Abstract: A biopsy needle set 10 comprises an outer cannula 1 and an inner cannula 2. The outer cannula 1 includes an outer opening 14 and the inner cannula 2 includes an inner opening 12. The inner cannula 2 is rotatable relative to the outer cannula 1 such that the needle set 10 has an opened position wherein the inner opening 12 is located adjacent to the outer opening 14, and a closed position wherein the outer cannula 1 covers the inner opening 12. The needle set, in a closed position, can be inserted into a body in order to collect a tissue sample. Once properly inserted, the needle set can be moved to an opened position and then either selectively further inserted and closed to collect the tissue sample or closed to collect the tissue sample.

Abstract: An echogenic cannula 7 includes a hole provided at the distal tip end 17. Preferably the hole 5 is positioned through a centerline 8 which is spaced from the centerline 6 of the stylet 7 in order to form a concave surface 11 from which sound waves 10 are reflected in order to locate the distal tip end 17.

Abstract: An echogenic needle includes a hole provided at the distal tip end. Preferably the hole is positioned through a centerline which is spaced from the centerline of the stylet in order to form a concave surface from which sound waves are reflected in order to locate the distal tip end.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument 40 includes a handle 1 and a disposable biopsy needle set or needle cartridge 20. The needle set includes a cannula 9 with a cannula hub 8 and a stylet 7 with a stylet hub 6. The needle set 20 is positionable within the handle 1 and actuatable thereby for purposes of taking a biopsy tissue sample. The needle set 20 and in particular the hubs 6, 8, in combination with the handle 1, perform the actuation sequence which allows the needle to be projected into the tissue to be biopsied and the cannula to be subsequently urged over the needle to collect the tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy needle including a stylet with a tissue collection notch formed in the shaft. The tissue collection notch is shaped in the form of a section of a circle in order to maximize the size of the tissue collected and to maximize the ability of the stylet to resist bending.

Abstract: An automatic biopsy instrument includes a cannula 13 provided over a stylet 11. The stylet 11 directs the cannula 13 to a biopsy site. The instrument urges the cannula 13 past the stylet 11 in order to collect a tissue sample. The stylet 11 initially remains stationary, then travels in the direction of travel of cannula 13 in order to assist firstly in collecting a sample and secondly to assist in severing the tissue sample from the surrounding mass.

Abstract: An automatic biopsy instrument includes a cannula 13 provided over a stylet 11. The stylet 11 directs the cannula 13 to a biopsy site. The instrument urges the cannula 13 past the stylet 11 in order to collect a tissue sample. The stylet 11 initially travels in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the cannula 13, then travels in the direction of travel of cannula 13 in order to assist firstly in collecting a sample and secondly to assist in severing the tissue sample from the surrounding mass.

Abstract: An automatic biopsy instrument includes a cannula 13 provided over a stylet 11. The stylet 11 directs the cannular 13 to a biopsy site. The instrument urges the cannula 13 past the stylet 11 in order to collect a tissue sample and simultaneously causes a vacuum to be communicated to said cannular 13 in order to assist the collection of the tissue sample by the cannula 13.

Abstract: An instrument for removing tissue samples from a tissue mass which automatically penetrates, severs, and removes a tissue portion for examination. The instrument is motor powered, preferably by self-contained rechargeable batteries, and employs electrically actuated stops to control the action of penetration into and retraction from the tissue mass. The tissue penetrating means and severing means includes an inner stylet which penetrates the tissue mass and a hollow outer tube or cannula which surrounds the stylet and serves to sever a sample of tissue. In a preferred form the tissue penetrating end of the stylet is notched so that when the stylet penetrates the tissue mass, a portion of the tissue relaxes in the notched area. After tissue penetration by the stylet, the cannula, having a cutting surface at its distal end, penetrates the tissue and cuts off the tissue portion residing in the notched area of the stylet.

Abstract: An instrument for removing tissue samples from a tissue mass which automatically penetrates, severs, and removes a tissue portion for examination. The instrument is motor powered, preferably by self-contained rechargeable batteries, and employs electrically actuated stops to control the action of penetration into and retraction from the tissue mass. The tissue penetrating means and severing means includes an inner stylet which penetrates the tissue mass and a hollow outer tube or cannula which surrounds the stylet and serves to sever a sample of tissue. In a preferred form the tissue penetrating end of the stylet is notched so that when the stylet penetrates the tissue mass, a portion of the tissue relaxes in the notched area. After tissue penetration by the stylet, the cannula, having a cutting surface at its distal end, penetrates the tissue and cuts off the tissue portion residing in the notched area of the stylet.

Abstract: An instrument for removing tissue samples from a tissue mass which automatically penetrates, severs, and removes a tissue portion for examination. The instrument is motor powered, preferably by self-contained rechargeable batteries, and employs electrically actuated stops to control the action of penetration into and retraction from the tissue mass. The tissue penetrating means and severing means includes an inner stylet which penetrates the tissue mass and a hollow outer tube or cannula which surrounds the stylet and serves to sever a sample of tissue. In a preferred form the tissue penetrating end of the stylet is notched so that when the stylet penetrates the tissue mass, a portion of the tissue relaxes in the notched area. After tissue penetration by the stylet, the cannula, having a cutting surface at its distal end, penetrates the tissue and cuts off the tissue portion residing in the notched area of the stylet.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe 20 includes a transducer 32 capable of pivotal and rotational motion where the pivotal motion is through the plane of rotation. The transducer 32 is also capable of revolving around an axis of revolution 132 so that the transducer 32 can move relative to three axes. The probe 20 is designed such that the transducer 32 can be mounted at the tip of said probe 20 and allow for the above freedom of motion.

Abstract: A biopsy attachment 90 for a ultrasound probe 10 includes a frame 92 and a device 100, 102 for mounting the frame 92 to the probe 10 in order to align the frame 92 relative to the probe 10. The biopsy 90 attachment further includes a biopsy needle guide 106 and a device 94, 96 for pivotally moving the biopsy needle guide from an undeployed position, adjacent to an ultrasound transparent window 24, to a deployed position which is above and spaced from the ultrasound transparent window 24, in order to guide a biopsy needle 132 to the desired biopsy location.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe 10 includes an elongated housing 12 which contains a window 24 surrounding a ultrasonic transducer 32. The ultrasonic transducer 32 is mounted on a first platform 36. The first platform 36 is in turn mounted on a second platform 38. A motor 44 and linkage arrangement 48 is provided for pivoting the transducer 32. A thumb wheel 16 can rotatably position the transducer 32 as it pivots, allowing ultrasonic imaging of bodily tissue through three hundred and sixty degrees. Further, a position sensor 78 allows for accurate sensing of the position of the transducer 32 as the transducer 32 pivots and rotates.

Abstract: A transducer drive assembly is disclosed having particular application for use in medical diagnostic imaging systems. The drive assembly includes a rotor coupled to drive means for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The rotor is formed such that it includes an integrally formed contact plate which extends upwardly from a generally flat rotor face at a given angle. A transducer is carried in a cradle which is mounted for pivotal movement, and includes a lower base portion having a generally cylindrical cross section. The lower base portion of the cradle is disposed such that it is maintained in physical contact with the rotor contact plate at all times. The rotation of the rotor applies force to the lower base of the cradle resulting in the oscillation of the cradle about the pivot points. The transducer is thereby oscillated back and forth about the pivot points in a uniform and continuous movement so long as the rotor continues to rotate.