The invention provides fluid warming apparatus comprising: a fan; a heater, the fan and the heater being configured to generate a heated fluid flow having a principle flow direction and an inhomogeneous temperature distribution in a distribution direction perpendicular to the said principle flow direction; and a plurality of temperature sensors offset from each other in the said distribution direction, wherein at least two of the temperature sensors are configured to measure temperatures of respective portions of the heated fluid flow having different temperatures.

Described herein are paddles for breast biopsies. A reverse paddle and a compression paddle may be used in a breast biopsy. Both paddles may each have an aperture. When pressed against the breast, the reverse paddle and the compression paddle may allow the breast to bulge out of the aperture of both paddles during the biopsy. As the breast tissue bulges out of both paddles, the breast tissue to be examined via biopsy may be enlarged, thereby lessening the use of excisional biopsies on subjects with thin breasts.

An endoscopy support apparatus that includes a primary wrap sized for placement around a subject's lower abdomen. At least one elastic strap extends from the primary wrap and is configured to extend across at least a portion of the primary wrap and to fasten to a third portion of the primary wrap to adjust the amount of pressure applied by the endoscopy support apparatus. The endoscopy support apparatus includes at least one visual indicator provided on the primary wrap or the at least one elastic strap that indicates placement of the endoscopy support apparatus relative to the subject or adjustment of the at least one elastic strap.

An endoscopy support apparatus that includes a primary wrap sized for placement around a subject's lower abdomen. At least one elastic strap extends from the primary wrap and is configured to extend across at least a portion of the primary wrap and to fasten to a third portion of the primary wrap to adjust the amount of pressure applied by the endoscopy support apparatus. The endoscopy support apparatus includes at least one visual indicator provided on the primary wrap or the at least one elastic strap that indicates placement of the endoscopy support apparatus relative to the subject or adjustment of the at least one elastic strap.

A surgical fixation device and driver for fixing soft tissue in a desired position relative to bone. The fixation device includes a pronged upper portion having two arms extending proximally therefrom to a top surface of the upper portion. Each of the two arms has a side and the sides are opposing sides. The fixation device also includes a flange extending outwardly around each of the opposing sides. The fixation device additionally has a pronged lower portion having two legs extending distally therefrom with a space between the two legs. The upper portion of the fixation device is configured to attach to a surgical driver. The surgical driver has a handle with a body and a shaft extending distally therefrom. A driver interface at a distal end of the shaft is configured for attachment to the fixation device. The driver additionally includes a rotatable adjustment mechanism within the body.

This invention relates to a biopsy method comprising automated moving of at least part of a biopsy sampler within a biopsy volume, to perform a biopsy in a zone of interest in a body, wherein said automated moving is preceded by variable positioning of said biopsy volume.

This invention relates to a biopsy method comprising automated moving of at least part of a biopsy sampler within a biopsy volume, to perform a biopsy in a zone of interest in a body, wherein said automated moving is preceded by variable positioning of said biopsy volume.

A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with scaling rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft. Alternatively, fat from genetically related sources may be used, and the fat may be further processed prior to injection. Substantial soft tissue augmentation, high rates of graft survival and negligible graft necrosis (data demonstrating 80% survival and only 20% necrosis is presented) or calcification result from the practice of these methods.

A method is disclosed for preparing a soft tissue site, and augmenting the soft tissue site, such as the breast(s), scar, depression, or other defect, of a subject through use of devices that exert a distractive force on the breast(s) and grafting of autologous fat tissue such as domes with scaling rims for surrounding each of the soft tissue site and a regulated pump. The method for preparing the soft tissue site, and enhancing fat graft results, entails application of the distracting force to the targeted soft tissue site at least intermittently for some period of time and preferably several weeks prior to the graft procedure. A related aspect of the invention includes following the preparation steps by transfer of fat from other areas of the subject to the subject's soft tissue site, and then reapplication of the distractive force to the soft tissue site that received the autologous fat graft. Alternatively, fat from genetically related sources may be used, and the fat may be further processed prior to injection. Substantial soft tissue augmentation, high rates of graft survival and negligible graft necrosis (data demonstrating 80% survival and only 20% necrosis is presented) or calcification result from the practice of these methods.

A breast positioning device for breast cancer radiation therapy includes i) a body portion made of a stretchable synthetic fabric and having a generally tubular shape configured for tight fitting on a person torso, ii) a bra cup on a first portion on the body portion, defining a first lateral side thereof, and iii) a flat portion on a second portion on the body portion, defining a second lateral side, the second portion being positioned laterally symmetrical to the first portion on the body portion. The bra cup is thermoformed in the stretchable synthetic fabric to have a greater transparency than surroundings thereof rendering a first breast therein visible while immobilizing the first breast therein in a predetermined position. When the breast positioning device is worn by a person during the breast cancer radiation therapy, the bra cup immobilizes the first breast therein in the predetermined position which is both visible and suitable for treatment while forcing a second breast in a flattened position away from the first lateral side.