Marker element for interstitial treatment and localizing device and method using same

A method for marking a tissue mass of interest within the body of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) identifying the tissue mass of interest;
• b) inserting an elongate guide member into the body of the patient such that a first end of the guide member is directed toward a position proximate the tissue mass and an opposite second end of the guide member extends from the body after the first end has been inserted therein, the guide member including a guide path extending between the first end and the second end;
• c) introducing a marker element into the second end of the guide member, wherein said marker element has a resilient member;
• d) urging the marker element along the guide path of the guide member from the second end to the first end so as to discharge the marker element from the first end of the guide member wholly within the body such that the marker element is positioned proximate the tissue mass;
• and
• e) removing the guide member from the body with the marker element remaining wholly within the body positioned proximate the tissue mass.

A method for marking a tissue mass of interest within the body of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) identifying the tissue mass of interest;
• b) inserting an elongate guide member into the body of the patient such that a first end of the guide member is directed toward a position proximate the tissue mass and an opposite second end of the guide member extends from the body after the first end has been inserted therein, the guide member including a guide path extending between the first end and the second end;
• c) introducing a marker element into the second end of the guide member, wherein said marker element has a resilient member;
• d) urging the marker element along the guide path of the guide member from the second end to the first end so as to discharge the marker element from the first end of the guide member wholly within the body such that the marker element is positioned proximate the tissue mass;
• e) repositioning the guide member such that the first end of the guide member is directed toward another position proximate the tissue mass;
• f) introducing an additional marker element into the second end of the guide member;
• g) urging the additional marker element along the guide path of the guide member from the second end to the first end so as to discharge the additional marker element from the first end of the guide member wholly within the body such that the additional marker element is positioned in an additional position proximate the tissue mass;
• and
• h) removing the guide member from the body with the marker elements remaining wholly within the body positioned proximate the tissue mass.