CORE BIOPSY NEEDLE UNITS FOR USE WITH AUTOMATED BIOPSY GUNS

摘要

2125970 9312707 PCTABS00024 Core biopsy needle units used with automated biopsy guns are disclosed. The needle units comprise an elongate solid needle (10) having a notch (14) formed adjacent to the end of the needle (10). A hub (18) is securely attached to the other end of the needle (10). An elongate cannula (14) is received over the notched end of the needle (10) such that the needle (10) slides longitudinally through the cannula (14). A second hub (20) is securily attached to the first end of the cannula (14), and engagement means are formed in the hub (18) on the needle (10). The hub (18) on the needle and the second hub (20) on the cannula (14) are adapted to be received in respective receiver cavities of an automated biopsy gun, with the engagement means in the hub (18) on the needle (10) making firm, releasable, interlocking engagement with corresponding engagement means associated with the receiver cavity in which the hub (18) on the needle (10) is received. In addition, a mechanism is provided for releasably interlocking the needle (10) and cannula (14) at a proper position and orientation for insertion into the receiver cavities of an automated biopsy gun. The mechanism is released once the needle unit is properly received in the biopsy gun to allow telescopic movement of the needle (10) within the cannula (14).