US20030199753A1 - MRI compatible biopsy device with detachable probe - Google Patents

Abstract

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatible core biopsy instrument includes a detachable probe assembly to enhance the accuracy of placement at a biopsy site and avoid repeated insertions, even when used in a closed MRI magnet bore. In particular, the detachable probe assembly is configured for attachment to a localization fixture for accurate stereotopic placement to the desired biopsy site. While disengaged, dual lumens (vacuum and cutter) of the probe assembly allow applying vacuum to, draining fluid from, and insertion of fluids to the biopsy site. The biopsy instrument handle readily engages to the probe assembly for taking samples. Features are included for visual indications of the position of the cutter, prevention of disengagement when the cutter is advanced into the probe assembly, and a tolerance take-out feature that minimizes the deadzone gap at a distal end of the probe assembly, allowing samples to be taken close to sensitive tissues.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application hereby claims the benefit of the provisional patent application of the same title, Serial No. 60/374,635 filed on Apr. 23, 2002. The present application is related to co-pending and commonly-owned applications filed on even date herewith entitled “LOCALIZATION MECHANISM FOR AN MRI COMPATIBLE BIOPSY DEVICE” to Hibner et al. and “METHOD FOR PERFORMING MINIMALLY INVASIVE BIOPSY IN AN MRI MACHINE” to Hibner et al., the disclosure of both is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.[0001]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates, in general to devices for tissue sampling and, more particularly, to an improved device for core biopsy probes stereotopically positioned by coordinates derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for acquiring subcutaneous biopsies and for removing lesions.[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancerous tumors, pre-malignant conditions, and other disorders has long been an area of intense investigation. Non-invasive methods for examining tissue are palpation, Thermography, PET, SPECT, Nuclear imaging, X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging. When the physician suspects that tissue may contain cancerous cells, a biopsy may be done either in an open procedure or in a percutaneous procedure. For an open procedure, a scalpel is used by the surgeon to create a large incision in the tissue in order to provide direct viewing and access to the tissue mass of interest. Removal of the entire mass (excisional biopsy) or a part of the mass (incisional biopsy) is done. For a percutaneous biopsy, a needle-like instrument is used through a very small incision to access the tissue mass of interest and to obtain a tissue sample for a later examination and analysis. The advantages of the percutaneous method as compared to the open method are significant: less recovery time for the patient, less pain, less surgical time, lower cost, less risk of injury to adjacent bodily tissues such as nerves, and less disfigurement of the patient's anatomy. Use of the percutaneous method in combination with artificial imaging devices such as X-ray and ultrasound has resulted in highly reliable diagnoses and treatments.[0003]
• Generally there are two ways to percutaneously obtain a portion of tissue from within the body, by aspiration or by core sampling. Aspiration of the tissue through a fine needle requires the tissue to be fragmented into small enough pieces to be withdrawn in a fluid medium. The method is less intrusive than other known sampling techniques, but one can only examine cells in the liquid (cytology) and not the cells and structure (pathology). In core sampling, a core or fragment of tissue is obtained for histologic examination, genetic tests, which may be done via a frozen or paraffin section. The type of biopsy used depends mainly on various factors present in the patient, and no single procedure is ideal for all cases. However, core biopsies seem to be more widely used by physicians.[0004]
• Recently, core biopsy devices have been combined with imaging technology to better target the lesion. A number of these devices have been commercialized. One such commercially available product is marketed under the trademark name MAMMOTOME™, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. An embodiment of such a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,822 issued to Burbank, et al., on Jun. 18, 1996, and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.[0005]
• As seen from that reference, the instrument is a type of image-guided, percutaneous, coring, breast biopsy instrument. It is vacuum-assisted, and some of the steps for retrieving the tissue samples have been automated. The physician uses this device to capture “actively” (using the vacuum) the tissue prior to severing it from the body. This allows the sampling tissues of varying hardness. The device can also be used to collect multiple samples in numerous positions about its longitudinal axis, and without removing the device from the body. These features allow for substantial sampling of large lesions and complete removal of small ones.[0006]
• Co-pending application Ser. No. 09/825,899 filed on Apr. 2, 1997, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, described other features and potential improvements to the device including a molded tissue cassette housing permitting the handling and viewing of multiple tissue samples without physical contact by the instrument operator. Another described therein is the interconnection of the housing to the piercing needle using a thumbwheel, to permit the needle to rotate relative to the housing, the preventing the vacuum tube from wrapping about the housing. During use, the thumbwheel is rotated so that the device rotates within the lesion, and samples can be taken at different points within the lesion.[0007]
• In actual clinical use for breast biopsy the instrument (probe and driver assembly) is mounted to the three axis-positioning head of an x-ray imaging machine. The three axis-positioning heads is located in the area between the x-ray source and the image plate. The x-ray machines are outfitted with a computerized system which requires two x-ray images of the breast be taken with the x-ray source at two different positions in order for the computer to calculate x, y and z axis location of the suspect abnormality. In order to take the stereo x-ray images the x-ray source must be conveniently movable. The x-ray source therefore is typically mounted to an arm which, at the end opposite the x-ray source, is pivotally mounted to the frame of the machine in the region of the image plate.[0008]
• Recently, there has been a need for a hand held core sampling biopsy device. This need has been fulfilled by Ethicon-Endo Surgery in U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,544 issued on Jul. 11, 2000, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This aforementioned patent discloses a hand held MAMMOTOME™ that may be held approximately parallel to the chest wall of the patient for obtaining tissue portions close to the chest wall than may be obtained when using an instrument that may be obtained when using an instrument that is mounted is manipulated by the operator's hand rather than by an electromechanical arm. Thus, the operator may steer the tip of the handpiece on the MAMMOTOME™ with great freedom towards the tissue mass of interest. The surgeon has tactile feedback while doing so and can thus ascertain to a significant, degree, the density and hardness of the tissue being encountered. In addition, a hand held MAMMOTOME™ is desirable because the handpiece on the MAMMOTOME™ may be held approximately parallel to the chest wall of the patient for obtaining tissue portions closer to the chest wall than may be obtained when using an instrument that is mounted to an electromechanical arm.[0009]
• Recently, there has been a desire to use the above described biopsy devices with MRI imaging devices instead of x-ray imaging devices. However, existing medical biopsy sampling devices use small, multi-lumen probes extensively fabricated mostly if not entirely from metal. However, the ability to provide accurate minimally invasive diagnosis of suspicious breast lesions hinges on the size of the sample obtained and accuracy in placement of the sampling device.[0010]
• The metallic nature of these probes has many drawbacks. Typically these metal probes are electrically conductive and often magnetically weak, which interferes with their use under MRI guidance. The electrically conductive and magnetically weak nature of metal probes often work to create field distortions, called artifacts, on the image. The image of the lesion will show the metal probe, and this is problematic because the image of the probe can obscure the image of the lesion.[0011]
• The small sample size of conventional biopsy needles also presents a significant limitation due to the increase in the duration of the procedure. Due to the tendency for contrast agent to “wash out” of suspicious lesions, and the progressive increase in enhancement of surrounding non-malignant breast parenchyma, suspicious lesions may become indistinguishable to the breast parenchyma within a few minutes. This limits the number of samples that can be retrieved using conventional spring-loaded core biopsy needles under direct imaging guidance.[0012]
• A further problem not infrequently encountered during core needle biopsy is the development of a hematoma at the biopsy site during the procedure. An accumulating hematoma can be problematic during MRI-guided biopsy because residual contrast agent circulating in the hematoma can mimic enhancement in a suspicious lesion. In addition, the accumulation of air at the biopsy site can cause susceptibility artifacts that can potentially interfere with the fat-suppression MRI techniques at the biopsy site cavity.[0013]
• These limitations of conventional biopsy needles have led several authors to conclude that lesions should be at least 1 cm in diameter before imaging could confirm that the MRI-guided biopsy device was definitely within (as opposed to adjacent to) the suspicious target. However, the demand for minimally invasive MRI-guided core biopsy is greatest for small lesions because they are more common, more difficult to characterize on MRI grounds alone, and have the best prognosis if they are found to be malignant.[0014]
• Therefore, there has been a desire to have generally non-metallic (especially non-ferromagnetic) biopsy probe of the type described above to eliminate artifacts. These needs have been filled by co-pending and commonly-owned application Ser. No. ______ , “AN MRI COMPATIBLE SURGICAL BIOPSY DEVICE” to Huitema et al filed on Dec. 12, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The lack of undesirable artifacts for the disclosed hand-held biopsy device allows the accurate placement of the probe. Moreover, disclosed vacuum assist allows visualization of the lesion entering a bowl of the probe to confirm accurate placement, as well as avoiding problems associated with a hematoma or an air cavity. Moreover, the volume and ability to rapidly rotate the open cutting bowl of the probe allows for multiple samples in succession without removal of the probe. Thereby, the duration of the procedure is reduced.[0015]
• However, elimination of the artifact created by the metal probe entirely is also problematic because physicians rely extensively on some type of artifact to notify them as to where the tip of the probe is relative to the lesion. These needs have been filled by co-pending and commonly-owned application and Ser. No. ______ , entitled “AN MRI COMPATIBLE BIOPSY DEVICE HAVING A TIP WHICH LEAVES AN ARTIFACT” to Rhad et al., filed on Dec. 12, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Having a target in the cutter at the distal end of the probe helps avoid advancing the probe through the chest cavity as well as accurately placing the bowl of the probe adjacent to the suspicious tissue for drawing into the cutting bowl.[0016]
• While the aforementioned hand-held MRI compatible biopsy devices provide many advantages, opportunities exist for improvements and additional clinical functionality. For instance, the hand-held biopsy device presents a long, external handle that is inappropriate for closed magnet MRI machines. Furthermore, while the hand-held biopsy device allows great freedom in lateral and angular orientation, in some instances it is preferable to specifically position the biopsy probe. The MRI machine may provide very accurate stereotactic placement information that is only partially utilized in inserting the probe. In particular, the hand-held biopsy device is inserted through an opening in a compression plate, so some two-dimensional alignment is provided. However, the angle and depth of insertion the probe tends to vary, especially without continual reimaging of the probe during insertion, which is particularly inappropriate for closed MRI magnets.[0017]
• Furthermore, the vacuum assist reduces occurrence of a hematoma and draws in tissue to increase the sample size without repositioning the probe; however, current clinical procedures often require additional invasive procedures to the biopsy site to administer anesthesia or to perform additional diagnostic or treatment procedures.[0018]
• Consequently, a significant need exists for an MRI-guided biopsy device for increased positioning accuracy, especially one suitable for both open and closed MRI machines and which supports additional diagnostic and therapeutic treatments to the biopsy site without requiring additional invasive procedures.[0019]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The invention overcomes the above-noted and other deficiencies of the prior art by providing a detachable probe assembly that is physically located with respect to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) stereotopic guidance so that a biopsy site location is accurately and rapidly acquired and maintained. Being separately fixable to a localization mechanism used with a breast coil allows for use of core biopsy procedures in closed MRI machines without repeated insertions of the biopsy probe. Even if used with an open MRI machine, the detachable nature avoids having to hold in place for an extended period of time by hand a biopsy handle, which provides a cutter to the biopsy probe.[0020]
• In one aspect of the invention, the detachable biopsy probe includes a dual lumen elongated tubular needle. In addition to a cutter lumen that has a cutter or sample opening laterally placed near the distal end, a vacuum chamber lumen is in fluid communication with the sample opening to vacuum assist the taking of a biopsy sample. The probe assembly includes an engagement member that is readily spatially fixed. The engagement member provides access to the vacuum chamber lumen for fluid or gas transfer and provides access to the cutter lumen by the biopsy handle and by other diagnostic and therapeutic tools.[0021]
• In another aspect of the invention, a biopsy tool is provided with a detachable probe assembly with a needle having at least one lumen for taking biopsies. An engagement member at the proximal end of the needle allows attachment to a mounting device that positions the needle. The biopsy tool also includes a biopsy handle that readily engages and disengages to the detachable probe so that diagnostic scans can be performed even within the narrow confines of some scanning machines.[0022]
• In yet another aspect of the invention, a core biopsy system is disclosed with the biopsy tool mechanically powered remotely via a power cord from a control module. A localization mechanism is used in conjunction with a breast coil to position the detachable probe assembly and to guide the probe assembly when inserted into a patient's breast to be MRI imaged. Accurate positioning of the probe assembly is enhanced by alignment guides that may be referenced to stereotactic coordinates provided by the MRI scan, aiding in the accurate insertion of the probe the designated biopsy site.[0023]
• These and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.[0024]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• FIG. 1 is plan view of the biopsy instrument, mounting fixture, an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) breast coil fixture, and patient support table in working relationship outside the confines of an MRI machine.[0025]
• FIG. 2 is a plan view of the biopsy instrument, localization fixture, partially cut away MRI breast coil fixture, patient support table, and in working relationship and configured for insertion into a MRI machine.[0026]
• FIG. 3 is a plan view of the localization fixture, partially cut away MRI breast coil fixture, patient support table, and a detached probe assembly of the biopsy instrument mounted to the localization fixture, in working relationship and configured for insertion into the MRI machine.[0027]
• FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the biopsy instrument disassembled into a biopsy instrument handle, probe housing, and probe.[0028]
• FIG. 4A is a frontal isometric detail view of an alternative needle tip of a biopsy instrument.[0029]
• FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the biopsy instrument handle.[0030]
• FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the probe of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 4.[0031]
• FIG. 7 is a transverse cross section of the probe of the biopsy instrument of FIG. 4 along lines[0032]7-7.
• FIG. 8 is an enlarged isometric view of the interface between the handle and probe housing illustrating the visual confirmation elements that indicate the position of the distal end of the cutter.[0033]
• FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view in partial section of the distal portion of the handle and probe housing and assembly, illustrating the disconnect feature with the cutter retracted.[0034]
• FIG. 10 is a fragmentary plan view in partial section of the distal portion of the handle and probe housing and assembly, illustrating the tolerance take-out feature and the disabled disconnect feature when the cutter is advanced.[0035]
• FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the biopsy instrument with the handle portion disconnected from a tower/bracket localization fixture and probe assembly.[0036]
• FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the biopsy instrument mounted to the tower/bracket localization fixture of FIG. 11.[0037]
• FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of the tower/bracket localization version of the localization fixture and probe assembly of the biopsy instrument.[0038]
• FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the biopsy instrument in partial section to illustrate a tower/bracket support for stabilizing the handle and probe assembly of the biopsy instrument.[0039]
• FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the dual tower support version of the localization fixture positioning a detachable probe assembly with its dual lumens closed by a vacuum conduit and an obturator stylet.[0040]
• FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the biopsy instrument mounted to a dual tower localization fixture.[0041]
• FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the slide plate of a localization fixture guiding a scissors support in a lowered position for vertically orienting a biopsy instrument.[0042]
• FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the slide plate of a localization fixture guiding the scissors support in a raised position for vertically orienting a biopsy instrument.[0043]
• FIG. 19 is a sequence of clinical operations for using the detachable MRI-guided biopsy instrument of FIG. 1 in both open and closed MRI machines.[0044]
• FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a tip protector mounted onto a needle tip of the detachable probe assembly of FIG. 11.[0045]
• FIG. 21 is an isometric detail view of the trip protector of FIG. 20.[0046]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIG. 1 depicts a core[0047]biopsy instrument system10 that is vacuum assisted, detachable, and compatible with use in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, such as the depicted closedMRI machine12. In the illustrative embodiment, the corebiopsy instrument system10 includes an MRI-compatible biopsy tool14 that is selectably attached to a localization mechanism orfixture16 to accurately and rapidly perform core biopsies of breast tissue with a minimum of insertions of a biopsy probe. A control module (not shown) senses encoder position signal and switch signals from thebiopsy tool14 and provides mechanical and vacuum power to thebiopsy tool14 viapower cord18.
• With reference to FIGS.[0048]1-2, a patient20 is lying prone upon a patient support table22, depicted in FIG. 1 as removed from a magnet bore24 of theMRI machine12. The patient's chest rests upon atop surface26 of achest support28, thetop surface24 havingopenings30,32 for allowing the patient's breasts to hang downward for imaging and treatment. With particular reference to FIG. 2, theright opening30 is depicted with thelocalizer fixture16 laterally positioned to cooperate with a medial compression plate (not shown) to longitudinally fix and compress the patient's right breast. Antenna elements (not shown) are placed about theopening30 to detect radio frequency (RF) signals emanated by breast tissue induced by a strong magnetic field from the MRI bore24. Thechest support28 and antennas are generally termed abreast coil34.
• The[0049]biopsy tool14 includes abiopsy handle36 that is attachable to aprobe assembly38. Thelocalization fixture16 accurately positions theprobe assembly38 for stereotactic mammography biopsy procedures for a specific biopsy site location for adistal tip40 of theprobe assembly38. This location is identified by an X-axis coordinate that is horizontal and longitudinal with respect to the patient (depicted as right to left in FIGS.1-2). A Z-axis is defined as the vertical height, with the X and Z axis orthogonally defined on alateral compression plate42 of thelocalization fixture16, thelateral compression plate42 cooperating with the medial compression plate (not shown) to fix and compress the patient's breast. This location is also defined in terms of depth of insertion, or Y-axis, which is depicted as up and down in the FIGS.1-2. A probeassembly mounting device44 connects to aprobe housing46 of thebiopsy tool14.
• The mounting[0050]device44 includes alignment positioning guides (described in more detail below) to orient theprobe housing46, and hence theprobe assembly38, to the desired X-Y-Z coordinate. For instance, adepth slide48 allows mounting of theprobe assembly38 with thedistal tip40 extends outside of theopening30 andlateral compression plate42. Thereafter, theprobe assembly38 is guided along the Y-axis by thedepth slide48 while maintaining the selected X-Z-axes coordinates. In addition, the mountingdevice44 advantageously supports the biopsy handle36 when attached to theprobe assembly38 as depicted in FIG. 2 to maintain the angle of insertion of theprobe assembly38. Theprobe housing46 provides access to the interior of theprobe assembly38 via a vacuumlumen access conduit50 for draining fluids, inserting fluids such as anesthetics.
• FIG. 3 depicts the core[0051]biopsy instrument system10 with the biopsy handle36 removed and thedepth slide48 moved inward to allow insertion of the patient support table22 into the narrow confines of the MRI magnet bore24. Moreover, the surgeon may take full advantage of the stereotactic coordinates provided by theMRI machine12, even if using a closedmagnetic bore24. In particular, the stereotactic derived coordinates may be used even if not actively imaging theprobe assembly38 during insertion. Thelocalization fixture16 enables the surgeon to manually insert theprobe assembly38 with an indication of current depth. The surgeon is given tactile feedback while doing so and can thus ascertain to a significant degree the density and hardness of tissue being encountered. Alternately, a mechanism to provide mechanical advantage to the pedestal may enable a controlled and deliberate insertion of the probe into the tissue. In addition, a means to prevent the pedestal and probe assembly from moving proximally once inserted to the proper location within the tissue would aid in maintaining the proper position of the probe within the tissue. With theprobe assembly38 maintained in the correct location after insertion, theprobe assembly38 provides access for other diagnostic and therapeutic tools and fluid treatments.
• Alternatively or in addition, a Y-axis adjustment mechanism may be incorporated into the[0052]localization fixture16 to provide mechanical advantage, thereby achieving a controlled and deliberate insertion of theprobe assembly38. Moreover, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism may incorporate a frictional, ratcheting or locking feature to prevent inadvertent movement of theprobe assembly38 after placement at the desired biopsy location. Examples of such Y-axis adjustment include but are not limited to a thumb wheel in geared communication between the probeassembly mounting device150 and thelocalizer support frame126.
• FIG. 4 depicts the[0053]biopsy tool14 with the biopsy handle36 depicted as readily attached to theprobe housing46, which in turn is readily attached to theprobe assembly38. Theprobe assembly38 includes a malecylindrical mating portion52 presenting a central cutter opening54 on a proximal end that is aligned with the longitudinal length of acutter lumen56 of anelongated needle58. Thecutter lumen56 communicates with asample port60 laterally presented near aneedle tip62 at the distal end of theneedle58. Theneedle tip62 is for penetrating the soft tissue of a surgical patient. Theneedle tip60 is sharpened and is preferably made from an MRI compatible resin such as ULTEM or VECTRA. In the illustrative embodiment, theneedle tip60 is a three-sided pyramidal shaped point, although theneedle tip62 configuration may also have other shapes and/or inserts. For example, a sharpened blade inserted into the tip would reduce the probe insertion force into tissue. The blade could be made of titanium, stainless steel, nitinol, aluminum, Elgiloy, etc. In addition, as in the aforementioned application Ser. No. ______ , entitled “AN MRI COMPATIBLE BIOPSY DEVICE HAVING A TIP WHICH LEAVES AN ARTIFACT”, the illustrative embodiment advantageously includes a material that leaves a small, but not troublesome artifact on an MRI scan.
• FIG. 4A depicts a[0054]needle tip62′ having a conical shape with a distally presentedX-shaped slot63 for receiving a pointed, sharpenedblade65 that reduces the probe insertion force into tissue. Theblade65 could be made of titanium, stainless steel, nitinol, aluminum, Elgiloy, ceramic, etc. It will be appreciated that other shapes of sharpenedblade65 may be used, such as a single pointed surface in a distally presented single slot rather than two perpedicularly crossed, pointed surfaces as depicted.
• It will be appreciated that a cutter element or an obturator stylet is advanced inside the[0055]cutter lumen56 to block thesample port60 during insertion. Once theneedle58 is positioned, thesample port60 is exposed to allow tissue to enter. In particular, a vacuum may be presented to a “sample bowl” inside thecutter lumen56 near thesample port60 by applying vacuum power through avacuum chamber lumen64 that communicates along the longitudinal length of theneedle58 to the malecylindrical mating portion52. In particular, a series of small holes allow gas and fluid to enter thevacuum chamber lumen64 from thesample port60 but prevent tissue samples from entering.
• Annular rings[0056]66 about thecylindrical mating portion52 grip and seal to an interior of a femalecylindrical mating portion68 on theprobe housing46. Between annular rings, a proximal vacuum port (not shown in FIG. 4) communicates with a vacuum passage (not shown) in theprobe housing46. The engagement between themating portions52,68 advantageously allows rotation of theneedle58 with athumb wheel70 annularly presented near the proximal end of theneedle58. The radial opening presented by the annual rings66 maintains communication between the vacuum passage in theprobe housing46 and thevacuum chamber lumen64 regardless of radial orientation of theneedle58. Thereby, thesample port60 may be presented to tissue at any and all radial positions about the distal end of theneedle58. With the assistance of vacuum, a large volume of tissue may be selectably drawn into the sample bowl for biopsy sampling.
• The[0057]probe housing46 includes laterally presented attachment prongs72 for mounting to thelocalization fixture16. In addition, theprobe housing46 presents a proximally directedcuboidal engagement member74 with longitudinally aligned vertical andhorizontal grooves76 forflanges78 from thebiopsy handle36. Theprobe housing46 also receives hooked lockingtabs80,82 on the distal engaging end of the biopsy handle36 for selective locking and unlocking under the influence of a pair of opposing depression grips84,86 attached torespective tabs80,82. The biopsy handle36 includes asample window88 for extracting any tissue sample withdrawn from thecutter lumen52 under the influence of a vacuum passing through the cutter, as described in more detail below.
• FIG. 5 depicts a disassembled biopsy handle[0058]36 that contains the means for translating and rotating acutter90 within thecutter lumen56. It will be appreciated that two rotating mechanical power sources are presented to the proximal end of the biopsy handle36 through thepower cord18 to provide the independent translation and rotation motions. These two rotating mechanical power sources enter through acord opening92 defined between aremovable shell94 and abottom shell96, the two held together by screws. Alternately, one rotating mechanical power source could drive both translation and rotation elements. Via standard gearing means, the single power source could be appropriately connected to both of the drive elements. Theremovable shell94 is removed when assembling apower cord18 to thehandle36. Alower gear housing98 is supported upon thebottom shell96 and cooperates with atop shell100 to constrain movement of anelongate drive screw102, an elongateaxial screw104 andcutter carriage106. In particular, bothscrews102,104 are allowed to rotate, positioned parallel to one another and the longitudinal axis of thecutter lumen56. Eachscrew102,104 is driven by a respective power source from thepower cord18. Thedrive screw102 passes through thecarriage106 and interacts with corresponding ridges therein to impart a longitudinal translation corresponding to the direction and rate of rotation of thedrive screw102.
• In some applications, a single rotary power source may be used as an alternative to two independent rotating mechanical power sources. A transmission mechanism at the biopsy handle[0059]36 may convert the single rotary power source into the two motions, translation and rotation. As yet another alternative, the single rotary power source may directly supply both a translation and rotary motion. Such a translating and rotating power cable would be coupled to thecutter90 to directly control its movement.
• The[0060]cutter90 is an elongate tube with a sharpened distal end for cutting tissue presented within the distal end of thecutter lumen56. The proximal end of thecutter90 includes acutter gear108 that is exposed through agear window110 of thecarriage106 to mesh with theaxial screw104 for axial rotation of thecutter90. Atissue remover111 is a tube that is fixedly aligned with the longitudinal axis to enter the proximal end of thecutter90. Thetissue remover111 extends up to thesample window88 and has a vacuum selectably applied to it by the control module. Thus, when thecutter90 is retracted, vacuum from thetissue remover111 draws the sample to the distal end of thecutter90 for retraction to thesample window88, whereupon the sample encounter thetissue remover111 and is dislodged for exiting thebiopsy tool14.
• The[0061]carriage106 includes distally projectedguides112,114 that advantageously take-out slack between biopsy handle36 and theprobe housing46, as well as providing indicia to the surgeon as to the depth of translation of thecutter90. Taking out slack between the assembled parts of thehandle36 andhousing46 advantageously minimizes the deadzone length of the distal end of theneedle58. Thecutter90 should completely translate past thesample port60 in order to reliably cut a sample. To ensure a full cut, thecutter90 should translate the maximum distance expected for the assembly. If variation exists in manufacturing tolerances between the engagement components, then a further distance has to be included in thecutter lumen56 distal to thesample port60 to accommodate the over-travel. Thereby, theneedle tip62 must be advanced farther than desirable in some instances, preventing placement of thesample port60 near critical body tissues. At or near full travel, theguides112,114 contact theprobe housing46, causing movement of thehousing46 to its maximum, distal position. Thus, critical dimensioning to minimize tolerance build-up is simplified.
• FIG. 5 also depicts a[0062]brace116 andbrace arm118 that are employed in one version of thelocalization fixture16 to support the weight and maintain the alignment of thehandle36. Thereby, flexure of the assembly is avoided that may place a load on theprobe assembly38, and thus unwanted movement of theneedle58 from the desired biopsy site location.
• FIGS.[0063]6-7 depict theneedle58 of FIG. 4 and described more fully in the aforementioned application Ser. No. ______ , entitled “AN MRI COMPATIBLE SURGICAL BIOPSY DEVICE”. In particular,elongated needle58 is formed from aleft body member120 and aright body member121 on either side of the longitudinal axis. The edges of thehalves120 and121 are gated for easy part filling, and the edges are stepped with ridges that allow the twohalves120 and121 to attach together with ease. The twohalves120,121 are adhesively attached to one another. Acutter tube liner122 is inserted between the twohalves120,121 to provide a smooth surface for thecutter90, especially by preventing adhesive from entering thecutter lumen56 during assembly; as well as, aid in pneumatically sealing the cutter lumen from the vacuum lumen.
• FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the engagement of the[0064]handle36 to theprobe housing46, with theadvanced cutter90 evident through thewindow88. In addition, theguides112,114 are advanced almost into contact with theprobe housing46, indicating that the distal end of thecutter90 is approaching its furthest translation. Theguides112,114 contact theprobe housing90 when at or near this extreme to take-out any tolerance. Indicia on the side of theguides112,114 may be referenced by the surgeon to determine the position of the cutter. Also shown in more detail is hooked lockingtabs80,82 entering theprobe housing46, thethumb wheel70 used to rotate theneedle80, and the vacuumlumen access conduit50 used to evacuate or otherwise access thevacuum lumen64.
• FIGS.[0065]8-10 show that eachgrip84,86 includes a respective inwardly projectingmember124,125 that contact theguides112,114 when thecutter90 is distally advanced, thereby preventing removal of thehandle36. In FIG. 9, thecutter90 is retracted, allowed the depression of thegrips84,86, unlocking the hooked lockingtabs80,82 from theprobe housing46. In FIG. 10,cutter carriage106 is advanced, theguides112,114 are contacting theprobe housing46, thereby removing any longitudinal gap between the hooked lockingtabs80,86 and theprobe housing46.
• FIGS.[0066]11-14 depicts alocalization fixture16 that includes means for accurately positioning theprobe assembly38 and supporting thebiopsy handle36. In particular, alocalizer support frame126 is formed from thecompression plate42 in a hinged, orthogonal relation to ahorizontal slide plate128, both laterally attached to one another bygussets130,132.Rods134,136 horizontally pass through the compression plate to adjustably attach to the medial compression plate (not shown) for compressing the patient's breast. Apertures, depicted as parallel rows ofslots138, in thecompression plate42 are provided to obtain access to a desired biopsy site location while providing enough remaining structure in thecompression plate42 for adequate contact with the patient's breast. Alternately, the apertures may be a series of holes aligned both horizontally and vertically or simply one large opening. Alternatively, the apertures may be a series of holes aligned both vertically and vertically, parallel columns of slots, or a large opening of other shapes. As yet a further alternative, portions of thecompression plate42 may be permeable to allow an aperture to be formed as needed.
• The desired biopsy site location is stereotopically determined during an MRI scan with reference to a[0067]fiducial marker140 that presents a small artifact. Thefiducial marker140 is contained within afiducial marker holder142 that may be placed at a convenient location on thecompression plate42, accurately placed with reference to indents spaced along theslots138. Alternatively, the fiducial marker may be embedded or affixed to thecompression plate42.
• The[0068]localizer support frame126 defines and provides the guide for positioning theprobe assembly38. The X-Y-Z axes are defined with regard to theslots138 andcompression plate42. In particular, the vertical dimension, or Z-axis, and horizontal dimension, or X-axis, are defined by the surface of thecompression plate42. The depth dimension, or Y-axis, is defined as distance away from the plane of thecompression plate42. Thehorizontal slide plate128 includes laterally aligned front andback rails144,146 for setting the X-axis coordinate.Horizontal indicia148 along thefront rail144 give the surgeon an accurate measurement of the position of a probeassembly mounting device150.
• A first version of the mounting[0069]device150 is depicted that uses a singlevertical pedestal152 to position and support theprobe assembly38. In addition, the biopsy handle36 is supported by thebrace116 connected to the proximal underside of thehandle36 to ahandle support rod156 that is slid through arod hole158 to the corresponding side of thevertical pedestal152. The appropriate height for thebrace116 is determined by selecting one of a range of slots arrayed along the underside of the handle, thereby pivoting thebrace116 about thebrace arm118 whose first end slidably pivots within aslot162 in the middle of the brace154 and second end attaches to the distal end of thehandle36.
• With the[0070]handle36 detached from theprobe assembly38 as depicted in FIG. 11, anobturator stylet164 is slide into thecutter lumen56 to close thecutter port88. Thestylet164 may have radially oriented through holes near its distal end to maintain fluid communication between the tissue and the vacuum lumen. Alternately, thestylet164 may be partially withdrawn, allowing thecutter port88 to be in fluid communication with theconduit50.
• A[0071]slide166 includes a grooved underside to horizontally slide onrails144,146 of theslide plate128. Theslide166 also includes acentral channel168 oriented in the Y-axis depth dimension to guide thepedestal152 as it slides in the Y-axis direction. Sufficient range of motion in depth is achieved with apivoting depth slide170, aligned and pivotally attached to theslide166. With thepivoting depth slide170 in its lowest, horizontal position, thepedestal152 may be slid outward sufficiently for theprobe assembly38 to be out of thecompression plate42. With thepedestal152 distally slid onto theslide166, thepivoting depth slide170 may be pivoted upward or otherwise removed to allow the patient to be transferred into themagnet24.Depth indicia172 along thecentral channel168 give the surgeon an indication of the insertion depth of theprobe assembly38.
• A[0072]vertical slide174 slides on thepedestal152 for vertical positioning along the Z-axis, with a measurement provided byvertical indicia176 on thepedestal152.Holes178 on each lateral side of thevertical slide174 allow mounting of theprobe housing46 on either side by insertion of attachment probes72.
• FIGS.[0073]15-16 depict a second version of the mountingdevice150 that uses a secondvertical pedestal180 in lieu of a brace assembly to support thehandle36. Theprobe housing46 is also depicted as attached to the opposite side of the firstvertical pedestal152. A secondvertical slide181 of the secondvertical slide180 advantages contacts the firstvertical slide174, as shown in FIG. 16, so that setting the vertical height for both is accomplished in one step. Eachvertical slide174,181 moves in a ratchet fashion against its respectivevertical pedestal152,180, and thus remains in position after being separated from one another as shown in FIG. 15. Moreover, the close nesting of the twovertical pedestals174,180 enhances the ability to minimize the proximal displacement of thelocalization fixture16 when used within the close confines of a closed MRImagnetic bore24. It will be further appreciated that the secondvertical slide181 includes a shaped area that engages the underside of thehandle36 in such a way as to correctly align thehandle36 at the same X-axis horizontal dimension as theprobe assembly38.
• FIGS.[0074]17-18 depict a third version of the mountingdevice150 wherein theslide166 andpedestal152 are replaced with ascissors table assembly182 that includes afirst slide184 for horizontal movement on theslide plate128. Adepth slide186 is nested within atop channel188 of thefirst slide182. With particular reference to FIG. 18, a pair of scissors braces190 are extended when drawn together with ascrew192, thereby elevating thedepth slide186 with respect to thefirst slide184. It will be appreciated that the third version of the mountingdevice150 advantageously provides a level support for both thedetachable probe assembly38 as well as the biopsy handle36 without having to perform two vertical adjustments. This version also allows a single means to attach the probe to the pedestal, as well as not having to perform two separate attachments for each of thehandle36 andprobe assembly38.
• FIG. 19 depicts a sequence of operations, or[0075]method200, for performing an MRI-guided breast core biopsy that accurately and quickly performs a core biopsy even in a closed MRI. Moreover, the method takes full advantage of the stereotopic location information rendered from the MRI scan to position an MRI compatible core biopsy probe without the necessity of continuous imaging of the distal tip of the biopsy probe.
• Prior to performing a clinical breast biopsy, the equipment is initialized to ensure proper function. Thus, in[0076]block202, the probe that comprises a needle, thumb wheel and housing is assembled with the handle. The assembled biopsy tool is connected via a power cord to a control module and the system is powered up, initiating power up logic in the control module (block204). Parameters for rotation speed and translation distances are loaded. If the control module determines that the system has not been powered up recently, such as60 minutes, then initialization logic is performed. Thus, translational drivetrain initialization is performed (block206); rotational drivetrain initialization is performed (block208); and vacuum system initialization is performed (block210). If initialization is not required, then blocks206-210 are bypassed.
• Then, the patient's breast is immobilized in the localization mechanism (block[0077]212) and the patient is moved into the MRI magnet bore (block214). An MRI scan is performed to stereotopically locate suspicious tissue with reference to a movable fiduciary marker on the localization mechanism (block216). For a closed MRI magnet bore, the patient is then removed (block218), which is not necessary for an open bore. Anesthesia is administered prior to the minimally invasive vacuum assisted core biopsy procedure (block220). Using the X-Y-Z positioning capabilities of the localization mechanism, the positioning guides on the localization mechanism are positioned for insertion to the predetermined biopsy site (block222).
• Optionally, insertion may be enhanced by use of an insertion tool installed through the probe assembly[0078]38 (block224). For instance, an ultrasonic cutting tip, extender, and outer tube assembly may be inserted through theprobe assembly38 through a slot in theneedle tip62, or exiting from thesample port60 to be snapped onto theneedle tip62. This could be accomplished with a housing on the ultrasonic device that is configured to snap onto theneedle58, similarly to how a trocar obturator snaps onto the trocar cannula. Then, the ultrasonic tip is energized prior to insertion into the patient.
• The probe assembly is mounted on the localization mechanism (block[0079]226) at the designated X-Z coordinate and with the mounting device withdrawn along the depth axis. The cutter lumen is sealed with an obturator stylet (block228), if not otherwise sealed by a tool in block224. The vacuum lumen may be similarly sealed (e.g. stopcock attached to vacuum lumen access conduit50) or be used to aspirate fluid and tissue during insertion. Then the probe is advanced along the Y-axis, guided by the localization mechanism to avoid misalignment (block230). Once in place, if an insertion enhancement tool was installed in block224, then this tool is withdrawn through the cutter lumen of the probe assembly (block232).
• With the probe in place, various fluid transfers may advantageously take place through the probe assembly (block[0080]234). For example, vacuum may be applied through the vacuum lumen with the sample port exposed to drain any hematoma or air bubble formed at the biopsy site. Treatment fluids may be inserted directly to the biopsy site, such as anesthesia or MRI contrast agent. If the patient is to be scanned in a closed magnet bore, then the patient is moved back into the bore for scanning (block236). In addition, vacuum may optionally be applied to the biopsy site to draw in suspicious tissue into the bowl of the sample port for confirmation prior to cutting the sample (block238). Then, the MRI scan is performed to confirm placement of tissue in the bowl of the probe assembly, and adjustment of the probe assembly placement and re-scans are performed as required (block240).
• Sample mode is selected through the control module to perform the sequence of steps to translate and rotate the cutter according to predetermined settings, with vacuum assist to draw in the sample and to retract the sample along with the cutter to the sample window (block[0081]244). If more samples at this biopsy site are required for diagnostic or for treatment purposes (block246), then the thumb wheel is rotated to reorient the sample port to another angle (block248), and sample mode is performed again by returning to block244.
• After the core biopsy is performed, the probe assembly provides an excellent opportunity for other minimally invasive diagnostic procedures and treatments without the necessity for another insertion. If the biopsy handle is installed, such as in an open MRI magnet bore, the handle is removed so that the detachable probe assembly may be accessed (block[0082]250). Examples of tools that may be inserted through the probe assembly include: (1) gamma detectors; (2) energized tunneling tips to reduce tunneling forces; (3) inserts to aid in reconstruction of removed tissue (e.g., one or two sided shaver inserts); (4) spectroscopy imaging devices; (5) general tissue characterization sensors {e.g., (a) mammography; (b) ultrasound, sonography, contrast agents, power Doppler; (c) PET and FDG ([Flourine-18]-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-glucose); (d) MRI or NMR, breast coil; (e) mechanical impedance or elastic modulus; (f) electrical impedance; (g) optical spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, phase, polarization, wavelength/frequency, reflectance; (h) laser-induced fluorescence or auto-fluorescence; (i) radiation emission/detection, radioactive seed implantation; (j) flow cytometry; (k) genomics, PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-brca1, brca2; (l) proteomics, protein pathway}; (6) tissue marker sensing device; (7) inserts or devices for MRI enhancement; (8) biochips on-a-stick; (9) endoscope; (10) diagnostic pharmaceutical agents delivery devices; (11) therapeutic anti-cancer pharmaceutical agents delivery devices; (12) radiation therapy delivery devices, radiation seeds; (13) anti-seeding agents for therapeutic biopsies to block the release of growth factors and/or cytokines (e.g., chlorpheniramine (CPA) is a protein that has been found to reduce proliferation of seeded cancer sells by 75% in cell cultures.); (14) fluorescent tagged antibodies, and a couple fiber optics to stimulate fluorescence from a laser source and to detect fluorescence signals for detecting remaining cancer cells; (15) positive pressure source to supply fluid to the cavity to aid with ultrasound visualization or to inflate the cavity to under the shape or to reduce bleeding; (16) biological tagging delivery devices (e.g., (a) functional imaging of cellular proliferation, neovacularity, mitochondrial density, glucose metabolism; (b) immunohistochemistry of estrogen receptor, her2neu; (c) genomics, PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-brca1, brca2; (d) proteomics, protein pathway); and (17) marking clips.
• Then, a tissue marker is inserted through the probe assembly so that subsequent ultrasonic, X-ray, or MRI scans will identify the location of the previous biopsy (block[0083]252) and the probe is removed (block254).
• FIGS.[0084]20-21 depict atip protector260 that advantageously protects theneedle tip62 of theprobe assembly38 prior to insertion into tissue and simplifies localization of theprobe assembly38 in some instances. Furthermore, thetip protector260 does not interfere with pre-clinical setup procedures (e.g., testing for vacuum leaks). In particular, thetip protector260 includes anattachment member262 with clips onto theneedle58 without obstructing thesample port60. A distal portion of the tip protector completely encompasses theneedle tip62 with a protection member, depicted as ahemispheric disk264, that may be placed in contact with a patient's breast without discomfort. In addition, in some applications thehemispheric disk264 may be comprised of or include an MRI artifact producing material, such as those described above. Since thehemispheric disk264 is MRI scanned outside of the patient's breast, a stronger artifact may be presented to aid in quickly locating the artifact without obscuring the suspected lesion.
• With a novel fiducial marker integrated into the[0085]tip protector260, there is potentially one less step in the localization process for operators that prefer to position fiducial marker at the closest insertion point to a suspected lesion prior to insertion. Procedurally, with thetip protector260 in place, the operator would attach theprobe assembly38 onto thepedestal152 and move theprobe assembly38 up against the breast tissue in the vicinity of where they believe the suspicious tissue to be, based on an earlier diagnostic image. Next, when the distance from this fiducial marker to the lesion is calculated, the “delta” distances are based on where the probe is currently positioned. There is a fixed offset along the Y axis to account for the distance from the fiducial to the middle of the bowl. Theattachment member262 accurately locates thehemispheric disk264 so that this Y-axis offset is predictable. This would be more intuitive because the delta positions are from where the probe is currently located.
• While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, although the detachable probe assembly provided numerous benefits, it will be appreciated aspects of the present invention may be directed to a single piece biopsy tool. For example, access to the cutter lumen for diagnostic and therapeutic tools may be incorporated through the cutter or similar openings.[0086]
• For another example, although a[0087]localization mechanism16 is depicted that laterally compresses a downward hanging patient's breast, aspects of the present invention are applicable to other orientations of localization and imaging.
• As an additional example, although MRI is discussed herein as the imaging modality for stereotopically guiding the core biopsy, aspects of the present invention apply to other imaging modalities.[0088]
• As yet a further example, although a Cartesian X-Y-Z positioning approach is disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that a polar or spherical positioning approach may be implemented in whole or in part so that the detachable probe assembly enters at a predefined angle.[0089]
• As yet an additional example, although a prone breast compression device is depicted, application of the present invention may be used in medical compression devices oriented in other manners, to include standing, lying on one side, or supine. In addition, aspects of the present invention may be applicable to positioning a biopsy probe through a medial compression plate, or a top and bottom compression plate pair, instead of a lateral compression plate. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention are applicable to other diagnostic imaging modalities currently used or that become available in the future. In addition, aspects of the present invention would have application to diagnostic guided biopsy procedures on other portions of the body, as well as to positioning a probe for utilizing other diagnostic and treatment devices in a minimally invasive manner.[0090]
• As yet a further example, an elongate needle may be formed without a structural, longitudinal barrier between the vacuum chamber lumen and the cutter lumen. Instead, the advancing[0091]cutter90 may define a cutter lumen having a circular cross section within a noncircular cross section (e.g., oval) of the internal cavity of the elongate needle. Moreover, a noncircular liner may be used to prevent adhesive entering the undifferentiated internal cavity.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A biopsy device, comprising:

a detachable probe assembly comprising:

an elongated substantially tubular needle having a distal end for insertion within tissue, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a cutter opening laterally placed near the distal end, and

an engagement device coupled to the proximal end of the needle, the engagement device including a cutter access port aligned to the longitudinal axis of the needle; and

a cutter member comprising:

a locking device configured to selectably lock to the engagement device of the detachable insertion member, and

an actuating cutter for reciprocating advancement and withdrawal through the needle.

2. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, wherein the needle of the detachable probe assembly further includes a vacuum chamber lumen in fluid communication between the cutter opening and the proximal end.

3. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, wherein the detachable insertion member is compatible for use with a magnetic resonance imaging machine, including non-ferromagnetic materials.

4. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, wherein the detachable insertion member further comprises a vacuum port in fluid communication with the longitudinal axis for transferal of fluids.

5. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, further comprising:

an obturator stylet shaped to receive and seal at least the proximal end of the longitudinal axis of the needle when the cutter member is removed from the detachable insertion member.

6. The biopsy device ofclaim 5, wherein the needle of the detachable probe assembly further includes a vacuum chamber lumen in fluid communication between the cutter opening and the proximal end, and. wherein distal portion of the obturator stylet includes through holes to allow the cutter opening to be in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber lumen.

7. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, wherein the locking device of the cutter member is further configured to prevent unlocking when the actuating cutter is inserted into the needle.

8. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, wherein the cutter member further comprises a vacuum extraction system for selectably withdrawing a cut piece of tissue through the needle.

9. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, wherein the cutter member further includes an insertion indicator that provides a visual indication to an operator as to a depth of insertion of the cutter

10. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, further comprising a tolerance take-out device for eliminating longitudinal slack between the engagement device and the locking device, thereby minimizing a deadzone length at the distal end of the needle.

11. The biopsy device ofclaim 10, wherein the tolerance take out device comprises a translating member coupled to advance with the actuating cutter and dimensioned to impart distally directed motion to the engagement member.

12. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, further comprising

a tip protector including:

an attachment member selectably engageable onto the distal end of the tubular needle and having a recess exposing at least a portion of the cutter opening, and

a protection member coupled to the attachment member and shaped to encompass the distal end of the tubular needle.

13. The biopsy device ofclaim 1, further comprising

a tip protector including:

an attachment member selectably engageable onto the distal end of the tubular needle, and

a protection member coupled to the attachment member, shaped to encompass the distal end of the tubular needle, and including an image artifact producing material.

14. The biopsy device ofclaim 13, wherein the attachment member of the tip protector further includes a recess exposing at least a portion of the cutter opening of the tubular needle.

15. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided core biopsy system, comprising:

a core biopsy probe assembly;

an MRI breast coil including a localization fixture comprising:

a compression plate having apertures, and

a mounting device operably configured to connect to the probe assembly at a selected orientation to the compression plate and to guide the probe assembly in depth as inserted through a selected aperture;

a cutter device selectably attachable to the probe assembly to advance a cutter through the probe assembly to cut a tissue sample;

a control module operable to generate a translation motion and a rotation motion; and

a power cable connecting the translation motion and the rotation motion from the control module to the cutter of the cutter device.

16. The MRI-guided core biopsy system ofclaim 15, wherein the core biopsy probe assembly includes a cutter lumen for receiving the cutter device, a sample opening in the cutter lumen to allow a tissue sample to enter the cutter lumen, and includes vacuum lumen in fluid communication with the sample opening and a proximal end of the probe assembly, and wherein the control module is further operable to produce a vacuum through the vacuum lumen.

17. A core biopsy probe comprising:

an elongated substantially tubular needle having a distal end for insertion within tissue, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the needle separated along the longitudinal axis into a cutter lumen and a vacuum lumen, a cutter opening laterally placed near the distal end of the cutter lumen and in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen; and

an engagement device coupled to the proximal end of the needle, the engagement device including a cutter access port aligned to the longitudinal axis of the needle; and a vacuum port in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen, the engagement device further including a attachment member transversely disposed to the longitudinal axis and configured to attach to a mounting device for maintaining a position of the probe with respect to a biopsy site location.

18. The core biopsy probe ofclaim 17, further comprising

a tip protector including:

an attachment member selectably engageable onto the distal end of the tubular needle and having a recess exposing at least a portion of the cutter opening, and

a protection member coupled to the attachment member and shaped to encompass the distal end of the tubular needle, and including an image artifact producing material.

19. The core biopsy probe ofclaim 17, wherein the distal end of the tubular needle includes a needle tip having a distally projecting cutting blade.

20. the core biopsy probe ofclaim 19, wherein the distally projecting cutting blade comprises an X-shaped pointed cutting blade.

Images