Biopath Automation, LLC

Origin Medsystems, Inc.

Cardiovascular Technologies, Inc.

Douglas P Allen

Thomas J Ward

Warren P Williamson, Iv

Paul A Spence

Matthew J Huddleston

George T Christakis

Cecil R Robinson

Dominic P DiNovo

Mark S Ortiz

Craig B Berky

George A Keller

E Dale VanHoose

Marty J Warnecke

Rebeccah P Quam

Delbert Ted Leimbach

Dominic P Dinovo

Jonathan E Turner

Ernest D Vanhoose

Kenneth E Hughes

Jonathan Eric Turner

Warren P Williamson Iv

Stephen Whitlach

Ernest D VanHoose

Keith A Kuisick

Warren N Williamson

An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Apparatus and methods for automated handling and embedding of tissue samples

A sectional cassette () for use in a process for harvesting and handling tissue samples for biopsy analysis is disclosed. In the procedure, a tissue biopsy sample is placed on a tissue trapping supporting material (A') that can withstand tissue preparation procedures, and which can be cut with a microtome. The tissue is immobilized on the material, and the material and the tissue are held in the cassette () subjected to a process for replacing tissue fluids with wax. The tissue and supporting material are sliced for mounting on slides using a microtome. Harvesting devices and containers () using the filter material () are disclosed. An automated process is also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for harvesting and handling tissue samples for biopsy analysis

An anastomosis is performed using a flexible mounting structure mounted on the outside of at least one vessel. Fasteners extend through the vessel and are bent towards the incision to attach the flexible mounting structure to the vessel in a manner that controls the edge of the vessel adjacent to the incision. The mounting structures are oriented on each vessel so fasteners on one mounting structure interdigitate with fasteners on the other mounting structure at the location of contact between the vessels when the two vessels are brought together. This creates two complementary sinusoidal-shaped vessel edges with peaks of one edge being accommodated in the valleys of the other edge. The peak-to-valley orientation forms a sinusoidal-shaped joint which is leak free. The fasteners are spaced so proper pressure is applied to the tissue to promote healing without leaking. Furthermore, the fasteners are sized and shaped to properly engage the tissue and bend in a desired manner. Methods and tools for carrying out the anastomosis according to the invention are also disclosed. Methods for forming the fastener and the tines having the proper characteristics are disclosed. An absorbable ring-shaped stent is also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for performing an anastomosis

A one-piece fastener or staple includes a base that contacts tissue and a prong that extends through the tissue. A suture lead is anchored to the base and a needle is attached to the suture lead. A tool positions the fastener adjacent to the tissue, and is operated to drive the prong and the suture needle through the tissue. The tool includes a needle grabber that is operated to grab the needle and pull the needle out of the patient. Since the suture lead is attached to the fastener, a prosthesis can be placed on the suture lead and pushed down to the tissue. A cassette is releasably mounted on the tool and contains the fastener, the suture lead and the suture needle. Alternative forms of the anchor have sutures attached to a base at locations that are spaced apart from each other, and sutures associated with each of two adjacent anchors can be tied together or sutures associated with a single anchor can be tied together. A suture threadably connected to an anchor can be used as a running suture. A prosthetic device can have a running suture associated therewith that is threadably attached to each of a plurality of anchors. Another form of the system includes a running suture with loops that can have additional anchors attached thereto as needed if the surgeon decides to add further anchors to the system to customize the system to the particular patient.

Fastener delivery and deployment mechanism and method for placing the

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Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Douglas P Allen