Patent ID: 6872185
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
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 its extent; said beveled distal end forming a first sharp edge adapted to scrape cellular material when said needle is displaced from a proximal position to a distal position; a first slot formed in said needle near said beveled distal end; said first slot being transversely disposed relative to a 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 proximal 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 cellular material when said needle is displaced from a proximal position to a distal position; means for communicating a vacuum to said proximal end of said needle so that cellular material scraped by said first sharp edge during proximal-to-distal travel of said needle is pulled into a lumen of said needle and so that cellular material scraped by said second sharp edge during said proximal-to-distal travel of said needle is also pulled into said lumen; said second sharp edge being elevated with respect to said exterior surface of said needle.