Biopsy Device with Variable Side Aperture

A biopsy device, comprising:

• (a) a outer tube having a closed distal end, the outer tube defining a side aperture proximal to the closed distal end, wherein the outer tube provides an exterior, wherein the outer tube defines a longitudinal axis;
• (b) a hollow cutter longitudinally movable within the outer tube to sever tissue prolapsed through the side aperture;
• and
• (c) a blocking member, wherein the blocking member terminates at a distal edge, at a proximal edge, and at a pair of lateral edges extending longitudinally from the distal edge to the proximal edge, wherein the configuration and relative positioning of the distal edge, proximal edge, and lateral edges of the blocking member are configured to permit the blocking member to be snappingly coupled to the exterior of the outer tube by pushing the blocking member onto the outer tube along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the distal edge and the lateral edges of the blocking member define an elongate portion of the blocking member, wherein the blocking member further comprises a flange extending outwardly from a proximal portion of the elongate portion.

A method of operating a biopsy device, wherein the biopsy device comprises an outer tube having a closed distal end and a side aperture proximal to the closed distal end, wherein the side aperture is defined in part by a distal edge and a proximal edge, the biopsy device further comprising a cutter translatable within the outer tube, wherein the cutter has a sharp distal edge, the method comprising:

• (a) inserting the outer tube into tissue, wherein the cutter is at a first longitudinal position during the act of inserting the outer tube into tissue, wherein the distal edge of the cutter is positioned distally relative to the distal edge of the side aperture when the cutter is at the first longitudinal position;
• (b) retracting the cutter proximally from the first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to allow tissue to protrude through the side aperture, wherein the distal edge of the cutter is positioned distally relative to the proximal edge of the side aperture and proximally relative to the distal edge of the side aperture when the cutter is at the second longitudinal position;
• and
• (c) reversing translation direction of the cutter when the cutter has reached the second longitudinal position, wherein the act of reversing translation direction of the cutter comprises advancing the cutter distally from the second longitudinal position to sever tissue protruding through the side aperture.