Radiopaque tissue marker

Abstract

A fiber-based radiopaque tissue marker for radiographic marking of tissue is provided. The marker is a sterile, single-patient-use polymeric fiber with a radiopaque material and a dye. The marker is radiopaque using standard radiographs such as x-rays and mammography. The marker can also be visualized by low-dose CT scans.

1 - 13 . (Canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A radiopaque marker, comprising:
 a non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament; and   a radiopaque material disposed in the non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament, the radiopaque material configured to make the non- biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament radiopaque,   wherein the radiopaque marker is configured to be attached to tissue, and   wherein at least a portion of the radiopaque marker is configured to be disposed along a surface of the tissue so that the non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament forms a continuous radiopaque marking.   
     
     
         15 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the radiopaque marker is configured to be knotted. 
     
     
         16 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein the non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament is formed from polypropylene. 
     
     
         17 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein the non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament has a circular cross-section. 
     
     
         18 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 17 , wherein the circular cross-section has a diameter from 300 microns to 400 microns. 
     
     
         19 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein the radiopaque material comprises barium sulfate. 
     
     
         20 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 19 , wherein the barium sulfate has a weight of 40% or more of a total weight of the radiopaque marker. 
     
     
         21 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein the non-biodegradable radiopaque marker has a tensile strength of greater than 20 N. 
     
     
         22 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein the radiopaque marker is configured to be visible under radiographic imaging performed at 20 kV. 
     
     
         23 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein a portion of the non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament comprises a knot having a tensile strength of 20 N. 
     
     
         24 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 23 , wherein the knot is configured to secure the radiopaque marker to tissue and prevent movement thereof. 
     
     
         25 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , further comprising a dye or colorant disposed in the non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament, the dye or colorant configured to enhance visibility of the radiopaque marker while disposed in the tissue. 
     
     
         26 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , further comprising a suture needle coupled to the non-biodegradable elongate flexible polymer monofilament. 
     
     
         27 . The radiopaque marker of  claim 14 , wherein the radiopaque marker is configured to be sutured to the tissue.