Patent ID: 7862518

Claim:
A method of protecting a user from an exposed cutter of a biopsy device, the method comprising: (a) providing a detachable needle having a tissue piercing tip and a tissue receiving aperture proximal to the tip; (b) providing a biopsy probe, wherein the biopsy probe comprises: (i) a body comprising a distal portion and proximal portion, (ii) a cutter comprising a hollow tube having a sharp distal end operable to sever tissue, wherein the cutter is partially retracted within the body and partially extends from the distal portion of the body, wherein the cutter is operable to translate longitudinally relative to the body and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the cutter, and (iii) a cover comprising a distal portion and proximal portion, wherein the cover extends distally from the body to shield the cutter, wherein the cover is operable to translate relative to the body; and (c) coupling the probe with the detachable needle, wherein the act of coupling comprises: (i) aligning the cutter with an axial lumen of the detachable needle, and (ii) coupling the body with the detachable needle, wherein the cover is simultaneously retracted relative to the body in response to the act of coupling the distal portion of the body with the detachable needle.