Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080269588 | Intraoperative Image Registration - A system to allow registration of a patient to image space is disclosed. The registration can be performed without touching a plurality of fiducial points on the patient or in the image data. The registration process can eliminate manual steps of image to patient registration and image to image registration. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269599 | Method for Performing Multiple Registrations in a Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269600 | Flexible Array For Use In Navigated Surgery - A system can be used to determine a position of a structure in physical space. The system can include a flexible member, such as a drape, cloth, sheet, etc. that can include one or more trackable devices associated therewith. The trackable devices can be incorporated into the weave of a woven cloth or the matrix of a polymer member. The trackable devices can be used within a tracking system to determine the location of the trackable devices. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269602 | Method And Apparatus For Performing A Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization. | 10-30-2008 |
20090012509 | Navigated Soft Tissue Penetrating Laser System - A system can be used to determine a position of a boney structure in physical space. The system can include a laser emitting device that can emit a laser beam that transmits through soft tissue and reflects off of a boney surface. The system can then determine the position of the reflection point and correlate the reflection point to image data acquired of a patient. | 01-08-2009 |
20090118743 | Instrument For Guiding Stage Apparatus And Method For Using Same - This documents describes among other things a normalizing stage apparatus, tools and methods. One example includes a base that defines a trajectory. A first stage is moveably coupled to the base and the first stage moves along the trajectory. A second stage is moveably coupled to the first stage and moves an instrument coupled thereto with respect to the base and the first stage. Before movement of the instrument, the first and second stages are in first positions desired (e.g. predetermined) distances from a target area in the body. Another example includes the first stage and a guide tube stop coupled with the first stage. A guide tube is coupled with the guide tube stop and extends through a guide tube stop lumen. The guide tubes outer perimeter is dimensioned and configured to snugly couple with the surface defining the guide tube stop lumen. | 05-07-2009 |
20090275921 | Indexing Cell Delivery Catheter - An insertion device with an insertion axis includes an axial actuator with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is moveable along the insertion axis relative to the second portion. The insertion device further includes a first tube coupled to the first portion of the axial actuator, and the first tube is movable along the insertion axis in response to movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The device further includes a second tube having a radially biased distal end. The distal end is substantially contained within the first tube in a first state, and the second tube is rotatable with respect to the first tube. Also, the second tube is axially movable to a second state, and a portion of a distal end of the second tube is exposed from a distal end of the first tube in the second state. | 11-05-2009 |
20090287141 | Device and method for delivering therapeutic agents to an area of the body - A device, system and method deliver an agent to a soft mass, such as an area of the body, and more specifically the brain. One aspect includes creation of one or more channels, tunnels or grooves in tissue using a relatively small diameter, minimally-invasive stylet and then removing the stylet prior to infusion. The stylet-created channels become paths of increased hydraulic conductivity, through which the infusate will tend to flow and produce a predictable infusion pattern. Infusate will be carried into these channels with relatively low resistance, and then infuse outward from these channels into the surrounding tissue. By carefully positioning these channels, one can control and modify the preferred paths and duration of distribution. | 11-19-2009 |
20090318799 | Position Detection in a Magnetic Field - This patent document discusses assemblies and methods for remotely detecting a position of a surgical instrument in the presence of a magnetic field. In varying examples, a position detection system includes an encoder coupled to move in concert with the instrument. The encoder includes an a translucent substrate and light blocking indicia disposed thereon. A light source and a light detector array are effectively disposed outside of the magnetic field. Light from the light source is carried to an encoder first side using an input optical fiber, while the light passing through the encoder is received at an encoder second side by an output optical fiber. The light received by the output optical fiber is transmitted to the light detector array, which converts the received light to position representative electrical signals. Such signals are subsequently transmitted to a control module adapted to formulate and convey a position of the instrument. | 12-24-2009 |
20100057008 | Organ Access Device and Method - An insertion guide device guides an instrument toward a target location in a subject. The insertion guide device includes a base portion securable to the subject and an insertion guide portion defining an insertion axis. The insertion guide portion guides the instrument along the insertion axis, and the insertion guide portion is moveably supported by the base portion for movement of the insertion axis about at least two axes. Moreover, the insertion guide device includes a locking device that selectively fixes the insertion guide portion relative to the base portion. The locking device selectively fixes the insertion axis relative to the at least two axes substantially concurrently. | 03-04-2010 |
20100063388 | Fiducial Marker Devices, Tools, and Methods - This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imageable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imageable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration. | 03-11-2010 |
20100081914 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A GUIDE RELATIVE TO A BASE - A system for positioning a guide relative to an anatomy is provided. The system can include a base adapted to be coupled to the anatomy, and a guide that can move relative to the base. The system can include at least one tracking device that can be coupled to the base and the guide, and a tracking system that tracks a position of the tracking device. The system can include a navigation system that determines a position of the base and the guide relative to the anatomy, and whether the position of the base and the guide are in a desired position. The system can include a display, which can display at least one icon superimposed on the image of the anatomy that graphically indicates a manipulation of the guide required to move the guide into the desired position. | 04-01-2010 |
20100160771 | Method and Apparatus for Performing a Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. One or more tracking devices can be the associated with the patient and with guiding instruments for tracking guiding devices relative to the patient. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162552 | Ball and Socket Trajectory Guide - An alignment device and method is provided. Higher precision is achieved when fixing an orientation of an insertion axis using alignment devices shown. A symmetric clamping force is provided that reduces or eliminates unwanted displacement after the desired orientation is obtained. Another feature includes increased flexibility to use a variety of primary medical devices. Another feature includes a standoff feature that reduces tissue damage. Another feature includes an orienting fixture for image guided procedures. | 07-01-2010 |
20100179563 | Low Profile Instrument Immobilizer - This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain. | 07-15-2010 |
20100217120 | Fiducial Marker Devices, Tools, and Methods - This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined imagable fiducial locator and divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example is reflective such that it is locatable by a remote detector of an optical positioning system. A generally cylindrical (e.g., faceted cylindrical) columnar locator permits easy application of reflective tape. Other examples discusses a unitary fiducial marker with multiple divots and a swiveling and/or tilted fiducial marker divot, each of which allows manipulation of a positioning wand into a remote camera's field of view. Another example includes at least one reflector that can be aimed. A further example discusses an imagable fiducial marker carrier that is attachable to a single location on a patient's skull to reduce trauma. A keying arrangement fixedly defines the orientation of the carrier, allowing detachment and reattachment in the same orientation. | 08-26-2010 |
20110022058 | Device for Immobilizing a Primary Instrument and Method Therefor - Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022059 | Device for Immobilizing a Primary Instrument and Method Therefor - Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems. | 01-27-2011 |
20110106009 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING THERAPEUTIC AGENTS TO AN AREA OF THE BODY - A device, system and method deliver an agent to a soft mass, such as an area of the body, and more specifically the brain. One aspect includes creation of one or more channels, tunnels or grooves in tissue using a relatively small diameter, minimally-invasive stylet and then removing the stylet prior to infusion. The stylet-created channels become paths of increased hydraulic conductivity, through which the infusate will tend to flow and produce a predictable infusion pattern. Infusate will be carried into these channels with relatively low resistance, and then infuse outward from these channels into the surrounding tissue. By carefully positioning these channels, one can control and modify the preferred paths and duration of distribution. | 05-05-2011 |
20120046542 | Method and Apparatus for Performing a Navigated Procedure - A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization. | 02-23-2012 |
20130096570 | TRAJECTORY GUIDE, ACCESS PORT, AND FIDUCIAL MARKER ALIGNMENT - A trajectory guide for introducing an instrument into a human or animal subject is described. A guide stem can be removed in sections without disturbing the aligned instrument. An access port portion of the trajectory guide can be left in place, without disturbing trajectory alignment, and can allow overlying skin to be sutured closed. The access port can provide infusate delivery, such as using an injection port, catheter or the like. A fiducial marker arrangement can provide easy and accurate trajectory alignment, for use with the present trajectory guide, another trajectory guide, or without any trajectory guide. | 04-18-2013 |
20130197472 | Low Profile Instrument Immobilizer - This document discusses, among other things, examples of a low profile instrument immobilizer and means for positioning the same. In one example, the low profile instrument immobilizer grasps, secures, and immobilizes an electrode or other instrument that extends through a burr hole in a skull to a target location in a patient's brain. | 08-01-2013 |
20130310767 | SEAL TIP CATHETER DEVICES OR METHODS - A first catheter can include a first catheter body providing a longitudinal bore and can have flexible first seal at its distal portion. The first seal can at least partially occlude the bore at the distal portion of the catheter body in a first configuration. A second catheter can be slid into or through the bore of the first catheter body, such as to expand the first seal into a second configuration. Wicking or reflux can be inhibited. Other features, applications, and methods can be included. | 11-21-2013 |
20130344230 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A GUIDEWIRE WITH AN EXTRUSION JACKET - A method of manufacturing a guidewire having a discrete length. The method includes the steps of feeding a first end of a corewire into an extrusion device, gripping the first end of the corewire with a gripping apparatus, and extruding a first extrusion material onto an outer surface of the corewire while the gripping apparatus pulls the corewire through the extrusion device to form an extrusion jacket on the outer surface of the corewire. The corewire has a predetermined length corresponding to a length of the guidewire. | 12-26-2013 |
20140257509 | BONE IMPLANTS AND CUTTING APPARATUSES AND METHODS - Implant devices and cutting clamp apparatuses and methods for creating the implants for insertion into a patient's joint to restore anatomic length and assist in final positioning of the bones following removal of cartilage and/or bone in preparation for fusion. A first implant is a biplanar implant having a shape to mimic the normal anatomical shape of the bones the implant is configured to mate with. The first implant may be cut using a cutting clamp and jig having the anatomical shape of the bones the implant will be inserted within or between. A second implant is a cylindrical piece of bone having a convex end and a concave end for mating with bones reamed to have the opposite mating surfaces. The second implant is created using cup and cone reamers having dimensions corresponding to the size of the patient's bones. Surgical methods for inserting the implants within a patient. | 09-11-2014 |
20140288578 | TRAJECTORY GUIDE, ACCESS PORT, AND FIDUCIAL MARKER ALIGNMENT - A trajectory guide for introducing an instrument into a human or animal subject is described. A guide stem can be removed in sections without disturbing the aligned instrument. An access port portion of the trajectory guide can be left in place, without disturbing trajectory alignment, and can allow overlying skin to be sutured closed. The access port can provide infusate delivery, such as using an injection port, catheter or the like. A fiducial marker arrangement can provide easy and accurate trajectory alignment, for use with the present trajectory guide, another trajectory guide, or without any trajectory guide. | 09-25-2014 |
20140350561 | BONE IMPLANTS AND CUTTING APPARATUSES AND METHODS - Reamer sleeves, reamer assemblies, and methods of assembling the reamer assemblies are disclosed. The reamer sleeves include a base portion with a top surface and a bottom surface and a securement mechanism extending away from the top surface of the base portion. The securement mechanism includes an opening, at least one engagement member adjacent the opening, and at least one engagement protrusion extending away from the engagement member into the opening. The opening extends through the securement mechanism to the bottom surface of the base portion. The bone reamer assembly including a reamer and a reamer sleeve removably coupled to the reamer. The reamer including a shaft with a first and second end, a cutting member coupled to the second end of the shaft, and a groove near the second end of the shaft. A method of assembling a hard tissue reamer assembly is also disclosed. | 11-27-2014 |