Abstract Biopsy needle means particularly adapted for the withdrawal of tissue through a cannula forced through or along an unnatural route into the interior of a live body or organ such as thyroid, spleen, or a tumor mass, the means comprising, in combination, a biopsy needle including a generally hollow axially flexible elongated needle having a generally uniform cylindrical configuration with an internal core of substantially constant internal diameter extending throughout the major portion of the axial length of the needle, said needle having a tapered distal tip with a cutting surface formed along the edges of the tip, the needle having substantial axial flexure, stylet means having an external configuration generally matching the configuration of said core and arranged to be received within the core of said hollow needle, the stylet means comprising a rigid shaft having a closed sharp tip arranged to extend distally from the tapered distal tip when the stylet is received within the core of the hollow needle. In addition, the biopsy needle means is provided with a sheath which has substantial axial flexure for accommodating relative motion of various organs within the body, and reducing or eliminating the occurrences of bleeding complications.
The biopsy needle means as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that sheath means are provided, coupled to said needle and disposed about the outer surface of said needle, said sheath means having a central bore therein for receiving, in coaxial disposition therewithin, said biopsy needle and stylet means, said sheath being formed from axially flexible material with flexural characteristics substantially matching the flexural characteristics of said needle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
28 words
The biopsy needle means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that guard means are provided for releasably locking engagement with the surface of said sheath.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The biopsy needle means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that the bore of said sheath is adapted to receive microcauter means, and microcauter means are received within said sheath, said microcauter means including a cauterizing tip which extends axially outwardly beyond the distal end of said sheath.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The biopsy needle means as defined in claim 2 being particularly characterized in that the bore of said sheath is adapted to receive cryoprobe means, and cryoprobe means are received within said sheath, said cryoprobe means including a freezing tip which extends axially outwardly beyond the distal end of said sheath.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The biopsy needle means as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that guard means are provided for lockingly engaging the surface of said needle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The biopsy needle means as defined in claIm 1 being particularly characterized in that the proximal end of said needle is provided with means adapted for releasably locking engagement with a powered source of rotational energy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The biopsy needle device as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said needle is fabricated from stainless steel filaments woven together to form a tubular needle structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The biopsy needle device as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said needle is fabricated from molded silicone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The biopsy needle device as defined in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that said needle is fabricated from molded polytetrafluoroethylene.