The present invention relates to devices and methods that enhance the accuracy of
lesion excision, through severing, capturing and removal of a
lesion within
soft tissue. Furthermore, the present invention relates to devices and methods for the excision of
breast tissue based on the internal
anatomy of the breast gland. A tissue severing device generally comprises a guide having at least one lumen and a
cutting tool contained within the lumen. The
cutting tool is capable of extending from the lumen and forming an adjustable
cutting loop. The cutting loop may be widened or narrowed and the angle between the loop extension axis and the guide axis may be varied. Optional tissue marker and tissue collector may additionally be provided. A method for excising a
mass of tissue from a patient is also provided. The device and method are particularly useful for excising a
lesion from a
human breast, e.g., through the excision and removal of a part of a breast lobe, an entire breast lobe or a breast lobe plus surrounding adjacent tissue.