Abstract:
Apparatus for imaging a body part of a subject, for example using MRI, is described. The apparatus includes a housing for at least partially surrounding a body part (e.g. a head) and a first fiducial marker assembly retained at least partially within the housing that includes one or more fiducial markers and a datum feature. The position of the datum feature is fixed relative to the one or more fiducial markers. The first fiducial marker assembly is moveable with respect to the housing and the datum feature is accessible from outside of the housing.
Abstract:
A neurosurgical catheter is described for insertion into the brain parenchyma of a subject. The catheter comprises a flexible tube and has a stiff, non-porous, tip comprising at least one fluid delivery aperture. The stiff tip of the catheter may be mechanically stiffer than the flexible tube. The stiff tip may be provided by a stiff tube attached to the distal end of the flexible tube. The stiff tube may comprise a ceramic (e.g fused silica) and/or a metal. A kit comprising the catheter and a guide tube is also described. Methods of catheter implantation are also outlined.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly for insertion into the brain. The assembly comprises a first length of tubing made of a first material. A second material surrounds the first length of tubing, the second material being more flexible than the first material and having a hardness of less than 50 Rockwell E. The second material provides damping to the first length of tubing.
Abstract:
An implantable fluid distribution device is described. The device includes a first inlet for receiving fluid under pressure from a remote pump. A plurality of outlets are also provided, each outlet being connectable to a fluid delivery catheter. A valve mechanism is arranged to control the passage of fluid from the first inlet to the plurality of outlets. Apparatus including the fluid distribution device, an implantable pump and a plurality of drug delivery catheters is also described. The fluid distribution device can be used to delivery drug to multiple regions in the body and the sequential delivery of drugs to different sites in the brain is disclosed.
Abstract:
An RF coil assembly for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus is described. The RF coil assembly comprises one or more coil elements capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation and is capable of being directly attached to a stereotactic base ring. The RF coil assembly may comprise a localiser box having fiducial markers. A corresponding attachment apparatus is also described for optimising the attachment position of a stereotactic base ring to a subject's head. The attachment apparatus comprises one or more fixing elements that allow the attachment apparatus to be releasably attached to a stereotactic base ring. In one embodiment, the internal dimensions of the attachment apparatus are selected to be substantially the same as the internal dimensions of an RF coil assembly. Corresponding methods are also described.
Abstract:
A head clamp for neurosurgery is described that includes a member for at least partially encircling the head of a subject. The first end and second end of the head clamp include first and second skull attachment portions for attaching the member to the head of a subject. A position setter, such as an indexing mechanism, is also provided that allows the member to be moved or indexed between at least two repeatable relative positions.
Abstract:
A guide element for insertion into the brain to guide implantable instruments, wherein the guide element comprises an elongate part, the elongate ‘part having a composition of at least 80% tungsten carbide. The guide element may have a coating, such as a biocompatible plastics material which is more resilient than the elongate part.
Abstract:
A head clamp for neurosurgery is described that includes a member for at least partially encircling the head of a subject. The first end and second end of the head clamp include first and second skull attachment portions for attaching the member to the head of a subject. A position setter, such as an indexing mechanism, is also provided that allows the member to be moved or indexed between at least two repeatable relative positions.
Abstract:
A guide element for insertion into the brain to guide implantable instruments, wherein the guide element comprises an elongate part, the elongate part having a composition of at least 80% tungsten carbide. The guide element may have a coating, such as a biocompatible plastics material which is more resilient than the elongate part.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly for insertion into the brain. The assembly comprises a first length of tubing made of a first material. A second material surrounds the first length of tubing, the second material being more flexible than the first material and having a hardness of less than 50 Rockwell E. The second material provides damping to the first length of tubing.