Importance

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Abstract

A biopsy needle for removal of tissue from human or animal bodies incorporates a tubular elongated body (1) and a plunger (7) arranged both slidably and rotatably within the body. The plunger is pointed at one end and has a tissue-removing edge directed backwardly from the pointed end and formed on a flap (9) supported by the body (1) and movable between a retracted position in which the tissue-removing edge lies within the lateral confines of the body (1) and an extended position in which the tissue-removing edge lies beyond the lateral confines of the body (1). The wall of the body (1) is formed with an aperture (2) with which the flap may be brought into register by movement of the plunger (7). A pin and slot arrangement serves to selectively engage the plunger (7) and body (1) together while permitting limited rotational and translational movement of the plunger in prescribed directions with respect to the body, the improvement comprising a mechanical spring interposed between the plunger and body for applying a biasing force to the engaging means, thereby to maintain the plunger and body in their relative positions. The needle is used by inserting it into the tissue, extending the flap to entrain a portion of tissue, retracting the flap and withdrawing the plunger from the body, bringing with it the portion of tissue.

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First Claim