Patent ID: 6554779
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A driver apparatus for use with a biopsy instrument which includes a plurality of relatively movable elongated members, the driver apparatus comprising:a housing; an insertion mechanism including a carriage movably associated with the housing and being adapted to support the biopsy instrument to affect longitudinal movement of at least a portion of the biopsy instrument relative to the housing; and a linear motion control mechanism adapted to move a tissue cutting element of the biopsy instrument from a first position to a second position relative to a tissue receiving portion of the biopsy instrument wherein the tissue cutting element cuts tissue extending into a tissue receiving portion of the biopsy instrument; and a tissue retract mechanism which facilitates removal of a tissue specimen from the biopsy instrument without removing the entire biopsy instrument from a surgical site, the tissue retract mechanism including a retention member adapted to retain a portion of the biopsy instrument, the tissue retract mechanism further including a longitudinal guide member which slidably guides the retention member and is disposed relative to the housing in a manner to permit movement of the longitudinal side member relative to the housing.