Magnetic targeting system and method of using the same

Abstract

The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A magnetic targeting system suitable for facilitating navigation to a target area located in vivo, said system comprising: a targeting member having a first end and a second end, said second end attached to a biocompatible device by a tether and at least said first end includes a steering material influenced by a magnetic field, said first end is constructed and arranged to readily pass through tissue and create a pathway for said targeting member to a target area located in vivo; and at least two anchoring members, each said anchoring member having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end constructed and arranged to secure to said target area located in vivo, an extender coupled to each said anchoring member, said extender having an open top and a aperture juxtaposed to a bottom end of said extender, wherein said proximal end includes a magnetic material that influences the traversal of said steering material in vivo; said targeting member is of a size which enables said targeting member to pass into first extender through said top of said first extender, through said first extender and out of said first extender through said aperture of said first extender, said targeting member is also of a size which enables said targeting member to pass into second extender through said aperture, through said second extender and out of said second extender through said open top, whereby, the magnetically influenced proximal end of said anchoring member interacts with said first end of said targeting member guiding said targeting member through tissue such that said connected biocompatible device is positioned relative to said target area. 
     
     
       2. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein said system includes a real-time feedback mechanism to verify location in vivo of said biocompatible device. 
     
     
       3. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 2 , wherein said real-time feedback mechanism includes tactile feedback to verify location in vivo of said biocompatible device. 
     
     
       4. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein said magnetic material is an electromagnet. 
     
     
       5. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein said magnetic material is a permanent magnet. 
     
     
       6. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein said biocompatible device is an implant or surgical instrument. 
     
     
       7. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 1  wherein said biocompatible device is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. 
     
     
       8. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein each of said at least two anchor members is a fastening means for attaching to a bony structure and said biocompatible device is an interconnecting means. 
     
     
       9. The magnetic targeting system of  claim 1 , wherein said targeting member is formed from a rigid material. 
     
     
       10. A magnetic targeting system for facilitating navigation of a biocompatible device to a target position connecting anchoring members secured in vivo, comprising:
 first and second anchoring members, said first and second anchoring members each having a distal end configured to secure to a body structure located in vivo and a proximal end including a connector with a transverse passage configured to receive a portion of a biocompatible device, the biocompatible device being lockable to the first and second anchoring member connectors with locking members that engage the connectors, a first extender having a proximal end and a distal end that is releasably coupleable to the connector of the first anchoring member, and a second extender having a proximal end and a distal end that is releasably coupleable to the connector of said second anchoring member, each of said first extender and said second extender having an interior passage that extends along the length of the extender between a proximal end opening and a distal end opening, the interior passage sized to receive a locking members therethrough and a driver associated with the locking members, each of the first extender and second extender also having an aperture in connection with the distal end opening and extending transversely through the interior passage, and a slot in connection with the aperture and extending along the length of the extender;   a targeting member having a first end and a second end, said second end attached to the biocompatible device by a tether, said first end including a steering material influenced by a magnetic field and configured to readily pass through tissue and create a pathway along said target position, said targeting member sized to pass through the proximal end opening, the slot, and the aperture; and   a magnetic device having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end including a magnetic material that influences said steering material, the distal end being positional proximate the aperture of the second extender, the targeting member is attracted to the distal end of the magnetic device to define said pathway along the target position, the connected biocompatible device being configured to follow the targeting device along the pathway into the target position connecting the first and second anchoring members.   
     
     
       11. The magnetic targeting system of claim 10, further including a real-time feedback mechanism to verify the position of the biocompatible device. 
     
     
       12. The magnetic targeting system of claim 10, wherein said magnetic material is an electromagnet. 
     
     
       13. The magnetic targeting system of claim 12, wherein the proximal end of the magnetic device has a handle that includes controls for operating the electromagnet. 
     
     
       14. The magnetic targeting system of claim 13, wherein the controls include a switch for turning on the electromagnet. 
     
     
       15. The magnetic targeting system of claim 14, wherein the controls can increase and decrease the strength of the electromagnet. 
     
     
       16. The magnetic targeting system of claim 10, wherein the magnetic material is a permanent magnet. 
     
     
       17. The magnetic targeting system of claim 10, wherein the targeting member is semi-rigid with a portion of the targeting member proximate the first end being made of flexible material. 
     
     
       18. The magnetic targeting system of claim 10, wherein the targeting member is rigid. 
     
     
       19. The magnetic targeting system of claim 10, wherein the first and second anchoring members are pedicle screws and the biocompatible device is a rigid spinal rod. 
     
     
       20. The magnetic targeting system of claim 19, wherein the first and second pedicle screws are multi-axis pedicle screws. 
     
     
       21. The magnetic targeting system of claim 20, including a third pedicle screw and a third extender releasably coupleable to a third connector of the third pedicle screw, the third extender having a proximal end and distal end that is releasably coupleable to a connector of the third pedicle screw, an interior passage that extends along the length of the extender between a proximal end opening and a distal end opening, the interior passage sized to receive a locking member therethrough and a driver associated with the locking member, the third extender also having an aperture in connection with the distal end opening and extending transversely through the interior passage, and a slot in connection with the aperture and extending along the length of the extender.