The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 16, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 01, 1999
Mika N. Sinanan, Briar, WA (US);
Christopher P. Somogyi, Clyde Hill, WA (US);
Robert N. Golden, Kirkland, WA (US);
Fred E. Silverstein, Seattle, WA (US);
Andrei J. Gonzales, Lacey, WA (US);
Lucent Medical Systems, Inc., Kirkland, WA (US);
Abstract
An anatomical marker uses a permanent magnet to indicate a selected location within a patient. The magnet is enclosed within a non-degradable envelope and is coupled to a retention member that is preferably manufactured from a biodegradable material, such as a polyglucuronic acid based material. The retention member may include one or more barbs to retain the anatomical marker in the selected location. An insertion tool, usable with an endoscope, can insert the anatomical marker. A retention magnet is fixedly attached to the insertion tool and holds the anatomical marker in place due to the attractive magnetic forces between the retention magnet and the marker magnet in the non-biodegradable envelope. When the anatomical marker is securely fastened at the selected location in the patient, the forces exerted by the patient's body on the retention member exceed the attractive magnetic forces between the retention magnet and the magnet in the envelope, thus causing the anatomical marker to be released from the insertion tool. The location of the magnet may be subsequently detected using a magnetic detector system.