Claims
- 1. A method for treating a portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body part, said treatment substance including an active treatment substance, and an inactive binding substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to target tissue in said body part in need of treatment; and c) injecting said treatment substance to said target tissue through said needle apparatus.
- 2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said treatment substance is further formulated so as to be visible in real time under non-invasive imaging selected from the group consisting of CT, MRI, x-ray and ultrasound.
- 3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said body part is a prostate.
- 4. A method as recited in claim 3 wherein said active treatment substance is ethanol and said inactive substance is a polymer gelling agent.
- 5. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein said active treatment substance is ethanol in an amount equal to 70 to 99.9 percent of said treatment substance, and said inactive substance is a polymer in an amount equal to 0.1 to 20 percent of said treatment substance, and wherein said treatment substance is for treatment of BPH/enlarged prostate.
- 6. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein said active treatment substance is ethanol in an amount equal to 70 to 90 percent of said treatment substance, and said inactive substance is a polymer in an amount equal to 0.1 to 50 percent of said treatment substance.
- 7. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein said active treatment substance is ethanol in an amount equal to 70 to 99 percent of said treatment substance, and said inactive substance is in an amount equal to 0.1-10 percent of said treatment substance.
- 8. A method as recited in claim 3 wherein said active treatment substance is saline and said inactive substance is a polymer.
- 9. A method as recited in claim 8 wherein said active treatment substance is saline in an amount equal to 20 to 40 percent of said treatment substance, and said inactive substance is in an amount equal to 0.1 to 10 percent of said treatment substance, and said treatment substance is for treatment of prostate diseases selected from the group consisting of BPH/enlarged prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer.
- 10. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein said inactive substance is a polymer with one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of HPC, HPMC, HPEC and PVA.
- 11. A method as recited in claim 8 wherein said inactive substance is a polymer with one or more constituents selected from the group consisting of HPC, HPMC, PVA, polyacrylic acid, alginic acid, sodium algenate and chitosan carbomer.
- 12. A method as recited in claim 3 wherein said inserting includes passage of said needle apparatus percutaneously and interstitially to said prostate through a perineal area.
- 13. A method as recited in claim 3 wherein said inserting includes passage of said needle apparatus through a urethra.
- 14. A method as recited in claim 3 wherein said inserting includes passage of said needle apparatus through a rectum.
- 15. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein
a) said treatment substance has a viscosity property in the range of 100 to 8,000 cps; and b) an injection dosage in the range of 0.1 to 80 cc.
- 16. A method as recited in claim 6 wherein
a) said treatment substance has a viscosity in the range of 100 to 5,000 cps; and b) an injection dosage in the range of 0.1 to 120 cc.
- 17. A method as recited in claim 7 wherein
a) said treatment substance has a viscosity in the range of 500 to 10,000 cps; and b) an injection dosage in the range of 0.1 to 150 cc.
- 18. A method as recited in claim 9 wherein for treatment of said BPH/enlarged prostate
a) said treatment substance has a viscosity in the range of 100-8,000 cps; and b) an injection dosage is in the range of 0.1 to 80 cc.
- 19. A method as recited in claim 9 wherein for treatment of said prostatitis
a) said treatment substance has a viscosity in the range of 100-5,000 cps; and b) an injection dosage is in the range of 0.1 to 120 cc.
- 20. A method as recited in claim 9 wherein for treatment of said prostate cancer
a) said treatment substance has a viscosity in the range of 500-10,000 cps; and b) an injection dosage in the range of 0.1 to 150 cc.
- 21. A substance injection device comprising:
a transurethral apparatus including
a) a first apparatus having
i) a housing with a first channel, and an elongated tube extending from said first channel, and a handle configured for push-pull operation; and b) a second apparatus having
i) a body with an elongated portion configured for a sliding fit in said first channel, and a hollow core needle extending from said body so as to be guided by said elongated tube, and a treatment substance input apparatus for forcing said treatment substance through said needle, and a ring wherein an operator can move said needle forward or backwards within said tube by an operator using said handle and said ring.
- 22. A device as recited in claim 21 wherein said second apparatus further includes an RF input connector for applying RF to said needle.
- 23. A method for treating a portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body part, said treatment substance including an active treatment substance, and an inactive substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to target tissue in said body part in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance to said target tissue using said needle apparatus;
wherein said treatment substance includes one or more substances selected from the group consisting of chemo-therapeutic agents and sclerosing agents, including ethanol, saline, acidic agents, epinephrine, biological agents, polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, proteins, conjugates plants, animal tissue derivates and byproducts and pharmaceutical drugs.
- 24. A method for treating a portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body, said treatment substance an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to target tissue in said body part in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue using said needle apparatus;
wherein the treatment substance includes a material selected from the group consisting of liquids, gases, solids, gels, viscous fluids, semi-liquid solutions, semi-solids, suspensions, colloids, micro spheres and conjugates.
- 25. A method for treating a portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to a target tissue in said body part in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue using said needle apparatus;
wherein said treatment substance includes an element selected from the group consisting of chemo-therapeutic agents, sclerosing agents, ethanol, saline, acetic acid injectable agents, anesthetic agents, antibiotics, enzymes, biological agents, bioabsorbable polymers, biomaterials, conjugates, pharmaceutical drugs, genes, viruses, vasoconstricting agents, proteins, contrast agents, polymers, plant and animal tissue cell byproducts and derivatives, natural extracts/compounds and other biochemical agents.
- 26. A method for treating a portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body part, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance. b) guiding said needle apparatus to a target tissue in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue;
wherein said treatment substance is formulated with physical properties and specifications designed for treatment of specific body tissue and body organs selected from the group consisting of prostate, bladder, uterus, breast, vocal cords, gallbladder, pancreas, lungs, anus, colon, G.I. tract, kidney, liver and other body organs, body cavities and glands.
- 27. A method for treating a portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to a target tissue in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue;
wherein said treatment substance is designed for treatment of a specific disease condition selected from the group consisting of BPH, enlarged prostate growth, prostatitis, prostate cancer, bladder tumors, breast tumors, cysts, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, uterine fibroids, myomas, excessive uterine bleeding, uterine cyst cancer, lung tumor, hemorrhoids, gastric tissue growth, gastric cancer and tissue growth, tumors and disorder.
- 28. A method for treating a portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to a target tissue in said body part in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue;
wherein said inserting includes passing said needle apparatus through a portion of said body selected from the group consisting of skin, interstitial material, rectum and urethra.
- 29. A method for treatment of a prostate comprising:
a) inserting an injection needle apparatus in a prostate, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivery of a treatment substance into said prostate, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance, and said injection needle apparatus including instrumentation selected from the group consisting of a biopsy needle guide, and a working channel of an endoscope; b) guiding said injection needle apparatus through a body passage selected from the group consisting of skin, urethra, rectum, perineum, and vesicle for treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of BPH, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer, said guiding using a method employing instrumentation selected from the group consisting of cystoscope, resectoscope, endoscope, and noninvasive image apparatus including transrectal ultrasound imaging apparatus, CT, MRI, and X-ray imaging apparatus; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said prostate through said injection apparatus;
wherein said treatment substance includes elements selected from the group consisting of chemo-gels, including ethanol gel, saline gel, acetic acid gel, antibiotic gels, anesthetic gel, contrast agent gels, bioabsorbable polymer gel, epinephrine gel and tissue cell derivatives, chemo-therapeutic and other biochemical, polymer and biological gels.
- 30. A method for treating a localized portion of a prostate comprising:
a) inserting an injection needle apparatus into a prostate, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivery of a treatment substance into said prostate, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said injection needle apparatus through a passage selected from the group consisting of a urethra, rectum, perineum, and vesicle, into said prostate for treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of BPH, enlarged prostate and prostate cancer, using instrumentation selected from the group consisting of a cystoscope, resectoscope, endoscope, and non-invasive imaging apparatus selected from the group consisting of transrectal ultrasound imaging apparatus, CT, MRI, and x-ray apparatus; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said prostate through a said injection apparatus, selected from the group consisting of a biopsy needle guide, working channel of an endoscope, and ultrasound imaging probe;
wherein said treatment substance includes elements selected from the group consisting of a chemo-gel formulation, sclerosing agent, anesthetic agent, antibiotic, enzyme, biological agent, bioabsorbable polymer, plant and animal tissue cell derivate and byproduct, vasoconstricting agent, biomaterial, conjugate, pharmaceutical agent, gene, virus, and other biochemical polymer and biological agents.
- 31. A formulation for injecting into a body part for treatment of a disease comprising:
a treatment substance for injection treatment of body tissue consisting of 0.05-99.9% of an active treatment substance, and 0.05-49.9% of an inactive binding substance.
- 32. A formulation as recited in claim 31 wherein said active treatment substance includes a chemotherapeutic agent.
- 33. A formulation as recited in claim 32 wherein said chemotherapeutic agent is for the purpose of tissue destruction.
- 34. A formulation as recited in claim 32 wherein said body tissue is a portion of a prostrate.
- 35. A formulation as recited in claim 34 wherein said treatment substance is for treatment of a disease selected from the group consisting of enlarged prostrate, BPH, prostatitis, prostrate cancer, prostate neurolysis, prostatic tissue and nerve destruction and other prostrate disorder.
- 36. A formulation comprising:
a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 1.0 to 10,000 cps for injection treatment of a prostate including an active treatment substance with at least one component selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol (ethanol), saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents wherein said active treatment substance is 70-99% of said treatment substance; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxyl propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said treatment substance.
- 37. A method of treating a prostate comprising:
injecting into said prostate an injectable substance having a viscosity in the range of 1.0 to 10,000 eps for injection treatment of a prostate including an active treatment substance with at least one component selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol (ethanol), saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents wherein said active treatment substance is 70-99% of said treatment substance; b) an inactive substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers and bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxyl propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said treatment substance.
- 38. A method as recited in claim 37 wherein said treatment substance injected into said prostrate is in a dosage range of 0.1 to 80 cc.
- 39. A method as recited in claim 37 wherein said treatment substance is injected into said prostrate to treat 20 to 60% of a volume of said prostrate.
- 40. A formulation comprising:
a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 0.1 to 8000 cps for treatment of a prostrate disease selected from the group consisting of enlarged prostrate and BPH, said treatment substance including
a) at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol (ethanol), saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said treatment substance.
- 41. A method of treating a prostate comprising:
injecting into a prostate a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 0.1 to 8000 cps for treatment of a prostrate disease selected from the group consisting of enlarged prostrate and BPH, said treatment substance including
a) at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol (ethanol), saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said substance.
- 42. A method as recited in claim 41 wherein said treatment substance injected into said prostate is in a dosage range of 0.1 to 80 cc.
- 43. A method as recited in claim 41 wherein said treatment substance is injected into said prostate to treat 20 to 40% of a volume of said prostate.
- 44. A formulation comprising:
a) a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 1 to 5000 cps for treatment of prostatitis, said treatment substance including at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol (ethanol), saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said substance.
- 45. A method of treating a prostate comprising:
injecting into said prostate a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 1 to 5000 cps for treatment of prostatitis, said treatment substance including at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol (ethanol), saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said substance.
- 46. A method as recited in claim 45 wherein said treatment substance injected into said prostate is in a dosage range of 0.1 to 120 cc.
- 47. A method as recited in claim 45 wherein said treatment substance is injected into said prostate to treat 15 to 30% of a volume of said prostate.
- 48. A formulation comprising:
a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 500 to 10,000 cps for treatment of prostate cancer, said treatment substance including
a) at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol/ethanol, saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) Epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said substance.
- 49. A method of treating a prostate comprising:
injecting into said prostate a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 500 to 10,000 cps for treatment of prostate cancer, said treatment substance including
a) at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol/ethanol, saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers and bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said treatment substance.
- 50. A method as recited in claim 49 wherein said treatment substance injected into said prostate is in a dosage of 0.1 to 150 cc.
- 51. A method as recited in claim 49 wherein said treatment substance is injected into said prostate to treat 30 to 80% of a volume of said prostate.
- 52. A formulation comprising:
a) a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 1 to 10,000 cps for treatment of a prostate, said treatment substance including at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of the items listed in FIG. 2; and b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials.
- 53. A method of treating a prostate comprising:
a) injecting into said prostate a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 1 to 10,000 cps for treatment of a prostate, said treatment substance including at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of the items listed in FIG. 2; and b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of polymers, bioabsorbable polymers, hydroxy propyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), HPEC, poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and other rheollogy modification agents and materials.
- 54. A method as recited in claim 53 wherein said treatment substance injected into said prostate is in a dosage of 0.1 to 80 cc.
- 55. A method as recited in claim 53 wherein said treatment substance is injected into said prostate to treat 20 to 60% of a volume of said prostate.
- 56. A formulation comprising:
a) a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 1 to 10,000 cps for treatment of a prostate, said treatment substance including at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol/ethanol, saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of the list of binding/gelling agents listed in FIG. 3; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said substance.
- 57. A method of treating a prostate comprising:
a) injecting into said prostate a treatment substance having a viscosity in the range of 1 to 10,000 cps for treatment of a prostate, said treatment substance including at least one active treatment substance selected from the group consisting of dehydrated ethyl alcohol/ethanol, saline, epinephrine, hypertonic saline, acetic acid, phenol, and other sclerosing agents; b) an inactive binding substance including at least one component selected from the group consisting of the list of binding/gelling agents listed in FIG. 3; and c) epinephrine in the amount of 0 to 5.0% of said treatment substance.
- 58. A method as recited in claim 57 wherein said treatment substance injected into said prostate is in a dosage of 0.1 to 80 cc.
- 59. A method as recited in claim 57 wherein said treatment substance is injected into said prostate to treat 20 to 60% of a volume of said prostate.
- 60. A method of treating a body organ comprising:
a) inserting an injection needle apparatus interstitially into said body for injection of a treatment substance into said body organ for treatment of a disease; b) injecting said treatment substance into said organ;
wherein said treatment substance is designed with a viscosity for control of distribution of said treatment substance, and with a composition designed for a particular concentration, composition and formulation for achieving a desired tissue effect and clinical outcome.
- 61. A method of treating a body part comprising:
a) inserting an injection needle into said body part, said body part selected from the group consisting of breast, uterus, fibroid, ovary, liver, kidney, lung, hemorrhoid, vocal cord, GI tract, uterine cavity, and other body parts as disclosed in FIGS. 6A and 6B; and b) injecting said selected body part with a treatment substance as specified in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
- 62. A method as recited in claim 61 wherein said treatment substance is further formulated so as to be visible in real time under non-invasive imaging selected from the group consisting of CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound.
- 63. A formulation as recited in claim 36 wherein said treatment substance is further formulated so as to be visible in real time under non-invasive imaging selected from the group consisting of CT, MRI, X-ray and ultrasound.
- 64. A method as recited in claim 61 wherein said substance is further formulated to be electrically conductive for achieving a desired tissue effect upon application of electrical energy.
- 65. A method for treating a localized portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to a target tissue in said body part in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue;
wherein said inserting is accomplished using instrumentation selected from the group consisting of a working channel of a biopsy guide, endoscope and laparascope.
- 66. A method for treating a localized portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to a target tissue in said body part in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue;
wherein said guiding includes use of instrumentation selected from the group consisting of an endoscope, laparascope, ultrasound imaging instrument and grid template.
- 67. A method for treating a localized portion of a body part comprising:
a) inserting a needle apparatus in said body part, said apparatus including at least one hollow core needle for delivering a treatment substance into said body, said treatment substance including an inactive binding substance and an active treatment substance; b) guiding said needle apparatus to a target tissue in said body part in need of treatment including use of an imaging device; and c) injecting said treatment substance into said target tissue;
wherein said guiding includes use of a non-invasive method selected from the group consisting of CT, MRI, ultrasound and X-ray method.
- 68. A device as recited in claim 21 wherein said transurethral apparatus further includes apparatus for guiding an endoscope.
- 69. A device as recited in claim 68 wherein said apparatus for guiding an endoscope includes:
a) a first guide attached approximate a distal end of said tube; and b) a second guide approximate a proximal end of said device opposite said distal end.
- 70. A treatment substance injection device comprising:
a) a hollow core needle for passage of said treatment substance, and wherein said needle has an echogenic tip; and b) a transrectal ultrasound probe including a working channel for passage of said needle.
- 71. A device as recited in claim 70 further comprising a propulsion apparatus for propelling said treatment substance through said needle.
- 72. A treatment substance injection device comprising:
a) a hollow core needle for passage of said treatment substance, and wherein said needle has an echogenic tip; b) a transrectal ultrasound probe including a needle guide attached for guiding said needle along an exterior of said probe; and c) needle tip protection apparatus for preventing said tip from contact with body tissue during installation of said probe in a body.
- 73. A treatment injection device comprising:
a) a percutaneous device including
i) a hollow core needle for passage of a treatment substance, said needle having an echogenic tip; and b) a propulsion apparatus for propelling said treatment substance through said needle.
- 74. A treatment device as recited in claim 73 wherein said percutaneous device is a transperinial device.
- 75. A device as recited in claim 73 further comprising:
a non-invasive imaging apparatus for use in guiding positioning of said needle.
- 76. A device as recited in claim 73 wherein said imaging apparatus is selected from the group consisting of CT, MRI, X-Ray and ultrasound apparatus.
- 77. A device as recited in claim 74 further comprising a non-invasive imaging apparatus for use in guiding placement of said needle.
- 78. A device as recited in claim 77 wherein said imaging apparatus is selected from the group consisting of CT, MRI, X-Ray and ultrasound apparatus.
RELATED CASES
[0001] The application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/383,015, filed May 23, 2002, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/715,853 filed Nov. 17, 2000 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,537 filed Feb. 22, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/105,896 filed Jun. 26, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/639,199 filed Apr. 26, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/259,712 filed Jun. 14, 1994, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/025,003 filed Mar. 2, 1993; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/779,108 filed Oct. 18, 1991. The contents of each of these applications is incorporated in this application by reference.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
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60383015 |
May 2002 |
US |
Continuation in Parts (7)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09715853 |
Nov 2000 |
US |
Child |
10193721 |
Jul 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09510537 |
Feb 2000 |
US |
Child |
10193721 |
Jul 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09105896 |
Jun 1998 |
US |
Child |
10193721 |
Jul 2002 |
US |
Parent |
08639199 |
Apr 1996 |
US |
Child |
10193721 |
Jul 2002 |
US |
Parent |
08259712 |
Jun 1994 |
US |
Child |
10193721 |
Jul 2002 |
US |
Parent |
08025003 |
Mar 1993 |
US |
Child |
10193721 |
Jul 2002 |
US |
Parent |
07779108 |
Oct 1991 |
US |
Child |
10193721 |
Jul 2002 |
US |