MRI biopsy device

A method useful in imaging breast tissue, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a sleeve having an internal lumen, an open distal end, and a tissue sample notch spaced proximally from the open distal end;
• providing an obturator, the obturator removably insertable within the internal lumen of the sleeve to have a distal portion of the obturator extend from the open distal end of the sleeve;
• inserting the obturator into the sleeve;
• inserting the sleeve and obturator into tissue to be sampled, with the obturator positioned in the sleeve to close the sample notch in the sleeve;
• and
• at least partially opening the sample notch by rotating the obturator relative to the sleeve.

A medical device for use in imaging breast tissue;

• the apparatus comprising:
• a sleeve having an internal lumen sized to receive a biopsy device, an open distal end;
• and a sample notch disposed proximally of the open distal end;
• an obturator having a bladed distal end, the obturator removably insertable within the sleeve, wherein the obturator is movable within the sleeve from a first configuration to a second configuration;
• wherein in the first configuration the bladed distal end extends from the open distal end of the sleeve and the obturator substantially closes the sample notch in the sleeve;
• and
• wherein in the second configuration the bladed distal end extends from the open distal end of the sleeve and a portion of the obturator is positioned to substantially open the sample notch in the sleeve.