Site marker device

A site marker device comprising:

• an outer housing;
• a delivery tube supported by the outer housing and extending distally therefrom, the delivery tube having an internal diameter dimensioned to receive a marker;
• a pusher rod positioned within the delivery tube;
• an actuator supported by the housing, the actuator being movable from a first position to a second position to effect movement of the pusher rod from a retracted position to an advanced position;
• wherein the outer housing defines a bore and the actuator includes a plunger including a plunger portion slidably positioned within the bore;
• and
• wherein the pusher rod has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having a bend formed therein, the bend operably engaging the plunger such that movement of the plunger effects corresponding movement of the pusher rod.

A site marker device comprising:

• an outer housing;
• a delivery tube supported by the outer housing and extending distally therefrom, the delivery tube having an internal diameter dimensioned to receive a marker;
• a pusher rod positioned within the delivery tube;
• an actuator supported by the housing, the actuator being movable from a first position to a second position to effect movement of the pusher rod from a retracted position to an advanced position;
• wherein the actuator includes a plunger having a plunger portion movable within the outer housing, the pusher rod being operably connected to the plunger;
• and
• including an elongated tubular body secured to the outer housing and extending distally therefrom, the elongated tubular body being positioned about the delivery tube.

A method of marking the location of a lesion, the method comprising the following steps:

• a) providing a site marker device having a delivery tube and a pusher rod movably positioned within the delivery tube;
• b) providing a marker formed of shape memory material and having a substantially circular configuration;
• c) deforming the marker and positioning the marker in one end of the delivery tube;
• and
• d) advancing the pusher rod to eject the marker from the distal end of the delivery tube such that the marker returns to the substantially circular configuration.