Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of a polymer coating comprising or consisting of polymer chains comprising or consisting of units of 2-methoxyethyl acrylate synthesized by Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (SI ATRP) such as ARGET SI ATRP or AGET SI ATRP and uses of said polymer coating.

Abstract: The device is used to remove tissue from a patient and to also place a marker in the patient. The device has an opening through which tissue enters the device. The tissue, which enters the opening is cut and the tissue is removed. The device may be used a number of times to remove a number of tissue masses. The device also includes a marker, which the user may release in the patient at the desired time.

Abstract: A self-contained hand-held biopsy device includes a hollow needle having a distal end portion with a circumferential cutting edge. A sample-receiving device is received in the hollow needle, and has a tapered distal tip and a cavity configured to receive a tissue sample. The sample-receiving device is configured to move in the hollow needle between a first extended position and a second retracted position. A transport device is configured to move the sample-receiving device relative to the hollow needle. A liquid supply unit is configured to operatively connect to the cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is in the second retracted position and is configured to deliver a flow of the flushing liquid to the cavity to facilitate tissue sample ejection from the cavity. The liquid supply unit is disconnected from the cavity of the sample-receiving device when the sample-receiving device is in the first extended position.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle capable of taking samples of varying size. In particular embodiments, a user selects one of a plurality of sample-size settings, which sets the needle to a particular cannula throw-length by moving an internal wall against which a spring engages. For a shorter throw, the wall is in a forward position and the cannula is retracted the smaller amount to compress the spring. For a longer throw, the wall is in a rearward position and the cannula is retracted a larger amount to compress the spring.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a first cannula having a first aperture, a second cannula having a second aperture, and a driver unit. The second cannula is disposed co-axially with the first cannula. At least one of the first aperture and the second aperture has a cutting edge. The driver unit has a ratchet drive mechanism operatively coupled to the first cannula and the second cannula. The ratchet drive mechanism includes a first gear fixedly attached to the first cannula. A second gear is fixedly attached to the second cannula. A torsion spring has a first end portion connected to the first gear and a second end portion connected to the second gear. The torsion spring stores energy which when released drivably rotates one of the first gear and the second gear relative to the other of the first gear and the second gear.

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

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, and a cutter actuation mechanism. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter actuation mechanism rotates and translates the cutter relative to the body and relative to the needle. The cutter has an overmold presenting a lead screw and a hex portion. The cutter actuation mechanism comprises a first gear disposed about the hex portion of the overmold and a second gear engaged with the lead screw of the overmold by a nut that is integral with the second gear. The cutter actuation mechanism is operable to simultaneously rotate the first gear relative to the body at a first rotational speed and the second gear relative to the body at a second rotational speed. With the lead screw and the nut rotating at different rotational speeds, the lead screw rotates relative to the nut at a third rotational speed.

Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal tissue in a patient including an introducer cannula having a proximal opening and a distal opening. The system further includes a surgical instrument configured for selective insertion through the cannula. The surgical instrument further includes a tissue cutting opening positioned relative to the distal end of the introducer cannula when fully inserted through the introducer cannula. The system also includes a sensor configured to detect at least one property of the tissue of the patient. The sensor is located at a fixed distance relative to the distal end of the introducer cannula when the surgical instrument is inserted into the introducer cannula.

Abstract: Biopsy devices and methods are provided for collecting a sufficiently-sized tissue sample from a region at a known distance by boring into the sample region using simultaneous axial and rotational movement and providing a reduced risk of: over-passing or under-passing the sample sought, injury and trauma to the surrounding tissue area, having to stick the patient more than once, sample contamination, and the user's exposure to sharps.

Abstract: Tissue sampling, processing and injection syringe device and methods of filtering and concentrating cellular components of tissue sample in situ within the device.

Abstract: A device for performing multiple medical procedures comprises a needle extending from a proximal end which remains external to a body during use to a sharpened distal end configured for insertion to a target site within a body via a body lumen. A sheath is slidably receivable over the needle, the sheath extending from a proximal end which remains external to the body during use to a distal end. A stent is slidably received over the sheath, the stent including an anchoring mechanism configured for anchoring in a desired position within the body lumen.

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 exterior of 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. A tip protector can be coupled to the sample size control assembly, and can be engaged by a user to operate the sample size control assembly. Also disclosed is a method for making a biopsy device, including coupling a tip protector to a sample size control assembly.

Abstract: A hand held robotic system that remains stiff so long as it is operating within allowed limits, but which become actively controlled once the operator exceeds those limits. The system thus corrects deviations by more than a predetermined amount of the operator's hand motions, so that the tool remains in the allowed region even when the operator's hand deviates from the planned trajectory. The pose and path of the robotic operating head is ascertained by means of a navigation or tracking system, or by means of a proximity device to measure the closeness of the operating head to a damage sensitive feature. As the tool deviates from its predetermined path or pose, or comes too close to the hazardous area, the robot control acts to move the tool back to its predetermined pose or path, or away from the hazardous region, independently of user's hand movement.

Abstract: A device to distance a breast of a patient between a breast support plate and a compression plate while undergoing a stereotactic biopsy comprises a platform distanced from the breast support plate by a distancing structure connected with the platform when the device is mounted on the breast support plate. The device can be bound to the breast support plate to resist movement of the platform relative to the breast support plate. The platform is formed of a material that permits x-rays to pass through the platform substantially unobstructed such that no artifacts are introduced by the platform during imaging.

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

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

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

Abstract: A 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 method of using a surgical system that includes an outer cannula is disclosed. The method includes removably mounting a surgical device to an adapter. The adapter is secured to a stage. The surgical device and adapter is positioned at a predetermined location for inserting the outer cannula toward a target site in a body. Once positioned in the body, the outer cannula is fired to the target site. At least one tissue sample is taken using the surgical device and tissue samples are harvested from the surgical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biopsy needle wherein the cannula and stylet may be arranged in a locked position, preventing longitudinal movement relative to each other and a reusable biopsy gun comprising means for moving the biopsy needle from its locked position to an unlocked position where the cannula and stylet may be moved in the longitudinal direction relative to each other. The invention furthermore relates to a kit comprising at least one biopsy needle and a biopsy gun as described.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly and biopsy probe mechanism drivably coupled to the driver assembly. The biopsy probe mechanism includes a biopsy cannula having a cylindrical side wall that defines a lumen and has a side port located near a distal end that extends through the side wall to the lumen. A thumbwheel mechanism includes a thumbwheel mounted to the driver assembly to rotate about a first rotational axis, the first rotational axis being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A first gear is mounted to the thumbwheel for coaxial rotation with the thumbwheel about the first rotational axis. A second gear is mounted to the biopsy cannula for coaxial rotation with the biopsy cannula about the longitudinal axis, the second gear being located to be drivably engaged by the first gear. The housing is grasped and the thumbwheel rotated with a single hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopsy needle, a sample extracting unit, a biopsy apparatus, and a biopsy needle control method. The biopsy needle includes an outer tube and an inner tube movably disposed within the outer tube. The inner tube has a plurality of inner openings defined in a side wall thereof. The outer tube has at least one outer opening defined in a side wall thereof. In response to movement of the inner tube, the outer opening selectively overlaps one of the inner openings thereby to define a communication port which communicates with an interior of the inner tube. The biopsy needle is incorporated in the sample extracting unit and the biopsy apparatus, and is controlled by the biopsy control method.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in a tissue removal procedure from a subject is described. The surgical tool has proximal and distal regions and at least one sensor for sensing one or more predetermined conditions located at a distal region of the surgical tool. And a substantially flat signal transmission structure electrically connected with the at least one sensor and extending between the location at the distal region and the proximal region. The signal transmission structure is configured for providing impedance controlled signal transmission between the at least one sensor and the proximal region.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a shuttle valve slider. The needle has a first lumen and a second lumen. The cutter translates relative to the needle. The shuttle valve slider translates in response to translation of the cutter. The shuttle valve slider vents the second lumen when the shuttle valve slider is in a first longitudinal position and substantially seals the second lumen relative to atmospheric air when the shuttle valve slider is in a second longitudinal position. A degree of lost motion is provided between the cutter and the shuttle valve slider, such that the cutter moves the shuttle valve slider only when the cutter moves through a first part of the cutter's range of motion; and such that the cutter does not move the shuttle valve slider when the cutter moves through a second part of the cutter's range of motion.

Abstract: A method of biopsy device operation comprises rotating a first rotating member at a first rotational speed to rotate a cutter. A second rotating member is rotated at a second rotational speed to translate the cutter. The first and second members are rotated simultaneously and in the same direction. The first rotating member rotates with the cutter, while the second rotating member rotates about the first rotating member. The difference between the first and second rotational speeds, as well as threaded engagement between the first and second rotating members, provides the translation of the cutter. A method of biopsy device operation also comprises moving a shuttle valve slider to selectively vent or seal the second lumen of a needle. The shuttle valve slider is responsive to translation of the cutter, though some degree of lost motion is provided between the shuttle valve slider and the cutter.

Abstract: A bone marrow harvesting device includes a flexible bone marrow harvesting needle that can bend during operation to prevent the needle tip from piercing the inner cortical wall of the target bone. The needle defines an aspiration channel that defines an intake end that is recessed to reduce the instances that the aspiration channel will be fouled by bone particles or other debris within the cancellous portion.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for cutting a tissue mass comprising an elongated housing having a distal portion, a rotatable shaft positioned in the elongated housing, and a plurality of flexible electrocautery cutting blades extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of cutting blades are radially expandable from a first position defining a first diameter to a second larger diameter and the blades are rotatable and transmit electrical energy to cut the tissue mass.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for needle biopsy having a novel delivery handle system for interchangeably delivering needles of various sizes to a biopsy site. The delivery handle system is adjustable in length and includes a proximal handle member slideably disposed over a middle handle member, and the middle handle member is slideably disposed over a distal handle member. The proximal handle member includes an inner hub housing component configured to interchangeably receive a needle subassembly that can be inserting into and withdrawn from the proximal handle member. The needle subassembly includes a needle of a plurality of different sizes, a needle luer, a needle hub coupled to a proximal end portion of the needle, and a needle protector subassembly. The needle protector subassembly includes a needle protection hub configured to receive the distal end of a needle.

Abstract: A puncturing device for extracting egg cells for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) includes a puncturing cannula that can be connected by means of a multiway valve to a suction line or a flushing line. The multiway valve is provided with a foot-operated, mechanical or electro-motive drive mechanism for switching the multiway valve from a suction position to a flushing position and vice versa.

Abstract: A biopsy device for tissue collection having a housing and a removable element. A power source is contained within the housing and the removable unit includes a biopsy needle module and a pressure source that can be integrated into the housing such that the biopsy device is fully operational without the need for wires or cables extending from the housing to connect to external units. The biopsy needle module includes a biopsy needle and a cutting sleeve, the biopsy needle having a sharpened distal end and a distal opening for collection of tissue, the cutting sleeve having a cutting blade on its distal end and being coaxially positioned with respect to the biopsy needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, and a cutter. A motor is operable to both move the cutter relative to the needle and actuate a needle firing assembly to retract and fire the needle relative to the body. The biopsy device also includes a needle rotation assembly that is configured to substantially prevent rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a proximal position yet permit rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a distal position. A valve assembly of the biopsy device includes a slider that selectively couples a secondary lumen in the needle with either atmospheric air or saline based on the longitudinal position of the slider. The cutter passes through the slider.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for resecting tissue from the gastrointestinal tract are disclosed. The apparatus can include an RF tissue cutting device disposed inward of a side opening in the device. A tissue stop can be used to control the depth of tissue resected, and the tissue stop can include holes for communicating vacuum for drawing tissue into the side opening. The tissue stop can be electrically grounded with respect to the RF tissue cutting device, and the tissue stop can provide one pole of an RF electrical circuit.

Abstract: A device and method for aligning medical devices is disclosed. A biopsy device having a handpiece, an elongated hollow needle with a lateral tissue receiving port, and an apparatus for providing a guide path, such as a light apparatus, is described. The light apparatus can provide visible light in a generally planar form, and the hollow needle can be aligned with the plane of light provided by the light apparatus. The light guide path provides a visible path along the skin of a patient, and the path can be used to align the needle of the biopsy device with a separate, hand held probe, such as an ultrasound probe used in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that selectively couples with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. To securely and removably fit the targeting cube within a grid plate aperture, the targeting cube also comprises a pair of gripping arms. The gripping arms extend from two opposing faces of the cube and snap fit around the walls of the grid plate to secure the targeting cube in position. The arms are resiliently biased to engage the grid plate.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a mounting structure and a needle mounted on the mounting structure and extending outwardly from the mounting structure. The needle has a longitudinal axis, a sharp end and a central axial passageway. A safety shield is associated with the needle and includes a tubular housing having distal and proximal ends. The distal end of the housing has a funnel-shaped surface. A reset key is configured to engage the distal end of the housing. The reset key includes a support. A shaft extending from the support is adapted for inserting into the distal end the housing. The funnel-shaped surface guides the shaft into the housing to register the reset key with the safety shield.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body having a cannula, a cutter positioned at least partly within the cannula, a tissue collection chamber, and a vacuum source. In one example, the biopsy device includes a cutter loader for rotating the cutter into a loaded position (e.g., open position). A trigger is engaged with a portion of the cutter loader and may be activated to allow the cutter to rotate back to a closed position. During this rotation, the cutter severs a tissue sample, which may thereafter be drawn through the cutter lumen into the tissue collection chamber under the influence of a vacuum created by the vacuum source. The vacuum source includes a piston configured to be operated by squeezing a scissors grip. A user may apply a single stroke or successive strokes to the piston to produce the vacuum.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. A probe and/or other associated components of the biopsy device are configured to selectively couple with the targeting cube, which is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate. The targeting cube may comprise an eccentric lock for securing the targeting cube within the grid plate. The targeting cube may further comprise an elastomeric insert positioned within guide holes of the targeting cube for securing the probe and/or other associated components within the guide hole of the targeting cube. The guide holes of the targeting cube may alternatively, or in addition, include an elastomeric retaining ring within the passageway of the guide hole.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that selectively couples with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the cube. To securely and removably fit the targeting cube within a grid plate aperture, the targeting cube also comprises deflectable projections positioned at the corners of the cube or extending from the faces of the cube. The projections are resiliently biased to extend outwardly, and are inwardly deflectable by the walls of a grid plate aperture to secure the targeting cube in position within the aperture.

Abstract: A holding structure holds a biopsy needle and a HIFU transducer to allow smooth and accurate delivery of the HIFU beam at the interface of the liver, where bleeding will occur. This manipulator structure performs the biopsy and HIFU through the percutaneous approach. In addition, the procedure is imaged by an imaging ultrasound probe. The imaging ultrasound probe can track the needle entry site even when needle has been removed. The HIFU transducer fires a short pulse of HIFU in the needle tract to cause coagulation and stop bleeding.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy needle for insertion into an object to be examined in order to sample tissue of a biopsy region in the object, and a spatial range measuring section, which measures a spatial range within which the biopsy needle is capable of sampling the tissue of the biopsy region, based on an image of a phantom that simulates the object, which is captured after the biopsy needle has been inserted into the phantom and a portion of the phantom has been extracted.

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

Abstract: A device for encapsulating tissue specimens includes a wand assembly, a sheath, and a guide assembly. The guide assembly pulls, draws, or otherwise moves the sheath about the tissue specimen. The wand assembly is disposed proximate to the tissue specimen, typically either adjacent or through the specimen. In an aspect of the encapsulating device, the guide assembly has sheath deployment members that are disposed about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is attached to ends of the sheath deployment members and the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the sheath deployment members are pushed or pulled. The guide assembly is an arm or a housing that rotates about the tissue specimen. The sheath, which is secured at one end to the guide assembly and at another end to the wand assembly, is drawn over the tissue specimen as the guide assembly rotates.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing, a stylet having a portion in the housing, a cannula coaxially receiving the stylet and having a portion in the housing, and a member slidably coupled to the housing. The stylet and the cannula are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The member is configured with first and second bars to move the stylet and the cannula from their extended positions to their retracted positions.

Abstract: Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.

Abstract: A target localizing and marking device is provided including a cannula having proximal and distal ends and a lumen therebetween, and a tip member releasably attached to the distal end, where the tip member includes and outer shell and at least one inner chamber. The device further includes at least one image enhancing component disposed on the outer shell and/or within the at least one inner chamber, at least one marking component disposed in the at least one inner chamber, and a tip member deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism has a manually engageable actuator, a portion of which is dimensioned to slidably pass through the lumen of the cannula, and is operable to separate the tip member from the cannula and deploy the tip member to a predetermined target site. In some implementations, the device is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible and is identifiable under MRI.

Abstract: A system for localizing tissue in a single MRI session is disclosed. The system comprises an MRI compatible localizing obturator selectively insertable through the working channel of an introducer cannula or sheath and configured for insertion through a tissue pathway to a target tissue site. The obturator includes an elongate shaft having open proximal and distal ends and an inner lumen extending between the open proximal and distal ends. At least one MRI image-enhancing component is disposed on and/or within the distal end of the obturator. The system further includes an MRI compatible localizing wire slidable within the inner lumen of the obturator. The wire defines an elongate body having first and second ends and an anchoring member adjacent to one of the first and second ends, the anchoring member adapted to engage tissue so that the wire remains in the patient upon removal of the obturator.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a handle unit, a hollow needle comprised in a disposable unit, which is releasably attached to the handle unit, and a sample-receiving device, which is movable in the hollow needle between two positions. Tissue is severed when the sample-receiving device is in a first one of the positions, and the severed tissue sample is ejected from the sample-receiving device in a second one of the two positions. A control system is provided for controlling movement of the sample-receiving device and for arresting the sample-receiving device in the second position. The distance between the two positions and/or a length of the hollow needle may be detectable in a calibration cycle, which is automatically initiated upon attachment of the disposable unit to the handle unit. The disposable unit may include electronic memory device for communicating with the control system.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder comprises an outer cup and a cap. A tray retains severed tissue samples from a biopsy procedure. In some versions, the tray is selectively detachable from the cap in a one-handed operation by the user. The tray may be ejected into a sample container, such as a formalin cup. The cap may include a threaded portion that is configured to engage a complementary threaded portion of a sample container to seal the sample container once the tissue samples have been transferred to the sample container from the tissue sample holder of the biopsy device. One or more ports may be provided in the cap to manage excess fluid within the outer cup of the tissue sample holder, and/or to provide integrated access for a marker delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health monitoring device for measuring blood or tissue indicators and a strip cassette. The device comprises a body having first and second openings, a piercing means being connected to the body and having a piercing head, the piercing means being arranged to extend from the first opening and cockable and releasable for piercing the skin with the piercing head, and a space into which a number of sensor strips can be arranged so that the strips can be brought out from the body one at a time. The device further comprises a shutter that is functionally connected to the body and has a first position arranged to tightly close the first and second openings, and a second position for allowing one sensor strip to be pushed from the first opening into sampling position and for exposing the first and second openings.