Abstract: A system adapted to control the operation of a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy device provided with a syringe to which is transferred a tissue sample extracted from an internal target in the body of a patient in which the needle is injected. Associated with, this biopsy device is an ultrasound imaging instrument having a transducer placed on a body site overlying the internal target and coupled to a CRT monitor. The needle is injected into the patient through a guide passage in the transducer, hence displayed on the CRT screen is an image of the internal target and that of the advancing needle. The biopsy device is controlled by a pneumatic or motor-driven mechanism operatively coupled to a guide tube through which the needle extends. For a first phase of an operating cycle, the mechanism advances the needle toward the target to extract a tissue sample therefrom. In a second operating phase, the mechanism acts to retract the tissue loaded needle from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A system adapted to control the operation of a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy device provided with a syringe to which is transferred a tissue sample extracted from an internal target in the body of a patient in which the needle is injected. Associated with this biopsy device is an ultrasound imaging instrument having a transducer placed on a body site overlying the internal target and coupled to a CRT monitor. The needle is injected into the patient through a guide passage in the transducer, hence displayed on the CRT screen is an image of the internal target and that of the advancing needle. The biopsy device is controlled by a pneumatic or motor-driven mechanism operatively coupled to a guide tube through which the needle extends, For a first phase of an operating cycle, the mechanism advances the needle toward the target to extract a tissue sample therefrom. In a second operating phase, the mechanism acts to retract the tissue loaded needle from the body of the patient.