A biopsy device for marking a biopsy site is disclosed. The biopsy device can include a marker deployer and at least one marker disposed within an internal lumen of the deployer. The marker can include a non-metallic marker body sized and shaped to reduce variability in marker deployment force. In one embodiment, the marker body can be shaped to cooperate with a feature in the internal lumen of the deployer.
1. A biopsy device comprising:
a marker deployer having an axially extending internal lumen; and
at least one marker disposed within the internal lumen of the deployer, wherein the marker comprises:
a marker body having an axial length LT, and wherein the marker body comprises:
a first marker portion having a length L 1 and a width D 1 ,
a second marker portion having a length L 2 and width D 2 , and
a third marker portion,
wherein D 2 is greater than D 1 , and
wherein LT/L 2 is at least about 1.5,
wherein the first marker portion and the second marker portion together define a T shape,
wherein the second marker portion is disposed between the first and third marker portions,
wherein the first and third marker portions are configured to be substantially free of engagement with the internal lumen of the deployer while the marker is within the internal lumen.
2. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the ratio of LT/L 2 is at least about 2.
3. The biopsy device of claim 2 wherein the ratio of LT/L 2 is at least about 4.
4. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the ratio of D 2 /D 1 is at least about 1.5.
5. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the first and second marker portions comprise an integral, unitary marker body.
6. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the first and second marker portions comprise a hydrogel.
7. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the first and second marker portions comprise a dehydrated material configured to swell upon contact with body fluids.
8. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the first and second marker portions have generally circular cross-sections.
9. The biopsy device of claim 1 wherein the internal lumen of the deployer has a retaining feature for engaging a distally facing surface of one of the marker portions.
10. The biopsy device of claim 1 further comprising a radiopaque element carried by at least one of the first and second marker portions.
11. A biopsy device comprising:
a marker deployer having an axially extending internal lumen; and
at least one marker disposed within the internal lumen of the deployer, wherein the marker comprises:
a marker body having an axial length LT, and wherein the marker body comprises:
a first marker portion having a length L 1 and a width D 1 ,
a second marker portion having a length L 2 and width D 2 , and
a third marker portion,
wherein L 1 is greater than L 2 , D 2 is greater than D 1 , and
LT/L 2 is at least about 1.5,
wherein the first marker portion comprises a first discrete exterior surface area, wherein the second marker portion comprises a second discrete exterior surface area, and wherein the first discrete exterior surface area and the second discrete exterior surface area are adjacent to each other,
wherein the second marker portion is disposed between the first and third marker portions,
wherein the first and third marker portions are configured to be substantially free of engagement with the internal lumen of the deployer while the marker is within the internal lumen.
12. A biopsy device comprising:
a marker deployer having an axially extending internal lumen; and
at least one marker comprising hydrogel and disposed within the internal lumen of the deployer;
wherein the marker comprises a first marker body portion, a second marker body portion, and a third marker body portion;
wherein the second marker body portion is disposed between the first and third marker body portions;
wherein the diameter of the second marker body portion is greater than the diameter of the first marker body portion and the diameter of the second marker body portion is greater than the diameter of the third marker body portion; and
wherein the axial length of the second marker body portion is less than the axial length of the first and third marker body portions,
wherein the first and third marker body portions are configured to be substantially free of engagement with the internal lumen of the deployer while the marker is within the internal lumen.