Patent ID: 6908440
Filing Date: 2005-06-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An aspiration biopsy needle, comprising: a needle of elongate, hollow construction having a proximal end and a beveled distal end; said needle having a uniform diameter along an extent thereof; said needle having a longitudinal axis; said beveled distal end forming a first sharp edge adapted to scrape tissue when said needle is inserted into said tissue, said needle being displaced from a proximal position to a distal position during insertion; a first slot formed in said needle near said beveled distal end; said first slot being formed in said needle on a first side of said longitudinal axis; said first slot being transversely disposed relative to said longitudinal axis of said needle; said first slot also being angled relative to a transverse axis of said needle such that a bottom of said first slot is positioned distal to an opening of said first slot; said opening of said first slot being in open communication with an exterior surface of said needle; said first slot including a second sharp edge adapted to scrape tissue when said needle is displaced from a distal position to a proximal position; a second slot formed in said needle, said second slot being in longitudinally spaced apart relation to said first slot; said second slot being formed in said needle on said first side of said longitudinal axis such that said second slot is axially aligned with said first slot; said second slot being transversely disposed relative to said longitudinal axis of said needle; said second slot being angled relative to a transverse axis of said needle such that a bottom of said second slot is positioned proximal to an opening of said second slot; said opening of said second slot being in open communication with an exterior surface of said needle; said second slot including a third sharp edge adapted to scrape tissue when said needle is displaced from a proximal position to a distal position; and means for communicating a vacuum to said proximal end of said needle so that tissue scraped by said first and third sharp edges during proximal-to-distal travel of said needle is pulled into a lumen of said needle and so that tissue scraped by said second sharp edge during distal-to-proximal travel of said needle is also pulled into said lumen.