Methods for biopsying tissue

• US 8,439,945 B2
• Filed: 04/28/2011
• Issued: 05/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zipline Medical, Inc. (Stryker Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Zipline Medical, Inc. (Stryker Corporation)
• Inventors: Belson, Amir, Storne, Eric, Beckey, Brian
• Primary Examiner(s): TYSON, MELANIE RUANO
• Application Number:
  US13/096,602
• Publication Number:
  US 20120016410A1
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 606/216
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0293 with ring member to support retractor elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/085 with adhesive layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00407 Ratchet means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00862 elastic or resilient for sutures A61B2017/0618
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/008 Pegs inserted, e.g. forced, into openings

Abstract

A biopsy incision closure device includes a base having a frame incorporated therein. Together, the base and frame define an opening for performing a biopsy incision when the device is placed over a tissue surface. The base is typically composed of an elastomeric material, and the frame comprises resilient inelastic members which can be used to close the opening in a highly uniform manner with minimum distortion and stress introduced into the tissue edges being drawn together.

Claims

1. A method for biopsying tissues and closing a resulting cavity in the tissues, said method comprising:

adhering a base having an opening to a tissue surface, said base including a resilient frame having opposed sides which surround the opening, wherein the base comprises a body formed from a first material and wherein the frame is formed from a second material which is more rigid than the first material;

biopsying tissue through the opening, leaving a cavity having opposed, laterally spaced-apart edges in the tissue; and

closing the opposed sides of the frame to apply a generally uniform distribution of lateral closing force along opposite sides of the opening of the base to evenly close the edges of the cavity.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the opening in the base is elliptical.

3. A method as in claim 1, further comprising axially compressing the resilient frame to open the base opening before adhering the base to tissue.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the base preferentially stretches in an axial direction to accommodate elongation of the cavity as the sides of the frame are closed in a lateral direction.

5. A method as in claim 4, the base is inhibited from stretching in the lateral direction by reinforcing elements on the frame.

6. A method as in claim 1, wherein closing comprises advancing a ratchet from one side of the frame to a laterally opposite side of the frame.

7. A method as in claim 1, further comprising applying an outward force at each end of the frame to flatten tissue as the opposed sides of the frame are closed.

8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a lip configured to raise an inner periphery of the base opening to evert the tissue as the opposed sides of the frame are closed.

9. A method as in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a hard, flexible plastic or metal and the body comprises a soft elastomeric material.

10. A method as in claim 9, wherein the soft elastomeric material is molded over the frame.

11. A method as in claim 10, wherein the body has a bottom surface which is coated with an adhesive which adheres to the tissue surface.

12. A method as in claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first leg and an opposed second leg, wherein closing comprises moving the legs.

13. A method as in claim 12, wherein the frame is self-opening so that it is open without the application of external force.

14. A method as in claim 12, wherein the frame is self-closing so that it is opened by applying an axial compression force.