Biopsy device with sample storage

• US 20060074343A1
• Filed: 09/29/2004
• Published: 04/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Devicor Medical Products Incorporated (Danaher Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Devicor Medical Products Incorporated (Danaher Corporation)
• Inventors: Hibner, John A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,740,596 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/566
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0266 means for severing sample
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0275 with sample notch, e.g. on the side of inner stylet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0283 with vacuum aspiration, e.g. caused by retractable plunger or by connected syringe A61B10/025, A61B10/0266 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0225 for taking multiple samples

Abstract

A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining and storing multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in an end to end configuration. The device can include a sample tube having a sample lumen and a generally parallel vacuum lumen. A movable member, such as rod, can be advanced to uncover a predetermined number of fluid passageways between the sample lumen and the vacuum lumen as each sample is severed.

Claims

1. A biopsy device comprising:

a cannula;

a cutter translatable with respect to the cannula for severing tissue drawn into the cannula; and

a tissue storage assembly comprising a sample lumen for holding tissue samples, the sample lumen communicating with a plurality of fluid openings; and

a movable member for sequentially uncovering the fluid openings.

2. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the sample lumen is configured to hold the tissue samples in end to end configuration.

3. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein movement of the movable member is operatively associated with translation of the cutter.

4. The biopsy device of claim 3 wherein the cannula comprises a tissue receiving port having a longitudinal length.

5. The biopsy device of claim 4 wherein the movable member is adapted to move at least about the longitudinal length of the tissue receiving port for each tissue sample severed.

6. A biopsy device comprising:

a cannula having a tissue receiving port;

a hollow cutter disposed for translation with respect to the cannula for severing tissue samples from tissue received in the tissue receiving port;

a tissue storage assembly disposed proximally of the tissue receiving port for holding the severed tissue samples in an end to end configuration; and

apparatus for providing a fluid pressure differential for transporting samples severed from tissue drawn into the tissue receiving port to the tissue storage assembly.

7. The biopsy device of claim 6 wherein the tissue storage assembly is separable from the biopsy device.

8. The biopsy device of claim 6 wherein the tissue storage assembly comprises at least one transparent portion for permitting viewing of the tissue samples.

9. The biopsy device of claim 6 wherein the tissue storage assembly comprises a tissue sample tube comprising a sample lumen, and wherein at least a portion of the tissue sample tube can be configured to expose samples disposed in the sample lumen.

10. The biopsy device of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of the sample tube is releasable along at least a portion of the length of the sample tube to expose samples disposed in the sample lumen.

11. The biopsy device of claim 9 wherein a portion of the sample tube is peelable along at least a portion of the length of the sample tube to permit removal of the samples disposed in the sample lumen.

12. The biopsy device of claim 6 wherein the tissue storage assembly comprises a sample tube having a sample lumen for holding tissue samples.

13. The biopsy device of claim 12 wherein the sample tube comprises at least two generally parallel lumens.

14. The biopsy device of claim 13 comprising a plurality of fluid passageways for providing fluid communication between the at least two generally parallel lumens.

15. The biopsy device of claim 12 further comprising a rod insertable in the sample lumen for pushing samples from the sample lumen.

16. A biopsy device comprising:

a cannula having a tissue receiving port;

a hollow cutter disposed for translation with respect to the cannula for severing tissue drawn into the tissue receiving port; and

a tissue storage assembly for holding tissue samples in an end to end configuration;

wherein each tissue sample stored in the tissue storage assembly may be removed for inspection prior to severing additional tissue samples.

17. A biopsy method comprising the steps of:

providing a hollow cannula having a tissue receiving port;

providing a hollow cutter translatable with respect to the cannula;

positioning the tissue receiving port in a tissue mass;

receiving tissue in the tissue port of the cannula;

translating the hollow cutter relative to the tissue port;

severing tissue samples with a distal end of the hollow cutter;

transporting the severed tissue samples through a proximal end of the hollow cutter; and

storing the severed tissue samples in an end to end configuration.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of storing the tissue samples comprises storing the tissue samples in a sample lumen.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of uncovering one or more fluid passages associated with the sample lumen in association with storing a sample in the sample lumen.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the step of uncovering one or more fluid passages associated with the sample lumen is operatively associated with translation of the cutter.