Methods and devices for removing tissue from a patient

A device for removing tissue from a patient, comprising:

• a body;
• a tubular element coupled to the body and having an open end at a distal end, the tubular element defining a longitudinal axis, the tubular element being longitudinally movable relative to the body to an extended position, the tubular element being driven into tissue to receive tissue through the open end when moving to the extended position;
• a tissue chamber coupled to the body;
• a transport element coupled to the body and being longitudinally movable relative to the tubular element, the transport element contacting the tissue which has entered the tubular element through the open end of the tubular element;
• and
• a cutting element movable between a stored position and a cutting position, the cutting element moving toward the longitudinal axis when moving from the stored position to the cutting position.

A method of removing tissue from a patient, comprising the steps of:

• providing a tissue removing device including a tubular element having an open end, the tubular element having a longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction, the tissue removing device also having a cutting element movable within the tubular element;
• introducing the tubular element into a patient;
• advancing the tubular element in a longitudinal direction so that tissue enters the open end;
• moving the cutting element to form a cut which separates the tissue which entered the open end to form a first tissue mass;
• transporting the first tissue mass away from the open end using the cutting element.