Method and apparatus for guiding a penetrating tool into a three-dimensional object
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United States of America Patent
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Sep 28, 1999
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Dec 22, 1997
filing date -
Dec 22, 1997
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are described for guiding a penetrating tool to a predetermined point of interest within a three-dimensional object, such as a brain tumor within a human skull. A plurality of signal-transmitting markers disposed about the periphery of the object are used to determine the precise point of entry and slope of entry. A light ray is directed along the slope of entry to the point of entry, and a penetrating tool is directed along the path defined by the light ray. In a preferred embodiment, in which the point of interest is within the brain, additional signal-transmitting markers are placed through a very small skull opening directly at the point of interest and optionally about its periphery. When the skull is opened for surgery and the position of the point of interest in the brain shifts due to loss of pressure, the additional markers nevertheless will indicate the exact location of the point of interest.
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