Target tissue localization device

1. A method for localizing a target tissue, comprising the steps of:

determining the location of the target tissue;

passing a distal end of an elongate localization device through the patient's skin and to the target tissue to create a tissue track between the patient's skin and the target tissue, the localization device comprising a tubular mesh anchor element secured to a placement device, the placement device extending from the tubular mesh anchor element, along the tissue track and through the patient's skin;

locating the tubular mesh anchor element at the target tissue;

expanding the tubular mesh anchor element from a contracted to an expanded configuration; and

wherein the cross-sectional area of the tubular mesh anchor element in the expanded configuration is at least four times the cross-sectional area in the contracted state.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:

relocating the target tissue using the localization device; and

removing at least a sample of the relocated target tissue.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the relocating step is carried out using imaging technology.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the imaging technology is selected from the group consisting of ultrasound, thoracoscopy, nuclear medicine, MRI, computed tomography, and plain film.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular mesh anchor is positioned on the far side of the target tissue.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular mesh anchor is positioned on the near side of the target tissue.