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Method and apparatus for in VIVO treatment of mammary ducts by light induced fluorescence

  • US 6,846,311 B2
  • Filed: 08/06/2002
  • Issued: 01/25/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/02/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of treating atypical tissue in the mammary duct of a woman'"'"'s breast using a micro-endoscope assembly having a distal end with a diameter ranging from 0.5 mm to about 1.2 nm, the method comprising the steps of:

  • a. administering a dosage of a chemical fluorescent marker compound into the interior of a mammary duct;

    b. incubating said fluorescent marker compound in the duct from about 1 to about 4 hours;

    c. inserting the distal end of the micro-endoscope into the mammary duct of a woman patient;

    d. transmitting light into the dosed mammary duct to match the excitation frequency of the marker compound causing atypica tissue to fluoresce;

    e. viewing the interior of the duct until the location of tissue fluorescence is ascertained;

    f. positioning the micro-endoscope assembly proximate the atypical tissue;

    g. transmitting light through said micro-endoscope onto the atypical tissue at a wave length suitable to cause fluoresced cells to be destroyed; and

    h. withdrawing the micro-endoscope from said mammary duct.

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