Methods and devices for defining and marking tissue

Abstract

In order to later identify the location of a biopsy or surgery, various means and methods for permanently and non-surgically marking selected tissue in the human body are used. Later visualization of the markers is readily accomplished using state-of-the-art imaging systems.

1 - 45 . (canceled)  
     
     
         46 . A ready to use assembly for delivering a biopsy marker mass, comprising a tube, said tube having an inner lumen and being configured to be received by a biopsy guide cannula, a quantity of ultrasound-detectable bio-resorbable powder disposed within the inner lumen of said tube.  
     
     
         47 . The assembly of  claim 46  comprising a radiopaque material disposed within said tube which comprises a marker formed in a recognizable shape not naturally found within a patient's body.  
     
     
         48 . A system for marking a biopsy site within a patient, comprising: 
 a delivery tube having a bore with a proximal portion and a distal portion, a plunger slidably disposed within said bore proximal portion, and a discharge end on said distal portion; and    a quantity of ultrasound detectable bioresorbable powder disposed within said bore distal portion.    
     
     
         49 . A delivery system for delivering marker material to a target site within a patient, comprising: 
 an elongate member having a distal end, a discharge port in the distal end and an inner lumen extending therein to and in fluid communication with the discharge port in the distal end;    a mass of solid particulate marker material disposed within the inner lumen; and    an ejector which is advancable with and coupled to said elongate member and which is configured to eject particulate marker material from the discharge port in said distal end of said elongate member.