Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, and a cutter. A motor is operable to both move the cutter relative to the needle and actuate a needle firing assembly to retract and fire the needle relative to the body. The biopsy device also includes a needle rotation assembly that is configured to substantially prevent rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a proximal position yet permit rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a distal position. A valve assembly of the biopsy device includes a slider that selectively couples a secondary lumen in the needle with either atmospheric air or saline based on the longitudinal position of the slider. The cutter passes through the slider.

Abstract: An expandable biopsy device and a method of obtaining a biopsy sample are provided. The expandable biopsy device includes an expandable portion including an expandable plate member and a cable operably connected to the expandable plate member. The expandable plate member has a substantially flattened configuration and an expanded configuration where the expanded configuration is longitudinally elongated relative to the flattened configuration. The flattened configuration has a first diameter. The expandable biopsy device also includes a cutting portion including a blade and a housing. The blade is positionable at least partially within the housing and the blade has a second diameter. The housing includes an opening and a cavity formed within housing. The second diameter of the blade is greater than the first diameter of the expandable plate member in the substantially flattened configuration.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy region positional information calculator for calculating a three-dimensional position of a biopsy region, a biopsy needle moving mechanism for moving a biopsy needle along three axes and/or turning the biopsy needle obliquely to an object to be examined, a biopsy needle positional information calculator for calculating a three-dimensional position of the biopsy needle, and a traveled distance calculator for calculating a distance over which the biopsy needle moves with respect to the biopsy region based on the three-dimensional position of the biopsy needle and the three-dimensional position of the biopsy region.

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

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

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly to be grasped by a user and a disposable biopsy probe assembly for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes a first vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward a vacuum source and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a second vacuum path having a second one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from a sample basket and to redundantly prevent the positive pressure fluid flow toward the sample basket. A vacuum monitoring mechanism is coupled to the vacuum source and configured to shut off the vacuum source when a vacuum level in at least one of the first vacuum path and the second vacuum path reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly and a disposable biopsy probe assembly for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes a first vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward a vacuum source and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a second vacuum path having a second one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from a sample basket and to redundantly prevent the positive pressure fluid flow toward the sample basket. A fluid management tank is fluidically interposed in the second vacuum path between the first end and the second end. The fluid management tank includes a filter arrangement to prevent a flow of residual biopsy biological material from the sample basket to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a driver assembly to be grasped by a user and a disposable biopsy probe assembly for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. The driver assembly includes a first vacuum path having a first one-way valve configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward a vacuum source and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from the vacuum source. The disposable biopsy probe assembly includes a second vacuum path having a second one-way valve configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from a sample basket and to redundantly prevent the positive pressure fluid flow toward the sample basket. In some embodiments, a fluid management tank may be fluidically interposed in the second vacuum path to prevent a flow of residual biopsy biological material from the sample basket to the vacuum source.

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 biopsy device includes a probe assembly and a driver unit. The probe assembly includes a first cannula having a first aperture extending to a lumen proximal to a first distal end of the first cannula. A second cannula has a second aperture extending to a lumen proximal to the second distal end of the second cannula. The second cannula is disposed co-axially with the first cannula. A least one of the first aperture and the second aperture has a cutting edge. The driver unit is configured for releasably mounting the probe assembly. The driver unit is operatively configured to simultaneously rotate the first cannula and the second cannula at different rotational velocities so that the first aperture and the second aperture periodically come into alignment to form a virtual tissue sample aperture.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided to remove biopsy specimens from a bone and/or associated bone marrow using a powered drive and an intraosseous (IO) needle set. The powered driver may rotate the IO needle set at an optimum speed to obtain a biopsy sample of bone and/or bone marrow. Apparatus and methods may also be provided for aspiration of bone marrow and/or stem cell transplant procedures. The apparatus may include a powered driver, a coupler assembly, a containment bag or sterile sleeve and various IO needles and IO needle sets with associated hubs and/or hub assemblies. Each IO needle set may include a cannula or catheter and an associated trocar stylet with respective tips operable to penetrate a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum trauma to a patient. Each hub assembly may be used to releasably dispose a respective stylet within an associated generally hollow cannula. Some coupler assemblies and/or hub assemblies may also be used with manual drivers.

Abstract: Biopsy instruments having an ergonomic design are described. A biopsy instrument comprises a housing, a needle assembly, and a handle. The needle assembly includes a cannula that defines a lumen and a stylet slidably disposed within the lumen. The housing and the handle have longitudinal axes that intersect at an acute angle.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for inserting a needle capable of obtaining automation of tissue sample collection or drug injection and operation stability by applying a link mechanism between a needle inserted into a specific part of a human body and a power source for providing a drive force. The apparatus includes a needle unit inserted into a human body, a drive unit configured to provide a drive force to the needle unit such that the needle unit reciprocates between an insertion position at which the needle unit is inserted into the human body and a withdrawal position at which the needle unit is withdraw to the outside of the human body, and a guide unit including a plurality of guide links each having at least two links relatively rotated by the drive force of the drive unit and radially disposed around the needle unit, and configured to guide the needle unit such that the needle unit translates between the insertion position and the withdrawal position in a longitudinal direction of the needle unit.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The inner cannula and the outer cannula define an annular space between the inner cannula and the outer cannula, and a seal is provided at the proximal end of the annular space. The seal is preferably a thixotropic, semi-solid material such as a high vacuum, halogenated polymeric grease. The device may also include an inner cannula stop position control for selectively controlling the position of the inner cannula when it is at rest.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe assembly, a holster assembly, a tissue sample holder, and a manually operated rotation mechanism configured to rotate the tissue sample holder. The probe assembly comprises a cutter configured to sever a tissue sample. The tissue sample holder includes a plurality of tissue chambers configured to receive discrete severed tissue samples. The holster assembly comprises the non-motorized, manually operated rotation mechanism configured to allow a user to align consecutive chambers to successively collect discrete severed tissue samples. The tissue sample holder rotation mechanism may comprise a first button, a first lever, a first pawl, a first ratchet, an indexing shaft, and a first gear, which are all configured to, ultimately, rotate a tissue sample holder. The tissue sample holder rotation mechanism may alternately include thumbwheels, a worm gear, or a ratcheting lever, among other things.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a housing and a disposable biopsy assembly releasably received in the housing. The disposable biopsy assembly may include a cutter coaxially disposed with respect to a needle, and a plurality of gears may be engaged when the disposable biopsy sample is inserted in the housing. A tissue sample holder may be disposed within housing.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. External vacuum holes along the outer cannula (probe) that communicate with a vacuum and cutter lumen withdraw bodily fluids while a hemostatic disk-shaped ring pad around the probe applies compression to an external hole in the skin and absorbs fluids.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.

Abstract: A dermal punch device for automatically extracting a sample of tissue of a predetermined size and shape from a body comprising a retractable cutter and a sutureless biopsy closure mechanism that includes a wound closure fastener member adapted to be disposed over a biopsy region after the performance of the biopsy, wherein wound closure fastener member is applied without the need of several instruments to seal the wound. The wound closure fastener member is dispensed by a sutureless biopsy closure dispenser located at the same distal end of the biopsy punch device surrounding the biopsy punch cutter assembly avoiding the need of separates instruments, reducing the wound closing steps and surgical procedure time.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device operable for taking one or more biopsy samples from a patient and a marker delivery device. The biopsy device includes a body portion having an alignment feature and a hollow biopsy needle extending distally from the body portion. The marker delivery device includes a marker deployer tube and an alignment feature associated with the marker deployer tube. The alignment feature on the marker delivery device is configured to matingly engage with the alignment feature on the biopsy device. A marker delivery device includes a resilient marker guide ramp.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element, a biopsy line, a motor line, and a vacuum line. The cutting element includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The biopsy line is operatively connected to a control console for moving the inner cannula within the outer cannula to cut tissue cores. The motor line is operatively connected to the control console for operating the surgical device. The vacuum line is operatively connected to the inner cannula. A selectively openable tissue filter is operatively connected to the inner cannula, and is also connected to the vacuum line.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a sample size control assembly for selecting the specimen size to be collected. The sample size control assembly includes a rotatable nose on the biopsy device for actuating the operation of the sample size control assembly. A needle assembly of the biopsy device can extend through the rotatable nose. Also disclosed is a method for making a biopsy device, including coupling a tip protector to a sample size control assembly.

Abstract: A biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging a biopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configured to conserve the battery by providing electrical power only to the motion detector after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly and to provide electrical power from the battery also to the electrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for morcellating tissue specimens comprises a housing and a cutting member. The cutting member is operable to cut tissue specimens into morcellated or minced tissue pieces. The cutting member may include one or more screens. One of the screens may be rotatable or capable of reciprocating relative to the housing. One screen may cooperate with another screen to provide shearing of the tissue specimens. The cutting member may include a plurality of discs that are rotatable relative to the housing. The discs may include inwardly directed notches formed in their outer perimeter, with the notches cooperating with an interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The discs may include perimeters having ovular or elliptical shapes that cooperate with a cylindrical interior wall of the housing to cut tissue specimens. The apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus or may be incorporated into a tissue harvesting apparatus.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy probe having a biopsy cannula and a sample basket arranged coaxially about a longitudinal axis. The sample basket is movably disposed relative to the biopsy cannula along the longitudinal axis from a tissue harvesting position to a tissue sample retrieval region. The sample basket has a sample notch formed as an elongate recessed region for receiving a tissue sample. A tissue sample retrieval mechanism includes a sample collection tank configured for removable insertion into a sample tank receptacle. The sample tank receptacle permits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and prohibits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The sample collection tank is configured to retrieve the tissue sample directly from the sample notch as the sample basket is moving along the longitudinal axis at the tissue sample retrieval region.

Abstract: A needle may be fired into tissue by a needle firing mechanism, which may include a fork for holding the needle and a firing rod coupled with the fork. A spring urges the fork to a distal, fired position. A screw gear is coupled with the rod. A sled is positioned at the proximal end of the rod. A catch is configured to engage the sled when the sled is moved to a proximal position. The screw gear is operable to convert rotational motion from a motor and gear set into linear motion to move the rod proximally to engage the sled with the catch, thereby cocking the needle firing mechanism. The motor may also be used to translate the screw gear distally relative to the rod after the sled has engaged with the catch. A trigger is used to fire the cocked needle firing mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical biopsy system is provided for removing at least one tissue sample from a surgical patient. The surgical biopsy system comprises an elongated, hollow piercer and a cutter rotatably and axially positionable relative to the piercer. The piercer has a lateral port for receiving the tissue sample into the piercer. The surgical biopsy system further comprises a power transmission source operatively connected to the cutter for rotating and translating the cutter, a control unit, and a display mounted in a display frame for showing an operator a plurality of operational modes of the surgical biopsy system. The surgical biopsy system further comprises at least one control button operatively connected to the control unit by a circuit and remotely located from the control unit. The operator may actuate the control button(s) to select any one of the operational modes and the selected operational mode is visually identifiable on the display.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic tool easily and efficiently obtains samples of multiple polyps from a patient by debriding one or more polyps and retrieving the debrided polyps without having to alternate between using a separate cutting tool and a separate sample retrieving tool and may be used with an endoscope.

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 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 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 for acquiring more than one tissue sample is disclosed. The biopsy device can have at least two tissue engaging elements, where at least one element contains a helical feature. A control mechanism can be used to spin an outer element relative to an internal element, resulting in transport of multiple tissue samples from the mass of tissue to an accessible collection chamber. The outer element may have a sharp distal end which may sever the samples from the mass of tissue. Samples may be stored sequentially in the collection chamber and be removed by the operator.

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 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: An biopsy apparatus includes a pressure and vacuum generator including a first cylinder and a first piston movably disposed within the cylinder. The cylinder has a pressure generating region and a vacuum generating region. The biopsy apparatus also includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula having a lumen. The inner cannula is movably disposed within the outer cannula, and the vacuum generating region is in one-way fluid communication with the inner cannula lumen.

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 charging station for a battery powered biopsy apparatus includes a charging dock having a housing and a charging unit contained in the housing. The charging unit has a set of electrical contacts. The housing is received in a first cavity of a driver assembly with the electrical contacts being coupled in electrical communication with the driver assembly when the driver assembly is mounted on the charging dock for charging. The charging unit provides a signal to the driver assembly to reset the driver assembly to an initialized state when the driver assembly is mounted to the charging station.

Abstract: A handheld biopsy device comprises a needle, cutter, and body. The cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding into a transverse aperture of the needle. The body includes a cutter actuation mechanism, at least two trigger buttons, and a control module. The biopsy device is configured such that the at least two trigger buttons are selectively enabled and disabled. A selectively enabled trigger button is operable to activate the cutter actuation mechanism. A selectively disabled trigger button is not operable to activate the cutter activation mechanism. The enabled trigger button may be selected electronically, such that the control module receives a user's button selection input and enables or disables the trigger buttons accordingly. Alternatively, the body may include movable covers to selectively cover or expose trigger buttons in accordance with the user's preference. The biopsy device may thus accommodate different operators having different gripping styles.

Abstract: A disposable tissue removal device comprising a cutting element mounted to a handpiece. The cutting element includes an outer cannula defining a tissue-receiving opening and an inner cannula concentrically disposed within the outer cannula. The outer cannula has a trocar tip at its distal end and a cutting board snugly disposed within the outer cannula. The inner cannula defines an inner lumen that extends the length of the inner cannula and terminates in an inwardly beveled, razor-sharp cutting edge. The inner cannula is driven by both a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. At the end of its stroke, the inner cannula makes contact with the cutting board to completely sever the tissue. An aspiration vacuum is applied to the inner lumen to aspirate excised tissue through the inner cannula and into a collection trap that is removably mounted to the handpiece. The rotary and reciprocating motors are hydraulically powered through a hydraulic circuit.

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

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 system for manufacturing a forceps is disclosed. The system includes a forceps having first and second opposing jaw members. A compression mechanism is coupled to the pair of opposing jaw members and configured to provide and maintain a compression force between the opposing jaw members. The system also includes a load cell configured to measure an initial compression force between the opposing jaw members and a controller coupled to the load cell and configured to adjust the compression force based on a comparison between the initial compression force and a predetermined range.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder has a rotatable manifold that is configured to redirect fluid from one axial direction to an opposite axial direction. The tissue sample holder also has a plurality of tissue sample trays through which fluid may be communicated. The tissue sample trays define chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. The tissue sample trays are removable relative to the manifold. A cup is configured to cover the manifold and trays. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively index each chamber of the tissue sample trays with the cutter lumen. A feature may prevent rotation of the manifold when one part of the biopsy device is separated from another part of the biopsy device.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a needle extending distally from a body. The needle includes a transverse aperture, a first lumen, and a second lumen. A cutter is movable within the first lumen to sever tissue protruding through the transverse aperture. A valve assembly is operable to change the pneumatic state of the second lumen. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a translating member slidably disposed in a bore of the valve body. The valve body includes a first port and a second port. The first port is in fluid communication with the second lumen of the needle. The second port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air. The translating member selectively couples the first port with the second port based on the longitudinal position of the translating member within the bore. The translating member translates relative to the valve body based on the position of the cutter.

Abstract: A device for biopsy of body tissue. The device is driven by liquid CO2, and is provided with a control system to control various components to effectuate rotating core biopsies.

Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument for separating a tissue sample from a biological tissue to be treated, for purposes of biopsy. The cryosurgical instrument includes a probe for bringing a probe head up to the biological tissue and a gas line for supplying cooling gas from a gas source of a cryosurgical apparatus to the probe head. The probe head cools a limited tissue region, by means of the supplied gas, for obtaining a tissue sample. The tissue sample can be separated from the surrounding tissue when frozen onto the probe head. The instrument has a support tube in which the probe is guided and which can be moved relative to the probe in such a way that the surrounding tissue can be supported by means of the support tube during the separating of the tissue sample. The instrument also includes an accelerating device that provides a predefined force for the separating process.

Abstract: A 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 is independently 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 sever the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The handpiece further comprises a holster for detachably connecting a cutter rotational transmission and a cutter axial transmission to the power transmission source.