Localizing obturator
A medical target confirmation device, such as a localizing obturator, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the medical target confirmation device includes an elongate body member defined by a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes at least one bore extending therein. The bore receives contrast agent therein. A method for using the medical target confirmation device is also disclosed.
1 - 32 . (canceled)
33 . A medical targeting device, comprising:
an elongate body member defined by a distal end and a proximal end;
wherein said distal end includes at least one bore extending therein; said bore receiving contrast agent therein.
34 . The medical targeting device of claim 33 , wherein said distal end includes two bores formed therein.
35 . The medical targeting device of claim 34 , wherein the bores intersect one another.
36 . The medical targeting device of claim 35 wherein the bores intersect one another at an approximately 90° angle.
37 . The medical targeting device of claim 36 , wherein said bores form a cross-shaped passage.
38 . The medical targeting device of claim 36 , wherein said bores form a t-shaped passage.
39 . The medical targeting device of claim 33 , wherein one bore extends substantially the length of said body.
40 . The medical targeting device of claim 39 , further including a plug to selectively close said bore.
41 . The medical targeting device of claim 33 , wherein said proximal end includes a gripping portion.
42 . The medical targeting device of claim 33 , further including an inwardly extending depression formed at said distal end, wherein said depression at least partially surrounds said bore.
43 . The medical targeting device of claim 33 , wherein said contrast agent is a radioactive isotope.
44 . The medical targeting device of claim 43 , wherein said contrast agent is fluro-deoxyglucose.
45 . The medical targeting device of claim 43 , wherein the contrast agent is technetium 99 .
46 . A medical targeting device, comprising:
an elongate body member defined by a distal end and a proximal end;
wherein said body member includes intersecting bores, at least one of said bores being formed at said distal end; said bores receiving contrast agent therein.
47 . The medical targeting device of claim 46 , wherein said intersecting bores include a generally laterally disposed bore and a generally axial disposed bore.
48 . The medical targeting device of claim 47 , wherein said generally laterally disposed bore has at least one closed end.
49 . The medical targeting device of claim 47 , wherein said generally axial disposed bore extends substantially the length of said body.
50 . The medical targeting device of claim 49 , wherein said generally laterally disposed bore is positioned adjacent said proximal end.
51 . A target confirmation procedure, comprising:
providing a localizing obturator that has at least one bore formed in a distal end thereof;
introducing a contrast agent into said bore such that a portion of said contrast agent is retained within a reservoir formed by said bore;
inserting said localizing obturator into a patient's body; and
imaging said contrast agent to determine a location of target tissue within a patient's body.
52 . The target confirmation procedure of claim 51 , wherein said introducing step is accomplished by dipping the distal end of said localizing obturator into said contrast agent such that contrast agent is wicked into said bore.
53 . The target confirmation procedure of claim 52 , wherein said introducing step is accomplished by injecting contrast agent into one of said bores of said localizing obturator.
54 . The target confirmation procedure of claim 51 , wherein said imaging step is accomplished using scintimammography.
55 . The target confirmation procedure of claim 51 , wherein said imaging step is accomplished using positron emission tomography.