Biopsy device and method of performing a biopsy

A biopsy device comprising:

• an outer cannula comprising:
• a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one wall defining a passageway through the body, the distal end being open and having a sharpened edge;
• and
• a first electrode and a second electrode proximal the distal end of the body;
• an inner needle housed within the passageway defined by the outer cannula, the inner needle comprising a piercing tip that extends out of the distal end of the outer cannula in an extended configuration, the inner needle being retractable from the extended configuration in the passageway at a target site to expose the sharpened edge of the outer cannula to the target site such that the sharpened edge is configured to cut a tissue core and the passageway is configured to receive the tissue core drawn into the passageway via the distal end;
• and
• a vacuum assembly having a sample basket fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the outer cannula;
• wherein an electrical pathway is configured to be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to sever the tissue core at the target site.

A method of performing a biopsy comprising:

• creating an incision with a retractable inner needle of a biopsy device in a target site, the biopsy device further comprising an outer cannula including a body having a proximal end, a sharpened distal end, and at least one wall defining a passageway disposed about the retractable inner needle;
• retracting the retractable inner needle within the passageway of the outer cannula such that the sharpened distal end of the outer cannula is exposed;
• advancing the sharpened distal end of the outer cannula in a longitudinal direction into the target site such that the sharpened distal end cuts a tissue core and the passageway of the outer cannula receives the tissue core;
• activating a first electrode and a second electrode embedded within an outer surface of the sharpened distal end of the outer cannula such that an electrical pathway is created between the first electrode and the second electrode;
• and
• severing the tissue core at the target site using the electrical pathway between the first electrode and the second electrode.