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US6119033A
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Method of monitoring a location of an area of interest within a patient during a medical procedure
Assignee: Foley Hoag & Eliot LLP
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Filing: 1997-06-23
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Granted: 2000-09-12
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Expires: 2017-06-23
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for a medical imaging system are disclosed. The imaging system is particulary suited for surgical procedures performed with respect to a lesion in a breast, although application of the invention is not so limited. An image of a portion of a patient's anatomy can be displayed on a computer. A surgical instrument and a lesion within the patient's anatomy can be displayed, showing the relative positions of each. A portion of the patient's anatomy can be monitored using markers or sensors that report position relative to an external reference point. Movement of a lesion within soft tissue can be calculated and displayed in response to changes in position or shape of the soft tissue. Accordingly, position of a lesion within a breast can be tracked in response to changes in the shape of the breast as the patient is moved or the breast is manipulated during the procedure. The system can show multiple views, can appropriately magnify the view when the instrument is in a critical position and can provide other signals assisting a surgeon in performing a procedure. Sensors and instruments for use in the system are disclosed. The procedure can be recorded for playback.
Inventors
- 👤 Zachary S. Spigelman
- 👤 Richard H. Theriault
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:51
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B34/00; A61B34/20; A61B90/10; A61B90/14; A61B90/17; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00115; A61B2017/00743; A61B2017/00796; A61B2017/008; A61B34/10; A61B2034/101; A61B2034/105; A61B2034/2072; A61B34/25; A61B2034/256; A61B2090/363; A61B90/39
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of monitoring a location of an area of interest within a patient during a medical procedure, the method comprising the steps of: affixing a plurality of markers to the skin of the patient, the markers being capable of movement relative to each other during the medical procedure; monitoring changes in the position of the markers relative to each other; and determining a new location of the area of interest by reference to the changed positions of the markers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method of monitoring a location of an area of interest within a patient during a medical procedure, the method comprising the steps of: affixing a plurality of markers to the skin of the patient, the markers being capable of movement relative to each other during the medical procedure; monitoring changes in the position of the markers relative to each other; and determining a new location of the area of interest by reference to the changed positions of the markers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of monitoring changes includes a step of monitoring the position of the positions of the markers relative to an external reference point.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of affixing the external reference point to the patient.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the step of affixing the external reference point includes a step of affixing a transmitter generating a magnetic field.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of affixing the plurality of markers includes a step of affixing at least one marker to a portion of the patient's anatomy that is primarily soft tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 5, further comprising a step of displaying an instrument to be used in the procedure, and a lesion within the portion, the display showing the relative position of the lesion and the instrument.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the step of affixing at least one of the markers includes a step of affixing the at least one marker to the patient's breast.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5, further comprising a step of displaying an image corresponding to the portion of the patient's anatomy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 8, further comprising a step of adjusting the display to show changes of shape of the portion in response to changes in the relative positions of the markers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the step of adjusting includes a step of adjusting the display to show changes in the shape of a breast.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising step of: displaying an instrument to be used in a procedure on a portion of the patient's anatomy; and displaying a lesion, the display showing the relative positions of the lesion and the instrument.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 11, further comprising a step of determining the relative positions of the instrument and the lesion over time based on the changes in the position of the markers relative to each other over time.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 12, wherein the step of affixing the plurality of markers includes a step of affixing a plurality of position-reporting sensors to a patient's breast.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-09-12 | 2004-03-13 | 2004-09-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-09-12 | 2008-03-13 | 2008-09-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-09-12 | 2012-03-13 | 2012-09-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |