FORWARD-FIRED AUTOMATIC TISSUE SAMPLING APPARATUS WITH SAFETY LOCK

摘要

An apparatus for the automated and facilitated handling and operation ofa biopsy needle system, having a first needle component and a second needlecomponent. The first and second needles are provided with first and secondhandles, respectively, which are fitted into first and second yokes of theapparatus. The apparatus is configured to maintain the first and secondneedlesin a first position, during insertion of the biopsy needle point into thetissue beingsampled. The apparatus is further configured to forwardly move the first andsecond needles into subsequent positions, respectively, in rapid, automatedsuccession so as to segment and enclose a tissue sample, which may be testedafter removal of the biopsy needle system from the tissue. A tissue sampleinspection feature permits facilitated repositioning and maintenance of thefirstneedle relative to the second needle after retrieval of the tissue sample to,inturn, enable inspection of the retrieved tissue sample without removal ofeitherneedle from the apparatus. The apparatus is further configured so as to beactuatable from positions adjacent the front or the rear of the apparatushousing. A safety lock feature is provided, which prevents inadvertent cockingmotions, when the apparatus is actuated by either its rear or forward firingbuttons.