Biopsy apparatus with radio frequency cauterization and methods for its use
First Claim
1. A biopsy apparatus, comprising:
- a hollow cannula having a proximal cannula end and a distal cannula end, the cannula defining a lumen, a first port adjacent the proximal end of the hollow cannula and a second port adjacent the distal end of the hollow cannula, with the cannula lumen extending between the ports, wherein the cannula has a conductive pathway capable of transmitting cauterization energy between the proximal end and the distal end with at least a portion of the conductive pathway being electrically insulated from the surrounding environment;
a thermistor operably coupled to the distal cannula end;
an elongated stylet sized for insertion into the cannula lumen; and
a source of cauterization energy operably coupled to the conductive pathway, the source being adjustable in response to the thermistor so that the amount of cauterization energy applied to the distal end can be controlled.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A needle biopsy system, utilizing a removable inner stylet and an outer cannula sized for receiving the stylet, capable of cauterizing a biopsy track is disclosed. The cannula is capable of conducting radio frequency or other cauterizing energy. A portion of the outer surface of the cannula is insulated, allowing the exposed portion to contact adjacent tissue when inserted into the body of a subject. The apparatus can be used to perform a percutaneous biopsy of an organ or tissue. After the biopsied tissue is removed, the apparatus is pulled back through the biopsy track and cauterization energy is applied to the exposed cannula portion causing cauterization and coagulation of the tissue adjacent to the needle track.
131 Citations
26 Claims
-
1. A biopsy apparatus, comprising:
-
a hollow cannula having a proximal cannula end and a distal cannula end, the cannula defining a lumen, a first port adjacent the proximal end of the hollow cannula and a second port adjacent the distal end of the hollow cannula, with the cannula lumen extending between the ports, wherein the cannula has a conductive pathway capable of transmitting cauterization energy between the proximal end and the distal end with at least a portion of the conductive pathway being electrically insulated from the surrounding environment;
a thermistor operably coupled to the distal cannula end;
an elongated stylet sized for insertion into the cannula lumen; and
a source of cauterization energy operably coupled to the conductive pathway, the source being adjustable in response to the thermistor so that the amount of cauterization energy applied to the distal end can be controlled. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
-
-
9. An apparatus for cauterizing a needle track produced during core biopsy, comprising:
-
a needle;
a hollow sleeve having a portion capable of transmitting cauterization energy comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a first port defined by the proximal end and a second port defined by the distal end, and a sleeve lumen sized to receive the needle, wherein the sleeve lumen extends between the first and second ports;
an insulator substantially enclosing a portion of the hollow sleeve; and
a source of cauterization energy operably coupled to the hollow sleeve. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A biopsy apparatus, comprising:
-
an inner needle comprising means for penetrating tissue;
a hollow outer needle comprising means for cauterizing tissue and further comprising a proximal outer needle end, a distal outer needle end, and an outer needle lumen, wherein the lumen extends between a first port adjacent the proximal end of the hollow needle and a second port adjacent the distal end of the hollow needle, and wherein a portion of the outer needle between the proximal end and distal end comprises an insulating material; and
a source of cauterization energy operably coupled to the outer needle - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification