Patent Description:
A biopsy may be performed on a patient to help in determining whether the tissue in a region of interest includes cancerous cells. 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. Such a biopsy technique often utilizes a vacuum to pull the tissue to be sampled into a sample notch of the biopsy probe, after which the tissue is severed and collected in a sample container. Efforts continue in the art to improve the ability for a practitioner to access a biopsy site, and/or to transport the severed tissue sample to a sample container for collecting severed tissue samples.

For example, after performing a biopsy under ultrasound needle guidance, some operators may prefer not to handle the tissue specimens, and rather, may prefer to place the tissue specimens directly into formalin, which is a preservative for biological specimens. In contrast, other operators may require access to the tissue specimens for examination prior to placing in formalin. Also, when removing specimens with current devices, such as an open specimen tray, there may be a risk of specimen loss. In addition, anecdotal reports from physicians, including pathologists, suggest that tissue handling by the operators (physicians and technologists) during and after a biopsy procedure could impact the quality of the specimens for pathological analysis.

In addition, some operators may prefer to use a coaxial cannula to maintain an access path to the lesion when utilizing a biopsy apparatus, such as a biopsy driver coupled to a biopsy probe, or a trocar. In one such procedure, the operator may want to place a tissue marker at the biopsy site, in which case the biopsy probe may be withdrawn from the coaxial introducer cannula, and a marker applicator may be inserted through the coaxial introducer cannula to the biopsy site, so as to maintain the lesion/site position after sampling without having to re-target the lesion location using ultrasound. However, the connection and/or disconnection of the coaxial introducer cannula to the biopsy apparatus typically requires the use of two hands, and may be awkward or difficult.

What is needed in the art is a sample container for a biopsy apparatus that facilitates efficient reception and processing of collected tissue samples.

<CIT> discloses a biopsy device including a body having a cannula, a cutter positioned at least partly within the cannula, a tissue collecting chamber, and a vacuum source.

<CIT> discloses a biopsy device comprising a body, a needle, a cutter and a tissue sample holder. This reference at least fails to disclose a mounting pin to be included in the receptacle of the sample manifold and the mounting channel to be part of the sample container. Further, this reference at least fails to disclose a hinge facilitating a pivot around the hinge between a closed position and an open position.

<CIT> discloses a biopsy device comprising a body, a needle and a cutter. A self-reversing cutter translation mechanism translates the cutter proximally and distally in response to rotation of the cutter in a single rotational direction.

<CIT> discloses a biopsy device including a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples.

<CIT> discloses a hinged tissue filter for medical collection. The tissue filter includes a first member, a second member and a filter material secured thereto. This reference at least fails to disclose a pin mounted on the manifold and the channel included in an annular rim joining the cap portion of the sample container.

The present invention is directed to the biopsy apparatus of claim <NUM>. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments. The present disclosure provides a sample container for a biopsy apparatus that facilitates efficient reception and processing of collected tissue samples, and/or a coaxial introducer cannula that facilitates efficient connection and disconnection of the coaxial introducer cannula to the biopsy apparatus.

The disclosure in one form which has not all features of claim <NUM> is directed to a biopsy apparatus that includes a biopsy needle, a sample manifold, and a sample container. The sample manifold is coupled to the biopsy needle. The sample manifold has a receptacle and an insertion axis. The sample receptacle has an interior side wall and a mounting pin that projects inwardly from the interior side wall toward the insertion axis. The sample container is configured for insertion into the receptacle. The sample container includes a mounting channel that is sized and positioned to engage and follow the mounting pin of the receptacle as the sample container is rotated.

The disclosure in another form which has not all features of claim <NUM> is directed to a coaxial introducer cannula for use with the biopsy apparatus. The biopsy apparatus has a front plate having a catch, and a biopsy needle extends from the front plate on a longitudinal axis. The coaxial introducer cannula includes a coaxial cannula and a hub. The coaxial cannula is sized to be coaxially and slidably received over the biopsy needle. The hub is fixedly attached to a proximal portion of the coaxial cannula. The hub has a hub body, a latching lever, and a latch. The latch is configured to rotatably engage the catch. The latching lever extends radially from the hub body relative to the longitudinal axis. The latching lever is longer than a height of the front plate so that the latching lever can be reached and rotationally operated to rotate the hub relative to the front plate of the biopsy apparatus, thereby facilitating single-handed rotation of the coaxial introducer cannula relative to the front plate, so as to effect a respective engagement or disengagement of the latch of the coaxial introducer cannula with the catch of the front plate.

One advantage of the sample container aspect of the present invention is that the sample container, in a closed position, may be removed from the biopsy apparatus and placed directly into formalin, without having to open the sample container or handle the tissue samples.

Another advantage of the sample container aspect of the present invention is that it provides an easy-to-use opening mechanism that allows for tissue access, if desired, but also will keep the sample container closed during removal from the biopsy system to help reduce the chance of tissue loss.

One advantage of the coaxial introducer cannula aspect is that the operator is able to detach the coaxial introducer cannula from the biopsy apparatus with a single hand, improving the ease of use of the coaxial introducer cannula and the accuracy of any subsequent marker placement.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate at least one 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>, there is shown a biopsy apparatus <NUM> which generally includes a non-invasive, e.g., non-disposable, driver assembly <NUM> and an invasive, e.g., disposable, biopsy probe assembly <NUM>. 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. Driver assembly <NUM> includes a driver housing <NUM> that is configured and ergonomically designed to be grasped by an operator.

Referring also to <FIG>, driver assembly <NUM> includes within driver housing <NUM> a controller circuit <NUM>, an electromechanical power source <NUM>, a vacuum source <NUM>, a vacuum sensor <NUM>, and a battery <NUM> (or alternatively an AC adapter). A user interface <NUM> (see <FIG>), such as a keypad, is located to be mounted to driver housing <NUM>, and externally accessible by the operator with respect to driver housing <NUM>.

Battery <NUM> may be, for example, a rechargeable battery, which may be charged by an inductive charging device, or alternatively, by an electrical connection to an electrical power supply. Battery <NUM> is electrically coupled to controller circuit <NUM>, electromechanical power source <NUM>, vacuum source <NUM>, and user interface <NUM>.

User interface <NUM> may include control buttons and visual/aural indicators, with the control buttons providing user control over various functions of biopsy apparatus <NUM>, and with the visual/aural indicators providing visual/aural feedback of the status of one or more conditions and/or positions of components of biopsy apparatus <NUM>. The control buttons may include a sample button <NUM>-<NUM> and a prime/pierce button <NUM>-<NUM>. The visual indicators may include a display screen <NUM>-<NUM> and/or one or more light emitting diodes (LED) <NUM>-<NUM>. The aural indicator may include a buzzer <NUM>-<NUM>. The control buttons may include tactile feedback to the operator when activated.

Controller circuit <NUM> is electrically and communicatively coupled to electromechanical power source <NUM>, vacuum source <NUM>, vacuum sensor <NUM>, and user interface <NUM>, such as by one or more wires or circuit traces. Controller circuit <NUM> may be assembled on an electrical circuit board, and includes, for example, a processor circuit <NUM>-<NUM> and a memory circuit <NUM>-<NUM>.

Processor circuit <NUM>-<NUM> has one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuitry, such as an input/output interface, clock, buffers, memory, etc. Memory circuit <NUM>-<NUM> is communicatively coupled to processor circuit <NUM>-<NUM>, e.g., via a bus circuit, and is a non-transitory electronic memory that may include volatile memory circuits, such as random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile memory circuits, such as read only memory (ROM), electronically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), NOR flash memory, NAND flash memory, etc. Controller circuit <NUM> may be formed as one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC).

Controller circuit <NUM> is configured via software and/or firmware residing in memory circuit <NUM>-<NUM> to execute program instructions to perform functions associated with the retrieval of biopsy tissue samples, such as that of controlling and/or monitoring one or more components of electromechanical power source <NUM>, vacuum source <NUM>, and vacuum sensor <NUM>.

Electromechanical power source <NUM> may include, for example, a cutter module <NUM>, a transport module <NUM>, and a piercing module <NUM>, each being respectively electrically coupled to battery <NUM>. Each of cutter module <NUM>, transport module <NUM>, and piercing module <NUM> is electrically and controllably coupled to controller circuit <NUM> by one or more electrical conductors, e.g., wires or circuit traces.

Cutter module <NUM> may include an electrical motor <NUM>-<NUM> having a shaft to which a cutter drive <NUM>-<NUM> is drivably connected. Transport module <NUM> may include an electrical motor <NUM>-<NUM> having a shaft to which a transport drive <NUM>-<NUM> is drivably connected. Piercing module <NUM> may include an electrical motor <NUM>-<NUM> having a shaft to which a piercing shot drive <NUM>-<NUM> is drivably connected. Each electrical motor <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be, for example, a direct current (DC) motor or stepper motor. Each of cutter drive <NUM>-<NUM>, transport drive <NUM>-<NUM>, and piercing shot drive <NUM>-<NUM> may include one or more of a gear, gear train, or belt/pulley arrangement.

Vacuum source <NUM> is electrically and controllably coupled to battery <NUM> by one or more electrical conductors, e.g., wires or circuit traces. Vacuum source <NUM> may include, for example, an electric motor <NUM>-<NUM> that drives a vacuum pump <NUM>-<NUM>. Vacuum source <NUM> has a vacuum source port <NUM>-<NUM> coupled to vacuum pump <NUM>-<NUM> for establishing vacuum in biopsy probe assembly <NUM>. Electric motor <NUM>-<NUM> may be, for example, a rotary, linear or vibratory DC motor. Vacuum pump <NUM>-<NUM> may be, for example, a peristaltic pump or a diaphragm pump, or one or more of each connected in series or parallel.

Vacuum sensor <NUM> is electrically coupled to controller circuit <NUM> by one or more electrical conductors, e.g., wires or circuit traces. Vacuum sensor <NUM> may be a pressure differential sensor that provides vacuum (negative pressure) feedback signals to controller circuit <NUM>. In some implementations, vacuum sensor <NUM> may be incorporated into vacuum source <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, 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.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, biopsy probe assembly <NUM> includes a probe housing <NUM>, a vacuum cannula <NUM>, a stylet cannula <NUM>, a cutter cannula <NUM>, a sample manifold <NUM>, and a sample container <NUM>. The portion of vacuum cannula <NUM>, stylet cannula <NUM>, cutter cannula <NUM> that extends distally on longitudinal axis <NUM> from front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM> is referred to herein as a biopsy needle <NUM>.

Probe housing <NUM> is formed as an L-shaped structure having an elongate portion <NUM>-<NUM> and a front plate <NUM>-<NUM>. When biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is attached to driver assembly <NUM>, front plate <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned distally adjacent to an entirety of front surface <NUM>-<NUM> of driver housing <NUM>, i.e., so as to shield the entirety of front surface <NUM>-<NUM> of the non-disposable driver assembly from contact with a patient.

Vacuum cannula <NUM>, stylet cannula <NUM>, and cutter cannula <NUM> are coaxially arranged along a longitudinal axis <NUM> in a nested tube arrangement, with vacuum cannula <NUM> being the innermost tube, cutter cannula <NUM> being the outermost tube, and stylet cannula <NUM> being the intermediate tube that is interposed between vacuum cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM>. In other words, vacuum cannula <NUM> is positioned inside stylet cannula <NUM>, and stylet cannula <NUM> is positioned inside cutter cannula <NUM>.

Vacuum cannula <NUM> is coupled in fluid communication with vacuum source <NUM> via sample manifold <NUM>.

Stylet cannula <NUM> includes a sample notch <NUM>-<NUM> and a piercing tip <NUM>-<NUM>. Sample notch <NUM>-<NUM> is formed as an elongate opening in stylet cannula <NUM> to facilitate a reception of tissue into a lumen of stylet cannula <NUM>. Cutter cannula <NUM> has a distal cutting end <NUM>-<NUM>.

Stylet cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM> are jointly connected to piercing shot drive <NUM>-<NUM>. Upon a first actuation of prime/pierce button <NUM>-<NUM>, stylet cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM> are translated in unison in proximal direction <NUM>-<NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> to position piercing shot drive <NUM>-<NUM>, stylet cannula <NUM>, and cutter cannula <NUM> in a ready, i.e., cocked position. A second actuation of prime/pierce button <NUM>-<NUM> effects a piercing shot, wherein piercing shot drive <NUM>-<NUM> is released from the cocked position, and in turn rapidly propels stylet cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM> in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM> toward a distal-most position of the combined elements, e.g., within the patient.

Cutter cannula <NUM> is connected to cutter drive <NUM>-<NUM>, and is individually retracted or extended along longitudinal axis <NUM> by activation of cutter module <NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> by activation of sample button <NUM>-<NUM> of user interface <NUM> to initiate a sample sequence. For example, cutter cannula <NUM> may be translated and retracted axially along longitudinal axis <NUM> to expose sample notch <NUM>-<NUM> during a sample sequence so that tissue may be pulled by vacuum into the lumen of stylet cannula <NUM> by vacuum provided by vacuum cannula <NUM>. Thereafter, cutter cannula <NUM> may have a rotational cutting motion and may be translated axially along longitudinal axis <NUM> to extend over sample notch <NUM>-<NUM> such that distal cutting end <NUM>-<NUM> of cutter cannula <NUM> severs the tissue that is pulled by vacuum into the lumen of stylet cannula <NUM> by vacuum provided by vacuum cannula <NUM>.

Stylet cannula <NUM> is individually retracted or extended along longitudinal axis <NUM> by activation of transport module <NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM>, so as to aid in delivery of a tissue sample into the lumen of vacuum cannula <NUM>. Vacuum cannula <NUM> then transports the tissue sample, via vacuum, to sample manifold <NUM> by the vacuum supplied to sample manifold <NUM> by vacuum source <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, sample manifold <NUM> is configured as an L-shaped structure having a vacuum chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> and a collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM>. Vacuum chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> includes a vacuum input port <NUM>-<NUM> that is arranged to sealably engage vacuum source port <NUM>-<NUM> (see <FIG>) of vacuum source <NUM> of driver assembly <NUM> when biopsy probe assembly <NUM> is attached to driver assembly <NUM>. Blotting papers may be placed in vacuum chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> in a region between vacuum input port <NUM>-<NUM> and collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

Vacuum chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> is connected in fluid communication with collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM>. A proximal end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of vacuum cannula <NUM> passes into vacuum chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> and is in fluid communication with collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> defines a receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> that is sized and arranged to removably receive, and mount, sample container <NUM>. Referring also to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, when sample container <NUM> is mounted in receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>, sample container <NUM> is interposed between vacuum source <NUM> and proximal end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of vacuum cannula <NUM>, such that sample container <NUM> is in direct fluid communication with proximal end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of vacuum cannula <NUM>, and sample container <NUM> also is in direct fluid communication with vacuum input port <NUM>-<NUM> of vacuum chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

Thus, vacuum generated by vacuum source <NUM> is delivered to proximal end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of vacuum cannula <NUM> via sample manifold <NUM> and sample container <NUM>. Accordingly, when vacuum is applied by vacuum source <NUM> at vacuum input port <NUM>-<NUM> of vacuum chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>, the vacuum passes through sample container <NUM>, such that a tissue sample severed by cutter cannula <NUM> at sample notch <NUM>-<NUM> of stylet cannula <NUM> may be transported by vacuum, through vacuum cannula <NUM>, and into sample container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> has an open end <NUM>-<NUM>, an interior side wall <NUM>-<NUM>, and a mounting pin <NUM>-<NUM>. Collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> has an insertion axis <NUM>-<NUM>. Mounting pin <NUM>-<NUM> is formed on interior side wall <NUM>-<NUM> of receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> and projects inwardly from the interior side wall <NUM>-<NUM> toward insertion axis <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the present embodiment, sample container <NUM> is configured so as to mate with receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> in such a way that sample container <NUM> can only be loaded into receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> in one orientation and in one direction, thereby reducing operator errors after removal and reloading sample container <NUM> to take additional tissue samples.

Referring also to <FIG>, sample container <NUM> has a cap portion <NUM> and a basket portion <NUM>, which are joined by a hinge <NUM>, and which when in a closed position, fit together to define a cylindrical side wall <NUM>-<NUM>. Each of cap portion <NUM> and a basket portion <NUM> may be made of a rigid plastic, and may have smooth surface features to reduce radiograph visibility impact if tissue sample radiographs are desired, or required. The rigid plastic may also be selected for compatibility with formalin.

Referring also to <FIG>, sample container <NUM> is sized and configured to be removably received in receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>. For example, sample container <NUM> and interior side wall <NUM>-<NUM> of receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> may have complementary cylindrical shapes and are axially aligned along an insertion axis <NUM>-<NUM>. Cylindrical side wall <NUM>-<NUM> of sample container <NUM> has an outside diameter that is selected to be slidably received by cylindrical interior side wall <NUM>-<NUM> of receptacle <NUM>-<NUM>. As used herein, the term "cylindrical" means a generally arcuate-shaped annular contour that may include flats, ledges, and/or other surface features not associated with a pure cylinder.

Referring to <FIG>, sample container <NUM> includes a mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> that is sized and positioned to engage and follow mounting pin <NUM>-<NUM> of receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> (see <FIG>). Mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> spirals an arcuate distance of less than one turn of sample container <NUM>, e.g., one-eighth turn to one-quarter of the circumference of sample container <NUM> (depending on design parameters), downwardly from cap portion <NUM> along cylindrical side wall <NUM>-<NUM>. Mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> has an open end <NUM>-<NUM> and a closed end <NUM>-<NUM>. Open end <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned to receive mounting pin <NUM>-<NUM> of receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> and to provide an initial indexing (rotational orientation) of sample container <NUM> relative to receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> about insertion axis <NUM>-<NUM>.

When mounting pin <NUM>-<NUM> of receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> is received in open end <NUM>-<NUM> of mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> of sample container <NUM>, a rotation (clockwise in the present example) of sample container <NUM> causes mounting pin <NUM>-<NUM> to follow the spiral shape of mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> toward closed end <NUM>-<NUM> as sample container <NUM> is rotated, so as to pull sample container <NUM> along insertion axis <NUM>-<NUM> into receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>.

It is contemplated that mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> could include multiple spiral channels formed in sample container <NUM>, if desired. In this case, receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> may have a number of mounting pins that correspond to the number of spiral channels formed in sample container <NUM>, each of which being received in a respective spiral channel of sample container <NUM> as sample container <NUM> is received in receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, cap portion <NUM> of sample container <NUM> includes a lid <NUM> and a partial side wall <NUM> that may be formed as a one-piece unitary structure. Lid <NUM> includes a domed cap <NUM>-<NUM>, an annular rim <NUM>-<NUM>, and an annular lip <NUM>-<NUM>. Annular rim <NUM>-<NUM> joins domed cap <NUM>-<NUM> to define annular lip <NUM>-<NUM>. Mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> is formed in, and spirals around, annular rim <NUM>-<NUM>. Domed cap <NUM>-<NUM> may include an arrow indicia <NUM>-<NUM>, e.g., raised or embossed, to indicate a rotation direction for effecting the mounting of sample container <NUM> in receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>.

A seal <NUM>, such as an O-ring, may be placed around annular rim <NUM>-<NUM>, such that when sample container <NUM> is mounted in receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>, seal <NUM> provides a vacuum-tight seal between sample container <NUM> and receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>. Advantageously, a reverse rotation of sample container <NUM> causes mounting channel <NUM>-<NUM> to follow the spiral shape of mounting pin <NUM>-<NUM> toward open end <NUM>-<NUM>, so as to pull sample container <NUM> along insertion axis <NUM>-<NUM> out of receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> to aid in releasing the vacuum seal.

In one embodiment, at least the domed cap <NUM>-<NUM> of cap portion <NUM> is transparent, or translucent, so as to permit visual inspection of the contents of sample container <NUM> without having to remove sample container <NUM> from receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM>. By rounding domed cap <NUM>-<NUM> of cap portion <NUM>, the interior of sample container <NUM> may be observed from multiple angles while holding biopsy apparatus <NUM> or observing the biopsy procedure. Also, domed cap <NUM>-<NUM> of cap portion <NUM> may include a magnification feature to further improve visibility of the contents of sample container <NUM>, e.g., during a biopsy.

Referring to <FIG>, basket portion <NUM> includes a floor <NUM> and a partial side wall <NUM> that may be formed as a one-piece unitary structure. Partial side wall <NUM> extends upwardly from floor <NUM>. In the present embodiment, floor <NUM> has a concave interior surface <NUM>-<NUM> and includes a plurality of holes <NUM>-<NUM> (see also <FIG>). The plurality of holes <NUM>-<NUM> in floor <NUM> of sample container <NUM> allow vacuum to travel through sample container <NUM> during a biopsy procedure, and the tissue specimens will be delivered from biopsy needle <NUM> onto concave interior surface <NUM>-<NUM> of floor <NUM> of sample container <NUM>. In addition, following the biopsy procedure, sample container <NUM> may be placed directly into a specimen jar containing formalin, wherein the plurality of holes <NUM>-<NUM> in floor <NUM> of sample container <NUM> allow for formalin to infuse into sample container <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, cap portion <NUM> and a basket portion <NUM> are joined by hinge <NUM> located at a bottom portion of sample container <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> has engageable hinge features formed on both of cap portion <NUM> and a basket portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, for example, hinge <NUM> includes a pair of opposed apertures <NUM>-<NUM> formed in a lower distal portion of partial side wall <NUM> of cap portion <NUM> and a corresponding pair of opposed pins <NUM>-<NUM> that extend radially outwardly from partial side wall <NUM> of basket portion <NUM> just above floor <NUM>, wherein the pair of opposed pins <NUM>-<NUM> are received in the pair of opposed apertures <NUM>-<NUM>, e.g., holes, to form a pivot joint. This pivot joint provides ease of access to the tissue specimens contained in sample container <NUM>. The hinge action of cap portion <NUM> and basket portion <NUM> also may create a scooping action to aid in specimen retrieval as sample container <NUM> is opened.

It is also contemplated that the engageable hinge features of the pin/hole arrangement can be reversed, if desired, such that the pins are on partial side wall <NUM> of cap portion <NUM> and the holes are in partial side wall <NUM> of the basket portion <NUM>.

As an alternative to forming apertures <NUM>-<NUM> as holes, it is contemplated that apertures <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed as slots or channels, such that the pair of opposed pins <NUM>-<NUM> of hinge <NUM> may be readily disengaged from apertures <NUM>-<NUM> when sample container <NUM> is opened, so as to facilitate easy removal of basket portion <NUM> from cap portion <NUM> after basket portion <NUM> has been opened to a predefined position relative to cap portion <NUM>, if desired.

<FIG> depict sample container <NUM> in a closed position, with partial side wall <NUM> of cap portion <NUM> overlapping partial side wall <NUM> of basket portion <NUM> to form a snap fit. Advantageously, by joining cap portion <NUM> and basket portion <NUM> with hinge <NUM>, an operator must take a deliberate action to open sample container <NUM> to remove the tissue samples, and there is no risk of accidentally detaching a lid or piece of the container when removing it from biopsy apparatus <NUM>. The tissue samples (specimens) are retained in sample container <NUM> until opened, reducing the risk of tissue sample loss during transport.

Sample container <NUM> must be in the closed position depicted in <FIG> in order for sample container <NUM> to be receivable into receptacle <NUM>-<NUM> of collection chamber portion <NUM>-<NUM> of sample manifold <NUM> (see also <FIG>) so that sample container <NUM> can be seated in and mounted to sample manifold <NUM> (see also <FIG>). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when sample container <NUM> is in the closed position, cap portion <NUM> and basket portion <NUM> together define an aperture <NUM>-<NUM> and an interior sample chamber <NUM>-<NUM>. Proximal end portion <NUM>-<NUM> of vacuum cannula <NUM> extends to aperture <NUM>-<NUM> to deliver, via vacuum, tissue samples from biopsy needle <NUM> into interior sample chamber <NUM>-<NUM> and onto concave interior surface <NUM>-<NUM> of floor <NUM> having the plurality of holes <NUM>-<NUM> (see also <FIG>). In the present embodiment, aperture <NUM>-<NUM> of sample container <NUM> is formed by locating a semicircular aperture <NUM>-<NUM> in partial side wall <NUM> of cap portion <NUM> adjacent to a semicircular aperture <NUM>-<NUM> located above floor <NUM> of basket portion <NUM>, when sample container <NUM> is in the closed position.

<FIG> show a sequence of opening sample container <NUM>, wherein one or both of cap portion <NUM> and basket portion <NUM> are pivoted around hinge <NUM> such that the contents of sample container <NUM> may be accessed. <FIG> shows sample container <NUM> at an intermediate open position, and <FIG> shows sample container <NUM> is a completely open position. When sample container <NUM> is placed in the completely open position and oriented on its side, a flat exterior feature <NUM>-<NUM> on partial side wall <NUM> of basket portion <NUM> allows sample container <NUM> to rest on a flat surface, such as a table top or procedure tray, thereby reducing the risk of sample container <NUM> rolling off the flat surface.

Referring to <FIG>, with reference to <FIG>, in some procedures an operator may desire to use a coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> to maintain an access path to the biopsy site, e.g., to the lesion, such that biopsy needle <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM> may be removed from the biopsy site, while maintaining the ability to reinsert biopsy needle <NUM>, or to insert another medical apparatus, such as a tissue marker deploying device, at the biopsy site.

Referring also to <FIG>, coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> includes a coaxial cannula <NUM> and a hub <NUM>. Coaxial cannula <NUM> may be formed as an elongate tube, e.g., a metal tube such as a stainless steel tube, having a proximal portion <NUM>-<NUM> and a distal end <NUM>-<NUM>. Hub <NUM> is made from a rigid plastic which is fixedly attached (e.g., overmolded, adhesively connected, etc.) to a proximal portion <NUM>-<NUM> of coaxial cannula <NUM>.

Coaxial cannula <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is sized to be coaxially and slidably received along longitudinal axis <NUM> over biopsy needle <NUM> formed by stylet cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM>. Hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is configured for releasable attachment to front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, referring also to <FIG>, front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> includes a catch <NUM> formed as a set of slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that protrude outwardly from front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>. Slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> have respective opposed slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> which face in a direction toward longitudinal axis <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the present embodiment hub <NUM> includes a hub body <NUM>, latching lever <NUM>, and a latch <NUM>. Latching lever <NUM> is an elongate arm that extends radially from hub body <NUM> relative to longitudinal axis <NUM>. Latch <NUM> is configured to rotatably engage catch <NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>. In the present embodiment, latch <NUM> is in the form of a set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that extends radially outwardly from hub body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, latching lever <NUM> is longer than a height of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> and driver assembly <NUM>, so that latching lever <NUM> can be reached and rotationally operated by the operator's thumb or finger while the operator grasps biopsy apparatus <NUM> with the same hand, thereby facilitating single-handed rotation of the coaxial introducer cannula relative to front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>, so as to effect a respective engagement and disengagement of catch <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> and latch <NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

Also, optionally, referring to <FIG>, a first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided at front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> and a second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM>, which when engaged, resists rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>, i.e., relative to biopsy apparatus <NUM>. More particularly, second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned on or in latching lever <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, during installation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> on biopsy apparatus <NUM>, coaxial cannula <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is coaxially and slidably received along longitudinal axis <NUM> over biopsy needle <NUM> formed by stylet cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM>. With the set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> rotationally misaligned from slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>, coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is moved axially along longitudinal axis <NUM> until hub <NUM> is axially seated against front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, latching lever <NUM> is angled proximally relative to hub body <NUM>, such that latching lever <NUM> engages front plate <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> prior to being axially seated against front plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and latching lever <NUM> is deflected, as a cantilever spring, in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM>.

Latching lever <NUM> of hub <NUM> is then rotated about longitudinal axis <NUM> to a latched position, depicted in <FIG>, wherein latch <NUM>, e.g., the set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of hub <NUM> is received in the catch <NUM>, e.g., the opposed slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the set of slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM>, so as to connect coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> to biopsy apparatus <NUM> to thereby prevent axial movement of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> relative to biopsy apparatus <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM>. The rotational motion of latching lever <NUM> may be either clockwise or counterclockwise to allow for ambidextrous operation. First lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> is now also engaged with the second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> on latching lever <NUM> of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM>, so as to resist rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> and second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> are complementary engagement features, such as a hole/protrusion arrangement or a magnetic arrangement, which when engaged will resist, but not prohibit, rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be a notch or opening formed in the proximal surface of latching lever <NUM> of hub <NUM>, and first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> may be a raised distally facing area, e.g., a pin and/or headlamp, on front plate <NUM>-<NUM> that mates with the notch formed in latching lever <NUM>, or vice-versa, or both, so as to provide resistance to a rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>, i.e., relative to biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

In order to disconnect coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from biopsy apparatus <NUM>, latching lever <NUM> is rotated about longitudinal axis <NUM> to disengage latch <NUM>, e.g., the set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from catch <NUM>, e.g., the opposed slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the set of slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM>. The rotational motion of latching lever <NUM> may be either clockwise or counterclockwise to allow for ambidextrous operation. Coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is now free to move axially along longitudinal axis <NUM> in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM> away from front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> to remove coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from biopsy needle <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>. Since latching lever <NUM> is resilient, as latching lever <NUM> returns to its pre-deflection position, and the cantilever spring action generated by latching lever <NUM> pushes against front plate <NUM>-<NUM> so as to aid in moving coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM> away from its seated position.

Alternatively, in one magnet configuration for first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> and second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM>, for example, front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> may have a center magnet having a polarity to attract a magnet embedded in, or attached to, latching lever <NUM> of hub <NUM> when coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is in the latched position, so as to resist rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> relative to biopsy apparatus <NUM>. Front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> also may have two rotationally spaced magnets, one on either side of the center magnet, having a polarity the same as that of the hub magnet, so as to repel the hub magnet in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM> to assist the operator in axial removal of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM> after latching lever <NUM> has been rotated to disconnect coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

It is contemplated that coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> may be used with, and connected to, other types of biopsy apparatus, such as a trocar adapted to include catch <NUM>, e.g., the slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and to optionally include first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are directed to another embodiment for connection of a coaxial introducer cannula, with probe housing <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are directed to another embodiment for connection of a coaxial introducer cannula with probe housing <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the present embodiment, a coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> includes a coaxial cannula <NUM> and a hub <NUM>. Coaxial cannula <NUM> may be formed as an elongate tube, e.g., a metal tube such as a stainless steel tube, having a proximal portion <NUM>-<NUM> and a distal end <NUM>-<NUM>. Hub <NUM> is made from a rigid plastic which is fixedly attached (e.g., overmolded, adhesively connected, etc.) to a proximal portion <NUM>-<NUM> of coaxial cannula <NUM>.

Coaxial cannula <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is sized to be coaxially and slidably received along longitudinal axis <NUM> over biopsy needle <NUM> formed by stylet cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM> (see also <FIG>). Hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is configured for releasable attachment to front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the present embodiment, front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> includes a catch <NUM> formed as a set of slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that protrude outwardly in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM> from front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>. Slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> have respective opposed slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> which face in a direction away from longitudinal axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the present embodiment, hub <NUM> includes a hub body <NUM>, latching lever <NUM>, and a latch <NUM>. Latch <NUM> is configured to rotatably engage catch <NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>. Latching lever <NUM> is an elongate arm that extends radially from hub body <NUM> relative to longitudinal axis <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, hub body <NUM> has a cylindrical recess <NUM>-<NUM> defining a side wall <NUM>-<NUM>. Latch <NUM> is in the form of a set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> that extend radially inwardly from side wall <NUM>-<NUM> of cylindrical recess <NUM>-<NUM> of hub body <NUM>, toward longitudinal axis <NUM>.

Latching lever <NUM> is longer than a height of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> and driver assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>), so that latching lever <NUM> can be reached and rotationally operated by the operator's thumb or finger while the operator grasps biopsy apparatus <NUM> with the same hand, thereby facilitating single-handed rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> relative to front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>, so as to effect a respective engagement or disengagement of latch <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> with catch <NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of biopsy probe assembly <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

Also, optionally, a first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided at front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> and a second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM>, which when engaged, resists rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>, i.e., relative to biopsy apparatus <NUM>. More particularly, second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned on or in latching lever <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> (with reference to <FIG>), during installation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> on biopsy apparatus <NUM>, coaxial cannula <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is coaxially and slidably received along longitudinal axis <NUM> over biopsy needle <NUM> formed by stylet cannula <NUM> and cutter cannula <NUM> (see <FIG>). With the latch <NUM>, e.g., the set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> rotationally misaligned from catch <NUM>, e.g., the slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM>, coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is moved axially along longitudinal axis <NUM> until hub <NUM> and is axially seated against front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM>. Latching lever <NUM> may be angled proximally relative to hub body <NUM>, such that latching lever <NUM> engages front plate <NUM>-<NUM> prior to being axially seated against front plate <NUM>-<NUM> and latching lever <NUM> is deflected, as a cantilever spring, in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM>.

Latching lever <NUM> of hub <NUM> is then rotated about longitudinal axis <NUM> to a latched position, wherein latch <NUM>, e.g., the set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of hub <NUM> are respectively received in catch <NUM>, e.g., the opposed slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the set of slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM>, so as to connect coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> to probe housing <NUM>, and thus to biopsy apparatus <NUM>, to thereby prevent axial movement of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> relative to biopsy apparatus <NUM> along longitudinal axis <NUM>. The rotational motion of latching lever <NUM> may be either clockwise or counterclockwise to allow for ambidextrous operation. First lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> is now also engaged with the second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> on latching lever <NUM> of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM>, so as to resist rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> and second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> are complementary engagement features, such as a slot/protrusion arrangement, which when engaged will resist, but not prohibit, rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>. For example, second lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> may be an opening, e.g., hole and/or slot, formed in a proximal surface of latching lever <NUM> of hub <NUM>, and first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM> of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> may be a raised distally facing area, e.g., a pin and/or headlamp, on front plate <NUM>-<NUM> that mates with the opening formed in latching lever <NUM>, or vice-versa, or both, so as to provide resistance to a rotation of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> about longitudinal axis <NUM>, i.e., relative to biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

In order to disconnect coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from biopsy apparatus <NUM>, latching lever <NUM> is rotated about longitudinal axis <NUM> to disengage latch <NUM>, e.g., the set of tabs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of hub <NUM> of coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from catch <NUM>, e.g., the opposed slots <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the set of slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, of front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM>. The rotational motion of latching lever <NUM> may be either clockwise or counterclockwise to allow for ambidextrous operation. Coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> is now free to move axially along longitudinal axis <NUM> in distal direction <NUM>-<NUM> away from front plate <NUM>-<NUM> of probe housing <NUM> to remove coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> from biopsy needle <NUM> of biopsy apparatus <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, it is contemplated that coaxial introducer cannula <NUM> may be used with, and connected to, other types of biopsy apparatus, such as a trocar <NUM> adapted to include catch <NUM>, e.g., the slotted protrusions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and to optionally include first lock feature <NUM>-<NUM>.

As used herein, "generally," and other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessing more of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and approaching or approximating such a physical or functional characteristic.

Claim 1:
A biopsy apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a biopsy needle (<NUM>);
a sample manifold (<NUM>) coupled to the biopsy needle, the sample manifold (<NUM>) having a receptacle (<NUM>-<NUM>) and an insertion axis (<NUM>-<NUM>), the receptacle (<NUM>-<NUM>) having an interior side wall (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a mounting pin (<NUM>-<NUM>) that projects inwardly from the interior side wall (<NUM>-<NUM>) toward the insertion axis (<NUM>-<NUM>); and
a sample container (<NUM>) configured for insertion into the receptacle (<NUM>-<NUM>), the sample container (<NUM>) including a mounting channel (<NUM>-<NUM>) that is structured to engage and follow the mounting pin (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the receptacle (<NUM>-<NUM>) as the sample container (<NUM>) is rotated, wherein:
the sample container (<NUM>) has a cap portion (<NUM>) and a basket portion (<NUM>) that are joined by a hinge (<NUM>) to facilitate a pivot of one or both of the cap portion (<NUM>) and the basket portion (<NUM>) around the hinge (<NUM>) between a closed position and an open position, the open position providing access to contents of the sample container (<NUM>),
the cap portion (<NUM>) of the sample container includes a lid (<NUM>) and a partial side wall (<NUM>), the lid (<NUM>) including a domed cap (<NUM>-<NUM>) and an annular rim (<NUM>-<NUM>), the annular rim (<NUM>-<NUM>) joining the domed cap (<NUM>-<NUM>) to define an annular lip (<NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the mounting channel (<NUM>-<NUM>) is formed in, and spirals around, the annular rim (<NUM>-<NUM>),
the basket portion (<NUM>) includes a floor (<NUM>), the floor (<NUM>) having a concave interior surface (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a plurality of holes (<NUM>-<NUM>), the plurality of holes (<NUM>-<NUM>) allowing a vacuum to travel through the sample container (<NUM>) to deliver a tissue sample from the biopsy needle (<NUM>) onto the concave interior surface (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the floor (<NUM>).