Surgical and pharmaceutical site access guide and methods

A guide ( 100 ) is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula ( 120 ) defining a lumen ( 125 ) sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening ( 124 ) in communication with the lumen ( 125 ) adjacent the first end ( 121 ) of the cannula ( 120 ). The invention also includes a solid tip ( 130 ) having an anatomically distal end ( 131 ) secured to the first end ( 121 ) of the cannula ( 120 ) and a proximal end ( 132 ) configured to pierce tissue. A ramp ( 135 ) is disposed within the cannula ( 120 ) at an end ( 136 ) of the lateral opening ( 124 ) adjacent the first end ( 121 ) of the cannula ( 120 ). The ramp ( 135 ) is inclined toward the lateral opening ( 124 ), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening ( 124 ) as it advances within the lumen ( 125 ) and exits the cannula ( 120 ). In some embodiments, the item is a biopsy needle, ablation means or a radiopharmaceutical seed. The invention also includes methods of obtaining a biopsy sample and methods for treating lesions.