Abstract: Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a handle and a flexible catheter, the handle having a bore, the proximal end of the catheter being fixed within the handle bore. A protective tubular hub having a flared distal end is press-fit coaxially within the distal end of the catheter, the distal end of the catheter being sealed around the distal end of the hub so as to define a distal opening. A hollow needle having a sharp tip at its distal end is disposed within the catheter, the needle tip being sized for insertion through the distal opening of the catheter. The distal end of a flexible wire is coupled to the proximal end of the needle, the proximal end of the wire extending through the handle bore and coupled to a button slide accessible through a slot in the handle.

Abstract: An electrosurgical biopsy device includes a stylet and a cannula movably mounted on a base. The stylet has a shaft with a head at its distal end and a stylet ablation element extending distally from the head. The stylet shaft is disposed through the cannula for axial translation therein between withdrawn and extended positions. In use, the stylet and the cannula are pushed through the skin and the underlying tissue until the stylet head is adjacent a targeted tissue mass. Next, the stylet is extended distally from the distal end of the cannula so that its head penetrates the tissue mass. The cannula ablation element is then activated, and the cannula is pushed through the tissue mass toward the stylet head, thereby cutting a “core” through the tissue mass that is captured as a tissue specimen within the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A device for biopsy of body tissue. The device is driven by liquid CO2, and is provided with a control system to control various components to effectuate rotating core biopsies.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient, particularly a breast of a patient, is provided. The apparatus generally includes a handpiece and a tissue removal mechanism connected thereto. The tissue removal mechanism includes a cannula having an open distal tip and an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm, or less than about 2 mm. The mechanism further includes a rotatable element having a distal portion with helical threading. The distal portion of the rotatable element extends beyond the open distal tip of the cannula in order to allow tissue to prolapse between turns of the helical threading. The apparatus is designed to draw soft tissue into the cannula upon rotation of the rotatable element and without the need for supplemental sources of aspiration.

Abstract: A biopsy gun and surgical instrument for practical and innovative sample collecting of biopsies in the field of medical diagnosis. The biopsy gun and surgical instrument contains an interchangeable connector system which allows for the usage of needles of the most diversified models, sizes and diameters existing in the market. The biopsy gun and surgical instrument enables usage of such various needles without the need to change the whole grip of the biopsy gun.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.

Abstract: A device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separate a tissue specimen from the tissue site. The device includes a probe member having a tissue penetrating distal tip having a plurality of concaved surfaces which form curved cutting edges at the intersection of adjacent concave surfaces. The probe member has an inner lumen which when subjected to a vacuum, secures tissue for the specimen to the surface of a distal tubular section of the probe which may be off-set from a central longitudinal axis. A circular tissue-cutting blade is configured to move longitudinally to sever a tissue specimen from tissue secured to the surface of the distal tubular section by the application of a vacuum to the inner lumen of the probe.

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

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump in the handpiece may provide a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A pressure pump in the handpiece may also provide pressurized air to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor in the handpiece may drive the vacuum pump, the pressure pump, and/or the cutter. A vacuum sensor may sense a vacuum level within the biopsy device, and cause initiation of operational cycles in response to sensed vacuum levels. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first battery-powered motor; and a cutter, pressure pump, and vacuum pump by a second battery-powered motor. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum, pressurized air, and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.

Abstract: A capsule medical device includes a capsule-shaped casing that can be introduced into an in-vivo region of a subject; and a rotation driving unit that generates torque along a circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing. The capsule medical device also includes a cutting-obtaining unit that rotates along the circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing due to the torque to cut out and obtain a mass of body tissue from the in-vivo region of the subject.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.

Abstract: A tissue sampling device (10) for retrieving one or more tissue samples from a patient is either handheld or mounted to a moveable carriage (184) and advanced so that the needle tip (152) is introduced into the patient. The needle tip (152) is advanced until the tissue receiving basket (154) reaches the tissue sample target zone (190). Vacuum pressure is supplied to the basket (154) via a vacuum tube (144) so that tissue to be sampled is drawn into the basket (154). The cutter (42) is rotated and advanced linearly to cut a tissue sample (212) which is then retrieved by retracting the needle (40).

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing, a cutting element, a spool, a piston, and a spring. The cutting element extends from the housing at the distal end of the housing. The cutting element comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The spool is engaged with the outer cannula. The piston is engaged with the inner cannula. A spring is positioned between the spool and the piston. The spool is translated distally to translate the outer cannula towards the distal end. And the piston translates the inner cannula towards the distal end to sever tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy device having an insert and related method are disclosed. The insert permits a user to obtain a tissue sample surrounding a center core(s) of removed tissue. The additional tissue provides an effective evaluation of whether all the desired tissue has been excised and a determination of whether an acceptable margin of healthy tissue has been removed.

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: A biopsy apparatus including a housing having a distal end, an outer cannula, an inner cannula, at least one motor, a vacuum source, and a leak path is disclosed. The outer cannula defines a first inner lumen having an open proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough that communicates with a tissue receiving opening. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within the first inner lumen and defines a second inner lumen that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the first inner lumen. The motor moves the inner cannula within the outer cannula. The vacuum source in fluid communication with the second inner lumen, aspirates tissue through the second inner lumen. The leak path is in communication with the atmosphere and is positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first and second inner lumens to relieve vacuum behind tissue that is being aspirated though the second inner lumen.

Abstract: Featured is an apparatus that places or locates a proximal end portion of a penetrating member in a target area of a body. Such an apparatus or needle driver is particularly suited for locating a percutaneous needle in a soft tissue target area of a body particularly a body having inhomogeneous soft tissues. The apparatus includes a first arm that is configured and arranged so as to support a distal portion of the penetrating member and a first drive mechanism that is coupled to the first arm. The first drive mechanism is configured and arranged to move or translate the first arm from an initial position to any of a number of other positions that are spaced from the initial position and correspondingly translate the proximal end portion of the penetrating member.

Abstract: Electrosurgical tissue specimen recovery apparatus and system employing a multi-leaf capture component configured with pursing cables which are electrosurgically excited to define a cutting leading edge. To complete a capture, the cables are loaded in tension to purse and thus converge the tips of the capture component leafs together. The forward regions of the leafs are configured with a combination of a thin flat stainless steel region over which a polymeric cable guide is positioned. The polymeric cable guide and stainless steel leaf driving combination improves frictional aspects as well as the resulting aspect ratio of a recovered tissue specimen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for varying the size of a tissue sample in a biopsy device are disclosed. The biopsy device includes a needle with a tissue aperture and an inner cutter which translates within the needle. The inner cutter may be controlled to selectively block the aperture thereby varying the sample size. A half cylindrical sleeve may be resiliently attached to the exterior of the needle in order to block the aperture. The sleeve includes gripping flanges on its bottom surface, and a beveled distal tip configured to avoid damage from the inner cutter. The distal tip may include an inner metallic guide or may be heightened to avoid contact with the cutter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biopsy instrument with improved needle penetration for piercing dense tissue. The device may comprise a needle slidably retained in a housing. The device may further comprise an actuation member that may be adapted to communicate longitudinal motion to the needle in a first direction. The device may further include a propulsion element that provides the needle with return motion in a second direction. The device may be fired multiple times to create repeating reciprocal motion. In one version, the device may reciprocate several times as a result of a single engagement of the actuation member.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery are described. The instruments have parts that are easily separable and easily assembled. A reciprocal slide member is operable by a cam portion of a lever received in a slot in the slide member. There is no mechanical connection between the lever and the slide member. The slide member is connected to elongate surgical implement components that extend through an elongate support member. The elongate surgical implement components are capable of reciprocal movement in the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the elongate surgical implements can be used for measuring distances arthroscopically; these surgical implements can have beveled ends for more precise measurement of distances. The surgical instrument can be modular, with separate tool and actuator modules. The surgical instrument can be used with any implement that can be operated by reciprocal motion.

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 device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue, at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument with an internal specimen collection mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A skin penetrating system includes a housing member and a penetrating member positioned in the housing member. An analyte detecting member is coupled to a sample chamber. The analyte detecting member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in a body fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of a body fluid disposed in the sample chamber. A tip of the penetrating member is configured to extend through an opening of the sample chamber.

Abstract: A device for biopsy of body tissue. The device is driven by liquid CO2, and is provided with a control system to control various components to effectuate rotating core biopsies.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit and other components are provided for the operation of a medical device. The pneumatic circuit provides controlled pressurized air to a medical device for use during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A handheld biopsy device is provided for the collection of soft tissue samples from a surgical patient. In a preferred embodiment, the biopsy device comprises a handpiece, a fluid collection system, and a power transmission source. The handpiece is configured for grasping by a single hand, and being independently manipulatable by hand for movement of the instrument toward and away from the patient. An elongated piercer extends from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer has a sharpened distal end for entering the tissue and a port located proximal to the sharpened distal end for receiving a portion of tissue mass. An elongated cutter is disposed coaxially relative to a piercer lumen of the piercer. A distal blade of the cutter slides distally past the port of the piercer to severe the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The cutter is retracted to a most proximal position for removal of the tissue portion from a cutter lumen of the cutter.

Abstract: A device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. An analyte detecting member is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the penetrating member. The detection member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 mL of the fluid.

Abstract: A biopsy device is provided. The biopsy device can include a cutter which is advanced through a first portion of its stroke by a differential fluid pressure acting on a piston. A mechanical drive can be used to translate and rotate the cutter during tissue severing.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method for operating the biopsy device are disclosed. The method of operating the biopsy device can include varying the translational speed of a cutter independently of the speed of a motor driving translation of the cutter. The method can also include providing close loop control of a fluid system, such as a vacuum system, associated with the biopsy device. The method can also include control of a cutter motor including comparing an actual motor current with a predetermined motor current.

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 biopsy device having an insert and related method are disclosed. The insert permits a user to obtain a tissue sample surrounding a center core(s) of removed tissue. The additional tissue provides an effective evaluation of whether all the desired tissue has been excised and a determination of whether an acceptable margin of healthy tissue has been removed.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing.

Abstract: A vibration assisted needle device is disclosed for use in medical procedures such as needle aspiration biopsies. Reciprocation of the needle, such as a biopsy needle, eases the advance of the needle through tissue, penetration of the site of interest and the collection of sample at a site of interest. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber, a needle support external to the chamber for supporting a needle and a mechanism in the chamber for causing reciprocatory motion of the needle support. The needle support is preferably external to the housing. A syringe support may be connected to the housing for supporting a syringe. The reciprocatory mechanism may comprise means for converting rotational motion into reciprocating motion, such as a bearing or a rotor with a circumferential, angled groove on its surface, coupled to the needle support. The bearing or the rotor may be driven by a rotational motor, preferably located outside of the housing, or by a hydraulically driven turbine within the housing.

Abstract: A biopsy probe for the collection of at least one soft tissue sample from a surgical patient. The biopsy probe has a frame and an elongated piercing element having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the frame and a sharpened distal end for piercing tissue. The piercing element has a lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The probe also includes an elongated cutter disposed coaxially and slidably within the lumen of the piercing element. The cutter has a distal end for cutting a tissue sample, a proximal end and a body connecting the distal and proximal ends, wherein at least a portion of the body comprises a flexible member.

Abstract: A method of controlling a surgical cutting device, the device including a hollow needle with a port for tissue entry and a moveable cutting blade for severing tissue entering the needle through the port, the blade being movable between a first portion enabling tissue entry through the port and a second portion closing the port, the tissue entering the needle being severed as the blade moves between the first and second portions, the method includes the steps: a) providing vacuum to the hollow needle to cause tissue entry into the needle through the port; b) moving the blade from the first portion to the second position to sever the tissue entering the needle; c) evacuating severed tissue from the needle by vacuum; d) reducing vacuum to the needle before moving the blade from the second position to the first position; and repeating steps (a) through (d).

Abstract: A tissue sampling device (10) for retrieving one or more tissue samples from a patient is either handheld or mounted to a moveable carriage (184) and advanced so that the needle tip (152) is introduced into the patient. The needle tip (152) is advanced until the tissue receiving basket (154) reaches the tissue sample target zone (190). Vacuum pressure is supplied to the basket (154) via a vacuum tube (144) so that tissue to be sampled is drawn into the basket (154). The cutter (42) is rotated and advanced linearly to cut a tissue sample (212) which is then retrieved by retracting the needle (40).

Abstract: An excisional biopsy device and method are disclosed. The device can include a probe housing having a rotatable RF loop cutter mounted at the distal end of the probe, and the RF loop cutter can include at least one electrode supplied with an RF actuating signal for cutting tissue. A rotational drive and specimen containment sheath can also be included.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing.

Abstract: A surgical biopsy system is provided for removing at least one tissue sample from a surgical patient. The surgical biopsy system comprises an elongated, hollow piercer and a cutter rotatably and axially positionable relative to the piercer. The piercer has a lateral port for receiving the tissue sample into the piercer. The surgical biopsy system further comprises a power transmission source operatively connected to the cutter for rotating and translating the cutter, a control unit, and a display mounted in a display frame for showing an operator a plurality of operational modes of the surgical biopsy system. The surgical biopsy system further comprises at least one control button operatively connected to the control unit by a circuit and remotely located from the control unit. The operator may actuate the control button(s) to select any one of the operational modes and the selected operational mode is visually identifiable on the display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cable driven surgical biopsy device wherein a transmission assembly is disposed at a proximal end of the biopsy device. The transmission assembly being adapted to convert rotational motion of a cable entering the biopsy device of a substantially right angle into rotational energy to drive the axial cutter in the biopsy device.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device is provided that includes an outer cannula defining an outer lumen and a tissue-receiving opening adjacent a distal end of the outer cannula in communication with the outer lumen. An inner cannula is slidably disposed within the outer lumen and defines an inner lumen from an open distal end to an open opposite proximal end. The inner cannula includes a cutting edge at the open distal end operable to sever tissue projecting through the tissue receiving opening. A first hydraulic rotary motor is operably coupled to the inner cannula to rotate the inner cannula within the outer cannula. A second hydraulic reciprocating motor is operably coupled to the inner cannula to translate the inner cannula within the outer cannula while the inner cannula rotates. A hydraulic system provides the first and second hydraulic motors in communication with a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A surgical biopsy system is provided for removing at least one tissue sample from a surgical patient. The surgical biopsy system comprises an elongated, hollow piercer and a cutter rotatably and axially positionable relative to the piercer. The piercer has a lateral port for receiving the tissue sample into the piercer. The surgical biopsy system further comprises a power transmission source operatively connected to the cutter for rotating and translating the cutter, a control unit, and a display mounted in a display frame for showing an operator a plurality of operational modes of the surgical biopsy system. The surgical biopsy system further comprises at least one control button operatively connected to the control unit by a circuit and remotely located from the control unit. The operator may actuate the control button(s) to select any one of the operational modes and the selected operational mode is visually identifiable on the display.

Abstract: The invention described herein is an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine. The biopsy instrument described herein incorporates incorporates a firing mechanism to rapidly advance the biopsy probe into the breast.

Abstract: A vibration assisted needle device is disclosed for use in medical procedures, such as needle aspiration biopsies. Reciprocation of the needle, such as a biopsy needle, eases the advance of the needle through tissue, penetration of the site of interest and the collection of sample at a site of interest. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber, a needle support external to the chamber for supporting a needle and a mechanism in the chamber for causing reciprocatory motion of the needle support. The needle support is preferably external to the housing. A syringe support may be connected to the housing for supporting a syringe. The reciprocatory mechanism may comprise means for converting rotational motion into reciprocating motion, such as a bearing or a rotor with a circumferential, angled groove on its surface, coupled to the needle support. The bearing or the rotor may be driven by a rotational motor, preferably located outside of the housing, or by a hydraulically driven turbine within the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing portions of bone marrow from a bone is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a hollow drive shaft operable to engage a gear assembly. The hollow drive shaft includes a first end operable to penetrate the bone and a second end operable to allow retrieval of portions of bone and bone marrow. The apparatus also includes a removable trocar. The removable trocar includes an inner channel operable to convey portions of bone and bone marrow. The gear assembly is able to engage and rotate the hollow drive shaft. A motor operable to drive the hollow drive shaft into the bone marrow by rotation of the hollow drive shaft and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor are also included.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cable driven surgical biopsy device wherein a transmission assembly is disposed at a proximal end of the biopsy device. The transmission assembly being adapted to convert rotational motion of a cable entering the biopsy device of a substantially right angle into rotational energy to drive the axial cutter in the biopsy device.