Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090118641 | Devices, Methods, and Kits for a Biopsy Device - Provided herein are biopsy devices each comprised of a tissue collection element having a distal end and a proximal end connected to a drive mechanism. In one embodiment, the tissue collection element can be formed from a material having a first constrained configuration when positioned within the outer needle prior to deployment and a second unconstrained configuration when extended distally beyond the distal end of the outer needle. In another embodiment, the tissue collection element can be formed from a material having a first constrained configuration when a stylet is inserted into the tissue collection element and a second unconstrained configuration when the stylet is retracted from within the tissue collection element. In a third embodiment, the tissue collection element comprises a helical cutting edge along at least a portion of the length of the tissue collection element, wherein the helical cutting edge is adaptable to cut a portion of tissue from the target location. The tissue collection element is translationally and rotationally moveable within a target location in response to actuation by the drive mechanism, thereby collecting tissue. The biopsy devices provided herein can further comprise provisions for echogenecity, a non-friction coating at the tip, and means for providing aspiration. Further provided herein are methods for using the devices described and a kit. | 05-07-2009 |
20100022824 | TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices. | 01-28-2010 |
20100121139 | Minimally Invasive Imaging Systems - Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive imaging system. Systems according to embodiments of the invention include: an access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end; and an elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end. In the systems of the invention, at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods. | 05-13-2010 |
20100121142 | Minimally Invasive Imaging Device - Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive internal target tissue site imaging devices. Devices according to embodiments of the invention include an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue location, e.g., an intervertebral disc, and having a proximal end and a distal end; a white light source at the distal end; a near-infra-red light source the distal end; and an imaging sensor at the distal end. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods. | 05-13-2010 |
20100121155 | Minimally Invasive Tissue Modification Systems With Integrated Visualization - Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Also part of the system is an elongated tissue modification device having a proximal end and a distal end. The tissue modification device is dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device. The tissue modification device includes a tissue modifier. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention. | 05-13-2010 |
20100284580 | TISSUE VISUALIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME - Tissue visualization systems having image processing modules configured to generate an alert signal are provided. Image processing modules of systems of the invention are configured to receive image data of an internal region of interest. The image processing module is further configured to compare the received image data with a reference that includes at least one of color descriptor data and anatomical descriptor data to make a determination as to whether an alert signal should be generated. Also provided are methods of visualizing internal tissue of a subject using the tissue visualization systems. | 11-11-2010 |
20100286477 | INTERNAL TISSUE VISUALIZATION SYSTEM COMPRISING A RF-SHIELDED VISUALIZATION SENSOR MODULE - Internal tissue visualization devices having RF-shielded visualization sensor modules are provided. Also provided are systems that include the devices, as well as methods of visualizing internal tissue of a subject using the tissue visualization devices and systems. | 11-11-2010 |
20100292684 | TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF THE SAME - Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, an tissue modifier positioned at the distal end, and a linear mechanical actuator configured to linearly translate the RF electrode relative the distal end according to a linear translation waveform. The devices may be configured to operate the tissue modifier according to an operating waveform that is synchronized with the linear translation waveform. Also provided are methods of modifying an internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices. | 11-18-2010 |
20110009694 | HAND-HELD MINIMALLY DIMENSIONED DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE HAVING INTEGRATED DISTAL END VISUALIZATION - Hand-held minimally dimensioned diagnostic devices having integrated distal end visualization are provided. Also provided are systems that include the devices, as well as methods of using the devices, e.g., to visualize internal tissue of a subject. | 01-13-2011 |
20110276113 | RF Tissue Modulation Devices and Methods of Using the Same - Minimally invasive RF tissue modulation devices are provided. In some aspects, the devices include a hand-held control unit and an elongated member. The hand-held control unit includes an electrical energy source and the elongated member has a proximal end operably coupling to the hand-held control unit. The RF tissue modulation device is configured to generate a plasma at a distal end plasma generator for a therapeutic duration. In some aspects, RF tissue modulation devices are provided and include an adapter that operably couples to a hand-held medical device. The adapter generates RF energy for delivery to a plasma generator on an elongated member. Methods of delivering the RF energy to the internal target tissue site are also provided. | 11-10-2011 |
20120095458 | Tissue Modification Devices and Methods of Using The Same - Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices. | 04-19-2012 |
20120265009 | Minimally Invasive Tissue Modification Systems With Integrated Visualization - Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Also part of the system is an elongated tissue modification device having a proximal end and a distal end. The tissue modification device is dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device. The tissue modification device includes a tissue modifier. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention. | 10-18-2012 |
20130303846 | TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices. | 11-14-2013 |