초록 ▼

The method and apparatus are presented which allow for CT guided biopsies of the body. The method is based on the finding of a reference point on the patient\s body that exactly correlates to a point on the CT scan. This is accomplished by means of a localization device placed on the patient\s skin

The method and apparatus are presented which allow for CT guided biopsies of the body. The method is based on the finding of a reference point on the patient\s body that exactly correlates to a point on the CT scan. This is accomplished by means of a localization device placed on the patient\s skin which can be identified in cross section on the CT scan. Measurements of the localization device on CT scan can then be correlated to the device on the patient.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for determining a target point within a human body by means of tomographic cut images from a tomographic scanner comprising the steps of: (a) placing a localizer in a fixed position relative to the body and with at least a portion of said localizer being adjacent to the skin of the body suc

A method for determining a target point within a human body by means of tomographic cut images from a tomographic scanner comprising the steps of: (a) placing a localizer in a fixed position relative to the body and with at least a portion of said localizer being adjacent to the skin of the body such that a tomographic scan cut through said localizer will give a first image point location on the scan image which determines a first physical point on the patient\s skin adjacent to said localizer; (b) taking at least one tomographic cut through the body and through said localizer from which said first physical point on the skin can be determined and from which a second image point on the skin can be determined on the image of said at least one tomographic cut, whereby the coordinate differences between said first image point and said second image point enable the unique position of the associated second physical point on the patient\s skin to be determined; (c) identifying a target image point on the image of said at least one tomographic cut and from which the coordinate position of the associated physical target point in the body can be determined relative to said second phusical point seen in said at least one tomographic cut; and, (d) calculating a trajectory in space relative to the plane of said at least one tomographic cut which passes through said second physical point on the skin and through said physical target point and calculating the distance along said trajectory between said physical point and said physical target point.