In-situ training apparatus, method and system
AssigneeMedtronic Holding Company SàRl
InventorStephen W. Lee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A training device simulating ablation of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies. A heating apparatus includes an upper surface. A lower plate is provided on the upper surface of the heating apparatus. An upper substantially transparent plate is fixed by a frame above the lower plate. The upper plate is etched with an outline of a vertebral body. Fixed in position proximate the lower frame, the upper plate holds a biological material compressed between the plates. Tool-holding clamps, attached to the frame, are positioned to insert a surgical tool, in a proper location and orientation, into the biological material between the upper and lower plates.
Claims20
An in-situ training apparatus simulating ablation of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, the apparatus comprising:
- a heating apparatus including an upper surface;
- a lower plate provided on the upper surface of the heating apparatus;
- an upper plate etched with an outline of one of the adjacent vertebral bodies;
- and
- wherein the upper plate is supported proximate the lower plate, and a biological material can be positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate.
A method of simulating RF ablation of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, comprising:
- utilizing an in-situ training apparatus, the training apparatus comprising:
- a heating apparatus including an upper surface;
- a lower plate provided on the upper surface of the heating apparatus;
- an upper plate etched with an outline of one of the adjacent vertebral bodies;
- and
- a tool holding clamp positioned proximate the upper plate;
- wherein the upper plate is supported proximate the lower plate, and a biological material can be positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate;
- placing the biological material on the lower plate;
- fixing the upper plate in position above the lower plate, thereby holding the biological material therebetween;
- locking at least a cannula in place in the at least one tool-holding clamp, the at least a cannula including an axial lumen and an open distal end, configured for insertion of a trocar therethrough;
- inserting a trocar through the lumen and the open distal end of the at least one cannula, and into the biological matter.
An in-situ training apparatus simulating ablation of a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies, the apparatus comprising:
- a lower plate;
- an upper plate etched with an outline of one of the adjacent vertebral bodies;
- and
- a support structure configured to support the upper plate;
- wherein the support structure supports the upper plate in a position above the lower plate, and a biological material can be held between the upper plate and the lower plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.