Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device with linear drive

A single-insertion, biopsy device, comprising:

• a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, an extraction position at the distal end and a recovery opening at the proximal end;
• first and second elongate elements having distal ends;
• the first and second elongate element distal ends being movable between the extraction position of the cannula and the recovery opening of the cannula;
• the first and second elongate elements configured for movement with respect to each other to define an open extraction configuration and a closed configuration, and in the closed configuration, the first and second elongate element distal ends being mutually opposite to surround a volume;
• and
• a drive unit coupled to the first and second elongate elements to configure the first and second elongate elements between the open configuration and the closed configuration and configured to move the first and second elongate element distal ends from the extraction position to the recovery opening.

A method of operating a biopsy device, comprising:

• positioning a stylet, held within a cutting cannula, at a sample receiving position;
• operating the cutting cannula to cut a tissue sample from adjacent tissue, and receiving the tissue sample in the stylet;
• extending a cover member over the tissue sample and between the stylet and the cutting cannula;
• and
• moving the stylet relative to the cutting cannula from the sample receiving position to a sample recovery position, while the cutting cannula is stationary.