Importance

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Abstract

A system and method are particularly valuable to performing invasive surgical procedures. In terms of apparatus, a marker in the form of a housing including a reservoir filled with a substance which, when dispensed, is x-ray visible; that is. radiopaque. The substance is preferably also visible to the unaided eye. The substance may be capable of marking on human skin and/or commercially available surgical film. To make the substance radiopaque, a metal or heavy metal such as barium may be used. The substance may be dispensed primarily as a liquid or powder and may be erasable. In all embodiments, the substance is preferably biocompatible and non-toxic. A basic method of preparing for surgical procedure, includes the steps of providing a marker according to the invention, indicating an operative site using the marker, and subjecting the site to x-ray/fluoroscopic exposure for the purpose of comparing the indication to one or more internal structures associated with the procedure.

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First Claim