Abstract: A method includes actuating a lever to move a cannula of a medical instrument from a first extended position to second retracted position; and actuating the lever to move a stylet of the medical instrument from a third extended position to a fourth retracted position. Actuating the lever comprises moving the lever from a first lever position spaced apart from a housing of the medical instrument to a second lever position closer to the housing.

Abstract: A safety device for shielding a sharp tip of a tubular needle includes a shaft sized and shaped for being received into the passage of the tubular needle through a first end of the passage and extending to a second end of the passage. A shield is associated with the shaft and is constructed for receiving and substantially shielding the sharp tip of the needle. A catch is associated with the shaft. The catch prevents the withdrawal of the shaft from the passage of the needle when the shield is shielding the sharp tip of the needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a coring and transport assembly and a distal beak assembly. The distal beak assembly may be coupled to or near a distal end of the coring and transport assembly and may comprise at least one movable cutting element. The distal beak assembly may be configured to rotate about an axis, and assume at least a first open configuration operative to enable the at least one cutting element to core through tissue and a second closed configuration operative to enable the at least one cutting element to move through the tissue and to sever a cored specimen from the tissue.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for biopsying tissue, in particular lung nodules, with a flexible needle are described herein. Preferably, the flexible needle is able to articulate or bend so as to provide access to areas previously difficult or impossible to biopsy. Further embodiments provide for steering and navigating the flexible needle to a region to be biopsied.

Abstract: A biopsy stylet and needle system is provided that is configured for navigation and spring-loaded deployment through at least one tortuous or otherwise confined length. The system includes a needle cannula through which a notched biopsy stylet is disposed. The notched biopsy stylet includes at least one outer diameter length that is about the same as, but preferably very slightly less than, the inner diameter of the needle cannula. The notched biopsy stylet also includes at least one outer diameter length that has a smaller diameter, the lengthwise position of which corresponds to the tortuous or otherwise confined length through which the system is to be operated. The smaller stylet diameter length is configured to prevent binding between the stylet and the needle cannula and/or between the needle cannula and an overlying access cannula or other access passage structure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for biopsying tissue, in particular lung nodules, with a flexible needle are described herein. Preferably, the flexible needle is able to articulate or bend so as to provide access to areas previously difficult or impossible to biopsy. Further embodiments provide for steering and navigating the flexible needle to a region to be biopsied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear tag (1) for marking an animal and for sampling tissue from said animal.

Abstract: A medical system for performing a tissue biopsy at a remote location within a patient is disclosed. The medical system comprises an elongate outer cutting member, an elongate inner member movably disposed within the outer member, and a tissue traction member for anchoring bodily tissue and pulling a sample of the tissue within the outer cutting member.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a sample size control assembly for selecting the specimen size to be collected. The sample size control assembly includes a rotatable nose on the biopsy device for actuating the operation of the sample size control assembly. A needle assembly of the biopsy device can extend through the rotatable nose. Also disclosed is a method for making a biopsy device, including coupling a tip protector to a sample size control assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for harvesting bone marrow are disclosed.

Abstract: A biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging a biopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configured to conserve the battery by providing electrical power only to the motion detector after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly and to provide electrical power from the battery also to the electrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

Abstract: A biopsy needle for collecting a tissue specimen includes a housing; an outer cannula that is at least partially received within the housing; and an inner tube received within the outer cannula and is configured to receive a stylet. The needle also includes a snare coil that is formed as part of the inner tube and is coupled to the outer cannula. The needle has a first actuation stage and a second actuation stage that is automatically activated as a result of activation of the first actuation stage. During the first actuation stage, a first mechanism contained at least partially within the housing is actuated to longitudinally and axially advance both the outer cannula and the inner tube as well as causing the outer cannula and the inner tube to simultaneously rotate in unison as the two are longitudinally advanced.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a housing, a cannula, a hollow cutter, and a rotatable tissue sample holder. The cannula extends distally from the housing and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The cutter is movable with respect to the cannula for severing tissue received by the cannula. The tissue sample holder includes a plurality of separate tissue sample compartments, the tissue sample compartments being disposed about an axis of rotation of the tissue sample holder. The biopsy system transports severed tissue samples to the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The cannula includes a closed distal end and a lateral tissue receiving port. The cutter is coaxially disposed with the cannula for severing tissue received in the tissue receiving port. The tissue sample holder includes a plurality of discrete tissue sample compartments. The biopsy system transports individual tissue samples to the discrete tissue sample compartments of the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: An instrument for taking a tissue sample includes a tissue receiving element with a distal end and a proximal end and at least partly has a spiral or helix that has an outer surface and a central longitudinal axis (X-X?). The spiral or helix has at least has one zone where the distance (dd) from the outer surface to the central longitudinal axis (X-X?) is smaller than at a more proximally located part of the spiral or helix.

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 outer and inner cannulae are offset from the motor and drive assembly, and the center of gravity of the device is in the forward part of the device, providing an ergonomic design that is particularly suited for neurosurgical applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are a device and methods to obtain multiple serial samples from biologic tissues located in a tubular or cavitary space of a body. The device has a proximal and distal end, with a linear shaft connecting both ends. The distal end of the device comprises a tissue cutting assembly, a sample transport assembly and a sample storage assembly. The sample transport assembly comprises a slidable sample transport unit, a semi-cylindrical tubular sample chamber with a pair of axially linear rails located on both sides of said chamber and a system of differential pull wires. The sample transport unit slides on the rails of the sample chamber, providing longitudinally axial movement of the cup connected to said sample transport unit. The sample storage assembly comprises said sample chamber, a reversibly detachable sample catcher inserted in said sample chamber, a tubular sample housing and an expandable tubular sample housing.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a coring and transport assembly and a distal beak assembly. The distal beak assembly may be coupled to or near a distal end of the coring and transport assembly and may comprise at least one movable cutting element. The distal beak assembly may be configured to rotate about an axis, and assume at least a first open configuration operative to enable the at least one cutting element to core through tissue and a second closed configuration operative to enable the at least one cutting element to move through the tissue and to sever a cored specimen from the tissue.

Abstract: Biopsy devices, as well as related methods and systems, are disclosed.

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 apparatus includes a biopsy probe having a biopsy cannula and a sample basket arranged coaxially about a longitudinal axis. The sample basket is movably disposed relative to the biopsy cannula along the longitudinal axis from a tissue harvesting position to a tissue sample retrieval region. The sample basket has a sample notch formed as an elongate recessed region for receiving a tissue sample. A tissue sample retrieval mechanism includes a sample collection tank configured for removable insertion into a sample tank receptacle. The sample tank receptacle permits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and prohibits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The sample collection tank is configured to retrieve the tissue sample directly from the sample notch as the sample basket is moving along the longitudinal axis at the tissue sample retrieval region.

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 insertion device for taking samples within a body. The insertion device includes a trigger housing, an outer sheath assembly, a sampling device, and a resilient member. The trigger housing includes an interior channel in which the resilient member is disposed to urge the outer sheath assembly away from a proximal end of the trigger housing. The outer sheath assembly is disposed within the interior channel of the trigger housing. The outer sheath assembly includes a body and an outer sheath attached to a distal end of the body. The sampling device is removably disposed within the outer sheath assembly and the trigger housing. The sampling device may be a removable biopsy needle assembly which is used to cock the insertion device. The removable biopsy needle assembly may be removed from the insertion device and be replaced by a needle assembly for fine needle aspiration.

Abstract: A system and method for molecular breast imaging (MBI) provides enhanced tumor analysis and, optionally, a real-time biopsy guidance. The system includes a detector head including a gamma ray detector and a multisegment collimator in a collimator frame. The collimator contains multiple collimation sections that have respectively different collimating characteristic and that are individually repositionable with respect to the detector. An image of the tissue acquired with the system may include spatially separate image portions containing image information about the same portion of the imaged tissue. A system of mounting the multisegment collimator in the detector head includes a collimator tray that is laterally moveable within the frame and/or slidable in and out of the frame.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration apparatus comprising a hollow; stylet removably positioned within said needle; a cylindrical threaded section; a depth gauge threadedly engagable with and movable longitudinally along the threaded section and having a proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being spaced a variable first distance from the end of the needle; a locking nut movable along the threaded section; a cap connection section having a fluid fitting therein; a cap engagable with the cap connection and engaged with the stylet; wherein the threaded section and the depth gauge define a stylet passage between the fluid fitting and the proximal end of the depth gauge; and wherein the variable first distance between the end of the hollow needle and the proximal end of the depth gauge corresponds to a position of the distal annular end of the depth gauge relative to the threaded section.

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: 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 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 exemplary ultrasound biopsy device includes a probe and a holster. The probe is insertable into the holster to form a completed assembly. To assemble the probe to the holster, the probe is initially slid laterally onto the holster and then slid forward to latch the probe into engagement with the holster. The holster is coupled to a vacuum control module by one or more conduits and a power cable. The conduits and/or power cable may be retracted into the vacuum control module. The probe of the biopsy device includes a blade assembly at the distal end. The blade assembly comprises a blade that snaps onto a nosecone via a pair of resilient notched ends. A frictional fitting needle cover can be inserted over the needle and blade assembly to protect the user from the sharp blade.

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 device includes an elongated probe having a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, and an aperture. A tissue penetrating tip includes a proximal base secured to the distal end of the probe. A sharp distal point distal to the proximal base lies on the central longitudinal axis. Each of a first, second and third concave surface is configured to extend from the base to the sharp distal point. The second concave surface is located to intersect the first concave surface to form a first curved cutting edge. A third concave surface is located to intersect the first concave surface to form a second curved cutting edge and is located to intersect the second concave surface to form a third curved cutting edge. Each curved cutting edge extends from the base to the sharp distal point. A tissue cutting device is coaxial with the probe.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to a biopsy device configured to engage target tissue within a patient and to remove a sample of the target tissue from the patient. The biopsy device comprises an elongate catheter configured to be inserted into a patient. A coring component is disposed at the distal end of the catheter to sample the target tissue.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of full-core biopsy needles having an outer needle component and a middle cannula through a lumen in the outer component, through which a mandrel may be placed. The outer component includes an internal boss that reduces its internal diameter, and the cannula includes fingers that extend distally. When the needle is inserted for biopsy, tissue enters the outer component and cannula. Moving the cannula forward causes the fingers to engage a surface of the internal boss, resulting in the fingers curving into the tissue. The fingers pinch the tissue while reducing or eliminating compression of the sample to provide an easier removal of the tissue from adjacent tissue, as well as providing a block or backstop keeping the tissue within the needle. Gaps are provided between the fingers to further reduce damage to the tissue sample.

Abstract: There is disclosed, among other things, embodiments of a biopsy needle for taking a full core sample through soft tissue. In the illustrated embodiments, the needle includes a single monolithic tubular member having a notch cut part-way through a distal portion of the tubular member to form an arch-shaped finger. At least a portion of the finger is bent toward the notch and into the lumen of the tubular member. Methods for using these embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A bone biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a mouth with a cutting edge to section a frustule of spongy bone, a plate mounted slidably within the cannula and provided with a semi-cylindrical portion at its distal end, and a stylet mounted slidably within the plate and provided with a pointed tip which protrudes from the mouth of the cannula to pierce the compact part of the bone. The mouth of the cannula has on its inside a narrowing and the semi-cylindrical part of the plate has at its distal end at least one pair of opposed circumferential sets of teeth adapted to bend radially inwards when they encounter the narrowing of the mouth, to clasp the base of the sectioned frustule and allow extraction of the frustule by the plate while the cannula is kept at the operating site, allowing aspiration of marrow after the frustule has been removed.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy targeting assembly, a needle, and a biopsy device. The biopsy targeting assembly includes a cradle. The needle is releasably supported by the targeting assembly. The biopsy device includes a body having a tissue collection assembly and a cutter. The cutter is translatable relative to the body and extends distally from the body. The cradle of the targeting assembly releasably supports the body of the biopsy device distally of the tissue collection assembly. The biopsy device translates a distal portion of the cutter within the needle with the needle supported by the targeting assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device (10) for taking at least one sample of soft tissue from an organ, said device comprising a body (11) and a needle (12) arranged in the body and extending at least partly outside the body through the front end of the body, the needle is formed by a stylet (13) and a cannula (14) coaxial with said stylet, said device comprising a mechanism for arming the needle, designed for sequentially moving the stylet (13) and then the cannula (14) from a rest position to a shooting position wherein the stylet and the cannula are retracted towards the rear end of the body, and a triggering mechanism designed to release the stylet then the cannula and to allow their displacement from the shooting position to the rest position, the cannula being coupled to a cannula slider comprising at least one retaining element for engaging with the cannula slider in a shooting position, the stylet being coupled to a stylet slider (30) comprising at least one retaining element (32) for engaging with the s

Abstract: This invention relates to a device (10) for taking at least one sample of soft tissue from an organ, said device comprising a body (11) and a needle (12) arranged in the body and extending at least partly outside the body through the front end of the body, the needle is formed by a stylet and a cannula coaxial with said stylet. The device comprises a mechanism for arming the needle, designed for sequentially moving the stylet and then the cannula from a rest position to a shooting position wherein the stylet and the cannula are retracted towards the rear end of the body, and a triggering mechanism designed to release the stylet then the cannula and to allow their displacement from the shooting position to the rest position. The cannula is coupled to a cannula slider (24) comprising at least one retaining element (26) for maintaining the cannula slider in a shooting position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to safety neural injection systems and related methods of use comprising a cannula, with or without a side port, and a stylet, defined by a first inside diameter, a first outside diameter, a first length, and an open distal end in fluid communication with the inside and outside of the hollow cannula wherein the medicament is administered with the stylet inserted at least partially within the cannula.

Abstract: Methods and devices are illustrated for improving a partial-core biopsy device whereby inner mandrel deflection and flexibility is reduced, the volume of space available for tissue collection is increased, and tissue migration is reduced.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a coring and transport assembly and a distal beak assembly. The distal beak assembly may be coupled to or near a distal end of the coring and transport assembly and may comprise at least one movable cutting element. The distal beak assembly may be configured to rotate about an axis, and assume at least a first open configuration operative to enable the at least one cutting element to core through tissue and a second closed configuration operative to enable the at least one cutting element to move through the tissue and to sever a cored specimen from the tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides for a biopsy device comprising a body, a cutting edge, and at least one of; a movable safety cover, a depth adjustment member, and an arrangement for moving the cutting edge relative to a skin engaging surface.

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: A safety device for shielding a sharp tip of a tubular needle includes a shaft sized and shaped for being received into the passage of the tubular needle through a first end of the passage and extending to a second end of the passage. A shield is associated with the shaft and is constructed for receiving and substantially shielding the sharp tip of the needle. A catch is associated with the shaft. The catch prevents the withdrawal of the shaft from the passage of the needle when the shield is shielding the sharp tip of the needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that includes a housing maintaining a stylet and a cannula, a control device operable to actuate the stylet and the cannula with respect to the housing and a removable handle coupleable to the control device to load the stylet and the cannula, wherein the handle is configured to modify the device from to a loading configuration a delivery configuration such that the device has a reduced profile for obtaining a tissue sample.

Abstract: An anatomical-positioning apparatus for acquiring mechanical data from a tissue to facilitate determining type of the tissue and transition between different tissues and cavities. The anatomical-positioning apparatus includes a cannula, having a tip an expandable device having a contracted form size and an expanded form size, wherein the expanded form size is substantially larger than the contracted form size. The anatomical-positioning apparatus further includes an introducer, having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, facilitating the introduction of the expandable device into the tissue, the expandable device being in a contracted state, an expanding-mechanism for expanding and contracting the expandable device, and a sensor for measuring physical parameters associated with the expandable device. An aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for acquiring mechanical data from a tissue by an expandable device, while the expandable device exerts pressure onto portions of the tissue.

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: 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.