Device and method for margin marking tissue to be radiographed

#The present invention relates to devices for marking radiography specimens, and in particular to devices that indicate the orientation of the specimen in a patient's body prior to removal. The present invention further relates to radiographic markers that will remain secured to specimens during manipulations accompanying radiography and pathology.

#Radiologists frequently use markers that absorb xrays and cast an image when placed within an xray field to convey pertinent information on xray film. For example, right and left markers are routinely used to designate the anatomical orientation of the patient or to identify a particular extremity being examined. These types of markers are often placed on the surface of the examination table or xray film cassettes, within the exposure field but outside the image of the patient, to define the patient's physical orientation in relationship to the xray beam or the film.

#Markers consisting of a radiopaque body and adhesive can be attached directly to the skin of patients. These markers give the radiologist a specific target for the xray and, since the radiopaque body will appear on radiographs later taken, help pinpoint the location of the area in question when reading the developed film. Some markers have been developed that can be inserted into the body to mark tissues or organs that require repeated xray monitoring. These types of markers are manufactured as staples or hooks (to attach to tissues), and even partial rings (to encircle grafted veins).

#FIG. 1 is a rendering of a first embodiment of a device of the present invention for marking the margins of a specimen shown during use;

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the margin marking device;

#FIG. 2A is a front view of the margin marking device;

#The present invention overcomes many of the problems that arise when other radiopaque markers are used to mark radiography specimens. The advantages, and other features of the disclosed device, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.

#In FIGS. 1, 2, and 2A–C, numeral 110 generally refers to a margin marking device. In FIG. 1, a marker 116 is being secured to a specimen 114 to mark the margins of the specimen. The marker 116 defines an aperture 126 sized to accommodate sutures 118, staples, or like connecting means for securing the marker 116 to the specimen 114. The sutures 118 may be any length, although longer lengths will allow the marker 116 to be moved away from the specimen 114 during radiography, thereby reducing or eliminating possible obstruction of the specimen 114 caused by the image of the radiopaque marker 116. A user 130 grips (with fingers, forceps, pliers, or other means) the base 112 while securing the marker 116 to the specimen 114. Once attached, the marker 116, because of its distinctive shape and indicia 124, identifies the orientation of the specimen 114 prior to removal from the patient's body. The user 130 then disconnects the marker 116 from the base 112 by breaking the marker 116 at a frangible connection 122. The user 130 may then mark different areas of the specimen 114 with the remaining markers 120 and/or may dispose of the device 110. Because the markers 116 are radiopaque, the markers 116 will appear on a radiograph of the specimen.

#Referring now to FIG. 2A–C, the base 112, frangible connections 122, and markers 116 are formed by photoetching a single piece of radiopaque material. For ease of handling the desirably small markers, each marker 116 is joined to the base 112 at a respective connection 122. The base 112 is of sufficient size to allow ease of handling the margin marking device 110, whether a user is using forceps, fingers, or other means to hold the base 112. The base 112 is circular, but those with ordinary skill in the pertinent art will notice that virtually any shape could be used for the base 112 including hexagons, triangles, rods, ovals, stars and other shapes. The connection 122 is strong enough to prevent inadvertent breakage, but weak enough to allow a user to disconnect the marker 116 from the base 112 once the marker 116 is attached to a specimen. The connection 122 can be a frangible connection (if the base and markers are constructed of a single piece of material, as shown), or can be any of numerous other types of connections that will allow for easy disconnection of the marker 116 from the base 112. Other such connections include, without limitation, wires, removable or breakable pins, hooks, adhesives, or the like.