Abstract: The disclosed technology relates generally to devices, kits, and related methods for collecting biological samples for genetic testing. In various embodiments, a DNA collection device for collecting cells from an orifice of a human subject includes an elongate arm. The DNA collection device further includes a swab head disposed at a distal end of the elongate arm, wherein the swab head is sized to at least partially enter the orifice, and wherein the swab head comprises a plurality of bristles disposed on a surface of the swab head.

Abstract: A surgical treatment apparatus comprises a waterjet configured to fragment tissue and provide intact cells such as stem cells with the fragmented tissue. The intact cells can be used in one or more of many ways such as for genetic or other testing, and the intact cells can be identified as stem cells. In many embodiments, the intact cells comprise stem cells. In many embodiments, a waterjet is configured to fragment tissue. The fragmented tissue can be collected with a filter having pores sized smaller than the tissue fragments. In many embodiments cavitation with a waterjet is used to fragment the tissue comprising the intact stem cells. The waterjet may comprise a waterjet immersed in a liquid comprising water so as to form a plurality of shedding pulses. The plurality of shedding pulses can be generated with a frequency sufficient to fragment the tissue. The shedding pulses can generate cavitations that fragment the tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measurable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.

Abstract: A rotary aspirator according to the present invention includes: a body portion which has a length in a front and rear direction, and has an outer circumferential surface formed as any one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape in a lateral direction; a handle which is connected to a rear end of the body portion and has a smaller diameter than the rear end of the body portion so that a user moves the handle forward and rearward and rotates the handle in a state in which the user holds the handle by hand; and an absorbing member which is continuously and spirally wound in the front and rear direction of the body portion and absorbs nasal mucus of a target person.

Abstract: An occlusion clearing device and system for removing material from an artificial tube in situ includes a clearing stem having aspiration and irrigation conduits, where the irrigation conduit is disposed interior to, and terminates within the aspiration conduit. Material enters the clearing stem through aspiration, and irrigation is provided within the aspiration conduit to assist in aspiration through the clearing stem. A handset includes aspiration and irrigation tubing connecting to sources therefor, and further includes valves to control the flow through the tubing and conduits. These valves may be operated simultaneously with an actuator located on the handset, which may be done with one hand. A coupler at the operative end allows the clearing stem to gain access to the artificial tube for clearing while maintaining a closed system with a ventilator. Reciprocating motion may be generated and provided to the clearing stem to aid in occlusion removal.

Abstract: Systems, method, and devices are disclosed that involve reconfiguring lumens or unblocking lumens relative to a blockage to maintain flow of reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site. In one instance, a multi-lumen applicator includes an applicator body having a distal end and a proximal end and formed with a plurality of apertures for receiving fluid from the tissue site and for delivering reduced pressure, a first lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures, a first activation member having at least a closed position and a open position, and a second lumen fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures but for the first activation member being in closed position. The configuration is such that when the first activation member is moved to the open position, the second lumen is fluidly coupled to the plurality of apertures. Other systems, methods, and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A curette for pituitary adenoma surgery may include a curette having a tubular blade portion. A first cutting edge is formed at a first end of the blade portion, and a protective shell is formed at an outer periphery of the first cutting edge. A first annular ring formed at a first end of the protective shell is located at the same side of the first cutting edge, and a rod portion extended from a surface of the protective shell is configured to provide a handhold for a user. The first annular ring of the protective shell can prevent the first cutting edge of the blade portion from accidentally cutting the meninges or blood vessels during pituitary adenoma surgery. Thus, the curette can improve the efficiency of the surgery and lower surgery time, anesthetic dosage and risk of the surgery.

Abstract: A method of collecting one or more tissue specimens in a tissue biopsy system includes: providing a housing with a releasable proximal housing portion having an input port, a vacuum port, an interior, and a tissue specimen retaining member within the interior interposed between the input port and the vacuum port, the interior being in fluid communication with the inner lumen of an elongated tissue cutter, the tissue specimen retaining member having a plurality of openings configured to retain the one or more tissue specimens and to pass fluid and debris; inserting the proximal end of the elongated cutting member through the input port of the releasable proximal housing portion to position the proximal end in the interior above the plurality of openings of the tissue specimen retaining member; applying a vacuum to the vacuum port; and cutting a tissue specimen from a tissue site with the elongated tissue cutter.

Abstract: A delivery tool connectable with a syringe can be used to deliver a viscoelastic solution. The tool includes a first segment, a second segment and an inner lumen defined by the first and second segments. A distal portion extends from the second segment in a curved manner.

Abstract: A biomedical shape-set textile structure based mechanical thrombectomy systems and methods are described. In one of the embodiments, the mechanical thrombectomy device can be customized to the length of the clot in each patient. In one of the embodiments, the mechanical thrombectomy device because of the textile structure has a very low overall profile or thickness that is less than 0.0125 inches (0.317 mm) and therefore can be deployed within microcatheters with inner lumen diameter as small as 0.014 inches (0.355 mm).

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating lipoaspirate for use in fat grafting procedures are provided and generally include a canister for containing lipoaspirate, a separation mechanism structured to separate both oils and other materials from cellular components of lipoaspirate contained in the canister. The separation mechanism includes filters having different filtering capacities, for example, different pore sizes.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a patient's blood vessel, such as the aorta, has an approximately cylindrical outer structure made of a filter mesh material and an approximately conical inner structure also made of a filter mesh material. On the downstream end of the embolic protection device, the wider end of the conical inner structure is joined to the cylindrical outer structure. The upstream end of the embolic protection device is open for blood to flow between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure. The space between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure defines a collection chamber for captured emboli. The narrow upstream end of the conical inner structure has a catheter port with a resilient seal that is sized for passage of a catheter shaft. The filter mesh material may be self-supporting or it may be supported on a resilient-framework or an inflatable framework.

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 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: A surgical instrument includes a movable member having a proximal portion, the movable member defining an opening at the proximal portion. The instrument includes a stationary member defining an aperture. The stationary member is arranged relative to the movable member with a close fit between the stationary member and the movable member such that aspiration occurs through the movable member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable member. The instrument includes a surgical handpiece coupled to the movable member and the stationary member to provide suction and motion to the movable member. A method of regulating aspiration through a surgical instrument includes providing a close fit between a moving member having an opening at a proximal portion and a stationary member having an aperture such that aspiration occurs through the moving member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable member.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly, a holster assembly, a tissue sample holder, and a manually operated rotation mechanism configured to rotate the tissue sample holder. The probe assembly comprises a cutter configured to sever a tissue sample. The tissue sample holder includes a plurality of tissue chambers configured to receive discrete severed tissue samples. The holster assembly comprises the non-motorized, manually operated rotation mechanism configured to allow a user to align consecutive chambers to successively collect discrete severed tissue samples. The tissue sample holder rotation mechanism may comprise a first button, a first lever, a first pawl, a first ratchet, an indexing shaft, and a first gear, which are all configured to, ultimately, rotate a tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder rotation mechanism may alternately include thumbwheels, a worm gear, or a ratcheting lever, among other things.

Abstract: A tissue extraction device. The tissue extraction device includes a first handle, the first handle terminating in a first tip. The tissue extraction device also includes a second handle. The second handle is coupled to the first handle and terminates in a second tip. The tissue extraction device further includes a tissue collection mechanism, where the tissue collection mechanism is configured to collect tissue extracted from a patient by the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a movable member having a proximal portion, the movable member defining an opening at the proximal portion. The instrument includes a stationary member defining an aperture. The stationary member is arranged relative to the movable member with a close fit between the stationary member and the movable member such that aspiration occurs through the movable member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable member. The instrument includes a surgical handpiece coupled to the movable member and the stationary member to provide suction and motion to the movable member. A method of regulating aspiration through a surgical instrument includes providing a close fit between a moving member having an opening at a proximal portion and a stationary member having an aperture such that aspiration occurs through the moving member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable 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 town 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: A hand-held implement for removing microbiological matter from a surface to which the matter is adhered, and storing the matter for subsequent examination, includes a sonic wave generator for producing sonic waves for breaking up a film of the microbiological matter on the surface, a swab for contact with the surface and collecting the microbiological matter, a suction producing device for drawing the microbiological matter from the swab and into the implement, and a trap in the implement for receiving and retaining the drawn biological matter for subsequent examination thereof.

Abstract: In the endoscope system 1, a tissue recovery device 3 that recovers tissue is directly mounted on an endoscope 2. The tissue recovery device 3 has a filter portion, and the filter portion is inserted so as to traverse the conduit of the suction conduit 20 that passes inside the endoscope operation portion 10. The suction conduit 20 opens to the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion 11, and the working channel 23 branches off from the branch portion 22 that is provided further on the distal end side than the insertion location of the tissue recovery device 3. With this endoscope system, it is possible to reduce operational burden of the operator with regard to the endoscope system that includes the tissue recovery device that recovers tissue.

Abstract: An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.

Abstract: Tissue solubilizing apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses may be useful to solubilize tissue, including skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue. The apparatuses may be further useful to preserve and recover analytes contained within the solubilized skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue.

Abstract: A disposable viewable uterus cavity suction tube is used in conjunction with a negative pressure suction system and a display system. A suction opening is at the side wall of the uterus cavity suction tube. A separator is between the suction opening and the front end of the uterus cavity suction tube, which separates the uterus cavity suction tube into the suction cavity and the enclosed imaging cavity. An imaging head and an illumination device are in the imaging cavity. A see-through cover is at the tube wall above the imaging head and illumination device. The angle ? between the central optical axis of the lens of the imaging head and the central normal of the suction opening is a sharp angle. The signal wire of the imaging head and illumination system are installed inside the tube wall. The characteristic of the disposable viewable uterus cavity suction tube is that the lens of the imaging head is a wide angle lens.

Abstract: A device with a sampling portion configured to engage, sever, and remove tissue from a body can be used to obtain one or more tissue samples from the body. The device can be used to obtain multiple tissue samples simultaneously.

Abstract: An endoscope of an endoscope system includes a channel of which a distal end forms a distal opening at a distal end of an insertion portion, of which a proximal end forms a proximal opening at an operating portion, and used for at least suction, and a suction duct of which a distal end forms a suction opening at the operating portion and of which a proximal end is connected to a suction device. An endoscopic accessory includes a capture portion to be connected to an accessory insertion portion and detachably attached to the operating portion of the endoscope, and the capture portion includes a communication path to communicate the proximal opening with the suction opening when the capture portion is attached to the endoscope, and a capture unit interposed in the communication path and to capture the tissue being sucked from the channel into the suction duct.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a movable member having a proximal portion, the movable member defining an opening at the proximal portion. The instrument includes a stationary member defining an aperture. The stationary member is arranged relative to the movable member with a close fit between the stationary member and the movable member such that aspiration occurs through the movable member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable member. The instrument includes a surgical handpiece coupled to the movable member and the stationary member to provide suction and motion to the movable member. A method of regulating aspiration through a surgical instrument includes providing a close fit between a moving member having an opening at a proximal portion and a stationary member having an aperture such that aspiration occurs through the moving member substantially only during a portion of a repetitive motion of the movable member.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure generating units, in particular to pressure generating unit arranged in the hand piece of a vacuum biopsy device in the form of a sirynge (2). In said units, air intake is open by a piston when said piston (5) is in the rear position thereof in the space of a vacuumed cylinder (11) which is switched for generating a superpressure, thereby initiating the outflow of a tissue liquid by the air introduced into the space of the vacuumed cylinder. For this purpose, the space of the vacuumed cylinder is connected to the space of an atmosphere pressure cylinder (12) arranged behind the piston, by means of a connection line (15), and an absorbing element (14) is placed on the piston axis.

Abstract: A biopsy device is provided. The biopsy device includes cutter and a sample tube advancable through the hollow cutter to retrieve a tissue sample severed by the cutter. A vacuum source can be provided in communication with the sample tube. The sample tube can be releasably attached to the biopsy device.

Abstract: An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tissue disruption are disclosed where a tissue disruptor may have various configurations extending from the distal end of a flexible aspiration cannula. The devices can have aspiration and/or irrigation systems configured to provide aspiration pressure and/or irrigate with fluid at the distal end of the cannula. The cannula can be configured to rotate or disrupt the matrix of bone marrow and extract the marrow in vivo through a single opening. The cannula shaft itself may be fabricated utilizing multiple layers of material such that the cannula is flexible yet sufficiently stiff to transmit a torque therealong.

Abstract: A method for extracting a tissue sample includes altering the pressure inside the lumen of a cannula to facilitate extraction of a tissue sample from the cannula. One aspect of the invention includes a biopsy apparatus comprising a valve for controlling the pressure inside the lumen of the cannula. In one variation, the pressure/vacuum generating device is connected to a cannula with a closed distal end and an orifice located on a circumferential surface of said cannula. A cutting sheath is slidably disposed over said cannula. The valve may be provided between the pressure/vacuum generating device and the cannula to control the pressure within the lumen of the cannula.

Abstract: A device with a sampling portion configured to engage, sever, and remove tissue from a body can be used to obtain one or more tissue samples from the body. The device can be used to obtain multiple tissue samples simultantously.

Abstract: An aspiration device for cells or tissues loaded on a container includes a tubular body, a scraper disposed on the tubular body. The scraper scrapes cells or tissues from the container, and the scraped cells or tissues are suctioned into the tubular body. The scraper includes a connecting portion connected to the tubular body, an elastic portion connected to the connecting portion, and a scraping end connected to the elastic portion. When the scraper scrapes the cells or the tissues, the elastic portion deforms elastically to enable the scraping end to abut the surface of the container, thus, the cells or tissues are scraped.

Abstract: A system and method for retaining a tissue specimen obtained via a collection tube is provided. Embodiments provide a system including a collection device removably and serially disposed between a collection tube and a suction tube so as to allow fluid communication therebetween via the collection device. The collection device includes a screen for retaining a tissue specimen drawn into the collection device by and towards the suction tube while allowing any fluid accompanying the tissue to be drawn through the collection device and into the suction tube. The system also includes one or more end caps for sealing the collection device such that the collection device may store and/or transport the retained tissue specimen in a preservation fluid. A system for identifying and organizing collection devices retaining tissue specimens from various anatomical regions is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the capture of body tissue samples such as lymph nodes. The system includes a bag formed of a flexible material having a first end opened for receiving the body tissue sample and a second end which is closed to the body tissue sample but which permits a vacuum to be pulled through the bag. The system further includes a vacuum tube in which the body tissue sample capture bag may be disposed and a vacuum source that pulls a vacuum through the body tissue sample capture bag for pulling the body tissue sample into the bag through the opened end of the bag.

Abstract: A device for collection of a fluid sample, particularly a biological sample from an internal cavity of a mammal, comprises a barrel having an opening at one end thereof, a plunger operable axially within the barrel, the barrel and the plunger defining a fluid chamber having a volume which varies on axial movement of the plunger within the barrel, and a hollow, elongate tube extending from the fluid chamber through the opening in the barrel, the tube being in operative engagement with the plunger for axial movement to extend and retract the tube within respect to the barrel on axial movement of the plunger, and the tube being in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to provide a fluid flow path to and from the fluid chamber through the hollow tube. A method for collection of a fluid sample from an internal cavity of a mammal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal cervical cell collector that will allow a female patient to collect cervical cells in the privacy of her home, having a proximal end and a distal end that has a position unit formed therein, a guide assembly having a head formed in a front end thereof and exposing from the outer shell and a sampling assembly having a sampling unit. The guide assembly mounted in the outer shell is guiding the personal cervical cell collector to insert into the vagina guided by the head, and the head touches the woman's cervix and the position unit locks with a peripheral of the cervix for achieving position effect. Continuously, the guide assembly is taken out and the sampling assembly is mounted and then the sampling unit is adjusted to a direction corresponding to the cervix so that collecting is proceeding.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular size from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle, elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during repeated proximal-to-distal thrusts of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge also scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. The second sharp edge may be coincident with an exterior surface of the needle elevated with respect to the exterior surface, or recessed with respect to the exterior surface. Another embodiment includes a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second sharp edge.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the capture of body tissue samples such as lymph nodes. The system includes a bag formed of a flexible material having a first end opened for receiving the body tissue sample and a second end which is closed to the body tissue sample but which permits a vacuum to be pulled through the bag. The system further includes a vacuum tube in which the body tissue sample capture bag may be disposed and a vacuum source that pulls a vacuum through the body tissue sample capture bag for pulling the body tissue sample into the bag through the opened end of the bag.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a biopsy aspiration device comprising an elongated cannula body having a proximal end, a distal tip and a linear longitudinal axis; a lumen running longitudinally through the interior of said cannula body and terminating at a proximal opening and terminating at a single laterally oriented distal opening; wherein said distal tip of said cannula body comprises an arcuate curved surface on the side opposite side to said laterally oriented distal opening, said arcuate curved surface terminating at said distal opening. The invention also includes a biopsy system including an outer cannula through which the aspiration device can operate. The aspiration device of the invention permits 360° rotational sampling of bone marrow.

Abstract: A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle, scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.

Abstract: A system and method provides for the capture of body tissue samples such as lymph nodes. The system includes a bag formed of a flexible material having a first end opened for receiving the body tissue sample and a second end which is closed to the body tissue sample but which permits a vacuum to be pulled through the bag. The system further includes a vacuum tube in which the body tissue sample capture bag may be disposed and a vacuum source that pulls a vacuum through the body tissue sample capture bag for pulling the body tissue sample into the bag through the opened end of the bag.