Needle biopsy system
US6245028A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/376
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A needle biopsy system (10) includes a biopsy needle (210), and a needle support assembly (200). The needle support assembly (200) holds the biopsy needle (210) and manipulates the biopsy needle (210) in response to received control signals. A needle simulator (250) having an input device (252) generates the control signals in response to manipulation of the input device (252) by an operator. The operator, in turn, receives feedback from the needle simulator (250) in accordance with forces experienced by the biopsy needle (210). In a preferred embodiment, the feedback received by the operator includes tactile sensations experienced by the operator as the operator manipulates the input device (252). The tactile sensations mimic those the operator would have received had the operator directly manipulated the biopsy needle (210). Optionally, a curved needle guide (280) is employed to restrict the biopsy needle's progression longitudinally therethrough.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.