Patent ID: 6554778
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A biopsy device having a removable handle for alternatively attaching and removing a handle assembly while a cannula portion of the device is inserted into a patient, without affecting the orientation of the cannula portion within said patient, said biopsy device comprising:an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a substantially hollow cross-section between said proximal and distal ends; an inner rod capable of being telescopically inserted into and retracted from said outer cannula, said inner rod having a proximal end and a distal end; a sheath operably associated with said outer cannula, said sheath comprising a locking element, and said sheath surrounding at least a portion of said outer cannula; a handle assembly removably attachable to said sheath, said handle assembly comprising a locking element and an opening for receiving at least a portion of said sheath, whereby said sheath may be at least partially inserted within said handle assembly and attached thereto, thereby retainably, yet releasably, locking said handle assembly to said outer cannula and said inner rod; and a release member for releasing said handle assembly from attachment to said sheath and, in turn, to said outer cannula and said inner rod, by interacting with said locking elements associated with said sheath and said handle assembly; said release member comprising a release element capable of being repositioned by the user between at least two positions in order to alternatively lock and release said handle assembly to said sheath; said release member further being maintainable at each of said at least two positions without further positioning by the user.