Patent ID: 8167814
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A guide device for guiding a medical instrument relative to a patient, the guide device being usable with a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate has a plurality of apertures, wherein the second plate and the first plate are adjustable to secure an exterior portion of the patient, wherein the guide device is configured to be coupled with a selected one of the apertures of the first plate exterior to the patient, the guide device comprising: a. a body configured to be disposed exterior to the patient, the body comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the body defines a longitudinal axis, wherein at least a portion of the body is operatively configured to flex in response to a force, wherein the body comprises a rigid exterior portion; b. at least one rigid passageway, wherein the at least one passageway extends from the proximal portion through the body and to the distal portion, wherein the at least one passageway is configured to remain disposed exterior to the patient, wherein the at least one passageway is configured to receive at least a first non-deformable portion of the medical instrument at a proximal end of the passageway with a second non-deformable portion of the medical instrument projecting from a distal end of the passageway, wherein the second non-deformable portion of the medical instrument is connected to the first non-deformable portion of the medical instrument, wherein the at least one passageway has a first orientation parallel to the longitudinal axis; and c. at least one malleable member, wherein the at least one malleable member is positioned adjacent to the at least one passageway and extends along at least a portion of the length of the at least one passageway, wherein the at least one malleable member is configured to permit adjustment of the orientation of the at least one passageway from the first orientation to a second orientation while the rigid exterior portion remains in an initial orientation, wherein the second orientation is obliquely angled with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the malleable member is further configured to maintain an adjusted orientation of the at least one passageway.