US Patent 7846109 Biopsy device with sliding cutter cover

A biopsy device comprises a targeting set, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set comprises a needle assembly having a tissue piercing tip and tissue receiving aperture. The probe assembly comprises a tissue cutter, a body, cutter driving mechanism components, and a sliding cutter cover. The cutter extends from a distal portion of the probe assembly. The sliding cutter cover extends from the distal portion of the probe assembly when the probe assembly is detached from the needle assembly of the targeting set assembly. This extension of the sliding cutter cover shields a user of the biopsy device from the sharp cutter. The sliding cutter cover further retracts into the probe assembly when the probe assembly is coupled with the needle assembly of the targeting set assembly. The cover may be resiliently biased to extend distally from the probe assembly.