An improved biopsy needle having an outer cannula, an inner tube, and a stylet. A snare in the form of a coil is provided between the distal ends of the outer cannula and the inner tube. The coil is coupled to a sleeve affixed to the inner surface of the outer cannula using axially directed coupling elements. Upon rotation of the inner tube with respect to the outer cannula, the coil will decrease in diameter to either sever or hold the biopsy piece within the outer needle. After removal of the needle from the patient, rotating the inner tube in the opposite direction will cause the coil to expand to its original diameter and allow the biopsy piece to be removed from the needle.
