U.S. patent application number 14/715961 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for biopsy marker with in situ-generated imaging properties.
The applicant listed for this patent is C. R. Bard, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chandrashekhar Pathak, Dnyanesh A. Talpade.
Application Number | 20150245883 14/715961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39537036 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150245883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Talpade; Dnyanesh A. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2015 |
BIOPSY MARKER WITH IN SITU-GENERATED IMAGING PROPERTIES
Abstract
A method of marking a biopsy site within living tissue of a host
includes providing a marker that incorporates biological tissue for
which antibodies can be produced; inserting the marker at the
biopsy site in the host; producing a specific antibody for the
biological tissue that is grown and tagged with a radioactive
label; injecting the specific antibody in the host, the specific
antibody concentrating in and about the biological tissue to cause
a concentration of the radioactive label in the vicinity of the
marker; and imaging the radioactive label using a radiation
detector.
Inventors: |
Talpade; Dnyanesh A.;
(Kinnelon, NJ) ; Pathak; Chandrashekhar; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
C. R. Bard, Inc. |
Tempe |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39537036 |
Appl. No.: |
14/715961 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13787331 |
Mar 6, 2013 |
9042965 |
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14715961 |
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12519656 |
Jun 17, 2009 |
8401622 |
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PCT/US2007/087768 |
Dec 17, 2007 |
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13787331 |
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60870502 |
Dec 18, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/424 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2090/3966 20160201;
A61B 2090/3995 20160201; A61F 2250/0098 20130101; A61B 90/39
20160201; A61B 5/064 20130101; A61B 6/12 20130101; A61K 49/18
20130101; A61B 2090/392 20160201; A61K 49/0002 20130101; A61B 10/02
20130101; A61B 2090/3908 20160201; A61K 49/222 20130101; A61K
49/0409 20130101; A61B 5/062 20130101; A61B 5/055 20130101; A61B
2090/3925 20160201; A61B 8/0833 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 19/00 20060101
A61B019/00 |
Claims
1-29. (canceled)
30. A method of marking a biopsy site within living tissue of a
host, comprising: providing a marker that incorporates biological
tissue for which antibodies can be produced; inserting the marker
at the biopsy site in the host; producing a specific antibody for
the biological tissue that is grown and tagged with a radioactive
label; injecting the specific antibody in the host, the specific
antibody concentrating in and about the biological tissue to cause
a concentration of the radioactive label in the vicinity of the
marker; and imaging the radioactive label using a radiation
detector.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the biological tissue is bovine
pericardium tissue.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the specific antibody is a
bovine tissue specific antibody.
33. A method of marking a biopsy site within living tissue of a
host, comprising: providing a marker that incorporates bovine
tissue; inserting the marker at the biopsy site in the host;
producing a bovine tissue specific antibody for the bovine tissue
that is grown and tagged with a radioactive label; injecting the
bovine tissue specific antibody in the host, the bovine tissue
specific antibody concentrating in and about the bovine tissue to
cause a concentration of the radioactive label in the vicinity of
the marker; and imaging the concentration of the radioactive label
in the vicinity of the marker using a radiation detector.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the bovine tissue is bovine
pericardium tissue.
35. A method of marking a biopsy site within living tissue of a
host, comprising: providing a marker that incorporates biological
tissue for which antibodies can be produced; inserting the marker
at the biopsy site in the host; producing a specific antibody using
a selected isotope; injecting the specific antibody in the host,
the specific antibody concentrating in and about the biological
tissue to cause a concentration of the selected isotope in the
vicinity of the marker; and imaging the concentration of the
selected isotope in the vicinity of the marker with externally
applied radiation.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the biological tissue is bovine
tissue and the specific antibody is a bovine tissue specific
antibody.
37. The method of claim 35, wherein the biological tissue is bovine
pericardium tissue and the specific antibody is a bovine tissue
specific antibody.
38. The method of claim 35, wherein the biological tissue is bovine
tissue.
39. The method of claim 35, wherein the specific antibody is a
bovine tissue specific antibody.
Description
PRIORITY DATA AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a U.S. nation phase of International
Application No. PCT/US2007/087768, filed Dec. 17, 2007, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/870,502, filed Dec. 18, 2006, which are incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to a biopsy tissue markers.
More specifically, the invention further relates to a biocompatible
tissue site marker that is visible under various modes of
imaging.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Advances in modern medical imaging technologies such as
X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging make it possible
to identify and to biopsy tumors while they are still small. When
dealing with a small tumor, especially after a portion of the tumor
has been removed for biopsy, it is sometimes difficult to relocate
the tumor at a later time for treatment. This is particularly true
in the case of tumors in the breast, where the ability to visualize
a small growth may depend upon the manner in which the breast is
positioned or compressed during the procedure. In addition, prior
to surgically removing a tumor, it is often advantageous to try to
shrink the tumor by chemotherapy or irradiation. This is especially
true in the case of breast cancer, where conservation of breast
tissue is a concern. Shrinkage of the tumor can sometimes make it
difficult for the surgeon to locate the tumor.
[0004] A solution to this problem is to place a marker within the
target tissues at the time of biopsy which can be visualized under
a variety of imaging modalities to facilitate finding the tumor at
a later time. When a suspicious mass is detected, a sample is taken
by biopsy, often, but not necessarily, using a specialized
instrument such as a biopsy needle. The needle is inserted in the
breast while the position of the needle is monitored using
fluoroscopy, ultrasonic imaging, X-rays, MRI or other suitable
imaging modalities.
[0005] In a new procedure, called stereotactic needle biopsy, the
breast is compressed between the plates of a mammography apparatus
and two separate X-rays are taken from different points of
reference. The exact position of the mass or lesion is calculated
within the breast. The coordinates of the lesion are then
programmed into a mechanical stereotactic apparatus which guides
the biopsy needle to the lesion.
[0006] Irrespective of the biopsy technique, the surgical site may
need to be examined or accessed for surgical treatment of a
cancerous lesion. Treatment requires the surgeon or radiologist
locate the lesion precisely and this may need to be done repeatedly
over a period of time. Since treatment may alter the host tissue,
the function of a marker even more important.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,083 for "Tissue site markers for in vivo
imaging" describes biopsy site markers and methods that permit
conventional imaging techniques to be used, such as ultrasonic
imaging. The biopsy site markers have high ultrasound reflectivity
due to high contrast of acoustic impedance resulting from
gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform
surface. The patent discloses the use of materials such as metal,
ceramic materials, metal oxides, polymer, and composites and
mixtures thereof.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,244 for "Bioabsorable markers for use in
biopsy procedure" discloses a breast tissue marker that allows the
marker to be left in place avoiding the need for surgical removal.
One type of marker takes the form of hollow spheres made of
polylactite acid filled with iodine or other radiopaque material to
make them visible under X-rays and/or ultrasound. The radiopaque
materials are also bioabsorbable. Another type of marker disclosed
is a solid marker of pre-mixed radiopaque material and a
bioabsorbable material. The solid markers may also include dyes and
radioactive materials.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,241 for "Ultrasonic and x-ray detectable
biopsy site marker and apparatus for applying it" shows a biopsy
site marker of small bodies or pellets of gelatin which enclose
substantially a radioopaque object. The pellets are deposited at
the biopsy site by an applicator device inserted in the biopsy
site. Several gelatin pellets are deposited through the tube. The
radio opaque core in the gelatin bodies are of a non-biological
material and structure which are readily identified during X-ray
observations.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,034 for "Methods and chemical
preparations for time-limited marking of biopsy sites" describes
markers that remain present to permit detection and location of the
biopsy site. The markers are later absorbed by the host. The patent
discloses gelatin, collagen, balloons and detectability provided by
AgCl; Agl; BaCO.sub.3; BaSO.sub.4; K; CaCO.sub.3; ZnO;
Al.sub.2O.sub.3; and combinations of these.
[0011] US Patent Publication No. 2006/0079805 for "Site marker
visible under multiple modalities" describes site markers that
include balls or particles which are bonded together to form a
marker body. The balls or particles are made from biocompatible
materials such as titanium, stainless steel or platinum. The balls
or particles are described as being bonded together by sintering or
by adhesive such as epoxy. An alternative embodiment has at least
one continuous strand of wire of biocompatible material such as
titanium, stainless steel, platinum, or other suitable material,
compressed to form a mass that resembles a ball of yarn. Another
alternative is a resonating capsule, or a rod with drilled
holes.
[0012] US Patent Publication No. 2006/0036165 for "Tissue site
markers for in vivo imaging" shows ultrasound-detectable markers
whose shapes are distinct in an image from biological shapes.
Various shapes are disclosed including cylinders, coils, and other
more complex shapes.
[0013] US Patent Publication No. 2005/0234336 for "Apparatus and
method for marking tissue" describes permanent biopsy markers that
support visualization under multiple modalities such as MRI, X-ray
and ultrasound. The marker has a body made of a resilient,
preferably non-absorbable polymer material that is radiopaque and
echogenic. The material expands in situ. The materials for the
marker include polyacrylates, ethylene-vinyl acetates (and other
acyl-substituted cellulose acetates), polyurethanes, polystyrenes,
polyvinyl oxides, polyvinyl fluorides, poly(vinyl imidazoles),
chlorosulphonated polyolefins, polyethylene oxides, polyvinyl
alcohols (PVA), polytetrafluoroethylenes and nylons, with the
preferred material being polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and alkylated or
acylated derivatives thereof.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,146 shows an implant used to repair
skeletal defects and irregularities. The implant is of radiolucent
material and with a resorbable radiopaque marker, such as
nondemineralized or partially demineralized bone particles. A
radiopaque component, which is resorbable in its entirety, is
included. Examples of materials include demineralized bone sheet,
particles, etc., collagen and collagen derivatives, plastic such as
polyethylene cetabular cups.
[0015] Collagen has been proposed as a material for implants and
various methods of preparation and types of materials are known.
Examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,800,541; 5,162,430;
5,328,955; and 5,475,052
[0016] It is believed that most known tissue markers have a
disadvantage in that they are not visible under all available
imaging modalities. The features of a marker that make it stand out
under X-rays do not necessarily make them stand out under MRI or
ultrasound imaging. One prior art mechanism for addressing the need
for multiple-imaging-mode markers is to employ a combination of
metal structure and biodegradable foam to provide ultrasonic
imaging visibility, MRI visibility and x-ray visibility. In this
case, the metal structure provides x-ray visibility and
biodegradable foam provides visibility in ultrasonic imaging.
[0017] There is a need for site markers made from biocompatible
materials that are visible under various modes of imaging to reduce
the number of procedures that patients must undergo in detection
and treatment of cancer or any disease requiring the user of tissue
markers. It will be a valuable contribution to the art for a marker
with a simple design and superior biocompatibility can be
provided.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A biopsy marker, preferably a breast biopsy marker, has
radio-opaque properties that are derived in situ, preferably based
on a natural a biological response, such as calcification or
accumulation or tissue-concentration of a chemical agent that acts
as an imaging contrast. In an embodiment, a biodegradable foam such
as collagen foam or gelatin foam is embedded with a biological
tissue that is susceptible to the calcification. The biopsy marker
is implanted to mark the biopsy site. The foam material provides
ultrasonic visibility to access the implantation site. The
biological tissue undergoes calcification in 30 days to 5 years
depending on the chemistry of biological tissue used. The
calcification generated in the biological tissue provides
visibility in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray imaging.
As a result, the marker may be located using radiation-based
imaging or ultrasonic imaging.
[0019] Many types of implantable tissues can be used to prepare a
biopsy marker described in this invention. The implantable tissues
used include but not limited to: bovine pericardium tissue, porcine
dermal tissue, bovine or porcine arterial tissue, porcine aortic
wall tissue and the like. A tissue that is rich in elastin such as
porcine aortic wall tissue is even more preferred. It is believed
that elastin rich tissue is highly susceptible to calcification.
Biomaterials that are derived from elastin protein may also be
used. The biological tissue is preferred to be crosslinked or
stabilized using glutaraldehyde. The tissue crosslinked using 0.2
to 2% glutaraldehyde is even more preferred. In addition,
biological ingredients that promote calcification may also be added
in the tissue. These additives include bioactive and non-bioactive
substances like bone growth factor, phospholipids, polyethylene
glycol and the like.
[0020] In another embodiment, an elastic protein-based biomaterial
is processed to cause the material to have a 60 to 90% porosity.
The material is further processed to cause crosslinking using
glutaraldehyde, 1-Ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide
hydrochloride (EDC) or other suitable crosslinker The elastin foam
is then implanted as a biopsy marker where it undergoes rapid
calcification. The calcification is then detected using standard
X-ray or MRI imaging techniques.
[0021] According to an embodiment, an intracorporeal marker marks a
site within living tissue of a host. The marker has a body having a
first portion of porous biodegradable material having gas-filled
voids and at least one second portion including biological material
that tends to become calcified in a human host over time.
Preferably, the biological material includes a material with
elastin as a substantial component. More preferably, the biological
tissue includes porcine aortic wall tissue. Even more preferably,
the biological tissue includes a material with elastin that has
been cross-linked. In any of these embodiments, an agent may be
incorporated in the biological material that promotes bone growth.
The calcification may be enhanced by use of a bone growth factor,
phospholipids, or polyethylene glycol.
[0022] In another embodiment, the first portion defines a
cylindrical shape and the second portion is encased within it. The
biological material may be entirely encased with the body.
Preferably, the body (first portion) has gas-filled pores. In an
embodiment the first portion includes collagen and/or gelatin.
[0023] According to an embodiment, an intracorporeal marker marks a
site within living tissue of a host. The marker has a body having a
first portion of porous biodegradable material having gas-filled
voids and at least one second portion including biological material
that tends to become imageable in a human host over time due to a
physiological mechanism of the host. Preferably, the biological
material includes a material with elastin as a substantial
component. More preferably, the biological tissue includes porcine
aortic wall tissue. Even more preferably, the biological tissue
includes a material with elastin that has been cross-linked. In any
of these embodiments, an agent may be incorporated in the
biological material that promotes bone growth. The calcification
may be enhanced by use of a bone growth factor, phospholipids, or
polyethylene glycol.
[0024] In another embodiment, the first portion defines a
cylindrical shape and the second portion is encased within it. The
biological material may be entirely encased with the body.
Preferably, the body (first portion) has gas-filled pores. In an
embodiment the first portion includes collagen and/or gelatin. In
another embodiment, the biological material is capable of
interacting with an antibody carrying a chemical substance that can
be detected by an imaging modality.
[0025] According to another embodiment, a method of in vivo
identification of a position in soft tissue, includes: inserting a
marker having a first portion that can be imaged with ultrasound
and a second portion that promotes calcification; imaging under
ultrasound at a first time and imaging under radiation at a second
time following the first. The second time preferably follows the
first by an interval during which calcification of the second
portion occurs. The method may include waiting for the second
portion to calcify. The method may include the step of making the
marker which may further include using an agent in the marker that
promotes bone growth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general
description given above and the detailed description given below,
serve to explain the features of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue marker of
biodegradable foam with biological tissue inside.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows the tissue marker of FIG. 1 from the side.
[0029] FIG. 3 ghost oblique view of the tissue marker of FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a method of making the tissue marker of FIGS.
1-3 and subsequently using the marker.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] A biopsy marker, preferably a breast biopsy marker, has
radio-opaque properties that are derived in situ, preferably based
on a natural a biological response, such as calcification or
accumulation or tissue-concentration of a chemical agent that acts
as an imaging contrast. In an embodiment, a biodegradable foam such
as collagen foam or gelatin foam is embedded with a biological
tissue that is susceptible to the calcification. The biopsy marker
is implanted to mark the biopsy site. The foam material provides
ultrasonic visibility to access the implantation site. The
biological tissue undergoes calcification in 30 days to 5 years
depending on the chemistry of biological tissue used. The
calcification generated in the biological tissue provides
visibility in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray imaging.
As a result, the marker may be located using radiation-based
imaging or ultrasonic imaging.
[0032] Many types of implantable tissues can be used to prepare a
biopsy marker described in this invention. The implantable tissues
used include but not limited to: bovine pericardium tissue, porcine
dermal tissue, bovine or porcine arterial tissue, porcine aortic
wall tissue and the like. A tissue that is rich in elastin such as
porcine aortic wall tissue is even more preferred. It is believed
that elastin rich tissue is highly susceptible to calcification.
Biomaterials that are derived from elastin protein may also be
used. The biological tissue is preferred to be crosslinked or
stabilized using glutaraldehyde. The tissue crosslinked using 0.2
to 2% glutaraldehyde is even more preferred. In addition,
biological ingredients that promote calcification may also be added
in the tissue. These additives include bioactive and non-bioactive
substances like bone growth factor, phospholipids, polyethylene
glycol and the like.
[0033] In another embodiment, an elastic protein-based biomaterial
is processed to cause the material to have a 60 to 90% porosity.
The material is further processed to cause crosslinking using
glutaraldehyde, 1-Ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide
hydrochloride (EDC) or other suitable crosslinker The elastin foam
is then implanted as a biopsy marker where it undergoes rapid
calcification. The calcification is then detected using standard
X-ray or MRI imaging techniques.
[0034] The shape of the marker can depend on the clinical
application. In general cylindrical, spherical, disk like shapes
are preferred. Irregular shapes may also be used.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a tissue marker 100 has an
external layer of biodegradable foam 110 with a core of biological
tissue 150. The biodegradable foam has biocompatible gas within its
voids. The biocompatible gas provides a low density structure
within the marker body which provides high contrast when viewed
using ultrasonic imaging equipment. This makes the marker visible
under ultrasonic imaging modalities. The biological tissue 150
within is a material chosen for its tendency to calcify when placed
in a human host. When the marker is placed within the body of a
host, the biodegradable foam is broken down while the biological
material 150 calcifies and eventually becomes visible under
radiation imaging modalities.
[0036] The period during which ultrasound can be used may last
between weeks and many months, for example six months. In many
therapeutic situations, this is more than sufficient time. The time
during which the calcified remainder can be imaged may last for
many years or it may be permanent. The calcification may take a
year or two to occur. Again, in many therapeutic situations, the
radiation-imaging provided in the later stages is all that is
required. Therefore the loss of the ability to image under
ultrasound is inconsequential.
[0037] The benefits of the above device should be apparent. The
calcified biological tissue is highly compatible with the host.
Some of the bulk of the marker which may be desirable for
ultrasound imaging can be lost which may be desirable as well. In a
preferred embodiment, which is by no means limiting of the
invention, the marker may be generally cylindrical with a diameter
of about 4 mm and a length of about 6mm The core of biological
tissue may be about 1 mm in diameter and about 3 mm long.
[0038] One example of a method for making and using the marker is
illustrated in FIG. 4. In step 51, a collagen solution is poured
into a mold to partly fill the mold. Just enough solution to create
a spacer for the biological tissue is all that is required. Then,
in step S2, the collagen solution frozen in the mold. The
biological material is inserted in the mold and collagen solution
is poured into the space around it in step S4. Then the whole mold
is frozen and the frozen collagen solution lyophilized in step S5
to remove the ice while leaving the collagen matrix behind.
[0039] To use the marker, in step S6, the marker is implanted in a
host. This step may be done as part of a biopsy procedure, for
example. Then, in step S7, the marker is imaged. Step S7 may occur
repeatedly over a range of time, perhaps a year, after
implantation. In step S8, perhaps over a year after implantation,
the marker is imaged using radiation imaging modalities. Steps S7
and S8 may overlap and are not necessarily
chronologically-sequential in all instances. Other steps are not
necessarily sequential either. For example, steps S3 and S4 could
be done simultaneously--the flow chart presents merely one example
of the manufacturing and use processes.
[0040] Instead of using collagen foam to form voids, it is possible
to form voids in a biodegradable material using other means. For
example, voids could be molded in or machined into a piece of
material Implantation of a biological material can be done in a
similar way, but forming a hole in a pre-made body of biodegradable
material, inserting the biological material into the hole and
subsequently sealing the hole.
[0041] Also, instead of molding the foam, it is possible to form
the marker by dipping the biological material body 150 into a
collagen or other suitable solution and freezing it in repeated
steps until a coating of suitable thickness is obtained before
lyophilizing the resulting structure.
[0042] As discussed above, the biological tissue 150 may include
bovine pericardium tissue, porcine dermal tissue, bovine or porcine
arterial tissue, porcine aortic wall tissue and the like.
[0043] As mentioned, a tissue that is rich in elastin such as
porcine aortic wall tissue is even more preferred. It is believed
that elastin rich tissue is highly susceptible to calcification.
Biomaterials that derived from elastin protein may also be used.
The biological tissue is preferred to be crosslinked or stabilized
using glutaraldehyde. The tissue crosslinked using 0.2 to 2%
glutaraldehyde is even more preferred. In addition, biological
ingredients that promote calcification may also be added in the
tissue. These additives include bioactive and non-bioactive
substances like bone growth factor, phospholipids, polyethylene
glycol and the like.
[0044] While the above marker example of a cylindrical body is a
preferred configuration, other shapes and combinations can be used.
For example, more than one body of biological tissue could be
integrated in the porous biodegradable body. Also, the biological
tissue need not be entirely encased within the body of the
biodegradable portion. For example, an alternative method of
manufacture may be to co-extrude under pressure such that the
casing solution and the biological material are plastic but freeze
quickly after exiting the extruder. The sublimation of the solute
can then be done to the co-extruded billet before or after dividing
it into pieces of appropriate length.
[0045] Markers having the above-described structures, or any
similar structure, may be used according to the following method
which may include steps 1 and 2, steps 1 through 3, or steps 1
through 4, according to different embodiments.
[0046] Step 1. Insert a marker at a location. The location can be
marked at a time and location of biopsy or otherwise positioned in
a tissue mass.
[0047] Step 2. Identify a location of the marker using a first
imaging modality. The modality may be ultrasound-based imaging.
This step may include passing a corresponding form of energy
through a soft tissue mass of a living host.
[0048] Step 3. Wait a period of time for calcification to
occur.
[0049] Step 4. Identify a location of the marker using a second
imaging modality that is different from the first imaging modality
in step 2. The second imaging modality may be X-ray-based imaging
or MRI. This step may also include passing a corresponding form of
energy through a soft tissue mass of a living host.
[0050] Note that in the above method, not all steps are essential
or necessarily separate. For example, the waiting step may be
inherent in step 2 or step 4.
[0051] This specification should not be interpreted as implying
that any particular element, step or function is an essential
element of any of the claims. The scope of the patented subject
matter is defined only by the claims and their equivalents.
[0052] The calcification process is not the only kind of biological
activity that could be exploited by a marker to cause the marker,
or a portion thereof, to become imageable. A marker may incorporate
any substance capable of concentrating an imageable substance. For
example, the marker could incorporate a substance for which
antibodies can be produced. In one exemplary approach, a marker may
contain a biological tissue such as bovine pericardium tissue. A
bovine tissue specific antibody could be made, labeled with a
imaging tag and used. Such antibodies may be grown, radioactively
labeled, and injected in the host. The marker would then cause the
antibody to concentrate in and about the included substance. This
in turn would cause the concentration of the radioactive label to
be high in the vicinity of the marker. The process is due to the
combined action the antibody and the host. The result may cause the
marker to be imageable using a radiation detector.
[0053] Using isotopes with a conspicuously-high cross-section for
externally applied radiation could also be used to make a marker
imageable by the same type of process. That is, the marker may
incorporate a substance for which an antibody can be grown. The
antibody could be grown using the selected isotope. Due to the
combined action the antibody and the host, the antibody
concentrates at the marker site. Then, the externally applied
radiation may be used to image the concentrated isotope. Antibodies
could also serve as carriers of certain molecules or radicals that
can be imaged using lower energy radiation due either to their
absorption or stimulated-emission signatures. Other labeling
methods such as fluorescent labeling useful in fluorescent imaging,
paramagnetic labeling useful in MRI imaging and the like may also
be used.
[0054] While the present invention has been disclosed with
reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications,
alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible
without departing from the sphere and scope of the present
invention, as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the described
embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language
of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *