Patent ID: 7846109

Claim:
A biopsy probe comprising: (a) a detachable needle; (b) a body comprising a distal portion and proximal portion, wherein the body comprises an opening at an end of the distal portion, wherein the body is operably configured to selectively couple with the needle; (c) a cutter comprising a hollow tube having a sharp distal end operable to sever tissue, wherein the cutter is positioned within the probe and extends from the opening of the body, wherein the cutter is operable to translate longitudinally relative to the body; and (d) a cover comprising a distal portion and proximal portion, wherein the cover is movable from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the cover shields the cutter when the cover is in the extended position, 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.