Patent ID: 9198732
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for transferring at least one of location and trajectory information from a reference surface to a patient tissue surface for guiding placement of a landmark, the reference surface substantially replicating three-dimensionally at least a portion of the patient tissue surface, the apparatus comprising: an elongate landmark guiding structure having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal guiding ends separated by a guiding shaft and defining a longitudinal axis; at least two locating feet, each locating foot being laterally spaced from, and indirectly connected to, the landmark guiding structure; a holdaway structure connected to each locating foot, each holdaway structure being adjustably connected to the landmark guiding structure to indirectly and longitudinally adjustably attach the associated locating foot to the landmark guiding structure in a spaced-apart relationship therewith, wherein the holdaway structure comprises a first part that interacts with the landmark guiding structure and a second part that connects to the associated locating foot and extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the landmark guiding structure, the first and second parts being rigidly attached to one another so as to not be angularly adjustable with respect to each other; wherein at least one of the holdaway structures is longitudinally adjustable along the guiding shaft, and at least one of the locating feet is located substantially lateral to the distal guiding end; and a manipulation handle connected to the landmark guiding structure; wherein the landmark guiding structure is placed in at least one of a desired location and a desired trajectory with respect to the reference surface, each locating foot is adjusted independently from the other locating feet relative to the landmark guiding structure, via adjustment of the associated holdaway structure, into guiding contact with a particular portion of the reference surface, each locating foot is maintained in the guiding contact position, the apparatus is removed from the reference surface, and the apparatus is placed with each locating foot in guiding contact with a particular portion of the patient tissue surface corresponding to the particular portion of the reference surface such that at least one of the desired location and desired trajectory of the landmark guiding structure at the reference surface is replicated by the landmark guiding structure at the patient tissue surface.