MRI biopsy apparatus incorporating an imageable penetrating portion

An apparatus for use with a minimally invasive medical procedure into human breast tissue, the apparatus comprising:

• a. a cannula formed of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible material comprising a lateral opening proximate to a distal end and a longitudinal lumen sized to receive a core biopsy cutting member;
• b. an obturator comprising a shaft formed of an MRI compatible material and sized for insertion into the cannula in lieu of the core biopsy cutting member, wherein the obturator comprises an MRI imageable lumen extending longitudinally within the obturator and operably configured to receive an MRI visible fluid, wherein the MRI imageable lumen comprises:
• i. a first portion positionable proximal to the lateral opening of the cannula,
• ii. a second portion positionable distal to the lateral opening of the cannula, and
• iii. an MRI visible insert positionable to align with the lateral opening of the cannula, wherein the MRI visible insert comprises an internal passageway connecting the first portion to the second portion, such that the internal passageway is configured to enable the MRI visible fluid to flow from the first portion of the MRI imageable lumen to the second portion of the MRI imageable lumen, wherein the MRI visible insert has a different brightness when imaged under MRI than the first and second portions that are filled with the MRI visible fluid.