Abstract: A biopsy device includes a lateral member; a gun mount configured to support a biopsy gun, the gun mount being connected to the lateral member and movable along a first axis with respect to the lateral member, and a sensor which detects a position of the gun mount along the first axis with respect to the lateral member and generates positional data which is provided to an interface module. The gun mount can also be reconfigured in orientations which are offset in a dimension which is orthogonal to the first axis, orientations rotationally offset about the first axis or an axis parallel to the first axis. The lateral member can be in right hand and left hand orientations. Various sensors detect these reconfigurations and provide corresponding data to the interface module for additional calculations and display.

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

Abstract: A medical trajectory guide includes a base a configured for alignment with a coordinate system of an imaging device, first and second guide members rotatably attached to the base, a guide sleeve in contact with the first and second guide members, and a locking mechanism attached to the guide sleeve and configured to allow separate movement of the first guide member and the second guide member. The first and second guide members are rotatable about a first and second axis, respectively. The guide sleeve includes a longitudinal axis about which the guide sleeve is prevented from rotating.

Abstract: A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators, including piezoelectric, voice coil, solenoids, pneumatics or fluidics. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated. One exemplary method for detecting this passage is via a fluid-containing syringe that is coupled to a channel within the penetrating member. Once the penetrating member tip has passed through the living tissue, the fluid within the syringe no longer experiences any pressure and a plunger within the syringe displaces indicating passage of the penetrating member tip.

Abstract: An adjustable coaxial needle assembly for placement into a tissue mass prior to a biopsy procedure comprises a guide cannula assembly, a stylet, and a throw calibrator. The stylet is selectively coaxially received by the guide cannula, which is in turn coaxially received by the throw calibrator. The effective length of the guide cannula can be selectively adjusted by moving the throw calibrator relative to the guide cannula to adjust the distance between an open distal end of the guide cannula and a the throw calibrator.

Abstract: A guidable cutting instrument for cutting a tissue specimen from a tissue mass comprises a cannula having a curve formed along a distal portion thereof, and a stylet having a specimen-receiving notch and a curve formed along a distal portion thereof. The stylet is received in the cannula, and is axially extendable therefrom such that the notch is capable of penetrating the tissue mass. The cannula is axially movable over the extended stylet for severing the specimen from the mass for capture in the notch. The cannula and stylet are each structured and arranged for relative rotation between a first position wherein the cannula curve and the stylet curve are in phase to define a curved condition for a length of the cutting instrument, and a second position wherein the cannula curve or stylet curve is rotated relative to the other curve in a manner to define a generally linear condition of the cutting instrument.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes coaxially disposed inner and outer needles in which the outer needle tip is configured for obtaining a tissue sample. The inner surface of the outer needle includes a tissue retention feature which may include a countersink and/or a feature formed in the inner surface. The device may be introduced to a biopsy site through an introducer in which the introducer is vented and/or a certain ratio of introducer inner diameter and biopsy device outer diameter is maintained.

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 biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having one or more chambers that are configured to receive a removable tray including one or more prongs and a bulk chamber of a different volume than the one or more chambers. The housing is releasably engageable with the probe. Each tray prong is configured to receive a tissue sample communicated through the cutter lumen. The tray is removable from the housing, such as along an axial direction. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen. The trays may be flexible, resilient, or rigid.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises a housing, a surgical device and an adapter. The housing includes a distal end. The surgical device comprises, a cutting element extending from the housing at the distal end. The cutting element is selectively rotated and translated relative to a tissue biopsy area. The adapter is configured to selectively and detachably receive the surgical device. The adapter secures the surgical device thereto by at least one latching mechanism such that the surgical device is prevented from moving independently from the adapter.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a biopsy instrument which is useful in removal of tissue or fluid samples from a body, such as bone and soft tissue biopsy procedures. The biopsy instrument is an improvement over other biopsy needles currently in use in that the biopsy instrument according to the instant invention can be used to reduce the pain associated with specimen removal procedures. The biopsy instrument generally comprises an outer cannula and an inner medical probe member. The inner medical probe member is constructed and arranged to contain one or more fluid dispensing members for dispensing a fluid which are in fluid communication with a fluid dispensing device. In this arrangement, the user has the ability to continually inject fluids, such as anesthetizing agents, directly at or near the spot of specimen removal, without the need to remove the surgical instrument or use a separate fluid injecting needle.

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, an inner tubular member having a semi-cylindrical distal end is within and slidable with respect to an outer tubular member. A semi-cylindrical channel is in the distal end, as well as a planar end surface. The channel has a set of one or more protrusions or texture, and a complementary set of protrusions or texture are placed on the inside of the outer member so that the sets of protrusions or texture face each other when the distal ends of the members are adjacent each other. Methods for using these embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Biopsy extraction unit for use in relation to a biopsy device provided with an outer cannula. The biopsy extraction unit is provided with a unit handle, an intermediate part and an elongated sample rod, the rod being offset and essentially parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the biopsy extraction unit, wherein the sample rod is adapted to essentially be positioned along an inner wall of the outer cannula when inserted into said biopsy device.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a cannula and a translating and rotating cutter with respect to the cannula is disclosed. The biopsy device may have a programmable memory for use in operating the cutter. The biopsy device may also include a reservoir, and may be functional to provide a flow of pressurized liquid through the cutter.

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

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.

Abstract: Utilizing the technology and methods disclosed, the characteristics of flexibility and rigidity for intralumenal devices, including coaxial two piece devices such as stylet and needle sets, can be adapted by a physician or device manufacturer according to the type of procedure, the patient size and unique anatomical challenges of a given procedure. Rigidity and flexibility are actively controlled by the operator at predefined portions of a device through rotating the stylet within the cannula to bring about alignments of customized notches to impart target flexibility or rigidity profiles at specific spots on the device. The device operator is able to alter the relationship and orientation of specific notched and non-notched segments of either or both the stylet and cannula that are strategically located at said critical points along the length of the device.

Abstract: A biopsy device for harvesting tissue samples from a suspect tissue mass in a body of a living being, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes a hollow needle and a sample-receiving device, which is movable in the hollow needle. A first user-operable firing mechanism is provided for causing the hollow needle and the sample-receiving device to be substantially simultaneously displaced in a distal direction, so as to penetrate body tissue at or near the suspect tissue mass. A second user-operable firing mechanism may cause the hollow needle solely to be longitudinally displaced in a distal direction from a position, in which the sample-receiving device projects from the distal end of the hollow needle, to a position, in which the hollow needle essentially accommodates the sample-receiving device, so as to sever the tissue sample from remaining body tissue at the harvesting site.

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

Abstract: Processes of preventing tumor cell mestastases induced by surgical procedures such as resection or biopsy are provided. Some embodiments include applying a tissue adhesive to a structure that is then adhered to tissue providing a tensioning surface for exposing normal tissue for cutting thereby preventing contact of a surgical instrument with tumor tissue. Methods of preventing tumor cell metastasis during or following biopsy are also provided whereby an adhesive alone or optionally along with a structure occupy a track left by a biopsy needle and provide a physical barrier between tumor tissue and normal tissue. The inventive processes improve patient outcome by reducing surgically induced tumor cell metastases.

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 which is releasably secured to the driver component. The probe component has 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 driver has drive members for operating the elements of the probe component. The tissue penetrating distal tip preferably has a triple concave curvature shape with three curved cutting edges leading to a sharp distal point.

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: Disclosed is biopsy device that includes a stylet with a sample cavity at the end, a cutting cannula movable over the stylet with a cutting end, a firing mechanism operable to suddenly change the position of the cutting cannula to move the cutting cannula over the sample cavity and a grip from which the stylet and cutting cannula extend, where the grip is held in the palm of one hand with the web of the hand between the index finger and the thumb with the stylet and the cutting cannula oriented along the longitudinal axis of the grip and a trigger on the end of the grip to actuate the firing mechanism, where the trigger is operated by the thumb of the hand gripping the grip to actuate the firing mechanism while the same hand holds the grip in a palm grip.

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: A surgical punch has a cartridge for collecting the resected chips cut off in successive punch cuts. The cartridge is a replaceable disposable commodity. The cartridge consists of a casing and a tooth rail which is guided longitudinally displaceable relative to the casing. Once the cartridge is inserted, the casing is fixed on the upper part of the punch, while the tooth rail is fixed on the lower part of the punch. A transport serration is formed in the casing. The tooth rail has a retaining serration. During the opening and closing movement of the punch, the transport serration and the retaining serration interact as transport mechanism which displaces the cut off resected chips in the cartridge in the proximal direction.

Abstract: Lumenectomy material is tested to determine the efficacy of a test drug in a patient population having a cardiovascular condition. The material is removed from at least a first and a second patient and tested for one or more markers of a cardiovascular condition. The first patient is administered the test drug, and the second patient is administered a placebo. At a later date, more lumenectomy material is removed and tested for the same marker or markers. The presence, absence or amount of the markers is compared in the first patient receiving the drug and the second patient receiving the placebo to determine whether the drug is effective in the patient population. The drugs tested include drugs believed to be effective in treating a cardiovascular condition. The markers used can include any marker that can indicate the effectiveness of the drug being tested.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue-sampling needle is provided including an elongate needle shaft having a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion extends into and is fixedly attached to an inner diameter of a proximal shaft portion lumen. The distal shaft portion lumen is configured for collection of patient tissue by including a distal penetrating tip and/or a side aperture with a cutting edge configured to excise tissue from a target site in a patient body. The proximal shaft portion includes a length of cable tube configured to provide enhanced flexibility in use via an endoscope.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle having a cutting cannula axially slidable over an inner stylet. The inner stylet has a proximal portion connected to a distal portion that includes first and second spaced-apart struts. The distal portion has a tissue penetrating tip and the stylet defines a sample-containment space between the struts having first and second radially opposed lateral openings thereto. The sample-containment space of the stylet readily accepts tissue through either of the lateral openings such that a near full core of tissue can be sampled.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue-sampling needle includes an elongate needle shaft having a proximal and a distal shaft portion. The proximal shaft portion includes an inner tubular core that may be constructed of a same material as the distal shaft potion, having a longer length and a smaller outer diameter than the distal shaft portion. The distal shaft portion extends into and is fixedly attached to an inner diameter of a distal shaft portion lumen. The distal shaft portion lumen is configured for collection of patient tissue, with a distal penetrating tip and/or a side aperture with a cutting edge configured to excise tissue from a target site in a patient body. The proximal shaft portion includes polymer coating around the inner tubular core, which is configured to provide an outer diameter for the proximal shaft portion that may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: A biopsy needle includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The inner cannula includes a distal end and a proximal end, the outer cannula being shaped and dimensioned to closely circumscribe the inner cannula for movement relative thereto. The inner cannula further includes a sample recess at its distal end, the sample recess including a dual cavity recess, wherein a first cavity has a parabolic shape and the second cavity has a circular shape.

Abstract: An adjustable coaxial needle assembly for placement into a tissue mass prior to a biopsy procedure comprises a guide cannula assembly, a stylet, and a throw calibrator. The stylet is selectively coaxially received by the guide cannula, which is in turn coaxially received by the throw calibrator. The effective length of the guide cannula can be selectively adjusted by moving the throw calibrator relative to the guide cannula to adjust the distance between an open distal end of the guide cannula and a the throw calibrator.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises an introducer, a biopsy device having a needle, and a marker applier. The introducer may include a closed distal tip, a lateral aperture, a proximally facing interior wall, and a ramp that guides the closed distal end of a marker applier up and into abutment with the wall as the applier is fed into the introducer. The needle of the biopsy device includes a blunt distal end and features providing clearance for the ramp as the blunt distal end is brought into abutment with the wall when the needle is fed into the introducer. The introducer may alternatively include an open distal end having resiliently biased leaves that bear against an inserted biopsy device needle. In some other versions, a fin projects laterally from the closed distal end of a marker applier, spacing the distal end away from a sidewall region of the introducer cannula.

Abstract: A mechanism for sequentially loading and unloading a biopsy instrument includes a first wheel operatively connected with a cannula, the first wheel being rotatably mounted upon an axle such that the axle urges rotation of the first wheel in a first direction to transfer the cannula and the first wheel to a loaded position, the first wheel being configured for selective rotation with respect to the axle in a second direction to transfer the cannula and the first wheel to an unloaded position. A second wheel is operatively connected with a stylet, the second wheel being configured to be rotated by the axle in the first direction when the first wheel is in the loaded position, the second wheel configured for rotation relative to the axle to transfer the stylet and second wheel from the loaded to unloaded position.

Abstract: A device comprises a needle, probe, holster, and tissue collection chamber. A motor simultaneously powers a vacuum pump, translates and rotates a cutter, and translates a plunger. The needle includes a piercing tip and an interior shelf that divides the needle into a cutter lumen and lateral lumen. The cutter and shelf include apertures configured to mince a portion of a tissue specimen that has been severed by the cutter and forced through the apertures by compressive force from the plunger as well as vacuum force. The apertures of the shelf and the apertures of the rotating cutter cooperate to shear the tissue being compressed by the plunger. The minced tissue is then transported to the tissue collection chamber under vacuum force with the assistance of a fluid flush. Collected minced tissue may then be further processed as desired for a given medical treatment or procedure.

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: 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: Lumenectomy material is tested to determine the presence or likelihood of a condition of a patient. The lumenectomy material is in the form of at least one continuous tissue strand collected in vivo from an inner surface of a body lumen of the patient. The presence of at least one marker of a disease is determined. The disease may be hypertension, hyperlipidemia, depression, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, kidney damage, or diabetes. The patient is identified as having or as likely to develop the disease if a marker of the disease is identified in the lumenectomy material of the patient.

Abstract: A cryogenic biopsy device is configured to provide thin, frozen tissue samples, which may be viewed under a microscope and selected for biomarker analysis. The device is configured to provide slices which are less than 50 micrometers in thickness, while snap-freezing the tissue and maintaining the sample in a deep-frozen state until it reaches the pathology lab for further processing. Alternatively, thicker slices can be harvested by the device and additional sectioning can be done in the pathology lab by using cryomicrotome. The device of the present invention may be used in rigid instruments and in flexible devices, such as endoscopes, for example, and may be suitable for single use or multiple use.

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: Using the linear forces that are provided by an electromagnetic solenoid applied near the distal end of a medical catheter, various surgical instruments can be actuated or deployed for use in interventional medicine. The linear actuator uses the principles of magnetic repulsion and attraction as a means for moving a bobbin that can be attached to various types of moving components that translate linear movements into the actuation of a tool that is attached to the linear actuator. Using independent solenoid coils, movement modality is increased from two possible positions to three.

Abstract: A biopsy device may comprise a probe assembly that has a needle assembly extending distally from the probe assembly. The needle assembly has a needle portion and blade assembly. The blade assembly comprises a blade and a multi-member coupling assembly. The multi-member coupling assembly is configured to couple to the blade and to the needle portion to attach the blade to the needle portion. In one configuration the multi-member coupling assembly comprises two coupling members configure to couple to the blade. The blade may be a flat blade that has a retention channel formed therein, wherein the two coupling members may couple to the blade at the retention channel. The needle portion may comprise a needle and a cutter receiving tube. The needle may be an ovular cross-sectioned tube having a cut-out portion into which a circular cross-sectioned cutter receiving tube may be inserted and coupled thereto.

Abstract: A self-contained hand-held biopsy needle has various features relating to automated sampling and recovery. Among the disclosed features are ones suited to fully-disposable single-use automatic biopsy devices, such as light weight, low cost, and simple design.

Abstract: The end-effector (150) includes a sheath (152) and a medical device or needle carrier (154) that is disposed within the interior compartment (160) of the sheath. Aperture (162) is located in a portion of the sheath proximal a distal end of the sheath that is inserted into a natural or artificial cavity. This device is guided by a real-time imager.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, and a cutter operable to sever tissue protruding through a lateral aperture of the needle. A vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the cutter. A fluid pump is in fluid communication with the needle. A fluid pump actuation assembly is operable to actuate the fluid pump to deliver a bolus of fluid to the needle based on movement of the cutter. A valve assembly responsive to cutter movement is operable to selectively couple the needle with the fluid pump, couple the needle with atmospheric air, or seal the needle relative to the fluid pump and atmospheric air. The fluid from the fluid pump and atmospheric air cooperate with the vacuum to urge severed tissue samples proximally through the cutter. Components operable to actuate the cutter and the fluid pump include coaxial lead screws having different pitch diameters.

Abstract: A spiral biopsy needle includes an elongated outer sleeve. A sampling tool having a penetrating tip, a grasping region and a helical thread collection region adjacent the tip is inserted into the outer sleeve. A spacer element is received on the tool between the grasping portion and the penetrating tip. When the sampling tool is inserted into the sleeve with the spacer element in place the penetrating tip extends beyond the outer sleeve end, but the collection region does not extend beyond the end. When the spacer element is removed and the sampling tool is further inserted into the sleeve, the sampling tool collection region extends beyond the outer sleeve free end for collection of a tissue sample. A method for obtaining a tissue sample is also disclosed.

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 method and a device are disclosed for the treatment of pneumothorax (air leak) or other similar medical pathologic conditions necessitating percutaneous (through skin) access by a channeling or conduit device, such as a syringe or tube. In various embodiments, a flexible sheath with peripheral holes, an entry orifice, and an end hole is used to enclose and channel a guide needle or other channeling device to evacuate air or fluid from around organs or within body cavities. The flexible sheath may further be used for providing access by relatively larger tubes into body cavities. Still further, the flexible sheath may be used for infusing blood or other coagulant to seal trauma sites within body cavities, or to deliver medicine or other material to a target site within the body.

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 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.