Biopsy device with variable side aperture

A biopsy system comprising:

• (a) a probe comprising:
• (i) a needle configured for insertion into a tissue mass, wherein the needle comprises a distal tip and a lateral aperture, wherein the lateral aperture is disposed proximally of the distal tip, wherein the lateral aperture includes a distal end and a proximal end,
• (ii) a cutter movable with respect to the needle, and
• (iii) a cutter drive assembly associated with the cutter, wherein the cutter drive assembly is configured to translate the cutter relative to the needle;
• and
• (b) a control unit in communication with the probe, wherein the control unit is configured to selectively drive the cutter drive assembly, wherein the control unit is configured to drive the cutter drive assembly such that the cutter is translated to a position between the distal end and the proximal end of the lateral aperture thereby providing a partially blocked lateral aperture.

A biopsy device, comprising:

• (a) a piercing tube having a side aperture oriented proximally relative to a distal end of the piercing tube, wherein the side aperture defines a bowl portion within the piercing tube for receiving prolapsed tissue through the side aperture, wherein the piercing tube has an exterior and a closed distal end, wherein the piercing tube defines a longitudinal axis;
• (b) a cutter positioned within the piercing tube, wherein the cutter tube is longitudinally translatable within the piercing tube;
• (c) a cutter drive assembly operatively configured to distally translate the cutter tube across the side aperture and to sever prolapsed tissue;
• and
• (d) a control module, wherein the control module is in communication with the cutter drive to translate the cutter between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein the proximal position of the cutter corresponds to the cutter being positioned to block at least a portion of the side aperture.

An apparatus for obtaining a tissue sample, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a probe, the probe comprising:
• (i) a needle, wherein the needle includes a lateral aperture disposed proximally of a distal tip of the needle,
• (ii) a cutter, and
• (iii) a cutter drive mechanism, wherein the cutter drive mechanism is configured to translate the cutter between a proximal position and a distal position;
• and
• (b) a holster detachably coupled to the probe, wherein the holster comprises a motor in communication with the cutter drive mechanism of the probe;
• and
• (c) a control unit in communication with the motor of the holster, wherein the control unit includes a reduced aperture mode, wherein the control unit is operable set the proximal position of the cutter such that at least a portion of the lateral aperture is blocked by the cutter when the control unit is in the reduced aperture mode.