Total core biopsy device and method of use

A method for taking a total core biopsy comprising:

• providing a total core biopsy device comprising:
• an outer cannula having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a movable cutting edge configured for cutting a first portion of a biopsy sample;
• an inner cannula having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion configured for accepting a core biopsy sample, wherein the distal portion of the inner cannula comprises an angled distal end having a beveled cutting edge configured for cutting a circumferential second portion of the biopsy sample upon axial movement of the inner cannula, wherein the inner cannula is partially disposed within the lumen of the outer cannula, and wherein the inner cannula is configured for axial movement out from the cutting edge of the outer cannula;
• a stylet having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is closed and comprises a constant cross-section, the stylet being configured for at least partial disposition within the lumen of the inner cannula, and further being configured for axial movement within the lumen of the inner cannula for ejection of the biopsy sample from the inner cannula;
• wherein the cutting edge of the outer cannula is biased to close the lumen of the outer cannula, and is further configured to open the lumen of the outer cannula when a force is applied by the inner cannula to an inside surface of the cutting edge of the outer cannula;
• wherein the cutting edge of the outer cannula further comprises a unitary foldable flap movable between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, the lumen of the outer cannula being closed when the flap is in the folded configuration, and the lumen of the outer cannula being open when the flap is in the unfolded configuration;
• configuring the total core biopsy device wherein the cutting edge of the inner cannula is disposed within the lumen of the outer cannula and wherein the flap of the cutting edge of the outer cannula is in the folded configuration and the lumen of the outer cannula is closed;
• positioning the total core biopsy device over a biopsy site;
• directing the inner cannula in a distal direction so as to engage and move the flap of the cutting edge of the outer cannula to the unfolded configuration and open the lumen of the outer cannula, and further directing the inner cannula in the distal direction so as to cut and gather a portion of a biopsy sample within the lumen of the inner cannula;
• directing the outer cannula in the distal direction over the inner cannula wherein the flap of the cutting edge of the outer cannula severs the biopsy sample and closes the lumen of the outer cannula;
• and
• directing the stylet in a distal direction to eject the biopsy sample from the lumen of the inner cannula.