Method of manufacturing a needle assembly for use with a biopsy device

• Main Authors: BECKMANN, ANDREW T, REICHEL, LEE, LUDZACK, MICHAEL, KASCAK, NOREEN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 12.03.2008
• Subjects: DIAGNOSIS; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; IDENTIFICATION; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; SURGERY

An improved process for manufacturing a biopsy needle assembly is provided. The process may comprise the steps of forming an aperture (42) for receiving tissue to be sampled in an exterior surface (60) of an elongated tube (40) for receiving a cutter, wherein the elongated tube comprises a proximal portion (56) and a distal portion (58); forming a hole (70) in the exterior surface of the elongated tube; and applying a coating of material over the elongated tube to form a lumen (52) for receiving vacuum on the exterior surface of the elongated tube, wherein the hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube provides communication between an interior of the elongated tube and an interior of the lumen. In one version, the elongated tube may be placed in a mold configured to form the vacuum lumen when material is injected into the mold. A proximal hub may advantageously be formed by overmolding.