Patent ID: 8376957

Claim:
A biopsy system comprising: (a) a biopsy device, wherein the biopsy device comprises: (i) a body, (ii) a needle extending distally from the body, (iii) a hollow cutter movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample, wherein the hollow cutter defines a cutter lumen, (iv) a primary vacuum pump located within the body, wherein the primary vacuum pump is operable to induce a vacuum in the cutter lumen, wherein the primary vacuum pump is operable to draw a vacuum proximally through the cutter lumen, and (v) a motor operable to drive the primary vacuum pump and the hollow cutter; (b) a fluid canister in communication with the biopsy device, wherein the fluid canister is configured to receive liquids communicated proximally through the cutter lumen; and (c) an auxiliary vacuum source in communication with the biopsy device, wherein the auxiliary vacuum source is operable to induce a vacuum in the cutter lumen.