Patent ID: 6035228
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A frameless stereotactic surgical apparatus comprising:an imaging device for generating first image information regarding a specimen disposed adjacent the imaging device;a mechanical arm assembly having a first base portion mounted directly onto the imaging device in a predetermined fixed location on the imaging device, a second free end adapted to move into varied positions near the specimen, and at least one pivot joint between the first base portion and the second free end for permitting selective relative movement between the first base portion and the second free end;an electromagnetic brake device adapted to selectively lock the first base portion to the second free end responsive to an electric brake command signal generated by a control circuit operatively associated with the imaging device; and,a transform processor for mapping a position of the free end of the mechanical arm in arm space coordinates to a position in scanner space coordinates, the arm space coordinates relating the mechanical arm assembly to the imaging device and the scanner space coordinates relating the specimen to the imaging device.