A biopsy device (200) having a cutting element is disclosed. The cutting element includes an inner cannula (316) having a tissue receving aperture (336) disposed proximate a distal end thereof and an inner lumen (346). The inner cannula is slidably disposed within the inner lumen (328) of an outer cannula (318). A vacuum chamber (306) is configured to create a vacuum in the cutting element during a biopsy procedure. The inner cannula is advanced distally outwardly and to cause the vacuum to be generated in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum is delivered to the cutting element whereby tissue is drawn into the tissue receiving aperture. The outer cannula is advanced distally outwardly after the inner cannula such that tissue drawn into the tissue cutting aperture is severed.
