Zimmon Science Corporation

Other

Zkz Science Corp.

Zimmon Scientific Corporation

Zimmon, David S.

David S Zimmon

Rebecca C Gibbs

An apparatus for removing biopsies from spring based multiple biopsy storage cylinders for analysis. The storage cylinders and spring based biopsy mechanism permit 360 degree biopsy mechanism rotation and increase the number and diameter of biopsies stored. Additional storage cylinder improvements allow closed storage cylinder opening for removing internal plastic cylinders or biopsies before fixing, thereby leaving the same multiple biopsy instrument available for additional biopsies on the same patient. The improvements allow for removing the surrounding biopsy mechanism and biopsies from closed storage cylinders after actuator removal and histopathological processing of biopsies to paraffin embedding. Additionally apparatuses, tools and methods are described for simultaneously separating numerous actuators from storage cylinders and removing numerous paraffin embedded biopsies from storage cylinders and surrounding biopsy mechanisms for histopathological slide fabrication.

Apparatus and methods for removing spring based multiple biopsy specimens from multiple biopsy storage cylinders before and after biopsy fixation and histopathological processing

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure comprises an elongated flexible member having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough and an actuator positioned within the aperture. There is a biopsy means connected to the distal end of the actuator for cutting and collecting biopsy specimens and a removable distal storage and collection chamber connected to the elongated flexible member for receiving biopsy specimens cut and collected by the biopsy means. The removable storage and collection chamber is a means for immediate contact of the collected biopsy specimens with fixatives or reagents. The distal cassette is separable from the flexible member and can be sealed by a cap positionable over the storage and collection cassette for storage, in situ fixation and processing or later processing and analysis of biopsy specimens collected by the biopsy means in the order of collection.

Apparatus for removable distal internal cassette for in situ fixation and specimen processing with serial collection and storage of biopsy specimens

An apparatus and method for performing a medical procedure comprising an elongated shaft having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. An actuator tube is positioned within the shaft and a guide wire extends through the tube. A head is attached at one end of the shaft by the guide wire. A specimen is cut by a blade disposed on either the shaft or the head. The device is used to enlarge a lumen that has been occluded with diseased or stenotic tissue.

Device for performing a medical procedure

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure, comprising an elongated flexible member having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough and an actuator positioned within the aperture. There is a biopsy means connected to the distal end of the actuator for cutting and collecting biopsy specimens and a storage and collection chamber connected to the elongated flexible member for receiving biopsy specimens cut and collected by the biopsy means. The storage and collection chamber is separable from the flexible member and can be sealed by a cap positionable over the storage and collection cassette for storage, processing and in situ or later analysis of biopsy specimens collected by the biopsy means in the order of collection.

Apparatus for separable external serial collection, storage and processing of biopsy specimens

A method and a device for the intermittent or continuous measurement of portal blood pressure using a tamponade balloon inserted into the esophagus and stomach and a sensor positioned on the bridle, tamponade shaft or esophageal balloon. The tamponade balloons mounted over a tube are placed across the diaphragmatic hiatus and are gradually inflated through a lumen that runs from the balloons to a position that is external from the patient. The measured pressure within the tamponade is increased until the blood flow in the collateral portal veins that traverse the diaphragm are occluded. The cessation of the blood flow into the esophageal varices is signaled when the sensor identifies a change in diameter of the varices, a change in the color of the esophageal wall, or a change in velocity of blood flow. The measured tamponade pressure at the nadir of variceal blood flow is equivalent to portal blood pressure.

Apparatus and method for continuous measurement of portal blood pressure

A method and apparatus for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. In one form of the present invention an irrigation tube is positioned through the patient's mouth, esophagus and into the stomach. An-inflatable balloon tamponade device is initially positioned around the external surface of the irrigation tube for delivery within the patient. A pushing member is utilized to move the balloon tamponade device along the outer surface of irrigation tube and into a location adjacent internal bleeding sites. The invention facilitates irrigation and aspiration of the stomach through the irrigation tube by selectively coupling an irrigation fluid reservoir and a fluid recovery reservoir. The irrigation and aspiration is conducted through a substantially closed system to accurately determine fluids present and limit health care staff exposure to bodily fluids.

Apparatus and method for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract

An apparatus for performing a medical procedure comprising an elongated shaft having multiple apertures extending therethrough. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. An actuator is positioned within the aperture and has a proximal end and an opposite distal end. A spring jaw is connected to the distal end of the actuator for cutting and collecting biopsy specimens. The spring jaw is closed by advancing the shaft over the jaw while holding the actuator in place. This action cuts the biopsy specimen without moving the cutting jaw away from the desired biopsy site, thus facilitating multiple biopsies. Multiple methods for moving the biopsies from the spring jaw into the storage chamber include facilitated suction by entraining air and fluid through the perforated biopsy jaws and fluid injection from the distal shaft into the jaws that entrains the biopsies as it exits proximally through perforations in the storage chamber. Biopsies within the chamber are constrained by a constriction in the spring jaw that forms as the jaws are opened for each subsequent biopsy. After serial acquisition of several biopsies, the holding segment of the tube shaft is separated from the remainder and is closed by a cap to form a processing cassette. The cassette holds the specimens in order of acquisition through fixation and processing, to be opened for slicing or analysis.

Apparatus for serial collection, storage and processing of biopsy

An apparatus and method for performing a medical procedure comprising an elongated member having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. The member has a proximal and an opposite distal end. An actuator is positioned within the aperture and has a proximal end and an opposite distal end. Biopsy means are connected to the distal end of the actuator for cutting and collecting biopsy specimens. Either the elongated member or the distal tip is modified to receive the cut specimens in the order of acquisition. After serial acquisition, the holding segment is separated from the remainder and closed by a cap to form a processing cassette. The cassette holds the specimens in the order of acquisition through fixation and processing to be opened for slicing or analysis.

Apparatus and method for serial collection storage and processing of

A method and apparatus for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract. In one form of the present invention an irrigation tube is positioned through the patient's mouth, esophagus and into the stomach. An inflatable balloon tamponade device is initially positioned around the external surface of the irrigation tube for delivery within the patient. A pushing member is utilized to move the balloon tamponade device along the outer surface of irrigation tube and into a location adjacent internal bleeding sites. The invention facilitates irrigation and aspiration of the stomach through the irrigation tube by selectively coupling an irrigation fluid reservoir and a fluid recovery reservoir. The irrigation and aspiration is conducted through a substantially closed system to accurately determine fluids present and limit health care staff exposure to bodily fluids.

A method and apparatus for treating esophageal varices and mucosal neoplasms. In one form of the present invention a balloon tamponade device is utilized to deliver a dressing containing a sclerosant agent to bleeding esophogeal varices. The balloon tamponade delivery results in a uniformed coating of the inflamed site with the treatment agent. The thrombosant agent penetrates the esophageal mucosa, thrombosis esophageal veins and prevents bleeding by provoking an inflammatory response which replaces the squamous esophogeal mucosa with scar tissue to prevent further bleeding from the varices. Another form of the present invention applies therapeutic agents to portions of the esophagus, rectum and/or other mucosal sites such as the urethral bladder, larynx, bronchial tube and vagina. Therapeutic agents containing anti-neoplastic and/or corrosive agents are applied to dressings which are placed in contact with the surface area containing the mucosal neoplasm. After the dressings have been delivered to the surface area they are maintained in contact with the lesion for a period of time. In one form of the present invention the delivery of the therapeutic agents to the lesions is accomplished through a balloon tamponade device.

Apparatus and method for the treatment of esophageal varices and mucosal

A method and apparatus for the deployment of an esophagastric balloon tamponade device within a patient. In one form of the present invention an irrigation tube is positioned through the patient's mouth, esophagus and into the stomach. An inflatable balloon tamponade device is initially positioned around the external surface of the irrigation tube for delivery within the patient. A pushing member is utilized to move the balloon tamponade device along the outer surface of irrigation tube and into a location adjacent internal bleeding sites. An internal obturator passes through an aperture within the irrigation tube to minimize and/or prevent kinking of the tube during passage of the tube into the patient. A plurality of length indicators are formed on the external surface of the tube in order to apprise the practitioner of the depth of insertion of the tube. The present invention provides for the deployment of a balloon tamponade device adbsent a endoscope.

Apparatus and method for the deployment of an esophagastric balloon

A spring based multi-purpose medical instrument having an internal guiding structure and a slotted end cap. The instrument being deployable through a catheter or endoscope and further passable within the human anatomy. The slotted end cap and internal guiding structure providing for precise controlled movement of the spring jaws through a remote actuator. Further, the slotted end cap preventing the loss of the spring jaws within the internal body cavity upon separation from the actuator. In another embodiment of the spring based multi-purpose instrument the jaws being rotatable for cutting and fragmenting materials.

Spring based multi-purpose medical instrument

Balloon tamponade devices for treating bleeding sites within the upper digestive tract (e.g. esophageal or upper gastric bleeding sites, or duodenal, pyloric or distal gastric bleeding sites) comprise a tube having proximal and distal open ends and at least one inflatable balloon mounted over the tube. Preferably, two balloons are mounted over the tube, and inflation lumens are provided for each. A bridle is attached to the tube, and is adapted to extend up the esophagus to allow the device to be secured in place having the proximal open end of the tube positioned within the digestive tract to allow for normal feeding and swallowing functions. A method for placing a balloon tamponade device as generally described above is also described. The device is backloaded onto an endoscope by passing the endoscope through the open ends of the tube. The endoscope is then passed through the mouth and down the esophagus and used to examine the esophagus and/or other portions of the digestive tract to determine whether or not treatment is required. If treatment is required, the device is advanced along the endoscope and down the esophagus, and the balloon(s) of the device is (are) positioned and inflated to treat the bleeding sites. The endoscope is used to check positioning and then withdrawn. Thereafter, the bridal can be positioned through the nose and connected to a traction device. Methods for delivering detachable coatings to bleeding sites for treatment thereof are also described.

Methods for placement of balloon tamponade devices

A method and apparatus for treating esophageal varices and mucosal neoplasms. In one form of the present invention a balloon tamponade device is utilized to deliver a dressing containing a sclerosant agent to bleeding esophogeal varices. The balloon tamponade delivery results in a uniformed coating of the inflamed site with the treatment agent. The thrombosant agent penetrates the esophageal mucosa, thrombosis esophageal veins and prevents bleeding by provoking an inflammatory response which replaces the squamous esophogeal mucosa with scar tissue to prevent further bleeding from the varices. Another form of the present invention applies therapeutic agents to portions of the esophagus, rectum and/or other mucosal sites such as the urethral bladder, larynx, bronchial tube axed vagina. Therapeutic agents containing anti-neoplastic and/or corrosive agents are applied to dressings which are placed in contact with the surface area containing the mucosal neoplasm. After the dressings have been delivered to the surface area they are maintained in contact with the lesion for a period of time. In one form of the present invention the delivery of the therapeutic agents to the lesions is accomplished through a balloon tamponade device.

A lateral biopsy device for retrieving tissue samples atraumatically from remote locations within a patient's body. The biopsy device comprises an elongated flexible catheter which terminates at its distal tip in an annular cutting edge. Disposed within the central lumen of the catheter is an elongated flexible shaft which is somewhat longer than the catheter. An anvil having a rounded outer tip is securely attached to the distal end of the shaft. The anvil includes an annular surface that contacts the annular cutting edge of the catheter when the shaft is retracted with respect to the catheter. Gripping means attached to the proximal end of the shaft are also included to better enable the operator to advance and retract the anvil with respect to the annular cutting edge at the distal end of the catheter. A tissue sample positioned between the anvil and the distal end of the catheter is cut and removed when the annular surface of the anvil contacts the annular cutting edge of the catheter.

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Port Washington, NY, United States of America

David S Zimmon