Devices and methods for positioning a stereotactic frame
View Patent ↗Stereotactic methods are routinely used in neurosurgery for operations such as the aspiration of brain cysts, tumor biopsies and more recently to implant electrodes into brain targets. An integral part of this surgery is a mechanical device called a stereotactic frame ( 10 ) that has head holding clamps and bars which puts the head in a fixed position in reference to the coordinate system. Various methods of accurately aligning the frame have been used but a novel device and method are proposed that over-come at least some of the shortcomings of these current techniques. There is disclosed a removable frame attachment ( 30 ) that holds the frame in position but allows for fine adjustment, allowing a single operator to quickly and accurately position the frame. The attachment can be removed before surgery without moving the set position of the frame. The device comprises two or more arms ( 31,32 ) each arm being coupled to another at a point of intersection. At least one arm comprises a plurality of fixing means ( 35 ) and at least one arm is attached to the stereotactic frame ( 10 ) using gripping means ( 33 ).
1. A device for positioning a stereotactic frame relative to a person's head, the device comprising:
two or more arms, each arm being coupled to another arm at a point of intersection, at least one arm carrying a plurality of adjustable actuators adapted to engage a person's head such that the adjustable actuators are each inclined medially and upwards with respect to the person's head;
wherein at least one arm is adapted to receive and hold a stereotactic frame; and
wherein the plurality of adjustable actuators are adjustable to change position of the stereotactic frame with respect to the person's head in lateral, anterior-posterior, and inferior-superior directions.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the two or more arms is arched or curved and arranged to follow the outline of the person's head substantially in line with the sagittal plane.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein two of the two or more arms are configured such that when the device holds the stereotactic frame, the two arms are arranged in a substantially cross-like configuration.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein a coupling between the two or more arms allows movement between at least two of the two or more arms.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the adjustable actuators are configured to be adjustable to mimic the action of a plurality of a fixing screws carried by the stereotactic frame.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the adjustable actuators comprise screws.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the adjustable actuators are soft-tipped.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the adjustable actuators are present along a length of the arms.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the two or more arms is adapted to receive and grip a stereotactic arm.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the two or more arms is adapted to receive and grip a stereotactic frame.
11. A method comprising:
positioning a device for holding a stereotactic frame on the head of a person, the device comprising a plurality of adjustable actuators adapted to engage the head of a person such that at least one of the adjustable actuators is inclined medially and upwards with respect to the head of the person to mimic the action of a fixing screw carried by the stereotactic frame, wherein the plurality of adjustable actuators are adjustable to change position of the stereotactic frame with respect to the person's head in lateral, anterior-posterior, and inferior-superior directions;
adjusting at least one of the actuators to select a position of the stereotactic frame to the device with respect to the head of the person; and
fixing the stereotactic frame to the head of the person in the position selected using the actuators.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein in the positioning step the device rests on the head of the person via the adjustable actuators in a stable manner, such that if an operator removes his hands from the device the device remains in engagement with the head of the person.
13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
adjusting the adjustable actuators to align the stereotactic frame relative to the head prior to fixing the stereotactic frame to the head of the person, marking a scalp of the head of the person to identify the position of the fixing screw carried by the stereotactic frame.
14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
attaching the stereotactic frame to the head of the person; and
after the adjusting step, removing the device while leave the stereotactic frame attached to the head of the person.
15. A device for positioning a stereotactic frame relative to a person's head, the device comprising:
two or more arms for supporting a stereotactic frame, each of the arms being coupled to another of the arms at a point of intersection;
a plurality of adjustable fixing means carried by at least one of the arms, the adjustable fixing means adapted to fix the device in place by engaging a person's head such that at least one of the adjustable fixing means is inclined medially and upwards with respect to the person's head;
wherein at least one of the support means is adapted to receive and hold a stereotactic frame; and
wherein the plurality of adjustable fixing means are adjustable to change the position of the stereotactic frame can be relative to the person's head in a lateral, anterior-posterior, and inferior-superior directions.