Magnetic targeting device

Publication Date
2010-07-13Filing Date
2003-10-03Inventor
Durham, Alfred A.
Wicks, Alfred L.
Stitzel, Joel D.
Szakelyhidi, Jr., David C.
Cardinali, Alex V.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
A device and method for targeting objects and specifically for locating intramedullary screw openings is described. The device and method include a target magnet and a sensor comprising an elliptical array of magnetoresistive elements, designed to give information on the three-dimensional orientation of the magnet. The sensor array is designed such that each magnetoresistive element is a member of an opposing pair and relays information on their alignment with the target magnet. The array is connected to a display such that the position of the sensor in relation to the target magnet is easily discerned. The invention is lightweight and portable, capable of operating on batteries and can be used in primitive situations where a stable supply of electricity is not available.
Assignee
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Patent Number
7753913
Application Number
10679166
Primary/U.S. Class
606/96
Other/U.S. Class
CPC Class
A61B5/06
A61B5/4504
A61B17/1707
A61B17/1725
Patent Type
utility
Collections
- Virginia Tech Patents [546]