Method and device for statistical tissue sampling using microdevices
First Claim
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1. A system for obtaining a tissue sample from a subject, the system comprising:
- a) a device comprising;
i) an elongated tubular shaft having proximal and distal ends; and
ii) an inflatable balloon disposed on the distal end of the shaft, the inflatable balloon having one or more magnets disposed thereon and configured for retrieval or deployment of a tetherless microtool, wherein the shaft has one or more openings disposed proximal to the balloon for deployment of the tetherless microtool from a lumen of the shaft; and
b) a tetherless microtool magnetically detachable to the one or more magnets.
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Abstract
The present invention utilizes tetherless microtools to biopsy tissue. The invention provides a device and method for deployment and retrieval of tetherless microtools. The size of the microtools ensures that tissue damage at a site targeted for biopsy is negligible. As such, large numbers of microtools may be deployed ensuring that a true statistical sampling of biologic tissue is performed.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A system for obtaining a tissue sample from a subject, the system comprising:
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a) a device comprising; i) an elongated tubular shaft having proximal and distal ends; and ii) an inflatable balloon disposed on the distal end of the shaft, the inflatable balloon having one or more magnets disposed thereon and configured for retrieval or deployment of a tetherless microtool, wherein the shaft has one or more openings disposed proximal to the balloon for deployment of the tetherless microtool from a lumen of the shaft; and b) a tetherless microtool magnetically detachable to the one or more magnets. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification