Abstract: An apparatus for assisting percutaneous light beam guided biopsy, having means for rotating a laser device about first and second rotation axes, the laser device providing its laser beam along an axis intersecting an intersection point between the first and second rotation axes and at right angles thereto. Inclinometers are installed for providing signal values as a function of two- or three-dimensional orientation directions of the said laser device relative to direction of gravitation. Encoding means provide feedback of rotary position information of the laser device. Comparing means compare set calculated instrument insertion angle values, provided from an input device, with encoder feedback signals and inclinometer signals and inhibits rotation operation of the laser device upon reaching specific threshold values.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for assisting percutaneous computed tomography-guided surgical activity inside a human or animal body, such as withdrawal of body tissue or body liquid sample, withdrawal of excess body liquid, insertion or injection, said method for determining insertion depth, transversal insertion angle and craniocaudal insertion angle for a needle-type surgical instrument to be inserted into the human or animal body from an insertion entry point on a skin surface of said body to a target inside said body. From a first tomography image coordinate values of said entry point are determined, and from said first or a second tomography image coordinate values of said target point are determined. Based on said coordinate values values of said insertion depth, transversal insertion angle and craniocaudal insertion angle are calculated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for assisting percutaneous computed tomography-guided surgical activity inside a human or animal body, such as withdrawal of body tissue or body liquid sample, withdrawal of excess body liquid, insertion or injection, said method for determining insertion depth, transversal insertion angle and craniocaudal insertion angle for a needle-type surgical instrument to be inserted into the human or animal body from an insertion entry point on a skin surface of said body to a target inside said body. From a first tomography image coordinate values of said entry point are determined, and from said first or a second tomography image coordinate values of said target point are determined. Based on said coordinate values values of said insertion depth, transversal insertion angle and craniocaudal insertion angle are calculated.