Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for MR-guided biopsy. The subject invention can be applied to, for example, prostate biopsy. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention can provide a mechanical tool for stabilizing the patient in prone position and to guide a biopsy needle into defined targeted lesions in the prostate gland. The patient can lay prone in the MRI. The subject apparatus can guide an MR-visible, sterile needle sleeve, which can have a hollow tube filled with contrast media, through the anus onto the inner wall of the colon. Due to the visibility of the contrast media in the sleeve, the apparatus can be guided to the exact position. The sleeve can incorporate a tube within the contrast media filled sleeve to insert the biopsy needle and to push this needle forward into the prostate. The subject apparatus can utilize various mechanical means to stereotactically move the needle or needle sleeve in various directions.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a device for inserting medical instruments into the human body. In a specific embodiment, the subject device can be made from a material which is invisible under Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The subject device can incorporate three or more MRI compatible marks. The imaging of these three or more markers can allow the determination of the orientation of the device. A virtual image of the device can then be shown in an MRI image.

Abstract: MRI compatible device for the guiding of catheters in human or animal vessels.

Abstract: Invention of a device for the insertion of medical instruments into the human body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for accurately performing minimally invasive intracranial medical procedures. The invention provides a cranial guide device for guiding medical instruments to a selected site within the cranium of a patient as well as methods for using the devices of the invention.

Abstract: A motor for use in magnetic fields generated for medical imaging. The motor comprises a stator. The stator includes a piezoelectric material and is configured to generate vibrations when subjected to a voltage gradient. A rotor is arranged and configured so that vibrations generated in the stator will propel the rotor. A drive shaft is connected to the rotor. The rotor and drive shaft are formed from a material that has a magnetic susceptibility that is about the same as the magnetic susceptibility of water.

Abstract: The invention provides a robot hand that can mimic the movements of a human hand in operation. The robot hand includes a thumb and at least one opposing finger having at least two phalanxes connectable to each other by a distal phalanx joint. The thumb of the robot hand also includes a joint which allows the thumb to move transversely with respect to the opposing fingers. The robot hand can also include one or more additional fingers disposed on an opposite side of the thumb. The robot hand can be operated mechanically or electrically through controlling motors.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for preparing medical instruments which cause reduced or enhanced artifact on diagnostic images. According to the invention, a reduced artifact instrument may be prepared using titanium alloy compositions or plastic compositions disclosed herein. An enhanced artifact instrument may be prepared by incorporating artifact causing materials into artifact free instruments. Such instruments are suitable for use during diagnostic imaging procedures, for example, magnetic resonance imaging. The invention also provides compositions and methods for removing magnetic contaminants from the surface of a medical instrument or an alloy material.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for correlating the internal location of an anatomical point of a human or animal patient with a location on the external body contours of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for preparing medical instruments which cause reduced or enhanced artifact on diagnostic images. According to the invention, a reduced artifact instrument may be prepared using titanium alloy compositions or plastic compositions disclosed herein. An enhanced artifact instrument may be prepared by incorporating artifact causing materials into artifact free instruments. Such instruments are suitable for use during diagnostic imaging procedures, for example, magnetic resonance imaging. The invention also provides a new penetrating end for penetrating instruments used to perform medical and surgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Abstract: An endoscopic gripper consists of a guide tube with an operating device arranged at the proximal end and a pair of gripper jaws located at the distal end, which pair of gripper jaws are connected to each other by joint means in such a way that an opening and closing of the gripper jaws via tension or pressure means is made possible. Each of the gripper jaws is formed from segments and the segments are linked together by joints in such a way that a swivelling of the individual segments among each other between an unfolded position guaranteeing the operability of the gripper and a folded-together position is made possible. The segments are unfoldable by another tension means or by a pressure means after the positioning of the gripper at the surgical object.