Microbiopsy/precision cutting devices

US5928161A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Peter Krulevitch · Pleasanton, US
• Abraham P. Lee · Irvine, US
• M. Allen Northrup · Berkeley, US
• William J. Benett · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 3, 1997
• Grant date: Jul 27, 1999
• Expiry date: Jul 3, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/00398
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Devices for performing tissue biopsy on a small scale (microbiopsy). By reducing the size of the biopsy tool and removing only a small amount of tissue or other material in a minimally invasive manner, the risks, costs, injury and patient discomfort associated with traditional biopsy procedures can be reduced. By using micromachining and precision machining capabilities, it is possible to fabricate small biopsy/cutting devices from silicon. These devices can be used in one of four ways 1) intravascularly, 2) extravascularly, 3) by vessel puncture, and 4) externally. Additionally, the devices may be used in precision surgical cutting.