Patent US5301682A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5301682A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for locating a breast mass
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-09-22
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Granted: 1994-04-12
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Expires: 2012-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A mass localization device includes a catheter and a needle. In one embodiment, the catheter includes inner and outer walls spaced from each other and creating a gap between the walls extending along substantially the entire length of the catheter. The distal portion of the outer wall includes an inflatable balloon. In use, the balloon is positioned proximate the mass and inflated to make the mass palpable. An incision to the mass can be achieved by the shortest possible distance since the mass is made palpable.
Inventors
- 👤 Elie Debbas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/10; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3403; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3904; A61B2090/3908; A61B2090/3962
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for localizing and palpating a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue by radiographic guidance; inserting a catheter to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; inflating said inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable; and, palpating the mass through the body tissue.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for localizing and palpating a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue by radiographic guidance; inserting a catheter to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; inflating said inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable; and, palpating the mass through the body tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of introducing an anesthetizing agent through said needle to anesthetize the area of the tissue proximate the mass and thereafter withdrawing the needle from the body tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 2, further comprising locating the mass by feeling he inflated balloon member through the skin and making an incision from a point on the skin proximate to the balloon member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said needle is inserted prior to insertion of the catheter, said catheter being inserted inside said needle after the needle has been inserted adjacent to the mass in the body tissue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said needle is withdrawn from the body tissue prior to inflation of the inflatable balloon member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said insertion of said catheter into said needle is facilitated by a stylette provided inside said catheter.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
23 words
The method of claim further comprising the step of introducing an anesthetizing agent through said needle prior to inflating the inflatable balloon member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said needle and said catheter are inserted into said body tissue simultaneously.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for localizing and palpating a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue by radiographic guidance; inserting a catheter into the needle until the inflatable balloon member is just inside the tip of the needle to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; withdrawing the needle from the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable; and, palpating the mass through the body tissue.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for localizing and palpating a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue by radiographic guidance; inserting a catheter into the needle until the inflatable balloon member is just inside the tip of the needle to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; withdrawing the needle from the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable; and, palpating the mass through the body tissue.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of providing a stylette inside the catheter to facilitate insertion of the catheter into the needle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of connecting a valve to a proximal end of said catheter after the needle is withdrawn from the body tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of releasably connecting a check valve to a proximal end of said catheter after the needle is withdrawn from the body tissue.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; and inflating said inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
96 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; and inflating said inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of introducing an anesthetizing agent through said needle to anesthetize the area of the tissue proximate the mass and thereafter withdrawing the needle from the body tissue.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising locating the mass by feeling the inflated balloon member through the skin and making an incision from a point on the skin proximate to the balloon member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said needle is inserted prior to insertion of the catheter, said catheter being inserted inside said needle after the needle has been inserted adjacent to the mass in the body tissue.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said needle is withdrawn from the body tissue prior to inflation of the inflatable balloon member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said insertion of said catheter into said needle is facilitated by a stylette provided inside said catheter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of introducing an anesthetizing agent through said needle prior to inflating the inflatable balloon member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said needle and said catheter are inserted into said body tissue simultaneously.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter into the needle until the inflatable balloon member is just inside the tip of the needle to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; withdrawing the needle from the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter into the needle until the inflatable balloon member is just inside the tip of the needle to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; withdrawing the needle from the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter so that said balloon member makes the mass palpable.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of providing a stylette inside the catheter to facilitate insertion of the catheter into the needle.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of connecting a valve to a proximal end of said catheter after the needle is withdrawn from the body tissue.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a tubing having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the tubing, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue, said needle including a tubing provided in the needle to position a distalmost portion of the tubing having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter to localize said mass.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
85 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a tubing having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the tubing, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue, said needle including a tubing provided in the needle to position a distalmost portion of the tubing having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter to localize said mass.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; inflating said inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm; and, locating the mass by feeling the inflated balloon member through the skin.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the inflatable balloon member adjacent to said mass in the body tissue; inflating said inflatable balloon member of said catheter to have a diameter of about 2 to 5 cm; and, locating the mass by feeling the inflated balloon member through the skin.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of introducing an anesthetizing agent through said needle to anesthetize the area of the tissue proximate the mass and thereafter withdrawing the needle from the body tissue.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 26, further comprising making an incision from a point on the skin proximate to the balloon member.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said needle is inserted prior to insertion of the catheter, said catheter being inserted inside said needle after the needle has been inserted adjacent to the mass in the body tissue.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 28 wherein said needle is withdrawn from the body tissue prior to inflation of the inflatable balloon member.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 28 wherein said insertion of said catheter into said needle is facilitated by a stylette provided inside said catheter.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of introducing an anesthetizing agent through said needle prior to inflating the inflatable balloon member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 25 wherein said needle and said catheter are inserted into said body tissue simultaneously.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter into the needle until the inflatable balloon member is just inside the tip of the needle to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; withdrawing the needle from the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter; and, locating the mass by feeling the inflated balloon member through the skin.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a catheter having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the catheter, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue; inserting a catheter into the needle until the inflatable balloon member is just inside the tip of the needle to position a distalmost portion of the catheter having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; withdrawing the needle from the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said catheter; and, locating the mass by feeling the inflated balloon member through the skin.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of providing a stylette inside the catheter to facilitate insertion of the catheter into the needle.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of connecting a valve to a proximal end of said catheter after the needle is withdrawn from the body tissue.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a tubing having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the tubing, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue, said needle including a tubing provided in the needle to position a distalmost portion of the tubing having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said tubing to localize said mass; and, locating the mass by feeling the inflated balloon member through the skin.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for localizing a mass in body tissue employing a localization device including a tubing having an inflatable balloon member at a distal end of the tubing, said method comprising the steps of: inserting a needle adjacent to a mass in body tissue, said needle including a tubing provided in the needle to position a distalmost portion of the tubing having the balloon member adjacent to the mass in the body tissue; inflating the inflatable balloon member of said tubing to localize said mass; and, locating the mass by feeling the inflated balloon member through the skin.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3952742A
Cited
US4465072A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-04-11 | 1997-10-11 | 1998-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-04-11 | 2001-10-11 | 2002-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-04-11 | 2005-10-11 | 2006-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |