Hybrid skull pins
US6045553A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S606/907
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hybrid skull pin to adjust and hold a cervical fixation device to the skull of a patient. The hybrid skull pin is constructed of at least two different materials and arranged to permit cervical fixation devices to be used in MRI procedures. The hybrid skull pin has an elongated body with exterior threads and a tip portion for engaging the skull of the patient. A nonconductive coating extends over the tip portion of the skull pin body. The hybrid skull pin further includes an insert secured in the elongated body. The insert is constructed of a second material and secured in a cavity of the pin. The insert reduces the mass of the skull pin thereby reducing or eliminating the radio frequency energy conducted through the pin during MRI procedures. The insert also acts as a heat capacitor which absorbs the radio frequency energy and the magnetic field vibrations generated in the MRI environment. By preventing a "heat sensation" conducted to the patient's skin, the use of the hybrid skull pin structure reduces or eliminates discomfort to the patient while wearing a cervical fixation device in an MRI procedure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.