The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 02, 1976
Filed:
Oct. 03, 1974
Edward C Froning, San Mateo, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Apparatus consists of a stereotaxic fixture made up of a needle angle guide attached to an offset index, a parallel heading guide with plumb line chain attached, and a frame which provides fixation for the guides, allowing rapid and secure position readjustment, and which provides retention of orientation between the guides and the lumbar spine of the patient. The patient is positioned for the operation, preferably in full lateral (side lying) orientation of the spine, confirmed by the radiographic. image made preferably in posteroanterior projection. The midsaggital plane of the body is located at the skin surface by placing a first radiopaque marker corresponding to the center of the spine image. A second radiopaque skin marker is located at the side of the body of the patient for monitoring spine position while viewing profile radiographic image. The first marker provides a starting point from which to measure offset distance. The frame and heading guide are adjusted in position and secured in place, the heading guide radiographic image being superimposed on a line bisecting the angle between the adjacent vertebral end plates. The offset index is adjusted on the frame by means of the chain and its offset from the midsaggital plane (established from pre-operative radiograph) adjusted. A multiple needle technique puncture using the needle angle guide attached to the offset index to locate the site of skin puncture and the preferred 45.degree. angle of penetration is utilized to allow gentle isolation of the nerve root crossing the disc in the target area of lateral approach, gentle enough to permit anesthesia under the semiconscious state of neuroleptanalgesia, supplemented by local anesthesia. Diagnostic and treatment drugs are injected in the nucleus pulposus through the lumen of the puncturing needle.