Biopsy marker assembly and method of use

Abstract

A biopsy-marking assembly for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site in a patient and marking the biopsy site is provided. The biopsy marking assembly includes a biopsy device and a marking element for marking the biopsy site. In preferred embodiments, the marking assembly is configured so that the marking element is deposited at the biopsy site before the tissue sample is taken. In some embodiments, the marker element is a V-shaped rod including two legs and a joint between the two legs. In some embodiments, the biopsy device includes an outer hollow needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidingly engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a cavity for carrying the marker element for delivery to the biopsy site and for receiving a tissue sample. Methods are also provided for obtaining a biopsy sample and marking the biopsy site. The methods include loading a marker element into a biopsy device to obtain a biopsy-marker assembly, inserting the biopsy-marker assembly into a patient, depositing the marker element in the biopsy site and then obtaining a biopsy sample. In a preferred embodiment, the methods include rotating the biopsy device after depositing the marker element and before obtaining the biopsy sample.