Apparatus and method of use for a photosensitizer enhanced fluorescence based biopsy needle
US5318023A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/064
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for the instant intraoperative detection and biopsy of metastatic cancer using fluorescence spectroscopy. A photosensitizing agent selectively retained by cancerous tissue is administered prior to surgery. A fiberoptic probe integrated with a biopsy device illuminates the examined tissue and causes fluorescence which is recorded by a spectrograph and plotted as a spectral curve. The intensity ratio (S1/S2) for the fluorescence from the photosensitizing agent (S1) and autofluorescence (S2) for the examined tissue is compared with the intensity ratio at the same wavelengths for primary tumor and normal tissue. Tissue that displays an intensity ratio different from that of normal tissue can immediately be analyzed for the depth of tumor involvement and then excised for histological examination using the biopsy device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.