Patent ID: 8088081
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A biopsy apparatus for the percutaneous removal of a specimen from a tissue mass, the biopsy apparatus comprising: an outer cannula defining a lumen and a longitudinal axis, the outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, an opening formed in the distal end, and an excising finger extending from the distal end; an inner cannula received within the lumen, the inner cannula defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end, a distal end, and an open-tipped spoon portion that terminates at the distal end of the inner cannula; and an actuator operably coupled to at least the outer cannula and configured to axially move, without rotating, the excising finger along the spoon portion from an inserting position, in which the excising finger does not extend distally of the spoon portion, to an excising position, in which relative axial movement of the excising finger ceases and the excising finger is distal of the spoon portion and extends toward the longitudinal axis of the inner cannula, and to initiate rotation of the excising finger about the longitudinal axis of the outer cannula when the excising finger is in the excising position; wherein the spoon portion supports the specimen distally of the opening of the outer cannula when at least a portion of the spoon portion extends exteriorly through the opening of the outer cannula, whereby the specimen can be removed from the inner cannula.