Devices and methods for performing procedures on a breast

Abstract

A method of removing breast tissue may include steps of providing a tissue cutting device having a shaft, a tissue collection element and a cutting element, the cutting element being movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position. The tissue cutting device may be introduced into the patient's breast through a first incision with the cutting element in the collapsed position and the cutting element may be expanded. The cutting element may then be moved through breast tissue to cut around the tissue to be removed. The tissue cut by the cutting element may be positioned into the tissue collection element, and the tissue collection element may be removed through a second incision that is different from the first incision.

1 . A method of removing breast tissue, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a tissue cutting device having a shaft, a tissue collection element and a cutting element, the cutting element being movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position;    introducing the tissue cutting device into the patient's breast through a first incision with the cutting element in the collapsed position;    expanding the cutting element;    moving the cutting element through breast tissue to cut around the tissue to be removed;    positioning the tissue cut by the cutting element into the tissue collection element; and    removing the tissue collection element through a second incision different from the first incision.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the removing step is carried out with a removal device extending through the second incision, the removal step including the step of coupling the removal device to the tissue collection element.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 the removing step is carried out with the removal device has a distal end movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, the expanded position being flared outwardly.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 the removing step is carried out with the removal device having a suction opening coupled to a vacuum source, the removal device adhering to the tissue collection element with the suction opening.