Head clamp for imaging and neurosurgery

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.

1 . A method of performing neurosurgery, comprising the steps of;
 (i) attaching a head clamp comprising a moveable member to the head of a subject,   (ii) moving the member into a first position and acquiring at least one image of the head,   (iii) moving the member into a second position and performing a neurosurgical procedure, wherein the relative difference in position between the first position and the second position of the member is known.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the head clamp comprises an indexable member and steps (ii) and (iii) comprise indexing the member into the first position and second position respectively. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one datum feature is provided on the head clamp that allows images acquired during step (ii) to be related to neurosurgical procedures conducted during step (iii). 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (i) comprises attaching the head clamp to the head with a predetermined engagement force such that deformations of the member are known. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein step (i) comprises applying a clamping force substantially along a clamping axis, wherein the clamping axis is aligned, at least approximately, with the cantho-meatal plane of the subject's head. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the member comprises a c-shaped member, wherein the first position of step (ii) is a position in which the c-shaped member substantially extends around the top of the head thereby allowing imaging of the head and the second position of step (iii) is a position in which the c-shaped member substantially extends around a side of the head thereby providing access the head to allow the neurosurgical procedure to be performed.