Abstract: A guide (100) is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula (120) defining a lumen (125) sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening (124) in communication with the lumen (125) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The invention also includes a solid tip (130) having an anatomically distal end (131) secured to the first end (121) of the cannula (120) and a proximal end (132) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (135) is disposed within the cannula (120) at an end (136) of the lateral opening (124) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The ramp (135) is inclined toward the lateral opening (124), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening (124) as it advances within the lumen (125) and exits the cannula (120). In some embodiments, the item is a biopsy needle, ablation means or a radiopharmaceutical seed.

Abstract: A biopsy-marking assembly for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site in a patient and marking the biopsy site is provided. The biopsy marking assembly includes a biopsy device and a marking element for marking the biopsy site. In preferred embodiments, the marking assembly is configured so that the marking element is deposited at the biopsy site before the tissue sample is taken. In some embodiments, the marker element is a V-shaped rod including two legs and a joint between the two legs. In some embodiments, the biopsy device includes an outer hollow needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidingly engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a marker chamber for carrying the marker element for delivery to the biopsy site, and a cavity for receiving a tissue sample. Methods are also provided for obtaining a biopsy sample and marking the biopsy site.

Abstract: A guide (100) is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula (120) defining a lumen (125) sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening (124) in communication with the lumen (125) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The invention also includes a solid tip (130) having an anatomically distal end (131) secured to the first end (121) of the cannula (120) and a proximal end (132) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (135) is disposed within the cannula (120) at an end (136) of the lateral opening (124) adjacent the first end (121) of the cannula (120). The ramp (135) is inclined toward the lateral opening (124), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening (124) as it advances within the lumen (125) and exits the cannula (120). In some embodiments, the item is a biopsy needle, ablation means or a radiopharmaceutical seed.

Abstract: A biopsy-marking assembly for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site in a patient and marking the biopsy site is provided. The biopsy marking assembly includes a biopsy device and a marking element for marking the biopsy site. In preferred embodiments, the marking assembly is configured so that the marking element is deposited at the biopsy site before the tissue sample is taken. In some embodiments, the marker element is a V-shaped rod including two legs and a joint between the two legs. In some embodiments, the biopsy device includes an outer hollow needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidingly engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a cavity for carrying the marker element for delivery to the biopsy site and for receiving a tissue sample. Methods are also provided for obtaining a biopsy sample and marking the biopsy site.

Abstract: A biopsy needle device (10) is provided which includes an introducer cannula (20) defining a lumen (25) sized to receive a biopsy needle (11) therethrough and a lateral opening (24) in communication with the lumen (25) adjacent the first end (21) of the cannula (20). The invention also includes a solid tip (30) having an anatomically distal end (31) secured to the first end (21) of the cannula (20) and a proximal end (32) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp (35) is disposed within the cannula (20) at an end (36) of the lateral opening (24) adjacent the first end (21) of the cannula (20). The ramp (35) is inclined toward the lateral opening (24), whereby a biopsy needle (11) will be deflected through the lateral opening (24) as it advances within the lumen (25) and exits the cannula (20).