Biopsy device tissue sample holder rotation control

A tissue sample holding system for collecting tissue samples obtained using a biopsy device, wherein the biopsy device has a cutter defining a cutter lumen, wherein the tissue sample holding system comprises:

• (a) a rotatable tissue sample holder, wherein the tissue sample holder is rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the rotatable tissue sample holder has a first end and a second end, wherein the axis of rotation extends from the first end to the second end, wherein the tissue sample holder comprises
• (i) a plurality of discrete tissue sample chambers, wherein each of the tissue sample chambers is configured to receive at least one tissue sample, and
• (ii) a rotatable manifold in fluid communication with the cutter lumen, wherein the rotatable manifold is configured to engage a rotation member, wherein the rotatable manifold defines a plurality of passages, wherein at least part of the passages extend along respective axes that are parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein the plurality of passages are configured to redirect fluid flow from a first port at the first end to a second port at the first end;
• and
• (b) a tissue sample holder position sensing system operable to sense the rotational position of the rotatable tissue sample holder, wherein the tissue sample holder position sensing system comprises:
• (i) an encoder wheel configured to rotate concomitantly with the rotatable tissue sample holder, and
• (ii) a sensor configured to sense the rotational position of the encoder wheel.

A tissue sample holding system for collecting tissue samples obtained using a biopsy device, wherein the biopsy device has a cutter defining a cutter lumen, wherein the tissue sample holding system comprises:

• (a) a means for collecting tissue samples obtained using the biopsy device, wherein the means for collecting tissue samples defines an axis of rotation, wherein the means for collecting tissue samples comprises
• (i) a plurality of discrete tissue sample chambers, wherein the tissue sample chambers are circumferentially arrayed at a plurality of angular positions at a first radial distance from the axis of rotation,
• (ii) a manifold in fluid communication with the cutter lumen, wherein the manifold comprises a plurality of passages associated with the plurality of tissue sample chambers, wherein the manifold comprises a plurality of vacuum port openings in fluid communication with the plurality of passages, wherein the vacuum port openings are circumferentially arrayed at a plurality of angular positions at a second radial distance from the axis of rotation, and
• (iii) a rotatable member in communication with the manifold;
• (b) a means for rotating the rotatable member about the axis of rotation;
• (c) a means for sensing the rotational position of the rotatable member;
• and
• (d) a means for controlling the means for rotating the rotatable member, based on the sensed rotational position of the rotatable member, to index the tissue sample chambers relative to the cutter lumen.