Patent ID: 8574167

Claim:
A biopsy device, comprising: (a) a body; (b) a needle extending distally from the body, wherein the needle comprises: (i) a cannula defining an internal lumen and a transverse tissue receiving aperture in communication with the internal lumen, wherein the cannula comprises a longitudinally extending tubular sidewall, wherein a distal portion of the sidewall comprises a first portion and a second portion in contact with the first portion, wherein the first portion distally terminates at a first longitudinal position, wherein the second portion distally terminates at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, wherein the first portion is in contact with the second portion at a third longitudinal position that is proximal to the first longitudinal position to thereby substantially seal a distal end of the internal lumen, and (ii) a tissue piercing tip integral with the cannula, wherein the tissue piercing tip and the cannula together comprise a homogenous continuum of material; and (c) a cutter movable relative to the needle, wherein the cutter includes an edge configured to sever tissue protruding through the transverse tissue receiving aperture.