Patent · US Active

Apparatus and method for aligning a light pointer with a medical interventional device trajectory

US8265731B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
6References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 8, 2008
Grant dateSep 11, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 16, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2090/376
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A pointing light device includes a light pointer, such as a laser pointer; and an elongated pointing member detachably associated with the light pointer. The pointing member contains at least two bead-like members. Also, a method for aligning a light pointer with a predetermined medical interventional device trajectory. The method includes attaching a pointing member to an output end the light pointer to form a movable pointing light device; imaging two or more bead-like members of the pointing member to create live projection images or shadows in the live projection image; projecting at least first and second points associated with the predetermined medical interventional device trajectory onto the live projection image; and moving the pointing light device until the live projection images of the two members are aligned with corresponding ones of the projected first and second points in the live projection image.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.