Biopsy needle structure
First Claim
1. A biopsy needle for removal of tissue from a patient of the type including an outer tube, an inner tube and a snare having first and second ends, the first snare end being coupled to said inner tube and said second snare end being coupled to said outer tube, said snare being movable between first and second positions by rotation of said inner tube with respect to said outer tube, wherein the improvement comprises:
- an axially directed coupling element at said second snare end, said axially directed coupling element being one of a projection and slot;
the other of said projection and said slot being associated with said outer tube and arranged to engage said second snare end.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An improved biopsy needle having an outer cannula, an inner tube, and a stylet. A snare in the form of a coil is provided between the distal ends of the outer cannula and the inner tube. The coil is coupled to a sleeve affixed to the inner surface of the outer cannula using axially directed coupling elements. Upon rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer cannula, the coil will decrease in diameter to either sever or hold the biopsy piece within the outer needle. After removal of the needle from the patient, rotating the inner tube in the opposite direction will cause the coil to expand to its original diameter and allow the biopsy piece to be removed from the needle.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A biopsy needle for removal of tissue from a patient of the type including an outer tube, an inner tube and a snare having first and second ends, the first snare end being coupled to said inner tube and said second snare end being coupled to said outer tube, said snare being movable between first and second positions by rotation of said inner tube with respect to said outer tube, wherein the improvement comprises:
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an axially directed coupling element at said second snare end, said axially directed coupling element being one of a projection and slot; the other of said projection and said slot being associated with said outer tube and arranged to engage said second snare end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A biopsy needle, comprising:
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an outer tube having a distal end; an inner tube extending within said outer tube, said inner tube having at one end a portion which increases and decreases in diameter with rotation of said inner tube relative to said outer tube, said portion of said inner tube and said distal end of said outer tube each including corresponding axial directed coupling elements which engage one another. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification