are desired and the automatic control system will operate the device to retrieve samples from the marked locations.

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

Abstract: A device for harvesting bone, including a hollow cylindrical rod having a sharpened distal end, a proximal end with a handle thereon, and a chamber therein extending axially between the proximal and distal ends. A plunger rod is inserted into the proximal end of the cylindrical rod, the plunger rod being slidable axially within the chamber. A sealing support is provided on the proximal end of the hollow cylindrical rod for engaging the plunger rod to establish a slidable hermetic seal therebetween and prevent retrograde flow of air into the chamber from the proximal end of the cylindrical rod. The device also includes a side opening in the cylindrical rod communicating with the chamber, which is connectable to a source of vacuum for evacuating fluid from the chamber into a fluid reservoir connectable to the side opening for collecting fluid therein.

Abstract: A needle biopsy device has a suction source, an inner cannula, and an outer cannula. The inner cannula has a biopsy reservoir formed proximate the distal end thereof and also has a lumen formed therein. The lumen provides fluid communication from the suction source to the biopsy reservoir. The outer cannula is slidably disposed about the inner cannula and has a cutter formed at the distal end thereof. The outer cannula has a distal position wherein it substantially covers the biopsy reservoir and has a proximate position wherein the biopsy reservoir is substantially exposed. An actuating mechanism moves the outer cannula from the distal position to the proximate position thereof, facilitates the application of suction from the suction source to the biopsy reservoir and moves the outer cannula from the proximate position to the distal position thereof.

Abstract: A micromachined electrical cauterizer. Microstructures are combined with microelectrodes for highly localized electro cauterization. Using boron etch stops and surface micromachining, microneedles with very smooth surfaces are made. Micromachining also allows for precision placement of electrodes by photolithography with micron sized gaps to allow for concentrated electric fields. A microcauterizer is fabricated by bulk etching silicon to form knife edges, then parallelly placed microelectrodes with gaps as small as 5 .mu.m are patterned and aligned adjacent the knife edges to provide homeostasis while cutting tissue. While most of the microelectrode lines are electrically insulated from the atmosphere by depositing and patterning silicon dioxide on the electric feedthrough portions, a window is opened in the silicon dioxide to expose the parallel microelectrode portion. This helps reduce power loss and assist in focusing the power locally for more efficient and safer procedures.

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

Abstract: An elongate outer sleeve is mounted on a support and defines an axis and distal and proximate ends in relation to said support. An elongate inner tube is generally coaxial with and contained within said outer sleeve. A drive selectively rotates the inner tube about the axis relative to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A collection system for collecting substances within the body of a patient in operative procedures wherein access to an internal operative site in the patient's body is gained through a narrow portal in the patient's body includes a cutter and a collection bag attached to a distal end of the cutter. The cutter has the distal end for being disposed at the operative site through the portal, a proximal end for being disposed external of the patient's body, a cutting edge at the distal end for cutting anatomical tissue and a handle at the proximal end for moving the cutting edge to cut the anatomical tissue. The collection bag is disposed over the distal end of the cutter and has a closed distal end, a proximal end fixedly attached to the cutter, an interior receiving the cutting edge therein and a selectively openable, selectively closable access slot providing communication with the interior of the collection bag from external thereof.

Abstract: A device for transplanting small diameter hair grafts using a hand-held cutting instrument having a body holding the tool, a rotary cylindrical tool and a drive assembly capable of driving the tool in rotation with respect to the body. The tool has a hollow end for cutting a graft. The cylindrical tool is a hollow needle with an axial through bore of the same diameter as the hollow cutting end to which it forms an extension. The device extracts the graft by sucking it up through the axial bore of the needle.

Abstract: A needle biopsy device has a suction source, an inner cannula, and an outer cannula. The inner cannula has a biopsy reservoir formed proximate the distal end thereof and also has a lumen formed therein. The lumen provides fluid communication from the suction source to the biopsy reservoir. The outer cannula is slidably disposed about the inner cannula and has a cutter formed at the distal end thereof. The outer cannula has a distal position wherein it substantially covers the biopsy reservoir and has a proximate position wherein the biopsy reservoir is substantially exposed. An actuating mechanism moves the outer cannula from the distal position to the proximate position thereof, facilitates the application of suction from the suction source to the biopsy reservoir and moves the outer cannula from the proximate position to the distal position thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device and method for the non-invasive or minimally invasive withdrawal of fluids from a patient by the use of a self-actuated pump connected to a analyte sensing unit. The self-actuated pump is preferably mounted in the patient's shoe.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument 40 includes a handle 1 and a disposable biopsy needle set or needle cartridge 20. The needle set includes a cannula 9 with a cannula hub 8 and a stylet 7 with a stylet hub 6. The needle set 20 is positionable within the handle 1 and actuatable thereby for purposes of taking a biopsy tissue sample. The needle set 20 and in particular the hubs 6, 8, in combination with the handle 1, perform the actuation sequence which allows the needle to be projected into the tissue to be biopsied and the cannula to be subsequently urged over the needle to collect the tissue.