Abstract: A biopsy apparatus including a housing having a distal end, an outer cannula, an inner cannula, at least one motor, a vacuum source, and a leak path is disclosed. The outer cannula defines a first inner lumen having an open proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough that communicates with a tissue receiving opening. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within the first inner lumen and defines a second inner lumen that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the first inner lumen. The motor moves the inner cannula within the outer cannula. The vacuum source in fluid communication with the second inner lumen, aspirates tissue through the second inner lumen. The leak path is in communication with the atmosphere and is positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first and second inner lumens to relieve vacuum behind tissue that is being aspirated though the second inner lumen.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: A needle set for a biopsy device is disclosed. The needle set includes an outer member, a cylinder lumen within said outer member, an inner member having a cannula and an inner lumen. The inner member is slidably disposed within the cylinder lumen. The biopsy device also includes a cylinder seal member that is disposed within the cylinder lumen and a cannula seal member attached to the outer surface of the cannula. The cylinder seal member and the cannula seal member define a vacuum chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A medical system is disclosed that includes a cannula, an introducer stylet removably disposed within the cannula and a target confirmation device selectively insertable within the cannula. In an embodiment of the invention, the introducer stylet is configured for insertion into a patient's body. The outer cannula is sized to fit over the introducer stylet and is positionable at least partially within the patient's body after insertion and removal of the introducer stylet. The target confirmation device is insertable into the outer cannula after removal of the introducer stylet and is configured to confirm the position of the outer cannula relative to the target site. A medical procedure using the medical system of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a biopsy system having a biopsy needle guide secured to a needle guide support bracket, a biopsy needle guide is provided that includes a body having a periphery that defines an edge of the needle guide, the periphery defining a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces. A cradling aperture is positioned in the body and sized to engage the needle guide support bracket. A channel is provided in communication with the cradling aperture. The channel extends inwardly from one of the side surfaces of the body toward the cradling aperture. The needle guide of the present invention inhibits movement of the needle guide relative to the support bracket during a biopsy procedure.

Abstract: A filter element is provided for use with a tissue cutting device. The tissue cutting device includes a tissue collection trap in which the filter element is mounted. The filter element includes a body formed of a mesh material. The mesh material is constructed to allow for fluids to pass through a portion of the filter element while tissue samples excised by the cutting device are retained therein.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device is provided that includes an outer cannula defining an outer lumen and a tissue-receiving opening adjacent a distal end of the outer cannula in communication with the outer lumen. An inner cannula is slidably disposed within the outer lumen and defines an inner lumen from an open distal end to an open opposite proximal end. The inner cannula includes a cutting edge at the open distal end operable to sever tissue projecting through the tissue receiving opening. A first hydraulic rotary motor is operably coupled to the inner cannula to rotate the inner cannula within the outer cannula. A second hydraulic reciprocating motor is operably coupled to the inner cannula to translate the inner cannula within the outer cannula while the inner cannula rotates. A hydraulic system provides the first and second hydraulic motors in communication with a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A disposable tissue removal device comprises a “tube within a tube” cutting element mounted to a handpiece. The inner cannula of the cutting element defines an inner lumen and terminates in an inwardly beveled, razor-sharp cutting edge. The inner cannula is driven by both a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. At the end of its stroke, the inner cannula makes contact with the cutting board to completely sever the tissue. An aspiration vacuum is applied to the inner lumen to aspirate excised tissue through the inner cannula and into a collection trap that is removably mounted to the handpiece. The rotary and reciprocating motors are hydraulically powered through a foot pedal operated hydraulic circuit. The entire biopsy device is configured to be disposable. In one embodiment, the cutting element includes a cannula hub that can be connected to a fluid source, such as a valve-controlled saline bag.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes a hollow hub 15 that has a working portion 16 which terminates at a working end 17 and a connection portion 18 which terminates at a connection end. The connection portion 18 defines a cavity 20 and a lock member 22, which projects from an outer surface 21 of the connection portion 18. A surgical cutting element extends from the working end 17 and is operationally connected to a source of motion. A hollow hub connector 60 has a cylindrical wall 61 with a hand-piece connection portion 62 and a hub engagement portion 65. The hub engagement portion defines a chamber 70 for receiving the connection portion 18 of the hub 15. The chamber 70 has a longitudinal axis A1 parallel to the length of the hub connector 60. The hub engagement portion 65 further defines a channel 75 through the cylindrical wall 61 for receiving the lock member 22. The channel is in communication with the chamber 70 and has a longitudinal section 76 defined along the length L of the connector.