Patent ID: 7635340
Filing Date: 2009-12-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of removing tissue using a coring-type biopsy device having an open end rather than a lateral opening, comprising the steps of: providing a tissue removal device which is a coring-type device having an open end rather than a lateral opening, the tissue removal device including a tubular element, a transport element, a tissue chamber and a cutting element, the tubular element having an open end at a distal end, the transport element and the cutting element being positioned at least partially within the tubular element and being movable relative to the tubular element, the cutting element being movable relative to the tubular element between a stored position and a cutting position to separate tissue cut by the tubular element from surrounding tissue; introducing the device into a patient; advancing the tubular element in a distal direction so that tissue enters the tubular element through the open end, the tubular element being advanced so that tissue also enters the transport element and is positioned within the transport element; cutting the tissue which has entered the open end by moving the cutting element relative to the tubular element from the stored position to the cutting position after the advancing step, the cutting element separating the tissue which has entered the open end from the surrounding tissue to form a first tissue mass; and transporting the first tissue mass proximally with the transport element to the tissue chamber.