Patent ID: 7854707
Filing Date: 2010-12-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A biopsy device, comprising: a probe cannula defining an internal passage; a proximal portion attached to the probe cannula positionable to insert the probe cannula into tissue; a cutter reciprocally received by the probe cannula to sever a tissue sample received in the probe cannula; a plurality of sample containers, wherein the plurality of sample containers comprises a holding structure releasably positioning a plurality of transparent sample vials; an indexing mechanism for sequentially registering a selected one of the plurality of sample containers to the probe cannula for communication with the probe cannula; a motor assembly operatively configured to translate the cutter to sever a tissue sample; a pneumatic switching assembly operatively configured to move the severed tissue sample from the probe cannula into the registered one of the plurality of sample containers; a translation shaft coupled with the motor, wherein the motor assembly is operable to rotate the translation shaft; and a first motor driven carriage that translates the cutter and the indexing mechanism, wherein the first motor driven carriage is coupled with the translation shaft such that rotation of the translation shaft by the motor assembly causes the first motor driven carriage to translate.