Needle core biopsy device

Claim 2

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, wherein said suction source comprises a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe and said actuating mechanism moves the plunger within the cylinder so as to apply suction to the biopsy reservoir, and wherein the actuator mechanism comprises: 1) at least one detent formed to said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the distal position thereof to the proximal position thereof; 2) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; 3) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding generally to the number of first camming surfaces, for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is proximate the proximal position thereof; and 4) a biasing device for urging said outer cannula to the distal position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); and e) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 3

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a) a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); and b) one of a trigger and at least one finger hold formed to said slide, for pulling said slide approximately; and c) one of a handle and a palm abutment disposed generally stationery relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement o said slide.

Claim 4

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 1, wherein said biasing device comprises a spring.

Claim 5

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent in communication with said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the distal position thereof to the proximal position thereof, ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; and v) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); and e) wherein said syringe, inner cannula, said outer cannula, and at least a portion of said actuating mechanism define a disposable assembly, said disposable assembly configured for removable attachment to a reusable handle.

Claim 6

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent in communication with said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the distal position thereof to the proximal position thereof, ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; and v) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); and e) wherein said syringe, inner cannula, said outer cannula, and at least a portion of said actuating mechanism define a disposable assembly, said disposable assembly configured for removable attachment to a reusable handle.

Claim 7

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 4, further comprising a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s).

Claim 8

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 4, further comprising a trigger for pulling said slide proximally.

Claim 9

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 4, further comprising a handle disposed generally stationary relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement of said slide.

Claim 10

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 4, further comprising a resilient member for slowing the movement of said outer cannula as said outer cannula approaches the distal position thereof.

Claim 11

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: e) wherein said cylinder and plunger are configured such that air enters the cylinder after the outer cannula moves from the proximal to the distal position thereof, such that suction to the biopsy reservoir is terminated.

Claim 12

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: e) wherein said cylinder and plunger are configured such that air enters the cylinder after the outer cannula moves from the proximal to the distal position thereof, such that suction to the biopsy reservoir is terminated.

Claim 13

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent formed to said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the first position thereof to the second position thereof; ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; iv) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); e) a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s), said slide being attached to said piston such that said piston generally moves along therewith; f) a trigger for pulling said slide proximally; g) a handle disposed generally stationery relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement of said slide; and h) wherein the piston and slide are configured to be returned to the distal positions thereof by one of manual operation and a spring return, after actuation of said actuating mechanism.

Claim 14

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent formed to said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the first position thereof to the second position thereof; ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; iv) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); e) a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s), said slide being attached to said piston such that said piston generally moves along therewith; f) a trigger for pulling said slide proximally; g) a handle disposed generally stationery relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement of said slide; and h) wherein the piston and slide are configured to be returned to the distal positions thereof by one of manual operation and a spring return, after actuation of said actuating mechanism.

Claim 15

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent formed to said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the first position thereof to the second position thereof; ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; iv) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); e) a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); f) a trigger for pulling said slide proximally; and g) a handle disposed generally stationery relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement of said slide, wherein said handle comprises one of: (i) a pistol grip; and (ii) a palm abutment.

Claim 16

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent formed to said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the first position thereof to the second position thereof; ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; iv) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); e) a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); f) a trigger for pulling said slide proximally; and g) a handle disposed generally stationery relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement of said slide, wherein said handle comprises one of: (i) a pistol grip; and (ii) a palm abutment.

Claim 17

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent formed to said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the first position thereof to the second position thereof; ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; iv) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); e) a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); f) a trigger for pulling said slide proximally; g) a handle disposed generally stationery relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement of said slide; and h) wherein rotational orientation of said outer cannula relative to said biopsy reservoir is maintained via one of: (i) a single lead screw; (ii) an indexed double lead screw; (iii) a spline; and (iv) a bayonet mount.

Claim 18

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximate a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen, said lumen providing fluid communication between the syringe and the biopsy reservoir, said inner cannula having a closed distal end; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said syringe to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof, said actuating mechanism comprising: i) at least one detent formed to said outer cannula such that moving said detent(s) proximally causes said outer cannula to move from the first position thereof to the second position thereof; ii) at least one gripper, the number of grippers corresponding generally to the number of detents, for engaging said detent(s) and for moving said detent(s) proximally, said gripper(s) having a first camming surface formed thereon; iii) at least one second camming surface, the number of second camming surfaces corresponding to the number of first camming surfaces, generally for causing said gripper(s) to disengage said detent(s) when said outer cannula is at the second position thereof; iv) a spring for urging said outer cannula to the first position thereof after said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); e) a slide slidably disposed relative to said inner cannula, said gripper(s) being formed to said slide, said slide having a distal position wherein said gripper(s) engage said detent(s) and having a proximal position wherein said gripper(s) disengage said detent(s); f) a trigger for pulling said slide proximally; g) a handle disposed generally stationery relative to said inner cannula, for facilitating proximal movement of said slide; and h) wherein rotational orientation of said outer cannula relative to said biopsy reservoir is maintained via one of: (i) a single lead screw; (ii) an indexed double lead screw; (iii) a spline; and (iv) a bayonet mount.

Claim 19

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) a resilient member for slowing the movement of said outer cannula as said outer cannula approaches the distal position thereof; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 20

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) a resilient member for slowing the movement of said outer cannula as said outer cannula approaches the distal position thereof; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 21

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; and e) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir, and further wherein said vacuum source, said inner cannula, said outer cannula, and at least a portion of said actuating mechanism define a disposable assembly, said disposable assembly configured for removable attachment to the reusable handle.

Claim 22

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; and e) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir, and further wherein said vacuum source, said inner cannula, said outer cannula, and at least a portion of said actuating mechanism define a disposable assembly, said disposable assembly configured for removable attachment to the reusable handle.

Claim 23

The needle biopsy cannula as recited in claim 14, further comprising a trigger movably attached to said reusable handle.

Claim 24

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 14, wherein said handle is autoclavable.

Claim 25

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) wherein said suction source comprises a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe and said actuating mechanism moves the plunger within the cylinder so as to apply suction to the biopsy reservoir, and wherein one of said cylinder and said plunger comprises at least one slot and the other of said cylinder and said plunger comprises at least one follower, said follower(s) moving within said slot(s) to maintain orientation of the plunger relative to the cylinder; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 26

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) wherein said suction source comprises a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe and said actuating mechanism moves the plunger within the cylinder so as to apply suction to the biopsy reservoir, and wherein one of said cylinder and said plunger comprises at least one slot and the other of said cylinder and said plunger comprises at least one follower, said follower(s) moving within said slot(s) to maintain orientation of the plunger relative to the cylinder; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 27

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) wherein said suction source comprises a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe and said actuating mechanism moves the plunger within the cylinder so as to apply suction to the biopsy reservoir, and wherein said cylinder comprises a plurality of slots and said plunger comprises a corresponding plurality of followers, said followers moving within said slots to maintain orientation of the plunger relative to the cylinder; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 28

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) wherein said suction source comprises a cylinder and a plunger cooperating to define a syringe and said actuating mechanism moves the plunger within the cylinder so as to apply suction to the biopsy reservoir, and wherein said cylinder comprises a plurality of slots and said plunger comprises a corresponding plurality of followers, said followers moving within said slots to maintain orientation of the plunger relative to the cylinder; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 29

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) at least one of: 1) an undercut formed in said inner cannula at a distal end of said biopsy reservoir so as to define a first finger, said first finger configured so as to inhibit movement of the tissue sample distally into the lumen of said inner cannula as the outer cannula moves from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; and 2) an undercut formed in said inner cannula at a proximal end of said biopsy reservoir so as to define a second finger, said second finger configured so as to inhibit movement of the tissue sample proximally into the lumen of said inner cannula when suction is applied to said inner cannula; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 30

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) at least one of: 1) an undercut formed in said inner cannula at a distal end of said biopsy reservoir so as to define a first finger, said first finger configured so as to inhibit movement of the tissue sample distally into the lumen of said inner cannula as the outer cannula moves from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; and 2) an undercut formed in said inner cannula at a proximal end of said biopsy reservoir so as to define a second finger, said second finger configured so as to inhibit movement of the tissue sample proximally into the lumen of said inner cannula when suction is applied to said inner cannula; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 31

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 19, wherein said first and second fingers define generally pointed members.

Claim 32

The needle biopsy device as recited in claim 19, wherein said first and second fingers are bent inwardly so as to partially obscure the lumen of the inner cannula and thus further inhibit movement of the tissue sample out of the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 33

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) a vanity shield substantially covering said actuating mechanism so as to enhance aesthetic appeal; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.

Claim 34

A needle biopsy device comprising: a) a suction source; b) an inner cannula having a biopsy reservoir formed proximal a distal end thereof, and also having a lumen formed therein, said lumen providing fluid communication between the suction source and the biopsy reservoir; c) an outer cannula slidably disposed about said inner cannula, said outer cannula having a cutter formed at a distal end thereof, said outer cannula having a distal position substantially covering the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula and having a proximal position substantially exposing the biopsy reservoir of said inner cannula; d) an actuating mechanism for moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof, for facilitating the application of suction from said suction source to the biopsy reservoir, and for moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof; e) a vanity shield substantially covering said actuating mechanism so as to enhance aesthetic appeal; and f) wherein moving said outer cannula from the distal position to the proximal position thereof and creating suction at the biopsy reservoir causes a tissue sample to be pulled into the biopsy reservoir and wherein moving said outer cannula from the proximal position to the distal position thereof causes the cutter to cut the tissue sample from surrounding tissue and also captures the tissue sample within the biopsy reservoir.