Patent ID: 6368329
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for determining a trajectory for an instrument through a surgical device having a tubular body with a first end and a second end, said tubular body having a seat therein, said seat positioned near said first end, said tubular body having an opening in said second end, said second end attached to a patient, said seat and said attachment mechanism separated by a distance, said surgical device also including a movable member having a portion which moves within said seat and a positioning stem for moving the movable member, said method comprising the steps of:selecting a target within a patient; determining an initial position of said positioning stem; determining a second position for said positioning stem, an opening within the movable member aligning with a trajectory to the target, said trajectory defined by a line between the portion of the opening in the movable member closest to the target and the target; and moving the positioning stem to the second position.