Abstract: A skull pin assembly for use with a skull clamp includes a skull pin that is slidable into contact with a head of a patient. A pin load applicator is removably connectable to the skull pin assembly and includes a loading shaft that is able to apply a force against an inner end of the skull pin. The pin load applicator also has a biasing element operable to apply a force on the loading shaft that, in turn, transfers the force to the skull pin. A load force indicator is connected to the loading shaft and provides an indication of the force being applied by the skull pin. The pin load applicator permits the force being applied by the skull pin to be adjusted to a desired value; and thereafter, the pin load applicator is removed from the skull pin assembly without changing the desired skull pin force.

Abstract: A skull pin assembly for a head fixation device that allows for effective imaging with limited artifact is disclosed. The skull pin assembly comprises two components, a tip and a housing. The conical-shaped tip component engages the skull at a point and is configured to fit within the bore of the substantially cylindrical non-conductive housing component. The conical skull pin tip can be comprised of a material that causes limited artifact in medical imaging procedures. The conical skull pin tip can taper away from the point engaging the skull at a first angle and can seamlessly transition into a conical-shaped surface of the housing component. In one embodiment, a third surface of the housing component can also be tapered to meet the first surface of the tip component at the identical first angle of tapering.

Abstract: A head support bas unit enables enhanced capability for positioning the head of a patient at the end of a medical table, by incorporating into the handle assembly thereof an additional degree of freedom, namely rotatability along the longitudinal axis of the handle. More specifically, a pair of axially opposed, spring-biased ratchets are housed within the handle, to permit or prevent axial rotation of one end of the handle relative to the other. This enhanced flexibility an maneuverability is achieved without any added complexity, and without requiring any additional space. These advantages are further magnified if an additional like handle assembly is connected to the first handle assemble, with a link interconnected therebetween, because composite angles and off-axis positioning of the patient can be readily accommodated.

Abstract: A surgical table extension has a radiolucent inner support member removably attachable to an end of a surgical table and extending outward therefrom in cantilever fashion. A radiolucent outer support member is mounted to the inner support member, and the outer support member is adjustable with respect to the inner support member to change the length of the table extension.

Abstract: A surgical table extension has a radiolucent inner support member removably attachable to an end of a surgical table and extending outward therefrom in cantilever fashion. A radiolucent outer support member is mounted to the inner support member, and the outer support member is adjustable with respect to the inner support member to change the length of the table extension.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table extension assembly for use in combination with a scanning machine having an enclosed scanning zone. A radiolucent support member has a proximal end adapted to be removably attached to one end of a table in a cantilever fashion. The radiolucent support member has a rigidity sufficient to support an upper torso and head of a patient. The table and the radiolucent support member are movable relative to the scanning machine to locate the radiolucent support member and the head of the patient within the scanning zone. A radiolucent mounting structure is connected to the radiolucent support member, and a radiolucent head support is attached to the radiolucent mounting structure for supporting the head of the patient. The radiolucent head support has an opening extending therethrough. The opening receives a locking clamp for attaching the radiolucent head support to the radiolucent mounting structure.

Abstract: An advantageous interoperative system includes a scanner [20] with an enclosed scanning zone, an image guided system [24] operatively connected to the scanner [20], a surgical table [22] having a radiolucent member [228] attached to one end thereof with a radiolucent support [264] held near an outboard end [236] of the radiolucent member [228] by a radiolucent adaptor assembly [210], the radiolucent adaptor assembly [210] being hingedly connected to both the radiolucent member [228] and the radiolucent support [264]. The table [22] and the radiolucent member [228] attached thereto are movable relative to the scanner [20] to locate the radiolucent member [228] and the head of a patient supported thereon within the scanning zone, to facilitate interoperative scans.

Abstract: An advantageous interoperative system includes a scanner [20] with an enclosed scanning zone, an image guided system [24] operatively connected to the scanner [20], a surgical table [22] having a radiolucent member [228] attached to one end thereof with a radiolucent support [264] held near an outboard end [236] of the radiolucent member [228] by a radiolucent adaptor assembly [210], the radiolucent adaptor assembly [210] being hingedly connected to both the radiolucent member [228] and the radiolucent support [264]. The table [22] and the radiolucent member [228] attached thereto are movable relative to the scanner [20] to locate the radiolucent member [228] and the head of a patient supported thereon within the scanning zone, to facilitate interoperative scans.

Abstract: A surgical instrument support is provided having an articulated arm with first structure on a proximal end of the arm. A lockable target ball is rotatably mounted on a distal end of the articulated arm, and the lockable ball has a diametric hole therein for receiving and supporting a surgical instrument. A mount has second structure that receives and secures the proximal end of the articulated arm. The first structure on the articulated arm cooperates with the second structure on the mount to automatically align the proximal end of the articulated arm with the mount in a repeatable relationship. The mount is adapted to be releasably attached to a fixed structure. Thus, after establishing a desired alignment of the lockable ball to a patient, the articulated arm can be removed from the fixed structure and then subsequently remounted therein without losing the desired alignment of the lockable ball with the patient.

Abstract: An elongated patient support table [22] with a horizontal patient support surface has a contoured radiolucent table extension assembly [26, 126] connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient [27]. An outer end of the extension assembly [26, 126] has a reduced width compared to the support table [22] to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension assembly [26, 126] into a scanning zone defined by a central opening [112] of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner [20]. The table extension assembly [26, 126] supports the patient [27] via an inboard radiolucent horseshoe headrest [32, 132] and an outer tool support [54, 122] for holding an outer stabilization device [66, 166] such as a radiolucent skull clamp [74, 174].

Abstract: An elongated patient support table with a horizontal patient support surface is provided with a radiolucent table extension connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient. The outer end of the extension has a reduced width compared to the support table to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension into a scanning zone of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner. The table extension has at its outer end a tool support for supporting and stabilizing medical instruments, and the table extension is tiltable above and below the horizontal. The combination of the support table with the radiolucent table extension supports the patient in a desired posture for an operative procedure both during the scanning and surgical procedures.