Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Localizing Markers or Tissue Structures within a Body

• US 20140066754A1
• Filed: 11/13/2013
• Published: 03/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cianna Medical Inc. (Merit Medical Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cianna Medical Inc. (Merit Medical Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Chi Sing, Eduardo, Cole, Mark A., Nguyen, Tommy G.
• Granted Patent: US 10,835,150 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00438 connectable to a finger
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00442 connectable to wrist or forearm
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/2051 Electromagnetic tracking systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/2072 Reference field transducer attached to an instrument or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3908 Soft tissue, e.g. breast tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/397 electromagnetic other than visible, e.g. microwave
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3975 active
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3987 Applicators for implanting markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0507 using microwaves or terahertz waves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/06 Devices, other than using radiation, for detecting or locating foreign bodies for removing same A61B17/50 ; determining position of probes within or on the body of the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/061 Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body A61B1/00158 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/064 using markers A61B5/062 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/37 Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers

Abstract

Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient'"'"'s body, e.g., within a breast. The system may include one or more markers implantable within or around the target tissue region, and a probe for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to detect the one or more markers. During use, the marker(s) are into a target tissue region, and the probe is placed against the patient'"'"'s skin to detect and localize the marker(s). A tissue specimen, including the lesion and the marker(s), is then removed from the target tissue region based at least in part on the localization information from the probe.

Claims

1. A marker for localization of a target tissue region within a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:

an elongate core member; and

a plurality of beads coupled to the core member, the beads comprising a plurality of surfaces and edges to enhance reflection of electromagnetic signals to facilitate identification of the marker.

2. The marker of claim 1, further comprising an electronic circuit carried by one of the beads or the core member, the electronic circuit configured for modulating electromagnetic signals striking the marker such that reflected signals enhance identification of the marker.

3. The marker of claim 1, wherein the core member is biased to a non-linear shape yet is resiliently flexible to allow the core member to be straightened to facilitate loading the marker into a delivery device.

4. The marker of claim 3, wherein the core member is biased to a helical shape.

5. The marker of claim 4, wherein the core member is biased to a tapered helical shape.

6. The marker of claim 1, further comprising an elongate tether extending from one of the beads or the core wire.

7. The marker of claim 6, wherein the elongate tether is releasably coupled to one of the beads or the core wire.

8. The marker of claim 1, wherein the core member is biased to a non-linear shape yet is resiliently flexible to allow the core member to be straightened to facilitate loading the marker into a delivery device.

9. The marker of claim 8, wherein the core member is biased to a helical shape.

10. The marker of claim 9, wherein the core member is biased to a tapered helical shape.

11. The marker of claim 1, wherein the core member has a length no greater than ten millimeters (10.0 mm).

12. A marker for implantation in tissue within a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:

an elongate core member;

a plurality of beads coupled to the core member, the beads comprising a plurality of surfaces and edges to enhance reflection of electromagnetic signals to facilitate identification of the marker; and

an electronic circuit carried by one of the beads or the core member, the electronic circuit modulating electromagnetic signals striking the marker such that reflected signals enhance identification of the marker.

13. The marker of claim 12, wherein the core member is biased to a non-linear shape yet is resiliently flexible to allow the core member to be straightened to facilitate loading the marker into a delivery device.

14. The marker of claim 12, wherein the electronic circuit comprises one or more of a diode and a FET transistor.

15. The marker of claim 12, wherein the marker has a length no greater than four millimeters (4.0 mm).

16. The marker of claim 12, wherein the marker is configured for implantation independent of any other devices or tethers.

17. The marker of claim 12, wherein the marker includes first and second free and untethered ends.

18. A marker for implantation in tissue within a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:

an elongate core member having first and second free ends, the core member biased to a non-linear shape yet resiliently flexible to allow the core member to be straightened to facilitate loading the marker into a delivery device; and

an electronic circuit carried by the core member, the electronic circuit modulating electromagnetic signals striking the marker such that reflected signals enhance identification of the marker.

19. The marker of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of beads coupled to the core member, the beads comprising a plurality of flat surfaces and abrupt corners to enhance reflection of electromagnetic signals to facilitate identification of the marker.

20. The marker of claim 18, wherein the electronic circuit comprises one or more of a diode and a FET transistor.

21. The marker of claim 18, wherein the core member is biased to a helical shape.