Locator method and apparatus
US5755746A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 26, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N7/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for locating an internal injury. The apparatus includes a marker that is temporarily positionable at an external location adjacent the internal injury. The marker is formed of a material that is visible on an X-ray, magnetic resonance image, ultrasonic image, or other device for imaging the internal injury. The method includes the steps of positioning a marker at an external location adjacent an internal injury, simultaneously visualizing the marker and the internal injury, and marking an approximate external location corresponding to the internal injury. Where X-rays are used for simultaneously visualizing the marker and the internal injury, the X-ray is used to map the approximate external location corresponding to the internal injury.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.