Patent · US Expired

Alignment button for stereotaxic plug and method of using the same

US4826487A · kind A · utility

89Cited by
1References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 4, 1987
Grant dateMay 2, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 4, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2017/3411
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An alignment button includes cannula and radiopaque markers exactly mimicing corresponding elements in a stereotaxic array plug. The stereotaxic array plug is installed in an opening in the skull and the scalp is closed over it. The alignment button is sutured in place with its cannula exactly aligned with corresponding cannula in the stereotaxic array plug. Alignment is performed using medical imaging capable of showing simultaneously the radiopaque marker in both elements. In one embodiment of the invention, jaws protrude inward into the cannula to stabilize a medical device inserted therethrough. In a further embodiment of the invention, the alignment button is affixed over soft tissue without being accompanied by a stereotaxic array plug.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.