Patent Description:
A biopsy may be performed on a patient to help in determining whether the cells in a biopsied region are cancerous. One type of vacuum assisted biopsy apparatus includes a hand-held driver assembly having a vacuum source, and a disposable biopsy probe assembly configured for releasable attachment to the driver assembly. One biopsy technique used to evaluate breast tissue, for example, involves inserting a biopsy probe into the breast tissue region of interest to capture one or more tissue samples from the region.

The biopsy probe typically includes a biopsy cannula, e.g., a needle, having a cylindrical side wall defining a lumen, and having a side sample notch located near the distal end that extends though the side wall to the lumen. A cutting cannula is positioned coaxial with the biopsy cannula to selectively open and close the sample notch. Vacuum is applied to the lumen, and in turn to the sample notch, for receiving the tissue to be sampled when the sample notch is opened, after which the sample notch is closed by the cutting cannula to sever the tissue, and the severed tissue is transported by vacuum out of the lumen and collected.

One such hand-held driver assembly is battery powered. The hand-held driver assembly is turned on at the beginning of a procedure, and remains on for the duration of the procedure and/or until a user intervenes to turn off the hand-held driver assembly. Since such a hand-held driver assembly may be used in prolonged sessions, it is important for the power consumption to be held to a minimum to prolong battery life and prevent malfunctions due to lack of battery power.

<CIT> discloses a biopsy device for tissue collection having a housing and a removable element. A power source is contained within the housing and the removable unit includes a biopsy needle module and a pressure source that can be integrated into the housing such that the biopsy device is fully operational without the need for wires or cables extending from the housing to connect to external units.

<CIT> discloses power management circuitry of a portable electronic biosensor implementing conditional power management logic to control biosensor power usage and to discriminate between intended use and non-use of the biosensor by a clinician.

The present invention provides a biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power. The biopsy driver assembly is configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly.

As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" preceding an element name, e.g., first electrical drive, second electrical drive, etc., are for identification purposes to distinguish between different elements having similar characteristic, and are not intended to necessarily imply order, unless otherwise specified, nor are the terms "first", "second", etc., intended to preclude the inclusion of additional similar elements.

The presently-claimed invention is defined in claim <NUM>. Additional embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. An unclaimed example is directed to a biopsy driver assembly configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configured to conserve the battery by providing electrical power only to the motion detector after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly and to provide electrical power from the battery also to the electrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

An unclaimed example, in another form thereof, is directed to a biopsy apparatus. The biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy probe assembly and a biopsy driver assembly. The biopsy probe assembly has a sample basket arranged coaxially with a cutter cannula relative to a longitudinal axis. The biopsy probe assembly has a first driven unit coupled to the cutter cannula to facilitate movement of the cutter cannula relative to the longitudinal axis, and has a second driven unit coupled to the sample basket to facilitate movement of the sample basket relative to the longitudinal axis. The biopsy driver assembly is configured to mount the biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configured to conserve the battery by providing electrical power only to the motion detector after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly and to provide electrical power from the battery also to the electrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

The claimed invention is directed to a biopsy driver assembly configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsy driver housing. An electrical assembly is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly. A battery is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the battery and to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit and a battery dwell circuit. The control circuit is configured to conserve the battery by turning off electrical power to the electrical assembly and to the timer circuit after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly while maintaining electrical power to the motion detector, and configured to provide electrical power from the battery to the motion detector, the timer, and the electrical assembly when a physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected.

An unclaimed example, in another form thereof, is directed to a biopsy driver assembly configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly. The biopsy driver assembly includes a biopsy driver housing, and an electrical assembly coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The electrical assembly includes at least one electrical drive configured for drivably engaging the biopsy probe assembly. A control circuit is coupled to the biopsy driver housing. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the electrical assembly. The control circuit has a motion detector, a timer circuit and a power dwell circuit. The power dwell circuit has a power output electrically connected to the electrical assembly. Each of the motion detector and the timer circuit is electrically connected to receive electrical power from the power dwell circuit. The motion detector is communicatively coupled to the timer circuit and to the dwell circuit. The motion detector is configured to provide a first signal to the power dwell circuit to cause the power dwell circuit to enter an operative mode wherein electrical power is supplied to the electrical assembly when the physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly is detected, and the motion detector is configured to provide a second signal to the timer circuit that indicates the last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly. The timer circuit is communicatively coupled to the power dwell circuit. The timer circuit is configured to provide a third signal to the power dwell circuit to cause the power dwell circuit to enter a power dwell mode wherein electrical power is supplied to the motion detector to the exclusion of the timer circuit and the electrical assembly. The third signal is supplied to the power dwell circuit after the predetermined time following the last detected physical movement of the biopsy driver assembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown a biopsy apparatus <NUM> which generally includes a non-invasive, e.g., non-disposable, biopsy driver assembly <NUM> and a disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, driver assembly <NUM> and disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM> collectively include a fluid management system <NUM> that includes a vacuum source <NUM>, first vacuum path <NUM> and a second vacuum path <NUM>. Vacuum source <NUM> and a first vacuum path <NUM> are permanently associated with driver assembly <NUM>, and a second vacuum path <NUM> is permanently associated with disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM>, as more fully described below, to help facilitate the safe and effective collection of a biopsy tissue sample.

As used herein, the term "non-disposable" is used to refer to a device that is intended for use on multiple patients during the lifetime of the device, and the term "disposable" is used to refer to a device that is intended to be disposed of after use on a single patient. Also, the term "vacuum path" means a fluid passageway used to facilitate a vacuum between two points, the fluid passageway passing through one or more components, such as for example, one or more of tubing, conduits, couplers, and interposed devices. Also, the term "permanently associated" means a connection that is not intended for releasable attachment on a routine basis during the lifetime of the components. Thus, for example, driver assembly <NUM> including vacuum source <NUM> and first vacuum path <NUM> is reusable as a unit in its entirety, whereas disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM> and second vacuum path <NUM> are disposable as a unit in its entirety.

Driver assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> configured, and ergonomically designed, to be grasped by a user, and to which the electrical and mechanical components of driver assembly <NUM> are coupled, i.e., mounted. Driver assembly <NUM> includes (contained within housing <NUM>) vacuum source <NUM>, first vacuum path <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, an electromechanical power source <NUM>, and a vacuum monitoring mechanism <NUM>. A user interface <NUM> is located to be mounted to, and externally accessible with respect to, housing <NUM>. Housing <NUM> defines an elongate cavity <NUM> which is configured for receiving a corresponding housing <NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> when driver assembly <NUM> is mounted to biopsy probe assembly <NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled to electromechanical power source <NUM>, vacuum source <NUM>, user interface <NUM>, and vacuum monitoring mechanism <NUM>. Controller <NUM> may include, for example, a microprocessor and associated memory for executing program instructions to perform functions associated with the retrieval of biopsy tissue samples, such as controlling one or more components of vacuum source <NUM> and electromechanical power source <NUM>. Controller <NUM> also may execute program instructions to monitor one or more conditions and/or positions of components of biopsy apparatus <NUM>, and to monitor the status of fluid management system <NUM> associated with driver assembly <NUM> and biopsy probe assembly <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> includes control buttons <NUM> and visual indicators <NUM>, with control buttons <NUM> providing user control over various functions of biopsy apparatus <NUM>, and visual indicators <NUM> providing visual feedback of the status of one or more conditions and/or positions of components of biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

The electromechanical power source <NUM> may include, for example, an electrical energy source, e.g., battery, <NUM> and an electrical drive assembly <NUM>. Battery <NUM> may be, for example, a rechargeable battery. Battery <NUM> provides electrical power to all electrically powered components in biopsy apparatus <NUM>, and thus for simplicity in the drawings, such electrical couplings are not shown. For example, battery <NUM> is electrically coupled to vacuum source <NUM>, controller <NUM>, user interface <NUM> and electrical drive assembly <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, electrical drive assembly <NUM> includes a first drive <NUM> and a second drive <NUM>, each being respectively coupled to battery <NUM>, and each of first drive <NUM> and second drive <NUM> respectively electrically and controllably coupled to user interface <NUM>.

First drive <NUM> may include an electrical motor <NUM> and a motion transfer unit <NUM> (shown schematically by a line). Second drive <NUM> may include an electrical motor <NUM> and a motion transfer unit <NUM> (shown schematically by a line). Each electrical motor <NUM>, <NUM> may be, for example, a direct current (DC) motor, stepper motor, etc. Motion transfer unit <NUM> of first drive <NUM> may be configured, for example, with a rotational-to-linear motion converter, such as a worm gear arrangement, rack and pinion arrangement, solenoid-slide arrangement, etc. Motion transfer unit <NUM> of second drive <NUM> may be configured to transmit rotary motion. Each of first drive <NUM> and second drive <NUM> may include one or more of a gear, gear train, belt/pulley arrangement, etc..

Vacuum source <NUM> is electrically coupled to battery <NUM>, and has a vacuum source port <NUM> for establishing a vacuum. Vacuum source <NUM> is electrically and controllably coupled to user interface <NUM>. Vacuum source <NUM> may further include, for example, a vacuum pump <NUM> driven by an electric motor <NUM>. Vacuum pump <NUM> may be, for example, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, syringe-type pump, etc..

First vacuum path <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM> is permanently associated with vacuum source <NUM>. First vacuum path <NUM>, also sometimes referred to as a non-disposable vacuum path, has a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, and includes, for example, conduits <NUM>, a first one-way valve <NUM>, and a particulate filter <NUM>. Proximal end <NUM> is fixedly coupled to vacuum source <NUM> in fluid communication therewith, e.g., is fixedly connected to vacuum source port <NUM> of vacuum source <NUM>. Referring also to <FIG>, distal end <NUM> includes a first vacuum seal element <NUM>. In the present embodiment, first vacuum seal element <NUM> is a planar abutment surface that surrounds a first passageway <NUM> of first vacuum path <NUM>.

First one-way valve <NUM> is configured and arranged to permit a negative pressure fluid flow toward vacuum source <NUM> and to prevent a positive pressure fluid flow away from vacuum source <NUM> toward the distal end <NUM> of first vacuum path <NUM>. The first one-way valve <NUM> may be, for example, a check-valve, such as a ball valve or reed valve, that opens with a fluid flow toward vacuum source <NUM>, and closes in the case of a reverse (positive) flow away from vacuum source <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, particulate filter <NUM> is located between vacuum source <NUM> and distal end <NUM> of first vacuum path <NUM>. Particulate filter <NUM> may be, for example, a mesh screen formed from metal or plastic. However, it is contemplated that particulate filter <NUM> may be located in fluid management system <NUM> between vacuum source <NUM> and a vacuum receiving component of biopsy probe assembly <NUM>.

The vacuum monitoring mechanism <NUM> is coupled to vacuum source <NUM> to shut off vacuum source <NUM> when a sensed vacuum level has fallen below a threshold level. Vacuum monitoring mechanism <NUM> may include, for example, a vacuum monitor and control program executing on controller <NUM>, and a pressure sensor <NUM> coupled to controller <NUM>, and in fluid communication with first vacuum path <NUM> for detecting a pressure in first vacuum path <NUM>. If, for example, the vacuum flow level in first vacuum path <NUM> falls below a predetermined level, indicating a restriction in fluid management system <NUM>, controller <NUM> may respond by shutting off vacuum source <NUM>, e.g., turning off electric motor <NUM>. Alternatively, controller <NUM> may monitor the current supplied to electric motor <NUM>, and if the current exceeds a predetermined amount, indicating a restriction in fluid management system <NUM>, controller <NUM> may respond by shutting off vacuum source <NUM>, e.g., turning off electric motor <NUM>.

The disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is configured for releasable attachment to driver assembly <NUM>. As used herein, the term "releasable attachment" means a configuration that facilitates an intended temporary connection followed by selective detachment involving a manipulation of disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM> relative to driver assembly <NUM>, without the need for tools.

The disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM> includes a cover <NUM>, which essentially serves as a frame, to which a transmission device <NUM>, a biopsy probe <NUM>, housing <NUM> and the second vacuum path <NUM> are mounted, with housing <NUM> being slidably coupled to cover <NUM>. The sliding coupling of housing <NUM> to cover <NUM> may be achieved, for example, by a rail and U-bracket configuration. Cover <NUM> serves as a slidable cover to close elongate cavity <NUM> in housing <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM> to protect the internal structure of driver assembly <NUM> when biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is mounted to driver assembly <NUM>. Biopsy probe <NUM> is drivably coupled to transmission device <NUM>, and transmission device <NUM> is drivably coupled to electromechanical power source <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM> when biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is mounted to driver assembly <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, transmission device <NUM> includes a first driven unit <NUM> and a second driven unit <NUM> that are drivably engaged with various components of biopsy probe <NUM>. Also, first driven unit <NUM> is drivably engaged with first drive <NUM> of electrical drive assembly <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM>. Second driven unit <NUM> is drivably engaged with second drive <NUM> of electrical drive assembly <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM>. First driven unit <NUM> is slidably coupled to housing <NUM>, and second driven unit <NUM> is contained in housing <NUM>. The sliding coupling of first driven unit <NUM> (e.g., a sliding member) may be achieved, for example, by placing first driven unit <NUM> in a longitudinal slide channel formed in housing <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown (see, e.g., <FIG>), biopsy probe <NUM> includes a sample basket <NUM> and a cutter cannula <NUM>. Sample basket <NUM> has a sharpened tip <NUM> to aid in puncturing tissue and has a sample notch <NUM> in the form of a recessed region for receiving a biopsy tissue sample. Sample basket <NUM> and a cutter cannula <NUM> are configured to be individually movable along a longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In operation, cutter cannula <NUM> is linearly driven by first driven unit <NUM> to traverse over sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, first driven unit <NUM> may be in the form of a linear slide that is drivably engaged with first drive <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM>, which in turn drives cutter cannula <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> in a first direction <NUM>, i.e., toward a proximal end of driver assembly <NUM>, to expose sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM>, and drives cutter cannula <NUM> in a second direction <NUM> opposite to first direction <NUM> to sever tissue prolapsed into sample notch <NUM>. Also, first driven unit <NUM> and second driven unit <NUM> may be configured to operate in unison to advance both sample basket <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM> in unison along an longitudinal axis <NUM> in a piercing shot operation to aid in inserting biopsy probe <NUM> into fibrous tissue.

The second driven unit <NUM> may include a flexible toothed rack <NUM> and a gear train <NUM>. Flexible toothed rack <NUM> is connected to sample basket <NUM>, and gear train <NUM> is engaged with the teeth of flexible toothed rack <NUM>. In operation, second drive <NUM> transfers rotary motion to gear train <NUM>, and in turn gear train <NUM> engages flexible toothed rack <NUM> to move sample basket <NUM> linearly to transport the tissue captured in sample notch <NUM> out of the body of the patient. Flexible toothed rack <NUM> is received in a coiling unit <NUM> when retracting, thereby enabling substantial reduction in the overall device length of biopsy apparatus <NUM> as compared to a rigid capture system. Each harvested tissue sample is transported out of the body of the patient and is collected by tissue sample retrieval mechanism <NUM>, which scoops the tissue sample out of sample notch <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, coiling unit <NUM> and tissue sample retrieval mechanism <NUM> are as an integral unit with housing <NUM> that is common to coiling unit <NUM> and tissue sample retrieval mechanism <NUM>. Housing <NUM> is attached, e.g., slidably coupled, to cover <NUM>, and contains gear train <NUM> with at least a portion of flexible toothed rack <NUM> in engagement with gear train <NUM>. Tissue sample retrieval mechanism <NUM> will be described in greater detail later. As shown, for example, in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, housing <NUM> has a distinct shape S1 as a combination of curved and flat surfaces with an overall height H1, length L1, and width W1 dimensions which in combination define a unique profile of housing <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the second vacuum path <NUM>, also sometimes referred to as a disposable vacuum path <NUM>, has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, and includes for example, conduits <NUM>, a second one-way valve <NUM>, and a fluid management tank <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is configured for removable attachment to the distal end <NUM> of the first vacuum path <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM>. The second end <NUM> is coupled in fluid communication with sample basket <NUM>, and more particularly, is coupled in fluid communication with sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, the first end <NUM> of the disposable vacuum path <NUM> includes a second vacuum seal element <NUM>. The first vacuum seal element <NUM> of the driver assembly <NUM> contacts the second vacuum seal element <NUM> of the disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM> in sealing engagement when the disposable biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is attached to driver assembly <NUM>. The second vacuum seal element <NUM> is a compliant, e.g., rubber, annular member that surrounds a second passageway <NUM> of the second vacuum path <NUM>.

The second one-way valve <NUM> configured and arranged to permit the negative pressure fluid flow from sample basket <NUM> toward the first end <NUM> of the second vacuum path <NUM>, and to redundantly (in conjunction with first one-way valve <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM>) prevent any positive pressure fluid flow in a direction from the first end <NUM> of the second vacuum path <NUM> toward sample basket <NUM>. In other words, the second one-way valve <NUM> provides a redundant second level of protection in preventing any positive pressure from reaching sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the second one-way valve <NUM> may be, for example, a duckbill valve, e.g., a reed-type valve, that opens with a fluid flow out the bill portion of the duckbill valve, and closes with a reverse flow. As shown, the second one-way valve <NUM> may be positioned within the second vacuum seal element <NUM> at first end <NUM> of second vacuum path <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, fluid management tank <NUM> is fluidically interposed in the second vacuum path <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Fluid management tank <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a filter arrangement <NUM> contained within body <NUM> configured to prevent a flow of residual biopsy biological material, e.g., blood and particulate matter, from sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM> to vacuum source <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM>.

Body <NUM> of fluid management tank <NUM> has a first port <NUM> and a second port <NUM>, with the second vacuum path <NUM> continuing between the first port <NUM> and the second port <NUM>. The second port <NUM> of fluid management tank <NUM> is coupled to sample basket <NUM>. Each of the second one-way valve <NUM> and the second vacuum seal element <NUM> of the second vacuum path <NUM> is coupled to the first port <NUM> of fluid management tank <NUM>, and in the present embodiment, is mounted to an external surface of body <NUM> of fluid management tank <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, filter arrangement <NUM> includes a plurality of fluid absorption layers <NUM>, individually identified as layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, arranged side by side, with each fluid absorption layer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> being spaced apart from an adjacent fluid absorption layer e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM>, to <NUM>. Each fluid absorption layer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> has a respective through opening <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein adjacent through openings of through openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the plurality of fluid absorption layers <NUM> are offset one to the next, e.g., in at least one of an X, Y, and Z direction, to form a tortuous open fluid passageway <NUM> through the plurality of fluid absorption layers <NUM>. Each fluid absorption layer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be, for example, a blotting paper.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, filter arrangement <NUM> may further include a porous filter element <NUM> arranged to be fluidically in series with the plurality of fluid absorption layers <NUM> along the second vacuum path <NUM> that defines second passageway <NUM>. The porous filter element <NUM> exhibits increased restriction to fluid flow as an increased number of pores <NUM> in the porous filter element <NUM> become clogged by residual biopsy biological material, such as blood and tissue particles. When a volume of the fluid flow through fluid management tank <NUM> has been reduced to a predetermined level, vacuum monitoring mechanism <NUM> senses the vacuum restriction, and controller <NUM> responds to shut off vacuum source <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, each harvested tissue sample is transported out of the body of the patient and is collected by tissue sample retrieval mechanism <NUM>. In general, tissue sample retrieval mechanism <NUM> collects tissue samples that have been harvested by scooping the tissue sample out of sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM> of biopsy probe <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, biopsy probe <NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> includes a biopsy cannula, e.g., cutter cannula <NUM>, and sample basket <NUM> arranged coaxially about longitudinal axis <NUM>. Sample basket <NUM> having sample notch <NUM> is movably disposed relative to biopsy (cutter) cannula <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> from a tissue harvesting position <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, to a tissue sample retrieval region <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> by electromechanical power source <NUM> and second drive <NUM>, as more fully described above with respect to <FIG>. Referring also to <FIG> and <FIG>, sample notch <NUM> is an elongate recessed region of sample basket <NUM> having a generally semicircular cross-section, and has a recessed floor <NUM>, a pair of spaced elongate edges <NUM>, <NUM> on opposite sides of recessed floor <NUM>, a leading transition bevel <NUM>, and a trailing transition bevel <NUM>. Leading transition bevel <NUM> and trailing transition bevel <NUM> are located at opposite ends of the elongate recessed region, i.e., sample notch, <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, tissue sample retrieval mechanism <NUM> includes a sample tank receptacle <NUM>, a sample collection tank <NUM>, a toggle mechanism <NUM>, and a tank positioning mechanism <NUM>. Sample collection tank <NUM> is configured for removable insertion into sample tank receptacle <NUM>.

Sample tank receptacle <NUM>, which may be formed integral with housing <NUM>, includes a hollow guide <NUM> size to slidably receive sample collection tank <NUM>. Thus, the configuration of sample tank receptacle <NUM> is such that sample tank receptacle <NUM> permits bi-directional movement of sample collection tank <NUM> in directions <NUM> (signified by double headed arrow) that are substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis <NUM>. Also, the configuration of sample tank receptacle <NUM> is such that sample tank receptacle <NUM> prohibits movement of sample collection tank <NUM> in a direction <NUM> or <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM>.

Sample collection tank <NUM> defines a single collection cavity <NUM> (see <FIG>) configured for receiving multiple tissue samples, such as tissue sample TS. Sample collection tank <NUM> has, in forming collection cavity <NUM>, a base <NUM>, a front wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, a pair of side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, and a removable cap <NUM>. Sample collection tank <NUM> further includes a tissue sample scoop <NUM>. Sample collection tank <NUM> is configured to collect a tissue sample directly from sample notch <NUM> as sample basket <NUM> moves along longitudinal axis <NUM> at tissue sample retrieval region <NUM>. In this regard, tissue sample scoop <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> is configured to engage sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM>.

Tissue sample scoop <NUM> is fixed to and projects downwardly from base <NUM>. Tissue sample scoop <NUM> extends forward toward a front portion <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> to terminate at a rim <NUM>. Tissue sample scoop <NUM> has a tissue collection lumen <NUM> through which each tissue sample TS harvested by biopsy probe assembly <NUM> will pass. Tissue collection lumen <NUM> begins at an opening <NUM> located near rim <NUM> and extends to collection cavity <NUM>. Tissue sample scoop <NUM> has a ramped face <NUM> located adjacent rim <NUM>. Also, tissue sample scoop <NUM> has a first shoulder <NUM> and a second shoulder <NUM> that are positioned on opposite sides of opening <NUM>.

A rack gear <NUM> is longitudinally (e.g., vertically) positioned on rear wall <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> to engage toggle mechanism <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, toggle mechanism <NUM> is configured to aid in the mounting of sample collection tank <NUM> in sample tank receptacle <NUM>, and to aid in the removal of sample collection tank <NUM> from sample tank receptacle <NUM>. Toggle mechanism <NUM> is mounted to housing <NUM> and includes a rotary gear <NUM> and a spring <NUM>. Rotary gear <NUM> has a rotational axis <NUM>, e.g., an axle, which is attached to, or formed integral with, housing <NUM>. Spring <NUM> is coupled between rotary gear <NUM> and housing <NUM>, and is eccentrically mounted to rotary gear <NUM>, i.e., at a location offset from rotational axis <NUM>. Rotary gear <NUM> is located for driving engagement with rack gear <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>, as sample collection tank <NUM> is slidably received by sample tank receptacle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, toggle mechanism <NUM> is configured to define a break-over point <NUM>, e.g., at the <NUM>:<NUM> o'clock position in the orientation as shown. <FIG> shows an orientation of toggle mechanism <NUM> when sample collection tank <NUM> is not installed in hollow guide <NUM> of sample tank receptacle <NUM>, where spring <NUM> is positioned beyond the <NUM> o'clock position in a clockwise direction in the orientation as shown, thus defining a home position <NUM> for toggle mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an orientation of toggle mechanism <NUM> when sample collection tank <NUM> is installed (inserted) in hollow guide <NUM> of sample tank receptacle <NUM>. As sample collection tank <NUM> is inserted in hollow guide <NUM> of sample tank receptacle <NUM>, rack gear <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> engages rotary gear <NUM> and rotates rotary gear <NUM> about rotational axis <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction in the orientation as shown. When spring <NUM> is moved beyond break-over point <NUM>, e.g., the <NUM> o'clock position, in the counterclockwise direction as sample collection tank <NUM> is slidably received by sample tank receptacle <NUM>, spring <NUM> provides a biasing force <NUM>, e.g., a downward pressure, via rotary gear <NUM> to bias sample collection tank <NUM> downwardly toward longitudinal axis <NUM>. Thus, biasing force <NUM> exerts downward pressure on sample collection tank <NUM> when spring <NUM> is moved beyond the <NUM> o'clock position in the counterclockwise direction, in the orientation as shown in <FIG>, and biasing force <NUM> is maintained when sample collection tank <NUM> is installed in sample tank receptacle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> in conjunction with <FIG>, tank positioning mechanism <NUM> is configured to selectively move sample collection tank <NUM> between a raised position <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and a lowered position <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Tank positioning mechanism <NUM> is drivably engaged with electromechanical power source <NUM> to selectively lower, in conjunction with toggle mechanism <NUM>, sample collection tank <NUM> from raised position <NUM> to lowered position <NUM> to position a portion, i.e., tissue sample scoop <NUM>, of sample collection tank <NUM> in sliding engagement with sample notch <NUM> to facilitate collection of a tissue sample, e.g., tissue sample TS, from sample basket <NUM> as sample basket <NUM> is moved in tissue sample retrieval region <NUM>. Also, electromechanical power source <NUM> is drivably engaged with tank positioning mechanism <NUM> and/or flexible toothed rack <NUM> to selectively raise sample collection tank <NUM>, against the biasing force <NUM> exerted by toggle mechanism <NUM> and the biasing force <NUM> exerted by tank positioning mechanism <NUM>, from lowered position <NUM> to raised position <NUM> to disengage sample collection tank <NUM> from sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM> prior to, and following, tissue collection from sample basket <NUM>.

More particularly, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, tank positioning mechanism <NUM> includes a lift member <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, a lever <NUM>, a latch member <NUM> and a latch catch <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, lift member <NUM> is positioned along longitudinal axis <NUM>. Lift member <NUM> has a ramp surface <NUM> positioned to engage ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>. Spring <NUM> is positioned between lift member <NUM> and housing <NUM> to exert biasing force <NUM> on lift member <NUM> to bias ramp surface <NUM> in a direction away from ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, lever <NUM> extends from lift member <NUM> in a direction <NUM> perpendicular to longitudinal axis <NUM>. Lever <NUM> has a distal end <NUM> configured to engage electromechanical power source <NUM>, which may be in the form of a pin <NUM>.

Electromechanical power source <NUM> is operable to move lift member <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> in direction <NUM> to lift sample collection tank <NUM> away from longitudinal axis <NUM> as ramp surface <NUM> of lift member <NUM> slides along ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>. Likewise, electromechanical power source <NUM> is operable to move lift member <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> in direction <NUM> opposite direction <NUM> to lower sample collection tank <NUM> toward longitudinal axis <NUM> as ramp surface <NUM> of lift member <NUM> slides along ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, electromechanical power source <NUM> includes a lift drive <NUM> having an electrical motor <NUM> coupled to a motion transfer unit <NUM> (shown schematically in part by a line) that generally terminates at gears <NUM> and <NUM>. Gear <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> for engaging pin <NUM> of lever <NUM>. Motion transfer unit <NUM> provides rotary motion to gear <NUM>, which in turn imparts rotary motion to gear <NUM>. Motion transfer unit <NUM> may include one or more of a gear, gear train, belt/pulley arrangement, etc., for effecting at least a partial rotation of gear <NUM>. Gear <NUM>, however, is only rotated at a partial revolution, so as to effect a linear translation of pin <NUM> of lever <NUM>, and in turn a linear translation of lift member <NUM>.

The lowering of sample collection tank <NUM> for tissue sample collection (retrieval) is initiated by electromechanical power source <NUM> wherein gear <NUM> of lift drive <NUM> of electromechanical power source <NUM> is rotated in a direction to translate the lever <NUM>, and in turn lift member <NUM>, in direction <NUM> to lower sample collection tank <NUM>. Biasing force <NUM> exerted on lift member <NUM> aids in moving ramp surface <NUM> in direction <NUM> away from ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>. At this time, first shoulder <NUM> and second shoulder <NUM> of tissue sample scoop <NUM> are positioned for respective sliding engagement with the pair of spaced elongate edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the elongate recessed region of sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM>.

More particularly, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the translation of the lever <NUM> and in turn lift member <NUM> in direction <NUM> causes the oblique face ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> to slide down the oblique ramp surface <NUM> of lift member <NUM>, and tissue sample scoop <NUM> with rim <NUM> are moved into the elongate recessed region of sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM> toward recessed floor <NUM>. Referring also to <FIG> and <FIG>, continued transport of the sample notch <NUM> in direction <NUM> by electromechanical power source <NUM> will cause rim <NUM> of tissue sample scoop <NUM> to slide along recessed floor <NUM> and along the sides between elongate edges <NUM>, <NUM> of sample notch <NUM>, scooping up the tissue sample TS and transporting the tissue sample TS through tissue collection lumen <NUM> into collection cavity <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> along path <NUM>. The shoulders <NUM>, <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> are configured to slide along the upper spaced elongate edges <NUM>, <NUM> of sample basket <NUM>, ensuring that no tissue sample material is pushed out of sample notch <NUM>.

The raising of sample collection tank <NUM> occurs near the conclusion of the tissue collection sequence. Near the conclusion of the tissue collection sequence, the further movement of sample notch <NUM> of sample basket <NUM> in direction <NUM> by operation of electromechanical power source <NUM> and second drive <NUM> is transferred to lift member <NUM> by a driving engagement of sample basket <NUM> in direction <NUM> with a T-shaped stop <NUM> (see <FIG>) attached to lift member <NUM>, causing lift member <NUM> to move in direction <NUM>. The scoop rim <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> reaches the sloping leading transition bevel <NUM> of sample notch <NUM> and is pushed upwards by the interplay between ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> and leading transition bevel <NUM> of sample notch <NUM>, thus beginning to raise sample collection tank <NUM>. As lift member <NUM> is further moved in direction <NUM> by movement of sample notch <NUM>, the scoop rim <NUM> leaves sample notch <NUM> and ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> and comes to rest against ramp surface <NUM> of lift member <NUM>, which closes off tissue collection lumen <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM> and prevents the tissue sample TS from falling out of tissue collection lumen <NUM>.

In addition, lift drive <NUM> is rotated to ensure that lift member <NUM> is translated fully in direction <NUM> in the event that the force exerted by sample notch <NUM> is insufficient to accomplish the translation. More particularly, electromechanical power source <NUM> rotates gear <NUM> of lift drive <NUM> in a direction to translate the lever <NUM> in direction <NUM>. Thus, electromechanical power source <NUM> facilitates movement of lift member <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> in first direction <NUM> against the biasing force <NUM> exerted by spring <NUM> to lift sample collection tank <NUM> as ramp surface <NUM> of lift member <NUM> slides along ramped face <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>.

At the conclusion of the transport of sample notch <NUM> in direction <NUM> towards the proximal end of driver assembly <NUM>, a leaf spring tongue <NUM> of T-shaped stop <NUM> (see <FIG>) removes residual tissue material and debris from the second end <NUM> of vacuum path <NUM> at trailing transition bevel <NUM> of sample notch <NUM> to ensure that a sufficient vacuum may be drawn into sample notch <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, latch member <NUM> is attached to, or formed integral with, lift member <NUM>. Latch member <NUM> extends from lever <NUM> in direction <NUM>, and has a distal hook <NUM>. Latch member <NUM> is located for engagement with latch catch <NUM> to latch lift member <NUM> in a transport latched position, shown in <FIG>, corresponding to raised position <NUM> of sample collection tank <NUM>. Latch catch <NUM> may be attached to, or formed integral with, housing <NUM>.

One purpose of latch member <NUM> is to maintain the proper insertion position of lever <NUM> during transport of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> to ensure proper insertion of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> in driver assembly <NUM>. Prior to insertion of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> in driver assembly <NUM>, lever <NUM> is held in a latched transport position, which is the only position permitting pin <NUM> at distal end <NUM> of lever <NUM> to be inserted into slot <NUM> (e.g., a driver recess) of lift drive <NUM> (see <FIG>). In the latched transport position, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lever <NUM> is held in position by latch member <NUM> that is held in tension against latch catch <NUM> by pressure (biasing force <NUM>) from spring <NUM>. Thus, insertion of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> in driver assembly <NUM> in the latched transport position results in placement of pin <NUM> at distal end <NUM> of lever <NUM> in slot <NUM> (e.g., a driver recess) of lift drive <NUM>.

A second purpose of the latch member <NUM> is to prevent accidental reuse of the disposable probe. As part of power up, the lift drive <NUM> engages pin <NUM> at distal end <NUM> of lever <NUM> and moves lever <NUM> in direction <NUM> to a fully retracted position, which in turn causes latch member <NUM> to move out of engagement with latch catch <NUM>. The tension of the latch member <NUM> is released, causing latch member <NUM> to move out of the plane of latch catch <NUM> and preventing latch member <NUM> from reestablishing contact with latch catch <NUM>. Since spring <NUM> will bias lift member <NUM> in direction <NUM>, the latched transport position illustrated in <FIG> may not be reestablished once biopsy probe assembly <NUM> has been removed from driver assembly <NUM>. Since the latched transport position is the only position permitting biopsy probe assembly <NUM> to be inserted in driver assembly <NUM>, accidental reuse of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is prevented.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the present invention provides circuitry to prolong the life of battery <NUM>, and thus aid in preventing malfunctions due to lack of battery power.

Referring to <FIG>, biopsy driver assembly <NUM> includes an electrical assembly <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, electrical assembly <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, the previously described components of controller <NUM>, user interface <NUM>, electrical drive <NUM>, electrical drive <NUM>, and electrical drive <NUM>. Electrical assembly <NUM> is coupled to, e.g., mounted within in substantial part, biopsy driver housing <NUM>. As previously described, each of the electrical drives <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is configured to drivably engage corresponding driven units <NUM>, <NUM> and tank positioning mechanism <NUM>, respectively, of biopsy probe assembly <NUM>.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a control circuit <NUM> is coupled to, and contained in, biopsy driver housing <NUM> of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>. Control circuit <NUM> is electrically coupled to battery <NUM> and to electrical assembly <NUM>. Control circuit <NUM> includes a motion detector <NUM>, a timer circuit <NUM>, and a battery dwell circuit <NUM>.

Control circuit <NUM> is configured, using digital logic and electrical power components, to conserve battery <NUM> by providing electrical power only to motion detector <NUM> after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>. For example, in the present example, control circuit may be configured to turn off electrical power to electrical assembly <NUM> and to timer circuit <NUM> after a predetermined time following the last detected physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>, while maintaining electrical power to motion detector <NUM>. Further, control circuit <NUM> is configured to provide electrical power from battery <NUM> to all electrical components of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>, including electrical assembly <NUM>, when a physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM> is detected.

Battery dwell circuit <NUM> has a power input <NUM> electrically connected via power link <NUM> to battery <NUM>, and has a power output <NUM> electrically connected to controller <NUM>, user interface <NUM>, and electrical assembly <NUM>, e.g., via a power bus <NUM>. Motion detector <NUM> is electrically connected via electrical power link <NUM> to receive electrical power from battery dwell circuit <NUM>. Timer circuit <NUM> is electrically connected via electrical power link <NUM> to receive electrical power from battery dwell circuit <NUM>. Each of electrical power links <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, and power bus <NUM> may be, for example, a wired connection, such as a printed circuit or wire cabling, and may include intervening components, such as switches and power electronic components.

Motion detector <NUM> is communicatively coupled via communication link <NUM> to timer circuit <NUM>. Motion detector <NUM> is communicatively coupled via communication link <NUM> to battery dwell circuit <NUM>. Timer circuit <NUM> is communicatively coupled via communication link <NUM> to battery dwell circuit <NUM>. Each of communication links <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be, for example, a wired link, such as a printed circuit or wire cabling.

Motion detector <NUM> is configured, e.g., through electronic hardware, firmware and/or software, to provide a first signal via communication link <NUM> to battery dwell circuit <NUM> to cause battery dwell circuit <NUM> to enter an operative mode. In the operative mode, electrical power is supplied to electrical assembly <NUM> when physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM> is detected by motion detector <NUM>.

Also, motion detector <NUM> is configured to provide a second signal via communication link <NUM> to timer circuit <NUM>. The second signal provided by motion detector <NUM> to timer circuit <NUM> indicates the occurrence of the last detected physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM> that was detected by motion detector <NUM>.

Timer circuit <NUM> is configured, e.g., through electronic hardware, firmware and/or software, to perform a timer function, and to provide a third signal via communication link <NUM> to battery dwell circuit <NUM>. More particularly, when timer circuit <NUM> receives the second signal from motion detector <NUM>, time circuit begins monitoring the time since the last physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>. When a predetermined time, e.g. time threshold, is reached, timer circuit <NUM> provides the third signal to battery dwell circuit <NUM>. The third signal provided by timer circuit <NUM> causes battery dwell circuit <NUM> to enter a battery dwell mode. In the battery dwell mode, electrical power is supplied to motion detector <NUM> to the exclusion of timer circuit <NUM> and electrical assembly <NUM>, e.g., only to motion detection <NUM>. The third signal is supplied to battery dwell circuit <NUM> after the predetermined time following the last detected physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>.

The length of the predetermined time measured by timer circuit <NUM> may be selected, for example, as a time of sufficient length to prevent constant cycling of electrical assembly <NUM> ON and OFF, while being short enough to provide the desired power consumption reduction from battery <NUM>. In the present embodiment, for example, the predetermined time is selected to be two minutes.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary powering of motion detector <NUM>, timer circuit <NUM>, and electrical assembly <NUM> during the transport/shipping of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>, a probe presence circuit <NUM> is electrically coupled into electrical power link <NUM> between battery dwell circuit <NUM> and motion detector <NUM>. Probe presence circuit <NUM> is configured, e.g., through electronic hardware, firmware and/or software, to detect a mounting of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> to biopsy driver assembly <NUM>. More particularly, probe presence circuit <NUM> is configured to de-activate, i.e., not power up, motion detector <NUM> if biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is not mounted to biopsy driver assembly <NUM>, such that neither the operative mode nor the battery dwell mode is operational if the biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is not mounted to biopsy driver assembly <NUM>. In its simplest form, probe presence circuit <NUM> may be a contact switch electronically interposed in electrical power link <NUM>.

However, it is contemplated that at times it may be desired to check the functioning of biopsy driver assembly <NUM> without biopsy probe assembly <NUM> being mounted to biopsy driver assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, as another aspect of the invention, a manual wakeup circuit <NUM> is electrically coupled into electrical power link <NUM> between battery dwell circuit <NUM> and motion detector <NUM>, e.g., in parallel with probe presence circuit <NUM>. Manual wakeup circuit <NUM> is configured, e.g., through electronic hardware, firmware and/or software, to bypass probe presence circuit <NUM> to activate (e.g., power up) motion detector <NUM> when manual wakeup circuit <NUM> is actuated by a user to cause battery dwell circuit <NUM> to enter the operative mode in an absence of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> being mounted to biopsy driver assembly <NUM>. In its simplest form, manual wakeup circuit <NUM> may be a switch electronically interposed in electrical power link <NUM>, in parallel with probe presence circuit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart of a process for conserving battery power in accordance with the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

At act S1000, it is determined whether biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is installed on biopsy driver assembly <NUM>, which is the function of probe presence circuit <NUM>.

If the determination at act S1000, is NO, the process proceeds to act S1002 to determine whether the manual wakeup circuit <NUM> has been actuated. If the determination at act S1002 is NO, the process returns to act S1000. However, if the determination at act S <NUM> is YES, then the process proceeds to act S1004, wherein motion detector <NUM> is activated, i.e., powered up.

Likewise, if the determination at act S1000 is YES, then the process proceeds to act S1004, wherein motion detector <NUM> is activated, i.e., powered up.

At act S1006, it is determined whether physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM> is occurring, as detected by motion detector <NUM>. If the determination is YES, then at act S1008 battery dwell circuit <NUM> enters the operative mode, wherein electrical power is supplied to electrical assembly <NUM>, and the process returns to act S1000 to continue monitoring.

If, at act S1006, the determination is NO, then at act S1010 timer circuit <NUM> is actuated to monitor the time since the last physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM>.

At act S1012, it is determined whether the predetermined time, e.g., two minutes, since the last physical movement of biopsy driver assembly <NUM> has expired.

If the determination at act S1012 is NO, i.e., that the predetermined time has not expired, then the process continues at act S1006, e.g., while remaining in the operative mode.

If the determination at act S1012 is YES, i.e., that the predetermined time has expired, then at act S <NUM> battery dwell circuit <NUM> enters the battery dwell mode wherein electrical power is supplied only to motion detector <NUM>, and, wherein motion monitoring continues at act S1006, while remaining in the battery dwell mode.

Thus, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, biopsy driver assembly <NUM> may be mounted to, and operated in conjunction with, biopsy probe assembly <NUM> in prolonged sessions, while keeping power consumption to a reasonable minimum to prolong the life of battery <NUM> and aid in preventing malfunctions of biopsy apparatus <NUM> due to lack of battery power.

Claim 1:
A biopsy driver assembly (<NUM>) configured to mount a biopsy probe assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a biopsy driver housing (<NUM>);
an electrical assembly (<NUM>) coupled to said biopsy driver housing (<NUM>), said electrical assembly (<NUM>) including at least one electrical drive (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured for drivably engaging said biopsy probe assembly (<NUM>);
a battery (<NUM>) coupled to said biopsy driver housing (<NUM>); and
a control circuit (<NUM>) coupled to said biopsy driver housing (<NUM>), said control circuit (<NUM>) being electrically coupled to said battery (<NUM>) and to said electrical assembly (<NUM>), characterised by said control circuit (<NUM>) having a motion detector (<NUM>), a timer circuit (<NUM>) and a battery dwell circuit (<NUM>), said control circuit (<NUM>) being configured to conserve said battery (<NUM>) by turning off electrical power to said electrical assembly (<NUM>) and to said timer circuit (<NUM>) after a predetermined time following a last detected physical movement of said biopsy driver assembly (<NUM>) while maintaining electrical power to said motion detector (<NUM>), and configured to provide electrical power from said battery (<NUM>) to said motion detector (<NUM>), said timer, and said electrical assembly (<NUM>) when a physical movement of said biopsy driver assembly (<NUM>) is detected.