Abstract: The present disclosure provides a female reproductive system sample collector, including a sampling device and an elution preservation device, where the elution preservation device is filled with an elution preservation solution, after sampling is completed, the sampling device is submerged in the elution preservation solution of the elution preservation device and sealed for preservation; the sampling device includes a sampling rod and a sheath; the sampling rod includes an operating rod, a straight rod brush and a ball head brush, an opening and closing cover corresponding to the ball head is disposed at a front end of the sheath, and the opening and closing cover includes four oscillating rods that are hinged with a front port of the sheath and the oscillating rods are connected through thin films. The present disclosure can collect cells or nucleic acids of uterus and ovaries in a uterine cavity, a sampling rod can deform in a shape along an outline of the uterine cavity.

Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for collection and analysis of cells from a body lumen of a patient may include a diagnostics device including a tube having a distal end and a proximal end and a balloon having a first end coupled to the distal end of the tube. The balloon may be disposed in the tube in a first, inverted position and movable to a second, everted position. A push wire may have a distal end coupled to a second end of the balloon. The balloon may be movable from the first inverted position to the second everted position by actuation of the push wire. One or more receptacles may be included for processing a balloon sample. The system may further include at least one of a sample preparation fluid, a sample preservation liquid, or both. The sample may be preparable for cytological analysis.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least three radially-spaced struts, each, each strut connecting the proximal end to the distal end and having one or more bends that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stem is made or a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: A brush-like device that adapts to tangles in hair and allows for easy removal of hair post-groom using uniquely shaped, anisotropic papillae not unlike those found on a feline tongue.

Abstract: A kit for treating vaginal dryness is provided. The kit comprises a hand held applicator and a dispenser or receptacle storing a vaginal care composition.

Abstract: A device for the collection of biological samples comprising a cylindrical body with a proximal end and a distal end. In addition, the cylindrical body includes a tab located within the cylindrical body, between the proximal end and the distal end; and a stop located on the inner surface of the cylindrical body between the proximal end and the distal end. In addition, the device includes a rod located within the cylindrical body, wherein the rod has a proximal tip and a distal tip sticking out from the distal end of the cylindrical body; and a tab located between the proximal tip and the distal tip. Also, the device includes a brush with a distal connection connected to the proximal tip of the rod, wherein the distal connection is located apart from the stop in the proximal direction. On the other hand, when the rod moves longitudinally along the cylindrical body in the proximal direction, the rod connects the flange to the tab.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for Fallopian tube diagnostics. In some embodiments, a tube may have a distal end, and a balloon may be coupled to the distal end of the tube. The balloon may be disposed in the tube in a first, inverted position and movable to a second, everted position. The balloon may be extendable a distance distal of the tube distal end such that a surface of the balloon is contactable with an inner surface of the Fallopian tube. A push wire may have a distal end coupled to a second end of the balloon. The balloon may be movable from the first inverted position to the second everted position by actuation of the push wire. The surface of the balloon may include a plurality of surface features for collection of a tissue sample of the inner surface of the Fallopian tube.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a medical device, and more specifically, to a vaginal surgical apparatus. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes, a vaginal manipulator probe that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe including an end portion that includes a bullous tip and that includes a space that accommodates a cervix therewithin; and at least one prominence incorporated with the vaginal manipulator probe operable to assist with identifying one or more positions of at least one anatomical structure or orienting the vaginal manipulator probe.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for crossing a tissue region may include a catheter and a tip section arranged therewith. The tip section may be configured to puncture the tissue region and create an opening therein, dilate the opening in the tissue region, and pass through the opening.

Abstract: An abrading device and method for irritating and blotting a membrane, particularly the pleural membrane. The method uses a device which is small enough to be inserted and withdrawn through a thoracoport. The device includes a proximal end configured to be gripped by a surgeon and a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient. A stainless steel shaft connects the distal and proximal ends of the abrading device. The distal end includes a series of nylon bristles. The bristles are attached to the device wire wrapped around the distal end of the device. The connecting shaft and wrapped wire are malleable. Once the device is inserted, the surgeon grips the proximal end and manipulates the device so that the series of nylon bristles abrades the walls of the pleural space. Once the abrading process is complete, the surgeon can easily withdraw the device back through the thoracoport.

Abstract: An endoscopic biopsy instrument (1) is disclosed comprising a guide wire (2) arranged in a sheath (3), a drill device (5) arranged at a first end (4) of said guide wire (2), and an actuator (11) for actuating said drill device (5), said actuator being arranged at a second end (10) of said guide wire (2). The drill device (5) comprises an outer tube (6) and an inner cutting device (7). The inner cutting device (7) is slidable and rotatable inside said outer tube (6). The inner cutting device (7) has a helical cutting edge (8). An endoscope comprising such an endoscopic instrument (1) is also disclosed, as well as a method for taking a biopsy sample from a tissue of a subject.

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: Methods and devices for performing minimally invasive procedures useful for Fallopian tube diagnostics are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the proximal os of the Fallopian tube is accessed via an intrauterine approach; an introducer catheter is advanced to cannulate and form a fluid tight seal with the proximal os of the Fallopian tube; a second catheter inside the introducer catheter is provided to track the length of the Fallopian tube and out into the abdominal cavity; a balloon at the end of the second catheter is inflated and the second catheter is retracted until the balloon seals the distal os of the Fallopian tube; irrigation is performed substantially over the length of the Fallopian tube; and the irrigation fluid is recovered for cytology or cell analysis.

Abstract: A cytology sampling system includes a catheter tube and a cytology tool. The catheter tube has open proximal and distal ends. The cytology tool is insertable through the catheter tube and includes a flexible shaft, a brush, and a position sensor. The brush is coupled to a distal end of the flexible shaft. The brush includes a plurality of brush shafts. Each brush shaft has bristles disposed along a portion of a length thereof. The bristles are coupled to and extend radially away from an outer surface of each of the brush shafts. The bristles are configured to collect cell samples from targeted tissue of a patient. The position sensor provides an indication of the location of the position sensor within a luminal structure. The system may include a positioning assembly for placing the distal end of the catheter tube adjacent the target tissue.

Abstract: A cervical tissue sample device for extracting cells from the cervix. A cervical tissue sample device includes a plunger slidably disposed along a longitudinal axis within a barrel. The plunger has a first end with a seal thereon and a second end which includes a plunger flange. A plurality of bristles extends longitudinally from the seal of the plunger. The barrel has a first end with an opening thereon such that the plurality of bristles is exposed therethrough when the plunger is depressed. An outer shroud is disposed about a perimeter of the first end of the plunger and configured to encapsulate the plurality of bristles therein when the plurality of bristles is disposed within the barrel. In this way, a user is able to collect a cervical tissue sample without utilizing a medical professional to extract the cells from the cervix.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cell collection device includes a sample brush including a proximal end, a distal end, and outwardly extending bristles provided at the distal end, and an outer sleeve adapted to receive the sample brush, the sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the sleeve can be linearly slid along the length of the brush to encapsulate the bristles after they have been used to collect cells from a patient.

Abstract: A method of treating a bladder condition is provided. The method is effected by circulating a volume of heated fluid through a urinary bladder of a subject in need and gradually increasing the volume of fluid up to a predetermined fluid volume and or pressure.

Abstract: A cervical cells sampling device includes a tubular sleeve with a first opening and an opposing second opening, an elongate rod having a retractable part with a mounting tip enclosed within the sleeve and a handle section extending out from the sleeve through the second opening. A cell collecting construct with a resilient sheath is stretched to cap onto the mounting tip of the rod and the stretched resilient sheath is in a constant contracting state that the cell collecting construct and portion of the retractable part are allowed to project out, or retract into sleeve, through the first opening by moving the handle section. A stripping member is fabricated within the sleeve to detach the resilient sheath from the mounting tip upon retracting the retractable part into the sleeve up to a predetermined level and the resilient sheath resumes original form once detached from the mounting tip, while prodding the rod back into the sleeve pushes the construct out of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cervical sampling system for collecting a cervical sample for a Pap test. The cervical sampling system includes an insertion tube and an introduction guide member that guides the insertion tube into a vaginal cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a medical device, and more specifically, to a vaginal surgical apparatus. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated handle portion having a first end and a second end; a vaginal manipulator probe that is at least partly insertable into a vagina, the vaginal manipulator probe extending from the elongated handle portion and including an arcuate end portion that is curved away from a longitudinal axis of the vaginal manipulator probe to a tip, the arcuate end portion including a channel that has a diameter that accommodates a cervix therewithin, the tip defined by distention that increases a cross-sectional height between a bottom surface and a top surface of the vaginal manipulator probe; and a disk that is movable along at least a portion of a length of the vaginal manipulator probe.

Abstract: Mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses including an inverting, rolling conveyor region (“tractor”) at the distal end that are configured to grab and remove thrombus material. In particular, described herein are mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses that are adapted to prevent premature deployment of the tractor, e.g., by including a tractor hold (e.g., a housing, a lock, a clamp, etc.) or the like to secure the outer end of the tractor against and/or relative to the elongate inversion support.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic abrasion device and methods of use thereof. The device includes a catheter having an inflation balloon including one or more elements disposed on the balloon for abrasion of tissue when the balloon is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The device may be used to treat and diagnose diseases of the esophageal passage, such as Barrett's disease.

Abstract: Sampling device for samples containing DNA in particular, with a sample-collecting area provided at the free end of an elongate holding device, wherein the sample-collecting area is designed to be separable from the sampling device.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cytology brush may include an elongated shaft including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The cytology brush may also include a plurality of bristles mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. The plurality of bristles may be arranged at least partially around the distal end portion of the elongated shaft, and may be configured to engage tissue. An outer surface of at least one of the bristles may include a micropattern formed by a plurality of protrusions or recesses. The plurality of protrusions or recesses may be separated by one or more gaps.

Abstract: A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from the iliac artery of a patient. The device comprises a flexible, rotatable drive shaft having an elongated proximal portion, an elongated distal portion. An abrasive element is mounted to the drive shaft between the elongated proximal and distal portions of the drive shaft and between and spaced away from a pair of counterweights which are mounted to said elongated portions of the drive shaft. The eccentric abrasive element and the counterweights are configured for rapid rotation together with the drive shaft, the drive shaft is configured to extend throughout an entire length of the iliac artery to be treated. One elongated portion of the drive shaft extends out of the patient through a first access opening located in a femoral artery which is ipsilateral to the treated artery. Another elongated portion of the drive shaft extending through a second access opening located in another peripheral artery of the patient.

Abstract: The catheter includes a hollow shaft, at least one adhering portion provided on an outer surface of the shaft, and plural protrusions arranged on the adhering portion. The protrusions are configured to increase a contact surface area to show adhesive strength due to a Van der Waals force.

Abstract: A subintimal recanalization catheter, including an elongate shaft including a first tubular member and a penetration member slidably disposed in a lumen of the first tubular member. The penetration member includes a distal tip positioned proximal of a distal nose of the first tubular member. The distal nose of the first tubular member includes a ramp and a guide wire lumen extending through the distal nose of the first tubular member. Longitudinal movement of the penetration member relative to the first tubular member causes the penetration member to contact the ramp to direct the distal tip of the penetration member away from the first tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an endoscopic treatment tool which is inserted to a body cavity endoscopically including a wire, a surgical section which is disposed on a first end of the wire and used for treatment inside the body cavity, and an operator section which is disposed on the second end of the wire and moves in conjunction with the wire so as to rotate by a rotary operation; and the movement of the operator section in conjunction with the wire is released upon exerting more than a predetermined torsional load on the wire.

Abstract: A medical device is configured to prevent a member attached to the distal end of an operation wire passing through a catheter from dropping out from an operation wire. The medical device includes an operation wire which passes through a catheter and which is advanceable and retractable toward the axial direction with respect to the catheter, a distal member interlocked on the distal side of the operation wire, and a grasping unit which is interlocked on the proximal side of the operation wire. The medical device also includes a safety mechanism for releasing the interlock between the operation wire and the grasping unit by a load lower than the breaking strength between the operation wire and the distal member.

Abstract: A biopsy device, comprising a flexible coaxial structure, comprising an obturator within a sheath, the obturator being adapted to be displaced with respect to the sheath along the coaxial axis by a force applied at a proximal end; a disruptor, at a distal end of the obturator, adapted to disrupt a tissue surface to free cells therefrom, having a first position covered within the sheath and a second position freely extending beyond the sheath; an element, having a fixed position on the obturator, and a close clearance with respect to an inner surface of the sheath, such that a retraction of the obturator within the sheath causes an associated change in pressure in a space between the obturator distal to the element and the sheath, to thereby draw fluid proximate to an end of the sheath within the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting a sample of exfoliated cells from a colorectal mucosal surface of a human subject which comprises a colorectal insertion member (1) having a distal, insertion end (2), a proximal end (34) and a closable interior cavity (3), a flexible membrane having an outer, cell sampling surface (5) and an inner surface, wherein said membrane is sealingly attached to the distal, insertion end of the insertion member and held within the interior cavity, such that, in use, pressurization of the interior cavity to at least a first elevated pressure causes the membrane to emit from the distal end of the insertion member to make contact with the colorectal mucosal surface and pressurization of the interior cavity to a second reduced pressure causes the membrane to invert and return to the interior cavity of the insertion member. A kit comprising the device and methods of colorectal cell sampling using the device are also described.

Abstract: A sampling catheter encloses a sampling brush which can be selectively extended and retracted from and into the catheter assembly to allow insertion and movement of the catheter while presenting a smooth surface to the body lumen. The selective extension and retraction of the brush allows it to be withdrawn while limiting contamination by contact with tissue outside of the sampled region. The catheter may simultaneously or separately house a cutting tool for slice sampling tissue.

Abstract: A sample collection tool comprises a collection end configured for collecting a sample. Optionally, the sample is collected from within a body cavity of an animal without causing significant discomfort or injury to the animal. A first handle portion has a first end connected to the collection end and a second end. A second handle portion is connected to the second end of the first handle portion by a breakable connection. The second end of the first handle portion has at least one winglet. The at least one winglet is compliant in a preferential direction. The breakable connection is ruptured at least in part when the at least one winglet is forced in the preferential direction.

Abstract: A surgical device can include a tube comprising a wall having a plurality of slits oriented generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tube. Each of the slits may be defined by opposing surfaces. The surgical device can further include a force transmission element coupled to the tube. In a flexible state of the tube, at least some of the opposing surfaces defining respective slits are separated from one another, and in a stiffened state of the tube, a force exerted on the force transmission element causes the opposing surfaces of each slit to contact one another.

Abstract: Devices and methods for profiling microbiota of skin are described which include a microbe profiling device including a device head and a hand-held housing, the device head including an epidermis-engaging component and an access window and configured to dislodge microbes from a skin surface, and the hand-held housing defining an opening aligned with the access window, the hand-held housing including a motor operably coupled to a motivatable component, a substrate disposed in relation to the motivatable component and including a microbe-capture region, a location-capture component to detect a location of one or more regions of the skin surface as the epidermis-engaging component contacts said one or more regions, at least one sensor component to detect one or more signals emitted or reflected from the microbe-capture region, and a computing component including circuitry to associate the location of said one or more regions of the skin surface and the detected one or more signals.

Abstract: Devices and methods for profiling microbiota of skin are described which include a microbe profiling device including a device head and a hand-held housing, the device head including an epidermis-engaging component and an access window and configured to dislodge microbes from a skin surface, and the hand-held housing defining an opening aligned with the access window, the hand-held housing including a motor operably coupled to a motivatable component, a substrate disposed in relation to the motivatable component and including signal-generating complexes, a location-capture component to detect a location of one or more regions of the skin surface as the epidermis-engaging component contacts said one or more regions, at least one sensor component to detect one or more signals emitted from the signal-generating complexes, and a computing component including circuitry to associate the location of said one or more regions of the skin surface and the detected one or more signals.

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: Described are embodiments of a biological specimen collection transfer and container system and method for handling and processing specimens of cellular, and related particulate matter, directly into a vial or other like container. The vial, or container, assembly includes a series of ridges, protrusions, or like engagement members, that extend from the inside of the vial or container. Application of an external force between the collection apparatus and the engagement members contained within the vial, or container, results in an increased amount of cells, cellular structures, related material, and other particulates to transfer from the collection apparatus to the vial, or like container, thereby improving the sample yield and processing effectiveness of the sample in order to increase diagnostic utility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling instrument adapted for taking a sample in situ and in vivo or taking a sample ex vivo of a target tissue or body structure, in a maximum quantity of less than 10?6 g, the instrument comprising an elongated active member (10) with a distal operative end (11) having at least one retaining surface (12) arranged for contacting directly the target tissue or body structure, capturing and retaining molecules of the target tissue or body structure thereto.

Abstract: A swab for collecting biological specimens is of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fibers with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fibers cover said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A tissue-sampling brush is a medical device for acquiring internal patient tissue samples utilizing conventional endoscopic devices. The tissue-sampling brush features an elongated body that may be inserted into the channel of an endoscopic device and manually manipulated by a handle. The tissue-sampling brush is sleeved in a sheath during insertion into the patient's body with the plurality of bristles deploying from the sheath during sample acquisition. The sheath facilitates insertion and removal of the tissue-sampling brush into the endoscopic device as well as structural support and protection for the plurality of bristles and endoscopic device. A plurality of bristles is scraped against the interior walls of the patient's body in order to acquire a tissue sample. After acquisition, the plurality of bristles is retracted back into the sheath and any trickling sample is captured by a receptacle located adjacent to the plurality of bristles.

Abstract: A tissue collection apparatus maximizes the collection and retention of tissue samples from within a patient. The apparatus comprises a handle with a hollow catheter flexibly extending distally from the handle. A cytology brush is stored within the hollow at a distal end of the cannula, and can be extended and retracted from the cannula by manipulating the handle. The cytology brush has a cylindrical proximal brush, a cylindrical distal brush, and a tissue collection gap longitudinally separating the proximal and distal brushes. The bristles of the brushes can have different material properties and can have an effective diameter greater than the cannula. In use, tissue samples accumulate within the bristles and within the tissue collection gap. When retracted into the hollow of the cannula, the apparatus maximizes the amount of tissue collected by folding the bristles over the tissue collection gap to shield the tissue samples collected within.

Abstract: Kits, devices, methods, and systems for assessing microbiota of a body surface and selecting treatment agents to apply to the body surface to modulate one or more types of microbes are described which include a kit including a plurality of treatment agents, a microbe sampling unit including a microbe-capture region, and an analyzer including a user interface, at least one sensor component, and a computing component with a processor and circuitry.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, compositions, and methods for diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis in a subject. Also disclosed are methods for monitoring the course of eosinophilic esophagitis in a subject before, during, and after treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for sampling the distal tube, fimbria and/or ovary, includes advancing a device into the peritoneal cavity and sampling material on or adjacent to the distal tube, fimbria or ovary.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cytology brush may include an elongated shaft including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The cytology brush may also include a plurality of bristles mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. The plurality of bristles may be arranged at least partially around the distal end portion of the elongated shaft, and may be configured to engage tissue. An outer surface of at least one of the bristles may include a micropattern formed by a plurality of protrusions or recesses. The plurality of protrusions or recesses may be separated by one or more gaps.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for identifying the existence of an oral condition in a subject.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a method for determining the presence of a (pre)cancerous cell in a liquid cell sample, comprising the steps of: —suspending and preserving a cell sample obtained from a subject in a sample vial comprising a liquid medium, said liquid medium comprises means for labeling cells or epitope(s) on or in said cells; —obtaining data from said labelled liquid cell sample; and —determining the presence of said (pre)cancerous cells based on said obtained data; characterized in that said data comprises morphological data and biomarker data. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a liquid medium for fixing, preserving and labeling cells in a cell sample and a sample vial specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the current method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush (1) for cleaning or sampling body tissue. The brush (1) comprises a support (2) that is provided with at least one row (3) of brush hairs (5) as well as one second row (4) of brush hairs (16). The first and second rows are mutually parallel and are situated next to one another. Each brush hair (5,6) has a proximal end (7) facing the support (2) and a distal end (9) facing away from the support (2). The first row (3) of brush hairs (5) comprises a strip (30) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the first row (3) and a longitudinal side (32) of which is fixed to the support (2). The proximal ends (7) of the brush hairs (5) in the first row (3) are fixed to the other longitudinal side (34) of the strip (30).