Surgical and pharmaceutical site access guide and methods

The present invention broadly concerns surgical and pharmaceutical delivery systems. More specifically, the invention concerns biopsy devices which provide safe and efficient coaxial, cofocal and eccentric sampling or delivery with only a single guide device placement. A guide () is provided for biopsy and microtherapy which includes an introducer cannula () defining a lumen () sized to receive a diagnostic or therapeutic item therethrough and a lateral opening () in communication with the lumen () adjacent the first end () of the cannula (). The invention also includes a solid tip () having an anatomically distal end () secured to the first end () of the cannula () and a proximal end () configured to pierce tissue. A ramp () is disposed within the cannula () at an end () of the lateral opening () adjacent the first end () of the cannula (). The ramp () is inclined toward the lateral opening (), whereby the item will be deflected through the lateral opening () as it advances within the lumen () and exits the cannula (). 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.