Method and Apparatus For Inserting Biopsy Site Marker In Marker Body

• US 20090216150A1
• Filed: 02/25/2008
• Published: 08/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Devicor Medical Products Incorporated (Danaher Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Devicor Medical Products Incorporated (Danaher Corporation)
• Inventors: Reichel, Lee, Speeg, Trevor W. V., Payne, Gwendolyn P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,079,964 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/562
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0275 with sample notch, e.g. on the side of inner stylet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3908 Soft tissue, e.g. breast tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3925 ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3954 magnetic, e.g. NMR or MRI
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3987 Applicators for implanting markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers

Abstract

An apparatus for inserting a marking element into a marker body includes a body portion, an insertion member, and a pushing member. The body portion has a compartment configured to receive a marker body. The insertion member is configured to engage the marker body within the compartment. The pushing member is configured to engage with the insertion member. The pushing member is operable to force a marking element along the insertion member into the marker body. The insertion member may include a hollow needle configured to penetrate the marker body. The pushing member may include a pin configured to fit within the hollow needle. The marker body may include an opening such as a slit, a slot, or a passage that is configured to receive a marking element. The marker body may include a collagen dowel, and the marking element may be formed of titanium.

Claims

1. An apparatus for inserting a marking element into a marker body, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a body portion having a compartment configured to receive a marker body;

(b) an insertion member configured to engage a marker body within the compartment; and

(c) a pushing member, wherein the pushing member is configured to engage with the insertion member, wherein the pushing member is operable to force a marking element along the insertion member into the marker body.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insertion member comprises a hollow needle.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the needle has an open tip configured to penetrate the marker body.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the needle has a tip and a length selected to position the tip approximately at a center of the marker body.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pushing member comprises a pin configured to pass through at least a portion of the hollow needle.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pushing member further comprises a body portion, wherein the pin extends from the body portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the position of the pin relative to the body portion is adjustable.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pushing member further comprises a set screw, wherein the set screw is operable to selectively secure the position of the pin relative to the body portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the insertion member further comprises a body portion, wherein the needle extends from the body portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the position of the needle relative to the body portion is adjustable.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the insertion member further comprises a set screw, wherein the set screw is operable to selectively secure the position of the needle relative to the body portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the body portion further comprises an opening in communication with the needle, wherein the opening has a ramped surface configured to guide the marking element into the needle.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the marker body defines an axis.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the insertion member comprises an elongate member configured to engage the marker body along the axis of the marker body.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plug member configured to engage the body portion, wherein the plug member is configured to restrict longitudinal motion of the marker body within the compartment.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the plug member is configured to engage a first end of the marker body.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the insertion member is configured to engage a second end of the marker body.

18. An apparatus for marking a site within a patient, wherein the apparatus comprises:

(a) a marker body, wherein the marker body has an opening formed therein, wherein the opening is configured to receive a marking element, wherein the opening is selected from the group consisting of a slit, a slot, and a substantially cylindraceous passage or recess, wherein the marker body is visible under ultrasound; and

(b) a marking element, wherein the marking element is imageable under at least two imaging modalities, wherein the marker element is positioned in the opening of the marker body.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the opening extends from an outer surface of the marker body to the center of the marker body.

20. A method for inserting a marking element into a marker body, the method comprising:

(a) providing a marker insertion device having a body portion, wherein the body portion comprises a compartment configured to receive a marker body;

(b) inserting a marker body in the compartment of the body portion;

(c) inserting a hollow needle into at least a portion of the marker body while the marker body is located within the compartment;

(d) introducing a marking element to the hollow needle; and

(e) inserting a pin through the hollow needle to drive the marking element through the needle and into the marker body.