Biopsy actuator assembly

Abstract

A biopsy needle actuator includes an adjustable top plate setting the distance a needle and cannula move when the actuator is fired, a shot counter tracking the number of shots taken with the actuator during a biopsy procedure, and a lifecycle indicator tracking the cumulative number of shots of the actuator during a recommended service life. A threaded rod sets the throw distance of the needle and cannula allowing the actuator to excise a biopsy tissue specimen of between 20 mm and 60 mm. A number wheel in the shot counter is moved upon firing of a needle carrier. The lifecycle indicator registers arming of the actuator and indicates when the mechanical components of the actuator need servicing. A biopsy needle within a cannula is mounted in the actuator where by the core bed of the needle is orientated downward when in use aiding in extraction of the tissue sample.

Having described the disclosed subject matter, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 
     
         1 . A biopsy device, comprising:
 a biopsy need actuator;   a lifecycle indicator registering mechanical use of the biopsy needle actuator; and   wherein the lifecycle indicator provides a visual indication of an end of life of the biopsy device.   
     
     
         2 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , wherein the biopsy needle actuator is a cannula carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , wherein the biopsy needle actuator is a needle carrier. 
     
     
         4 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical use is charging the biopsy needle actuator. 
     
     
         5 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical use is firing the biopsy needle actuator. 
     
     
         6 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , wherein the visual indication is a change from a first indication to a second indication. 
     
     
         7 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , wherein the visual indication is a change from a first field to a second field. 
     
     
         8 . The biopsy device of  claim 7 , wherein the first field is a first color, and the second field is a second color. 
     
     
         9 . The biopsy device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 an indicator wheel;   wherein the indicator wheel provides the first field and the second field; and   wherein the mechanical use rotates the indicator wheel.   
     
     
         10 . The biopsy device of  claim 9 , wherein mechanical use includes firing a cannula carrier. 
     
     
         11 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a sight formed at a first side of the biopsy device;   a needle forming a notch with a core bed, wherein the needle is operably connected to the biopsy needle actuator; and   wherein the core bed is orientated facing one hundred eighty degrees from the first side of the biopsy device.   
     
     
         12 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a biopsy needle assembly, comprising:
 a cannula; and 
 a mandrel. 
   
     
     
         13 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an event counter; and   wherein the event counter registers movement of a firing button.   
     
     
         14 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an event counter; and   wherein the event counter registers mechanical use of the biopsy needle actuator.   
     
     
         15 . The biopsy device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a housing; and   wherein the visual indication is provided at the housing.