Patent ID: 6916292

Claim:
A bone marrow aspiration device, comprising: an elongate handle having proximal and distal surface extending between opposed first and second ends, the first and second ends defining a central axis extending therebetween, the handle having a shape adapted to facilitate grasping thereof; an elongate penetrating element having a proximal portion coupled to the handle and having a proximal end with an inlet port formed therein and positioned at a location on the handle between the opposed first and second ends of the handle, a distal portion having a smooth outer surface and a solid, distal piercing tip, a substantially cylindrical sidewall defining an inner lumen extending from the inlet port to a position proximal to the distal piercing tip, and at least one opening formed in the sidewall and in communication with the inner lumen, the at least one opening being positioned proximal to the distal piercing tip; wherein the proximal portion of the elongate penetrating element is offset with respect to a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the elongate penetrating element such that the handle of the device can be grasped and manipulated to position the distal portion of the elongate penetrating element while simultaneously allowing access to the inlet port in the proximal portion of the elongate penetrating element.