Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a vacuum canister, a vacuum control module, and a plurality of tubes. A first tube is configured to provide an axial vacuum to the biopsy device, while a second tube is configured to provide a lateral vacuum. A third tube is configured to communicate atmospheric air to the second tube. A fourth tube is configured to communicate saline to the second tube. The vacuum canister is configured to collect fluids drawn through the first tube and the second tube. The canister has a lid with trenches formed in it for retaining the first, second, third, and fourth tubes. The lid also has engagement regions for selectively pinching each of the tubes against to prevent fluid communication through selected tubes. The canister can be removably inserted into the vacuum control module, which includes components for selectively pinching the tubes against the engagement regions.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.

Abstract: A biopsy system has a cutter defining a cutter lumen along an axis. One conduit in the system is configured to provide fluid communication along the cutter lumen axis; while another conduit in the system is configured to provide fluid communication lateral to the cutter lumen axis. The system may be operated in a variety of modes, including a sample cycle, a clear probe cycle, a cutter positioning cycle, an aspirate cycle, and a maintenance vacuum pulse cycle. The operational modes are selectable by a user. Depending on the mode selected by the user, the communication of vacuum, saline, or atmospheric air through the conduits, or the sealing of the conduits, will vary as a function of the axial position of the cutter.

Abstract: A biopsy marker delivery device are described. The delivery device can include a relatively flexible hollow tube, a pushing member such as a push rod disposed for sliding with the tube, and at least one marker disposed in the tube. The push rod can include a surface feature effective for reducing the contact area of the push rod with the internal surface of the hollow tube. The surface feature can be effective for reducing binding of the push rod within the hollow tube when the tube and rod are subject to bending.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device operable for taking one or more biopsy samples from a patient and a marker delivery device. The biopsy device includes a body portion having an alignment feature and a hollow biopsy needle extending distally from the body portion. The marker delivery device includes a marker deployer tube and an alignment feature associated with the marker deployer tube. The alignment feature on the marker delivery device is configured to matingly engage with the alignment feature on the biopsy device. A marker delivery device includes a resilient marker guide ramp.

Abstract: A biopsy marker delivery device are described. The delivery device can include a relatively flexible hollow tube, a pushing member such as a push rod disposed for sliding with the tube, and at least one marker disposed in the tube. A positioning component is described and shown disposed around the hollow tube.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable handpiece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable handpiece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. The motor also actuates an attached sample revolver drum assembly in coordination with movement of the cutter tube to provide sequentially stored tissue samples in a sample storage bandolier that is rotated about a revolver cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a first external device, a second external device and a control module interface. The control module interface is in electrical communication with both the first and second external devices, and the control module interface is in mechanical communication with the second external device. The control module interface is configured to be positioned remotely from at least one of the first and second external devices. The control module interface comprises a motor, operational electronics, a shaft connector assembly, an electrical connector and a cabinet configured to house the motor and operational electronics. The motor is in mechanical communication with the second external device via a mechanical cable. The operational electronics are configured to permit control of the motor and a motorized component of the second external device. In some embodiments, the mechanical cable comprises a flexible shaft cable, such as a speedometer cable.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member and at least one removable member secured about the exterior of the rotatable member. The at least one removable member defines a plurality of tissue sample compartments. Each tissue sample compartment is configured to receive one or more tissue samples captured by the cutter. In some versions, the at least one removable member comprises a belt and a plurality of vials.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy probe includes a body portion, a cannula, a tip, and a cutter. The cannula extends relative to the body portion. The cannula has a first lumen configured to receive a cutter and a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The cutter is disposed in the first lumen of the cannula, and is configured to translate relative to the cannula. The tip is located on the distal end of the cannula. An opening is formed through the tip. A second lumen extends through the cannula, and is in fluid communication with the opening formed in the tip. Substances or liquids such as medicine may be dispensed to a biopsy site or other location within the body of a patient via the second lumen and the opening in the tip. The second lumen may be fluidly isolated from the first lumen and any other lumen in the cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for deploying a marker at a site within a patient may include an elongate cannula, an elongate pusher, and a marker disposed within the cannula. The cannula may have a tip at its distal end and a transverse opening. The pusher may be disposed within the cannula, and may be moved longitudinally within the cannula. The pusher may have a ramped distal end. The marker may be configured to exit the transverse opening upon urging by the ramped distal end of the pusher. In some versions, the tip of the cannula has a flat proximal face, and the marker has a recessed region that is configured to buckle in response to longitudinal compression, such that the marker will pop out of the cannula upon buckling. In other versions, the cannula has an external sheath, an open and curved distal end, or a leaf spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a marking element into a marker body includes a body portion, an insertion member, and a pushing member. The body portion has a compartment configured to receive a marker body. The insertion member is configured to engage the marker body within the compartment. The pushing member is configured to engage with the insertion member. The pushing member is operable to force a marking element along the insertion member into the marker body. The insertion member may include a hollow needle configured to penetrate the marker body. The pushing member may include a pin configured to fit within the hollow needle. The marker body may include an opening such as a slit, a slot, or a passage that is configured to receive a marking element. The marker body may include a collagen dowel, and the marking element may be formed of titanium.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a tissue sample holder and a cutter defining a cutter lumen. In one example, the tissue sample holder has a manifold, a plurality of chambers that are configured to separately hold tissue samples, and a cup configured to cover the manifold and chambers. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively align the chambers with the cutter lumen. A longitudinal passage extends along the manifold, and is positioned between two of the chambers. The manifold may be rotated to align the passage with the cutter lumen and with an opening in the cup. The passage of the manifold and the opening in the cup are configured to permit a portion of an instrument to be inserted through the opening and passage and into the cutter lumen. The instrument may be used to introduce one or more markers or medicine, etc., to a biopsy site.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a vacuum canister, a vacuum control module, and a plurality of tubes. A first tube is configured to provide an axial vacuum to the biopsy device, while a second tube is configured to provide a lateral vacuum. A third tube is configured to communicate atmospheric air to the second tube. A fourth tube is configured to communicate saline to the second tube. The vacuum canister is configured to collect fluids drawn through the first tube and the second tube. The canister has a lid with trenches formed in it for retaining the first, second, third, and fourth tubes. The lid also has engagement regions for selectively pinching each of the tubes against to prevent fluid communication through selected tubes. The canister can be removably inserted into the vacuum control module, which includes components for selectively pinching the tubes against the engagement regions.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a vacuum control module, a cannula with a transverse opening, a cutter within the cannula, and a rotatable tissue sample holder. The vacuum control module includes a speaker, a vacuum source, and a graphical user interface for controlling the biopsy system. The graphical user interface includes a display and capacitive switches that serve as buttons. The graphical user interface is operable to perform, e.g., the following functions: varying the position of the cutter relative to the transverse opening, activating a view sample mode, resetting the position of the rotatable tissue sample holder, activating a maintenance vacuum pulse mode, varying the level of vacuum provided by the source of vacuum, varying the level of volume of sounds emitted by the speaker, selectively placing the biopsy system in a standby mode, and selectively shutting the biopsy system down.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe and holster that may be coupled together. The probe includes a cannula with a transverse opening and a cutter within the cannula. The holster includes a mechanism that is operable to rotate and translate the cutter within the cannula. In one example, the holster also includes a user interface having buttons and indicators. The indicators may indicate, e.g., the longitudinal position of the cutter within the cannula and an error condition. The buttons may be operable to, e.g., selectively and incrementally adjust the longitudinal position of the cutter within the cannula, initiate a sampling cycle, initiate a clear probe cycle, and initiate a lateral vacuum cycle. The user interface may also include a trigger operable to cock and fire the cannula into tissue. The user interface may be provided as one or more membranes on one or more sidewalls of the holster.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a tissue sample holder and a cutter defining a cutter lumen. In one example, the tissue sample holder has a manifold, a plurality of chambers that are configured to separately hold tissue samples, and a cup configured to cover the manifold and chambers. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively align the chambers with the cutter lumen. A longitudinal passage extends along the manifold, and is positioned between two of the chambers. The manifold may be rotated to align the passage with the cutter lumen and with an opening in the cup. The passage of the manifold and the opening in the cup are configured to permit a portion of an instrument to be inserted through the opening and passage and into the cutter lumen. The instrument may be used to introduce one or more markers or medicine, etc., to a biopsy site.

Abstract: A vacuum control module for use in a biopsy system includes a user interface that presents buttons and icons to control operation of a biopsy device. The icons may indicate, e.g., the position of a cutter relative to a transverse opening, whether the system is in a view sample mode, that an adjacent button is operable to reset the position of a rotatable tissue sample holder, whether the system is in a maintenance vacuum pulse mode, the level of vacuum provided by a vacuum source, the volume level of a speaker, that an adjacent button is operable to place the system in a standby mode, and that an adjacent button is operable to shut down the system. The icons may each have an associated button. The icons may be allocated among separate pages (e.g., a probe page and a system page). Another button may be used to switch between pages.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder includes a rotatable manifold, and has a plurality of chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively index each of the chambers with the cutter lumen. A sensing system is configured to sense the rotational position of the manifold. A controller in communication with both the sensing system and the rotation mechanism is operable to control the rotation mechanism based at least in part on the position of the manifold as sensed by the sensing system. The sensing system may include a sensor in a fixed position and a rotating encoder wheel on a shaft that is used to rotate the manifold.