Needle guidance with a dual-headed laser
US9370627B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/376
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed are method and apparatus for guiding a needle during an interventional radiology procedure. The target and skin entry point are pre-determined in three-dimensional medical imaging scans. The needle trajectory is defined by the target and skin entry point, which is physically marked on the skin. A dual-headed laser emitting two laser beams is positioned and aligned such that one laser beam is aimed at the skin entry point and the other laser beam is aimed at an external reference point, which is determined such that the axis of the laser beam aimed at the skin entry point is substantially collinear with the needle trajectory. The needle is inserted while maintaining the axis of the needle substantially collinear with the axis of the laser beam aimed at the skin entry point.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.