Removable skull mounted work platform and method of assembling same

Claim 3

The device of claim 1 wherein said lumen defined by said body portion has thread means located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof, said thread means positioned to engage corresponding thread means on an elongated insert member positionable within said uninterrupted bore.

Claim 4

The device of claim 2 further comprising an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end and defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof being configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore through said guide means.

Claim 5

The device of claim 3 wherein said insert member further comprises thread means located on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, wherein said thread means on said insert member are configured for engagement with corresponding thread means within said lumen of said base body portion so as to lockingly position said insert member within said uninterrupted bore through said guide means.

Claim 6

The device of claim 1 wherein said second side of said body portion comprises a plurality of marking means to facilitate alignment of said instrument within said cranium upon the insertion thereof through the lumen of said guide means.

Claim 7

The device of claim 5 wherein said marking means are each located the same distance apart from one another along a peripheral circumferential portion of said second side of said body portion.

Claim 8

The device of claim 6 wherein each said marking means is located 15 degrees apart from either adjacent one of said marking means.

Claim 9

The device of claim 1 wherein said stabilizing means comprises a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said open tubular member at a first terminal portion thereof, each said tip member having a flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member.

Claim 10

The device of claim 8 wherein said flanges extend outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from each said tip member and are formed integral therewith.

Claim 11

A method for inserting a medical instrument through a previously prepared aperture in a patient's cranium, said method comprising: a. assembling the device of claim 1 upon the cranium of a patient by

Claim 12

forming an aperture through said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the aperture; 2. deburring the aperture to remove any loose bone chips therefrom; 3. positioning said base member above said aperture on the surface of the cranium; 4. inserting said guide means through said aperture on the surface of the cranium; and 5. engaging an elongated insert member having a central lumen within an uninterrupted bore defined by said guide means; and b. inserting said medical instrument through said device and into an interior portion of said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to said cranium at said aperture.

Claim 13

forming an aperture through said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the aperture; 2. deburring the aperture to remove any loose bone chips therefrom; 3. positioning said base member above said aperture on the surface of the cranium; 4. inserting said guide means through said aperture on the surface of the cranium; and 5. engaging an elongated insert member having a central lumen within an uninterrupted bore defined by said guide means; and b. inserting said medical instrument through said device and into an interior portion of said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to said cranium at said aperture.

Claim 14

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide disposed in said aperture for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded for engagement with separate locking means; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread member located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. adjustable locking means for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said locking means defining a central lumen configured for engaging said threaded outer portion of said elongated open tubular member; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion for lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent at the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 15

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide disposed in said aperture for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded for engagement with separate locking means; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread member located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. adjustable locking means for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said locking means defining a central lumen configured for engaging said threaded outer portion of said elongated open tubular member; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion for lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent at the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 16

The platform of claim 11 wherein the second side of said body portion comprises a plurality of graduated alignment markings located along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof, each said marking being located about 15 degrees apart from an adjacent marking on either side thereof.

Claim 17

The platform of claim 11 wherein at least the first end portion of said insert member has a correspondingly greater diameter than that of said flexible, slotted tip members such that passing said insert member through said uninterrupted bore in said guide and thereafter between said tip members, forces said tip members outwardly, away from said insert member, facilitating a secure engagement between said perpendicular flanges located upon said tip members and an inner surface of the patient's cranium, thus enhancing the stability of the platform.

Claim 18

The platform of claim 11 wherein said locking means comprises a ring-shaped member having upper and lower parallel opposed surfaces, defining a central aperture therethrough, extending from said upper surface to said lower surface, said aperture having threaded members located on an inner peripheral surface thereof for engaging said corresponding threaded members located upon the outer surface portion of said elongated open tubular member, thus permitting said platform to be locked in position upon the cranium of the patient by screwing said ring-shaped member in the direction of said alignment means.

Claim 19

The platform of claim 14 wherein each of said plurality of legs terminates in a free end, said free ends forming a polygon defining a plane upon said cranium overlaying said burr hole and wherein said guide is aligned with the burr hole at an angle of substantially 90° to said plane.

Claim 20

The platform of claim 15 wherein said base member comprises three legs of equal length such that an equilateral triangle is formed by the free ends of said legs.

Claim 21

The platform of claim 11 wherein said guide, said insert and said alignment means are constructed from a rigid material comprising ABS, Delrin®, Hetal or an acrylic.

Claim 22

A skull-mounted surgical work platform for facilitating the insertion of medical instruments into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing said instruments through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tube having a first end and a second end, said tube defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface thereof is threaded for engagement with a separate locking ring; ii a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated open tube at the second end thereof and said second side of said body portion having a plurality of graduated alignment markings along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof, each said marking being located substantially 15° apart from an adjacent marking on either side thereof, said body portion further defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen of said tube to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide and wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has threads located along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding threads located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said tube at a terminal portion of said first end thereof for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said tube; b. an elongated tubular insert member with a first end and a second end, having a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has threads on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said threads configured for engagement with corresponding threads within the lumen of said body portion to lockingly position the insert within the bore of the guide and further wherein at least the first end portion of the insert member has a correspondingly greater diameter than that of said flexible slotted tip members, such that passing said insert member through said bore, and thereafter between said tip members, forces said tip members outwardly, away from said insert member, thus facilitating a secure engagement between said flanges upon said tip members and an inner surface portion of the patient's cranium; c. a ring-shaped locking member having upper and lower parallel opposed surfaces and defining a central lumen therethrough, said lumen extending from said upper to said lower surface, wherein said lumen has threads on an inner surface thereof for engaging corresponding threads located upon the outer surface portion of the elongated open tube, thus permitting the platform to be locked in position on the patient's cranium by screwing the locking member toward the patient's cranium; and d. a base member for aligning said platform within said burr hole, said base member comprising an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides, and having three leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side, wherein each said leg member terminates in a free end, said free ends forming a triangular plane on the surface of the patient's cranium overlaying said burr hole such that said tube is aligned with said burr hole through said triangular plane at an angle of substantially 90° to said plane.

Claim 23

A skull-mounted surgical work platform for facilitating the insertion of medical instruments into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing said instruments through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tube having a first end and a second end, said tube defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface thereof is threaded for engagement with a separate locking ring; ii a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated open tube at the second end thereof and said second side of said body portion having a plurality of graduated alignment markings along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof, each said marking being located substantially 15° apart from an adjacent marking on either side thereof, said body portion further defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen of said tube to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide and wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has threads located along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding threads located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said tube at a terminal portion of said first end thereof for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said tube; b. an elongated tubular insert member with a first end and a second end, having a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has threads on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said threads configured for engagement with corresponding threads within the lumen of said body portion to lockingly position the insert within the bore of the guide and further wherein at least the first end portion of the insert member has a correspondingly greater diameter than that of said flexible slotted tip members, such that passing said insert member through said bore, and thereafter between said tip members, forces said tip members outwardly, away from said insert member, thus facilitating a secure engagement between said flanges upon said tip members and an inner surface portion of the patient's cranium; c. a ring-shaped locking member having upper and lower parallel opposed surfaces and defining a central lumen therethrough, said lumen extending from said upper to said lower surface, wherein said lumen has threads on an inner surface thereof for engaging corresponding threads located upon the outer surface portion of the elongated open tube, thus permitting the platform to be locked in position on the patient's cranium by screwing the locking member toward the patient's cranium; and d. a base member for aligning said platform within said burr hole, said base member comprising an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides, and having three leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side, wherein each said leg member terminates in a free end, said free ends forming a triangular plane on the surface of the patient's cranium overlaying said burr hole such that said tube is aligned with said burr hole through said triangular plane at an angle of substantially 90° to said plane.

Claim 26

The method of claim 19 wherein said aperture is formed by drilling through said cranium with the perforator means at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to said cranium at said aperture.

Claim 27

The method of claim 20 wherein said drilling may be performed manually, pneumatically electrically or hydraulically.

Claim 28

The method of claim 19 wherein an upper portion of said insert member is lockingly engaged within the uninterrupted bore of said guide means by engaging corresponding male and female thread means located, respectively, on an outer surface of said insert member and on an inner peripheral surface of said bore.

Claim 29

The method of claim 19 wherein said guide means is engaged against an inner surface of said cranium by spreading a plurality of tip members located at a first terminal end of said guide outwardly by passing therebetween said insert member, such that as a result of said expansion, perpendicularly extending flanges, located at a terminal portion of each said tip member, engage a portion of the inner surface of said cranium adjacent said aperture.

Claim 30

The method of claim 19 which further comprises securing said work platform in position within said aperture by engaging locking means located on said platform.

Claim 31

The method of claim 24 wherein said locking means are engaged by screwing a locking ring positioned upon said guide means, toward said alignment means on the surface of said cranium.

Claim 34

The device of claim 26 wherein said stabilizing means comprises a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said open tubular member at a first terminal portion thereof, each said tip member having a flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member.

Claim 35

The device of claim 27 wherein said flanges extend outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from each said tip member.

Claim 36

The device of claim 26 which further comprises means for securing said base member to said cranium.

Claim 37

The device of claim 29 wherein the securing mens comprises a disc member having a threaded central aperture therein for engagement with a threaded outer portion located on said guide means in a manner such that said support member is held against said cranium.

Claim 38

The device of claim 26 wherein said alignment means tubular member includes means for releasably engaging said guide member for attachment thereto.

Claim 39

The device of claim 31 wherein said releasable engaging means comprises a threaded area of said guide means lumen located adjacent said second end and a threaded area of said alignment means located at an outer portion of an end opposite said first end.

Claim 42

The device of claim 33 wherein said marking means are each located the same distance apart from one another along a peripheral circumferential portion of said second of said body portion.

Claim 43

The device of claim 34 wherein each said marking means is located 15 degrees apart from either adjacent one of said marking means.

Claim 44

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof and said second side of said body portion comprising a plurality of graduated alignment markings located along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof, each said marking being located about 15 degrees apart from an adjacent marking on either side thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. adjustable locking means for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said locking means defining a central lumen configured for engaging said elongated open tubular member; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion of lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. means for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said alignment means configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent at the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 45

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof and said second side of said body portion comprising a plurality of graduated alignment markings located along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof, each said marking being located about 15 degrees apart from an adjacent marking on either side thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. adjustable locking means for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said locking means defining a central lumen configured for engaging said elongated open tubular member; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion of lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. means for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said alignment means configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent at the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 46

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. an adjustable ring-shaped member for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said ring-shaped member having upper and lower parallel opposed surfaces, defining a central aperture therethrough, extending from said upper surface to said lower surface, said aperture having threaded members located on an inner peripheral surface thereof for engaging said threaded outer surface portion of said elongated open tubular member, thus permitting the platform to be locked in position upon the cranium of the patient by screwing said ring-shaped member in the direction of said cranium; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion of lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide, said base member further comprising a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 47

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. an adjustable ring-shaped member for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said ring-shaped member having upper and lower parallel opposed surfaces, defining a central aperture therethrough, extending from said upper surface to said lower surface, said aperture having threaded members located on an inner peripheral surface thereof for engaging said threaded outer surface portion of said elongated open tubular member, thus permitting the platform to be locked in position upon the cranium of the patient by screwing said ring-shaped member in the direction of said cranium; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion of lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide, said base member further comprising a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 48

The platform of claim 37, wherein each of said plurality of leg members terminates in a free end, said free ends forming a polygon defining a plane upon said cranium overlaying said burr hole and wherein said guide is aligned with the burr hole at an angle of substantially 90° to said plane.

Claim 49

The platform of claim 38 wherein said base member comprises three legs of equal length such that an equilateral triangle is formed by the free ends of said legs.

Claim 52

The device of claim 40 wherein said marking means are each located the same distance apart along a peripheral circumferential portion of said second side of said body portion.

Claim 53

The device of claim 41 wherein each said marking means is located 15 degrees apart from either adjacent one of said marking means.

Claim 54

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded for engagement with separate locking means; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein the second side of said body portion comprises a plurality of graduated alignment markings located along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof, each said marking being located about 15 degrees apart from an adjacent marking on either side thereof, and wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. adjustable locking means for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said locking means defining a central lumen configured for engaging said threaded outer portion of said elongated open tubular member; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion for lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent at the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 55

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded for engagement with separate locking means; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide, wherein the second side of said body portion comprises a plurality of graduated alignment markings located along a peripheral circumferential portion thereof, each said marking being located about 15 degrees apart from an adjacent marking on either side thereof, and wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. adjustable locking means for securing the guide against the patient's cranium, said locking means defining a central lumen configured for engaging said threaded outer portion of said elongated open tubular member; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said uninterrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion for lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent at the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 56

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded for engagement with separate locking means; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. a ring-shaped locking member having upper and lower parallel opposed surfaces, defining a central aperture therethrough, extending from said upper surface to said lower surface, said aperture having threaded members located on an inner peripheral surface thereof for engaging said corresponding threaded members located upon the outer surface portion of said elongated open tubular member, thus permitting said platform to be locked in position upon the cranium of the patient by screwing said ring-shaped member in the direction of said alignment means; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said interrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion for lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, wherein each of said plurality of legs terminates in a free end, said free ends forming a polygon defining a plane upon said cranium overlaying said burr hole and wherein said guide is aligned with the burr hole at an angle of substantially 90° to said plane, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 57

A surgical work platform for facilitating insertion of an instrument into the cranium of a patient through a burr hole previously formed in said cranium, without causing undue injury to underlying tissue therein, said platform comprising: a. a guide for directing the instrument through the burr hole, said guide comprising i. an elongated open tubular member having a first end and a second end, said member defining a lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said member at said first end is configured and adapted for passage through said aperture and into an inner portion of said cranium and wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of said member is threaded for engagement with separate locking means; ii. a body portion having first and second parallel opposed sides, said first side of said body portion formed integral with said elongated tubular member at said second end thereof, said body portion defining a central lumen extending therethrough from said first side to said second side in alignment with and adjacent to said lumen in said tubular member so as to form, in combination therewith, an uninterrupted bore through said guide wherein said lumen extending through said body portion has a plurality of thread members located along an inner peripheral circumferential portion thereof to engage corresponding thread members located upon an insert member positionable within said bore; and iii. a plurality of flexible slotted tip members formed integral with said elongated open tubular member at a terminal portion of said first end thereof, for stabilizing said guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, each said tip member having a substantially perpendicular flange extending outwardly from a terminal portion thereof furtherest removed from said open tubular member; b. a ring-shaped locking member having upper and lower parallel opposed surfaces, defining a central aperture therethrough, extending from said upper surface to said lower surface, said aperture having threaded members located on an inner peripheral surface thereof for engaging said corresponding threaded members located upon the outer surface portion of said elongated open tubular member, thus permitting said platform to be locked in position upon the cranium of the patient by screwing said ring-shaped member in the direction of said alignment means; c. an elongated tubular insert member having a first end and a second end, said insert member defining a hollow lumen extending from said first end to said second end, wherein at least a portion of said insert member adjacent said first end thereof is configured for passage substantially through said interrupted bore of said guide, and wherein said insert member has a plurality of thread members on an outer surface thereof adjacent said second end, said thread members corresponding to said thread members within the lumen of said body portion for lockingly positioning the insert member within the bore of the guide; and d. a base member for aligning the guide within the burr hole in the patient's cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, wherein each of said plurality of legs terminates in a free end, said free ends forming a polygon defining a plane upon said cranium overlaying said burr hole and wherein said guide is aligned with the burr hole at an angle of substantially 90° to said plane, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a lower portion of said guide so as to permit engagement of said guide within said burr hole, wherein an instrument inserted through said platform enters the interior of the patient's cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the burr hole.

Claim 58

The platform of claim 44 wherein said base member comprises three legs of equal length such that an equilateral triangle is formed by the free ends of said legs.

Claim 61

adjustable means for locking said guide means against said cranium, said locking means defining an aperture therethrough, and configured and adapted for engaging said outer surface portion of said tubular member; and 3. a base member for aligning said guide means within said aperture in said cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a portion of said guide means, wherein said device is assembled by 1. forming an aperture through said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the aperture; 2. deburring the aperture to remove any loose bone chips therefrom; 3. positioning said base member above said aperture on the surface of the cranium; 4. inserting said guide means through said aperture on the surface of the cranium; and 5. engaging an elongated insert member having a central lumen within an uninterrupted bore defined by said guide means; and b. inserting said medical instrument through said device and into an interior portion of said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to said cranium at said aperture.

Claim 62

adjustable means for locking said guide means against said cranium, said locking means defining an aperture therethrough, and configured and adapted for engaging said outer surface portion of said tubular member; and 3. a base member for aligning said guide means within said aperture in said cranium, said base member having an annular body portion with first and second opposed sides and a plurality of leg members extending substantially perpendicularly from said first side thereof, said leg members formed integral with said body portion, said base member being configured for the passage therethrough of at least a portion of said guide means, wherein said device is assembled by 1. forming an aperture through said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to the cranium at the aperture; 2. deburring the aperture to remove any loose bone chips therefrom; 3. positioning said base member above said aperture on the surface of the cranium; 4. inserting said guide means through said aperture on the surface of the cranium; and 5. engaging an elongated insert member having a central lumen within an uninterrupted bore defined by said guide means; and b. inserting said medical instrument through said device and into an interior portion of said cranium at an angle of substantially 90° to a plane tangent to said cranium at said aperture.