Devices and methods for performing procedures on a breast

Abstract

A method may include steps of providing a tissue cutting device having a shaft and a cutting element. The cutting element may be 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. The cutting element may then be expanded. The cutting element may then be moved through breast tissue to cut around the tissue to be removed, and the breast tissue 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 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; and    removing the breast tissue through a second incision different from the first incision.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the providing step is carried out with the tissue removing device having a tissue collection element; and    the removing step being carried out with the tissue being carried in the tissue collection element.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the providing step is carried out with the cutting element being an RF cutting element, the RF cutting element bowing outward when moving from the first position to the second position.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 the forming step is carried out with the second incision being at least partially formed by the tissue cutting device.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 forming at least part of the second incision with the cutting element.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein: 
 the forming step is carried out with the second incision being formed by the tip of the tissue cutting device piercing through the skin at the second incision so that the tissue cutting device is penetrates the first and second incisions.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein: 
 the forming step is carried out with the second incision being created by the cutting element of the tissue cutting device.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 encapsulating the tissue to be removed in a tissue collection element; and    the removing step is carried out with the tissue contained in the tissue collection element.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of: 
 releasing the tissue collection element; and    the removing step being carried out with the tissue contained within the tissue collection element when removed through the second incision.