SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION OF CANCER IN WOMEN
First Claim
1. A device for screening for detection of gynecological cancers, the device comprising:
- a transvaginal probe configured to be inserted into a vagina of the patient;
a catheter coupled to the transvaginal probe and positioned relative to the transvaginal probe so that the catheter enters an endometrial cavity of the patient when the transvaginal probe is inserted into the vagina, anda needle coupled to the transvaginal probe and extending past an end of the transvaginal probe.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods for screening for ovarian and endometrial cancer are disclosed. The device includes a catheter positioned to enter an endometrial cavity of the patient. The device can include a transvaginal probe configured to be inserted into a vagina of the patient, and a needle both coupled to the transvaginal probe. The needle can be is positioned to enter a cul-de-sac of the patient when the transvaginal probe is inserted into the vagina, and into the cul-de-sac, and the needle is configured to collect the fluid from the cul-de-sac. The catheter can also configured to deliver fluid into the endometrial cavity. The fluid can also be a dye injected into the endometrial cavity and absorbed by the endometrial carcinoma and that drains into at least one sentinel lymph node. The sentinel lymph node can be identified to allow for dissection and further examination for micrometastasis.
17 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A device for screening for detection of gynecological cancers, the device comprising:
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a transvaginal probe configured to be inserted into a vagina of the patient; a catheter coupled to the transvaginal probe and positioned relative to the transvaginal probe so that the catheter enters an endometrial cavity of the patient when the transvaginal probe is inserted into the vagina, and a needle coupled to the transvaginal probe and extending past an end of the transvaginal probe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for screening a patient for ovarian cancer, the method comprising the steps of:
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inserting a catheter into an endometrial cavity of the patient; injecting a fluid into the endometrial cavity using the catheter; at least partially occluding the endometrial cavity so that the fluid enters fallopian tubes of the patient, washes and collects cells as it flows through the fallopian tubes, and flows into a cul-de-sac of the patient; inserting a collection needle into the cul-de-sac; collecting the fluid containing the cells from the cul-de-sac; and analyzing the cells for indications of ovarian cancer. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for sentinel lymph node detection of a patient with endometrial carcinoma, the device comprising:
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a catheter configured to be inserted transvaginally into an endometrial cavity of the patient having an endometrial lining, the catheter having a lumen extending therethrough; a fluid reservoir having a dye stored therein that is designed to be absorbed by the endometrial carcinoma and enter a sentinel lymph node of the patient, the fluid reservoir coupled to the lumen of the catheter to deliver the dye into the endometrial cavity; and an internal balloon coupled to the catheter and positioned along a length of the catheter to occlude the endometrial cavity from a cervix of the patient when the catheter is positioned within the endometrial cavity, while substantially avoiding interfering with exposure of the endometrial lining to the dye along portions of the endometrial cavity commonly associated with lymphatic channels. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for sentinel lymph node detection in a patient with endometrial carcinoma, the method comprising the steps of:
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inserting a catheter into an endometrial cavity of the patient; occluding the endometrial cavity and fallopian tubes of the patient; injecting a dye into the endometrial cavity using the catheter; waiting a time period for the dye to be absorbed by the endometrial carcinoma and drain into at least one sentinel lymph node; and identifying the at least one sentinel lymph node. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification