Tissue site markers for in VIVO imaging
US6725083B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3987
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging. The biopsy site marker may be accurately fixed to the biopsy site so as to resist migration from the biopsy cavity when a placement instrument is withdrawn, and when the marked tissue is subsequently moved or manipulated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.