SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A LANDMARK

• US 20110208037A1
• Filed: 08/27/2008
• Published: 08/25/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smith & Nephew Incorporated (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Original Assignee: Smith & Nephew Incorporated (Smith & Nephew PLC)
• Inventors: Grusin, Nathaniel K., Ritchey, Nicholas S., Rains, James K., Heotis, Charles C., Faber, Henry B., Schwägli, Tobias, Ricci, William M., Janna, Sied W., Austin, Gene Edward
• Granted Patent: US 9,220,514 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/409
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1707 using electromagnetic effects, e.g. with magnet and external sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1725 for applying transverse screws or pins through intramedullary nails or pins
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7017 pneumatic or hydraulic means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3958 emitting a signal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/397 electromagnetic other than visible, e.g. microwave
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/064 using markers A61B5/062 takes precedence

Abstract

A system (1010, 1110) for identifying a landmark is disclosed. The system includes a field generator (1016, 1116) for generating a magnetic field, an orthopaedic implant (1030, 1130) located within the magnetic field, the implant having at least one landmark (1028, 1128), a removable probe (1029, 1129) with a first magnetic sensor (1026, 1126), a landmark identifier (1016, 1116) with a second magnetic sensor (1020, 1120) and a processor (1012, 1112) for comparing sensor data from the first and second sensor and using the set distance to calculate the position of the landmark identifier relative to the at least one landmark. The system allows for blind targeting of one or more landmarks.

Claims

1. A system for identifying a landmark, the system comprising:

a. a field generator for generating a magnetic field;

b. an orthopaedic implant located within the magnetic field in use, the orthopaedic implant having at least one landmark;

c. a removable probe with a first magnetic sensor spaced apart from the at least one landmark a set distance in use;

d. a landmark identifier;

e. a second magnetic sensor spaced from the landmark identifier; and

f. a processor for receiving sensor data from the first and second sensors and using the set distance to calculate the position of the landmark identifier relative to the at least one landmark.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the landmark is selected from the group consisting of a structure, a void, a boss, a channel, a detent, a flange, a groove, a member, a partition, a step, an aperture, a bore, a cavity, a dimple, a duct, a gap, a notch, an orifice, a passage, a slit, a hole, or a slot.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the orthopaedic implant is an intramedullary nail.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the orthopaedic implant has an outer surface, an inner surface forming a cannulation, and a wall therebetween.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an insertion handle removably attached to the orthopaedic implant, and the insertion handle includes the second sensor.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a monitor electrically connected to the processor.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a drop with a third sensor.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the removable probe further comprises a tape.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the landmark identifier comprises a drill sleeve.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the landmark identifier further comprises a serrated tip.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor provides feedback information to a user.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the landmark identifier includes the field generator.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the landmark identifier and the field generator are disposed within a common handheld housing.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the landmark identifier includes a third sensor.

15. A method for identifying a landmark, the method comprising:

a. providing an orthopaedic implant assembly having an orthopaedic implant with a longitudinal groove and a removable lead having a first magnetic sensor attached thereto situated within the longitudinal groove, the orthopaedic implant having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and at least one landmark on the distal end portion;

b. implanting the orthopaedic implant assembly in a patient;

c. identifying the at least one landmark using a landmark identifier having a second magnetic sensor and using a transformation matrix;

d. installing a transfixion element in the at least one landmark in the distal end portion; and

e. removing the removable lead.

16. A method for identifying a landmark, the method comprising:

a. providing an orthopaedic implant assembly having an orthopaedic implant with a longitudinal groove and a removable lead having a first magnetic sensor attached thereto situated within the longitudinal groove, the orthopaedic implant having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and at least one landmark on the distal end portion, the assembly further including a second magnetic sensor spaced from the orthopaedic implant;

b. placing the orthopaedic implant in a patient;

c. identifying the at least one landmark using a landmark identifier;

d. installing a transfixion element in the at least one landmark in the distal end portion; and

e. removing the removable lead.

17. A system for targeting a landmark, comprising:

a medical implant having a landmark, the medical implant defining a groove;

a magnetic field sensor;

a landmark identifier; and

a field generator for generating a magnetic field, wherein the landmark identifier and the field generator share a common housing;

the system configured such that with the magnetic field sensor located in the groove and oriented in a predetermined position relative to the landmark, the system can be utilized to guide the placement of the landmark identifier relative to the landmark;