Biopsy Device with Sliding Cutter Cover

A biopsy device with a detachable needle, wherein the biopsy device comprises:

• (a) a needle, wherein the needle comprises a probe body engagement member, wherein the needle defines a lumen;
• (b) a probe body comprising a distal portion and proximal portion, wherein the probe body comprises a needle engagement mechanism, wherein the needle engagement mechanism is operable to selectively engage the probe body engagement member of the needle to selectively secure the probe body relative to the needle;
• (c) a cutter extending distally from the probe body, wherein the cutter is configured to be received in the lumen defined by the needle, wherein the cutter is operable to translate longitudinally relative to the probe body;
• and
• (d) a cover, wherein the cover is movable from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the cover shields the cutter when the cover is in the extended position, wherein the cover is moved to the retracted position when the probe body is coupled with the needle.

A method of protecting a user from an exposed cutter of a biopsy device, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a detachable needle having a tissue piercing tip and an axial lumen;
• (b) providing a biopsy probe, wherein the biopsy probe comprises:
• (i) a body comprising a distal portion and proximal portion;
• (ii) a cutter extending distally from the body, wherein the cutter is operable to translate longitudinally relative to the body;
• and
• (iii) a cover comprising a distal portion and proximal portion, wherein the cover extends distally from the body to shield the cutter, wherein the cover is operable to translate relative to the body;
• and
• (c) coupling the biopsy probe with the detachable needle, wherein the act of coupling comprises:
• (i) aligning the cutter with the axial lumen of the detachable needle;
• and
• (ii) coupling the distal portion of the body with the detachable needle, wherein the cover is simultaneously retracted relative to the body in response to the act of coupling the distal portion of the body with the detachable needle.