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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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; BaCO3; BaSO4; K; CaCO3; ZnO; Al2O3; and combinations of these.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Referring now to
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.
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 6 mm. The core of biological tissue may be about 1 mm in diameter and about 3 mm long.
One example of a method for making and using the marker is illustrated in
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step 3. Wait a period of time for calcification to occur.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/519,656 filed Jun. 17, 2009, which is a U.S. national 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.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2481408 | Fuller et al. | Sep 1949 | A |
2899362 | Sieger, Jr. et al. | Aug 1959 | A |
2907327 | White | Oct 1959 | A |
3005457 | Millman | Oct 1961 | A |
3128744 | Jefferts et al. | Apr 1964 | A |
3341417 | Sinaiko | Sep 1967 | A |
3402712 | Eisenhand | Sep 1968 | A |
3516412 | Ackerman | Jun 1970 | A |
3593343 | Viggers | Jul 1971 | A |
3757781 | Smart | Sep 1973 | A |
3818894 | Wichterle et al. | Jun 1974 | A |
3820545 | Jefferts | Jun 1974 | A |
3823212 | Chvapil | Jul 1974 | A |
3921632 | Bardani | Nov 1975 | A |
4005699 | Bucalo | Feb 1977 | A |
4007732 | Kvavle et al. | Feb 1977 | A |
4041931 | Elliott et al. | Aug 1977 | A |
4103690 | Harris | Aug 1978 | A |
4105030 | Kercso | Aug 1978 | A |
4127774 | Gillen | Nov 1978 | A |
4172449 | LeRoy et al. | Oct 1979 | A |
4197846 | Bucalo | Apr 1980 | A |
4217889 | Radovan et al. | Aug 1980 | A |
4276885 | Tickner et al. | Jul 1981 | A |
4294241 | Miyata | Oct 1981 | A |
4298998 | Naficy | Nov 1981 | A |
4331654 | Morris | May 1982 | A |
4347234 | Wahlig et al. | Aug 1982 | A |
4390018 | Zukowski | Jun 1983 | A |
4400170 | McNaughton et al. | Aug 1983 | A |
4401124 | Guess et al. | Aug 1983 | A |
4405314 | Cope | Sep 1983 | A |
4428082 | Naficy | Jan 1984 | A |
4438253 | Casey et al. | Mar 1984 | A |
4442843 | Rasor et al. | Apr 1984 | A |
4470160 | Cavon | Sep 1984 | A |
4487209 | Mehl | Dec 1984 | A |
4545367 | Tucci | Oct 1985 | A |
4549560 | Andis | Oct 1985 | A |
4582061 | Fry | Apr 1986 | A |
4582640 | Smestad et al. | Apr 1986 | A |
4588395 | Lemelson | May 1986 | A |
4597753 | Turley | Jul 1986 | A |
4647480 | Ahmed | Mar 1987 | A |
4655226 | Lee | Apr 1987 | A |
4661103 | Harman | Apr 1987 | A |
4682606 | DeCaprio | Jul 1987 | A |
4693237 | Hoffman et al. | Sep 1987 | A |
4740208 | Cavon | Apr 1988 | A |
4762128 | Rosenbluth | Aug 1988 | A |
4813062 | Gilpatrick | Mar 1989 | A |
4820267 | Harman | Apr 1989 | A |
4832680 | Haber et al. | May 1989 | A |
4832686 | Anderson | May 1989 | A |
4847049 | Yamamoto | Jul 1989 | A |
4863470 | Carter | Sep 1989 | A |
4870966 | Dellon et al. | Oct 1989 | A |
4874376 | Hawkins, Jr. | Oct 1989 | A |
4889707 | Day et al. | Dec 1989 | A |
4909250 | Smith | Mar 1990 | A |
4938763 | Dunn et al. | Jul 1990 | A |
4950234 | Fujioka et al. | Aug 1990 | A |
4950665 | Floyd | Aug 1990 | A |
4963150 | Brauman | Oct 1990 | A |
4970298 | Silver et al. | Nov 1990 | A |
4989608 | Ratner | Feb 1991 | A |
4994013 | Suthanthiran et al. | Feb 1991 | A |
4994028 | Leonard et al. | Feb 1991 | A |
5012818 | Joishy | May 1991 | A |
5018530 | Rank et al. | May 1991 | A |
5035891 | Runkel et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5059197 | Urie et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5081997 | Bosley, Jr. et al. | Jan 1992 | A |
5120802 | Mares et al. | Jun 1992 | A |
5125413 | Baran | Jun 1992 | A |
5137928 | Erbel et al. | Aug 1992 | A |
5141748 | Rizzo | Aug 1992 | A |
5147307 | Gluck | Sep 1992 | A |
5147631 | Glajch et al. | Sep 1992 | A |
5162430 | Rhee et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5163896 | Suthanthiran et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5195540 | Shiber | Mar 1993 | A |
5197482 | Rank et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5197846 | Uno et al. | Mar 1993 | A |
5199441 | Hogle | Apr 1993 | A |
5219339 | Saito | Jun 1993 | A |
5221269 | Miller et al. | Jun 1993 | A |
5231615 | Endoh | Jul 1993 | A |
5234426 | Rank et al. | Aug 1993 | A |
5236410 | Granov et al. | Aug 1993 | A |
5242759 | Hall | Sep 1993 | A |
5250026 | Ehrlich et al. | Oct 1993 | A |
5271961 | Mathiowitz et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5273532 | Niezink et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5280788 | Janes et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
5281197 | Arias et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
5281408 | Unger | Jan 1994 | A |
5282781 | Liprie | Feb 1994 | A |
5284479 | de Jong | Feb 1994 | A |
5289831 | Bosley | Mar 1994 | A |
5312435 | Nash et al. | May 1994 | A |
5320100 | Herweck et al. | Jun 1994 | A |
5320613 | Houge et al. | Jun 1994 | A |
5328955 | Rhee et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5334381 | Unger | Aug 1994 | A |
5344640 | Deutsch et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
5353804 | Kornberg et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5354623 | Hall | Oct 1994 | A |
5358514 | Schulman et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5366756 | Chesterfield et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5368030 | Zinreich et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5388588 | Nabai et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
5394875 | Lewis et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5395319 | Hirsch et al. | Mar 1995 | A |
5409004 | Sloan | Apr 1995 | A |
5417708 | Hall et al. | May 1995 | A |
5422730 | Barlow et al. | Jun 1995 | A |
5425366 | Reinhardt et al. | Jun 1995 | A |
5431639 | Shaw | Jul 1995 | A |
5433204 | Olson | Jul 1995 | A |
5449560 | Antheunis et al. | Sep 1995 | A |
5451406 | Lawin et al. | Sep 1995 | A |
5458643 | Oka et al. | Oct 1995 | A |
5460182 | Goodman et al. | Oct 1995 | A |
5469847 | Zinreich et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5475052 | Rhee et al. | Dec 1995 | A |
5490521 | Davis et al. | Feb 1996 | A |
5494030 | Swartz et al. | Feb 1996 | A |
5499989 | LaBash | Mar 1996 | A |
5507807 | Shippert | Apr 1996 | A |
5508021 | Grinstaff et al. | Apr 1996 | A |
5514085 | Yoon | May 1996 | A |
5522896 | Prescott | Jun 1996 | A |
5538726 | Order | Jul 1996 | A |
5542915 | Edwards et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5545180 | Le et al. | Aug 1996 | A |
5549560 | Van de Wijdeven | Aug 1996 | A |
RE35391 | Brauman | Dec 1996 | E |
5580568 | Greff et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5585112 | Unger et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
5611352 | Kobren et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
5626611 | Liu et al. | May 1997 | A |
5628781 | Williams et al. | May 1997 | A |
5629008 | Lee | May 1997 | A |
5636255 | Ellis | Jun 1997 | A |
5643246 | Leeb et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5646146 | Faarup et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5657366 | Nakayama | Aug 1997 | A |
5665092 | Mangiardi et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5667767 | Greff et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5669882 | Pyles | Sep 1997 | A |
5673841 | Schulze et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5676146 | Scarborough | Oct 1997 | A |
5676925 | Klaveness et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5688490 | Tournier et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
5690120 | Jacobsen et al. | Nov 1997 | A |
5695480 | Evans et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5702128 | Maxim et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5702716 | Dunn et al. | Dec 1997 | A |
5716981 | Hunter et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
5747060 | Sackler et al. | May 1998 | A |
5752974 | Rhee et al. | May 1998 | A |
5762903 | Park et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5769086 | Ritchart et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5776496 | Violante et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5779647 | Chau et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5782764 | Werne | Jul 1998 | A |
5782771 | Hussman | Jul 1998 | A |
5782775 | Milliman et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5795308 | Russin | Aug 1998 | A |
5799099 | Wang et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5800362 | Kobren et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5800389 | Burney et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5800445 | Ratcliff et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5800541 | Rhee et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5817022 | Vesely | Oct 1998 | A |
5820918 | Ronan et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5821184 | Haines et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5823198 | Jones et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5824042 | Lombardi et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5824081 | Knapp et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5826776 | Schulze et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5830178 | Jones et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5842477 | Naughton et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5842999 | Pruitt et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5845646 | Lemelson | Dec 1998 | A |
5846220 | Elsberry | Dec 1998 | A |
5851508 | Greff et al. | Dec 1998 | A |
5853366 | Dowlatshahi | Dec 1998 | A |
5865806 | Howell | Feb 1999 | A |
5869080 | McGregor et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5871501 | Leschinsky et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5876340 | Tu et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
5879357 | Heaton et al. | Mar 1999 | A |
5891558 | Bell et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5897507 | Kortenbach et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
5902310 | Foerster et al. | May 1999 | A |
5911705 | Howell | Jun 1999 | A |
5916164 | Fitzpatrick et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5921933 | Sarkis et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5922024 | Janzen et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5928626 | Klaveness et al. | Jul 1999 | A |
5928773 | Andersen | Jul 1999 | A |
5941439 | Kammerer et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5941890 | Voegele et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5942209 | Leavitt et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5948425 | Janzen et al. | Sep 1999 | A |
5954670 | Baker | Sep 1999 | A |
5972817 | Haines et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
5976146 | Ogawa et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
5980564 | Stinson | Nov 1999 | A |
5989265 | Bouquet De La Joliniere et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6015541 | Greff et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
6030333 | Sioshansi et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
6053925 | Barnhart | Apr 2000 | A |
6056700 | Burney et al. | May 2000 | A |
6066122 | Fisher | May 2000 | A |
6066325 | Wallace et al. | May 2000 | A |
6071301 | Cragg et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6071310 | Picha et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6071496 | Stein et al. | Jun 2000 | A |
6090996 | Li | Jul 2000 | A |
6096065 | Crowley | Aug 2000 | A |
6096070 | Ragheb et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6106473 | Violante et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6117108 | Woehr et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6120536 | Ding et al. | Sep 2000 | A |
6135993 | Hussman | Oct 2000 | A |
6142955 | Farascioni et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6159240 | Sparer et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6159445 | Klaveness et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6161034 | Burbank et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6162192 | Cragg et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6166079 | Follen et al. | Dec 2000 | A |
6173715 | Sinanan et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6174330 | Stinson | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6177062 | Stein et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6181960 | Jensen et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6183497 | Sing et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6190350 | Davis et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6190353 | Makower et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6200258 | Slater et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6203524 | Burney et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6203568 | Lombardi et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6213957 | Milliman et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6214045 | Corbitt, Jr. et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6214315 | Greff et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6220248 | Voegele et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6224630 | Bao et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6228049 | Schroeder et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6228055 | Foerster et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6231615 | Preissman | May 2001 | B1 |
6234177 | Barsch | May 2001 | B1 |
6241687 | Voegele et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6241734 | Scribner et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6251135 | Stinson et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6251418 | Ahern et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6261243 | Burney et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6261302 | Voegele et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6264917 | Klaveness et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6270464 | Fulton, III et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6270472 | Antaki et al. | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6287278 | Woehr et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6287332 | Bolz et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6289229 | Crowley | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6306154 | Hudson et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6312429 | Burbank et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6316522 | Loomis et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6325789 | Janzen et al. | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6335029 | Kamath et al. | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6336904 | Nikolchev | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6340367 | Stinson et al. | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6343227 | Crowley | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6347240 | Foley et al. | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6347241 | Burbank et al. | Feb 2002 | B2 |
6350244 | Fisher | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6350274 | Li | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6354989 | Nudeshima | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6356112 | Tran et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6356782 | Sirimanne et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6358217 | Bourassa | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6363940 | Krag | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6371904 | Sirimanne et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6394965 | Klein | May 2002 | B1 |
6403758 | Loomis | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6405733 | Fogarty et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6409742 | Fulton, III et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6419621 | Sioshansi et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6424857 | Henrichs et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6425903 | Voegele | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6427081 | Burbank et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6436030 | Rehil | Aug 2002 | B2 |
6447524 | Knodel et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6447527 | Thompson et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6450937 | Mercereau et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6450938 | Miller | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6471700 | Burbank et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6478790 | Bardani | Nov 2002 | B2 |
6506156 | Jones et al. | Jan 2003 | B1 |
6511468 | Cragg et al. | Jan 2003 | B1 |
6537193 | Lennox | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6540981 | Klaveness et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6544185 | Montegrande | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6544231 | Palmer et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6551253 | Worm et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6554760 | Lamoureux et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6562317 | Greff et al. | May 2003 | B2 |
6564806 | Fogarty et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6565551 | Jones et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
6567689 | Burbank et al. | May 2003 | B2 |
6575888 | Zamora et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
6575991 | Chesbrough et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6585773 | Xie | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6605047 | Zarins et al. | Aug 2003 | B2 |
6610026 | Cragg et al. | Aug 2003 | B2 |
6613002 | Clark et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6616630 | Woehr et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6626850 | Chau et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6626899 | Houser et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6628982 | Thomas et al. | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6629947 | Sahatjian et al. | Oct 2003 | B1 |
6636758 | Sanchez et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6638234 | Burbank et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6638308 | Corbitt, Jr. et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6652442 | Gatto | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6656192 | Espositio et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6659933 | Asano | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6662041 | Burbank et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
6699205 | Fulton, III et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6712774 | Voegele et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6712836 | Berg et al. | Mar 2004 | B1 |
6716444 | Castro et al. | Apr 2004 | B1 |
6725083 | Burbank et al. | Apr 2004 | B1 |
6730042 | Fulton et al. | May 2004 | B2 |
6730044 | Stephens et al. | May 2004 | B2 |
6746661 | Kaplan | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6746773 | Llanos et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6752154 | Fogarty et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6766186 | Hoyns et al. | Jul 2004 | B1 |
6774278 | Ragheb et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6780179 | Lee et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6824507 | Miller | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6824527 | Gollobin | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6846320 | Ashby et al. | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6862470 | Burbank et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6863685 | Davila et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
6881226 | Corbitt, Jr. et al. | Apr 2005 | B2 |
6899731 | Li et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
6918927 | Bates et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6936014 | Vetter et al. | Aug 2005 | B2 |
6939318 | Stenzel | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6945973 | Bray | Sep 2005 | B2 |
6951564 | Espositio et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
6958044 | Burbank et al. | Oct 2005 | B2 |
6992233 | Drake et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
6993375 | Burbank et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
6994712 | Fisher et al. | Feb 2006 | B1 |
6996433 | Burbank et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
7001341 | Gellman et al. | Feb 2006 | B2 |
7008382 | Adams et al. | Mar 2006 | B2 |
7014610 | Koulik | Mar 2006 | B2 |
7025765 | Balbierz et al. | Apr 2006 | B2 |
7041047 | Gellman et al. | May 2006 | B2 |
7044957 | Foerster et al. | May 2006 | B2 |
7047063 | Burbank et al. | May 2006 | B2 |
7083576 | Zarins et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7125397 | Woehr et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7135978 | Gisselberg et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7160258 | Imran et al. | Jan 2007 | B2 |
7172549 | Slater et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7189206 | Quick et al. | Mar 2007 | B2 |
7214211 | Woehr et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
7229417 | Foerster et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7236816 | Kumar et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7264613 | Woehr et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7280865 | Adler | Oct 2007 | B2 |
7294118 | Saulenas et al. | Nov 2007 | B2 |
7297725 | Winterton et al. | Nov 2007 | B2 |
7329402 | Unger et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7329414 | Fisher et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7407054 | Seiler et al. | Aug 2008 | B2 |
7416533 | Gellman et al. | Aug 2008 | B2 |
7424320 | Chesbrough et al. | Sep 2008 | B2 |
7449000 | Adams et al. | Nov 2008 | B2 |
7527610 | Erickson | May 2009 | B2 |
7534452 | Chernomorsky et al. | May 2009 | B2 |
7569065 | Chesbrough et al. | Aug 2009 | B2 |
7577473 | Davis et al. | Aug 2009 | B2 |
7637948 | Corbitt, Jr. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7651505 | Lubock et al. | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7668582 | Sirimanne et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7670350 | Selis | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7783336 | Macfarlane et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7819819 | Quick et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7844319 | Susil et al. | Nov 2010 | B2 |
7877133 | Burbank et al. | Jan 2011 | B2 |
7914553 | Ferree | Mar 2011 | B2 |
7945307 | Lubock et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
7983734 | Jones et al. | Jul 2011 | B2 |
8011508 | Seiler et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8052658 | Field | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8064987 | Carr, Jr. | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8128641 | Wardle | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8306602 | Sirimanne et al. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
8320993 | Sirimanne et al. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
8320994 | Sirimanne et al. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
8320995 | Schwamb, Jr. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
8334424 | Szypka | Dec 2012 | B2 |
8361082 | Jones et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
8437834 | Carr, Jr. | May 2013 | B2 |
8454629 | Selis | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8486028 | Field | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8579931 | Chesbrough et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
8626269 | Jones et al. | Jan 2014 | B2 |
8626270 | Burbank et al. | Jan 2014 | B2 |
20010006616 | Leavitt et al. | Jul 2001 | A1 |
20020004060 | Heublein et al. | Jan 2002 | A1 |
20020016625 | Falotico et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020022883 | Burg | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020026201 | Foerster et al. | Feb 2002 | A1 |
20020035324 | Sirimanne et al. | Mar 2002 | A1 |
20020044969 | Harden et al. | Apr 2002 | A1 |
20020045842 | Van Bladel et al. | Apr 2002 | A1 |
20020052572 | Franco et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
20020055731 | Atala et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
20020058868 | Hoshino et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
20020058882 | Fulton, III et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
20020077687 | Ahn | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020082517 | Klein | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020082519 | Miller et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020082682 | Barclay et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020082683 | Stinson et al. | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020095204 | Thompson et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020095205 | Edwin et al. | Jul 2002 | A1 |
20020107437 | Sirimanne et al. | Aug 2002 | A1 |
20020133148 | Daniel et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020143359 | Fulton, III et al. | Oct 2002 | A1 |
20020165608 | Llanos et al. | Nov 2002 | A1 |
20020177776 | Crawford Kellar et al. | Nov 2002 | A1 |
20020188195 | Mills | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020193815 | Foerster et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20020193867 | Gladdish, Jr. et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030032969 | Gannoe et al. | Feb 2003 | A1 |
20030036803 | McGhan | Feb 2003 | A1 |
20030051735 | Pavcnik et al. | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20030116806 | Kato | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20030165478 | Sokoll | Sep 2003 | A1 |
20030191355 | Ferguson | Oct 2003 | A1 |
20030199887 | Ferrera et al. | Oct 2003 | A1 |
20030225420 | Wardle | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20030233101 | Lubock et al. | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20030236573 | Evans et al. | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20040001841 | Nagavarapu et al. | Jan 2004 | A1 |
20040002650 | Mandrusov et al. | Jan 2004 | A1 |
20040016195 | Archuleta | Jan 2004 | A1 |
20040024304 | Foerster et al. | Feb 2004 | A1 |
20040059341 | Gellman et al. | Mar 2004 | A1 |
20040068312 | Sigg et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
20040073107 | Sioshansi et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
20040073284 | Bates et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
20040097981 | Selis | May 2004 | A1 |
20040101479 | Burbank et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
20040101548 | Pendharkar | May 2004 | A1 |
20040106891 | Langan et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040116802 | Jessop et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040124105 | Seiler et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040127765 | Seiler et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040133124 | Bates et al. | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040153074 | Bojarski et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040162574 | Viola | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040167619 | Case et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040204660 | Fulton et al. | Oct 2004 | A1 |
20040210208 | Paul et al. | Oct 2004 | A1 |
20040213756 | Michal et al. | Oct 2004 | A1 |
20040236212 | Jones et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
20040236213 | Jones et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
20040253185 | Herweck et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20040265371 | Looney et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20050020916 | MacFarlane et al. | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050033157 | Klein et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050033195 | Fulton et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050036946 | Pathak et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050045192 | Fulton et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050059887 | Mostafavi et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050059888 | Sirimanne et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050065354 | Roberts | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050065453 | Shabaz et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050080337 | Sirimanne et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050080339 | Sirimanne et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050085724 | Sirimanne et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050100580 | Osborne et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050112151 | Horng | May 2005 | A1 |
20050113659 | Pothier et al. | May 2005 | A1 |
20050119562 | Jones et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050142161 | Freeman et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050143650 | Winkel | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050165305 | Foerster et al. | Jul 2005 | A1 |
20050175657 | Hunter et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050181007 | Hunter et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050208122 | Allen et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050216018 | Sennett | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050234336 | Beckman et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050268922 | Conrad et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050273002 | Goosen et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050277871 | Selis | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20060004440 | Stinson | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060009800 | Christianson et al. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060025677 | Verard et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060025795 | Chesbrough et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060036158 | Field et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060036159 | Sirimanne et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060036165 | Burbank et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
20060074443 | Foerster et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060079770 | Sirimanne et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060079805 | Miller et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060079829 | Fulton et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060079888 | Mulier et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060116573 | Field et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060122503 | Burbank et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060155190 | Burbank et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060173280 | Goosen et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060173296 | Miller et al. | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060177379 | Asgari | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060217635 | McCombs et al. | Sep 2006 | A1 |
20060235298 | Kotmel et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060241385 | Dietz | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060241411 | Field et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20060292690 | Liu et al. | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20070021642 | Lamoureux et al. | Jan 2007 | A1 |
20070038145 | Field | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070057794 | Gisselberg et al. | Mar 2007 | A1 |
20070083132 | Sharrow | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070087026 | Field | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070106152 | Kantrowitz et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070135711 | Chernomorsky et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070142725 | Hardin et al. | Jun 2007 | A1 |
20070167736 | Dietz et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070167749 | Yarnall et al. | Jul 2007 | A1 |
20070239118 | Ono et al. | Oct 2007 | A1 |
20070276492 | Andrews et al. | Nov 2007 | A1 |
20070287933 | Phan et al. | Dec 2007 | A1 |
20080033280 | Lubock et al. | Feb 2008 | A1 |
20080039819 | Jones et al. | Feb 2008 | A1 |
20080091120 | Fisher | Apr 2008 | A1 |
20080097199 | Mullen | Apr 2008 | A1 |
20080121242 | Revie et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
20080188768 | Zarins et al. | Aug 2008 | A1 |
20080249436 | Darr | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080269638 | Cooke et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080294039 | Jones et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
20090000629 | Hornscheidt et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
20090024225 | Stubbs | Jan 2009 | A1 |
20090030309 | Jones et al. | Jan 2009 | A1 |
20090069713 | Adams et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
20090076484 | Fukaya | Mar 2009 | A1 |
20090093714 | Chesbrough et al. | Apr 2009 | A1 |
20090131825 | Burbank et al. | May 2009 | A1 |
20090171198 | Jones et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090216118 | Jones et al. | Aug 2009 | A1 |
20100030072 | Casanova et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100042041 | Tune et al. | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100298696 | Field et al. | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20110184280 | Jones et al. | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20110184449 | Lubock et al. | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20120078092 | Jones et al. | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120116215 | Jones et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120179251 | Corbitt, Jr. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
20120215230 | Lubock et al. | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20130144157 | Jones et al. | Jun 2013 | A1 |
20130190616 | Casanova et al. | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20130253315 | Burbank et al. | Sep 2013 | A1 |
20130281847 | Jones et al. | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20130310686 | Jones et al. | Nov 2013 | A1 |
20140058258 | Chesbrough et al. | Feb 2014 | A1 |
20140094698 | Burbank et al. | Apr 2014 | A1 |
20140114186 | Burbank et al. | Apr 2014 | A1 |
20140142696 | Corbitt, Jr. | May 2014 | A1 |
20140243675 | Burbank et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
1029528 | May 1958 | DE |
0146699 | Jul 1985 | EP |
0255123 | Feb 1988 | EP |
0292936 | Nov 1988 | EP |
0458745 | Nov 1991 | EP |
0475077 | Mar 1992 | EP |
0552924 | Jul 1993 | EP |
0769281 | Apr 1997 | EP |
1114618 | Jul 2001 | EP |
1163888 | Dec 2001 | EP |
1281416 | Jun 2002 | EP |
1364628 | Nov 2003 | EP |
1493451 | Jan 2005 | EP |
1767167 | Mar 2007 | EP |
2646674 | Nov 1990 | FR |
2853521 | Oct 2004 | FR |
708148 | Apr 1954 | GB |
2131757 | May 1990 | JP |
2006516468 | Jul 2006 | JP |
2007537017 | Dec 2007 | JP |
8906978 | Aug 1989 | WO |
9112823 | Sep 1991 | WO |
9314712 | Aug 1993 | WO |
9317671 | Sep 1993 | WO |
9317718 | Sep 1993 | WO |
9416647 | Aug 1994 | WO |
9507057 | Mar 1995 | WO |
9806346 | Feb 1998 | WO |
9908607 | Feb 1999 | WO |
9935966 | Jul 1999 | WO |
9951143 | Oct 1999 | WO |
0023124 | Apr 2000 | WO |
0024332 | May 2000 | WO |
0028554 | May 2000 | WO |
0054689 | Sep 2000 | WO |
0108578 | Feb 2001 | WO |
0170114 | Sep 2001 | WO |
0207786 | Jan 2002 | WO |
03000308 | Jan 2003 | WO |
2004045444 | Jun 2004 | WO |
2005013832 | Feb 2005 | WO |
2005089664 | Sep 2005 | WO |
2005112787 | Dec 2005 | WO |
2006012630 | Feb 2006 | WO |
2006056739 | Jun 2006 | WO |
2006097331 | Sep 2006 | WO |
2006105353 | Oct 2006 | WO |
2007067255 | Jun 2007 | WO |
2007069105 | Jun 2007 | WO |
2008077081 | Jun 2008 | WO |
Entry |
---|
Press release for Biopsys Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Europe) GmbH; The Mammotome Vacuum Biopsy System. From: http://www.medicine-news.com/articles/devices/mammotome.html. 3 pages, 1998. |
Johnson & Johnson: Breast Biopsy (minimally invasive): Surgical Technique: Steps in the MAMOTOME Surgical Procedure. From http://www.jnjgateway.com. 3 pages, 2000. |
Johnson & Johnson: New Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy Device Receives Marketing Clearance in Canada; Aug. 6, 1999. From http://www.jnjgateway.com. 4 pages. |
Johnson & Johnson: Mammotome Hand Held Receives FDA Marketing Clearance for Minimally Invasive Breast Biopises; Sep. 1, 1999. From From http://www.jnjgateway.com. 5 pages. |
Johnson & Johnson: The Mammotome Breast Biopsy System. From: http://www.breastcareinfo.com/aboutm.htm. 6 pages. |
Cook Incorporated: Emoblization and Occlusion. From: www.cookgroup.com 6 pages, 1996. |
Liberman, Laura, et al. Percutaneous Removal of Malignant Mammographic Lesions at Stereotactic Vacuum-assisted Biopsy. From: The Departments of Radiology, Pathology, and Surgery. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. From the 1997 RSNA scientific assembly. vol. 206, No. 3. pp. 711-715. |
Armstong, J.S., et al., “Differential marking of Excision Planes in Screened Breast lesions by Organically Coloured Gelatins”, Journal of Clinical Pathology, Jul. 1990, No. 43 (7) pp. 604-607, XP000971447 abstract; tables 1,2. |
Fucci, V., et al., “Large Bowel Transit Times Using Radioopaque Markers in Normal Cats”, J. of Am. Animal Hospital Assn., Nov.-Dec. 1995 31 (6) 473-477. |
Schindlbeck, N. E., et al., “Measurement of Colon Transit Time”, J. of Gastroenterology, No. 28, pp. 399-404, 1990. |
Shiga, et al., Preparation of Poly(D, L-lactide) and Copoly(lactide-glycolide) Microspheres of Uniform Size, J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1996 48:891-895. |
Eiselt, P. et al, “Development of Technologies Aiding Large—Tissue Engineering”, Biotechnol. Prog., vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 134-140, 1998. |
Fajardo, Laurie, et al., “Placement of Endovascular Embolization Microcoils to Localize the Site of Breast Lesions Removed at Stereotactic Core Biopsy”, Radiology, Jan. 1998, pp. 275-278, vol. 206—No. 1. |
H. J. Gent, M.D., et al., Stereotaxic Needle Localization and Cytological Diagnosis of Occult Breast Lesions, Annals of Surgery, Nov. 1986, pp. 580-584, vol. 204—No. 5. |
Meuris, Bart, “Calcification of Aortic Wall Tissue in Prosthetic Heart Valves: Initiation, Influencing Factors and Strategies Towards Prevention”, Thesis, 2007, pp. 21-36, Leuven University Press; Leuven, Belgium. |
Jong-Won Rhie, et al. “Implantation of Cultured Preadipocyte Using Chitosan/Alginate Sponge”, Key Engineering Materials, Jul. 1, 2007, pp. 346-352, XP008159356, ISSN: 0252-1059, DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.342-343.349, Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul Korea. |
Collagen—Definitions from Dictionary. com. |
Fibrous—Definitions from Dictionary.com. |
International Search Report for PCT/US2009/000945 mailed Jul. 16, 2009. |
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for PCT/US2009/000945 mailed Jul. 16, 2009. |
International Search Report for PCT/US2007/016902 mailed Feb. 28, 2008. |
International Search Report for PCT/US2007/016902 mailed Feb. 4, 2009. |
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for PCT/US2007/016902 mailed Feb. 4, 2009. |
International Search Report for PCT/US2007016918 mailed Nov. 26, 2007. |
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for PCT/US2007016918 mailed Feb. 4, 2009. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20130184562 A1 | Jul 2013 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60870502 | Dec 2006 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 12519656 | US | |
Child | 13787331 | US |