Target identification tool for intra-body localization

Abstract

A marker device that aids in the subsequent identification of a particular area is equipped with an anchoring device that prevents migration once placed in the tissue of that particular area. The device may include a chemical agent or drug that adds a therapeutic function to the marker device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An identification device, comprising:
 a body portion configured to mark a location in a patient's body; and   an anchoring portion coupled to an outer surface of the body portion and disposed axially around a longitudinal axis defined by the body portion, the anchoring portion having a plurality of sharpened portions extending in a first direction and configured to be inserted into tissue upon movement of the body portion in the first direction to removably anchor the body portion to the tissue.   
     
     
         3 . The identification device according to  claim 2 , wherein the anchoring portion comprises a plurality of rings encircling the body portion and longitudinally spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The identification device according to  claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of sharpened portions of one of the plurality of rings is collinear with a respective one of the plurality of sharpened portions of another of the plurality of rings along the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion. 
     
     
         5 . The identification device according to  claim 2 , wherein the body portion extends between a closed proximal end and a closed distal end. 
     
     
         6 . The identification device according to  claim 2 , wherein the body portion extends between a rounded proximal end and a rounded distal end. 
     
     
         7 . The identification device according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sharpened portions are evenly spaced around the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion. 
     
     
         8 . The identification device according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sharpened portions are tapered in the first direction and terminate in a sharpened tip configured to pierce tissue. 
     
     
         9 . The identification device according to  claim 8 , wherein the sharpened tips of the plurality of sharpened portions are disposed proximal to a distal end of the body portion. 
     
     
         10 . The identification device according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sharpened portions are flexible. 
     
     
         11 . The identification device according to  claim 2 , wherein the body portion includes an energy source configured to emit energy selected from the group consisting of light, heat, radiation, electromagnetic, and sound. 
     
     
         12 . An identification device, comprising:
 a body portion configured to mark a location in a patient's body and defining a longitudinal axis;   a plurality of rings coupled to an outer surface of the body portion and disposed axially around the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion; and   a plurality of sharpened barbs extending distally from each of the plurality of rings parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion, the plurality of sharpened barbs configured to be inserted into tissue upon movement of the body portion in a proximal to distal direction to removably anchor the body portion to the tissue.   
     
     
         13 . The identification device according to  claim 12 , wherein each of the plurality of sharpened barbs of one of the plurality of rings is collinear with a respective one of the plurality of sharpened barbs of another of the plurality of rings along the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion. 
     
     
         14 . The identification device according to  claim 12 , wherein the body portion includes an energy source configured to emit energy selected from the group consisting of light, heat, radiation, electromagnetic, sound, and cryo. 
     
     
         15 . The identification device according to  claim 12 , wherein the body portion extends between a closed proximal end and a closed distal end. 
     
     
         16 . The identification device according to  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of sharpened barbs are evenly spaced around the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion. 
     
     
         17 . The identification device according to  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of sharpened barbs are tapered in the distal direction and terminate in a sharpened tip configured to pierce tissue. 
     
     
         18 . The identification device according to  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of sharpened barbs are flexible. 
     
     
         19 . An identification device, comprising:
 at least one ring having a plurality barbs extending distally therefrom; and   a body portion configured to mark a location in a patient's body, the body portion disposed axially through the at least one ring and having an outer surface coupled to an inner surface of the at least one ring, the plurality of barbs extending parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the body portion, wherein movement of the body portion in a proximal to distal direction advances at least one of the plurality of barbs into tissue to removably anchor the body portion to the tissue.   
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 19 , wherein the at least one ring comprises a plurality of rings longitudinally spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the plurality of barbs include a sharpened distal tip disposed proximal to a distal end of the body portion.