Surgical site marker delivery system

Abstract

A site marker delivery system is provided that may be used in combination with a tissue cutting device for marking a biopsy site. The system includes a tube attached to a hub. A push-rod is slidably disposed within the lumen of the tube. The push-rod is advanced forward through the lumen of the tube causing a marker seated within the tube to be deployed at a biopsy site.

1 - 31 . (canceled)  
     
     
         32 . A marker delivery system, comprising: 
 a cannula having proximate and distal ends, wherein both of said proximal and distal ends are open, said cannula defining a lumen extending between said proximal and distal ends;    wherein said cannula further includes at least one holding tab connected to an internal surface of said lumen of said cannula, adjacent to said distal end of said cannula, said holding tab serving to frictionally engage at least a portion of a marker to said cannula; and    a push rod dimensioned to slidably pass through said lumen of said cannula, entering in said distal end, said push rod being operable to advance said marker past said holding tab of said lumen out of said lumen and into a body cavity.    
     
     
         33 . The marker delivery system of  claim 32 , further including a deployment plunger connected to a push rod.  
     
     
         34 . The marker delivery system of  claim 33 , wherein said deployment plunger includes a push plate having opposing surfaces and at least one retaining arm extending away from said one of said opposing faces, said retaining arm being operable to engage a complementary retaining rim disposed on said proximal end of said cannula to lock said push rod in place.  
     
     
         35 . The marker delivery system of  claim 33 , wherein said deployment plunger is integrally connected to said push rod.  
     
     
         36 . The marker delivery system of  claim 32 , wherein said cannula includes a pair of holding tabs arranged in an opposing manner, said pair of holding tabs cooperating to frictionally retain at least a portion of a marker to said cannula.  
     
     
         37 . The marker delivery system of  claim 32 , wherein said holding tab is constructed of a flexible material.  
     
     
         38 . The marker delivery system of  claim 32 , wherein the marker is at least partially retained within said cannula.  
     
     
         39 . The marker delivery system of  claim 32  further including a handle connected to a portion of said cannula.  
     
     
         40 . The marker delivery system of  claim 39 , wherein said handle is integrally connected to said cannula.