Surgical access with target visualization
US8328815B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0006
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate to the spine. Positioning of the distal end of a radiolucent curved access cannula may be assisted by use of one or more radio-opaque markers. Markers may be positioned to form a cross hair image in fluoroscopy to assist in cannula placement. Radio-opaque inserts placed in and extended beyond the curved access cannula may have radiolucent windows to allow viewing of the cannula's radio-opaque markers. An appropriately placed curved access cannula may be clamped to prevent subsequent movement. Appropriate tools may be introduced through the curved access cannula and the distal radio-opaque tool heads may be viewed relative to the radio-opaque markers. The curved access cannula may be attached to the spine through one or more screws.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.