Importance

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Abstract

A novel handle assembly has an opening that allows for the 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, and a slidable extension. In operation, the stylet and the cannula are inserted into the housing. The extension is moved rearward until the cannula is in a spring loaded position and a first locking member has engaged a second locking member. An adjustable wheel on the extension is turned to set the stylet to a predetermined distance for insertion into the biopsy area. The stylet and the cannula are inserted into a patient near the biopsy area. The stylet is then urged into the biopsy area to the predetermined depth. The slidable extension is pushed forward by a user's thumb and the cannula is fired 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 so that the tissue sample is exposed and may be removed. The stylet is then pulled back into the starting position so that multiple samples may be taken.

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First Claim