Abstract: Biopsy devices and methods useful with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) are disclosed. A biopsy device including a flexible tube having a side aperture, and a PET or BSGI imageable material disposed within the flexible tube is disclosed. A biopsy method is disclosed that includes advancing a flexible tube having a PET or BSGI imageable material distally through the biopsy device. Various other embodiments and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy targeting assembly, a needle, and a biopsy device. The biopsy targeting assembly includes a cradle. The needle is releasably supported by the targeting assembly. The biopsy device includes a body having a tissue collection assembly and a cutter. The cutter is translatable relative to the body and extends distally from the body. The cradle of the targeting assembly releasably supports the body of the biopsy device distally of the tissue collection assembly. The biopsy device translates a distal portion of the cutter within the needle with the needle supported by the targeting assembly.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube, where the targeting cube is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The targeting cube further comprises at least one hinged member positioned along the outer portion of the targeting cube and interfacing with an aperture in the grid plate. The hinged member may provide a tapered profile to the targeting cube and may further comprise an elastomeric portion.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having a plurality of chambers that are configured to receive a plurality of strips connected by at least one flexible member. The flexible member is configured to permit the strips to pivot relative to each other such that the strips can shift between a flat configuration and a arcuate configuration. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen such that tissue samples may be collected in the strips. The strips may be removed from the tissue sample holder and placed in a tissue sample holder container for imaging of tissue samples.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue stop having a proximal face. The cannula has a transverse aperture that is defined in part by a proximal edge and a distal edge. The cutter is movable to a distal position to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A tip at the distal end of the cannula has a sharp edge that extends proximally to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal edge of the transverse aperture. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal cutting edge of the cutter when the cutter is at the distal position. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the proximal face of the tissue stop.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a control module, a control module interface, at least one wireless data communication link, and an encoder. The biopsy device is operable to capture a tissue sample and includes a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion includes an MR compatible motor. The disposable portion is adapted to be releasably joined with the reusable portion. The control module interface is configured to provide an interface between the control module and the reusable portion of the biopsy device. The at least one wireless data communication link includes a first data link configured to permit communication of data between the reusable portion of the biopsy device and the control module interface. The encoder is operationally coupled with the MR compatible motor.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue stop having a proximal face. The cannula has a transverse aperture that is defined in part by a proximal edge and a distal edge. The cutter is movable to a distal position to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A tip at the distal end of the cannula has a sharp edge that extends proximally to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal edge of the transverse aperture. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the distal cutting edge of the cutter when the cutter is at the distal position. The sharp edge of the tip extends to a longitudinal position that is proximal to the longitudinal position of the proximal face of the tissue stop.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a control module, a control module interface, at least one wireless data communication link, and an encoder. The biopsy device is operable to capture a tissue sample and includes a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion includes an MR compatible motor. The disposable portion is adapted to be releasably joined with the reusable portion. The control module interface is configured to provide an interface between the control module and the reusable portion of the biopsy device. The at least one wireless data communication link includes a first data link configured to permit communication of data between the reusable portion of the biopsy device and the control module interface. The encoder is operationally coupled with the MR compatible motor.

Abstract: Biopsy devices and methods useful with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) are disclosed. A biopsy device including a flexible tube having a side aperture, and a PET or BSGI imageable material disposed within the flexible tube is disclosed. A biopsy method is disclosed that includes advancing a flexible tube having a PET or BSGI imageable material distally through the biopsy device. Various other embodiments and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A biopsy device targeting set includes a vertical member, a carriage that is vertically movable along the vertical member, and a cradle coupled with the carriage. The cradle has a pair of substantially perpendicular mounting arms. Each mounting arm has a recess that may receive a rail of the carriage, such that the cradle may be mounted to the same rail in different orientations. Each mounting arm also has a biopsy device mounting feature, which may be a recess or a rail. The biopsy device mounting feature is configured to engage with a complementary feature of a biopsy device, such that a biopsy device may be mounted to either mounting arm. A z-stop feature is operable to selectively restrict longitudinal motion along either or both of the biopsy device mounting features. The targeting set may be used with a biopsy device in an MRI environment.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having one or more chambers that are configured to receive a removable tray including one or more prongs and a bulk chamber of a different volume than the one or more chambers. The housing is releasably engageable with the probe. Each tray prong is configured to receive a tissue sample communicated through the cutter lumen. The tray is removable from the housing, such as along an axial direction. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen. The trays may be flexible, resilient, or rigid.

Abstract: A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide a passageway through the targeting cube. The body of the targeting cube is at least partially comprised of elastomeric material to allow for compression of the body. The elastomeric material may thus provide a secure fit with a wide range of grid plates having openings of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a targeting set assembly, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set assembly comprises a needle assembly, which comprises a connecting member. The probe assembly comprises components configured to selectively attach to the connecting member of the needle assembly. In some versions, the connecting member comprises a recess, and the probe assembly comprises a protrusion configured to selectively engage the recess. The protrusion may be provided on a rocking member or on a resilient arm. The rocking member or resilient arm may bias the protrusion to enter the recess. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly provides a device for use during a biopsy procedure. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly may further permit rotation of the needle assembly for indexing.

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 and a holster. The probe has a distally extending needle including a transverse tissue receiving aperture. A cutter is translatable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding through the aperture. A thumbwheel is manually operable to rotate the needle to reorient the angular position of the aperture about the longitudinal axis defined by the needle. The thumbwheel is positioned obliquely with the longitudinal axis. A cable driven mechanism in the holster drives the cutter. A rotatable tissue sample holder is coupled with the probe, and has chambers configured to receive tissue samples communicated proximally through a lumen defined by the cutter. A piezoelectric motor in the holster drives the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a probe and other components, which selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The faces of the targeting cube comprise a tapered profile from a proximal end to a distal end. The tapered profile of the targeting cube may be created by the faces themselves or by protruding elements from the faces. The body of the targeting cube and/or the protruding elements may be at least partially comprised of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The intersections of the faces of the targeting cube comprise edges that are comprised of elastomeric material. The elastomeric edges allow for compression and may thus provide a secure fit with a wide range of grid plates having openings of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a probe and other components, which selectively couple with a targeting cube that is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces, and guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The body of the targeting cube is at least partially comprised of elastomeric material to allow for adjustment of the orientation of the passageways. The body of the targeting cube is further comprised of malleable members that flank the passageways and allow for angulation of an instrument, such as by maintaining an adjusted orientation of a passageway into which the instrument is inserted.

Abstract: A biopsy site marker delivery device includes a relatively flexible marker deployer tube having a closed distal end, a push rod slidably disposed within the tube, and at least one marker disposed in the tube. The deployer tube includes a side exit port with an adjacent ramp for transversely dispensing the marker upon distal advancement of the push rod within the tube. An elongate member such as a sleeve is operable to guide and/or stabilize the flexible deployer tube as the tip of the tube is inserted into an access channel such as a channel provided by a cannula or biopsy device. An internal package member is configured to support the marker delivery device and the elongate member, with the elongate member being positioned over the side exit port to prevent the marker from inadvertently exiting the side exit port.