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:
Aug. 21, 2012
Filed:
Dec. 19, 2007
Michael A. Fisher, Middleborough, MA (US);
Paul Birkmeyer, Mashfield, MA (US);
John Riley Hawkins, Cumberland, RI (US);
Katherine Herard, South Boston, MA (US);
Anwar Upal, Fall River, MA (US);
Michael A. Fisher, Middleborough, MA (US);
Paul Birkmeyer, Mashfield, MA (US);
John Riley Hawkins, Cumberland, RI (US);
Katherine Herard, South Boston, MA (US);
Anwar Upal, Fall River, MA (US);
DePuy Spine, Inc., Raynham, MA (US);
Abstract
Various methods and devices are provided for navigating through bone. In one embodiment, a bone navigation device is provided and includes a bone penetrating member configured to be implanted in bone and having at least one optical waveguide extending therethrough. The optical waveguide is adapted to illuminate tissue surrounding the device and to receive reflected/transmitted light from the tissue to determine the optical characteristics of the tissue, thus facilitating navigation through the tissue. At least one window can be formed in the bone penetrating member for allowing light from the at least one optical waveguide to illuminate the tissue, and for receiving the reflected light.