Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus includes at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device includes a body having at least one extracorporeal surface and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body defining at least one port for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port is accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the device, but is provided with a seal such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface. The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports and/or a flange. A method of implanting the percutaneous access device is also described.
An implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device is described that includes a subcutaneous base portion having one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices and a percutaneous portion including an extracorporeal surface. The one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion are accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion. The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess formed in a bone, the subcutaneous base portion including one or more features for gripping the internal surface of such a complementary recess thereby directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion to the bone. The device may be used to route fluid to neurosurgical catheters optionally via a router unit.
A61M 5/36 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests with means for eliminating or preventing injection or infusion of air into body
A high-strength steel sheet and a method for manufacturing a high-strength steel sheet having excellent phosphatability and excellent corrosion resistance after electrodeposition coating has been performed, even in the case where the contents of Si and Mn are high. The method may comprise annealing a steal sheet by using a continuous annealing method, performing a heating process, controlling the maximum end-point temperature of a steel sheet in the annealing furnace, controlling the traveling time of the steel sheet, and controlling the dew point of the atmosphere.
Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus includes at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device includes a body having at least one extracorporeal surface and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body defining at least one port for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port is accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the device, but is provided with a seal such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface. The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports and/or a flange. A method of implanting the percutaneous access device is also described.
Percutaneous access apparatus is described that includes a percutaneous fluid access device having an extracorporeal portion, one or more ports accessible from the extracorporeal portion and a septum for sealing each port. A connector device having one or more hollow needles is attachable to the percutaneous fluid access device. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the connector device to the extracorporeal portion and an actuation mechanism that, after the connector device has been attached to the extracorporeal portion, can be used to drive the one or more hollow needles through the septum to establish fluid communication between the one or more hollow needles and the one or more ports. The apparatus may be used for neurosurgery applications.
An implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device is described that includes a subcutaneous base portion having one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices and a percutaneous portion including an extracorporeal surface. The one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion are accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion. The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess formed in a bone, the subcutaneous base portion including one or more features for gripping the internal surface of such a complementary recess thereby directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion to the bone. The device may be used to route fluid to neurosurgical catheters optionally via a router unit.
A cerebral catheter device for draining fluid from the brain of a patient is described. The device may be used as part of a ventricular shunt system. The device includes an elongate tube for insertion into the brain of a patient to a vicinity of a desired target. A head is attached to the elongate tube that has a passageway in fluid communication with a lumen of the elongate tube. Formations are provided on the external surface of the head for securing the head in a hole formed in the skull of a patient. The head further includes a first fluid connector portion that is attachable to an associated drainage catheter device. This allows fluid communication to be established between the lumen of the elongate tube and a drainage catheter device via the passageway of the head.
A method is described for determining brain shift, such as the brain shift that occurs following a neurosurgical intervention. The method includes taking a first image of the brain of a subject, the first image showing the position of blood vessels in the brain relative to a reference position. A second image of the brain that has been acquired following an intervention on the subject is also taken. This second image has been acquired using computed tomography imaging apparatus. The second image shows the position of blood vessels in the brain relative to the reference position. Brain shift is then determined from the shift in position of the blood vessels in at least one region of interest of the brain, with respect to the reference position, between the first and second images. Corresponding apparatus is also described.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
Percutaneous access apparatus (12) is described that comprises a percutaneous fluid access device (100) having an extracorporeal portion (106), one or more ports (120) accessible from the extracorporeal portion and a septum (122) for sealing each port. A connector device (130) comprising one or more hollow needles (182) is attachable to the percutaneous fluid access device. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism (132) for attaching the connector device (130) to the extracorporeal portion (106) and an actuation mechanism that, after the connector device (130) has been attached to the extracorporeal portion (106), can be used to drive the one or more hollow needles (182) through the septum (122) to establish fluid communication between the one or more hollow needles (182) and the one or more ports (120). The apparatus may be used for neurosurgery applications.
A medical fluid connector is described that comprises a first fluid connector portion (310) that can be connected to a second fluid connector portion (300). The first fluid connector portion (310) comprises a first locking member, a lumen (314) and a septum (312) for sealing the lumen. The second fluid connector portion (300) comprises a second locking member, a lumen (304) and a hollow needle (302) that is retained in and protrudes from the aperture at the end of the lumen (304). The variation in cross-sectional area of the fluid path through the fluid connector portion (300) is less than 1mm to reduce mixing effects. The use of such a connector for neurosurgical purposes is described.
Percutaneous access apparatus (12) is described that comprises a percutaneous fluid access device (100) having an extracorporeal portion (106), one or more ports (120) accessible from the extracorporeal portion and a septum (122) for sealing each port. A connector device (130) comprising one or more hollow needles (182) is attachable to the percutaneous fluid access device. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism (132) for attaching the connector device (130) to the extracorporeal portion (106) and an actuation mechanism that, after the connector device (130) has been attached to the extracorporeal portion (106), can be used to drive the one or more hollow needles (182) through the septum (122) to establish fluid communication between the one or more hollow needles (182) and the one or more ports (120). The apparatus may be used for neurosurgery applications.
Fluid storage apparatus (22) for medical use is described that comprises a length of tubing (248) having a first end and a second end. A first sealable connector portion (250) is provided at the first end and a second sealable connector portion (252) is provided at the second end. The volume of fluid that can be stored within the apparatus (22) is known and an infusate or therapeutic agent is contained within the apparatus. In this manner, a known volume of therapeutic agent can be infused to a patient. The use in neurosurgical applications is described.
A cerebral catheter device (22) for draining fluid from the brain of a patient is described. The device (22) may be used as part of a ventricular shunt system. The device (22) includes an elongate tube (24) for insertion into the brain of a patient to a vicinity of a desired target. A head (26) is attached to the elongate tube (24) that has a passageway (30) in fluid communication with a lumen of the elongate tube. Formations are provided on the external surface of the head (26) for securing the head in a hole formed in the skull of a patient. The head further comprises a first fluid connector portion (32) that is attachable to an associated drainage catheter device (34). This allows fluid communication to be established between the lumen of the elongate tube (24) and a drainage catheter device (34) via the passageway (30) of the head.
An implantable fluid router is described that includes one or more inlets, one or more outlets and at least one gas vent for removing gas from liquid routed from the one or more inlets to the one or more outlets, The implantable router may be used with implantable drug delivery apparatus. A catheter device including such a fluid router is also described.
A61M 5/36 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests with means for eliminating or preventing injection or infusion of air into body
An implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device is described that includes a subcutaneous base portion having one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices and a percutaneous portion including an extracorporeal surface. The one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion are accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion. The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess formed in a bone, the subcutaneous base portion including one or more features for gripping the internal surface of such a complementary recess thereby directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion to the bone. The device may be used to route fluid to neurosurgical catheters optionally via a router unit.
The invention relates to a composition comprising albumin and a therapeutic agent, particularly a gene therapy vector. The composition is useful in the treatment of glioma.
A61K 48/00 - Medicinal preparations containing genetic material which is inserted into cells of the living body to treat genetic diseases; Gene therapy
A method is described for determining brain shift, such as the brain shift that occurs following a neurosurgical intervention. The method comprises taking a first image of the brain (4) of a subject, the first image showing the position of blood vessels (20) in the brain relative to a reference position (30). A second image of the brain (4), that has been acquired following an intervention on the subject is also taken. This second image has been acquired using computed tomography (CT) imaging apparatus, The second image shows the position of blood vessels (20') in the brain relative to the reference position (30). Brain shift is then determined from the shift in position of the blood vessels in at least one region of interest (32) of the brain, with respect to the reference position (30), between the first and second images. Corresponding apparatus is also described.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
18.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING A MEDICAL DEVICE
This invention concerns a computer aided method of selecting at least one anatomical site for receiving at least one implantable device. The method may comprise taking a digital model of said at least one implantable device, taking a model of an anatomical region of interest of a patient and comparing the model of said at least one implantable device with the model of the anatomical region of interest of a patient to establish one or more suitable anatomical sites within the anatomical region of interest where the at least one implantable device can be implanted.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
An implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device (10; 110; 410) is described that comprises a subcutaneous base portion (20; 120; 150;420) having one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices and a percutaneous portion (22; 122; 180; 422) comprising an extracorporeal surface (24). The one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion (20; 120; 150; 420) are accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion (22; 122; 180; 422). The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess (342; 440) formed in a bone, the subcutaneous base portion (20; 120; 150; 420) comprising one or more features (421) for gripping the internal surface of such a complementary recess thereby directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion (20; 120; 150; 420) to the bone. The device maybe used to route fluid to neurosurgical catheters (18; 418) optionally via a router unit (12).
An implantable fluid router (12; 512) is described that comprises one or more inlets, one or more outlets and at least one gas vent (526) for removing gas from liquid routed from the one or more inlets to the one or more outlets. The implantable router (12; 512) may be used with implantable drug delivery apparatus. A catheter device comprising such a fluid router is also described.
The invention relates to a cap for use in neurosurgery. The cap may be applied to a bore hole in a patient's skull, allowing the entry and removal of neurosurgical instruments, while providing an openable seal over the bore hole.
A head clamp (2) for neurosurgery is described that comprises a member (4; 304) for at least partially encircling the head of a subject. The first end (6) and second end (8) of the head clamp (2) include first and second skull attachment portions for attaching the member (4) to the head of a subject. The member (4; 304) comprises at least one datum feature (32a-32c) that is located substantially on a neutral axis of distortion of the member (4; 304).
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
A head clamp (2) for neurosurgery is described that comprises a member (4; 304) for at least partially encircling the head of a subject. The first end (6) and second end (8) of the head clamp (2) include first and second skull attachment portions for attaching the member (4) to the head of a subject. A position setter, such as an indexing mechanism (28; 328), is also provided that allows the member (4) to be moved or indexed between at least two repeatable relative positions.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
Apparatus for imaging a body part of a subject, for example using MRI, is described. The apparatus comprises a housing (160, 162) for at least partially surrounding a body part (e.g. a head) and a first fiducial marker assembly (190) retained at least partially within the housing (160) that comprises one or more fiducial markers and a datum feature (166). The position of the datum feature (166) is fixed relative to the one or more fiducial markers. The first fiducial marker assembly is moveable with respect to the housing (160) and the datum feature (166) is accessible from outside of the housing (160).
A61B 5/055 - Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves involving electronic [EMR] or nuclear [NMR] magnetic resonance, e.g. magnetic resonance imaging
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
25.
METHOD, APPARATUS AND PHANTOM FOR MEASURING AND CORRECTING TOMOGRAM ERRORS
A tomogram taken on an imaging path of a tomograph is corrected by using sets of tomogram correction data for neighbouring positions on that path, in an interpolative process. An error map of a tomograph is built up by comparing tomograms of a phantom with the expected appearance of the phantom at the tomogram positions. Also provided is a phantom having a body with one or more imaging fluid receptacles formed therein
The invention relates to rigid surgical devices formed from rigid ceramics such as zirconium dioxide. In particular, the invention relates to a neurosurgical catheter formed from extruded zirconium dioxide. The invention also relates to an advancement means for advancing or retracting such a device along an axis of insertion into a patient.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus comprises at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device comprises a body having at least one extracorporeal surface and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body defining at least one port for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port is accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the device, but is provided with a seal such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface. The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports and/or a flange. A method of implanting the percutaneous access device is also described.
A61M 5/32 - Syringes - Details - Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
A connector is described that comprises a male connector portion that is releasably connectable to a complimentary female connector portion. The male fluid connector portion comprises a plurality of hollow needles that are each in fluid communication with a lumen of the associated tubing. The female connector portion comprises plurality of chambers or apertures that comprise a septum seal through which a hollow needle can be passed. Tubing having a plurality of lumens is coupled to the female connector portion and each lumen is in fluid communication with one of said chambers. The male and/or female connector portions also include an alignment guide that allows the hollow needles of the male part to be uniquely aligned with the corresponding septum seals of the female part. The use of the connector for medical purposes is described.
A neurosurgical catheter (30) is described for insertion into the brain parenchyma (10) of a subject. The catheter (30) comprises a flexible tube (32) and has a stiff, non-porous, tip (36) comprising at least one fluid delivery aperture. The stiff tip of the catheter may be mechanically stiffer than the flexible tube. The stiff tip (36) may be provided by a stiff tube (34) attached to the distal end of the flexible tube (32). The stiff tube (34) may comprise a ceramic (e.g fused silica) and/or a metal. A kit comprising the catheter (30) and a guide tube (102) is also described. Methods of catheter (30) implantation are also outlined.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A catheter assembly for insertion into the brain. The assembly comprises a first length of tubing made of a first material. A second material surrounds the first length of tubing, the second material being more flexible than the first material and having a hardness of less than 50 Rockwell E. The second material provides damping to the first length of tubing.
The invention relates to rigid surgical devices formed from rigid ceramics such as zirconium dioxide. In particular, the invention relates to a neurosurgical catheter formed from extruded zirconium dioxide. The invention also relates to an advancement means for advancing or retracting such a device along an axis of insertion into a patient.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
The invention relates to a cap for use in neurosurgery. The cap may be applied to a bore hole in a patient's skull, allowing the entry and removal of neurosurgical instruments, whilst providing an openable seal over the bore hole.
A skull mount (50;150;170;200;300) is described that is attachable to a hole (60) formed in the skull. The skull mount (50;150;170;200;300) comprises an alignment guide (62;152;172;216;306) defining an alignment axis (22;210;312) along which neurosurgical instruments can be passed. The skull mount, when attached to a hole in a skull, is arranged such that it does not substantially protrude from the outermost surface of the skull and does not extend into the brain parenchyma. Also described is a neurosurgical alignment instrument (30,206) for aligning such a skull mount (50;150;170;200;300) that comprises an elongate shaft (32) and an element (34,36) protruding from the distal end of the elongate shaft (32) for engaging and aligning the alignment guide (62;152;172;216;306) of an associated skull mount (50;150;170;200;300). When the alignment instrument is engaged with a skull mount attached to a hole formed in the skull, the protruding element passes through the alignment guide of the skull mount and into the cortex of the subject's brain.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus comprises at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device (50;140;150;160). The percutaneous access device comprises a body (10;52;152) having at least one extracorporeal surface (22;68) and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body (10;52) defining at least one port (12;116) for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port (12;116) is accessible from the extracorporeal surface (22;68) of the device, but is provided with a seal (14;112;142;146) such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface (22;68). The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports (12;116) and/or a flange (26;54). A method of implanting the percutaneous access device(50;140;150;160) is also described.
A61M 1/00 - Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
A connector (100) is described that comprises a male connector portion (18) that is releaseably connectable to a complementary female connector portion (8). The male fluid connector portion (18) comprises a plurality of hollow needles (47) that are each in fluid communication with a lumen of the associated tubing (16). The female connector portion (8) comprises plurality of chambers or apertures that comprise a septum seal (84) through which a hollow needle can be passed. Tubing (6) having a plurality of lumens is coupled to the female connector portion (8) and each lumen is in fluid communication with one of said chambers. The male and/or female connector portions also include an alignment guide (50, 52, 80, 82) that allows the hollow needles of the male part to be uniquely aligned with the corresponding septum seals of the female part. The use of the connector (100) for medical purposes is described.
patents
