Image guided vertebral distractor and method for tracking the position of vertebrae
US6340363B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3945
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vertebral distractor is disclosed for use in performing anterior cervical spinal surgery. The vertebral distractor is associated with a computer controlled surgical navigation system employing an energy-detecting array to track positions of the vertebral distractor in three dimensional space relative to a known reference point. The guide comprises a shaft, a stationary first arm, and at least one movable second arm. At least one electrically energizable energy emitter array is attached to the shaft for use in identifying the location of the vertebral distractor relative to the vertebrae. A system for using the vertebral distractor in spinal surgery is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.