Device for precision positioning of instruments at a MRI scanner
US8172189B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/508
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device in the form of an elongated articulating arm having a base for mounting it on or at the MRI apparatus. The free end of the arm is arranged to releasably mount any type of device, e.g., a clamp, a bracket, a biopsy needle guide, etc. The arm includes a plurality of interconnected segments each of which is arranged to pivot about a respective axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm, but restricted from twisting about the longitudinal axis. A flexible elongated adjustable tensioning member in the form of plural sections of a cord extend through respective ones of plural flexible sheaths within the arm between the base and the distal end portion to enable the arm to be moved or bent into a desired shape when tension is released and then held in that shape when tension is applied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.