Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly and an obturator. The probe assembly comprises a cannula having a closed distal end configured to penetrate tissue, an open proximal end, a first lumen in fluid communication with the open proximal end, and a side aperture located proximal to the closed distal end. The side aperture is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The obturator is removably insertable in the first lumen through the open proximal end. The obturator is configured to substantially block the side aperture when the obturator is inserted in the first lumen. The probe assembly may be inserted in a patient's tissue (e.g., breast) with the obturator disposed in the cannula to block the side aperture. The obturator may then be removed, and a cutter may be advanced through the cannula to sever tissue protruding through the side aperture.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly and an obturator. The probe assembly comprises a cannula having a closed distal end configured to penetrate tissue, an open proximal end, a first lumen in fluid communication with the open proximal end, and a side aperture located proximal to the closed distal end. The side aperture is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The obturator is removably insertable in the first lumen through the open proximal end. The obturator is configured to substantially block the side aperture when the obturator is inserted in the first lumen. The probe assembly may be inserted in a patient's tissue (e.g., breast) with the obturator disposed in the cannula to block the side aperture. The obturator may then be removed, and a cutter may be advanced through the cannula to sever tissue protruding through the side aperture.

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 respectively configured to receive a tray. The housing is releasably engageable with the probe. Each tray is configured to receive a tissue sample communicated through the cutter lumen. Each 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. A tray retainer is operable to selectively secure the trays relative to the housing. The trays may be flexible, resilient, or rigid.

Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatible core biopsy instrument includes a detachable probe assembly to enhance the accuracy of placement at a biopsy site and avoid repeated insertions, even when used in a closed MRI magnet bore. In particular, the detachable probe assembly is configured for attachment to a localization fixture for accurate stereotopic placement to the desired biopsy site. While disengaged, dual lumens (vacuum and cutter) of the probe assembly allow applying vacuum to, draining fluid from, and insertion of fluids to the biopsy site. The biopsy instrument handle readily engages to the probe assembly for taking samples. Features are included for visual indications of the position of the cutter, prevention of disengagement when the cutter is advanced into the probe assembly, and a tolerance take-out feature that minimizes the deadzone gap at a distal end of the probe assembly, allowing samples to be taken close to sensitive tissues.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly and an obturator. The probe assembly comprises a cannula having a closed distal end configured to penetrate tissue, an open proximal end, a first lumen in fluid communication with the open proximal end, and a side aperture located proximal to the closed distal end. The side aperture is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The obturator is removably insertable in the first lumen through the open proximal end. The obturator is configured to substantially block the side aperture when the obturator is inserted in the first lumen. The probe assembly may be inserted in a patient's tissue (e.g., breast) with the obturator disposed in the cannula to block the side aperture. The obturator may then be removed, and a cutter may be advanced through the cannula to sever tissue protruding through the side aperture.

Abstract: A method for performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided core biopsies is tendered more accurate and efficient by precisely positioning a disengaged probe assembly with respect to a localization fixture attached to a breast coil platform. The precise position is defined by MRI stereotopic location of suspicious tissue with respect to a fiducial marker on the localization fixture. With the probe inserted, dual lumens in the probe assembly are used for drainage or insertion of fluids as well as inserting diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Core biopsies are performed by engaging a biopsy instrument handle containing a cutter, with the localization fixture providing support and position to the handle. Repeated MRI scans are facilitated by the ability to disengage the handle without risk of displacing the probe assembly from the biopsy site.

Abstract: A method for performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) guided core biopsies is tendered more accurate and efficient by precisely positioning a disengaged probe assembly with respect to a localization fixture attached to a breast coil platform. The precise position is defined by MRI stereotopic location of suspicious tissue with respect to a fiducial marker on the localization fixture. With the probe inserted, dual lumens in the probe assembly are used for drainage or insertion of fluids as well as inserting diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Core biopsies are performed by engaging a biopsy instrument handle containing a cutter, with the localization fixture providing support and position to the handle. Repeated MRI scans are facilitated by the ability to disengage the handle without risk of displacing the probe assembly from the biopsy site.

Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatible core biopsy instrument includes a detachable probe assembly to enhance the accuracy of placement at a biopsy site and avoid repeated insertions, even when used in a closed MRI magnet bore. In particular, the detachable probe assembly is configured for attachment to a localization fixture for accurate stereotopic placement to the desired biopsy site. While disengaged, dual lumens (vacuum and cutter) of the probe assembly allow applying vacuum to, draining fluid from, and insertion of fluids to the biopsy site. The biopsy instrument handle readily engages to the probe assembly for taking samples. Features are included for visual indications of the position of the cutter, prevention of disengagement when the cutter is advanced into the probe assembly, and a tolerance take-out feature that minimizes the deadzone gap at a distal end of the probe assembly, allowing samples to be taken close to sensitive tissues.