Patent ID: 7871438
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L

Abstract:
1. A method for marking an intracorporeal cavity from which tissue has been excised, comprising: providing an implant having a resilient foam or sponge-like matrix material configured to facilitate in-growth of tissue, having a radiopaque marker to facilitate subsequent location of the cavity and configured to occupy the intracorporeal cavity; providing a delivery cannula having a distal end, a distal discharge opening and an inner lumen extending to and in fluid communication with the distal discharge opening; placing the implant in the inner lumen of the delivery cannula in a compressed condition; inserting the delivery cannula into the patient and advancing the delivery cannula therein until the distal discharge opening of the delivery cannula is located within the cavity; and discharging the implant from the delivery cannula through the distal discharge opening into the cavity wherein the implant expands to at least partially fill the cavity and thereby support the surrounding tissue and allowing for in-growth of fibrous tissue into the foam or sponge-like matrix material.