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.

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.

Markers, microwave probes, and related systems and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The marker includes an energy converter e.g., one or more photodiodes, for transforming energy pulses striking the marker into electrical energy, a switch, e.g., FET, coupled to the photodiodes such that light from a probe cause the switch to open and close. A pair of antenna wires are coupled to the switch to provide an antenna, the switch configured to open and close when light strikes the photodiodes to modulate signals from the probe reflected by the antenna back to the probe to identify the location of the marker. The marker also includes an electro static discharge (ESD) protection device coupled to the switch to provide protection against an electrostatic discharge event.

Provided is method of detecting a dermatological condition or abnormality associated with skin. In one embodiment, the method includes activating a dermatological examination device and directing the light emitted by the activated examination device onto human skin by orienting the activated examination device relative to the skin without touching the human with the device.

A biopsy site marker configured to expand upon deployment into a biopsy cavity, and visible under several different imaging modalities, comprises a superabsorbent hydrogel component and a radiopaque element. The hydrogel is in a compressed, dehydrated state prior to deployment to facilitate placement of the marker within the biopsy site, and thereafter expands upon deployment in the biopsy site. Such expansion limits migration of the site marker.

A marking body, a method for producing a marking body and a method for using a marking body are disclosed. In an embodiment a marking body includes a self-expanding structure of a shape-memory metal, wherein the shape-memory metal forms a tubular structure that has at least two elongated openings along its length that extend no further than from a head section to a foot section of the tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure comprises at least one stripe of the shape-memory metal located between two adjacent elongated openings, and wherein the tubular structure is configured to be compressed when in an application condition and configured to be stretched when in a non-application condition.

Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold.

Disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as localization markers during a surgical procedure. Adaptation includes incorporation of materials detectable under ultrasound during surgery, as well as features for co-registration with image guidance or other real-time imaging technologies during surgery. Such biopsy markers, when used as localization markers, improve patient comfort and reduce challenges in surgical coordination and surgery time. Additional disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as monitoring and/or detection apparatuses, Localization of an implanted marker may be done with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound image data is analyzed to identify the implanted marker. A distance to the marker or a lesion may be determined and displayed. The determined distance may be a distance between the ultrasound probe and the marker or lesion, a distance between the marker or lesion and an incision instrument, and/or a distance between the ultrasound probe and the incision instrument.

A trocar-cannula insertion tool for ophthalmic procedures may include a cap with a body having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. A marking element extends in a distal direction from the distal end of the body and includes at least one marking tip for forming one or more indentations on a patient's eye during an ophthalmic procedure. A manipulation element extends from the body in a direction different from the marking element and includes at least one manipulation tip for gripping a tissue of the patient's eye during the ophthalmic procedure. The cap may further include at least one window for exposing a photoluminescent cannula of the trocar-cannula insertion tool to light, enabling the cannula to absorb photons prior to insertion thereof.

Sensors are disclosed that detect whether a cannula is properly inserted to its full depth in a subject's skin. The sensors may be used with a blood glucose monitor, or with a continuous insulin infusion pump, infusion set, or other system involving intermittent or continuous testing and/or drug delivery.