Implant simulating device
US6332780A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device and method for simulating the position and orientation of fixation elements that form part of a fixation system. By simulating the position and orientation of the fixation elements, the shape of the load carrier used for connecting the fixation elements can be determined. Making this determination prior to implantation of the load carrier is particularly useful for minimally invasive procedures in which the entire operative field is not directly visible. The device includes a base plate with two arms having tracks and crossbars which are capable of displacement in the plane of the base plate and which can be fixed in any position using tightening screws. The crossbars include integrated ball joints into which fixation element simulators can be screwed together with the same inserters as used for the implanted fixation elements so that the height of the fixation element simulators can be adjusted. The device also includes a correlation system for positioning the fixation element simulators in the device so that they have the same position and orientation relative to each other as the implanted fixation elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.