An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.

An improved biopsy apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hollow outer cannula within which is initially disposed a solid inner puncture trocar. In use, a biopsy sample is obtained from a patient by first inserting the outer cannula - trocar apparatus into the patient to a desired location. Thereafter, the solid inner initial puncture trocar is withdrawn from the outer cannula, while the other cannula remains in place at the desired specimen location. A hollow inner cannula is then inserted into the outer cannula, and upon withdrawal of the inner cannula from the outer cannula the desired specimen is obtained within the hollow interior of the inner cannula.

A method of making a jaw for a biopsy forceps in which a flat strip is formed with a sharpened edge and a tang with a pointed end. The strip is bent to form an open loop, and the tang is bent to extend upwardly into the loop.

Multi-size, reusable punches as sets for use in coronary artery bypass grafting that include punch/die assemblies that may easily and quickly interchanged at the operating table under sterile conditions and without tools are disclosed.

An automatic biopsy device for taking plural samples of tissue of a patient. The device is pneumatically operated in response to the depressing of a trigger by the operator and makes use of a removable cassette in which a plurality of stylets are located. The stylets are disposed on a moveable tray within the cassette and are arranged to be selectively positioned within the device for propulsion through a releasably mounted cannula at a high speed into the tissue to be sampled. Each stylet includes a groove adjacent its distal end into which the tissue to be sampled enters when the cannula is propelled into the tissue. Thereafter and in automatic response to the propulsion of the stylet through the cannula into the tissue, the cannula is propelled over the stylet to excise the tissue within the stylet's recess. The propulsion of the stylets and cannula is so rapid that the tissue sampling procedure is virtually pain-free. The stylet and cannula are retracted in response to release of the trigger so that the stylet is withdrawn into the cassette. The cassette is removable from the device and can be taken to a laboratory for analysis of the tissue samples, all the while protecting the tissue samples and the personnel handling them.