An excision device including a guide rod assembly and methods of operating the same are disclosed. An excision device includes a housing coupled to a coring cannula, a stylet with a blade, and a guide rod assembly. A hollow central passageway extends through the center of the excision device. The guide rod assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a guide element having first and second ends and comprised of a guide rod and a locking member. The guide rod is slidably disposed within the central passageway. The locking member is fixed to the second end of the guide rod. The guide rod assembly further includes an anchor stabilization rod slidably disposed within the central passageway. A coupling device, a first portion of which is fixed to the guide rod and a second portion fixed to the anchor stabilization rod, couples the anchor stabilization rod to the guide rod.
