TISSUE SITE MARKERS FOR IN VIVO IMAGING

• US 20100298698A1
• Filed: 05/25/2010
• Published: 11/25/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Senorx Incorporated (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: Senorx Incorporated (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: DeSantis, Stephen A., Jones, Michael L., Burbank, Fred H., Louw, Frank R., Quick, Richard L., Lubock, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 8,718,745 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/431
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/08021 of the patient or his organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3908 Soft tissue, e.g. breast tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3925 ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3987 Applicators for implanting markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3991 having specific anchoring means to fixate the marker to the tissue, e.g. hooks
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/12 Arrangements for detecting or locating foreign bodies
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0833 involving detecting or locating foreign bodies or organic structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/0069 Devices for implanting pellets, e.g. markers or solid medicaments for introducing of radioactive sources for interstitial radiation therapy, i.e. brachytherapy A61N5/1027

Abstract

The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging. The biopsy site marker may be accurately fixed to the biopsy site so as to resist migration from the biopsy cavity when a placement instrument is withdrawn, and when the marked tissue is subsequently moved or manipulated.

Claims

1. An intracorporeal site marker for marking a selected site within tissue of a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:

(a) an ultrasound detectable body including boundaries having a high contrast in acoustical impedance when the marker is placed in tissue of the selected site, so as to efficiently reflect ultrasound during ultrasound imaging; and

(b) a body shape which is recognizably artificial when the marker is subject to ultrasound or X-ray imaging, so as to be readily distinguishable from biological features within the tissue site.

2-41. -41. (canceled)

42. An intracorporeal site marker for marking a selected site within tissue of a patient'"'"'s body, comprising a remotely detectable body having at least one migration resistant tissue engaging element.

43. The intracorporeal site marker of claim 42 wherein the tissue engaging element has a looped configuration.

44. The intracorporeal site marker of claim 43 wherein the tissue engaging element in the looped configuration has a hooked terminal end.