FILTER FOR FINE NEEDLE BIOPSY

The present invention relates to a biopsy needle, comprising: an outer tube including a first lumen extending therethrough; a longitudinal body slidably received in the first lumen of the outer tube, the longitudinal body including a second lumen extending therethrough, a distal end of the longitudinal body forming a tissue penetrating distal tip and including an opening configured to receive a tissue sample therein when the longitudinal body penetrates target tissue, the longitudinal body having an outer diameter selected to form a space between an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the longitudinal body; a plurality of openings extending through the longitudinal body to permit fluid communication between the second lumen and the space, a size of the openings being selected to permit the openings to operate as a filter permitting liquids to pass from the second lumen to the space while preventing tissue from passing therethrough; and a stylet slidably received in the first lumen, the stylet including a distal end operably connected to a proximal end of the longitudinal body.