Implantable marker, instruments and methods

US7814916B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Ian Revie · Boroughbridge, GB
• Alan Ashby · Springfield, US
• Yaacov Nitzan · Herzliya, IL
• Paul Gibbons · San Francisco, US
• Ben Stungo · Harrogate, GB
• Robert Butcher · Santa Clara, US
• Tom Patterson · Ponteland, GB
• Jury Baldewein · Poing, DE
• James Brooks · Leeds, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 7, 2005
• Grant date: Oct 19, 2010
• Expiry date: Aug 9, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3991
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An implantable marker, instruments for implanting the marker and method for implanting the marker are described. The implantable marker comprises a housing with an outer surface providing a bone anchor and having a cavity within which a marker detectable by a tracking system is secured. The kit includes a guide instrument having a guide channel for receiving an implantable marker, an insertion tool receivable within the channel and having a distal end for releasably engaging an implantable marker, and an implantable marker receivable within the channel. The insertion tool is operable to drive the implantable marker into the bone. The method includes puncturing the skin with an instrument, driving the implantable marker into the bone and withdrawing the instrument, leaving the marker implanted within the bone.