Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly and an obturator. The probe assembly comprises a cannula having a closed distal end configured to penetrate tissue, an open proximal end, a first lumen in fluid communication with the open proximal end, and a side aperture located proximal to the closed distal end. The side aperture is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The obturator is removably insertable in the first lumen through the open proximal end. The obturator is configured to substantially block the side aperture when the obturator is inserted in the first lumen. The probe assembly may be inserted in a patient's tissue (e.g., breast) with the obturator disposed in the cannula to block the side aperture. The obturator may then be removed, and a cutter may be advanced through the cannula to sever tissue protruding through the side aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to an operation device especially intended to proceed with an operation inside the body of a living being. This device (10) comprises a control handle and a flexible element (12) provided with a proximal end connected to this control handle. The flexible element (12) comprises at a distal end (14), a steerable area comprising a rigid head. The control handle comprises a control lever arranged for controlling said steerable area (17) of this flexible element. The device of the invention is characterized in that the flexible element (12) comprises at its distal end (14), a retractable tool (21), and this retractable tool being arranged to be operated by said control handle.

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 treatment tool includes: an elongated flexible insertion part, a treatment part which is disposed at a distal end part of the insertion part, a first operation member which is attached to the treatment part and is moved to the insertion part so as to operate the treatment part, a second operation member of which a distal end is attached to the first sheath, a third sheath formed with a smaller diameter than the first sheath, an operation part main body which is attached to a proximal end part of the third sheath, a first operation part which is provided in the main body of the operation part and attached to a proximal end part of the first operation member, and a second operation part which is provided in the operation part main body and attached to a proximal end part of the second operation member.

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

Abstract: A 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 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. A fluid-containing syringe may be 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. This motion can provide direct tactile feedback to an operator of the medical device or can automatically open a switch providing electrical power to the medical device.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter distally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

Abstract: Biopsy devices and methods useful with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) are disclosed. A biopsy device including a flexible tube having a side aperture, and a PET or BSGI imageable material disposed within the flexible tube is disclosed. A biopsy method is disclosed that includes advancing a flexible tube having a PET or BSGI imageable material distally through the biopsy device. Various other embodiments and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A biopsy device for harvesting tissue samples from a body of a living being, e.g. in percutaneous aspiration biopsy, includes an outer needle and a sample-receiving device for receiving a severed tissue sample, the sample-receiving device being movable in the hollow needle. The device includes a transport device for moving the sample-receiving device in the hollow needle, the transport device comprising a bendable elongate element, such as a steel wire, a toothed wire made from e.g. a plastics material or a Bowden cable capable of pushing and pulling the sample-receiving device in distal and proximal directions, respectively. A coiling device is provided for the bendable elongate element. The bendable elongate element and the coiling device may be included in a disposable unit, which is attachable to a hand-held unit including a motor for driving the transport device. Orientation means are provided for appropriately orienting the sample-receiving device with respect to the hollow needle.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.

Abstract: An excisional device may comprise an introducer comprising a distal trough portion and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may comprise an axial band element configured to selectively bow out of and away from the distal trough portion and to retract into the distal trough portion and a helical cutting element wound around the axial band element. A rotating drum may be provided to cause the cutting assembly to selectively rotate, bow and retract according to a mechanically-driven first cutting profile that is defined by a shape of a channel formed in the drum. An optical guidance projector assembly may be coupled to the excisional device and may be configured to visually indicate when a distal portion of the excisional device is aligned with an imaging plane of an imaging probe and in a desired position.

Abstract: A system for marking a non-human biological object and removing a sample of the biological object, which object is in particular an animal, comprising: a first tag part (1), a second tag part (2), a pin (3), a sample container (10) and, a sample removing stopper (20) the system further including a functional compound arranged within a compartment of the system such that said functional compound is in communication with said sample when said sample has been introduced into the sample container.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy and delivery device may comprise one or more rotating, penetrating and cutting rod elements. The rod elements may be configured to advance from a stored and confined first position and rotate about an axis, while being simultaneously revolved about a central axis. The rod elements may then assume a second released and expanded configuration that is operative to cut around and surround target tissue. In this manner, the rod elements are operative to move through the surrounding tissue to create a volume of revolution and to sever and capture the target tissue contained within the volume of revolution from the surrounding tissue. The severed and captured volume of revolution containing the target issue may then be removed.

Abstract: A guide block configured to be inserted into an opening of a grid-like breast receiving pressure plate to guide a tissue-removing device to a desired location within a patient's breast. The guide block includes a body having a body length between a proximal face and a distal face. The body length has a plurality of sides configured in a polygonal arrangement that corresponds to a shape of the opening in the grid-like breast receiving pressure plate. Each of a first guide passageway and a second guide passageway extends within the polygonal arrangement. The second guide passageway is coextensive with and configured to overlap the first guide passageway in a direction of extent of the plurality of sides to form a longitudinal opening between the first guide passageway and the second guide passageway that extends from the proximal face to the distal face.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

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.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for removing a subsurface sample of a biological tissue while leaving the overlying tissue substantially undamaged. A hollow needle can be provided that includes an opening in the wall and a protruding cutting edge adjacent to the opening. A sliding sleeve can be provided over a portion of the needle. The needle and sleeve can be advanced into the tissue such that the cutting edge is deeper than the distal end of the sleeve. The needle may then be withdrawn while holding the sleeve stationary, such that a sample is severed by the cutting edge and directed into the hollow needle through the opening, until the cutting edge reaches the end of the sleeve. The sleeve and needle containing the sample can then be withdrawn from the tissue together.

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 cannula arrangement includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner tube. A sealing element is mounted at the proximal end of the outer tube. The sealing element has a projecting portion that projects proximally from the proximal end of the outer tube. The projecting portion has a projecting end that has an interior edge to contact the outer surface of the inner tube.

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 a plurality of chambers that are configured to receive a plurality of strips connected by at least one flexible member. The flexible member is configured to permit the strips to pivot relative to each other such that the strips can shift between a flat configuration and a arcuate configuration. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen such that tissue samples may be collected in the strips. The strips may be removed from the tissue sample holder and placed in a tissue sample holder container for imaging of tissue samples.

Abstract: This disclosure includes various embodiments of couplers for coupling intraosseous (IO) devices and drivers, and various embodiments of drivers and kits.

Abstract: A medical device for collecting cells includes a delivery tube having a flexible wire disposed within a lumen of the tube. The flexible wire includes a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. The flexible distal portion includes a cell collecting portion that can be advanced out of the needle and into a body cavity. The flexible nature of the wire will allow it to generally fill the body cavity to increase the contacted surface area and the amount of cells that are collected. The wire can then be retracted back into the needle for removal from the patient's body.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle system in which the needle is capable of obtaining more than one length of sample. Generally, the needle includes an inner stylet, an outer cannula, and a handle connected to the stylet and cannula. The stylet has a notch that is extendable from the cannula to accommodate a tissue sample. An insert member is provided for attachment to the handle to make the amount of exposed notch smaller. Consequently, when the insert member is not attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a larger sample of tissue, and when the insert member is attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a smaller sample of tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.

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: Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the minimally invasive removal of tissue biopsies and to facilitate the direct approach to anesthetizing the chest wall, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. A pull-type cutting device 1 comprises two coaxially nested tubes, each extending from a proximal end 21 to a distal end 22. The first tube 61 defines a guide wire lumen 23 for slidingly receiving a guide wire. The second tube 63 extends over the first tube 60 and coupled thereto at the distal end 22 defining an expandable portion 13 adjacent the distal end 22. The second tube 63 defines an inflation lumen 25 extending from the shaft proximal end 21 to the expandable portion 13. The inflation lumen 25 communicates inflation fluid from the proximal end 21 to the expandable portion 13 so as to inflate and deploy the expandable portion 13.

Abstract: Intraosseous needle sets (e.g., cannulas and stylets) and kits comprising the same, such as those, for example, having a non-circular bore and configured to receive a sample from a target area (e.g., a cortex, a sternum, a humerus, and/or the like).

Abstract: In a radiographic image capturing apparatus, an object to be examined is compressed and secured between a compression plate and an image capturing base, at a position off-center from a central position of the image capturing base near a subject in a direction along the subject. An opening is defined in the compression plate so as to confront the object to be examined in the off-center position. The radiation source irradiates the object to be examined as well as the opening with radiation from a central angle of the radiation source, which is aligned with a vertical axis of the image capturing base, and which passes through the central position from a predetermined angle that is angularly spaced from the central angle about the central position.

Abstract: A needle assembly (10) includes a needle (14) attached to mounting structure (12), and is used to insert the needle into the body of a patient. A depth stop unit (50) of the needle assembly provides a stop surface (58) to limit the distance the needle can be inserted into the body. The depth stop unit may include a depth stop (52) that is adjustable to selectively change the depth to which the needle can be inserted. The entire depth stop unit can be removed from the needle assembly to permit the full length of the needle to penetrate into the body.

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: A notched tissue-collection needle configured similarly to a fine-needle-aspiration needle is provided with a cutting edge disposed in the notch and configured to excise tissue into the notch for collection. A stylet may be provided through a lumen of the needle during introduction into a patient body. The needle may be provided with echogenicity-enhancing features. A coated-wire sheath through which the needle is slidably disposed includes an overcoating that is thicker along a distal length and thinner along a proximal length.

Abstract: A biopsy needle comprises a first lumen open to a tissue penetrating distal tip of the needle for receiving a tissue sample therein and a second lumen in combination with a filter separating the first and second lumens from one another, the filter being configured to permit fluids to pass therethrough while preventing the sampled tissue from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly and an obturator. The probe assembly comprises a cannula having a closed distal end configured to penetrate tissue, an open proximal end, a first lumen in fluid communication with the open proximal end, and a side aperture located proximal to the closed distal end. The side aperture is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The obturator is removably insertable in the first lumen through the open proximal end. The obturator is configured to substantially block the side aperture when the obturator is inserted in the first lumen. The probe assembly may be inserted in a patient's tissue (e.g., breast) with the obturator disposed in the cannula to block the side aperture. The obturator may then be removed, and a cutter may be advanced through the cannula to sever tissue protruding through the side aperture.

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

Abstract: A biopsy syringe for excising tissue from skin and hair comprising a syringe for numbing the area to be excised coupled to a sleeve mounted on said syringe with a blade attached to distal edge of said sleeve. Said sleeve is manually slidable from an extended position where the needle is hidden within to a retracted potion where the needle is exposed.

Abstract: A method for coregistering images involves defining middle paths through image objects depicting tissue slices of needle biopsies. First landmarks are defined on a first middle path through a first image object in a first digital image of a first tissue slice, and second landmarks are defined on a second middle path through a second image object of a second digital image of a second tissue slice. Individual first landmarks are associated with individual second landmarks. A first pixel in the first object is coregistered with a second pixel in the second object using multiple first and second landmarks. The first image is displayed in a first frame on a graphical user interface, and the second image is displayed in a second frame such that the first pixel is centered in the first frame, the second pixel is centered in the second frame, and the images have the same orientations.

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 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: The invention relates to a device and a method for a medical intervention on a patient. The device provided for carrying out the method comprises a medical instrument that is to be introduced into a moving body region of the patient, a robot which has a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement and on which the medical instrument can be disposed for guiding, and means for recording the movement of the body region, wherein the medical instrument can be introduced into the body region of the patient by means of the robot taking into account the movement of the body region and guided in the direction of a target tissue in the body of the patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the laparoscopic removal of a superficial cylindrical sample of a human or animal body tissue, comprising:—a tube (1) whose inner diameter determines the diameter of the sample to be removed, and having a cutting edge (12) at its distal end (10),—a grip handle (2), fixed to the tube (1) in the region of a proximal end (11) of said tube(1),—a knife (3) arranged inside the tube (1) and having a cutting edge (31),—a device to actuate the knife (3), comprising an actuating element (22, 41) connected to the grip handle (2) in such a way as to give the knife (3) a helical movement in the direction of a distal end of the tube (1), followed by a rotational movement to detach the sample from 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 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. The full core devices also permit a tighter tolerance between the I.D. and O.D. of the outer cannula and stylet, respectively, which further permits the use of a smaller gage introducer. Full devices also include a sample trap assembly operable to enlarge the sample cavity after the full core sample has been obtained.

Abstract: The current invention presents a tissue sampling apparatus and methods to reliably obtain solid and liquid bone marrow samples in sequence in a single insertion of the apparatus to a target area. The apparatus comprises a proximal handle assembly, a distal cutting assembly and a shaft assembly connecting both assemblies. The handle assembly comprises an upper handle connected to an inner cutting tube and a lower handle connected to an outer cannula. The lower handle transmits axial rotation of the upper handle to longitudinal movement of the inner cutting tube. Axial rotation of an engaged upper handle longitudinally pulls out from the outer cannula the inner cutting tube that spirally holds fast a solid marrow sample inside a distal end of said inner cutting tube. Following acquisition of the solid marrow sample, a liquid marrow sample is aspirated through the outer cannula.

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

Abstract: An impact biopsy device is disclosed. The impact biopsy device may be configured to displace various cutting elements, such as an outer tubular member and cutting element and a cannula to sever a tissue sample from a patient. The impact biopsy device may comprise an actuation system configured to transfer displacement or force to the cutting elements by the impact of an element on another element.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a biopsy of a target volume and a computing device for planning the same are provided. A three-dimensional ultrasound transducer captures ultrasound volume data from the target volume. A three-dimensional registration module registers the ultrasound volume data with supplementary volume data related to the target volume. A biopsy planning module processes the ultrasound volume data and the supplementary volume data in combination in order to develop a biopsy plan for the target volume. A biopsy needle biopsies the target volume in accordance with the biopsy plan.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus can be provided for obtaining portions or samples of tissue from a target region of a biological tissue. One or more needles can be provided that have a small internal diameter, e.g., about 1 mm or less, and the needles can be configured to extract the tissue portions when the needles are inserted into and withdrawn from the tissue. Windows and/or markings can be provided on the wall of the needles to facilitate access to the sample. The needles can be provided in an enclosure, and an actuator can be provided to direct the needles into the tissue and/or withdraw them. A plurality of tissue portions having known relative locations in the target region can be obtained, and extraction of the tissue portions can be well-tolerated by the tissue as compared with conventional punch biopsies or the like.

Abstract: A ligature device for medical treatment has an operating device that has a ligature tool for medical treatment fitted onto a distal end portion thereof. The operating device is provided with a cutting member that is able to move freely backwards and forwards and is used to cut a ligature wire of the ligature tool for medical treatment. A distal end side of the cutting member has an inclined end portion that is inclined relative to the direction of forward and backward movement, and a blade portion is provided in this inclined end portion.

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: A system for delivering a medical instrument into a bodily cavity is provided, including an outer shaft having an aperture in a side wall thereof, wherein the aperture is provided at a distal portion of the outer shaft, an inner shaft positioned inside the outer shaft and having an inflatable balloon disposed at a distal portion thereof, and a needle member movably disposed in the outer shaft, wherein the needle member extends outwardly from the outer shaft through the aperture when the balloon is inflated.