Imaging fiducial markers and methods

US9861450B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Breast-Med, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Patrick Bolan · Omaha, US
• Michael G. Garwood · Medina, US
• Michael T. Nelson · Golden Valley, US
• Daniel A. Halpern · St. Louis Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 11, 2015
• Grant date: Jan 9, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 11, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49982
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An implantable tissue marker incorporates a contrast agent sealed within a chamber in a container formed from a solid material. The contrast agent is selected to produce a change, such as an increase, in signal intensity under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An additional contrast agent may also be sealed within the chamber to provide visibility under another imaging modality, such as computed tomographic (CT) imaging or ultrasound imaging.