Systems and methods for removing body tissue

摘要

Devices and methods for removing body tissue involving the use of a brush member ( 12 ) having a plurality of bristle members defining a capacity for carrying body tissue. The brush member ( 12 ) is capable of being manipulated within said body to thereby receive body tissue within said brush member ( 12 ) such that said body tissue may be carried and thereafter removed from said body. Also provided are protective devices ( 90 ) dimensioned to be positioned near an entrance into the target site, the protective devices ( 90 ) for establishing a barrier between the brush member ( 12 ) and at least a portion of the body tissue adjacent to the entrance. The protective devices ( 16 ) may comprise one of a cannula assembly ( 14 ) and a retractor assembly.