Biopsy device with auxiliary vacuum source

Abstract

A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a hollow cutter, a vacuum pump, and a tissue sample holder. The needle extends distally from the body. The hollow cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample. The vacuum pump is carried by the body. The tissue sample holder is supported on the body and disposed proximally of the needle and receives tissue samples severed by the cutter. The tissue sample holder is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump and an external source of vacuum.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A biopsy device comprising:
 a body;   a needle extending distally from the body;   a hollow cutter movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample;   a vacuum pump carried by the body; and   a tissue sample holder supported on the body and disposed proximally of the needle and configured to receive tissue samples severed by the cutter;   wherein the tissue sample holder is configured for fluid communication with the vacuum pump, and wherein the tissue sample holder is also configured for fluid communication with an external source of vacuum.   
     
     
         2 . The biopsy device of  claim 1  wherein the tissue sample holder comprises a tissue receiving member removable from the biopsy device. 
     
     
         3 . The biopsy device of  claim 1  wherein the tissue sample holder comprises an outer portion and a tissue sample receiving tray disposed within the outer portion and removable from the outer portion. 
     
     
         4 . The biopsy device of  claim 1  wherein the tissue sample holder comprises an outer cup, a cap disposed on a proximal end of the outer cup, and a collection tray disposed at least partially within the outer cup. 
     
     
         5 . The biopsy device of  claim 5  wherein the outer cup is in fluid communication with the external source of vacuum. 
     
     
         6 . The biopsy device of  claim 1  wherein the vacuum pump carried by the body is operable to communicate vacuum to the cutter via the tissue sample holder. 
     
     
         7 . The biopsy device of  claim 1  wherein the tissue sample holder is configured to convey vacuum from an external source of vacuum to the cutter. 
     
     
         8 . A biopsy device comprising:
 a body;   a needle extending distally from the body;   a hollow cutter movable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample;   a vacuum pump disposed within the body; and   a tissue sample holder disposed on a proximal portion of the body and configured to receive tissue samples severed by the cutter;   wherein the tissue sample holder comprises a collection tray, a port in communication with the vacuum pump disposed within the body, and a port configured for providing communication with an external source of vacuum.   
     
     
         9 . The biopsy device of  claim 8  wherein the external source of vacuum is in fluid communication with the cutter. 
     
     
         10 . The biopsy device of  claim 8  further comprising a fluid canister in communication with the biopsy device. 
     
     
         11 . The biopsy device of  claim 10  wherein the external source of vacuum is coupled with the fluid canister. 
     
     
         12 . The biopsy device of  claim 11  wherein the fluid canister comprises a first port coupling the external source of vacuum with the fluid canister and a second port coupling the biopsy device with the fluid canister. 
     
     
         13 . The biopsy device of  claim 12  further comprising a first flexible conduit coupling the fluid canister with the external source of vacuum and a second flexible conduit coupling the fluid canister with the biopsy device. 
     
     
         14 . The biopsy device of  claim 11  wherein the vacuum pump, the fluid canister, and the external source of vacuum are all in fluid communication with the tissue sample holder. 
     
     
         15 . The biopsy device of  claim 11  wherein the fluid canister comprises a hydrophobic filter, wherein the hydrophobic filter is configured to substantially isolate the external vacuum source from liquids communicated to the fluid canister while permitting the external vacuum source to induce a vacuum. 
     
     
         16 . A biopsy device comprising:
 a reusable portion comprising a battery, at least one motor powered by the battery, and a vacuum pump;   a disposable portion releasably attachable to the reusable portion, the disposable portion comprising a needle adapted for insertion into tissue and a hollow cutter for severing a tissue sample; and   a tissue sample holder for receiving tissue samples severed by the cutter;   wherein the tissue sample holder is adapted for fluid communication with the vacuum pump upon attachment of the disposable portion to the reusable portion, and wherein the tissue sample holder is configured to receive vacuum from at least one external vacuum source.   
     
     
         17 . The biopsy device of  claim 16  wherein the biopsy device is operable to suction severed tissue samples through the hollow cutter to the tissue sample holder. 
     
     
         18 . The biopsy device of  claim 16  wherein the motor is operable to simultaneously drive both the cutter and the vacuum pump. 
     
     
         19 . The biopsy device of  claim 16  wherein the cutter is configured to simultaneously rotate and translate within needle. 
     
     
         20 . The biopsy device of  claim 16  wherein the external vacuum source is configured to activate simultaneously with the vacuum pump.