Biopsy system and coupler device for use therewith - Patents.com

Abstract

A coupler device (16) for coupling a biopsy driver (12) and an intraosseous device (14) includes a driver having a distal drive receiver. The driver is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The distal drive receiver is configured to drivingly couple to a drive portion of the intraosseous device. A distal coupler portion is coupled to the driver and configured to operate a distal latch member. The distal latch member latches the driver to the intraosseous device when the distal coupler portion is in a distal coupler latched position. The distal coupler portion has a distal housing portion that is movable in either a distal or proximal direction. The distal coupler portion has a distal release position and a proximal release position. The distal housing portion is configured to move the distal coupler portion to the release position to operate the distal latch member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.

[0002] The present invention relates to a biopsy system, and more particularly to a biopsy system having a coupler device for coupling (also called interacting, connecting or interfacing) a drive shaft of a biopsy driver and a drive portion of an intraosseous device. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0003] Bone biopsy surgical procedures involve the use of surgical devices to provide access to a patient's bone tissue, such as cortical bone or bone marrow. Such surgical devices may include hand-held motor drills that may utilize an electric or pneumatic motor to rotate a cutting element of an intraosseous device, such as a biopsy needle. In some applications, a means may be provided for releasably connecting the biopsy needle to a drive shaft of the motor drill. One such means is operable in one direction to release the biopsy needle from the motor drill to facilitate replacement of the biopsy needle during the bone biopsy procedure.

[0003]

[0004] There is a need in the art for a biopsy system having a coupler device for connecting a drive shaft of a biopsy driver and a drive portion of an intraosseous device, where the coupler device can be configured to facilitate bidirectional (push-pull) release of the intraosseous device from the biopsy driver. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004]

[0005] The present invention provides a biopsy system and a coupler device for coupling a drive shaft of a biopsy driver and a drive portion of an intraosseous device, and according to one aspect of the invention, the coupler device may be configured to facilitate bidirectional (push-pull) release of the intraosseous device from the biopsy driver.

[0005]

[0006] The present invention, according to one embodiment, is directed to a coupler device for coupling a drive shaft of a biopsy driver and a drive portion of an intraosseous device. The coupler device includes a driver, a distal latch member, and a distal coupler portion. The driver has a longitudinal axis and a distal drive receiver (or distal drive receptacle). The driver is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The distal drive receiver is configured to drivably couple to the drive portion of the intraosseous device. The distal latch member is coupled to the driver. The distal coupler portion is coupled to the driver and configured to operate the distal latch member. The distal coupler portion is associated with the distal drive receiver. The distal latch member is configured to latch the driver to the intraosseous device when the distal coupler portion is in a distal coupler latched position. The distal coupler portion has a distal housing portion that is movable in either a distal or proximal direction. The distal coupler portion is configured to have a distal release position and a proximal release position. The distal housing portion is configured to move in a distal direction to move the distal coupler portion to a distal release position and operate the distal latch member.

[0006]

[0007] Similarly, the distal housing portion is configured to move in a proximal direction to move the distal coupler portion to a proximal release position and operate the distal latch member.

[0008] The present invention, according to another embodiment, is directed to a biopsy system including a biopsy driver, an intraosseous device, and a coupler device of the present invention as referred to herein for coupling the biopsy driver to the intraosseous device.

[0007]

[0009] An advantage of the present invention is that the coupler device may facilitate bi-directional (push-pull) release of the intraosseous device from the biopsy driver.

[0010] Another advantage is that the distal housing portion can be pivoted about the longitudinal axis such that an external operator arm connected to the distal housing portion can be positioned to accommodate right- or left-handed operation of the distal coupler portion.

[0008]

[0011] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the manner in which they are realized, will become more apparent and the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following description of the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]

[0012] 1 is a perspective view of a biopsy system having a biopsy driver, an intraosseous device, and a coupler device having a proximal coupler portion and a distal coupler portion, both coupler portions shown in their latched positions. FIG. [Diagram 2]

[0013] 2 is a side view of the biopsy system of FIG. 1 with the coupler device separated from each of the biopsy driver and the intraosseous device. [Diagram 3]

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the coupler device of FIGS. 1 and 2; [Figure 4]

[0015] 4 is a side view of the coupler device of FIGS. 1-3, with each of the proximal and distal coupler portions shown in their respective latched positions, and further showing in phantom the released position of the proximal coupler portion; FIG. [Diagram 5]

[0016] FIG. 5 is another side view of the coupler device of FIGS. 1-4 rotated 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis from the orientation shown in FIG. 4, with each of the proximal and distal coupler portions shown in their respective latched positions and further showing in phantom the released position of the proximal coupler portion. [Figure 6]

[0017] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler device taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, with the respective components of the proximal and distal coupler portions in their respective latched positions. [Figure 7]

[0018] 7 is a side view of the coupler device of FIGS. 1-6 with the proximal coupler portion in a latched position and the distal coupler portion in a distal released position. FIG. [Figure 8]

[0019] 8 is another side view of the coupler device rotated 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis from the orientation shown in FIG. 7 with the proximal coupler portion in the latched position and the distal coupler portion in the distal released position. [Figure 9]

[0020] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler device taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 with the components of the proximal coupler portion in a latched position and the components of the distal coupler portion in a distal released position. [Figure 10]

[0021] 7 is a side view of the coupler device of FIGS. 1-6 with the proximal coupler portion in a latched position and the distal coupler portion in a proximal released position. FIG. [Figure 11]

[0022] 11 is another side view of the coupler device rotated 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis from the orientation shown in FIG. 10 with the proximal coupler portion in the latched position and the distal coupler portion in the proximal released position. [Figure 12]

[0023] 12 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler device taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11 with the proximal coupler portion components in a latched position and the distal coupler portion components in a proximal released position. [Figure 13]

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the coupler device of FIGS. 1-6 with the proximal and distal housing portions removed and oriented to show the proximal wedge member of the proximal release sleeve of the proximal coupler portion positioned on the driver of the coupler device, and with the proximal release sleeve and proximal latch member in the latched position. [Figure 14]

[0025] FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of the coupler device of FIGS. 1-6 with the proximal and distal housing portions removed and oriented to show the bidirectional wedge section of the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion positioned on the driver of the coupler device, and with the distal release sleeve and distal latch member in a latched position, rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010]

[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Each illustration presented herein represents at least one embodiment of the present invention, and such illustrations are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any manner.

[0011]

[0027] 1 and 2, a biopsy system 10 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The biopsy system 10 includes a biopsy driver 12, an intraosseous device 14, and a coupler device 16. The biopsy driver 12 has a drive shaft 12-2-1. The intraosseous device 14 has a drive portion 14-1. The coupler device 16 is configured to couple the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12 and the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14 such that the intraosseous device 14 can be coupled to the biopsy driver 12 via the coupler device 16 to facilitate rotationally driving the intraosseous device 14 by the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12.

[0012]

[0028] With particular reference to FIG. 2, the biopsy driver 12 is configured to be handheld, i.e., to be grasped by a user's hand, and may include a driver housing 12-1, a motor 12-2, a motor controller circuit 12-3, and a trigger 12-4 coupled to the driver housing 12-1. The motor 12-2 and the motor controller circuit 12-3 are mounted within the driver housing 12-1. The trigger 12-4 is movably coupled to the driver housing 12-1, for example, in a sliding or pivoting mount. The motor 12-2 may be, for example, a direct current (DC) motor, and the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the motor 12-2 may be configured to have a polygonal arrangement of drive surfaces 12-5, where the polygonal arrangement may be, for example, hexagonal. The drive shaft 12-2-1 includes an annular groove 12-6 that intersects with a region of the polygonal arrangement of the drive surfaces 12-5.

[0013]

[0029] An internal battery power source 12-7 is connected in electrical communication with the motor 12-2, the motor controller circuit 12-3, and the trigger 12-4. Power may be provided to the motor 12-2, the motor controller circuit 12-3, and the trigger 12-4 via the internal battery power source 12-7. In this embodiment, the internal battery power source 12-7 includes a battery 12-8, such as a permanent battery or a replaceable and / or rechargeable battery. Alternatively, a non-internal power source, such as an alternating current (AC) wall outlet, may provide power to the biopsy driver 12.

[0014]

[0030] The trigger 12-4 may be, for example, a slip resistor for providing user input commands to the motor controller circuit 12-3. The motor controller circuit 12-3 includes processing and power circuits for receiving and processing the user input commands from the trigger 12-4, executing pre-programmed program instructions, and providing power and motion signals to the motor 12-2. The program instructions may include processor instructions for processing the user input commands received from the trigger 12-4 to select a desired rotational speed for the motor 12-2 having a drive shaft 12-2-1, and possibly also a motor acceleration and / or torque profile. The drive shaft 12-2-1 includes an annular groove 12-6.

[0015]

[0031] In this embodiment, the intraosseous device 14 is in the form of a bone biopsy needle assembly having a biopsy needle portion 14-2 connected to a drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14. The drive portion 14-1 may be configured to have an arrangement (e.g., a generally polygonal arrangement) of wavy driven surfaces 14-3. In this embodiment, the arrangement of wavy driven surfaces 14-3 is made up of alternating curved peaks and valleys around the periphery 14-4 of the drive portion 14-1.

[0016]

[0032] 1-3, in this embodiment, coupler device 16 includes a driver 18, a proximal latch member 20, a distal latch member 22, a proximal coupler portion 24, and a distal coupler portion 26. The distal coupler portion 26 includes a distal housing portion 28. Each of the proximal coupler portion 24 and the distal coupler portion 26 are coupled to the driver 18. The proximal coupler portion 24 and the distal coupler portion 26 of coupler device 16 are configured to be operatively and structurally separate, but when used together provide an additional functional aspect corresponding to pivoting indexing of the proximal coupler portion 24 relative to the distal coupler portion 26.

[0017]

[0033] The driver 18 has a longitudinal axis 30, about which the driver 18 is rotatable. The driver 18 has a proximal drive receiver 18-1, a distal drive receiver 18-2, a distal end 18-3, an intermediate annular recess 18-4, an intermediate lip 18-5, and a proximal lip 18-6. The intermediate annular recess 18-4 is defined in part by the intermediate lip 18-5. The intermediate lip 18-5 of the driver 18 also defines a spring engagement surface 18-7. Thus, the intermediate lip 18-5 resides between the intermediate annular recess 18-4 and the spring engagement surface 18-7.

[0018]

[0034] 6, 9, and 12, the distal drive receiver 18-2 is located on the longitudinal axis 30 at the distal cylindrical portion 18-8 of the driver 18. The exterior of the distal cylindrical portion 18-8 of the driver 18 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending guiding projection members 18-9. The exterior of the distal cylindrical portion 18-8 of the driver 18 also includes a proximally facing surface 18-10, which may be disposed (formed), for example, on the proximal ends of the plurality of longitudinally extending guiding projection members 18-9.

[0019]

[0035] The proximal drive receiver 18-1 is associated with the proximal coupler portion 24, and the distal drive receiver 18-2 is associated with the distal coupler portion 26. The proximal drive receiver 18-1 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to couple in driving engagement with, e.g., slidably receive, the polygonal arrangement of drive surfaces 12-5 of the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12. The distal drive receiver 18-2 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to driveably couple with, e.g., slidably receive, the arrangement of corrugated driven surfaces 14-3 of the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14.

[0020]

[0036] 3 , the driver 18 further includes a proximal slotted region 32 and a distal slotted region 34. The distal slotted region 34 is longitudinally spaced apart from the proximal slotted region 32 in a distal direction 36, and similarly, the proximal slotted region 32 is longitudinally spaced apart from the distal slotted region 34 in a proximal direction 38. The distal slotted region 34 is within the distal cylindrical portion 18-8 of the driver 18.

[0021]

[0037] The proximal slotted region 32 extends inwardly from the exterior surface of the driver 18 to the proximal drive receiver 18-1. The proximal slotted region 32 may be configured as a pair of diametrically opposed slots 32-1 (e.g., parallel vertical slots in the orientation shown). The proximal slotted region 32 slidably receives the proximal latch member 20 to axially constrain the proximal latch member 20 relative to the driver 18 and to facilitate rotation of the proximal latch member 20 in unison with the driver 18.

[0022]

[0038] Similarly, the distal slotted region 34 extends inwardly from the exterior surface of the driver 18 to the distal drive receiver 18-2. The distal slotted region 34 may be configured as a pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1 (e.g., parallel vertical slots in the orientation shown). The distal slotted region 34 slidably receives the distal latch member 22 to axially constrain the distal latch member 22 relative to the driver 18 and to facilitate rotation of the distal latch member 22 in unison with the driver 18.

[0023]

[0039] Each of Figures 1, 2, and 4-6 illustrates the proximal coupler portion 24 and its corresponding components in a proximal coupler latch position 40 and the distal coupler portion 26 and its corresponding components in a distal coupler latch position 42. The proximal coupler portion 24 is configured to, for example, be slidably coupled to the driver 18 and to operate the proximal latch member 20. The distal coupler portion 26 is configured to, for example, be slidably coupled to the driver 18 and to operate the distal latch member 22.

[0024]

[0040] The proximal latch member 20 is configured to latch the driver 18 to the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12 when the proximal coupler portion 24 is in a proximal coupler latch position 40, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4-6. With particular reference to Figures 4-5, the proximal latch member 20 is configured to release the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12, e.g., by moving the proximal coupler portion 24 in a distal direction 36 relative to the driver 18, when the proximal coupler portion 24 is in a first release position 52 (shown in phantom lines) to facilitate removal of the coupler device 16 from the biopsy driver 12.

[0025]

[0041] 3, the proximal latch member 20 is a proximal U-shaped member having a head portion 44 and a pair of legs 46, individually identified as legs 46-1 and 46-2. For convenience, the proximal U-shaped member will hereinafter be referred to as the proximal U-shaped member 20. The pair of legs 46 of the proximal U-shaped member 20 are configured, e.g., in size and shape, to be received within a pair of diametrically opposed slots 32-1 of the proximal slotted region 32 of the driver 18.

[0026]

[0042] The pair of legs 46 of the proximal U-shaped member 20 has an inner surface 46-3, which is the surface on the proximal U-shaped member 20 located between legs 46-1 and 46-2. In this embodiment, the pair of legs 46 of the proximal U-shaped member 20 are parallel, i.e., leg 46-1 is parallel to leg 46-2, or at least substantially parallel.

[0027]

[0043] 2 and 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4, when the proximal coupler portion 24 is in the proximal coupler latching position 40, the pair of legs 46 of the proximal U-shaped member 20 extend into the proximal drive receiver 18-1 of the driver 18 (see also FIG. 6 where leg 46-2 is shown) and are thus configured to engage the annular groove 12-6 (see FIG. 2) in the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12 to latch the coupler device 16 to the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12.

[0028]

[0044] 1, 2, and 4-6, the distal latch member 22 is configured to latch the driver 18 to the intraosseous device 14 when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal coupler latch position 42. Referring again to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the distal latch member 22 is a distal U-shaped member. For convenience, the distal U-shaped member 22 will hereinafter be referred to as the distal U-shaped member 22. The distal U-shaped member 22 has a head portion 48 and a pair of legs 50, individually identified as leg 50-1 and leg 50-2.

[0029]

[0045] The pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 has an inner surface 50-3, which is the surface on the distal U-shaped member 22 located between legs 50-1 and 50-2. In this embodiment, the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 are parallel, i.e., leg 50-1 is parallel to leg 50-2, or at least substantially parallel. The pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 are configured, e.g., in size and shape, to be received within a pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1 of the distal slotted region 34 of the driver 18.

[0030]

[0046] 2 and 3 in conjunction with FIG 4, when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal coupler latching position 42, the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 extend into the distal drive receiver 18-2 of the driver 18 (see also FIG 6 where legs 50-2 are shown). Thus, the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 are configured to engage annular groove 14-5 (see FIG 2) in the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14 to latch the coupler device 16 to the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14 when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal coupler latching position 42.

[0031]

[0047] The distal coupler portion 26 having the distal housing portion 28 is movable in either the distal direction 36 or the proximal direction 38. In other words, the distal coupler portion 26 is bidirectionally operable. The distal coupler portion 26 has a distal release position 54 (see FIGS. 7-9 ) and a proximal release position 56 (see FIGS. 10-12 ). Referring to the distal coupler portion 26 in the distal coupler latch position 42 as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 4-6 , the distal housing portion 28 is movable in the distal direction 36 to move the distal coupler portion 26 to the distal release position 54 (see FIGS. 7-9 ) to release the distal latch member 22 (e.g., the distal U-shaped member 22) from the intraosseous device 14. Conversely, the distal housing portion 28 is movable in the proximal direction 38 to move the distal coupler portion 26 to a proximal release position 56 (see FIGS. 10-12 ) to release the distal hook member 22 (e.g., the distal U-shaped member 22) from the intraosseous device 14. In other words, the distal coupler portion 26 is operable bi-directionally, e.g., by proximal or distal movement of the distal housing portion 28, to release the distal hook member 22 (e.g., the distal U-shaped member 22) from the intraosseous device 14 to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 from the coupler device 16.

[0032]

[0048] 9, in this embodiment, when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal release position 54, the distal end 26-1 of the distal coupler portion 26 extends axially in the distal direction 36 beyond the distal end 18-3 of the driver 18. Further, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 9, when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal release position 54, the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 (leg 50-2 is shown in FIG. 9) are radially retracted from the distal drive receiver 18-2 of the driver 18, while the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 remain engaged with the pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1 of the driver 18 (see FIG. 9 where leg 50-2 is shown through one of the pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1). Thus, the distal U-shaped member 22 (more specifically, the pair of legs 50) is configured to disengage from the annular groove 14-5 (see FIG. 2 ) in the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14 when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal release position 54 to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 from the distal coupler portion 26 of the coupler device 16.

[0033]

[0049] 12, in this embodiment, when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the proximal release position 56, the distal end 26-1 of the distal coupler portion 26 is retracted in the distal direction 36 relative to the distal end 18-3 of the driver 18. Further, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 12, when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the proximal release position 56, the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 are radially retracted from the distal drive receiver 18-2 of the driver 18, while the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 remain engaged with the pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1 of the driver 18 (see FIG. 12 where the leg 50-2 is shown through one of the pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1). Thus, the distal U-shaped member 22 (more specifically, the pair of legs 50) is configured to disengage from the annular groove 14-5 (see FIG. 2 ) in the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14 when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the proximal release position 56 to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 from the distal coupler portion 26 of the coupler device 16.

[0034]

[0050] 3-6, the proximal coupler portion 24 includes a proximal retainer member 58, a proximal housing portion 60, a proximal release sleeve 62, and a proximal portion spring 64. The proximal housing portion 60, the proximal release sleeve 62, and the proximal portion spring 64 are axially interposed between the proximal retainer member 58 and the intermediate lip 18-5 of the driver 18.

[0035]

[0051] Proximal retainer member 58 includes a neck portion 58-1 and an annular retaining lip 58-2. Neck portion 58-1 has an outer circumferential surface 58-3. Annular retaining lip 58-2 extends radially inward toward longitudinal axis 30. Annular retaining lip 58-2 is configured for axial connecting engagement with proximal lip 18-6 of driver 18 such that they cooperate to proximally restrain proximal coupler portion 24 on driver 18 in proximal direction 38.

[0036]

[0052] The proximal housing portion 60 includes a collar portion 60-1, a cylindrical extension 60-2, and an annular lip 60-3. The annular lip 60-3 is disposed at the junction of the collar portion 60-1 and the cylindrical extension 60-2. The proximal housing portion 60 is proximally engaged by the proximal retainer member 58, e.g., by engagement of the annular retaining lip 58-2 of the proximal retainer member 58 with the annular lip 60-3 of the proximal housing portion 60. The proximal housing portion 60 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to radially surround the proximal release sleeve 62 and the proximal latch member 20. More specifically, the cylindrical extension 60-2 of the proximal housing portion 60 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to radially surround the proximal release sleeve 62 and the proximal latch member 20.

[0037]

[0053] 6, collar portion 60-1 has an inner circumferential surface 60-4. In some embodiments, a driver containing bladder (not shown; for containing biopsy driver 12) may be attached to proximal coupler portion 24 by inserting a portion of the driver containing bladder between inner circumferential surface 60-4 of collar portion 60-1 of proximal housing portion 60 and outer circumferential surface 58-3 of neck portion 58-1 of proximal retainer member 58.

[0038]

[0054] 6 in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one of the neck portion 58-1 of the proximal retainer member 58 and / or the collar portion 60-1 of the proximal housing portion 60 may be configured, e.g., in size and shape, to engage, e.g., in surface-to-surface contact, with the driver housing 12-1 to prevent the proximal coupler portion 24 of the coupler device 16 from rotating relative to the driver housing 12-1 of the biopsy driver 12. For example, the inner circumferential surface 60-4 of the collar portion 60-1 of the proximal housing portion 60 may be configured, e.g., in size and shape, to engage the distal outer portion 12-1-1 (see FIG. 2) of the driver housing 12-1 of the biopsy driver 12 in surface-to-surface contact to prevent the proximal coupler portion 24 of the coupler device 16 from rotating relative to the driver housing 12-1 of the biopsy driver 12.

[0039]

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 3, the cylindrical extension 60-2 of the proximal housing portion 60 includes a plurality of indexing openings 60-5 around the circumference of the cylindrical extension 60-2. The plurality of indexing openings 60-5 of the cylindrical extension 60-2 of the proximal housing portion 60 may be utilized to rotationally index the proximal coupler portion 24 relative to the distal coupler portion 26 at a plurality of discrete angular intervals around the longitudinal axis 30. In this embodiment, the plurality of indexing openings 60-5 are represented in FIG. 3 as two diametrically opposed slots, e.g., at 180 degree intervals. However, in some applications, it may be desirable for the two slots to be non-diametrically opposed. Additionally, in some applications, the plurality of indexing openings 60-5 may include three or more slots, which may be angularly equidistantly or non-equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical extension 60-2 of the proximal housing portion 60.

[0040]

[0056] 3 and 6, the proximal release sleeve 62 is configured, for example in size and shape, to be axially slidable along the driver 18. With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the proximal housing portion 60 is configured to engage the proximal release sleeve 62 to axially slide the proximal release sleeve 62 of the proximal coupler portion 24 from the proximal coupler latch position 40 to the first release position 52 to actuate the proximal latch member 20 to release the driver 18 from the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12 and facilitate removal of the coupler device 16 from the biopsy driver 12. Stated another way, when a user applies a distally directed force to the proximal housing portion 60, the proximal housing portion 60 moves in the distal direction 36 and the proximal release sleeve 62 is moved in the distal direction 36 by the proximal housing portion 60 to actuate the proximal latch member 20.

[0041]

[0057] 3, the proximal release sleeve 62 has a generally cylindrical shape with a sidewall 62-1 with a portion removed to define a proximal wedge member 62-2 in the sidewall 62-1. Referring also to FIG. 13, the proximal wedge member 62-2 includes a first tapered surface 62-3 and a second tapered surface 62-4, which generally tend to converge in the distal direction 36 and conversely tend to diverge in the proximal direction 38 in the illustrated orientation. The proximal wedge member 62-2 is configured, for example in size and shape, to apply an outward force to the inner surfaces 46-3 (see FIG. 3) of the pair of legs 46 of the proximal U-shaped member 20 when the proximal release sleeve 62 of the proximal coupler portion 24 is axially moved in the distal direction 36 from the proximal coupler latching position 40 to the first release position 52 (see also FIGS. 4 and 5), causing the pair of legs 46 of the proximal U-shaped member 20 to move apart and disengage the pair of legs 46 of the proximal U-shaped member 20 from the annular groove 12-6 (see FIG. 2) in the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12.

[0042]

[0058] Thus, referring to FIG. 13, as the proximal release sleeve 62 of the proximal coupler portion 24 is moved axially in the distal direction 36, the distance 62-5 between the first tapered surface 62-3 and the second tapered surface 62-4 increases at the intersection of the proximal wedge member 62-2 and the pair of legs 46 of the proximal hook member 20, thereby increasing the spacing between the legs 46-1 and 46-2 of the pair of legs 46 of the proximal hook member 20. This increased spacing between legs 46-1 and 46-2 causes the pair of legs 46 to move outward in the pair of diametrically opposed slots 32-1 of the proximal slotted region 32 of the driver 18 (see FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 6), which pulls the pair of legs 46 of the proximal latch member 20 radially out of the proximal drive receiver 18-1 and facilitates removal of the coupler device 16 from the drive shaft 12-2-1 of the biopsy driver 12 (see FIG. 2).

[0043]

[0059] 3 and 6 (in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5 ), the proximal portion spring 64 is configured, for example in size and shape, to axially bias the proximal release sleeve 62 of the proximal coupler portion 24 in the proximal direction 38 toward the proximal coupler latching position 40. The proximal portion spring 64 may be, for example, a coil spring having a proximal end 64-1 and a distal end 64-2. In this embodiment, the proximal portion spring 64 is interposed between the proximal release sleeve 62 of the proximal coupler portion 24 and the intermediate lip 18-5 of the driver 18 to bias the proximal release sleeve 62. More specifically, in this embodiment, the proximal portion spring 64 is interposed between the spring engagement surface 18-7 of the driver 18 and the proximal release sleeve 62 to bias the proximal release sleeve 62 in the proximal direction 38 toward the proximal coupler latching position 40.

[0044]

[0060] Similarly, the proximal release sleeve 62 is axially movable in the distal direction 36 against the biasing force exerted by the proximal portion spring 64 upon axial movement of the proximal housing portion 60 from the proximal coupler latch position 40 to the first release position 52 (e.g., see Figures 4 and 5) to operate to release the proximal latch member 20, i.e., the proximal latch member 20 having a pair of legs 46 (see Figure 3), to facilitate removal of the coupler device 16 from the biopsy driver 12.

[0045]

[0061] 3 and 6, when the proximal coupler portion 24 is assembled and coupled to the driver 18, the proximal portion spring 64 is axially constrained, e.g., distally, by engagement of a distal end 64-2 of the proximal portion spring 64 with an intermediate lip 18-5 of the driver 18, and the proximal retainer member 58 of the proximal coupler portion 24 is axially constrained in the proximal direction 38 by engagement of an annular retaining lip 58-2 of the proximal retainer member 58 with a proximal lip 18-6 of the driver 18. The proximal release sleeve 62 and the proximal portion spring 64 are radially surrounded by the proximal housing portion 60, which is axially movable relative to the driver 18, and the proximal release sleeve 62 and the proximal portion spring 64 are interposed between the intermediate lip 18-5 of the driver 18 and the proximal retainer member 58 of the proximal coupler portion 24.

[0046]

[0062] 1-5, in this embodiment, the distal coupler portion 26 optionally includes a distal housing portion 28 having an external operator arm 70. The external operator arm 70 is fixedly connected, e.g., integrally, to a housing side wall 28-1 of the distal housing portion 28. The external operator arm 70 is an elongated member that extends in a cantilevered manner from the housing side wall 28-1 in the proximal direction 38 (in the orientation shown). The length of the external operator arm 70 may be selected such that a free end portion 70-1 of the external operator arm 70 extends proximal to the proximal housing portion 60 of the proximal coupler portion 24 for ease of access by a user. The free end portion 70-1 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to facilitate pushing and pulling of the distal coupler portion 26. For example, the free end portion 70-1 can include a flared end 70-2 forming a side grip to assist a user in grasping during a pushing operation, and the flared end 70-2 can include an end gripping feature 70-3, e.g., a ridge or knurling, to assist in grasping during a pushing operation.

[0047]

[0063] 3-6, in this embodiment, the distal coupler portion 26 also includes a distal release sleeve 72, a washer 74, a distal portion spring 76, a distal retainer member 78, and an intermediate retainer ring 80. Each of the distal housing portion 28, the distal release sleeve 72, the washer 74, the distal portion spring 76, the distal retainer member 78, and the intermediate retainer ring 80 radially surround the driver 18. The washer 74 and the distal portion spring 76 are axially interposed between the distal release sleeve 72 and the distal retainer member 78. The distal retainer member 78 is coupled to the distal housing portion 28, for example, via a snap connection.

[0048]

[0064] Distal housing portion 28 is a generally cylindrical structure having a housing sidewall 28-1, a distal end region 28-2, and a proximal end region 28-3. Distal end region 28-2 of distal housing portion 28 includes annular bearing member 28-4. Proximal end region 28-3 of distal housing portion 28 includes a plurality of catch slots 28-5 (see FIGS. 4-6) disposed annularly about the periphery of housing sidewall 28-1 to facilitate connection to distal retainer member 78. Distal housing portion 28 radially surrounds distal release sleeve 72, washer 74, and distal portion spring 76.

[0049]

[0065] 3, the distal retainer member 78 is an annular ring member having a plurality of locking tabs 78-1 and a plurality of longitudinal slots 78-2. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of locking tabs 78-1 are configured to engage a plurality of catch slots 28-5 in a proximal end region 28-3 of the distal housing portion 28 to connect the distal retainer member 78 to the distal housing portion 28.

[0050]

[0066] 3 and 6, the intermediate retainer ring 80 includes an annular retaining lip 80-1 and a plurality of indexing projections 80-2. The annular retaining lip 80-1 extends radially inward toward the longitudinal axis 30. The annular retaining lip 80-1 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, for connecting engagement with an intermediate annular recess 18-4 of the driver 18. The plurality of indexing projections 80-2 are disposed about and extend outwardly from an outer periphery 80-3 of the intermediate retainer ring 80. The annular retaining lip 80-1 of the intermediate retainer ring 80 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, for snap-fit ​​engagement with the intermediate annular recess 18-4 of the driver 18.

[0051]

[0067] 3, 6, 9, and 12, a plurality of indexing protrusions 80-2 of the intermediate retainer ring 80 longitudinally engage with a corresponding plurality of longitudinal slots 78-2 in the distal retainer member 78, such that the distal retainer member 78 is axially slidably movable relative to the intermediate retainer ring 80.

[0052]

[0068] 3 , the intermediate retainer ring 80 may also include an internal detent member 80-4 on an inner circumference 80-5 of the intermediate retainer ring 80. The internal detent member 80-4 of the intermediate retainer ring 80 of the distal coupler portion 26 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to selectively engage one of the plurality of indexing openings 60-5 in the cylindrical extension 60-2 of the proximal coupler portion 24 when the distal coupler portion 26 is pivoted relative to the proximal coupler portion 24 to rotationally index the distal coupler portion 26 to one of a plurality of discrete intervals about the longitudinal axis 30 defined by the positions of the plurality of indexing openings 60-5 in the cylindrical extension 60-2 of the proximal coupler portion 24.

[0053]

[0069] 7-12, the distal release sleeve 72 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to be axially slidable along the driver 18 as well as rotate in unison with the driver 18. In this embodiment, the distal housing portion 28 is operatively engaged, e.g., axially, with the distal release sleeve 72 to slide the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 axially relative to the driver 18 in either the distal direction 36 or the proximal direction 38 to operate the distal latch member 22 to release the driver 18 from the drive portion 14-1 (see also FIG. 2) of the intraosseous device 14 and facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 from the coupler device 16. The distal release sleeve 72 is axially movable relative to a proximally facing surface 18-10 of the driver 18.

[0054]

[0070] 3 and 14, the distal release sleeve 72 has a generally cylindrical shape with a sidewall 72-1 with a portion removed to define a bidirectional wedge section 72-2. The bidirectional wedge section 72-2 is configured, for example in size and shape, to actuate the distal latch member 22. The distal release sleeve 72 also has a distal end portion 72-3 and a proximal end portion 72-4. The distal end portion 72-3 includes an annular bearing channel 72-5.

[0055]

[0071] The interior of the sidewall 72-1 of the distal release sleeve 72 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending channels 72-6. The distal release sleeve 72 is received over the distal cylindrical portion 18-8 of the driver 18, and the plurality of longitudinally extending guiding projection members 18-9 of the driver 18 are received within the plurality of longitudinally extending channels 72-6 of the distal release sleeve 72. Thus, the distal release sleeve 72 is axially movable relative to the driver 18, and the distal release sleeve 72 rotates in unison with the driver 18.

[0056]

[0072] The annular bearing member 28-4 of the distal housing portion 28 is configured, e.g., in size and shape, to be received within the annular bearing channel 72-5 of the distal release sleeve 72 such that the distal release sleeve 72 moves axially in line with the distal housing portion 28 and the distal release sleeve 72 rotates in line with the driver 18 within the distal housing portion 28, e.g., the distal housing portion 28 can be rotationally fixed when the distal release sleeve 72 rotates in line with the driver 18.

[0057]

[0073] Distal coupler portion 26 and proximal coupler portion 24 may include detent features to provide tactile feedback to a user of the respective right and left hand positions of distal housing portion 28. In this embodiment, for example, inner detent member 80-4 of intermediate retainer ring 80 of distal coupler portion 26 may be selectively positioned within one of a plurality of indexing openings 60-5 of proximal housing portion 60 of proximal coupler portion 24 by rotating distal coupler portion 26 relative to proximal coupler portion 24 to selectively position inner detent member 80-4 of distal coupler portion 26 within one of a plurality of indexing openings 60-5 of proximal housing portion 60 of proximal coupler portion 24.

[0058]

[0074] Thus, the distal housing portion 28 is (can be) pivoted, for example, 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis 30 relative to the distal release sleeve 72 to selectively position the external operator arm 70 on either diametrically opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 30, i.e., on either opposite sides of the driver housing 12-1 of the biopsy driver 12, to accommodate either right-handed or left-handed use of the distal coupler portion 26 relative to the biopsy driver 12.

[0059]

[0075] 3 and 6-9, the distal coupler portion 26 is configured for bidirectional operation such that, for example, when the distal housing portion 28 having the external operator arm 70 is moved in the distal direction 36 toward the intraosseous device 14, the distal release sleeve 72 is moved from the distal coupler latch position 42 to the distal release position 54, such that the bidirectional wedge section 72-2 (see also FIG. 14) of the distal release sleeve 72 operates the distal latch member 22 to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 (see FIG. 2) from the distal drive receiver 18-2 of the driver 18. Similarly, with reference to Figures 3 and 10-12, the distal coupler portion 26 is configured such that, for example, when the distal housing portion 28 having the external operator arm 70 is moved in the proximal direction 38 toward the biopsy driver 12, the distal release sleeve 72 is moved from the distal coupler latch position 42 to the proximal release position 56, such that the bidirectional wedge section 72-2 (see also Figure 14) of the distal release sleeve 72 operates the distal latch member 22 to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 (see Figure 2) from the distal drive receiver 18-2 of the driver 18.

[0060]

[0076] 14, the bi-directional wedge section 72-2 of the distal release sleeve 72 includes a first wedge member 82 and a second wedge member 84. The first wedge member 82 is configured, for example, in size and shape, to apply an outward force to an inner surface 50-3 (see FIG. 3) of the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 when the distal release sleeve 72 is moved axially in the distal direction 36 from the distal coupler latch position 42 (see FIGS. 4-6) to the distal release position 54 (see also FIGS. 7-9) to move the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 apart and disengage the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 from the annular groove 14-5 (see FIG. 2) in the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14. Similarly, the second wedge-shaped member 84 is configured, for example in size and shape, to apply an outward force to the inner surfaces 50-3 (see FIG. 3) of the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 when the distal release sleeve 72 is axially moved in the proximal direction 38 from the distal coupler latching position 42 to the proximal release position 56 (see also FIGS. 10-12 ) to separate the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 and disengage the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 from the annular groove 14-5 (see FIG. 2 ) in the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14.

[0061]

[0077] 14, the first wedge member 82 of the distal release sleeve 72 is axially opposed to the second wedge member 84 of the distal release sleeve 72. The first wedge member 82 meets with the second wedge member 84 at a meeting plane (or intersecting plane) 86, and when the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 (see also FIG. 3) are disposed at the meeting plane 86, the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal coupler latching position 42 (see FIGS. 4-6) and the coupler device 16 is latched to the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14 (see FIG. 2).

[0062]

[0078] The first wedge-shaped member 82 includes a first tapered surface 82-1 and a second tapered surface 82-2, which, overall, tend to converge in the distal direction 36 and, conversely, tend to diverge in the proximal direction 38 in the illustrated orientation. The first wedge-shaped member 82 is configured, for example in size and shape, to apply an outward force to the inner surfaces 50-3 (see FIG. 3) of the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 when the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 is axially moved in the distal direction 36 from the distal coupler latching position 42 (see FIGS. 4-6) to the distal release position 54 (see FIGS. 7-9) to move the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 apart and disengage the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 from the annular groove 14-5 (see FIG. 2) in the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14.

[0063]

[0079] Thus, referring to FIG. 14, as the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 is moved axially in the distal direction 36, the distance 82-3 between the first tapered surface 82-1 and the second tapered surface 82-2 increases at the intersection of the first wedge-shaped member 82 and the pair of legs 50 of the distal hook member 22 (see FIG. 3), thereby increasing the spacing between legs 50-1 and 50-2 of the pair of legs 50 of the distal hook member 22. This increased spacing between legs 50-1 and 50-2 causes the pair of legs 50 to move outward in the pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1 of the distal slotted region 34 of the driver 18 (see Figures 3 and 10), which pulls the pair of legs 50 of the distal latch member 22 radially out of the distal drive receiver 18-2 to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 (see Figures 1 and 2) from the distal coupler portion 26 of the coupler device 16.

[0064]

[0080] The second wedge-shaped member 84 includes a first tapered surface 84-1 and a second tapered surface 84-2, which generally tend to converge in the proximal direction 38 and, conversely, tend to diverge in the distal direction 36 in the illustrated orientation. The second wedge-shaped member 84 is configured, for example in size and shape, to apply an outward force to the inner surfaces 50-3 (see FIG. 3) of the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 when the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 is axially moved in the proximal direction 38 from the distal coupler latching position 42 (see FIGS. 4-6) to the distal release position 54 (see FIGS. 10-12), thereby separating the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 and disengaging the pair of legs 50 of the distal U-shaped member 22 from the annular groove 14-5 (see FIG. 2) in the drive portion 14-1 of the intraosseous device 14.

[0065]

[0081] Thus, referring to FIG. 14, as the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 is moved axially in the proximal direction 38, the distance 84-3 between the first tapered surface 84-1 and the second tapered surface 84-2 increases at the intersection of the second wedge-shaped member 84 and the pair of legs 50 of the distal hook member 22 (see FIG. 3), thereby increasing the spacing between legs 50-1 and 50-2 of the pair of legs 50 of the distal hook member 22. This increased spacing between legs 50-1 and 50-2 causes the pair of legs 50 to move outward in the pair of diametrically opposed slots 34-1 of the distal slotted region 34 of the driver 18 (see Figures 3 and 12), which pulls the pair of legs 50 of the distal latch member 22 radially out of the distal drive receiver 18-2 to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device 14 (see Figures 1 and 2) from the distal coupler portion 26 of the coupler device 16.

[0066]

[0082] The distal portion spring 76 is interposed between the distal release sleeve 72 and the combination of the plurality of indexing projections 80-2 of the intermediate retainer ring 80 and the distal retainer member 78. The distal portion spring 76 is configured, for example in size and shape, to axially bias the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 towards the distal coupler latch position 42. More specifically, in this embodiment, the distal portion spring 76 is interposed between the washer 74 and the combination of the plurality of indexing projections 80-2 of the intermediate retainer ring 80 and the distal retainer member 78. Both the proximally facing surface 18-10 of the driver 18 and the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 are disposed distally of the distal portion spring 76.

[0067]

[0083] 6, 9, and 12, a washer 74 is positioned to surround the driver 18. In this embodiment, the washer 74 has a T-shaped profile in cross-section. The washer 74 is interposed between a proximally facing surface 18-10 of the driver 18 and a distal portion spring 76. The washer 74 is interposed between a distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 and the distal portion spring 76.

[0068]

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, the distal coupler portion 26 is configured such that the washer 74 simultaneously contacts both the proximally-facing surface 18-10 of the driver 18 and the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 when the distal coupler portion 26 is in the distal coupler latching position 42 (see also FIGS. 4-5).

[0069]

[0085] 9, as distal movement (e.g., a pushing action, see also FIGS. 7-8 ) of distal housing portion 28 moves distal coupler portion 26 axially in distal direction 36 from distal coupler latch position 42 toward distal release position 54, the following events occur: distal release sleeve 72 of distal coupler portion 26 is moved toward distal release position 54, distal release sleeve 72 separates from washer 74, washer 74 contacts proximally facing surface 18-10 of driver 18 preventing washer 74 from moving in distal direction 36, and distal portion spring 76 is compressed in distal direction 36 along with distal housing portion 28 against washer 74 due to movement of distal retainer member 78 in distal direction 36.

[0070]

[0086] Further, the distal coupler portion 26 is configured such that when the distal coupler portion 26 is released from movement in the distal direction 36, the distal portion spring 76 biases the distal release sleeve 72 toward the distal coupler latch position 42 (see FIG. 6 ) via proximal movement of the distal housing portion 28.

[0071]

[0087] 12, the distal coupler portion 26 is configured such that when proximal movement (e.g., a pulling action, see also FIGS. 10-11) of the distal housing portion 28 causes the distal coupler portion 26 to move axially in the proximal direction 38 from the distal coupler latch position 42 (see FIGS. 4-6) toward the proximal release position 56, the distal release sleeve 72 of the distal coupler portion 26 is moved toward the proximal release position 56, the washer 74 separates proximally from the proximally facing surface 18-10 of the driver 18, and the distal portion spring 76 is compressed against the plurality of indexing protrusions 80-2 of the intermediate retainer ring 80 due to movement of the washer 74 in the proximal direction 38 as the distal retainer member 78 is moved in the proximal direction 38 with the distal housing portion 28.

[0072]

[0088] Additionally, when the distal coupler portion 26 (eg, the distal housing portion 28) is released from movement in the proximal direction 38, the distal portion spring 76 biases the distal release sleeve 72 toward the distal coupler latched position 42 (see FIG. 6).

[0073]

[0089] 1-14 includes both distal coupler portion 26 and proximal coupler portion 24, it should be appreciated that, in some cases, aspects of the invention related to distal coupler portion 26 may be practiced alone or in combination with alternatives for proximal coupler portion 24. Also, in some cases, aspects of the invention related to proximal coupler portion 24 may be practiced alone or in combination with alternatives for distal coupler portion 26.

[0074]

[0090] The following items are also relevant to the present invention:

[0091] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a coupler device for coupling a drive shaft of a biopsy driver and a drive portion of an intraosseous device (coupler device for a bone biopsy device). The coupler device may include a driver, a distal latch member, and a distal coupler portion. The driver may have a longitudinal axis and a distal drive receiver. The driver may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The distal drive receiver may be configured (the device may be configured) to drivably couple to the drive portion of the intraosseous device. The distal latch member may be coupled to the driver. The distal coupler portion may be coupled to the driver and configured to operate the distal latch member. The distal coupler portion may be associated with the distal drive receiver. The distal latch member may be configured (the device may be configured) to latch the driver to the intraosseous device when the distal coupler portion is in a distal coupler latched position. The distal coupler portion may have a distal housing portion that is movable in either a distal or proximal direction. The distal coupler portion may be configured (as the device may be configured) to have a distal release position and a proximal release position, and the distal housing portion may be configured (as the device may be configured) to move in a distal direction to move the distal coupler portion to the distal release position and operate the distal latch member.

[0075]

[0092] In either embodiment, the distal housing portion can be configured (and the device can be configured) to move in a proximal direction to move the distal coupler portion to a proximal release position and operate the distal latch member.

[0076]

[0093] In some embodiments, the coupler device may include a proximal latch member and a proximal coupler portion. The proximal latch member may be coupled to the driver. The proximal coupler portion may be configured to be coupled to the driver and to operate the proximal latch member. The proximal latch member may be configured (the device may be configured) to latch the driver to a drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal coupler portion is in a proximal coupler latched position. The proximal latch member may be configured (the device may be configured) to release the drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal coupler portion is in a first release position. The driver may have a proximal drive receiver associated with the proximal coupler portion. The proximal drive receiver may be configured to be coupled in driving engagement with the drive shaft of the biopsy driver.

[0077]

[0094] In embodiments having a proximal coupler portion, the proximal coupler portion may include a proximal release sleeve that is axially slidable along the driver, and the proximal housing portion may radially surround the proximal release sleeve, where the proximal housing portion may be configured (the device may be configured) to engage the proximal release sleeve and axially slide the proximal release sleeve of the proximal coupler portion from a proximal coupler latched position to a first released position to operate the proximal latch member to release the driver from the drive shaft of the biopsy driver and facilitate removal of the coupler device from the biopsy driver.

[0078]

[0095] In embodiments having a proximal coupler portion, the driver may have a proximal slotted region. The proximal slotted region may be configured to axially restrain the proximal latch member. The proximal latch member may be a proximal U-shaped member having a pair of legs. The pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member may be configured to engage a proximal slotted region in the drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal coupler portion is in the proximal coupler latch position to latch the coupler device to the drive shaft of the biopsy driver. The proximal release sleeve may have a proximal wedge member configured to apply an outward force to an inner surface of the pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member to separate the pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member and disengage the pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member from the proximal coupler latch position and the proximal U-shaped member from the proximal slotted region in the drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal release sleeve of the proximal coupler portion is moved axially from the proximal coupler latch position to the first release position.

[0079]

[0096] In embodiments having a proximal release sleeve, the driver can have a spring engagement surface and the coupler device can further include a proximal portion spring interposed between the driver spring engagement surface and the proximal release sleeve. The proximal portion spring can be configured (and the device can be configured) to axially bias the proximal release sleeve of the proximal coupler portion into the proximal coupler latched position.

[0080]

[0097] In either embodiment, the distal coupler portion can include a distal release sleeve that is axially slidable along the driver. The distal housing portion can be configured (and the device can be configured) to radially surround the distal release sleeve, in which case the distal housing portion can be operatively engaged with the distal release sleeve to slide the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion axially relative to the driver and operate the distal latch member to release the driver from the drive portion of the intraosseous device to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device from the coupler device. The distal coupler portion may be configured (the device may be configured) such that when the distal housing portion is moved distally toward the intraosseous device, the distal release sleeve is moved from the distal coupler latching position to the distal release position to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device from the distal drive receiver of the driver, and such that when the distal housing portion is moved proximally toward the biopsy driver, the distal release sleeve is moved from the distal coupler latching position to the proximal release position to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device from the distal drive receiver of the driver.

[0081]

[0098] In either embodiment, the driver may have a distal slotted region. The distal slotted region may be configured to axially constrain the distal latch member. The distal latch member may be a distal U-shaped member having a pair of legs. The pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member may be configured (the device may be configured) to engage a groove in the drive portion of the intraosseous device when the distal coupler portion is in the distal coupler latched position to latch the coupler device to the drive portion of the intraosseous device. The distal release sleeve may include a first wedge-shaped member and a second wedge-shaped member. The first wedge-shaped member may be configured (the device may be configured) to apply an outward force to an inner surface of the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member to move the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member apart and disengage the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member from the groove in the drive portion of the intraosseous device when the distal release sleeve is axially moved in the distal direction from the distal coupler latched position to the distal release position. The second wedge-shaped member may be configured (the device may be configured) to apply an outward force to the inner surface of the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member when the distal release sleeve is axially moved in the proximal direction from the distal coupler latching position to the proximal release position to separate the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member and disengage the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member from the grooves in the drive portion of the intraosseous device.

[0082]

[0099] In the embodiment of the preceding paragraph, the first wedge-shaped member of the distal release sleeve may be axially opposed to the second wedge-shaped member of the distal release sleeve, and the first wedge-shaped member may come together with the second wedge-shaped member at the intersection surface, and the first wedge-shaped member of the distal release sleeve may be configured (the device may be configured) such that when the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member are positioned at the intersection surface, the distal coupler portion is in a distal coupler latching position and the coupler device is latched to the drive portion of the intraosseous device.

[0083]

[0100] In either embodiment, the distal coupler portion may further include a distal retainer member and a distal portion spring. The distal retainer member may be coupled to the distal housing portion. The distal portion spring may be interposed between the distal retainer member and the distal release sleeve. The distal portion spring may be configured (the device may be configured) to axially bias the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion toward the distal coupler latched position.

[0084]

[0101] In either embodiment, the driver can have a proximally facing surface, and both the driver's proximally facing surface and the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion can be disposed distal to the distal portion spring. The distal release sleeve can be configured (the device can be configured) to be axially movable relative to the driver's proximally facing surface. The distal coupler portion can include a washer positioned to surround the driver, where the washer is interposed between the driver's proximally facing surface and the distal portion spring, and where the washer is interposed between the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion and the distal portion spring.

[0085]

[0102] In the embodiment of the preceding paragraph, the distal coupler portion may be configured (the device may be configured) such that the washer simultaneously contacts both the proximally-facing surface of the driver and the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion when the distal coupler portion is in the distal coupler latching position.

[0086]

[0103] In embodiments having a washer, the distal coupler portion can be configured (and the device can be configured) such that when distal movement of the distal housing portion causes the distal coupler portion to move axially in the distal direction from the distal coupler latching position toward the distal release position, the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion is moved toward the distal release position, the distal release sleeve separates from the washer, the washer contacts the proximally facing surface of the driver preventing the washer from moving in the distal direction, and the distal portion spring is compressed against the washer by movement of the distal retainer member in the distal direction.

[0087]

[0104] In the embodiment of the preceding paragraph, the distal coupler portion may be configured (the device may be configured) such that the distal portion spring biases the distal release sleeve toward the distal coupler latched position when the distal coupler portion is released from movement in the distal direction.

[0088]

[0105] In embodiments having a washer, the distal coupler portion can be configured (and the device can be configured) such that when proximal movement of the distal housing portion causes the distal coupler portion to move axially in the proximal direction from the distal coupler latching position toward the proximal release position, the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion is moved toward the proximal release position, the washer separates proximally from the proximally facing surface of the driver, and movement of the washer in the proximal direction compresses the distal portion spring.

[0089]

[0106] In the embodiment of the preceding paragraph, the distal coupler portion may be configured (the device may be configured) such that the distal portion spring biases the distal release sleeve toward the distal coupler latched position when the distal coupler portion is released from movement in the proximal direction.

[0090]

[0107] In some embodiments, the distal coupler portion can be configured (the device can be configured) such that the distal end of the distal coupler portion is axially movable in the distal direction beyond the distal end of the driver.

[0091]

[0108] In some embodiments, the driver can include a distal cylindrical portion that can have a plurality of longitudinally extending guiding projection members. The distal release sleeve can have a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. The distal release sleeve can be received (and the device can be configured) on the distal cylindrical portion, and the plurality of longitudinally extending guiding projection members of the driver can be received within the plurality of longitudinally extending channels of the distal release sleeve, where the distal release sleeve is axially movable relative to the driver and the distal release sleeve rotates in unison with the driver.

[0092]

[0109] In some embodiments, the distal release sleeve can have an annular bearing channel, the distal release sleeve can be configured to rotate in unison with the driver (the device can be configured), the distal housing portion can have an annular bearing member configured to be received in the annular bearing channel of the distal release sleeve such that the distal release sleeve moves axially in unison with the distal housing portion (the device can be configured), and the distal housing portion can be rotationally fixed when the distal release sleeve rotates in unison with the driver.

[0093]

[0110] In any of the preceding embodiments, an external operator arm may be coupled to the distal housing portion, in which case the distal coupler portion may be configured (and the device may be configured) to pivot relative to the proximal coupler portion about the longitudinal axis to selectively position the external operator arm on diametrically opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to accommodate either right-handed or left-handed use of the distal coupler portion.

[0094]

[0111] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a biopsy system. The biopsy system may include a biopsy driver having a drive shaft, an intraosseous device having a drive portion, and a coupler device for coupling the drive shaft of the biopsy driver and the drive portion of the intraosseous device. The coupler device may be configured according to any of the previous embodiments described in any of the preceding paragraphs

[0091] to

[0110] .

[0095]

[0112] As used herein, "substantially," "generally," "slightly," and other terms of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate acceptable variations from the characteristic so modified. Such terms are not intended to be limited to the absolute value or characteristic that they modify, but rather to have more of a physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, and to approach or approximate such a physical or functional characteristic.

[0096]

[0113] Also, as used herein, the term "coupled" and its derivatives are intended to encompass any operatively functional connection, that is, a direct connection or an indirect connection.

[0097]

[0114] Although the present invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention using its general principles.Furthermore, this application is intended to cover departures from the present disclosure that come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A coupler device for coupling a drive shaft of a biopsy driver and a drive portion of an intraosseous device, comprising: a driver having a longitudinal axis and a distal drive receiver, the driver being rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the distal drive receiver being configured to drivingly couple to the drive portion of the intraosseous device; a distal latch member coupled to the driver; a distal coupler portion coupled to the driver and configured to operate the distal latch member, the distal coupler portion associated with the distal drive receiver, the distal latch member configured to latch the driver to the intraosseous device when the distal coupler portion is in a distal coupler latch position, the distal coupler portion having a distal housing portion movable in either a distal or proximal direction; Equipped with a coupler device, the distal coupler portion being configured to have a distal release position and a proximal release position, the distal housing portion being configured to move in the distal direction to move the distal coupler portion to the distal release position and operate the distal latch member.

2. 2. The coupler device of claim 1, A coupler device, wherein the distal housing portion is configured to move in the proximal direction to move the distal coupler portion to the proximal release position and operate the distal latch member.

3. 3. A coupler device according to claim 1, a proximal latch member coupled to the driver; a proximal coupler portion coupled to the driver and configured to operate the proximal latch member, the proximal latch member configured to latch the driver to the drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal coupler portion is in a proximal coupler latch position and the proximal latch member configured to release the drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal coupler portion is in a first release position; Equipped with A coupler device, wherein the driver has a proximal drive receiver associated with the proximal coupler portion, the proximal drive receiver configured to be coupled in driving engagement with the drive shaft of the biopsy driver.

4. 4. A coupler device according to claim 3, the proximal coupler portion a proximal release sleeve axially slidable along the driver; a proximal housing portion radially surrounding the proximal release sleeve; Equipped with a coupler device, the proximal housing portion configured to engage the proximal release sleeve to slide the proximal release sleeve of the proximal coupler portion axially from the proximal coupler latch position to the first release position, and actuating the proximal latch member to release the driver from the drive shaft of the biopsy driver to facilitate removal of the coupler device from the biopsy driver.

5. 5. A coupler device according to claim 4, the driver has a proximal slotted region configured to axially restrain the proximal latch member; the proximal latch member is a proximal U-shaped member having a pair of legs, the pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member configured to engage the proximal slotted region in the drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal coupler portion is in the proximal coupler latch position to latch the coupler device to the drive shaft of the biopsy driver; a proximal release sleeve configured to apply an outward force to an inner surface of the pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member to separate the pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member and disengage the pair of legs of the proximal U-shaped member from the proximal slotted region in the drive shaft of the biopsy driver when the proximal release sleeve of the proximal coupler portion is moved axially from the proximal coupler latching position to the first released position.

6. A coupler device according to claim 4 or 5, A coupler device, wherein the driver has a spring engagement surface, and the coupler device further comprises a proximal portion spring interposed between the spring engagement surface of the driver and the proximal release sleeve, the proximal portion spring configured to axially bias the proximal release sleeve of the proximal coupler portion toward the proximal coupler latching position.

7. A coupler device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the distal coupler portion comprises: a distal release sleeve axially slidable along said driver Equipped with the distal housing portion is configured to radially surround the distal release sleeve; the distal housing portion is operatively engaged with the distal release sleeve to axially slide the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion relative to the driver to operate the distal latch member and release the driver from the drive portion of the intraosseous device to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device from the coupler device, the distal coupler portion being when the distal housing portion is moved in the distal direction toward the intraosseous device, the distal release sleeve is moved from the distal coupler latch position to the distal release position to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device from the distal drive receiver of the driver; and such that when the distal housing portion is moved in the proximal direction toward the biopsy driver, the distal release sleeve is moved from the distal coupler latch position to the proximal release position to facilitate removal of the intraosseous device from the distal drive receiver of the driver. A configured coupler device.

8. 8. A coupler device according to claim 7, the driver has a distal slotted region configured to axially restrain the distal latch member; the distal latching member is a distal U-shaped member having a pair of legs, the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member configured to engage a groove in the drive portion of the intraosseous device when the distal coupler portion is in the distal coupler latching position to latch the coupler device to the drive portion of the intraosseous device; the distal release sleeve includes a first wedge member and a second wedge member; the first wedge member is configured to apply an outward force to an inner surface of the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member to separate the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member and disengage the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member from the grooves in the drive portion of the intraosseous device when the distal release sleeve is moved axially in the distal direction from the distal coupler latching position to the distal release position; a second wedge member configured to apply an outward force to the inner surface of the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member when the distal release sleeve is moved axially in the proximal direction from the distal coupler latching position to the proximal release position to separate the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member and disengage the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member from the grooves in the drive portion of the intraosseous device.

9. 9. A coupler device according to claim 8, a coupler device, wherein the first wedge member of the distal release sleeve axially opposes the second wedge member of the distal release sleeve, the first wedge member coming together with the second wedge member at an intersection surface, and when the pair of legs of the distal U-shaped member are disposed at the intersection surface, the distal coupler portion is in the distal coupler latching position and the coupler device is latched to the drive portion of the intraosseous device.

10. A coupler device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the distal coupler portion comprises: a distal retainer member coupled to the distal housing portion; a distal portion spring interposed between the distal retainer member and the distal release sleeve, the distal portion spring configured to axially bias the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion toward the distal coupler latched position; The coupler device further comprises:

11. 11. A coupler device according to claim 10, the driver has a proximally facing surface, the proximally facing surface of the driver and the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion are both disposed distally of the distal portion spring, and the distal release sleeve is configured to be axially movable relative to the proximally facing surface of the driver; A coupler device, wherein the distal coupler portion further comprises a washer positioned to surround the driver, the washer being interposed between the proximally facing surface of the driver and the distal portion spring, and the washer being interposed between the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion and the distal portion spring.

12. 12. A coupler device according to claim 11, a coupler device, wherein the distal coupler portion is configured such that the washer simultaneously contacts both the proximally facing surface of the driver and the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion when the distal coupler portion is in the distal coupler latched position.

13. A coupler device according to claim 11 or 12, when the distal coupler portion is axially moved in the distal direction from the distal coupler latched position toward the distal released position due to distal movement of the distal housing portion; the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion is moved toward the distal release position such that the distal release sleeve moves away from the washer; the washer contacts the proximally facing surface of the driver to prevent the washer from moving in the distal direction; A coupler device configured such that the distal portion spring is compressed against the washer by movement of the distal retainer member in the distal direction.

14. 14. A coupler device according to claim 13, The distal portion spring biases the distal release sleeve toward the distal coupler latched position when the distal coupler portion is released from movement in the distal direction. The coupler device is configured as follows.

15. A coupler device according to claim 11 or 12, when the distal coupler portion is axially moved in the proximal direction from the distal coupler latched position toward the proximal released position due to proximal movement of the distal housing portion, the distal release sleeve of the distal coupler portion is moved toward the proximal release position; the washer is spaced proximally from the proximally-facing surface of the driver; A coupler device configured such that the distal portion spring is compressed by movement of the washer in the proximal direction.

16. 16. A coupler device according to claim 15, A coupler device, wherein the distal coupler portion is configured such that the distal portion spring biases the distal release sleeve toward the distal coupler latched position when the distal coupler portion is released from movement in the proximal direction.

17. A coupler device according to any one of claims 7 to 16, A coupler device, wherein the distal coupler portion is configured such that a distal end of the distal coupler portion is axially movable past a distal end of the driver in the distal direction.

18. A coupler device according to any one of claims 7 to 17, the driver includes a distal cylindrical portion having a plurality of longitudinally extending guiding projections; the distal release sleeve having a plurality of longitudinally extending channels; A coupler device, wherein the distal release sleeve is received on the distal cylindrical portion, a plurality of longitudinally extending guide projection members of the driver are received within a plurality of longitudinally extending channels of the distal release sleeve, the distal release sleeve is axially movable relative to the driver, and the distal release sleeve rotates in unison with the driver.

19. A coupler device according to any one of claims 7 to 18, the distal release sleeve has an annular bearing channel, the distal release sleeve configured to rotate in unison with the driver; A coupler device, wherein the distal housing portion has an annular bearing member configured to be received within the annular bearing channel of the distal release sleeve such that the distal release sleeve moves axially in unison with the distal housing portion, and the distal housing portion is rotationally fixed when the distal release sleeve rotates in unison with the driver.

20. A coupler device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, 1. A coupler device comprising an external operator arm coupled to the distal housing portion, the distal coupler portion configured to pivot relative to the proximal coupler portion about the longitudinal axis to selectively position the external operator arm on diametrically opposite sides of the longitudinal axis to accommodate either right-handed or left-handed use of the distal coupler portion.

21. 1. A biopsy system comprising: a biopsy driver having a drive shaft; an intraosseous device having a drive portion; for connecting the drive shaft of the biopsy driver and the drive portion of the intraosseous device A coupler device constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 20; A biopsy system comprising:

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