Medical instrument for accessing a breast duct for performing a medical procedure
US7229420B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/034
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include at least one spacing member for adjustably positioning the manifold hub a desired distance above the surface of the nipple. The spacing member may control the insertion depth of the catheter into the duct. The medical instrument may also include at least one member for anchoring the device to the breast.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.