Marker delivery devices and methods

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices for delivering a marker includes a reusable handle assembly including a handle body defining a body passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot. An ejector body is configured to be received within the body passage of the handle body, the ejector body including a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion, the shank portion including at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot. A delivery cannula is configured to be coupled to the handle body at the outlet, and a pusher rod is configured to be coupled to the ejector body and pushed through the delivery cannula to deliver a marker.

Description

MARKER DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification generally relates to marker delivery devices and methods and, more specifically, marker delivery devices and methods which include reusable subcomponents.BACKGROUND

[0002] In diagnosing and treating certain medical conditions, it is often desirable to perform a biopsy, in which a specimen or sample of tissue is removed for pathological examination, tests, and / or analysis. During biopsy procedures and lumpectomy procedures, tissue markers may be implanted to mark the location of the biopsy and / or the lesion or diseased tissue targeted for biopsy. These tissue markers may be later used during follow-up procedures or appointments to locate the original biopsy location.

[0003] Present marker delivery devices may be single use patient-contacting devices which are disposed of after delivering the marker. Further, present marker delivery devices may allow for the marker to be prematurely deployed or the marker pusher rod to unintentionally fall backwards out of the marker delivery device.SUMMARY

[0004] As noted above, one challenging aspect of marker delivery devices and methods is that the marker delivery device is patient contacting and must be disposed of after a single use and / or re-sterilized, which can increase cost and / or waste. Further, marker delivery devices may be difficult to control and can result in the marker being prematurely deployed and / or the marker pushing mechanism falling out of the handle, leading to further waste.

[0005] In one embodiment, a marker delivery device includes a reusable handle assembly, a delivery cannula, and a pusher rod. The reusable handle assembly includes a handle body and an injector body. The handle body defines a body passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot. The ejectorbody is configured to be received within the body passage of the handle body. The ejector body includes a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion. The shank portion includes at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot. The delivery cannula is configured to be coupled to the handle body at the outlet. The pusher rod is configured to be coupled to the ejector body and pushed through the delivery cannula to deliver a marker.

[0006] In another embodiment, a marker delivery device includes a handle body, an ejector body, a delivery cannula, and a pusher rod. The handle body defines a body passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot. The handle body further includes a slot indicator formed on an outer surface of the handle body indicating a location of the first key slot and the second key slot. The ejector body is configured to be received within the body passage of the handle body. The ejector body includes a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion. The shank portion includes at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot. The head portion includes a key indicator indicating a location of the at least one key. The delivery cannula is configured to be coupled to the handle body at the outlet. The pusher rod is configured to be coupled to the ejector body and pushed through the delivery cannula to deliver a marker.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method for using a marker delivery device includes coupling a delivery cannula to a handle body. The delivery cannula includes a marker positioned therein. The handle body defines a passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot. The handle body includes a slot indicator formed on an outer surface of the handle body indicating a location of the first key slot and the second key slot. The method further includes coupling a pusher rod to an ejector body. The ejector body includes a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion. The shank portion includes at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot. The method further includes positioning the pusher rod coupled to the ejector body within the handle body and the delivery cannula, aligning the at least one key with the first key slot, advancing the at least one key past the first key slot to position the at least one key in a loading zone within the passage, aligning the at least one key with the second key slot, and advancing the at least one key past the second key slot to position the at least one key in a deployment zone within the passage such that the pusher rod contacts the marker and ejects the marker from the delivery cannula.

[0008] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a marker delivery device including a handle body coupled to a delivery cannula, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0011] FIG. 2 schematically depicts the handle body of FIG. 1 separated from a delivery cannula, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0012] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an ejector body of the marker delivery device of FIG. 1 coupled to a pusher rod, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 4 schematically depicts the ejector body of FIG. 3 separated from a pusher rod, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the handle body of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 6 schematically depicts an end view of the handle body of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the marker delivery device of FIG. 1 wherein of the ejector body coupled to a pusher rod is partially inserted into a handle body, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0017] FIG. 8 schematically depicts the ejector body and pusher rod of FIG. 7 fully seated within the handle body, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0018] FIG. 9 schematically depicts a side view of the handle body including the ejector body coupled thereto, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

[0019] FIG. 10 schematically depicts a flowchart of a method for using a marker delivery device, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments described herein are directed to marker delivery devices and methods of using the same. In embodiments, a marker delivery device includes a handle body, a delivery cannula, an ejector body, and a pusher rod. The handle body and / or ejector body may be reusable components that may be removably coupled to the delivery cannula and pusher rod respectively. Accordingly, the handle body and / or the ej ector body may be reused with variously delivery cannulas and pusher rods, while the delivery cannulas and pusher rods may be disposed of and replaced as needed. Moreover, to assist in delivery and prevent components from becoming disassembled during use, the handle body and the ejector body may define mating keys and slots to ensure assembly and prevent unwanted disassembly. As will be described in more detail herein, the mating keys and slots may also prevent premature marker delivery. These and additional embodiments and benefits will be described in greater detail herein.

[0021] The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0022] The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] The term “at least one of’ in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0024] As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and / or infixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0025] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly that might, for example, otherwise share a same name.

[0026] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially”, are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent margin.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, a marker delivery device 10 is illustrated. The marker delivery device 10 includes a handle body 110 and a delivery cannula 130. The handle body 110 may generally be shaped and sized to allow an operator to grasp it with their hand. The handle body 110 defines an inlet 112 and an outlet 114. A body passage 122 is defined within the handle body 110 extending between the inlet 112 and the outlet 114. The inlet 112 may be located at a proximal end 121 of the handle body 110, and the outlet 114 may be located at a distal end of the handle body 110. In this embodiment, distal or distal direction correlates to the +X direction along the X-axis. Similarly, proximal or proximal direction correlates to the -X direction along the X- axis. The handle body 110 includes an outer surface 116. A first slot indicator 118 is illustrated as formed on or in the outer surface 116. The first slot indicator 118 may be a portion of the outer surface 116 which is color-coded to correlate to a position of a key slot, described in further detail below, within the handle body 110, as will be described in more detail herein. In otherembodiments, the first slot indicator 118 may be a recess, protrusion, or other marking indicating a position of a key slot within the handle body 110.

[0028] The handle body 110 may be any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, stainless steel, etc.. In embodiments, the handle body 110 may be constructed from a material which is capable of undergoing any number of cleaning and / or sterilization processes, including but not limited to steam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, radiation sterilization, or any other suitable type of cleaning and / or sterilization process.

[0029] The delivery cannula 130 may be an elongate tube which may extend between a proximal inlet end 131 and a distal outlet end 133. The proximal inlet end 131 may define an inlet 132 and the distal outlet end 133 may define an outlet 134. The delivery cannula 130 may be coupled to handle body 110 such as within or around the outlet 114, such as removably coupled to the handle body 110. That is, the inlet 132 of the delivery cannula may be coupled to the handle body 110 such as to be in communication with the outlet 114 of the handle body. The delivery cannula 130 may define a lumen 138 which may be shaped and sized so as to allow a marker 170 to be advanced therethrough. The delivery cannula 130 may be constructed of stainless steel or any other suitable material for a medical grade delivery cannula 130.

[0030] The marker 170 may be arranged within the lumen 138 of the delivery cannula 130. In embodiments, the marker 170 may be arranged adjacent to the outlet 134 of the delivery cannula 130. The marker 170 may be shaped and sized to be advanced out of the outlet 134 of the delivery cannula 130. The marker 170 may be any suitable material such as but not limited to Nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, Inconel 625, or BioDur 108.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, the handle body 110 is shown detached from the delivery cannula 130. The delivery cannula 130 may include a threaded hub 136 which may surround the inlet 132. The threaded hub 136 may be constructed of plastic or similar material and may be overmolded on the proximal end of the delivery cannula 130 about the inlet 132. In other embodiments, the threaded hub 136 may be machined or otherwise formed onto the proximal inlet end 131 of the delivery cannula 130.

[0032] In embodiments, the handle body 110 may include internal threads 120 about the outlet 114. In some embodiments, the internal threads 120 may be formed in an insert placed into the outlet 114. In other embodiments, the internal threads 120 may be formed directly into thehandle body 110. The internal threads 120 of the handle body 110 may engage with the threaded hub 136 of the delivery cannula 130 such that the delivery cannula 130 is coupled to the handle body 110 via a threaded engagement.

[0033] However, other engagements between the handle body 110 and the delivery cannula 130 are contemplated and possible. For example, the handle body 110 may be externally threaded and be received by a threaded coupler of the delivery cannula 130. As another example, the delivery cannula 130 may press fit or snap into the handle body 110. As yet another example, spring-loaded pins may be used to couple the delivery cannula 130 to the handle body 110. As yet another example, the handle body 110 may clamshell around the delivery cannula 130 and hold the delivery cannula 130 by interference fit.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of an ejector body 140 and a pusher rod 160 is illustrated. The ejector body 140 includes a head portion 142 and a shank portion 144. The head portion 142 may be shaped and sized to be grasped and manipulated by a hand of an operator. In embodiments, the head portion 142 may have grooves or notches to allow an operator to easily rotate or otherwise manipulate the ejector body 140. The shank portion 144 extends from the head portion 142 and is shaped and sized to be received in the body passage 122. The shank portion 144 may include a distal end 150.

[0035] One or more keys may extend from the shank portion 144. For example, the shank portion may include at least one key. As will be described in greater detail herein, the at least one key may be used to control an insertion of the shank portion 144 into the handle body 110. In the depicted illustration, the one or more keys includes a first key 146 extending from the shank portion 144 and a second key 147 extending from the shank portion 144 at a position distal to the first key 146. In embodiments, a key indicator 148 may be formed or positioned on or within the head portion 142. The key indicator 148 may be aligned with the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 so that the operator may determine a location of the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 when positioned within the handle body. In embodiments, different key indicators may be provided for each key. For example, it is contemplated the first key 146 and the second key 147 may not be longitudinally aligned with one another as depicted, but may be positioned at different radial positions about the shank portion 144. The first key 146 and / or the second key 147 may be raised projections which extend radially outward from the shank portion. The first key 146 and the second key 147 may be integrally formed with the shank portion or may be coupled theretovia any suitable coupling (e.g., welding, brazing, adhesives, etc.). The ejector body may be formed out of the same or different materials from the handle body and able to withstand the same cleaning and / or sterilization processes. The key indicator 148 may be any type of marking, such as a color- coded marking, recess, protrusion, etc.

[0036] The pusher rod 160 may be an elongate member extending between a distal end 162 and a proximal end 164, such as a solid rod. The pusher rod 160 is shaped and sized to be placed within the delivery cannula 130 and move the marker 170 (depicted in FIG. 1) towards the outlet 134 of the delivery cannula 130. The pusher rod 160 may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to stainless steel, plastic, etc. Further, the pusher rod 160 may be of a construction other than a solid rod, such as a pusher rod having an internal honeycomb structure. The pusher rod 160 may be removably coupled to the ejector body 140, such as to the shank portion 144 as depicted. The pusher rod 160 may be formed of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, stainless steel, etc.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, the ejector body 140 is shown detached from the pusher rod 160. In embodiments, the pusher rod 160 may be removably attached to the ejector body 140 via any suitable means. For example, the pusher rod 160 may include a threaded hub 166 attached to or formed at the proximal end 164. The threaded hub 166 may be constructed of plastic and may be overmolded on the proximal end 164. In other embodiments, the threaded hub 166 may be machined into the pusher rod 160.

[0038] In embodiments, the ejector body 140 may include internal threads 152 about the distal end 150. The internal threads 152 may be formed in an insert placed into the distal end 150. In other embodiments, the internal threads 152 may be formed directly into the ejector body 140. The internal threads 152 of the ejector body 140 may engage with the threaded hub 166 of the pusher rod 160 such that the ejector body 140 is coupled to the pusher rod 160 via a threaded engagement.

[0039] However, other engagements between the ejector body 140 and the pusher rod 160 are contemplated and possible. For example, the ejector body 140 may be externally threaded and be received by a threaded coupler of the pusher rod 160. In another example, the pusher rod 160 may press fit or snap into the ejector body 140. In yet another example, spring-loaded pins may be used to couple the pusher rod 160 to the ejector body 140. As yet another example, the ejectorbody 140 may clamshell around the pusher rod 160 and hold the pusher rod 160 by interference fit.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, a longitudinal cross-section of the handle body 110 is illustrated according to one or more embodiments. As depicted, the handle body 110 defines the body passage 122 extending from the inlet 112 to the outlet 114. The body passage 122 is shaped and sized to allow the ejector body 140 and the pusher rod 160 to be received within the body passage 122, as will be described in greater detail below. As illustrated, the body passage 122 has a circular cross-section, but it should be understood that the body passage 122 may be any suitable cross-sectional shape, including but not limited to rectangular, hexagonal, etc. Formed within the body passage may be at least one key slot as will be described in greater detail below. For example, the handle body 110 may include or define a first key slot 124 and a second key slot 126.

[0041] In embodiments, the handle body 110 may include one or more flanges extending internally into the body passage 122 from an internal surface 128 of the handle body 110. For example, the handle body 110 may include a first flange 123, a second flange 125, and a third flange 127 extending into the body passage 122, though any number of flanges are contemplated and possible. The first flange 123 may be adjacent to or at the inlet 112. The third flange 127 may be adjacent to the outlet 114. The second flange 125 may be placed between the first flange 123 and the third flange 127 along the body passage 122, such that the second flange 125 is positioned distally to the first flange 123.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 collectively, in embodiments, one or more of the one or more flanges may include a key slot such as the first key slot 124 and the second key slot 126. A key slot may be an opening, break, or space which may be formed in the flange sized to receive the at least one key described above. For example, a first key slot 124 may be formed in the first flange 123 (as best depicted in FIG. 6) and a second key slot 126 may be formed in the second flange 125. It is noted while the first key slot 124 and the second key slot are illustrated as formed within the first flange 123 and the second flange 125, in some embodiments, there may not be a first flange 123 and / or a second flange 125. For example, instead of the at least one key slot may be formed within the handle body 110 such as recessed within an internal surface 128 of the handle body 110.

[0043] The area between the first flange 123 and the second flange 125 may define a loading zone 102. The loading zone 102 may be an area of the handle body 110 into which the ejector body 140 has been loaded into and may be restricted as to distal and / or proximal movement, described further below. The area between the second flange 125 and the third flange 127 may be a deployment zone 104. The deployment zone 104 may be an area of the handle body 110 into which the ejector body 140 has been moved to in order to deploy the marker 170, also described in further detail below.

[0044] Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the first key slot 124 and the second key slot 126 may be angularly spaced or offset apart from one another about a center line 129 of the body passage 122 between the inlet 112 and the outlet 114. As illustrated, the first key slot 124 and the second key slot 126 are angularly spaced from one another at a predetermined angle, a. While the angle, a, may be any angle in embodiments the angle, a, is between about and inclusive of 0 to about 360 degrees, such as between about and inclusive of 0 to about 270 degrees, such as between about and inclusive of 0 to about 180 degrees, such as between about and inclusive of 0 to about 135, such as between about and inclusive of 0 to about 90 degrees. As noted above, the first key slot 124 and / or the second key slot 126 may have an associated key slot indicator on the outside of the handle body 110 corresponding to the angular location of the first key slot 124 and the second key slot 126 to allow a user to readily determine a location of the first key slot 124 and / or the second key slot 126.

[0045] To insert the ejector body 140 into the handle body, the at least one key, such as first key 146 and second key 147 may be aligned with and passed through the first key slot 124. Once past the first key slot 124, the ejector key(s) may be rotated within the loading zone 102, which may prevent the ejector body 140 from fall out of a proximal end 121 of the handle body 110. For example, after rotation, the at least one key, such as the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 may be misaligned with the first key slot 124, such that the ejector body 140 cannot be proximally withdrawn from the handle body 110 due to interference between the at least one key and the first flange 123. When restricted in the loading zone 102, the pusher rod 160 may be spaced from a distal outlet end 133 of the delivery cannula 130, such that the marker 170 remains with the delivery cannula 130.

[0046] By angularly spacing the first key slot 124 from the second key slot 126, the ejector body 140 may be rotated after the ejector body 140 is inserted into the body passage 122 in orderto align the further advance the ejector body 140 distally within the body passage 122. That is, to further advance the ejector body 140 into the handle body 110 past the second flange 125, the at least one key, such as first key 146 and / or second key 147 may be aligned with the second key slot 126 and advanced therethrough into the deployment zone 104. Angularly spacing the first key slot 124 from the second key slot 126 within the body passage 122 may reduce accidental or premature deployment of the marker by the ejector body 140, as the ejector body 140 can be advanced past the second flange 125 when the first key 146 and the second key 147 is aligned with the second key slot 126. Further, rotating the ejector body 140 to align the at least one key with the second key slot 126, would necessarily angularly displace the at least on key from alignment with the first key slot 124 thereby preventing accidental removal of the ejector body 140 from the handle body 110 as described above. Once the ejector body 140 advances into the deployment zone 104, the pusher rod 160 may engage with the marker 170 may push the marker from the distal outlet end 133 of the delivery cannula 130.

[0047] While two key slots and associated flanges are shown, it should be understood that any number of key slots and associated flanges may be used. As a non-limiting example, one key slot and flange, three key slots and flanges, five key slots and flanges, or any other suitable number of key slots and flanges may be used. While the first key slot 124 and the second key slot 126 are shown as angularly spaced from one another, it should be understood that the first key slot 124 and the second key slot 126 may be aligned with one another.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 7, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the marker delivery device 10 is illustrated according to one or more embodiments described herein. The ejector body 140 attached to the pusher rod 160 is partially inserted into the body passage 122 of the handle body 110 which is attached to the delivery cannula 130, such that the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 of the ejector body 140 has been advanced distally past the first flange 123 but has not been advanced distally past the second flange 125, as was described above. In this state, the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 may be aligned with the second key slot 126 before the ejector body 140 is further distally advanced in the body passage 122. Further, the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 may be aligned with the first key slot 124 before the ejector body 140 is proximally removed from the body passage 122.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 8, the ejector body 140 is fully inserted into the body passage 122 of the handle body 110, such that the at least one key, such as first key 146 and / orsecond key 147, of the ejector body 140 has been advanced distally past the second flange 125 but has not been advanced distally past the third flange 127 as described in FIG. 5. When the ejector body 140 has been advanced distally to this position, the pusher rod 160 may eject the marker 170 out of the outlet 134 of the delivery cannula 130, such that the marker 170 is deposited within a patient or otherwise ejected from the delivery cannula 130.

[0050] When the ejector body 140 is fully inserted into the body passage 122 of the handle body 110, the handle body 110 may be detached from the delivery cannula 130 such as by decoupling the handle body 110 from the delivery cannula 130. In one embodiment, the handle body 110 may be decoupled from the delivery cannula 130 by unscrewing the internal threads 120 of the handle body 110 from the threaded hub 136 of the delivery cannula 130.

[0051] The ejector body 140 may be detached from the pusher rod 160 such as by decoupling the ejector body 140 from the pusher rod 160. In one embodiment, the ejector body 140 may be decoupled from the pusher rod 160 by unscrewing the internal threads 152 of the ejector body 140 from the threaded hub 166 of the pusher rod 160.

[0052] Since the ejector body 140 and the handle body 110 may not be patient contacting, the ejector body 140 and the handle body 110 may be disinfected with minimal processing and reused, such as via any of the sterilization or cleaning processes described above. The delivery cannula 130 and the pusher rod 160 may be disposed of after use. This may reduce waste by breaking the marker delivery device 10 into subcomponents and reusing a portion of the subcomponents, namely the handle body and the ejector body.

[0053] In embodiments, it is contemplated that when the ejector body 140 is fully inserted into the body passage 122 of the handle body 110, the ejector body 140 may lock with the handle body 110 such that the ejector body 140 and the handle body 110 may be unscrewed simultaneously from the pusher rod 160 and the delivery cannula 130. As a non-limiting example, there may be a third key slot in the third flange 127. The first key 146 and / or the second key 147 may lock into the third key slot (such as via a press fit) to lock the handle body 110 with the ejector body 140, such that the ejector body 140 and the handle body 110 may be unscrewed together.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 9, the ejector body 140 inserted into the handle body 110 is illustrated according to one or more embodiments described herein. The key indicator 148 is aligned with first slot indicator 118. The key indicator 148 may provide a visual reference to theoperator of the angular orientation of the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 when the first key 146 and / or the second key 147 are hidden from view when the ejector body 140 is inserted into the handle body 110. The first slot indicator 118 may provide a visual indicator of the first key slot 124 when the first key slot 124 is hidden from view inside of the handle body 110. Thus, by aligning the key indicator 148 with the first slot indicator 118, the operator may be able to advance or retract the ejector body 140 within the handle body 110 while the first key 146, second key 147, and / or first key slot 124 are hidden from view.

[0055] The handle body 110 may include additional slot indicators which correspond with additional key slots. In embodiments, the various slot indicators may be color coded, numbered, or otherwise labeled so that the operator may know which slot indicator corresponds to which key slot. As a non-limiting example, the first slot indicator 118 may be blue and a second slot indicator may be red.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 for using a marker delivery device is illustrated. It is noted that the method 1000 may include a greater or fewer number of steps, taken in any order, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It is noted that the method 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 may be best understood when reviewed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-8 which generally illustrate the assembly and use of a marker delivery device delivering a marker.

[0057] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1002 the method 1000 includes coupling a delivery cannula 130 to a handle body 110. As described above, the delivery cannula 130 may be coupled to the handle body 110 by any suitable coupling mechanism, such as via threaded engagement. By coupling the delivery cannula 130 to the handle body 110, the body passage 122 and the lumen 138 of the delivery cannula may be connected with one another to provide a single contiguous lumen.

[0058] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1004 the method 1000 includes coupling a pusher rod 160 to an ejector body 140. As described above, the pusher rod 160 may be coupled to the ejector body 140 by any suitable coupling mechanism, such as via threaded engagement.

[0059] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1006 the method 1000 includes positioning the pusher rod 160 and ejector body 140 within the handle body 110 and the delivery cannula 130.That is, the pusher rod 160 and ejector body 140 may be disposed within the single contiguous lumen created by the coupled handle body 110 and delivery cannula 130.

[0060] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1008 the method 1000 includes aligning a first key 146 of the ejector body 140 with a first key slot 124 of the handle body 110. That is, a key indicator 148 of the ejector body 140 may be aligned with a first slot indicator 118 of the handle body 110.

[0061] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1010 the method 1000 includes advancing the first key 146 of the ejector body 140 through the first key slot 124 of the handle body 110 into the loading zone 102. In the loading zone 102, the ejector body 140 may be retained within the handle body 110 such that the ejector body may not accidentally fall out of the handle body 110. For example, the ejector body 140 may be retained between the first flange 123 and the second flange 125.

[0062] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1012 the method 1000 includes aligning the first key 146 of the ejector body 140 through the second key slot 126 of the handle body 110. That is, a key indicator 148 of the ejector body 140 may be aligned with a second slot indicator of the handle body 110. The second key slot 126 and the second slot indicator may be angularly spaced apart from the first key slot 124 and the first slot indicator 118.

[0063] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1014 the method 1000 includes advancing the first key 146 of the ejector body 140 through the second key slot 126 of the handle body 110 into a deployment zone 104. In the deployment zone 104, the ejector body 140 may be prepared to deploy the marker out of the delivery cannula 130.

[0064] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1016 the method 1000 includes ejecting a marker out of the delivery cannula 130 with the pusher rod 160. That is, the ejector body 140 may be advanced within the deployment zone such that the pusher rod 160 coupled to the ejector body 140 may be deployed out of the delivery cannula 130.

[0065] In embodiments, after delivery of the marker, at block 1018 the method 1000 may further include disconnecting the delivery cannula 130 from the handle body 110. For example, the handle body 110 may be disconnected (such as unscrewed) from the delivery cannula 130. The ejector body 140 may be maintained within the deployment zone of the handle body 110while the delivery cannula 130 and the handle body 110 are disconnected. The disconnected handle body 110 may be disinfected and reused.

[0066] Still referring to FIG. 10, at block 1020 the method 1000 may include disconnecting the pusher rod 160 from the ejector body 140. That is, the ejector body 140 may be disconnected, such as unscrewed) from the pusher rod 160. The disconnected ejector body 140 may be disinfected and reused.

[0067] In some embodiments, the delivery cannula 130 and the pusher rod 160 may be disposed and replaced with a new delivery cannula and pusher rod as needed.

[0068] Further aspects of the embodiments described herein are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0069] 1. A marker delivery device comprising: a reusable handle assembly comprising: a handle body defining a body passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot; and an ejector body configured to be received within the body passage of the handle body, the ejector body comprising a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion, the shank portion comprising at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot, a delivery cannula configured to be coupled to the handle body at the outlet, and a pusher rod configured to be coupled to the ejector body and pushed through the delivery cannula to deliver a marker.

[0070] 2. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced from one another.

[0071] 3. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced 90 degrees from one another.

[0072] 4. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the first key slot is formed within the flange.

[0073] 5. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the second key slot is formed within the flange.

[0074] 6. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the handle body comprises: a first flange extending into the body passage, a second flange extending into the body passage, the first key slot is formed within the first flange, and the second key slot is formed within the second flange.

[0075] 7. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the delivery cannula is removably coupled to the handle body via a threaded hub.

[0076] 8. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the pusher rod is removably coupled to the ejector body via a threaded hub.

[0077] 9. A marker delivery device comprising: a reusable handle assembly comprising: a handle body defining a body passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot, the handle body comprising a slot indicator formed on an outer surface of the handle body indicating a location of the first key slot and the second key slot, and an ejector body configured to be received within the body passage of the handle body, the ejector body comprising a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion, the shank portion comprising at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot, the head portion comprising a key indicator indicating a location of the at least one key, a delivery cannula configured to be coupled to the handle body at the outlet; and a pusher rod configured to be coupled to the ejector body and pushed through the delivery cannula to deliver a marker.

[0078] 10. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced from one another.

[0079] 11. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced 90 degrees from one another.

[0080] 12. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the first key slot is formed within the flange.

[0081] 13. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the second key slot is formed within the flange.

[0082] 14. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the handle body comprises: a first flange extending into the body passage, a second flange extending into the body passage, the first key slot is formed within the first flange, and the second key slot is formed within the second flange.

[0083] 15. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the delivery cannula is removably coupled to the handle body via a threaded hub.

[0084] 16. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the pusher rod is removably coupled to the ejector body via a threaded hub.

[0085] 17. The marker delivery device of any preceding clause, wherein the at least one key comprises a first key and a second key.

[0086] 18. A method of using a marker delivery device, comprising: coupling a delivery cannula comprising a marker positioned therein to a handle body, wherein the handle body defines a passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot, the handle body comprising a slot indicator formed on an outer surface of the handle body indicating a location of the first key slot and the second key slot; coupling a pusher rod to an ejector body, the ejector body comprising a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion, the shank portion comprising at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot, and positioning the pusher rod coupled to the ejector body within the handle body and the delivery cannula; aligning the at least one key with the first key slot, advancing the at least one key past the first key slot to position the at least one key in a loading zone within the passage; aligning the at least one key with the second key slot, and advancing the at least one key past the second key slot to position the at least one key in a deployment zone within the passage such that the pusher rod contacts the marker and ejects the marker from the delivery cannula.

[0087] 19. A method of using a marker delivery device of any preceding clause, further comprising: disconnecting the delivery cannula from the handle body, while maintaining the ejector body within the deployment zone, and disconnecting the pusher rod from the ejector body.

[0088] 20. A method of using a marker delivery device of any preceding clause, further comprising: aligning the at least one key with the first key slot comprises aligning a first slot indicator on the handle body with a key indicator on the head portion of the ejector body, and aligning the at least one key with the second key slot comprises aligning a second slot indicator on the handle body with the key indicator on the head portion of the ejector body.

[0089] It should now be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to assemblies and methods for a reusable marker delivery device. Embodiments described herein are directed to a marker delivery device that includes a handle body, a delivery cannula, an ejector body, and a pusher rod. The handle body and / or ejector body may be reusable components that may be removably coupled to the delivery cannula and pusher rod respectively. Accordingly, the handle body and / or the ejector body may be reused with variously delivery cannulas and pusher rods, while the delivery cannulas and pusher rods may be disposed of and replaced as needed. Moreover, to assist in delivery and prevent components from becoming disassembled during use, the handle body and the ejector body may define mating keys and slots to ensure assembly and prevent unwanted disassembly. As will be described in more detail herein, the mating keys and slots may also prevent premature marker delivery.

[0090] It is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0091] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A marker delivery device comprising: a reusable handle assembly comprising: a handle body defining a body passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot; and an ejector body configured to be received within the body passage of the handle body, the ejector body comprising a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion, the shank portion comprising at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot; a delivery cannula configured to be coupled to the handle body at the outlet; and a pusher rod configured to be coupled to the ejector body and pushed through the delivery cannula to deliver a marker.

2. The marker delivery device of claim 1, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced from one another.

3. The marker delivery device of claim 1, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced 90 degrees from one another.

4. The marker delivery device of claim 1, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the first key slot is formed within the flange.

5. The marker delivery device of claim 1, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the second key slot is formed within the flange.

6. The marker delivery device of claim 1, wherein the handle body comprises:a first flange extending into the body passage; a second flange extending into the body passage; the first key slot is formed within the first flange; and the second key slot is formed within the second flange.

7. The marker delivery device of claim 1, wherein the delivery cannula is removably coupled to the handle body via a threaded hub.

8. The marker delivery device of claim 1, wherein the pusher rod is removably coupled to the ejector body via a threaded hub.

9. A marker delivery device comprising: a reusable handle assembly comprising: a handle body defining a body passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot, the handle body comprising a slot indicator formed on an outer surface of the handle body indicating a location of the first key slot and the second key slot; and an ejector body configured to be received within the body passage of the handle body, the ejector body comprising a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion, the shank portion comprising at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot, the head portion comprising a key indicator indicating a location of the at least one key; a delivery cannula configured to be coupled to the handle body at the outlet; and a pusher rod configured to be coupled to the ejector body and pushed through the delivery cannula to deliver a marker.

10. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced from one another.

11. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the first key slot and the second key slot are angularly spaced 90 degrees from one another.

12. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the first key slot is formed within the flange.

13. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the handle body comprises a flange extending into the body passage and the second key slot is formed within the flange.

14. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the handle body comprises: a first flange extending into the body passage; a second flange extending into the body passage; the first key slot is formed within the first flange; and the second key slot is formed within the second flange.

15. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the delivery cannula is removably coupled to the handle body via a threaded hub.

16. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the pusher rod is removably coupled to the ejector body via a threaded hub.

17. The marker delivery device of claim 9, wherein the at least one key comprises a first key and a second key.

18. A method of using a marker delivery device, comprising: coupling a delivery cannula comprising a marker positioned therein to a handle body, wherein the handle body defines a passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, a first key slot, and a second key slot positioned distally to the first key slot, the handle body comprising a slot indicator formed on an outer surface of the handle body indicating a location of the first key slot and the second key slot; coupling a pusher rod to an ejector body, the ejector body comprising a head portion and a shank portion coupled to the head portion, the shank portion comprising at least one key sized to pass through the first key slot and the second key slot; and positioning the pusher rod coupled to the ejector body within the handle body and the delivery cannula; aligning the at least one key with the first key slot; advancing the at least one key past the first key slot to position the at least one key in a loading zone within the passage; aligning the at least one key with the second key slot; and advancing the at least one key past the second key slot to position the at least one key in a deployment zone within the passage such that the pusher rod contacts the marker and ejects the marker from the delivery cannula.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: disconnecting the delivery cannula from the handle body, while maintaining the ejector body within the deployment zone; and disconnecting the pusher rod from the ejector body.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: aligning the at least one key with the first key slot comprises aligning a first slot indicator on the handle body with a key indicator on the head portion of the ejector body; andaligning the at least one key with the second key slot comprises aligning a second slot indicator on the handle body with the key indicator on the head portion of the ejector body.

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