Apparatus and method for stabilizing a body part
US5566681A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1097
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for non-invasively stabilizing the head of a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a support frame, a rigid template mounted to the support frame, a plurality of fiducial marker housings located on the support frame, and a mounting assembly that attaches the support frame to a table or a bed. The rigid template is formed by molding a heat-activated sheet of plastic around the head or face of the patient. A method for treating the head of a patient is also provided. The method involves forming a rigid template that conforms to the head and/or face of a patient, positioning the head with the rigid template, performing a radiographic imaging procedure, and performing a subsequent surgical procedure. The imaging and surgical procedures are performed with the patient stabilized in the same position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.