Abstract: A needle system which upon arterial entry provides a visual indication of pulsatile blood flow. The needle system includes an elongated needle with distal and proximal ends. There is a needle hub at the proximal end of the needle and a port position between the proximal needle end and proximal hub end. The visualization connector tube having two ends is provided. The tube is sufficiently clear to permit visualization of material held therein. The first end of the tube is in communication with the port. An elastomeric reservoir is provided. The reservoir is in free, direct, unrestricted two-way communication with a second tube end. The needle, needle hub, and tube all have predetermined volumes. The reservoir has an initial unexpanded state with a first pressure and a first volume and a second state expanded with a second pressure and a second volume. Air pressure in the needle system is increased upon arterial entry.

Abstract: The vacuum biopsy apparatus includes a syringe having a side wall defining a chamber. It further includes a vacuum tube receivable within the syringe chamber. The vacuum tube has a septum at one end. The septum is shaped and dimensioned received within the syringe chamber with a fluid type fit. The vacuum tube and the septum are capable of movement within the syringe chamber to enable the vacuum tube to serve as the syringe plunger. Venting means are provided on the syringe side wall to prevent expelling air from the syringe when the vacuum tube is moved within the syringe chamber. The syringe includes mating means to allow the syringe to be connected to a biopsy needle. This allows communication between the biopsy needle and the vacuum tube when the vacuum tube is within the syringe chamber and the biopsy needle is connected to the syringe.