Telescoping needle assembly with side cutting needle

An endobronchial ultrasound needle (EBUS) assembly, comprising:

• a housing with at least first and second segments coupled telescopically;
• at least one hollow needle supported by the housing, the needle including:
• a main body extending between a proximal end and a distal end;
• a cutting tip located at the distal end;
• a central longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends;
• a first cutting aperture disposed through the main body;
• a second cutting aperture disposed through the main body;
• the first and second cutting apertures longitudinally spaced in a proximal direction from the distal end of the main body, such that there is a continuous portion of the main body between the first and second cutting apertures and the distal end of the main body;
• wherein telescopically adjusting the first and second segments alters a length of protrusion of the needle distally beyond the housing;
• and
• at least one motor in the housing, wherein the at least one motor is operably coupled to the needle to cause the needle to rotate.