Patent ID: 8337414

Claim:
A method of removing tissue from a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a tissue removing device including a tubular element having an open end, the tubular element having a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction, the tissue removing device also having a cutting element movable within the tubular element; introducing the tubular element into a patient; advancing the tubular element in a longitudinal direction so that tissue enters the open end; moving the cutting element to form a cut which separates the tissue which entered the open end to form a first tissue mass, the cutting element having a plastically deformable portion, the plastically deformable portion undergoing plastic deformation when moving to a cutting position; transporting the first tissue mass away from the open end using the cutting element; and repeating the advancing, moving and transporting steps to collect a second tissue mass from the patient using the plastically deformable portion used to collect the first tissue mass, wherein an introducer remains proximal to the distal end of the open end until a first actuator is actuated.