Steven J Cramer

US Patent:

56617755, Aug 26, 1997

Filed:

Sep 17, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/716509

Inventors:

Steven Lee Cramer - Sandy UT
Li Yuan - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

OEC, Inc. - Milpitas CA

International Classification:

A61B 608

US Classification:

378206

Abstract:

An improved x-ray laser aiming system providing coaxial laser aiming in a configuration opposed to the x-ray emitter is disclosed. The present invention comprises two basic components: 1) a laser sight coupled to an x-ray emitter, and 2) a laser device assembly coupled to an x-ray collector. The laser sight provides a means for aligning the x-ray emitter with a laser beam during surgical or diagnostic procedures. The laser device assembly is removably coupled to the image intensifier or x-ray collector. The laser device assembly contains a point laser source and a fixed reflective surface or mirror for directing a laser beam coaxially with the center ray of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray emitter, but in the opposite direction. The laser source is, therefore, in a configuration opposed or opposite to the x-ray emitter. The laser aiming system of the present invention may be used to provide a reference point during orthopedic alignment procedures such as pinning and for vascular procedures such as balloon angioplasty, and correction of conditions involving embolisms, aneurysms, or arterial venous malformations (AVM's).

US Patent:

52838080, Feb 1, 1994

Filed:

Jul 1, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/908320

Inventors:

Steven L. Cramer - Sandy UT
Li Yuan - Salt Lake City UT

Assignee:

Diasonics, Inc. - Milpitas CA

International Classification:

A61B 608

US Classification:

378206

Abstract:

An improved x-ray laser aiming system providing coaxial laser aiming in a configuration opposed to the x-ray emitter is disclosed. The present invention comprises two basic components: 1) a laser sight coupled to an x-ray emitter, and 2) a laser housing coupled to an x-ray collector. The laser sight provides a means for aligning the x-ray emitter with a laser beam during surgical or diagnostic procedures. The laser housing is removably coupled to the image intensifier or x-ray collector. The laser housing contains a point laser source and a fixed reflective surface or mirror for directing a laser beam coaxially with the center ray of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray emitter, but in the opposite direction. The laser source is, therefore, in a configuration opposed or opposite to the x-ray emitter. The laser aiming system of the present invention may be used to provide a reference point during orthopedic alignment procedures such as pinning and for vascular procedures such as balloon angioplasty, and correction of conditions involving embolisms, aneurysms, or arterial venous malformations (AVM's).