Apparatus for securing a sensor to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery
AssigneeDePuy Products, Inc.
InventorsGabriel Surma, Troy Martin, James Clark, Jack Bryant
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A self-centering coupling device is provided for coupling a sensor array to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The self-centering coupling device includes a sensor support having a stem and sensor support arms coupled to the stem to support the sensors of the sensor array. The self-centering coupling device is received within a recess formed in the surgical instrument.
Claims49
An apparatus for securing a sensor to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor support having (i) a support arm configured to support the sensor, and (ii) a stem having (a) a first end secured to the support arm, and (b) a second end expandable from a first position in which the second end of the stem has a first width and a second position in which the second end of the stem has a second, larger width, and
- a pin configured to move the second end of the stem from the first position to the second position.
An apparatus for securing a sensor to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the apparatus comprising:
- a support arm configured to support the sensor, and
- a stem having a first end and a second end, wherein (i) the first end of the stem is secured to the support arm, and (ii) the second end of the stem is expandable between a first position in which the second end of the stem has a first width and a second position in which the second end of the stem has a second, larger width.
An apparatus for securing a sensor to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the apparatus comprising:
- a polymeric body having (i) a support arm configured to support a sensor for computer guided surgery, and (ii) a stem secured to the support arm and extending downwardly therefrom.
A surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the instrument comprising:
- a body having a recess configured to receive a sensor support, the recess defined by a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall, the first side wall and the second side wall being inclined relative to one another.
A method for attaching a sensor support carrying a sensor array to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided orthopaedic surgery, the method comprising the steps of
- (a) positioning an end of the sensor support into a recess formed in the surgical instrument, and
- (b) inserting a pin into a passageway of the sensor support to urge outer walls of the sensor support into contact with a number of side walls of the recess.
A method of using a computer guided orthopaedic surgical instrument, the method comprising the steps of
- (a) removing a first sensor support from a first sterile package,
- (b) securing the first sensor support to the surgical instrument with a sterile fastener,
- (c) performing a first computer guided orthopaedic surgical procedure,
- (d) removing the fastener and the first sensor support from the surgical instrument,
- (e) disposing of the first sensor support,
- (f) sterilizing the fastener for use in a second computer guided surgical procedure,
- (g) removing a second sensor support from a second sterile package
- (h) securing the second sensor support to the surgical instrument with the fastener, and
- (i) performing a second computer guided orthopaedic surgical procedure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.