US20080045860A1 — Biopsy Devices and Related Methods

Claim 1

Independent Claim 174 words

1 . Apparatus operable to obtain a biopsy sample of a bone and/or associated bone marrow comprising; a powered driver having a drive shaft with a portion of the drive shaft extending from one end of the powered driver; a biopsy needle set having a first end operable to penetrate the bone and associated bone marrow; a coupler assembly having a first end operable to be releasably engaged with a second end of the biopsy needle set; the coupler assembly having a second end operable to be releasably engaged with the portion of the drive shaft extending from the one end of the powered driver; the biopsy needle set including a cannula having a first end and a second end with a longitudinal bore extending through the cannula from the first end to the second end; an opening formed in the first end of the cannula; a plurality of cutting surface disposed on the first end of the cannula proximate the opening; and the cutting surfaces operable to penetrate bone and associated bone marrow.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 174 words

1 . Apparatus operable to obtain a biopsy sample of a bone and/or associated bone marrow comprising; a powered driver having a drive shaft with a portion of the drive shaft extending from one end of the powered driver; a biopsy needle set having a first end operable to penetrate the bone and associated bone marrow; a coupler assembly having a first end operable to be releasably engaged with a second end of the biopsy needle set; the coupler assembly having a second end operable to be releasably engaged with the portion of the drive shaft extending from the one end of the powered driver; the biopsy needle set including a cannula having a first end and a second end with a longitudinal bore extending through the cannula from the first end to the second end; an opening formed in the first end of the cannula; a plurality of cutting surface disposed on the first end of the cannula proximate the opening; and the cutting surfaces operable to penetrate bone and associated bone marrow.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 33 words

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a single thread disposed on interior portions of the longitudinal bore of the cannula proximate the opening in the first end of the cannula.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 60 words

3 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the single thread further comprises: a generally helical coil having a wedge shaped cross section defined in part by a base portion wider than other portions of the helical coil; and the base portion of the wedge shaped cross section bonded with adjacent interior portions of the longitudinal bore of the cannula.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 43 words

4 . The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: one side of the cross section extending generally perpendicular from the base portion; and the base portion of the helical coil welded to the adjacent interior portions of the longitudinal bore of the cannula.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 94 words

5 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a containment bag having a closable opening sized to allow placing the powered driver within the containment bag; a first end of the coupler assembly disposed within the containment bag; the first end of the coupler assembly operable to be releasably engaged with the portion of the drive shaft extending from the powered driver; a second end of the coupler assembly disposed exterior to the containment bag; and the second end of the coupler assembly operable to be releasably engaged with the biopsy needle set.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 27 words

6 . The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a fluid barrier formed between adjacent portions of the containment bag and exterior portions of the coupler assembly.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 69 words

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a powered driver having a gear assembly; an associated hollow biopsy needle with at least one internal thread having a pitch; and the gear assembly having a speed reduction ratio synchronized with rotational speed of the motor and the pitch of the at least one internal thread for optimum performance of the biopsy needle in obtaining a bone marrow sample.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 49 words

8 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the powered driver further comprises: a gear assembly disposed between and rotatably engaged with the motor and the drive shaft; and the gear assembly having a speed reduction ratio selected to optimize insertion of a biopsy needle into a target area.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 38 words

9 . The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising the gear assembly operable to rotate the drive shaft, coupler assembly and biopsy needle attached thereto at optimum revolutions per minutes (RPM) to capture a bone marrow biopsy specimen.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 135 words

10 . A method of forming a generally hollow biopsy needle operable to be used with a powered driver to obtain a sample of bone marrow from a selected target area comprising: forming the biopsy needle with a generally elongated hollow bore extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end thereof; forming a mandrel having a first end operable to be inserted into the first end of the biopsy needle; placing a generally helical coil on an exterior portion of the mandrel adjacent to the first end of the mandrel; positioning the first end of the mandrel at an optimum location within the generally elongated hollow bone of the biopsy needle; and transferring the helical coil from the mandrel to an inside diameter of the biopsy needle adjacent to the first end thereof.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 135 words

10 . A method of forming a generally hollow biopsy needle operable to be used with a powered driver to obtain a sample of bone marrow from a selected target area comprising: forming the biopsy needle with a generally elongated hollow bore extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end thereof; forming a mandrel having a first end operable to be inserted into the first end of the biopsy needle; placing a generally helical coil on an exterior portion of the mandrel adjacent to the first end of the mandrel; positioning the first end of the mandrel at an optimum location within the generally elongated hollow bone of the biopsy needle; and transferring the helical coil from the mandrel to an inside diameter of the biopsy needle adjacent to the first end thereof.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 39 words

11 . The method of claim 10 further comprising: forming the mandrel from material operable to function as an electrode; and applying electrical powered to the mandrel to weld the helical coil with interior portions of the longitudinal bone.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 36 words

12 . The method of claim 10 further comprising: forming a helical groove in exterior portions of the mandrel adjacent to the first end of the mandrel; and installing the helical coil within the helical groove.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 84 words

13 . The method of claim 10 further comprising: forming an enlarged outside diameter portion on the mandrel spaced from the first end of the mandrel; forming the enlarged outside diameter portion at a distance from the first end of the mandrel to the enlarged outside diameter portion selected to correspond with a desired location for installing the helical coil within the biopsy needle; and contacting the first end of the generally hollow biopsy needle with the enlarged outside diameter portion of the mandrel.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 29 words

14 . The method of claim 10 further comprising forming a plurality of sharp cutting surfaces immediately adjacent to exterior portions of the first end of the biopsy needle.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 143 words

15 . An biopsy needle operable to be rotatably inserted into a bone and associated bone marrow comprising: a first end operable to penetrate the bone and associated bone marrow; a generally hollow bore disposed in and extending from a respective opening in the first end to a respective opening in a second end of the biopsy needle; the first end of the biopsy needle having a plurality of crowns disposed on exterior portions thereof adjacent to the respective opening in the first end; the second end of the biopsy needle attached to and extending from a first end of a hub; a passageway disposed in and extending from a second end of the hub toward the first end of the hub; and the passageway in the hub generally aligned with and communicating with the generally hollow bore disposed in the biopsy needle.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 143 words

15 . An biopsy needle operable to be rotatably inserted into a bone and associated bone marrow comprising: a first end operable to penetrate the bone and associated bone marrow; a generally hollow bore disposed in and extending from a respective opening in the first end to a respective opening in a second end of the biopsy needle; the first end of the biopsy needle having a plurality of crowns disposed on exterior portions thereof adjacent to the respective opening in the first end; the second end of the biopsy needle attached to and extending from a first end of a hub; a passageway disposed in and extending from a second end of the hub toward the first end of the hub; and the passageway in the hub generally aligned with and communicating with the generally hollow bore disposed in the biopsy needle.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 57 words

16 . The biopsy needle of claim 15 further comprising: six crowns with each crown having approximately the same configuration and dimensions disposed on exterior portions of the hollow cannula adjacent to the first end; and each crown defined in part by a narrow pointed tip with respective generally sharp unshaped cutting surfaces disposed between adjacent tips.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 35 words

17 . The biopsy needle of claim 15 further comprising a single helical groove disposed in interior portions of the generally hollow bore proximate the respective opening in the first end of the biopsy needle.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 35 words

18 . The biopsy needle of claim 15 further comprising a generally helical thread disposed on interior portions of the generally hollow bore proximate the respective opening in the first end of the biopsy needle.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 64 words

19 . The biopsy needle of claim 18 wherein the single thread further comprises: a generally helical thread having a cross section corresponding generally with a right triangle; a base portion of the helical thread wider than other portions of the helical thread; and the base portion of the helical thread bonded with adjacent interior portions of the elongated bore of the biopsy needle.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 44 words

20 . The biopsy needle of claim 15 further comprising: a helical coil formed at least in part from a metal alloy; and a base portion of the helical coil welded to the adjacent interior portions of the elongated bore of the biopsy needle.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 27 words

21 . The biopsy needle of claim 15 further comprising at least one internal thread with a pitch corresponding with the pitch of a conventional wood screw.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 97 words

22 . A method of obtaining a bone marrow specimen from a bone marrow cavity disposed within a bone comprising: releasably engaging one end of a drive shaft extending from with a powered driver with one end of a coupler assembly; releasably engaging one end of a biopsy needle to an opposite end of the coupler assembly; rotating the powered driver and coupler assembly in one direction at a relatively constant speed while inserting another end of the biopsy needle through the bone and into adjacent bone marrow; and releasing the biopsy needle from the coupler assembly.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 97 words

22 . A method of obtaining a bone marrow specimen from a bone marrow cavity disposed within a bone comprising: releasably engaging one end of a drive shaft extending from with a powered driver with one end of a coupler assembly; releasably engaging one end of a biopsy needle to an opposite end of the coupler assembly; rotating the powered driver and coupler assembly in one direction at a relatively constant speed while inserting another end of the biopsy needle through the bone and into adjacent bone marrow; and releasing the biopsy needle from the coupler assembly.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 26 words

23 . The method of claim 22 further comprising rotating the biopsy needle at approximately two hundred and fifty to three hundred (250-300) revolutions per minute.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 200 words

24 . A biopsy needle operable to be rotatably inserted into a bone and associated bone marrow comprising: a first end operable to penetrate the bone and associated bone marrow; a lumen extending from a respective opening in the first end to a respective opening in a second end of the biopsy needle; a plurality of cutting surfaces disposed on exterior portions of the first end of the biopsy needle adjacent to the respective opening in the first end; the biopsy needle having a generally uniform outside diameter extending from the second end of the biopsy needle to a location spaced from the first end of the biopsy needle; exterior portions of the biopsy needle having a generally tapered outside diameter extending from the generally uniform outside diameter portion to the plurality of cutting surfaces disposed on the first end; a hub with a passageway extending from a second end of the hub toward a first end of the hub; the biopsy needle extending from the first end of the hub with the second end of biopsy needle disposed within the passageway of the hub; and the passageway in the hub generally aligned with the lumen of the biopsy needle.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 200 words

24 . A biopsy needle operable to be rotatably inserted into a bone and associated bone marrow comprising: a first end operable to penetrate the bone and associated bone marrow; a lumen extending from a respective opening in the first end to a respective opening in a second end of the biopsy needle; a plurality of cutting surfaces disposed on exterior portions of the first end of the biopsy needle adjacent to the respective opening in the first end; the biopsy needle having a generally uniform outside diameter extending from the second end of the biopsy needle to a location spaced from the first end of the biopsy needle; exterior portions of the biopsy needle having a generally tapered outside diameter extending from the generally uniform outside diameter portion to the plurality of cutting surfaces disposed on the first end; a hub with a passageway extending from a second end of the hub toward a first end of the hub; the biopsy needle extending from the first end of the hub with the second end of biopsy needle disposed within the passageway of the hub; and the passageway in the hub generally aligned with the lumen of the biopsy needle.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 177 words

25 . Apparatus operable to remove a biopsy specimen from a generally hollow cannula after inserting a first end of the generally hollow cannula into a bone and associated bone marrow comprising: an ejector having a generally elongated configuration defined in part by a first end of the ejector operable to be inserted into an opening proximate the first end of the generally hollow cannula; exterior portions of the ejector sized to be slidably received within a longitudinal bore of the generally hollow cannula; a funnel having a first end sized to be engaged with the first end of the generally hollow cannula; the funnel having a second end sized to slidably receive the first end of ejector therein; a longitudinal passageway disposed in the funnel extending between the first end of the funnel and the second end of the funnel; and the longitudinal passageway of the funnel operable to direct movement of the first end of the ejector from the second end of funnel into the opening proximate the first end of the generally hollow cannula.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 177 words

25 . Apparatus operable to remove a biopsy specimen from a generally hollow cannula after inserting a first end of the generally hollow cannula into a bone and associated bone marrow comprising: an ejector having a generally elongated configuration defined in part by a first end of the ejector operable to be inserted into an opening proximate the first end of the generally hollow cannula; exterior portions of the ejector sized to be slidably received within a longitudinal bore of the generally hollow cannula; a funnel having a first end sized to be engaged with the first end of the generally hollow cannula; the funnel having a second end sized to slidably receive the first end of ejector therein; a longitudinal passageway disposed in the funnel extending between the first end of the funnel and the second end of the funnel; and the longitudinal passageway of the funnel operable to direct movement of the first end of the ejector from the second end of funnel into the opening proximate the first end of the generally hollow cannula.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 48 words

26 . The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising the funnel operable to be engaged with the one end of the generally hollow cannula to function as a sharps protector with respect to one or more cutting surfaces disposed on the one end of the generally hollow cannula.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 27 words

27 . The apparatus of claim 25 further comprising the ejector having a length greater than a length of the longitudinal bore of the generally hollow cannula.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 154 words

28 . A funnel operable for use in removing a biopsy sample from a lumen in a biopsy needle, the funnel comprising: a first end and a second end with a longitudinal passageway extending between the first end and the second end; a first tapered opening disposed proximate the first end of the funnel; the tapered opening sized to allow inserting one end of the biopsy needle therein; the longitudinal passageway having a reduced inside diameter portion disposed adjacent to the second end of the funnel; the reduced inside diameter portion sized to limit movement of the one end of the biopsy needle through the longitudinal passageway from the first end toward the second end of the funnel; and the second end of the funnel having a second tapered opening sized to allow insertion of an ejector rod through the second tapered opening and into the reduced inside diameter portion of the longitudinal passageway.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 154 words

28 . A funnel operable for use in removing a biopsy sample from a lumen in a biopsy needle, the funnel comprising: a first end and a second end with a longitudinal passageway extending between the first end and the second end; a first tapered opening disposed proximate the first end of the funnel; the tapered opening sized to allow inserting one end of the biopsy needle therein; the longitudinal passageway having a reduced inside diameter portion disposed adjacent to the second end of the funnel; the reduced inside diameter portion sized to limit movement of the one end of the biopsy needle through the longitudinal passageway from the first end toward the second end of the funnel; and the second end of the funnel having a second tapered opening sized to allow insertion of an ejector rod through the second tapered opening and into the reduced inside diameter portion of the longitudinal passageway.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 64 words

29 . The funnel of claim 28 further comprising an interior portion of the longitudinal passageway adjacent to the first end having a tapered surface sized to engage the funnel with the one end of the biopsy needle after the one end of the biopsy needle has been inserted therein whereby the funnel provides sharps protection for the one end of the biopsy needle.

Biopsy Devices and Related Methods

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