Biopsy apparatus and method

Abstract

A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device can include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter can be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter can be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.

1 . A method of providing a biopsy sample comprising: 
 providing a cannula having a distal piercing tip, a lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port;    advancing the distal end of a cutter in the lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample;    alternately covering and uncovering at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port by proximal and distal movement of the cutter without retracting the distal end of the cutter proximally of the side tissue port.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  comprising alternately covering and uncovering the fluid passageway while rotating the cutter.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of drawing fluid from the lumen through the fluid passageway prior to severing tissue.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the step of drawing fluid comprises drawing air.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the step of supplying fluid to the lumen through the fluid passageway after severing tissue.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the step of supplying fluid to the cutter lumen comprises supplying air to the cutter lumen.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the step of supplying fluid to the cutter lumen comprises supplying a liquid to the cutter lumen.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of alternately covering and uncovering the fluid passageway is performed after severing a first tissue sample and prior to severing a second tissue sample with the inner cutter.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  comprising alternately providing a proximal biasing force and a distal biasing force to provide proximal and distal movement of the cutter.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  comprising removing tissue from at least one fluid passageway disposed distal of the side tissue port by movement of the cutter.  
     
     
         11 . A biopsy device comprising: 
 a cannula having a distal piercing tip, a lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port;    a cutter adapted to be advanced in the lumen such that a distal end of the cutter is advanced past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample; and    a mechanism for providing reciprocating motion of the cutter when the distal end of the cutter is disposed distally of the side tissue port, wherein the cutter alternately covers and uncovers the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port.    
     
     
         12 . The biopsy device of  claim 11  wherein the mechanism comprises a biasing member for providing reciprocating motion of the cutter when the distal end of the cutter is disposed distally of the side tissue port.  
     
     
         13 . The biopsy device of  claim 11  wherein the cutter is adapted to rotate, and wherein the cutter reciprocates while the cutter rotates.  
     
     
         14 . The biopsy device of  claim 11  wherein the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue support provides a passageway for a liquid.