Patent ID: 6997885
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An elongated tissue removing device, comprising: a. an elongate shaft which has proximal and distal shaft sections, a distal end and a tissue penetrating tip at the distal end configured to form a passageway to a location from which tissue is to be removed; b. a tissue cutting element which is on the distal shaft section proximal to the distal end and which is configured to separate a tissue mass having larger transverse dimensions than the passageway formed by the tissue penetrating tip; c. at least one tissue securing member which is on the distal shaft section and which is configured for securing the separated tissue mass to the distal shaft section; and d. a tissue expander on the distal shaft section which is proximal to the at least one tissue securing member and which has an expanded configuration with a transverse dimension greater than transverse dimensions of the separated tissue mass to facilitate removal of the secured separated tissue mass through the passageway.