Apparatus for the simulation of image-guided surgery
US6538634B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/00707
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for use in simulated image guided surgery comprises a positional transducer, clamping means located proximate to the transducer, and a processor. The transducer is responsive to a thin flexible member that can be manipulated by a user, and produces signals representative of displacement and rotation of the thin flexible member. The clamping means responds to a controlling signal to apply a predetermined variable clamping force to the flexible member. The processor receives these displacement and rotation signals, and is programmed to plot the path of the flexible member therefrom as it is manipulated by the user. Additionally, the processor produces the controlling signal to the clamping means in response to the instantaneous position along the path. The processor may be coupled to a display device for displaying an image of the instantaneous position of the flexible wire therealong, or other information. The invention also includes a related method for the simulation of image guided surgery. Embodiments of the invention can be used to simulate the manual positioning of a catheter and guidewire, as well as the haptic forces exerted by the user's hand and fingers in tha…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.