Customized surgical fixture
US6738657B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A customized surgical fixture (400) is formed by scanning a body to form a three-dimensional image of the body, and then identifying in the image a target (310) in the body, and mounting points or structures (330) on the body. A model, such as a computer solid model, of the fixture (400) is specified in accordance with the locations of the target (310) and mounting structures (330) or points. The fixture (400) is formed in accordance with the model of the fixture (400), for example using a rapid prototyping and tooling machine. When attached to the body, the fixture (400) can be used to guide a surgical instrument (610) into the body, for example, by using a mechanical guide (600) attached to the fixture (400) or using a remote sensing device (1300) that tracks the relative position of the customized fixture (400) and the surgical instrument.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.