Title of Invention

BIOPSY DEVICE WITH SAMPLE TUBE

Abstract A biopsy device is provided (10). The biopsy device (10) inifodes comer and a simple tube (516) advanceable through the XXX cutter to retrive a issue sample sevend by the cutter. A vacoum source can be provided in communication with the sample tube(516) . The sample tube (516) can be veleasably to the biqrxy telexics.
Full Text


The present invention climas priocity to US Provisional Patent Application 60/432.546
filed December 11,2002,
[0002] This patent application cross references and incorporates by referrnce the following
spending parent applications: US Patent Application "Biopsy Device with Piston
Advance" filed in the names of Cicenas at all, on even date herewith: and US Paten
Application "Biopsy instrument Having Internal Specimen collection Mechanism filed
Septcjreober 30, 2003 in the names of Hibncr elal and having serial number 10/676944.
[0003] Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention reiutes in general to biopsy devices and more particulkar
methods and devices For bandling santples obLaintd wilh a biopsy device.
[0005] Background of the Invention
[0006] The diaghosis and treatment of palients with cancerous tumors is an ongoing area of
investigation. Medical devices for obtaining tissue samples for subsequent sampling are
known in the art. For inscmnce a diopsy instrument now marketcd under the tradename
MAMMOTOME is commercially available for use in obtaining breast biopsy samples,
[0007] Various imaging techniques including X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging may be
used with biopsy devices for use in acquining one or more tissue samples, it can be
desirable to use an image guided, paroutaneoos biopsy instrument which is vacuurn
assisted, such as the MAMMOTOME device, to acquire multiple tissue samples without
removing a biopsy needle between sample.
[0008] the following palcut documents disclose varius device and are incorporated
licrein by reference in their entirety U36,273.862 issued Aug 14.2001; US 6,23 1 ,522
issued May 15:2001: US 6,228,055 issued May 8, 2001:US 6,120,462 issued September

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19,2000; US 6,086,544 issued July 11.2000; US 6,077,230 issued June 20, 2000; US
6,017,316 issued January 25,2000; US 6,007,497 issued Dec. 28.1999; US 5,980,469
issued Nov. 9. 1999; US 5,964,716 issued Oct 12,1999; US 5,928,164 issued July 27.
1999; US 5,775,333 issued july 7,1998; US 5,769,086 issued 23, 1998; US
5,649,547 issued July 22, 1997; US 5.526,822 issued June 18,1996, US Patent
Application publication 2003/0199753 published Oct, 23, 2003 to Hibneret al.
[0009] Brief Sumumary of the Invention
[0010] The invention provides an apparants and method useful for obtaining a biopsy sample.
In out embodiment, the present invention provides a biopsy device comprising a hollow
biopsy needle having a tissue receiving port; a hollow cutter advancable within the
biopsy needle to sever tissue received within the tissue receiving port; and a sample tube
advancable within the cutter, The sample tube can be relcasably coupled to the biopsy
device, so that the sarapie tube can be removed from thebiopsy device, and lissue
samples removed from the sample tube. A vacuunt source can be provided in
communication with the sample tube for providing arial Vacuum through the cutter.
[0011] Brief Description ot the Fignares
[0012] FIGURE l is a schematic illuslration of subassemblies of a biopsy device according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] Figure la is.cross-sectional schematic illustration of the biopsy device assembled as
shown in Figure Ib.
[0014] Figure Ib is a perspective view of a biopsy device according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] Figure 2 is top view illustration of the needle assembly in Figure 1,
[0016] figure 2a is a cross-seclional illustration of the needle assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

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[0017] Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic illustration of the main piston assembly shown in
Figure 1.
[0018] Figure 3a is a cross-sectional schcmatic illustration of the main piston assembly.
[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic illusutrtion of the jourmal assembly shown in Figure 1-
[0020] Figure 4a Is a.schematic cross-sectional illustration of the jourmal assembly of Figure 4.
[0021] Figure 4b is a schematic illusutrtion of the proximal end of the jourmal in Figure 4a.
[0022] Figure 5 is an enlarge schematic illusutrtion of the fluzting piston assembly in Figure 1
[0043] Figure 5a is a schematic cross scetional illusutrtion of the floating piston assembly in
Figure5.
[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic cut away illusutrtion of a portion of the cutter assembly with the
cutter positioned just proxtmal of the lateral tissue receiving port of the needle.
[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic illusutrtion of tissue sample stacking in a sample tube.
[0026] Figure 8, is a schematic cross-section illustration of a sample tube having an intemal
vacuum lumen.
[0027] Detailed Descripling
[0028] Figures I, la, and lb illusutrtiona biopsy device 10 according to one embodiment of the
present invention the biopsy device can comprise a needle assembly 100 (shown in
more details in figures 2 and 2a). a main piston assembly 200 (shown in more detial in
Figures 3 and 3a), a journal assembly 300 (shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 4a). a
flowing piston assembly 400 (shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 5a) and a tube 516,
which can be a eleat.thin walled tube.

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[0029] Needle assembly 100 illustrated i it Figures 2 and 2a can include an elongated hollow
needle 104. Needle 104 comprises an upper cutter lumen 104a, a lower vacuum lumen
104b. a lateral tissue receiving port 104c communicating with the upper cutter lumen
104a, a plurality of interlumen vacuum holes 104c extending between the upper lumen
104a and tha lower lumen 104b to communicate vacuum from the lower lumen to assist
in drawing tissue into the port 104c. A sharpened distal tissue, piercing tip 106 is
disposed at the distal end of needle 104 and can fit within and close off the distal ends of
the upper and lower lumens 104a and 104b, The needle 104 can also include an axially
cniongated needle slot 104a positioned proximal of the port 104c and the interiumen
vacuum holes l04e. The needle slot 104d.can be used lo provide cormminication
between the upper lumen and the lower lumen of the needle 104 at a position proximal of
the tissue receiving pott l04c.
[0030] The needle 104 can be fixed, such as by adhesive or other suitable means, to needle
support 108. Support 108 can be captured between the upper shell housing 11.0 and the
lower shell housing 112, The upper and lower housings-can be attached in any suitable
manner, such as with screw fasteners, adhesive, or snap fit features.
[0031] A vacuum inlel port 108a cars be provided in needle support 108. Vacuum inlet port 108a
can be connected to art external source of vacuum (not shown). Vacutim can be provided
lo the lower lumen 104b via port l08a. Vacuum supplied to lumen 104b can be applied
to lateral lateral tissue recciving part 104c via two paths: 1) via the lateral vacum holes
104e between the upper lumen 104a and lower lumen 104b; and2) via.the distal needle
slot l04d and the distal portion of the upper lumen 104a,
[0032] The main piston assembly illustrated in Figures 3 and 3a-can comprise; a main piston 204,
an u-ring seal 208 disposed in a groove in the outer, surface of piston 204 to provide
seailing between pislon 204 and the inside surface of tube 516, a cutter clubch 206, and a
culler 210. Piston 204 can include a cavity 214 opening at the proximal face of the piston

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204, a distally extending shaft portion 225, and a central bore 224 extending through the
shaft portion 225.
[0033] The piston 204 can includu a threaded portion 204b on the shaft, portion 225. At the
distal end of the threaded portion 204b, a circumferentially extending lip 205 can. be
provided Lip 205 can engage with a complimentary slot feature 206a disposed in the
proximal end of eutter clutch 206 such that cutter clutch 206 and piston 204 are coupled
together for axial movement, but such that cutter clutch 206 can rotote relative piston 204
ahout a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the piston 204 and parallel to
cutter 210.
[0034] Cutter 210 can be attached to thecutter clutch 206 by any suitable means, such as by a ser
screw 206c. Culler clutch has a central bore therethrough, which is aligned with the
central fore 224 of piston 204 when the piston 204 and cutter clutch 206 are coupled
together by lip 205 and slot feature 206a. Cutter 210 can be in the form of a hollow tutu;
with a sharpened distul end 210b. Hollow cutter 210 has a central tumen 215 extending-
therethrough which is aligned with the central bore of the cutter clutch and the central
bone 224 of piston 204. Cutter 210 can further include a pluralily of radial holes 210a
which are positioned intermediate the cutter clutch 206 and the distal .sharpend end
2l0b. The radial holes extend through the wall of the hollow cutter 2l0 and
communicate with central lumen 215.
[0035] Cutter ctutch 206 can have a generally cylindrical shaped body with surface features
extending therefrom, such as engagement Wings 206b, In figure 3 there are two wings
206b shown spaced at approximately180 degree intervals around the circumference of
the cutter clutch 206. Wings 206b can serve to releasably key or otherwise releasably
engage clutch 206 with another member for rotation therewith, as described more Fully
below,
[0036] The jounal assembly 300 illustrated in Figutes 4, 4A+, and 4b can comprise a jounal
housing 312,a inotor 304 for driving rotation of a joumal 306 mounted within housing

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312 through a gear train. The gear train can comprise a pimon gear 308, and internnediate
gear 314, and a driven gear 318. Tbe pirion gear can be mounted to the drive shaft of
motor 304, and the motor 304 and internnediate gear 314 can be supported by a bracket
316 which can be attached to a distal face of the journal housing 312,
[0037] The driven gear 318 can be mounted to journal 306. Journal 306 is supported for rotation
about a longitudinal axis by bearings 310. Journal 306 includes a longitudinally
extending central bore 334 therethrough. Journal 306 has a threaded feature 306c
comprising an internally threaded portion extending from proximal end of the central
bore 334. Journal 306 can also include a channel feature 306b for use in engaging the
wings 206b of cutter clutch 206. Gharnel feature 306b can comprise two longitudinally
extending slots spaced about 180 degrees apart around the inner surface of bore 334, as
shown in figure 4b. The slots of channel feature 306b can have a depth which is greater
than the depth of the threads of threaded feature 306c. The slots of chaunel feafurt 305b
can extend the length of journal 306.
[0038] the driven gear can bear agnst a thrust washer, which can bear against the distal end of
the-journal housing to constrain journal 306 axially. The proximal end of the journal 306
can be constrained by journal flange 306a, which can bear against a thrust washer. The
journal 306 can be constrained raially by, and be rotatably within, bearinga 310 disposcd
in the journal housing(312),
[0039] The floating piston assembly shown in Figure 5 and 5a can comprise a floating piston
404 having a central bore therethrough, o-ring 404b. hollow sample tube 406. sample
tube receiver 403, magnet 408b, and rear axial vacuum line 410, The piston 404 can
have a spring seat 405 for receiving the end of a spring. The sample cube 406 can have a
retaining notch 406a in the wall of the tube positioned near the open distal end 406b of
tube 406. The simple tube 406 can extend through the central bore of the piston 404 and
be press fit into the proximal end of the sample tube receiver 408 such that sample tube
406 can be easily inserted and reinovied one or more times.The resetver 408 has a

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passagsway therethrougrh for cammnicating vacuum from vacuum line 410 to sample
tube 406. The recover 448 can be configured m releasably lock into the floating piston
404 by any suitable mechanism, such as a twist lock mechanismcomprising relaiting
bosses 404a on the floating piston 404 and corresponding receiver slots 408a on the strath,
receiver 408. The twist lock mechanism allows the receiver 408 and sample tube 406 to
be releasably coupled to the biopsy device, such that the sample tube 406 can be inserted
into the device, and then withdrawn from the device once one or more samples have been
received in sample tube 406. A circular magnet 408b can be disposed in a recess in the
distal face at the straw recever 408 - An o-ting 404b can be provided in a groove. on the
outer surface of floating piston 404 to provide sealing with the inner surface of tube 516
as piston 404 iranslates within tube 516, The rear axial vacuum lint 410 can be prtss fit
into the rear of receiver 408 and enables vacuum to be drawn through the center of the
sample tube 406 as the device is operated,
[0040] A purtion of the journal assemble 300 can be sized and shaped to fit inside the distal end
of clear, thin-wall tube 516, Tube 516 can be made from a light weight transparent
material, such as clear plastic or polymetic inaterial, to permit viewing of the device
during operation. The proximal end of the needle assembly 100 can then be positioned
over a reduced diameter distal end portion of the clear, thin-wall tube 5l6 that-extends
distally from a lip feature 516 of the tube 516, The needle assembly 100 and journal
assembly 300 can be attached to the thin wall tube 516 by any suitable means, such as by
a pturallty of screws
[0041] The main piston assembly 200 is supported for translation within the clear. thin-walled
tube 516 and is positioned proximally of the jounrnal assembly 300. The main piston
assembly 200 is keyed to the tube. 516 by a piston guide tab 204a (figure 3) on the main
piston 204 and a channel feature 516a (Figure la) located on the tube 516. Tab 204a
rides in channel 516a to allow main piston assembly 200 to translate axially inside the
tube 516 while preventing the main piston 204 from rotating relative to the tube 516. An

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o-ring 208 seated in a groove on the outer surface of main piston 204 provides an air scal
between the main piston 204 and inner surface of tube 516.
[0042] The floating pision assembly 100 can be disposed inside the clear, thin-wall rube 516 end
is positiuned between the main piston assembly 200 and the end cap 514. The end cap
514 can be fasleted to the proximal end of the tube 516 by any suitable means including
by fasteners, snap fit, or threaded engsgement, O-ring 404b seated in e groove on the
outside surface of floating piston 404 provides an air seal between the floating piston 404
and the inside surface of tube 516.
[0043] A return spring, 512 is captured between the main pision assembly 200 and floating piston
assembly 400. The distal end of the return spring 512 can be scated in cavity 214 of main
piston 204, and the proximal end off the return spring 512 can be seated within annular
seat 405 of floating pislon 404, The rethen spring 512 provides constant forward (distal)'
biasing force against the main piston assembly 200 Therefor, when the main piston
assembly 200 is in its rearward (proximal) rnost position, the distal end of threaded
feature 204b is maintained in contact with the proximal end of a journal threaded feature
306c due to the spring force provided by spring 512. The bissing spring force provided
by spring 512 also maintains two engagement wings 206b on the cutter clutch 206 in
engagement with channel slot features 306b of the journal 306. Engngement of the wings
206b with slot features 306b causes cutter clutch 206 (and so cutter 210) to rotate when
journal 306 is rotated by motor 304. in the embodiment shown, piston 204 does not
rotate.
[0044] Engagement of the journal's intermal threads 306c with the main piston's external threads
204b causes cutter clutch 206 (and so cutter 210) in advance in lcad. screw fashion at a
specd based on the number of threads per inch and the spied of rotation of thejournal.
With this mechanism, translation and rotation of cutter 210 is provided by rotation of
journal 306 driven by a stogie motor 304 -

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[0045] The motor 304 can be operated to rotate clockwise, advancing and romting the cutter 210
so the distal end of the cutter 210 advances in the upper lumen of needle 104 past the
tissue receiving port 104 and cuts a tissue sample through the lateral port 104c in the
needle assemble 100. Oncs the cutter 210 has fully tranalated past the needle lateral post
104c, the main pistons threaded feature 204b "rides" off the distal end of the journal's
threaded, feature 306c, thereby preventing further translation forward. However, the
motor 304 can be operated to continue to rotate a predetermined number of rotations,
rotating the journal's channel featura 306b and therefore the cuttet 210 for additional
revolutions to guarantee the tissue sample has been completely separated from the main
body of tissue being sampled.
[0046] Once the main piston assembly 200 has translated to its forward most (distal most)
position, the clinch return spring-320 is compressed, pushing against the cutter clutch
206, to keep the proximal end of the main piston's threads (204b) and the distal end of
the journal's threads [306c) in constant contact with, sach other. The spring 320 provides
a biasing force to cnsure the threads will engage and the main piston assembly 200 will
retracl when the motor 304 is operafed in reverse,
[0047] The end cap 514 can includs a Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor in conjunction
with magnet 108b associated with the receiver 408, can provide a signal when the sample
tube is removed from the device, which signal can be used to turn the external vacuum
though tube 406 on and off, or otherwise control the external vacuum source.
[0048] The hollow needle 104 can be positioned into a tissus.mass, such as with the aid of any
suitable imaging device. To begin operation of the biopsy device the assembly of the
sample tube 406, magnet 408b. receiver 408. and vacuum line 410 can be inserted, into
and releasably coupled to the floating piston 404 using the bosses 404a, Upon insertion
of the receiver 408 through the end cap 514 the external vacuum source can be turned on
via the Hall effect sensor 510 and the magnet 408b that is supported inside the receiver
408,

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[0049] To activate the biopsy device, the physician can depress 506. Lever" 506 activates an
electranaichanical momentary contact switch 508 to begin rotation of motor 304 and
journal 306. Rotation of journal 306 draws main piston assembly 200 forward (distally)
[0050] Referring to Figure 1 a, after the cutter 210 has advanced forward completely to sever a
tissue; sample, vacuum can be applied from an external source through a vacuum tube 504
and port 516b in lube 516 that communicates vacuum into a chamber 516 on the distal
side of the floating piston 404. Vrcuom inchamber 5l6c pulls the. floating piston 404-
forward, so that the distal end 406b of the sample tube 406 advances inside the cutter
210. With the cutter 210 My advanced, the distal end of the sample tube 406 advances
to the distal end of the needle lateral port 104c, thereby encapsulating the tissue sample
with slight radial compression applied to the tissue sample, Once the tissue sample is
encapsulated, the vacuum to line 504 can be turned off and atmospheric pressure can be
provided to the distal face of the floating piston 404, so that the return spring 512 pushes
the floating pislon assembly 400 back to the retracted position shown in figure la.
[0051] The physician may then press the button 506, which activates the electromechanical
switch 508 a second tints, causing the motor 304 to rotate in the opposite direction,
thereby retracting the cutter 210.the clutch return spring 320 prasses the pistin
assemhly 200 back onto the journal's threcadcd feature 306c. so that engagement is
ensured, the journal 306 spitis in the opposite direction, causing the piston assembly 200
to retract so the distal end 210b cutter 210 is positioned just proximal of the proximal
end of the lareral needle port 104c, Accordingly, the full travel of the cutter 210 can be
from just proximalof the port 104c to just distal of port 104c_
[0052] To take.a second tissue sample, the user presses lever 506 to activate the
electromechanical switch 508 ard provide motor 304 rotation in the Forward direction to
rotate- and translate the cutter through the needle lateral port 104c, so.as to sever tissue
drawn into port 104c by vacuum provided via luincn 104b. After the .cutter 210 has
complctely scparrated a second tissue specimen vacuam pressure can again be applied

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via port 516b to the distal face of the floating piston 404, so that piston 404 and sample
tube 406 are advanced, with the disial end of tubs 405 advanced to the distal end of the
needle lateral port 104c, The second tissue sample is encapsulated by the-sample tube
406. As the second tissue sample enters the sample tube 406, the first tissue sample is
displaced rearward into the sample tube 406 In this manner, multiple samples can be
stacked within a sample tube 406 until the sample tube 406 contains s plurality of tissue
specimens
[0053] Figure 7 illustrates stocking of successive tissue samples 3100A-3100C in sample tube
406. The sample tube inner diameter can be sized so that the cut tissue samples ant
slightly compressed within the sample tube.
[0054] When the tube 406 contains the desired number of severed lissus specimens, the user
may reicase the sample tube 406 by rotaling the receiver 408a slighcly expose the wider
portion of the slots 408a to allow the slots 408a to clear the retaining bosses 404a, When
the receiver 408 is removed with the sample tube 406 attached, magnw 408b within the
straw receiver 408 passes a Hall effect sensor 510 in end cap 514. which tan provide-a
signal for use in larning off the extemal vacuum source communicating through vacuum
line 410,
[0055] In one embodiment, a tissue; retention feature in the wall of tube 406, such as rectangular
notch 406a, is provided near the distal end of the sample tube 406. Notch 406a can allow
the most reccntly acquired sample near the distal end of the sample tubs 406 to expand or
bulgp slightly our, of opening provided by notch 406a the notch thereby aids in retaining
the most recently obtained sample within sample lube 406. Additinally, vacuun applied
to samples from vacuum line 410 through the sample tube 406 can apply a force to the
distal end of the tissue sample, which can assist in balancing any axial vacuum force that
may be applied to the tissue simples by vacuum provided through intelumen vacuum
holes 104e. Other suitable tissue retention features. such as one or more indentations in
the bibe wall could be employed to assist in retaming tissuc sample-

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[0056] To remove tissue samples from the sample tube 406 once the tube 406 has been removed
from tube 516. the user may remove tube 406 from receiver 408. The user may then
cover the rectangular notch 406a with a finger, compressing the sample back into the
sample tube 406, while pushing a rod through the sample tube 406 to push the samples
out of the tube. Once the sample has traveled past the rectangular notch 406a. the finger
can be removed and the sample(s) can be pushed out of the tube. Alternatively, a satire
filled syringe may be attached to one end of the sample tube 406; and saline may be used
to push the samples out of the tube 406,
[0057] Referring to figure 6, needle 104 can includc needle slot 104d between the upper cutter
lumen 104a and lower vacuum lumen 104b, When vacuum is applied from the external
vacuum source through the inlet port 108a (Figure 2) to the needle lower lomen 104b,
vacuum is applied both through the proximal needle slit 104d and the lateral vacuum
holes 104e. Staggered radial holes 210a (these holes can be circular, rectangular, or any
other suitable shape) in the cutter 210 align with and communicate with the distal needle
slot 104d as the distal end of the cutter 210 rotates and translates through the needle
lateral port 104c. Therefore, vacuum is communicated to ths internal lumen of the cutter
210 from the lower lumen 104b via the distal slit 104d and the staggered radial cutter
holes 2l0a. In this way, during sampling, and even with tissue samples in tube 406.
vacuum is applied both laterally to the tissue, through Inierlumen vacuum holts 104e as
well as axially through cutter 210 via the distal needle slot l04d and cutter holes 2l0a to
assist in maximizing tissue sample size. Vacuum provided by vacuum line 410 through
sample lube 406 and then through cutter210 cat provide axial vacuum force for assisting
m obtaining suitable samples- through porl 104c whan there are no previously severed
samples in sample tube 406- Slot l04d and cutter holes 2l0a can be employed to provide
axtal vacuum at the port 104c even if samples arc present in the samplt tube 406-
[0058] Figure 8 shows an alteniative embodiment of sample tube 406 having an interual wall
448 to provide a first sample lumen 462 and a second vacuum lumen 464, Each of lumen
462 and 464 can bc in communiction with a source of vacuum such as that provided via

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vacuum line 410. Vacuum lumen 464 can employed lo provide axial vacuum at port
104c when samples are present in lumen 462 of Sample tube 406.
[0059] While the present invention has been illustrated by desrcription of several embodiments-, it
is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the spirit and scope of the appended
claims to such detail. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to
those skilled in the at without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover the
structure of each element associated with the present invention can be alternatively
described as a means for providing the function performed by the element. Accordingly,
it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scopt of line appended
claims.

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What is Claimed:
1 A biopsy device comprising:
a hollow biopsy needle having a tissue receiving port;
a hollow eutter advancable within the biopsy needle to sever tissue received
within the tissue receiving port; and
a sample tube having an open distal end,the sample tube supported on the biopsy
device and advancable within the cutter.
2. The biopsy device of Claim 1wherein the sample tube is releasably couplcd to the
biopsy device.
3. The biopsy device of Claim 1 comprising a vacuum source communication
with the sample tube

4. The biopsy device of Claim 1 wherein the sample- tube is advance by fluid
pressure
5. the biopsy device of Claim 1 wherein the sample tube is advanccd pnchmalically.
6. The biopsy device of Claim I comprising a piston opecatively nssociated with the
sample tube,
7. The biopsy device of Claim l comprising apparatus for advancing and retracting
the cutter within the biopsy needle.
8. the biopsy device of Claim I comprising apparatus' for advancing and retracting
the sample tube within the cutter.

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9. The device of Claim i wherein the hollow needle comprises a lateral tissue
receiving port spaced from the distal end of the needle.
10. The device of Claim 1 -wherein the sample tube comprises a vacuum lumen and a
sample lumen.
11. the device of Claim 1 wherein the sample tube comprises a tube wall fcature for
retaining tissue samples,
12. The device of Claim 11 wherein the tube wall fenlore comprises a notch disposed
adjacent the distal end of the sample tube.
13. The biopsy device.of Claim 1 comprising a rotating joumal for rotaling and
advancing the cutter.
14. The biopsy device of Claim 1 wherein the Cutter has at least one hole extending
through an outer surface of the cutter and spaced from a distal and of the cutter.
15. The biopsy device of Claim 14 wherein the cutter has a plurality of holes spaced
from the distal end of the cutter.

A biopsy device is provided (10). The biopsy device (10) inifodes comer and a simple tube (516) advanceable through
the XXX cutter to retrive a issue sample sevend by the cutter. A vacoum source can be provided in communication with the
sample tube(516) . The sample tube (516) can be veleasably to the biqrxy telexics.

Documents:


Patent Number 218531
Indian Patent Application Number 01310/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 14/2008
Publication Date 04-Apr-2008
Grant Date 02-Apr-2008
Date of Filing 07-Jul-2005
Name of Patentee ETHICON ENDO - SURGERY, INC.
Applicant Address 4545 CREEK ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH 45242, A CORPORATION OF STATE OF OHIO, U.S.A.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 CHRIS CICENAS 2253 VICTORIA PARK DRIVE, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43235
2 LUKE STONIS 133 W. COOKE ROAD, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43214
3 BETH MCCOMBS 1320 MEIER AVENUE, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45208
PCT International Classification Number A61B 10/00
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2003/039364
PCT International Filing date 2003-12-11
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/432,546 2002-12-11 U.S.A.