Minimally invasive surgical instrument for tissue identification, dislodgment and retrieval and methods of use
US6484050B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/392
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A probe or sheath for use on a probe for detecting and removing radioactively tagged tissue, e.g., a sentinel lymph node, within the body of a living being. The probe or sheath and probe is arranged to be inserted through a small percutaneous portal into the patient's body and is movable to various positions adjacent the tagged tissue to detect the presence of radiation therefrom so that it can be positioned immediately adjacent that tissue to ensnare or trap that tissue. The probe or sheath and probe can then be removed from the being's body, carrying the tagged tissue with it. The probe may be constructed to make use of a scintillation crystal, a collimator, adjustable or fixed, and a backshielding lightpipe. A blunt dissecting device is provided as part of the sheath or as part of the probe itself to aid in separating the tagged tissue from adjacent tissue without injury to the adjacent tissue. The probe may be a fully integrated, self-powered unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.