Method and system for detecting electrophysiological changes in pre-cancerous and cancerous breast tissue and epithelium
First Claim
1. A method for determining a condition of a region of ductal epithelial breast tissue comprising:
- (A) establishing a connection between a first electrode and the epithelial breast tissue comprising;
(1) placing over the nipple of a breast a cup having an interior volume, first and second openings, and a current-passing first electrode disposed within the interior volume;
(2) placing a source of suction in communication with the first opening;
(3) introducing an electroconductive medium within the interior of the cup; and
(4) applying suction to the first opening;
(B) placing a second electrode in contact with the surface of the breast;
(C) establishing a signal between the first and second electrodes;
(D) measuring an electrical property between the first and second electrode; and
(E) determining the condition of the ductal epithelial tissue based on the measured electrical property between the first and second electrode.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system are provided for determining a condition of a selected region of epithelial and stromal tissue in the human breast. A plurality of measuring electrodes are used to measure the tissue and transepithelial electropotential of breast tissue. Surface electropotential and impedance are also measured at one or more locations. An agent may be introduced into the region of tissue to enhance electrophysiological characteristics. The condition of the tissue is determined based on the electropotential and impedance profile at different depths of the epithelium, stroma, tissue, or organ, together with an estimate of the functional changes in the epithelium due to altered ion transport and electrophysiological properties of the tissue. Devices for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for determining a condition of a region of ductal epithelial breast tissue comprising:
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(A) establishing a connection between a first electrode and the epithelial breast tissue comprising; (1) placing over the nipple of a breast a cup having an interior volume, first and second openings, and a current-passing first electrode disposed within the interior volume; (2) placing a source of suction in communication with the first opening; (3) introducing an electroconductive medium within the interior of the cup; and (4) applying suction to the first opening; (B) placing a second electrode in contact with the surface of the breast; (C) establishing a signal between the first and second electrodes; (D) measuring an electrical property between the first and second electrode; and (E) determining the condition of the ductal epithelial tissue based on the measured electrical property between the first and second electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for determining a condition of a region of ductal epithelial breast tissue comprising:
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(A) a cup having an interior volume, first and second openings, and a current-passing first electrode disposed within the interior volume; (B) a source of suction suitable for communication with the first opening; (C) the cup adapted to receive an electroconductive medium within the interior of the cup; (D) a second electrode adapted for contact with the surface of the breast;
wherein;(1) the first electrode is operable for electrical communication with the ductal epithelial tissue; and (2) the second electrode can be placed at a location spaced from said first electrode; and wherein the apparatus is adapted to; (3) establish a signal between the first and second electrodes; and (4) measure at least one electrical property between the first and second electrode so as to determine the condition of the ductal epithelial tissue based on the measured electrical property between the first and second electrode. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification