TUMOR STABILIZING APPARATUS FOR A MEDICAL PROCEDURE
An apparatus is provided for use in a medical procedure for stabilizing a target during approach of the apparatus towards the target. The apparatus comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a cavity formed therein, and a advanceable tip housed within the cavity. The advanceable tip is advanceable to engage a surface of the target.
1 . An apparatus for use in a medical procedure for stabilizing a target during approach of the apparatus towards the target, the apparatus comprising:
a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a cavity formed therein; and
an advanceable tip housed within the cavity in a resting position, the advanceable tip being advanceable to engage a surface of the target in an engaged position.
2 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is substantially cylindrical.
3 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is substantially cylindrical and has a pointed tip at the distal end and a handle portion at the proximal end, the cavity formed at an end of the pointed tip.
4 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 3 , wherein the apparatus includes an obturator for facilitating placement of an access port.
5 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 3 , wherein the apparatus includes a biopsy probe.
6 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 5 , wherein the advanceable tip includes any one of a corkscrew tip, a biopsy needle tip, a pointed needle tip, and an alligator clip tip.
7 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6 , wherein the advanceable tip is spring loaded and is advanceable into the target on release of the spring.
8 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6 , wherein the advanceable tip is connected to an electric actuator and is advanceable into the target on activation of the actuator.
9 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6 , wherein the advanceable tip is pneumatically controlled and is advanceable into the target on activation of the pneumatic control.
10 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 9 , wherein the advanceable tip impales the target on advancement therefore stabilizing the target and preventing target movement during a subsequent stage of the medical procedure.
11 . The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the advanceable tip penetrates the target upon advancement due to high deployment speed of the tip.
12 . The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the subsequent stage of the medical procedure includes advancement of an access port, where the access port advances by sliding on an outside surface of the apparatus to a desired position, after which the apparatus is removed from the access port.
13 . The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the subsequent stage of the medical procedure includes taking a biopsy.
14 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 13 , wherein the apparatus further includes an obturator.
15 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 14 , wherein the target includes a tumor.
16 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 15 , wherein the target includes biological tissue.
17 . The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 16 , wherein the advanceable tip is advanced by actuation of a control located on the proximal end of the body.
18 . The apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the control includes a button.