Patent ID: 7347829

Claim:
A medical targeting and device introduction system, comprising: an introducer cannula having an open distal end and an open proximal end that defines a first length, wherein the introducer cannula defines a lumen therein; a generally linear introducer stylet that includes a distal end and a proximal end which defines a second length that is substantially longer than the first length; wherein the introducer stylet is selectively and removably disposed within the lumen of the introducer cannula through the open proximal end such that the introducer stylet may be translated within the lumen such that the distal end of the introducer stylet extends outwardly from the distal end of the introducer cannula when the introducer stylet is positioned within the introducer cannula, wherein the distal end of the introducer stylet further includes a tissue piercing tip that is configured for penetrating tissue to create a pathway; and a separate target confirmation device that is selectively insertable within the introducer cannula only when the introducer stylet is removed from the introducer cannula, wherein the target confirmation device includes a distal end that extends substantially outwardly from the distal end of the introducer cannula when the target confirmation device is engaged with the introducer cannula; and a biopsy device that includes a handpiece, an outer cannula and an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula; wherein the biopsy device is configured to at least translate the inner cannula within the outer cannula and the inner cannula includes a cutting edge at its distal end, wherein the outer cannula defines a tissue-receiving opening for receiving tissue from the target site, wherein the cutting edge of the inner cannula cooperates with the tissue-receiving opening to sever tissue; and wherein at least a portion of the outer cannula of the biopsy device is selectively insertable within the introducer cannula after the introducer stylet and target confirmation device are removed from the introducer cannula.