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Abstract

A novel automated handle assembly has an opening that allows for insertion of a needle set. The needle set is an integral unit and consists of an outer hollow cannula and an inner pointed tip stylet. The stylet and the cannula are capable of being urged forward separately into the biopsy area in a defined motion in relation to each other. The handle assembly includes a housing, a cannula extension and a stylet extension. In operation, the stylet and the cannula are inserted into the housing. The extensions are slidable and moved rearward separately until the stylet and the cannula are in a spring loaded position wherein first locking members have engaged second locking members on both the stylet and the cannula. The stylet and the cannula are inserted into a patient near the biopsy area. The stylet is then urged into the biopsy area. The stylet extension is pushed forward by a user's thumb and the stylet is fired so that the tissue is pierced. The cannula extension is triggered by the firing of the stylet and automatically urged forward so that the tissue is severed and captured in the notch of the stylet. After disengaging the biopsy area, the stylet is pressed forward using the extension of the stylet so that the tissue sample is exposed and may be removed. The stylet and cannula are then pulled back into the starting position so that multiple samples may be taken. The automated handle assembly may be made of plastic or metal.

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First Claim