A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises: using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target comprising or consisting of a microbial population; mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and analysing said spectrometric data in order to analyse said microbial population.

In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is located or oriented on a site within a body cavity or canal with a retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is retained or held in place on a desired specific location on the epithelial tissue with the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the epithelial tissue within the cavity or canal is presented to the tissue biopsy sampling device using the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the retention device is used to assist withdrawal of the tissue biopsy sampling from within the body cavity or canal.

In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is located or oriented on a site within a body cavity or canal with a retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, a tissue biopsy sampling device is retained or held in place on a desired specific location on the epithelial tissue with the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the epithelial tissue within the cavity or canal is presented to the tissue biopsy sampling device using the retention device. In various embodiments of the invention, the retention device is used to assist withdrawal of the tissue biopsy sampling from within the body cavity or canal.

The invention resides in the field of medical technology. It relates in particular to a sonotrode suitable for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument. The invention refers further to an ultrasonic surgical instrument for cutting or punching bones, including such a sonotrode as well as a method for manufacturing the sonotrode of the invention.

The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically isolating viable cells from connective, epithelial or other tissue, and, if the tissue is multilayered, for automatically separating one tissue layer from another.

The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically isolating viable cells from connective, epithelial or other tissue, and, if the tissue is multilayered, for automatically separating one tissue layer from another.

The invention relates to coaxial needle assembly (41) for introduction into human tissue, comprising an anesthesia needle (11), a stylet (21) and a coaxial cannula (31), wherein the anesthesia needle is inserted in the stylet and has a distal end (12) that projects out from a distal end (22) of the stylet, and wherein the stylet is inserted in the coaxial cannula and has a distal end (22) that projects out from a distal end (32) of the coaxial cannula, such that, during introduction into and through human tissue, the coaxial needle assembly acts and is manipulated as an integrated device. The assembly is arranged with a predetermined needle-stylet release torque which is required to release the anesthesia needle (11) from the stylet (21), and a predetermined stylet-cannula release torque which is required to release the stylet (21) from the coaxial cannula (31), wherein the value of predetermined needle-stylet release torque is less than the value of predetermined stylet-cannula release torque.

A device for detaching cells or tissue from a cavity in a subject, the device includes: an elongated member arranged to be moved within a lumen of a needle or a catheter; and at least one flexible member arranged at a distal end of the elongated member, wherein the flexible member is configured to be brought between a first, constrained configuration within the lumen of the needle or catheter, and a second, expanded configuration outside said lumen, wherein the flexible member in the second, expanded configuration is configured to conform to an inner geometry of a cavity in which the device is inserted.

A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described, as well as alternative systems for tissue preservation and transport. The cutting device includes an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. A temperature control sleeve may be disposed around the tissue collector to control the temperature of the tissue samples. A preservation system may be supplied that is configured to deliver fluids to tissue samples in the tissue collector. A fluid supply sleeve may be disposed about the outer cannula and is selectively positionable along the length of the outer cannula.

A full core biopsy device includes a needle assembly having stylet, spoon, and at least one coring cannula. A window is located in at least one of the spoon and coring cannula. An excising finger is configured to prolapse through the window into a lumen of the inner spoon or cannula to sever a tissue sample upon translation or axial advancement of the excising finger.