Localizing device for ventriculostomy

Abstract

A localizing apparatus includes a frame, a linear reference marker, and a target marker. The frame includes a first portion fixable to a first anatomical reference point. The linear reference marker is rotatable about the first anatomical reference point to align a second anatomical reference point with the first anatomical reference point. The target marker is rotatable about the first anatomical reference point to establish an angle from the linear reference marker such that the target marker is located in a desired plane.

1 .- 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A method for localizing a portion of a brain, comprising the steps of: 
 positioning a probe adjacent to a first anatomical reference point;    rotatably positioning a first indicator along a line intersecting the first anatomical reference point and a second anatomical reference point such that the indicator is located in a sagittal plane; and    rotatably positioning a second indicator parallel to the sagittal plane and defining a determined angle from the first indicator such that the second indicator is oriented in a transverse plane that passes through the portion of the brain.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the first anatomical reference point comprises an external auditory meatus.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the second anatomical reference point comprises a mandibular angulus mandibulae.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the determined angle comprises an angle between 125° and 145°.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising the step of positioning a third indicator perpendicular to the first indicator.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the positioning a third indicator comprises positioning the third indicator at an angle between 35° and 55° from the second indicator.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising the step of extending the second indicator into a transverse plane perpendicular to the sagittal plane.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 27  further comprising the step of marking a position on a surface underlying the extended second indicator.  
   
   
       29 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a probe configured for positioning adjacent to an external auditory meatus;    a first marker rotatably connected to the probe and configured for positioning along a mandibulomeatal line; and    a second marker rotatably connected to the probe and operable to establish a defined angle between the first and the second marker.    
   
   
       30 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , further comprising a protractor configured for positioning the second marker at the angle.  
   
   
       31 . The apparatus of  claim 30 , wherein the protractor is fixed to the first marker.  
   
   
       32 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the defined angle at which the second marker is configured to be positioned relative to the first marker is between 125° and 145°.  
   
   
       33 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the positioning of the probe adjacent to the external auditory meatus comprises attaching the probe to the external auditory meatus with an adhesive.  
   
   
       34 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the second marker is configured to bend to a contour.  
   
   
       35 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , wherein the second marker comprises guides configured to mark a position.  
   
   
       36 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , comprising a third marker disposed in a perpendicular relationship to the first marker.  
   
   
       37 . The apparatus of  claim 29 , further comprising a frame supporting the probe, the frame configured to extend around a head and terminate in an opposing probe positionable adjacent an opposite external auditory meatus.  
   
   
       38 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the frame is configured with at least one guide that extends through the frame.