IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,727,164
Granted Patent B2
US 7,727,164 · App. 11/870,663 · Granted Jun 1, 2010

Method for operating a biopsy device

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,727,164
App. No.
11/870,663
Granted
Jun 1, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

A biopsy device is provided. The biopsy device can include a cutter which is advanced through a first portion of its stroke by a differential fluid pressure acting on a piston. A mechanical drive can be used to translate and rotate the cutter during tissue severing.

Claims (29)

1. A method for operating a biopsy device comprising the steps of:

providing a hollow biopsy needle having a tissue receiving port;

providing a cutter for severing tissue;

drawing tissue into the tissue receiving port;

providing a pressure differential;

advancing the cutter within the biopsy needle using the pressure differential to a first position proximal of the tissue receiving port without rotating the cutter;

advancing the cutter to a position distal of the receiving port without using the pressure differential to advance the cutter while simultaneously rotating the cutter;

stopping advancement of the cutter at a position distal of the receiving port; and

rotating the cutter at a position distal of the receiving port after stopping advancement of the cutter.

2. The method of claim 1 comprising advancing the cutter to the first position pneumatically.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising advancing the cutter to the first position at a first speed, and advancing the cutter to sever tissue at a second speed less than the first speed.

4. The method of claim 1 comprising advancing the cutter mechanically to sever tissue.

5. A method for operating a biopsy device comprising the steps of:

providing a hollow biopsy needle having a tissue receiving port;

providing a cutter for severing tissue;

drawing tissue into the tissue receiving port;

providing a pressure differential;

advancing the cutter within the biopsy needle using the pressure differential at a first speed to a first position proximal of the tissue receiving port without rotating the cutter;

rotating the cutter while advancing the cutter to a position distal of the receiving port at a second speed different from the first speed.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the second speed is slower than the first speed.

7. A method for operating a biopsy device comprising the steps of:

providing a hollow biopsy needle having a tissue receiving port;

providing a cutter for severing tissue;

drawing tissue into the tissue receiving port;

providing a pressure differential;

advancing the cutter within the biopsy needle using the pressure differential to a first position proximal of the tissue receiving port without rotating the cutter;

advancing the cutter to a position distal of the receiving port without using the pressure differential to advance the cutter;

rotating the cutter while advancing the cutter to the position distal of the receiving port; and

continuing to rotate the cutter after the cutter reaches a distal most position with respect to the tissue receiving port.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 13, 2010
From: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
To: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 024672/0088 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 9, 2010
From: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
To: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 024656/0606 →