Method and apparatus for obtaining an arterial biopsy and for diagnosting diseases of the vascular system
US5406959A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0041
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for obtaining a biopsy from an artery includes the steps of: inserting a catheter into an artery, positioning the catheter at a desired location within the artery, cutting a biopsy sample from the inner surface of the artery, and withdrawing the catheter and biopsy sample from the artery with the biopsy sample protected and its orientation with respect to its parent tissue preserved. The catheter includes an inner tube coupled to a vacuum source and having a beveled opening for contacting the artery. An outer tube is slidably mounted to the inner tube and has a cutting edge which slides over and severs arterial tissue retained in the beveled opening.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.