Patent ID: 8763268
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: A61B,B23B,B23Q,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of longitudinally guiding a first elongate structure for motion along a desired motion trajectory toward a target area through reference to a second elongate structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing the first elongate structure, including longitudinally spaced proximal and distal first structure ends; providing the second elongate structure, including longitudinally spaced proximal and distal second structure ends separated by a second structure body; providing a guiding frame having a mounting portion and at least one laterally offset guiding structure; selectively affixing the guiding frame to the first elongate structure in a predetermined relative guiding configuration; placing the second elongate structure in a predetermined targeting relationship with the target area, the predetermined targeting relationship being correlated with the desired motion trajectory; maintaining the second elongate structure in the predetermined targeting relationship substantially lateral to the target area with the distal second structure end being located closer to the target area than is the proximal second structure end; bringing at least one of the proximal second structure end and the second structure body into a predetermined guiding relationship with the guiding portion of the guiding frame; moving the first elongate structure longitudinally toward the target area; and laterally adjusting a transitory position of the first elongate structure during the step of moving the first elongate structure longitudinally toward the target area to maintain the at least one of the proximal second structure end and the second structure body in the predetermined guiding relationship with the guiding portion of the guiding frame.