Apparatus for automated biopsy and collection of soft tissue

摘要

A biopsy instrument is provided comprising a hollow tubular member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion, a distal portion, a tissue receiving port positioned laterally a selected distance from the distal portion, and a tissue discharge port positioned a selected distance from the proximal portion. The biopsy instrument further comprises a tissue sample cassette having a plurality of tissue sample compartments, wherein each tissue sample compartments has a tissue receiving port, the tissue sample cassette having a plurality of positions with respect to the hollow tubular member tissue discharge port such that each of the tissue sample compartment receiving ports may be sequentially aligned with the hollow tubular member discharge port.