Patent ID: 6074394
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of securing an implant into a bone using a targeting device having at least a first and a second magnetic field communication units, said first and second communication units being at least one receiver, said receiver receiving multi-axis pulsed direct current magnetic signals in each of three orthogonal planes, and at least one transmitter, said transmitter transmitting multi-axis pulsed direct current magnetic signals in each of three orthogonal planes, a programmed computer having a visual display for displaying relative spatial orientations, comprising the steps of:A) placing a first of said communication units carried in a fixed position by a drill guide,B) inserting an implant into a bone, said implant having at least one connector means for receiving a connector to secure said implant to said bone, said connector means being in a fixed position relative to a second of said communication units,C) determining the position and orientation of said drill guide relative to said connector receiving means, by(a) transmitting a pulsed direct current magnetic signal from said transmitting unit;(b) receiving said transmitted pulsed direct current magnetic signal at one of said at least two communication units, said magnetic signals providing the position and location of said communication units in relation to one another;(c) converting received pulsed direct current magnetic signals into a relative position and orientation data into a format read by said programmed computer;(d) displaying said converted relative position and orientation data on said programmed computer visual display member,D) aligning said drill guide with said connector means by viewing a virtual representation of said position and orientation of said connector means and said drill guide as indicated on said visual display member, andE) drilling a hole in said bone in alignment with said connector means.