Patent US6036698A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6036698A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable ring percutaneous tissue removal device
Assignee: Covidien LP
•
Filing: 1998-11-02
•
Granted: 2000-03-14
•
Expires: 2018-11-02
Abstract
Abstract This is a device for percutaneous tissue sampling or excision. In particular, it uses an expandable ring cutter which produces an accurately located, discrete tissue mass that is removable through a comparatively much smaller access member. The tissue mass is easily reconstructed to its original form and orientation once taken from the body for further study.
Inventors
- 👤 Natalie V. Fawzi
- 👤 D. Laksen Sirimanne
- 👤 George D. Hermann
- 👤 Douglas S. Sutton
- 👤 Thomas A. Howell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/0233; A61B10/0266; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3209; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00287; A61B17/320016; A61B2017/32004; A61B2017/32006; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B2017/3454; A61B2017/346; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3904; A61B2090/3908; A61B90/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 114
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; and a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; and a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising: a tubular tissue removal member having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an open, distally located tissue entry opening; a relatively more proximal, tissue exit port, and a tissue removal passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the tissue removal member is configured to accommodate the cutting member and the first and second access members in the axial passageway when the cutting member is in the collapsed first position, and where the cutting member is extendible through the tissue entry opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting surface is configured to cut a substantially cylindrical path through discrete tissue mass.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the cutting member is manually manipulatable from the proximal end of the tubular tissue removal member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member is at least partially radio-opaque.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member is a wire cutting member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 7 where the cutting surface is serrated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member is a ribbon cutting member having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a ribbon surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 9 where the cutting surface of the ribbon cutting member is the leading edge.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 10 where the leading edge is serrated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 10 further comprising a second cutting surface on the ribbon surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 12 where the second cutting surface is serrated.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, nickel, stainless steel, cobalt, tantalum, tungsten, and alloys thereof.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member comprises titanium and nickel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member is a radio frequency cutter utilizing radio frequency energy to cut discrete tissue mass.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 16 further comprising a radio frequency source connected to the cutting member, the radio frequency source being suitable for cutting discrete tissue mass.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member is a mechanical blade.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tissue removal member of claim 18 further comprising a mechanical energy source connected to the cutting member, the mechanical energy source being suitable for cutting discrete tissue mass.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tissue removal member of claim 18 where the mechanical blade cutting member is mechanically vibrated to cut discrete tissue mass.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue removal member of claim 18 where the mechanical blade cutting member is rotated to cut discrete tissue mass.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member is a radio frequency cutting member having a sharp mechanical cutting surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 where the cutting member is an ultrasound cutter utilizing high frequency audio energy to cut discrete tissue mass.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 23 further comprising an ultrasound source connected to the cutting member which is suitable for cutting the discrete tissue mass.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 further comprising a localization wire sized to fit within the tissue removal passageway and is extendable through the tissue entry opening located in the tubular tissue removal member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 25 where the localization wire is at least partially radiopaque.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 25 where the localization wire comprises a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, nickel, stainless steel, cobalt, tantalum, tungsten, and alloys thereof.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 25 where the localization wire comprises titanium and nickel.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 further comprising a sheath removably affixed to the exterior surface of the tubular tissue removal member, the sheath having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 29 where the sheath is perforated in a direction parallel to the sheath longitudinal axis.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 30 additionally comprising a handle near the proximal end of the sheath to facilitate opening the sheath along the perforation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
60 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the tubular tissue removal member further includes a shaft passageway exterior to the tissue removal passageway and generally parallel to the tubular tissue removal member longitudinal axis; and the cutting member, first access member, and second access members are slideable within and rotatable within the shaft passageway to advance the cutting surface.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
60 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the tubular tissue removal member further includes a shaft passageway interior to the tissue removal passageway and generally parallel to the tubular tissue removal member longitudinal axis; and the cutting member, first access member, and second access members are slideable within and rotatable within the shaft passageway to advance the cutting surface.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the cutting member is attachable to the distal end of the tubular tissue removal member.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 34 where the first and second access members are attachable to the tubular tissue removal member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 35 where the tubular tissue removal member defines a longitudinal aperture, the aperture extending from the tubular tissue removal member distal end towards the tissue removal member proximal end; the aperture defining first and second tubular tissue removal member longitudinal edges.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
38 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 36 where the first and second access members are attachable to the tubular tissue removal member along at least a portion of the first and second tubular tissue removal member longitudinal edges.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
256 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the tubular tissue removal member defines a longitudinal aperture, the aperture extending from the tubular tissue removal member distal end towards the tissue removal member proximal end; the aperture defining first and second tubular tissue removal member longitudinal edges; and further comprising: a cutting member support ring attachable to the distal end of the tubular tissue removal member, the support ring moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position and having a first end, a second end, and a surface adapted for connecting to the cutting member; a first support rod having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end attachable to both the first end of the support ring and the distal end of the tubular tissue removal member, the first support rod longitudinal axis attachable to the tubular tissue removal member along at least a portion of the first tubular tissue removal member longitudinal edge; and a second support rod having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end attachable to both the first end of the support ring and the distal end of the tubular tissue removal member, the second support rod longitudinal axis attachable to the tubular tissue removal member along at least a portion of the second tubular tissue removal member longitudinal edge, the second support rod axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second support rod will move the support ring between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 further comprising a tissue manipulation device locatable within the tissue removal passageway, said tissue manipulation device configured for removing excised discrete tissue mass.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 further comprising a manipulatable grasping tool locatable within the tissue removal passageway, said grasping tool configured for removing excised discrete tissue mass.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 40 where the manipulatable grasping tool comprises a pair of opposing jaws suitable for grasping excised discrete tissue mass.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 40 where the manipulatable grasping tool comprises a grasping braid suitable for grasping excised discrete tissue mass.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 further comprising a manipulatable suction tool locatable within the tissue removal passageway, said suction tool configured for removing excised discrete tissue mass.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 further comprising a trocar having an exterior surface, a distal section, a proximal section, and a longitudinal axis, the trocar sized to fit within the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The trocar of claim 44 where the trocar defines a longitudinal aperture substantially extending along the trocar longitudinal axis.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The trocar of claim 44 further comprising at least one longitudinal groove extending along the surface of the trocar, the groove having a distal end and a proximal end.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The trocar of claim 46 further comprising at least one indentation located distally of the distal end of the groove.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
41 words
The trocar of claim 44 where the distal section of the trocar comprises a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, nickel, stainless steel, cobalt, tantalum, tungsten, and alloys thereof, and where the proximal section comprises a biologically inert plastic.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
The trocar of claim 44 where the distal end further comprises at least one retractable cutting surface biased to assume an extended first position and movable to a retracted second position.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the tissue removal member is at least partially radiopaque.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 where the tissue removal member is expandable.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 51 where the tissue removal member is braided.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 51 further comprising an extensible tissue separating member attachable to the distal end of the tubular tissue removal member.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 53 where the extensible tissue separating member is connected to a radio frequency source.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 54 where the extensible tissue separating member is connected to at least one of the first or second access members.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 54 where the extensible tissue separating member has a sharp cutting surface.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 53 where the extensible tissue separating member is a mechanical blade.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 2 additionally comprising a tissue collection chamber having a proximal end and a distal end for collecting excised discrete tissue mass.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 58 where the tissue collection chamber contains an external label for indicating information.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
34 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 58 where the tissue collection chamber contains markings on at least one of the distal or proximal ends for indicating the orientation of the excised discrete tissue mass.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
50 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 58 where at least one of the distal or proximal ends of the tissue collection chamber additionally defines a port; the port and tissue collection chamber each configured to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
64 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 61 further comprising a tissue retrieval chamber assembly attachable to the tubular tissue removal member proximal end; the tissue collection chamber assembly having at least one port to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument; the tissue collection chamber assembly adapted to at least partially contain the tissue collection chamber.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 62 where the tissue collection chamber and tissue collection chamber assembly each are transparent to x-ray energy.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
190 words
A radio frequency-assisted tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position; an expandable tubular tissue removal member having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an open, distally located tissue entry opening; a relatively more proximal, tissue exit port, and a tissue removal passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a radio frequency energy source attachable to the cutting member.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
190 words
A radio frequency-assisted tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position; an expandable tubular tissue removal member having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an open, distally located tissue entry opening; a relatively more proximal, tissue exit port, and a tissue removal passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a radio frequency energy source attachable to the cutting member.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The radio frequency-assisted tissue removal assembly of claim 64 further comprising a localization wire moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
67 words
The radio frequency-assisted tissue removal assembly of claim 64 further comprising a tissue collection chamber having a proximal end and a distal end; and where at least one of the distal or proximal ends of the tissue collection chamber additionally defines a port; the port and tissue collection chamber each configured to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
66 words
The radio frequency-assisted tissue removal assembly of claim 66 further comprising a tissue collection chamber assembly attachable to the tubular tissue removal member proximal end; the tissue collection chamber assembly having at least one port to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument; the tissue collection chamber assembly adapted to at least partially contain the tissue collection chamber.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
The radio frequency-assisted tissue removal assembly of claim 64 further comprising a trocar moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
21 words
The radio frequency-assisted tissue removal assembly of claim 64 further comprising a tissue retrieval member moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
188 words
A tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface, the cutting surface capable of mechanically cutting discrete tissue mass; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position; and an expandable tubular tissue removal member having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an open, distally located tissue entry opening; a relatively more proximal, tissue exit port, and a tissue removal passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
188 words
A tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface, the cutting surface capable of mechanically cutting discrete tissue mass; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position; and an expandable tubular tissue removal member having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an open, distally located tissue entry opening; a relatively more proximal, tissue exit port, and a tissue removal passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 70 further comprising a localization wire moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
65 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 70 further comprising a tissue collection chamber having a proximal end and a distal end; and where at least one of the distal or proximal ends of the tissue collection chamber additionally defines a port; the port and tissue collection chamber each configured to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
64 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 72 further comprising a tissue retrieval chamber assembly attachable to the tubular tissue removal member proximal end; the tissue collection chamber assembly having at least one port to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument; the tissue collection chamber assembly adapted to at least partially contain the tissue collection chamber.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 70 further comprising a trocar moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 70 further comprising a tissue retrieval member moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
195 words
A tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position; an expandable tubular tissue removal member having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an open, distally located tissue entry opening; a relatively more proximal, tissue exit port, and a tissue removal passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends; and where the cutting member is attachable to the distal end of the expandable tubular tissue removal member.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
195 words
A tissue removal assembly, comprising: a cutting member, moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position; an expandable tubular tissue removal member having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a longitudinal axis, an open, distally located tissue entry opening; a relatively more proximal, tissue exit port, and a tissue removal passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends; and where the cutting member is attachable to the distal end of the expandable tubular tissue removal member.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 76 further comprising a localization wire moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
65 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 76 further comprising a tissue collection chamber having a proximal end and a distal end; and where at least one of the distal or proximal ends of the tissue collection chamber additionally defines a port; the port and tissue collection chamber each configured to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
64 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 78 further comprising a tissue collection chamber assembly attachable to the tubular tissue removal member proximal end; the tissue collection chamber assembly having at least one port to accommodate the cutting member, first access member, second access member, and a tissue retrieval instrument; the tissue collection chamber assembly adapted to at least partially contain the tissue collection chamber.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 76 further comprising a trocar moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 76 further comprising a tissue retrieval member moveable through the tissue removal passageway.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
199 words
A procedure for removing tissue from a selected internal tissue region, comprising the steps of: a) introducing, to a position adjacent the selected internal tissue region, a tissue removal member, said member comprising: a cutting member moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; and a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position, b) moving and advancing the cutting member to cut a discrete tissue mass in the selected internal tissue region having a diameter generally greater than the tissue removal member, and c) removing the discrete tissue mass through the tissue removal member.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
199 words
A procedure for removing tissue from a selected internal tissue region, comprising the steps of: a) introducing, to a position adjacent the selected internal tissue region, a tissue removal member, said member comprising: a cutting member moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface; a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member; and a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position, b) moving and advancing the cutting member to cut a discrete tissue mass in the selected internal tissue region having a diameter generally greater than the tissue removal member, and c) removing the discrete tissue mass through the tissue removal member.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
The procedure of claim 82 where the cutting member is a radio frequency cutter.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
15 words
The procedure of claim 83 where the radio frequency cutter further comprises a mechanical blade.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The procedure of claim 82 where the cutting member is a mechanical blade.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
16 words
The procedure of claim 85 further including the step of vibrating the mechanical blade cutting member.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
16 words
The procedure of claim 85 further including the step of rotating the mechanical blade cutting member.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
13 words
The procedure of claim 82 where the cutting member is an ultrasound cutter.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
16 words
The procedure of claim 82 where the tissue removal member is a braided, expandable tubular member.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
20 words
The procedure of claim 82 further including the step of placing the discrete tissue mass in a tissue collection chamber.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
23 words
The procedure of claim 88 further including the step of delivering the tissue collection chamber containing the discrete tissue mass to a laboratory.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
22 words
The procedure of claim 82 further including the step of further cutting the discrete tissue mass into one or more smaller pieces.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
259 words
A procedure for removing tissue from a selected internal tissue region, comprising the steps of: a) making an incision in a skin region, b) introducing to a position adjacent a selected internal tissue region, a trocar, a localization wire, a cutting member moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface, a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member, a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position, an expandable tissue removal member having an enclosing sheath removably affixed to the exterior surface of the tissue removal member, c) inserting the localization wire through the selected internal tissue region, d) withdrawing the trocar from the position adjacent the selected internal tissue region, e) removing the enclosing sheath from the tissue removal member, f) moving and advancing the cutting member to cut a discrete tissue mass in the selected internal tissue region having a diameter generally greater than the expandable tissue removal member, and g) removing the discrete tissue mass through the tissue removal member.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
259 words
A procedure for removing tissue from a selected internal tissue region, comprising the steps of: a) making an incision in a skin region, b) introducing to a position adjacent a selected internal tissue region, a trocar, a localization wire, a cutting member moveable between a collapsed first position and an expanded second position, the cutting member having a first end, a second end, and at least one cutting surface, a first access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the first end of the cutting member, a second access member having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of which is fixed to the second end of the cutting member; the second access member axially rotatable about the longitudinal axis so that axial rotation of the second access member will move the cutting member between the collapsed first position and the expanded second position, an expandable tissue removal member having an enclosing sheath removably affixed to the exterior surface of the tissue removal member, c) inserting the localization wire through the selected internal tissue region, d) withdrawing the trocar from the position adjacent the selected internal tissue region, e) removing the enclosing sheath from the tissue removal member, f) moving and advancing the cutting member to cut a discrete tissue mass in the selected internal tissue region having a diameter generally greater than the expandable tissue removal member, and g) removing the discrete tissue mass through the tissue removal member.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
12 words
The procedure of claim 92 where the enclosing sheath is partially removed.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
12 words
The procedure of claim 92 where the enclosing sheath is completely removed.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
14 words
The procedure of claim 92 where the cutting member is a radio frequency cutter.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
15 words
The procedure of claim 95 where the radio frequency cutter further comprises a mechanical blade.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
13 words
The procedure of claim 92 where the cutting member is a mechanical blade.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
16 words
The procedure of claim 97 further including the step of vibrating the mechanical blade cutting member.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
16 words
The procedure of claim 97 further including the step of rotating the mechanical blade cutting member.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
13 words
The procedure of claim 93 where the cutting member is an ultrasound cutter.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
16 words
The procedure of claim 93 where the tissue removal member is a braided, expandable tubular member.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
20 words
The procedure of claim 93 further including the step of placing the discrete tissue mass in a tissue collection chamber.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
25 words
The procedure of claim 103 further including the step of delivering the tissue collection chamber containing the discrete tissue mass to a laboratory for analysis.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
22 words
The procedure of claim 93 further including the step of further cutting the discrete tissue mass into one or more smaller pieces.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 51 where the tissue removal member is coated with a coating material.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
33 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 1 further comprising an extensible tissue separating member attachable to the distal end of the first access member and the distal end of the second access member.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tissue removal assembly of claim 53 where the extensible tissue separating member is serrated.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-03-14 | 2003-09-13 | 2004-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-14 | 2007-09-13 | 2008-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-14 | 2011-09-13 | 2012-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |