Biopsy instrument, kit of parts and method

A biopsy instrument, comprising:

• a base member disposed within a tubular housing and extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central axis;
• wherein the proximal end and the distal end of the base member are configured to translate along the central axis and rotate about the central axis;
• wherein at least a portion of the distal end is an elongated hollow tube having a distally facing circular cutting edge defining a mouth, the mouth for engaging a tissue from which a biopsy is to be obtained;
• wherein, when the elongated hollow tube is rotated and advanced out of a distal end of the tubular housing, and then retracted back into the tubular housing, a core of tissue is detached.

A method of acquiring a biopsy, comprising:

• providing an elongated hollow tube having a distally facing circular cutting edge defining a mouth, the mouth for engaging a tissue from which a biopsy is to be obtained;
• rotating and translating the elongated hollow tube into the tissue;
• wherein the rotation is at least 13,000 rpm;
• and
• retracting the elongated hollow tube while continuing to rotate the elongated hollow tube, wherein a core of tissue is detached.