Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.

Abstract: A tissue perforation device and method. The device preferably includes a housing having a housing pass-through, a penetrator securely and sealably positioned so that the penetrator device passes through the housing pass-through, and a vacuum system comprising a vacuum source securely and sealably attached through the housing for advancing a patient's tissue onto the penetrator device.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a tissue sample holder and a cutter defining a cutter lumen. In one example, the tissue sample holder has a manifold, a plurality of chambers that are configured to separately hold tissue samples, and a cup configured to cover the manifold and chambers. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively align the chambers with the cutter lumen. A longitudinal passage extends along the manifold, and is positioned between two of the chambers. The manifold may be rotated to align the passage with the cutter lumen and with an opening in the cup. The passage of the manifold and the opening in the cup are configured to permit a portion of an instrument to be inserted through the opening and passage and into the cutter lumen. The instrument may be used to introduce one or more markers or medicine, etc., to a biopsy site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting bone and bone marrow are provided. The apparatus may include a driver operable to be releasably engaged with an intraosseous device. The intraosseous device may include a cannula having a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow and to allow retrieval of portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The cannula may have a second end operable to be releasably engaged with bone marrow sampling equipment. The apparatus may include a removable trocar. The removable trocar may have an inner channel operable to convey portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The removable trocar may have an inner channel and a side port communicating with the inner channel. The removable trocar may have a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow.

Abstract: A pneumatic circuit and other components are provided for the operation of a medical device. The pneumatic circuit provides controlled pressurized air to a medical device for use during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A core sampling device includes a core sampling punch, a core excision punch that makes a recess in a receiver body, and an ejector that expels a sample core into the receiver body. The core excision punch is mounted inside the core sampling punch and is substantially coaxial with the core sampling punch. Both punches are able to move in translation and/or rotation with respect to one another, and the ejector is arranged so as to expel cores from each punch.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

Abstract: A handheld biopsy device is provided for the collection of soft tissue samples from a surgical patient. In a preferred embodiment, the biopsy device comprises a handpiece, a fluid collection system, and a power transmission source. The handpiece is configured for grasping by a single hand, and being independentyl manipulatable by hand for movement of the instrument toward and away from the patient. An elongated piercer extends from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer has a sharpened distal end for entering the tissue and a port located proximal to the sharpened distal end for receiving a portion of tissue mass. An elongated cutter is disposed coaxially relative to a piercer lumen of the piercer. A distal blade of the cutter slides distally past the port of the piercer to severe the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The cutter is retracted to a most proximal position for removal of the tissue portion from a cutter lumen of the cutter.

Abstract: A biopsy device (1) is disclosed, comprising a syringe body (2) defining an aspiration chamber (23); a piston (4) mounted slidably inside the syringe body and provided with a plunger (42) tightly slidable inside the aspiration chamber (23); a needle cannula (6) mounted on the head (25) of the syringe body (2) and provided with a tip (60) adapted to resect the tissue to be sampled; a stylet (57), integral with the piston and mounted axially on the plunger (42) to slide inside the needle cannula (6) so as to protrude therefrom, said stylet (57) having a percutaneous tip (58) adapted to penetrate the patient's body until it arrives in proximity to the organ to be penetrated; and a conduit (37) for the passage of a fluid, which puts said aspiration chamber (23) into communication with the outside, to inject a fluid inside the aspiration chamber (23) in order to flush the aspiration chamber (23) and the needle cannula (6) so as to extract and to recover the sampled material.

Abstract: A tissue filter for medical collection is disclosed. The tissue filter includes a first member, a second member, and filter material secured thereto. The first and second members are selectively engaged with one another to define a filter body having a collection cavity. The collection cavity is open at one end for tissue to flow into the collection cavity. The first member and the second member may be selectively separated to facilitate tissue removal from the collection cavity.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump in the handpiece may provide a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A pressure pump in the handpiece may also provide pressurized air to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor in the handpiece may drive the vacuum pump, the pressure pump, and/or the cutter. A vacuum sensor may sense a vacuum level within the biopsy device, and cause initiation of operational cycles in response to sensed vacuum levels. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first battery-powered motor; and a cutter, pressure pump, and vacuum pump by a second battery-powered motor. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum, pressurized air, and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy device includes a chamber having a body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end includes an inlet. The biopsy device further includes a vacuum generator for generating negative and positive pressure and at least one first recessed area and at least one second recessed area. The first recessed area extends along an inner wall of the body, proximate the proximal end of the body of the chamber. The first recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber. The second recessed area extends along the inner wall of the body, proximate the distal end of the body of the chamber. The second recessed area is configured to release pressure within the chamber.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly as subject of the present invention for taking tissue sample comprises an outer cannula having a front with a cutting edge end and a back end; a hollow biopsy needle located inside and coaxially with the cannula, having an inner cavity. The front end if the needle is provided with a tissue receiving means cooperating with the cutting edge of cannula; an inner needle having located inside and coaxially with the hollow biopsy needle; a vacuum unit coupled to the hollow biopsy needle; the cannula and hollow biopsy needle being mutually axially moveable. The vacuum unit is adapted to create a lowered air pressure in the inner cavity when the front end of the hollow biopsy needle is axially moved away from the front end of the inner needle. The vacuum unit is located uniaxially with the cannula and hollow biopsy needle. The invention further relates to a device for taking a tissue sample by means of a biopsy needle assembly as subject of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a cannula having a closed distal end. An orifice is located on a circumferential surface of the cannula. The orifice is configured to receive a tissue sample into a lumen of the cannula. A cutting sheath is slidably and coaxially disposed over the cannula. The cutting sheath is adapted to seal the opening of the orifice. A pressure generating device is connected to a proximal portion of the cannula for altering a pressure in the lumen of the cannula. A valve is positioned between the cannula and the pressure generating device for controlling a flow of a fluid between the lumen of the cannula and the pressure generating device.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a vacuum control module, a cannula with a transverse opening, a cutter within the cannula, and a rotatable tissue sample holder. The vacuum control module includes a speaker, a vacuum source, and a graphical user interface for controlling the biopsy system. The graphical user interface includes a display and capacitive switches that serve as buttons. The graphical user interface is operable to perform, e.g., the following functions: varying the position of the cutter relative to the transverse opening, activating a view sample mode, resetting the position of the rotatable tissue sample holder, activating a maintenance vacuum pulse mode, varying the level of vacuum provided by the source of vacuum, varying the level of volume of sounds emitted by the speaker, selectively placing the biopsy system in a standby mode, and selectively shutting the biopsy system down.

Abstract: A vacuum control module for use in a biopsy system includes a user interface that presents buttons and icons to control operation of a biopsy device. The icons may indicate, e.g., the position of a cutter relative to a transverse opening, whether the system is in a view sample mode, that an adjacent button is operable to reset the position of a rotatable tissue sample holder, whether the system is in a maintenance vacuum pulse mode, the level of vacuum provided by a vacuum source, the volume level of a speaker, that an adjacent button is operable to place the system in a standby mode, and that an adjacent button is operable to shut down the system. The icons may each have an associated button. The icons may be allocated among separate pages (e.g., a probe page and a system page). Another button may be used to switch between pages.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device, a vacuum canister, a vacuum control module, and a plurality of tubes. A first tube is configured to provide an axial vacuum to the biopsy device, while a second tube is configured to provide a lateral vacuum. A third tube is configured to communicate atmospheric air to the second tube. A fourth tube is configured to communicate saline to the second tube. The vacuum canister is configured to collect fluids drawn through the first tube and the second tube. The canister has a lid with trenches formed in it for retaining the first, second, third, and fourth tubes. The lid also has engagement regions for selectively pinching each of the tubes against to prevent fluid communication through selected tubes. The canister can be removably inserted into the vacuum control module, which includes components for selectively pinching the tubes against the engagement regions.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitting the medication therethrough.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.

Abstract: A method for extracting a tissue sample includes altering the pressure inside the lumen of a cannula to facilitate extraction of a tissue sample from the cannula. One aspect of the invention includes a biopsy apparatus comprising a valve for controlling the pressure inside the lumen of the cannula. In one variation, the pressure/vacuum generating device is connected to a cannula with a closed distal end and an orifice located on a circumferential surface of said cannula. A cutting sheath is slidably disposed over said cannula. The valve may be provided between the pressure/vacuum generating device and the cannula to control the pressure within the lumen of the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a housing, a cutting element, a spool, a piston, and a spring. The cutting element extends from the housing at the distal end of the housing. The cutting element comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The spool is engaged with the outer cannula. The piston is engaged with the inner cannula. A spring is positioned between the spool and the piston. The spool is translated distally to translate the outer cannula towards the distal end. And the piston translates the inner cannula towards the distal end to sever tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy device having an insert and related method are disclosed. The insert permits a user to obtain a tissue sample surrounding a center core(s) of removed tissue. The additional tissue provides an effective evaluation of whether all the desired tissue has been excised and a determination of whether an acceptable margin of healthy tissue has been removed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member. The drive may include a drive member having a helical groove and being attached to the cutting member. Furthermore, the drive may include an inner drive hub coupled to the drive member such that the drive member rotates with the inner drive hub while being free to translate relative to the inner drive hub. The drive simultaneously rotates and translates the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The distal end of the stylet is blunt-shaped. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen.

Abstract: A tissue perforation device and method. The device preferably includes a housing having a housing pass-through, a penetrator device securely and sealably positioned so that the penetrator device passes through the housing pass-through, and a vacuum system comprising a vacuum source securely and sealably attached through the housing for advancing a patient's tissue onto the penetrator device.

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: Featured is an apparatus that places or locates a proximal end portion of a penetrating member in a target area of a body. Such an apparatus or needle driver is particularly suited for locating a percutaneous needle in a soft tissue target area of a body particularly a body having inhomogeneous soft tissues. The apparatus includes a first arm that is configured and arranged so as to support a distal portion of the penetrating member and a first drive mechanism that is coupled to the first arm. The first drive mechanism is configured and arranged to move or translate the first arm from an initial position to any of a number of other positions that are spaced from the initial position and correspondingly translate the proximal end portion of the penetrating member.

Abstract: Electrosurgical tissue specimen recovery apparatus and system employing a multi-leaf capture component configured with pursing cables which are electrosurgically excited to define a cutting leading edge. To complete a capture, the cables are loaded in tension to purse and thus converge the tips of the capture component leafs together. The forward regions of the leafs are configured with a combination of a thin flat stainless steel region over which a polymeric cable guide is positioned. The polymeric cable guide and stainless steel leaf driving combination improves frictional aspects as well as the resulting aspect ratio of a recovered tissue specimen.

Abstract: A kit for obtaining an endoarterial biopsy sample from a patient including packaging material enclosing one or more kit components; the kit components include instruments use to perform a surgical procedure; and the kit includes separate phase specific packaging parts.

Abstract: A biopsy needle, where at least a portion thereof is configured from a non-ferrous and/or non-conductive material that reduces or eliminates MRI artifact while retaining desirable levels of strength and the ability to resist significant bending loads.

Abstract: Devices and methods for varying the size of a tissue sample in a biopsy device are disclosed. The biopsy device includes a needle with a tissue aperture and an inner cutter which translates within the needle. The inner cutter may be controlled to selectively block the aperture thereby varying the sample size. A half cylindrical sleeve may be resiliently attached to the exterior of the needle in order to block the aperture. The sleeve includes gripping flanges on its bottom surface, and a beveled distal tip configured to avoid damage from the inner cutter. The distal tip may include an inner metallic guide or may be heightened to avoid contact with the cutter.

Abstract: A device with a sampling portion configured to engage, sever, and remove tissue from a body can be used to obtain one or more tissue samples from the body. The device can be used to obtain multiple tissue samples simultantously.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for use in minimally invasive surgery are described. The instruments have parts that are easily separable and easily assembled. A reciprocal slide member is operable by a cam portion of a lever received in a slot in the slide member. There is no mechanical connection between the lever and the slide member. The slide member is connected to elongate surgical implement components that extend through an elongate support member. The elongate surgical implement components are capable of reciprocal movement in the proximal-distal direction. In some embodiments, the elongate surgical implements can be used for measuring distances arthroscopically; these surgical implements can have beveled ends for more precise measurement of distances. The surgical instrument can be modular, with separate tool and actuator modules. The surgical instrument can be used with any implement that can be operated by reciprocal motion.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method may be used to obtain a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that is rotated by an integral motor and manually translated past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. A sample capturing structure (e.g., sample barrel) has a plurality of sample cavities (e.g., radially symmetric, revolver handgun orientation) that are manually aligned one at a time to capture one or more samples.

Abstract: A biopsy marker introduction assembly is configured for introduction through a specimen retrieval recess into a probe cutter lumen of a handheld breast biopsy handle. Advancing the cutter causes an extending deployment rod to distally translate within an introducer tube of the introduction assembly, pushing a biopsy marker out of a distal end of the probe at a surgical biopsy site. Thereby, the surgeon is able to position the probe and effect deployment of the marker even if using the other hand to position an imaging device such as an ultrasonic transceiver.

Abstract: A tissue sampling device comprises an elongated tube having a distal end with at least two apertures. The device further comprises at least two cutters disposed within the elongated tube, wherein each cutter is configured to be independently displaced longitudinally within the elongated tube and across a respective one of the apertures to sever tissue prolapsed within the respective aperture. A method comprises inserting the device in tissue. The method further comprises receiving a first prolapsed portion of the tissue into the first aperture, longitudinally displacing the first cutter across the first aperture to sever the first prolapsed tissue portion within the first aperture, receiving a second prolapsed portion of the tissue into the second aperture, and longitudinally displacing the second cutter independently from the first cutter across the second aperture to sever the second prolapsed tissue portion within the second aperture.

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: An elongate probe, with a suction channel extending longitudinally along the probe, is inserted into a patient so that a distal tip of the probe is in contact with a fibroid mass inside the patient. Thereafter the probe is ultrasonically vibrated so that the distal tip has an excursion amplitude or distance greater than 275 microns. During probe vibration, suction is applied to the channel at a vacuum level greater than 24? Hg to thereby maintain the target tissue mass in engagement with the distal tip during the vibrating of the probe and enable ablation of at least a selectable portion of the target tissue mass.

Abstract: A hair transplant apparatus and method capture a hair graft into a hair graft chamber readily aligned for implantation into the human scalp. The hair graft can be placed into the hair graft chamber manually or mechanically (e.g., by vacuum). A hair transplant apparatus includes a gas-permeable stopper for utilizing gas flow to load and/or implant a hair graft. Another hair transplant apparatus includes a gas-permeable rod inside a housing. Vacuum may be utilized to load a hair graft into the hair graft chamber. The rod may be advanced toward an open distal end of the chamber so the end of the rod becomes substantially flush with the distal end, thereby pushing the hair graft out of the chamber and into the pre-made wound. Advantageously, the chamber is aligned with the direction of the pre-made wound allowing the hair graft to slide easily into the pre-made wound without damage.

Abstract: Different exemplary embodiments of cannula tools each perform multiple functions. Each cannula tool is able to dislodge or cut away a biopsy sample from a desired site within a patient's body, and then collect the sample. The cannula tool, which is disposed at the distal end of an elongate flexible tube is guided to the desired site over a guide wire. The cannula tool either abrades cells from adjacent tissue with an abrasive surface, or cuts away a sample of tissue with a sharpened cutting edge or with a loop that is electrically heated or pulled to snare the sample. The biopsy sample is then drawn with a bodily fluid or introduced fluid through an annulus formed between the guide wire and the inner surface of the elongate flexible tube or through a lumen, for collection at the proximal end of the elongate flexible tube.

Abstract: A catheter having an imaging device on its distal end serves as a guidewire for cannula tools, enabling the tools to be advanced to a desired site in a patient's body. One exemplary embodiment of such a catheter is a scanning fiber endoscope. The images facilitate navigation through linked body lumens and also enable an operator to view a site where a biopsy sample is to be taken with a cannula tool. Exemplary cannula tools include bristles or sharp points that scrub cells from adjacent tissue, a biopsy needle that can be thrust into tissue, a loop that cuts away tissue, a cutting edge that slices tissue from a site, and forceps. The sample can be carried by a bodily or introduced fluid to a proximal end of the catheter through an annular gap between the catheter and the cannula tool, or the cannula tool can retain the sample.

Abstract: A biopsy device may be used to obtain and store multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in a sequenced fashion within a generally transparent tissue storage chamber disposed at a proximal end of the biopsy device. The tissue samples can be stored on flexible tissue sample strips arranged around the circumference of a rotating vacuum manifold disposed within the chamber.

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 biopsy instrument with an internal specimen collection mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A needle biopsy system for marking a sampling site is described.

Abstract: A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen.

Abstract: A biopsy system having a lateral tissue access port includes an energy based tissue penetration system that can advantageously penetrate hard tumors, improve hemostasis, and provide greater tissue access. The energy based tissue penetration system has a vibrational member removeably disposed within the biopsy system, and a distal tip of the vibrational member extending from the biopsy system for tissue penetration. A sleeve is located between the vibrational member and the lateral access port to prevent tissue contact with the vibrational member through the lateral access port.