Vacuum assisted biopsy device

Abstract

Methods and devices for providing a biopsy device with a modified handle and stylet that provides a vacuum to be delivered to the targeted tissue for removal. The vacuum may draw the tissue into the notch where the tissue may then be severed via the cannula. Alternatively, the tissue may be drawn into to the notch after being severed via the stylet and/or cannula. The vacuum may be used to bring a larger amount of tissue into the notch than would otherwise be brought in the notch if no vacuum was used, providing a larger sample through the same size access point.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method for performing vacuum-assisted biopsy via a biopsy device, comprising:
 inserting a stylet of the biopsy device in a body, the stylet comprising a receptacle shaped notch;   providing communication between a vacuum pump and the notch; and   transmitting a vacuum from a vacuum pump to the notch to draw a tissue sample in the notch; wherein   the tissue sample is severed from the body and retained after the vacuum is transmitted to the notch.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising removing the biopsy device from the body to retrieve the incised tissue sample. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the tissue sample is one of a human tissue sample and an animal tissue sample. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the vacuum is controlled via a valve.