Vacuum-assisted fixation apparatus
First Claim
1. A stereotactic fixation apparatus comprising a stereotactic frame, a mouthpiece attached to said stereotactic frame, said mouthpiece having a surface for contacting a patient'"'"'s hard palate, said surface having an aperture therein, and a vacuum source connected to said mouthpiece, such that a vacuum is applied at said aperture, whereby said hard palate is drawn toward said mouthpiece.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A stereotactic fixation apparatus provides for accurate and reproducible positioning of a patient'"'"'s skull during medical diagnostic and treatment procedures. The stereotactic fixation apparatus includes a mouthpiece having a bite block formed as an impression of the patient'"'"'s upper teeth and hard palate. The mouthpiece is connected to a stereotactic frame, which in turn is releasable connected to an adaptor board on which the patient rests. Vacuum pressure is used to draw the bite block firmly against the patient'"'"'s hard palate. Vacuum pressure is also used to hold the stereotactic frame on the adaptor board. The stereotactic fixation apparatus additionally includes a patient-activated safety release mechanism which allows the patient to disconnect the vacuum pressure and to dislodge the restraints of the mouthpiece and frame, as well as to disable the medical equipment used with the medical diagnostic or treatment procedure.
78 Citations
20 Claims
- 1. A stereotactic fixation apparatus comprising a stereotactic frame, a mouthpiece attached to said stereotactic frame, said mouthpiece having a surface for contacting a patient'"'"'s hard palate, said surface having an aperture therein, and a vacuum source connected to said mouthpiece, such that a vacuum is applied at said aperture, whereby said hard palate is drawn toward said mouthpiece.
Specification