Yik San Kwoh

US Patent:

50781405, Jan 7, 1992

Filed:

Sep 23, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/910527

Inventors:

Yik S. Kwoh - Long Beach CA

International Classification:

A61B 600

US Classification:

1286531

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for computer controlled stereotactic surgery is disclosed. This method utilizes an imaging device, a robotic arm and a means for controlling the robotic arm. Stereotactic surgery on integral body parts, e. g. the brain, spine, knee or other joint, breast, etc. may be accomplished with relatively greater precision and smaller incisions. The imaging device, which may be a computerized tomography (CT) axial imaging system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, or any suitable image-providing means, provides information regarding the structure of the bodily location to be operated on. The robotic arm is utilized to precisely orient the surgical tools or other implements used in conducting the surgery or related procedure. The control means, such as a computer, utilizes information received from the imaging device, alone or together with other information, to control the robotic arm.