Biopsy system having a single use loading unit operable with a trocar driver, a knife driver and firing module

• US 7,189,207 B2
• Filed: 05/23/2003
• Issued: 03/13/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Viola, Frank
• Primary Examiner(s): Hindenburg; Max
• Assistant Examiner(s): Apanius; Michael
• Application Number:
  US10/444,301
• Publication Number:
  US 20030216667A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,390 Days
• Field of Search: 600564-568, 604/164.01, 606/167, 606/170
• US Class Current: 600/564
• 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 2010/0208 Biopsy devices with actuators, e.g. with triggered spring mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/3409 including needle or instrument drives

Abstract

A biopsy system for retrieving biopsy tissue samples from different regions of the body is disclosed. The biopsy system includes a single use loading unit having a trocar assembly and a knife assembly. A trocar driver is operably connected to the trocar assembly and is actuable to move a trocar between retracted and advanced positions. The trocar driver is disengaged from the trocar assembly prior to firing the trocar into a target tissue mass to reduce drag on the trocar during firing. A knife driver is operably connected to the knife assembly such that when actuated, a knife is both rotatably and axially advanced about the trocar.

Claims

1. A biopsy system which comprises:

a loading unit which includes a trocar defining a tissue receiving basket, and a knife;

a trocar driver operatively associated with the trocar between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration such that the trocar and the trocar driver may move independent of one another, the trocar driver being actuable to move the trocar between advanced and retracted positions;

a knife driver operatively associated with the knife and being actuable to move the knife between retracted and advanced positions; and

a firing module operatively associated with the trocar and adapted to advance the trocar into a targeted tissue mass when the trocar driver and the trocar are configured in the disengaged configuration.

2. A biopsy system according to claim 1, wherein the firing module is removably attached to the loading unit.

3. A biopsy system according to claim 1, which further comprises a connecting member which operably connects the trocar driver and the trocar.

4. A biopsy system according to claim 3, which further comprises a trocar flange connected to the trocar, the trocar flange being positioned to be driven by the firing module to advance the trocar into tissue.

5. A biopsy system according to claim 4, wherein the connecting member is movable from a first position in engagement with the trocar to a second position in disengagement with the trocar.

6. A biopsy system according to claim 5, wherein the connecting member includes a flag member at one end which is connected to the trocar driver.

7. A biopsy system according to claim 5, wherein the connecting member includes a flag member at one end which is adapted for engagement with the trocar flange.