IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,229,417
Granted Patent B2
US 7,229,417 · App. 10/966,551 · Granted Jun 12, 2007

Methods for marking a biopsy site

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,229,417
App. No.
10/966,551
Granted
Jun 12, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

Implantable devices and methods of use are disclosed for marking the location of a biopsy or surgery for the purpose of identification. The methods include providing a biodegradable radiodense implant and taking a tissue sample from a biopsy site within a breast of a patient. The biodegradable implant is then positioned at the biopsy site. The tissue sample is tested and the biopsy site is then relocated. In one embodiment, the entire implant is radiodense. In another embodiment, the entire implant is biodegradable. Methods of using a biodegradable implant having a radiodense material and a biodegradable implant that is visible using an imaging system are also included.

Claims (35)

1. A method for breast biopsy, comprising the steps of:

providing a biodegradable radiodense implant;

taking a tissue sample from a breast of a patient to create a biopsy site;

positioning the biodegradable radiodense implant within the biopsy site;

testing the tissue sample; and

relocating the biopsy site by detecting the biodegradable radiodense implant.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the entire implant is radiodense.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the entire implant is biodegradable.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the implant is a plastic.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises a plurality of beads or pellets.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein a diameter of a bead or pellet is about 500 μm.

8. A method for breast biopsy, comprising the steps of:

providing a biodegradable implant having a radiodense material;

taking a tissue sample from a breast of a patient to create a biopsy site;

positioning the biodegradable implant having a radiodense material within the biopsy site;

testing the tissue sample; and

relocating the biopsy site by detecting the biodegradable implant having a radiodense material.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the entire implant is radiodense.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the entire implant is biodegradable.

11. The method of claim 8 , further comprising an adhesive.

12. The method of claim 8 , wherein the implant is a plastic.

13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the implant comprises a plurality of beads or pellets.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein a diameter of a bead or pellet is about 500 μm.

15. A method for breast biopsy, comprising the steps of:

providing a biodegradable implant that is visible using an imaging system;

taking a tissue sample from a breast of a patient to create a biopsy site;

positioning the biodegradable implant that is visible using an imaging system within the biopsy site;

testing the tissue sample; and

relocating the biopsy site using the imaging system by detecting the biodegradable implant.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the implant is radiodense.

17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the entire implant is radiodense.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the entire implant is biodegradable.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the imaging system is a mammographic imaging system.

20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the implant is a plastic.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 13, 2010
From: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
To: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 024672/0088 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 9, 2010
From: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
To: DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 024656/0606 →