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.

Abstract: A flexible biopsy needle assembly includes a flexible coring stylet that is slidably disposed within a flexible outer cannula. The stylet includes an elongated body, a tip, a sampling notch adjacent to the tip, and at least one ferrule along the length of the body. The cannula includes an elongated tubular body defining a lumen sized for sliding passage of the stylet, a cutting edge at the opening of the lumen, and an array of slits along the length of its body. The slits are sized to allow the diameter of the ferrule(s) to extend partially therein. The slits and ferrule(s) interact to limit or control the flexibility of the cannula at the location of the slits.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises an elongate needle having a piercing tip, a lateral aperture, and one or more echogenic features. In some versions, a dimpled surface provides the one or more echogenic features. The dimples may be concave or convex. In some versions, the piercing tip comprises a blade, and the one or more echogenic features are provided by openings formed transversely through the blade. In some versions, the one or more echogenic features are provided by serrations of the blade. Such serrations may be jagged or rounded. In some versions, the piercing tip is multi-faceted, and the facets of the tip provide the one or more echogenic features. A coagulant may also be provided on the needle. The piercing tip of the needle may rotate relative to other portions of the needle to facilitate insertion of the needle in tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus comprises an outer cannula with a resilient excising finger and an inner cannula received within the outer cannula. The excising finger is flexible to extend toward the longitudinal axis of the outer cannula. The outer cannula can be rotated relative to the inner cannula so that the excising finger can excise a biopsy sample from a surrounding tissue mass. The inner cannula can be provided with a spoon portion for supporting the biopsy sample.

Abstract: A biopsy system for retrieving biopsy tissue samples from different regions of the body is disclosed. The biopsy system includes a single use loading unit having a trocar assembly and a knife assembly. A trocar driver is operably connected to the trocar assembly and is actuable to move a trocar between retracted and advanced positions. The trocar driver is disengaged from the trocar assembly prior to firing the trocar into a target tissue mass to reduce drag on the trocar during firing. A knife driver is operably connected to the knife assembly such that when actuated, a knife is both rotatably and axially advanced about the trocar.

Abstract: A catheter includes a catheter shaft, an expandable member coupled to an outer surface of the catheter shaft, and a needle having a distal end portion disposed on an outer side of the catheter shaft adjacent the expandable member. The expandable member is selectively radially expandable from the radial perimeter of the catheter for making contact with a body lumen wall. The needle is configured to extend laterally from the outer side of the catheter shaft at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. The needle contacts the expandable member during the selective radial expansion of the expandable member such that the non-zero angle of the extended needle is controlled by the expansion of the expandable member. The radial center of the expandable member can be eccentrically arranged with respect to a longitudinal axis of the catheter. The expandable member can include at least one opening for allowing bodily fluid or gas (e.g.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus 10 is described that includes a guide 12 and a set of needles 14. Guide 12 preferably has an approximately conical shape with a decreasing diameter in the distal direction. A plurality of lumens 32 extend between a distal end portion 18 and a proximal end portion 20 of guide 12. Lumens 32 have distal openings 34 in distal end portion 18 and proximal openings in proximal end portion 20. Lumens 32 are acute and oblique to the longitudinal axis and diverge from each other and the central longitudinal axis as they extend distally from distal openings 34. Needles 14 have a tubular wall 60 and are slidingly positionable in lumens 32. Needles 14 include a longitudinal section 80 of tubular wall 60 that has a plurality of apertures 72 that decrease in size in the proximal direction. Apertures 72 define an approximately conically shaped area of harvest. Aspiration apparatus 10 can connect to an external source of reduced pressure through guide 12 or directly to each needle 14.

Abstract: A system for treating a lesion site of a patient is disclosed. The system includes a cannula having a lumen, a conduit in communication with said lumen, an introducer stylet removably disposed within said cannula, a resecting device selectively insertable within said cannula, and an adjuvant treatment device selectively insertable within said cannula.

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.

Abstract: Articulating laryngoscope to aid in the intubation of patients by providing illumination of the oral cavity and trachea during the process having, for example, ‘fingers’ with fiber optic lights at the ends and at joints of the fingers, fingers spread open or ‘flower’ when the device is deployed, gently retracting and compressing soft tissues in the oral cavity and providing medical professionals with much better illumination of the passageway they are addressing, constructed from a malleable material, including rubber, plastics/polymers, and carbon fiber, instead of hard metal. The fingers may have multiple light sources to ensure a flooding of the patient's oropharynx with light. Some versions might have fiber-optic cameras connected to one or more fingers for use in teaching and research, and one might have suction capability to facilitate removal of solids and fluids, one embodiment can have at least one finger with a scalpel at its distal end.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cutting and collecting a specimen from a mass of tissue. The device may include an integrated cut and collect assembly. The integrated cut and collect assembly includes a cutting portion and a collection portion that includes a flexible membrane. The collection portion of the assembly is attached to the cutting portion thereof. The cutting portion is configured to cut the specimen from the mass of tissue and the collection portion is configured to collect the cut specimen and to encapsulate and isolate the cut specimen within the membrane to enable its safe retraction from the mass of tissue.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration assembly including an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The inner cannula is moved only radially about a longitudinal axis thereof with respect to the outer cannula to selectively align inner openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the inner cannula with outer openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the outer cannula to permit aspiration therethrough.

Abstract: A needle for insertion into a living body along a tortuous path comprises an elongate body extending between a proximal end which, during use, remains external to the body and a distal end which, when in an operative configuration, is positioned adjacent to a target structure within the body, a distal portion of the needle including a lumen extending therethrough to a tissue receiving opening at the distal end, the lumen having an inner diameter of at least 0.035 inches and a bending stiffness no greater than 0.08 Nm2.

Abstract: A disposable tissue removal device comprises a “tube within a tube” cutting element mounted to a handpiece. The inner cannula of the cutting element defines an inner lumen and terminates in an inwardly beveled, razor-sharp cutting edge. The inner cannula is driven by both a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. At the end of its stroke, the inner cannula makes contact with the cutting board to completely sever the tissue. An aspiration vacuum is applied to the inner lumen to aspirate excised tissue through the inner cannula and into a collection trap that is removably mounted to the handpiece. The rotary and reciprocating motors are hydraulically powered through a foot pedal operated hydraulic circuit. The entire biopsy device is configured to be disposable. In one embodiment, the cutting element includes a cannula hub that can be connected to a fluid source, such as a valve-controlled saline bag.

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 biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a needle tip protector. The needle tip protector is selectively attachable to the biopsy device before and/or after a procedure, to protect a user from contact with the sharp needle and to prevent the needle from damage during handling. In some versions, the needle tip protector may be placed on, and removed from, the biopsy device with the user's hands remaining proximal from the distal end of the needle. In some versions, the needle tip protector substantially seals the lateral aperture of the needle such that the needle can be primed before a procedure. In some versions, the needle tip protector includes one or more living hinges for selectively securing the needle tip protector to the biopsy device; or for actuating the needle tip protector to shield or expose the distal end of the needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a housing, a needle, a cutter, and an integral needle tip protector. The integral needle tip protector comprises a cover that translates relative to the housing to selectively shield all or a portion of the needle to protect a user from contact with the sharp needle and to prevent the needle from damage during handling. The integral needle tip protector may be used to shield the needle before and/or after a biopsy procedure. The integral needle tip protector is designed such that it can be controlled with the user's hands remaining proximal from the distal end of the needle. In some versions, the integral needle tip protector is designed with an unfolding distal portion unfold or resiliently expanding distal portion.

Abstract: A needle set is disclosed for biopsy devices including spring-loaded core (SLC) and vacuum assisted spring-loaded core (VASLC) biopsy devices. The needle set comprises a stylet defining an open proximal end, at least two tissue receiving openings at a distal end thereof and a lumen extending from the open proximal end to the at least two tissue receiving openings, wherein the tissue receiving openings are in fluid communication with the lumen. The needle set further comprises a cannula defining an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The cannula is slidably mounted over the stylet such that the cannula and stylet are movable relative to one another between respective first and second positions. And the cannula is adapted to sever tissue residing in the tissue-receiving openings in a single cutting stroke to obtain at least two biopsy cores.

Abstract: In a device for tissue extraction from a breast, a needle mount accommodating a biopsy needle can be placed by a connection element such that no regions of the breast that are to be examined by x-rays are occluded by parts of the device during an x-ray image acquisition.

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: The invention relates to a device for sampling tissue from an animal, said device cooperating with a sampling and/or marking tool and comprising sampling means provided with at least one cutting element for placing next to an end of a needle-forming element of the tool, and enabling a sample to be taken from the tissue. According to the invention, the sampling means comprise an assembly and protection element arranged in the extension of the cutting element and extending over at least a substantial part of the needle when the sampling means are fixed to the tool.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for removal of bone marrow tissue from a patient's body. The method generally comprises the steps of providing an apparatus comprising an elongate member for receiving bone marrow tissue. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The apparatus further comprises an elongate tissue removal member for conveying bone marrow tissue through the lumen. The tissue removal member is rotatably disposed within the lumen. The method further comprises gathering a sample of said tissue into said lumen; and conveying with said tissue removal member at least a portion of the tissue sample proximally along said lumen. The step of gathering may be accomplished by advancing the apparatus through the tissue.

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 configured such that the inner needle does not extend past a certain point within the outer needle.

Abstract: A needle assembly and delivery system for biopsying tissue of a patient includes a flexible biopsy needle, a cannula for receiving and supporting the biopsy needle, and a guide assembly which defines at least one guide assembly for receiving, guiding, and orienting the flexible biopsy needle and cannula through an angle of at least forty degrees through the needle guide assembly to a fixed orientation and position for biopsying tissue of the patient. The biopsy needle includes a sampling section which has smooth or rounded edges, a bending section which has a first circular cross-section, and a body portion proximal of the bending section which has a second circular cross-section larger than the first circular cross-section. The flexible biopsy needle, cannula, and guide assembly may be used with a biopsy ultrasound delivery system which includes an ultrasonic probe and a biopsy gun.

Abstract: Clinical information, molecular information and/or computer-generated morphometric information is used in a predictive model for predicting the occurrence of a medical condition. In an embodiment, a model predicts whether a disease (e.g., prostate cancer) is likely to progress in a patient after radiation therapy. In some embodiments, the molecular and computer-generated morphometric information is obtained through computer analysis of tissue obtained from the patient via a needle biopsy at diagnosis and before treatment of the patent with radiation therapy.

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

Abstract: A method for obtaining a full thickness biopsy of the wall of a hollow organ, comprising obtaining an apparatus comprising a cannula comprising a proximal cannula end comprising a cutting edge; and a distal cannula end comprising a biased spring, the biased spring being coupled to a needle carrier and a releasable lock; and a needle disposed within the cannula and carried on the needle carrier, the needle comprising: a tip; a flange; a notch portion comprising a notch thickness; and a shaft comprising a shaft thickness; where the shaft thickness is greater than the notch thickness and the releasable lock is configured to hold the cannula in a withdrawn position relative to the needle; obtaining a patient having skin, a first wall, and a second wall; creating an incision through the skin of the patient; inserting the apparatus into the incision; advancing the apparatus through the first wall and the second wall; withdrawing the cannula relative to the needle; locking the cannula with the releasable lock; align

Abstract: A core biopsy device comprises an outer cutting cannula in telescoping register with an inner spoon cannula. The outer cutting cannula is provided at a distal end with an arcuate excising blade that is biased radially inwardly to extend beyond the longitudinal axis of the cannula. The inner spoon cannula terminates at a distal end in an arcuate wall to form a biopsy sample spoon for supporting a biopsy sample thereon. The outer cutting cannula can be rotated relative to the inner spoon cannula so that the excising blade can excise the biopsy sample from the surrounding tissue. After removal of the core biopsy device from the tissue, the outer cutting cannula can be retracted away from the inner spoon cannula to reveal the biopsy sample and enable the sample to be removed from the biopsy device in a relatively undisturbed condition.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe assembly and a driver unit. The probe assembly includes a first cannula having a first aperture extending to a lumen proximal to a first distal end of the first cannula. A second cannula has a second aperture extending to a lumen proximal to the second distal end of the second cannula. The second cannula is disposed co-axially with the first cannula. A least one of the first aperture and the second aperture has a cutting edge. The driver unit is configured for releasably mounting the probe assembly. The driver unit is operatively configured to simultaneously rotate the first cannula and the second cannula at different rotational velocities so that the first aperture and the second aperture periodically come into alignment to form a virtual tissue sample aperture.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe that is configured to couple with a holster. The probe comprises a needle, a cutter, and a body portion. The needle is rotatable and translatable relative to the body portion. The holster has a locking feature that is configured to prevent the needle from rotating relative to the body portion upon coupling of the probe with the holster. The locking feature may also be configured to prevent the needle from translating relative to the body portion upon coupling of the probe with the holster. The same probe may thus be used with a holster intended for use in a fixture-based, stereotactic setting, in which rotation and translation of the needle may be desired; and with a holster intended for use in a handheld, ultrasound-guided setting, in which rotation and translation of the needle may be less desired if not undesirable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biopsy device consisting of an inner cannula (4) and an outer hollow tube (1), a handle (7) which may be removably attached to the outer hollow tube, a locking system to secure the inner cannula and/or the attenuator in the outer hollow tube, and characterized in that the tip of the outer hollow tube is ellipse shaped and extends beyond the inner cannula, the latter ending in a blunt edge. The blunted tip of the outer hollow tube together with the sharpened ending of the inner cannula determines the cutting edge of the device. In combination the distal ends of inner cannula and outer hollow tube determine the biopsy depth size and shape of the biopsy sample in a reproducible way. In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the inner cannula can be controlled, allowing varying the aforementioned sample parameters as desired.

Abstract: A guided medical propulsion capsule driven by strong electro-magnetic interaction between an external AC/DC magnetic gradient-lobe generator and a set of uniquely magnetized ferrous-conductive elements contained within the capsule. The capsule is navigated through the lumens and cavities of the human body wirelessly and without any physical contact for medical diagnostic, drug delivery, or other procedures with the magnetically guiding field generator external to the human body. The capsule is equipped with at least two sets of magnetic rings, disks and/or plates each possessing anisotropic magnetic properties. The external magnetic gradient fields provide the gradient forces and rotational torques on the internal conductive and magnetic elements needed to make the capsule move, tilt, and rotate in the body lumens and cavities according to the commands of an operator.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of surgical instruments. The inventive trocar (1) is of the type comprising a rigid tube (2) wherein may slide a rod (3) with a perforating distal tip, and it is characterized in the distal tip zone of the rod forms a perforating drill capable of rotating on its axis while the distal end of the tube is divided into at least two segments (10, 11), with helical cutting edge. The invention is applicable in particular to bone biopsy.

Abstract: The bone marrow harvesting drill of the invention includes an inner needle having a cutting edge at the tip thereof; a tubular mantle that receives the inner needle thereinto so that the inner needle and the tubular mantle are detachably attached; and a lock mechanism that prevents the axial rotation of the tubular mantle and the inner needle relative to each other; the inner needle having a groove formed at the tip thereof projecting from the tubular mantle for discharging bone scraps produced by the cutting edge at the tip of the inner needle; and the tubular mantle having a cutting edge formed at the tip edge thereof and a helical groove extending from the tip edge to at least part of the peripheral surface of the tubular mantle so as to be flush with the groove of the inner needle.

Abstract: L-cells may be introduced in the gastrointestinal tract. L-cells are used in the digestive process to produce a more efficient and lasting means of regulating feelings of satiation in a patient. Desired metabolic effects may be achieved by manipulating L-cells via delivery sites, frequency of delivery, or type of biological substance delivered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone marrow extractor. The bone marrow extractor of the present invention has an outer needle rod with a case having an upper portion and a lower portion in communication with each other. The case has a front end with a crushing blade and a rear portion with a stopper groove. An inner needle rod which has a main body having a front end with a crushing blade and a rear portion with a connector is inserted into the outer needle rod. The main body of the inner needle rod has an outer surface from which a stopper lever is protruded. The front end of the main body of the inner needle rod is protruded from the front end of the case of the outer needle rod when the stopper lever is fitted into the stopper groove. The inner needle rod and the outer needle rod cooperate with each other to crush bones through a rotation when the head of a driving means coupled to the connector operates.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a longitudinal element extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lumen extending therethrough and a stylet extending through the lumen along a longitudinal axis thereof and including a tissue receiving structure formed in a surface thereof, the tissue receiving structure being located so that, when the device is in a closed configuration, the tissue receiving structure faces an inner wall of the longitudinal element. The stylet is movable between a tissue capture configuration in which the tissue receiving structure is exposed to receive target tissue and the closed configuration in combination with an actuator coupled to one of the stylet and the longitudinal element for moving one of the stylet and the longitudinal element proximally while the other of the stylet and the longitudinal element is held substantially stationary to sever tissue received within the tissue receiving cavity from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A site marker delivery system is provided that may be used in combination with a tissue cutting device for marking a biopsy site. The system includes a tube attached to a hub. A push-rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The push-rod is advanced forward through the lumen of the tube causing a marker seated within the tube to be deployed at a biopsy site.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting and processing apparatus comprises a body and a distally extending needle. The needle includes an aperture configured to receive tissue. A tissue cutting member is movable relative to the needle to sever a specimen from tissue protruding through the aperture. A tissue processor is operable to mince tissue severed by the tissue cutting member. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. The medical fluid mixture may be expelled through an applier tip coupled with the body. The tissue processor may comprise a mincing die such that tissue specimens are minced upon being extruded through the mincing die. The tissue processor may comprise a blade that cooperates with a sliding press. The tissue processor may comprise auger blade sections that cooperate with inwardly extending pins. A mixing piston may mix the minced tissue with the medical fluid component.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting and processing apparatus comprises a body and a distally extending needle. The needle includes an aperture configured to receive tissue. A tissue cutting member is movable relative to the needle to sever a specimen from tissue protruding through the aperture. The tissue cutting member is further operable to mince the severed tissue specimen. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. A plunger may expel the medical fluid mixture from the needle. An applier tip may be coupled with the needle to facilitate administration of the medical fluid mixture at a target site in a patient. The needle may comprise a cannula with a needle adapter, which be removed from the cannula to allow the applier tip to be coupled with the cannula. The tissue cutting member may comprise a perforated disc or tube with inwardly projecting blades.

Abstract: A flexible biopsy needle assembly includes a flexible coring stylet that is slidably disposed within a flexible outer cannula. The stylet includes an elongated body, a tip, a sampling notch adjacent to the tip, and at least one ferrule along the length of the body. The cannula includes an elongated tubular body defining a lumen sized for sliding passage of the stylet, a cutting edge at the opening of the lumen, and an array of slits along the length of its body. The slits are sized to allow the diameter of the ferrule(s) to extend partially therein. The slits and ferrule(s) interact to limit or control the flexibility of the cannula at the location of the slits.

Abstract: An integrated surgical anchor/localization sensor is disclosed. The anchor is adapted to be secured to an anatomical structure and contains a sensor housing. A receiver is located within the sensor housing and is adapted to sense reference signals generated by a surgical guidance system. A transmitter, connected to the receiver, conveys to a processor signals received by the receiver, so that the signals transmitted by the receiver are indicative of a current position of the anchor. Various other structures and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sampling tool for isolating and collecting a tissue biopsy includes a hollow sampling cylinder that includes a first end and an opposing second end. The first end being a sharpened, annular cutting edge and a central bore extending completely from the first end to the second end. An outer surface of the sampling cylinder includes a modified gripping surface. The sampling tool also includes a plunger having a first end and a second end. The plunger includes a shaft portion that terminates in the first end. The plunger has a handle portion at the second end that has greater dimensions than the shaft portion. The plunger includes an air evacuation feature in the form of an air evacuation channel that extends from one end of the plunger to the other end and is open at both ends.

Abstract: An integrated disposable includes a test strip and a lancet packet coupled to the test strip. The lancet packet includes a sterility sheet enclosing at least a portion of a lancet to maintain the sterility of the lancet. The lancet packet and the sterility sheet, in particular, allow the lancet to be sterilized separately from the test strip. The lancet in one form is incorporated into a lancet tape that is sterilized in a continuous, reel-to-reel sterilization process. The lancet tape in one form is sterilized using an electron beam sterilization process. With electron beam sterilization, sterilization is enhanced by irradiating both sides of the tape with electron beams. Sterilization can adversely affect chemical reagents in the test strip. To alleviate this chemistry degradation issue, the lancet packet is attached to the test strip after the lancet is sterilized.

Abstract: A biopsy device for harvesting tissue samples from a body of a living being, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, 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 means for communicating with the control system.

Abstract: A catheter device has an elongate body and a chamber positioned within the elongate body. The chamber has a chamber opening, and a barrier, such as a gate, moves over the chamber opening. The barrier moves between an uncovered position uncovering the chamber opening and a covered position covering the chamber opening. The catheter has at least one cutting edge by the chamber opening. In particular, the at least one cutting edge may be on the barrier, where the at least one cutting edge is guided over the chamber opening with movement of the barrier between the uncovered position and the covered position. The cutting edge cuts away a fibrin sheath blocking the chamber opening. The catheter may have multiple chambers connected by channels that allow the chambers to be flushed to prevent microbial colonization.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter and a probe body. A cutter rotation and translation mechanism may include a sleeve that is secured to the cutter, a nut that is secured to the body, and first and second gears. The sleeve includes portion having external threads and a portion having external flats. The nut has internal threads that are configured to engage the threads of the sleeve, such that the cutter translates longitudinally when the sleeve rotates within the nut. The threads have a fine pitch (e.g., 40-50 threads per inch). The first gear is slid onto the portion of the sleeve that has flats, and is configured to rotate with the sleeve yet translate along the sleeve. The second gear is coupled with a motor. The second gear is configured to mesh with the first gear to rotate the sleeve, thereby concomitantly rotating and translating the cutter.

Abstract: A medical targeting and device introduction system includes an introducer having a cannula, and a hub. The cannula is defined, at least in part, by an inner lumen. The hub includes a latch to releasably secure the hub to a biopsy device. The hub includes a proximal end and a distal end. The latch extends from the proximal end, and the hemostatic valve is interposed within the introducer.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for extracting and macerating tissue, and optionally for depositing the tissue onto a tissue scaffold. The device generally includes an outer tube having a substantially open distal end that is adapted to be placed on and preferably to form a seal with a tissue surface, and a shaft rotatably disposed within the outer tube and movable between a first, proximal position in which the shaft is fully disposed within the outer tube, and a second, distal position in which a portion of a distal end of the shaft extends through the opening in the distal end of the outer tube. The device also includes a tissue harvesting tip formed on the distal end of the shaft that is effective to excise a tissue sample when the shaft is moved to the distal position, and a cutting member that is coupled to the shaft at a position proximal to the tissue harvesting tip. The cutting member is effective to macerate a tissue sample excised by the tissue harvesting tip.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transplanting tissue for the purpose of regeneration, for treating a patient having injured myocardial tissue, and/or for improving cardiac function through cell regrowth. More specifically, the devices and methods obviate the need for cellular alteration. The devices comprise a hollow tube with a sharp distal end, a stylet that is disposed and movable within the hollow tube, and a stopping device that constrains movement of the stylet. The methods comprise removing intact tissue from a first region of a mammalian organ and implanting the tissue in a second region of the same organ.