Biopsy hand tool for capturing tissue sample

Claim 2

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the tube being fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the tube having a cutting edge for cutting tissue, with the cutting edge forming a distal opening through which the sample of body tissue is received, with the outer tube having a tubular sample-receiving portion integral therewith for receiving the sample of body tissue, with the tubular sample-receiving portion extending at least partially from the cutting edge toward the proximal end portion of the outer tube, with the sample-receiving portion having an axis and an outside diameter; and c) a stylus in the outer elongate tube for carving a hole in tissue through which the outer elongate tube is insertable for taking the sample of body tissue, with the stylus being axially removable at least from the distal end portion of the tube to permit the outer elongate tube to take the sample of body tissue, with the stylus having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the stylus being fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the stylus having a cutting edge for cutting tissue to form the hole and further having a diameter less than the diameter of the outer tube, with the cutting edge of the stylus having a tip for biting into tissue and about which the stylus is pivotable, with the tip extending beyond the distal end portion of the outer tube, with the cutting edge of the stylus having an effective cutting radius more than one-half the outside diameter of the tubular sample-receiving portion such that the hole carved in the tissue by rotation of the stylus about the tip has a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the tubular sample-receiving portion and such that the tubular sample-receiving portion of the outer tube is extendible relatively freely into and tiltable relative to the opening formed by the stylus.

Claim 3

The hand tool of claim 1 wherein the tip is off-center from the axis of the tubular sample-receiving portion of the outer tube.

Claim 4

The hand tool of claim 1 wherein the stylus is slideable in the axial direction out of the outer tube such that the distal end portion of the stylus slides from the distal end portion of the outer tube to and out of the proximal end portion of the outer tube.

Claim 5

The hand tool of claim 1 wherein the proximal end portion of the outer tube and the proximal end portion of the stylus are fixed to different portions of the handle, with the different portions of the handle being readily disconnectable from each other.

Claim 6

The hand tool of claim 1 wherein the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube is disposed at an angle relative to the axis of the tubular sample-receiving portion whereby the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube slices easily into tissue.

Claim 7

The hand tool of claim 5 wherein the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube includes a tip and wherein the cutting edge of the stylus includes a less distal portion, wherein the tip of the outer elongate tube lies at a greater axial distance from the handle than the less distal portion of the cutting edge of the stylus such that the distal end of the stylus is in close relationship with the distal end of the outer tube.

Claim 8

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube includes a sample-receiving portion having a first diameter when viewed in the axial direction and wherein the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube has a second diameter when viewed in the axial direction, with the second diameter being less than the first diameter such that the diameter of the body tissue sample cut by the first cutting edge is less than the diameter of the sample receiving portion of the inner tube when the tool is manipulated in the axial direction whereby the architecture of the body tissue sample remains unaltered.

Claim 9

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube includes a sample-receiving portion having a first diameter when viewed in the axial direction and wherein the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube has a second diameter when viewed in the axial direction, with the second diameter being less than the first diameter such that the diameter of the body tissue sample cut by the first cutting edge is less than the diameter of the sample receiving portion of the inner tube when the tool is manipulated in the axial direction whereby the architecture of the body tissue sample remains unaltered.

Claim 10

The hand tool of claim 7 wherein the outer elongate tube has an axis and wherein each of the distal end portions of the tubes includes a tapering portion tapering at an oblique angle relative to the axis and tapering toward the respective cutting edges, with the tapering portion of the inner elongate tube initially being in an adjacent relationship with the tapering portion of the outer elongate tube and further being rotatable away from such adjacent relationship when the inner elongate tube is rotated relative to the outer elongate tube such that the tapering portion of the inner elongate tube is disposable transversely of the tapering portion of the outer elongate tube to confront opposing sides of the body tissue sample to capture the body tissue in the hand tool.

Claim 11

The hand tool of claim 7 wherein the outer elongate tube has an axis and wherein the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube is disposed obliquely relative to the axis, with the distal end portion and cutting edge of the inner elongate tube initially being disposed inwardly of the opening of the outer elongate tube, with at least a portion of the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube closing off the opening of the outer elongate tube when the inner elongate tube is rotated relative to the outer elongate tube to better capture the body tissue sample in the hand tool.

Claim 12

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein each distal end portion of the outer and inner elongate tubes has an axis and first and second opposing sides, with the opening of each distal end portion being of a smaller diameter than its respective tube, with the edge forming each opening being tangential to the first opposing side of its respective tube, and with the axis and first and second opposing sides being in a plane; and with each distal end portion including a tapering portion extending from its respective opening to a cylindrical portion of its respective distal end portion, with the cylindrical portion being tangential to its respective first opposing side, with each tapering portion having a slope relative to the axis, with the slope being greatest where the tapering portion intersects the plane, with the slope progressively decreasing from such an intersection to the first opposing side of each tube which is tangential to its respective cylindrical portion, whereby the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube is readily rotatable within the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube.

Claim 13

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein each distal end portion of the outer and inner elongate tubes has an axis and first and second opposing sides, with the opening of each distal end portion being of a smaller diameter than its respective tube, with the edge forming each opening being tangential to the first opposing side of its respective tube, and with the axis and first and second opposing sides being in a plane; and with each distal end portion including a tapering portion extending from its respective opening to a cylindrical portion of its respective distal end portion, with the cylindrical portion being tangential to its respective first opposing side, with each tapering portion having a slope relative to the axis, with the slope being greatest where the tapering portion intersects the plane, with the slope progressively decreasing from such an intersection to the first opposing side of each tube which is tangential to its respective cylindrical portion, whereby the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube is readily rotatable within the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube.

Claim 14

The hand tool of claim 7 wherein the tubes are rotatable relative to each other and wherein: a) prior to rotation of the tubes relative to each other, the openings of the tubes are generally aligned with each other and the distal end portions of the tubes are generally aligned with each other; and b) after rotation of the tubes relative to each for 180°, the openings of the tubes are offset from each other and the distal end portion of the tubes are offset from each other, with the distal end portion of each of the tubes at least partially closing off the opening of the other tube.

Claim 15

The hand tool of claim 11 wherein, after rotation of the tubes relative to each other for 180°, the distal end portions of each of the tubes completely close off the opening of the other tube whereby soft or semi-liquid body tissue samples may be captured.

Claim 16

The hand tool of claim 12 wherein the diameter of the opening in the outer elongate tube is about one-half the diameter of a portion of the outer elongate tube containing the sample of body tissue.

Claim 17

The hand tool of claim 7 wherein each of the distal end portions includes a distal extremity, with each of the distal extremities after rotation of the tubes confronting each other prior to, during, and after rotation of the distal end portions relative to each other.

Claim 18

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the inner elongate tube includes an axis, and wherein the distal edge of the inner elongate tube includes a greater distal edge section located at a greater axial distance from the handle and a lesser distal edge section located at a lesser axial distance from the handle, with the distal edge curving from the greater distal section to the lesser distal section.

Claim 19

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the inner elongate tube includes an axis, and wherein the distal edge of the inner elongate tube includes a greater distal edge section located at a greater axial distance from the handle and a lesser distal edge section located at a lesser axial distance from the handle, with the distal edge curving from the greater distal section to the lesser distal section.

Claim 20

The hand tool of claim 15 wherein the distal edge of the inner tube curves progressively from the greater distal edge section to the lesser distal edge section.

Claim 21

The hand tool of claim 16 wherein tangents to the distal edge in the greater distal edge section lie at a lesser angle relative to the axis than tangents to the distal edge in the lesser distal edge section.

Claim 22

The hand tool of claim 15 wherein the distal edge of the lesser distal section includes a noncutting portion having a radius.

Claim 23

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the outer elongate tube includes an inner surface and wherein the inner elongate tube includes an outer surface in close relationship with the inner surface of the outer tube, with the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube including a cutting tip substantially in line with its inner surface, with the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube including a cutting tip substantially in line with its outer surface such that the cutting edges form substantially the shape of a wedge to wedge body tissue apart.

Claim 24

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the outer elongate tube includes an inner surface and wherein the inner elongate tube includes an outer surface in close relationship with the inner surface of the outer tube, with the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube including a cutting tip substantially in line with its inner surface, with the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube including a cutting tip substantially in line with its outer surface such that the cutting edges form substantially the shape of a wedge to wedge body tissue apart.

Claim 25

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, when viewed in the axial direction, forms a first shape having a first periphery, and wherein the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube, after relative rotation of the tubes for 180°, extends across the periphery when viewed in the axial direction so as to separate the first shape into at least two parts.

Claim 26

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; and d) wherein the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, when viewed in the axial direction, forms a first shape having a first periphery, and wherein the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube, after relative rotation of the tubes for 180°, extends across the periphery when viewed in the axial direction so as to separate the first shape into at least two parts.

Claim 27

The hand tool of claim 7 wherein the proximal end of the outer tube and the proximal end of the inner tube are fixed to different portions of the handle, with the different portions of the handle being rotatable relative to each other for a rotation of the tubes relative to each other.

Claim 28

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; d) with the inner tube being advanceable from a first fixed position forwardly relative to the outer tube to a second fixed position; and e) with the distal end portion of the outer tube having a curved portion having a slope oblique to the axis of the outer tube; and the distal end portion of the inner tube being resilient and engagable with the curved portion such that the distal end portion of the inner tube is directed obliquely to the axis of the outer tube when the inner tube is advanced to the second fixed position.

Claim 29

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the outer elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube having a cutting edge and an opening formed by said cutting edge such that when the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube is manipulated into the body tissue, the sample of body tissue is at least partially cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube and received into the hand tool; c) an inner elongate tube inside of and in close relationship with the outer elongate tube, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle and with the distal end portion of the inner tube being adjacent to the distal end portion of the outer tube and having an opening interacting with the opening of the outer elongate tube and through which the sample is received when cut by the cutting edge of the outer elongate tube, with the opening of the inner elongate tube being formed by a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge being a cutting edge such that movement of the inner elongate tube relative to the outer elongate tube permits the cutting edge of the inner elongate tube to further cut the body tissue sample to increase the chances that the body tissue sample is separated from the body for withdrawal therefrom in the tool, and with the opening of the inner elongate tube being at least partially closed by the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube after such movement to capture the sample of body tissue; d) with the inner tube being advanceable from a first fixed position forwardly relative to the outer tube to a second fixed position; and e) with the distal end portion of the outer tube having a curved portion having a slope oblique to the axis of the outer tube; and the distal end portion of the inner tube being resilient and engagable with the curved portion such that the distal end portion of the inner tube is directed obliquely to the axis of the outer tube when the inner tube is advanced to the second fixed position.

Claim 30

The hand tool of claim 22 wherein the distal end portion of the outer tube includes an anvil portion engagable by the distal end portion of the inner tube.

Claim 31

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube with proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal distal end portion being fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the outer tube comprising a cutting edge for cutting the sample of body tissue, with the cutting edge forming an opening in the distal end portion of the outer tube through which the sample is received; c) an inner elongate tube inside of the outer elongate tube and in close relationship therewith, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube being adjacent to and disposable inside of the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube, with the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube comprising an opening with a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge forming a cutting edge, with the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube further comprising a sample-receiving portion of a greater diameter than the opening of the outer elongate tube for receiving the body tissue sample such that the architecture of the body tissue sample remains unaltered, with the openings interacting with each other prior to relative movement of the tubes and with each of the distal end portions of the tubes at least partially closing off the opening of the other tube after at least partial movement of the tubes relative to each other to at least partially capture the body tissue sample in the hand tool; and d) a stylus in the inner elongate tube and having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the stylus fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the stylus being disposed beyond the opening of the outer elongate tube for penetrating body tissue prior to the outer and inner elongate tubes cutting and capturing the body tissue sample.

Claim 32

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) an outer elongate tube with proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal distal end portion being fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the outer tube comprising a cutting edge for cutting the sample of body tissue, with the cutting edge forming an opening in the distal end portion of the outer tube through which the sample is received; c) an inner elongate tube inside of the outer elongate tube and in close relationship therewith, with the inner elongate tube having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the inner elongate tube being fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube being adjacent to and disposable inside of the distal end portion of the outer elongate tube, with the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube comprising an opening with a distal edge, with at least a portion of the distal edge forming a cutting edge, with the distal end portion of the inner elongate tube further comprising a sample-receiving portion of a greater diameter than the opening of the outer elongate tube for receiving the body tissue sample such that the architecture of the body tissue sample remains unaltered, with the openings interacting with each other prior to relative movement of the tubes and with each of the distal end portions of the tubes at least partially closing off the opening of the other tube after at least partial movement of the tubes relative to each other to at least partially capture the body tissue sample in the hand tool; and d) a stylus in the inner elongate tube and having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion of the stylus fixed to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the stylus being disposed beyond the opening of the outer elongate tube for penetrating body tissue prior to the outer and inner elongate tubes cutting and capturing the body tissue sample.

Claim 33

The hand tool of claim 24 wherein the sample-receiving portion of the outer elongate tube includes an outer surface having a diameter and wherein the distal end portion of the stylus includes a cutting edge, with the cutting edge having a tip about with the stylus rotates such that effective cutting length of the cutting edge is greater than one-half the length of the diameter of the outer surface of the sample-receiving portion of the outer elongate tube and such that the cutting edge of the stylus forms an opening in body tissue of a grater diameter than the outer surface of the sample-receiving portion of the outer elongate tube whereby the distal end portion of the hand tool may be readily inserted in the opening in the body tissue formed by the stylus.

Claim 34

The hand tool of claim 25 wherein the proximal ends of the outer elongate tube, the inner elongate tube, and the stylus are fixed to different portions of the handle, with the portions being readily disconnectable from each other.

Claim 35

The hand tool of claim 24 wherein the tubes are rotatable relative to each other to cut and capture the sample.

Claim 38

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) a stylus for forming a hole in the tissue prior to the sample being taken by the tool, with the stylus having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion engaged to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the stylus comprising, in combination: a cutting edge with a lateral portion, a distal tip on a longitudinal portion of the cutting edge, and a scoop formed radially inwardly of the cutting edge; and c) wherein the scoop comprises a central region and a surface, with the surface of the scoop from the lateral portion of the cutting edge to the central region having a greater slope than the surface of the scoop from the tip to the central region.

Claim 39

A hand tool for taking a sample of body tissue, comprising, in combination: a) a handle; b) a stylus for forming a hole in the tissue prior to the sample being taken by the tool, with the stylus having proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion engaged to a portion of the handle, with the distal end portion of the stylus comprising, in combination: a cutting edge with a lateral portion, a distal tip on a longitudinal portion of the cutting edge, and a scoop formed radially inwardly of the cutting edge; and c) wherein the scoop comprises a central region and a surface, with the surface of the scoop from the lateral portion of the cutting edge to the central region having a greater slope than the surface of the scoop from the tip to the central region.

Claim 40

The hand tool of claim 29 and further comprising a cannula interacting with the stylus for taking the sample of body tissue.