Needle holder and stereotactic device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a needle holder (200) for a stereotactic device (100). The needle holder (200) comprises a needle guide device (300) comprising a first end portion (302), a second end portion (304), and a through hole (306) extending from the first end portion (302) to the second end portion (304) for receiving a needle therethrough, a first arm member (202) attached to the first end portion (302) of the needle guide device (300) and a second arm member (204) attached to the second end portion (304) of the needle guide device (300). The first arm member (202) comprises a first fastening member (212) and the second arm member (204) comprises a second fastening member (214), the first and second fastening members (212, 214) being arranged to allow the needle holder (200) to be removably attached to the stereotactic device (100). The invention also relates to a stereotactic device (100) comprising a needle holder (200).

Description

[0001] NEEDLE HOLDER AND STEREOTACTIC DEVICE

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a needle holder. In particular, the present invention relates to a needle holder for a stereotactic device, and to a stereotactic device comprising the needle holder.

[0004] Background

[0005] Needle holders are used to support a needle, such as a biopsy needle, during medical interventions. An example of such medical intervention is stereotactic breast biopsy, in which a stereotactic device is used to guide a biopsy needle to a breast abnormality using stereo images, so that a sample of breast tissue can be removed for testing. The needle holder is attached to the stereotactic device and holds the needle steady and sterile during the procedure.

[0006] To avoid contamination of the needle, previously known needle holders have been arranged with disposable bushings. The bushings are the only part of the needle holder which are supposed to come into contact with the needle, and they are exchanged between each procedure. The bushings could for example comprise one or more small metal or plastic members adapted to be arranged in one or more openings of the needle holder, each bushing comprising an opening for receiving the needle.

[0007] However, the exchange of these bushings requires the medical practitioner to be fully focused on the task as the bushings are relatively small in size, have to be selected to fit the size of the needle to be used, and have to be kept sterile during the entire process not to contaminate the needle. There is thus a desire to simplify this task and further secure that the needle holder is maintained sterile.

[0008] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an improved needle holder. To address the identified problems, the present invention is directed to a needle holder which can be attached to the instrument prior to the examination, and disposed in its entirety afterwards, thus eliminating the need for replacement of small bushings in the needle holder between each procedure. A needle holder which is more user-friendly and safer from a contamination perspective may thereby be achieved.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a needle holder for a stereotactic device is provided, the needle holder comprising: a needle guide device comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and a through hole extending from the first end portion to the second end portion for receiving a needle therethrough, a first arm member attached to the first end portion of the needle guide device, and a second arm member attached to the second end portion of the needle guide device, wherein the first arm member comprises a first fastening member and the second arm member comprises a second fastening member, the first and second fastening members being arranged to allow the needle holder to be removably attached to the stereotactic device.

[0010] Hereby, since the needle holder is removably attached to the stereotactic device, there is no need for separate bushings. Instead, prior to conducting a medical procedure, the new needle holder is attached to the medical instrument using the first and second fastening members, and the needle can thereafter be guided into the through hole of the needle guide device. After the procedure, the needle and the needle holder are removed such that a new needle holder can be used for the next procedure. Thereby, the need for exchange of small bushings can be eliminated, thus reducing the demand on the practitioner from a dexterity perspective.

[0011] Furthermore, as the entire needle holder is removable using the first and second arms, the needle holder can be attached to the stereotactic device without a practitioner ever having to touch any of the surfaces of the needle guide device which are supposed to come into contact with the needle, thus more or less eliminating the risk of contamination.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the first arm member comprises a first opening arranged to be aligned with the through hole, and the second arm member comprises a second opening arranged to be aligned with the through hole.

[0013] Hereby, the first arm member and the second arm member cover the end faces of the needle guide device, whereby a compact needle holder is provided which further reduces the risk of contamination.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the needle guide device comprises a plurality of through holes, wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of through holes is different compared to the diameters of the remaining plurality of through holes for allowing the needle guide device to receive needles of different diameters.

[0015] Hereby, the through holes can have diameters corresponding to the most commonly used needle diameters, whereby the same needle holder can be used regardless of the diameter of the needle. Hence, the step of selecting a matching needle holder for each procedure can be eliminated. The demand on the practitioner is thus lowered.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the through holes decrease in a direction from the first arm member to the second arm member. Thereby, as the diameters of the through holes are larger at the end of the needle guide device closest to the first arm member, the needle can be readily introduced at this end. On the other hand, since the diameter at the end of the needle guide device closest to the second arm member is smaller, it can be dimensioned such that it can firmly hold the needle. The diameter of each hole at the end closest to the first arm member could be made as large a reasonably possible to ease the required dexterity of the operator, as this creates an easier target than a hole having the same diameter as the needle.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the needle guide device is rotatable in relation to the first and second arm members. Hereby, the needle guide device can be rotated such that a through hole with a diameter matching the intended needle can be aligned with the first opening and the second opening, thereby providing a simple way of adapting the needle holder to the diameter of the needle intended for use.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the through holes are completely closed in a radial direction, the cylinder wall being uninterrupted around the entire needle guide device. Hereby, the risk of contamination is even further reduced, as the through holes, and in turn the needle, is protected from the environment by the cylinder wall.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the needle guide device is a cylinder, the first end portion of the needle guide device being a first axial end portion of the cylinder, and the second end portion of the needle guide device being a second axial end portion of the cylinder.

[0020] Hereby, the shape of the needle guide device corresponds to the shape of the through holes, whereby a compact construction can be provided. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape allows for a plurality of through holes to be arranged symmetrically around a rotational geometric center axis of the needle guide device, wherein the through holes extend in the direction of the rotational geometric center axis of the cylinder. When the needle guide device is a rotatable needle guide device, the axis of rotation of the needle guide device may align with the rotational geometric center axis of the cylinder, while the first and second arms may extend in a direction transverse to the rotational geometric center axis of the cylinder. As the needle guide is rotated around its rotational geometric center axis, different through holes can stepwise align with the openings of the first and second arms, whereby the needle holder can receive needles of different diameter.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the needle holder comprises means for ensuring that one of the plurality of through holes is aligned with the first opening of the first arm member.

[0022] Hereby, the user is assisted in aligning one of the plurality of holes with the first opening, thus facilitating the process of selecting a through hole having the correct diameter. The same means may thus ensure that one of the plurality of through holes is aligned with the second opening of the second arm member. Alternatively, the second arm member could comprise additional aligning means.

[0023] The means for ensuring that one of the plurality of through holes is aligned with the first opening could be constructed in a plurality of ways. For example, the means could comprise a ball plunger adapted to snap into a hole or dent, magnets arranged at regular intervals and / or a surface structure providing a varying friction between the needle guide device and the first and / or second arm member upon rotation of the needle guide device. The means could be arranged at one or more of the first arm member, the second arm member and the needle guide device.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the cylinder may comprise a plurality of ridges on an outer surface thereof, the width of each of the plurality of ridges being different from the remaining plurality of ridges, such that each ridge corresponds to one of the plurality of through holes. The ridges can thus be used as an indicator to the user when selecting the through hole with the desired diameter. In addition, or as an alternative, visual indicators such as color indicators or written gauge markings could be arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder for guiding the user.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the means for ensuring that one of the plurality of through holes of the cylinder is aligned with the first opening is a protrusion configured to snap into another one of the plurality of through holes upon rotation of the cylinder.

[0026] Hereby, each time the first opening is aligned with a through hole during rotation of the cylinder a tactile, and possibly audible, feedback is provided to the user. Furthermore, when the protrusion snaps into a through hole it ensures that the cylinder stays in its current position as long as no further momentum is provided. The protrusion is preferably arranged on the first and / or second arm member.

[0027] The size and form of the protrusion may be chosen such that it provides a retaining force high enough to prevent unintentional rotation of the cylinder, while still allowing the cylinder to be readily rotated by a person applying a certain momentum to the cylinder. To allow the protrusion to snap into and out of the through holes, either the protrusion itself or the arm member on which it is arranged comprises some degree of resiliency.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment, the cylinder comprises one or more indentations, and the protrusion is configured to snap into an indentation upon rotation of the cylinder to ensure that one of the plurality of through holes of the cylinder is aligned with the first opening. Thus, as the sole purpose of the indentation(s) is to receive the protrusion, the size and form of the indentation(s) can also be chosen so as to optimize the retaining force.

[0029] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second fastening members comprises a dovetail slot configured to be attached to a dovetail member of the stereotactic device.

[0030] Hereby, a quick and simple way of attaching the needle holder to the stereotactic device is achieved, as it could simply be slid onto the dovetail members. At the same time, the dovetail slot of the fastening members prevents movement of the needle holder in all directions but the sliding direction of the dovetail slots, thus providing a secure attachment. The dovetail slot could be a sliding dovetail slot, and the dove tail members could be sliding dovetail members.

[0031] Preferably, the dovetail slots are arranged in such a way that the needle holder is adapted to be slid onto the stereotactic device in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the through holes. For example, the needle holder can be slid onto the machine in a horizontal direction, while the through holes, and thus also the needle, extends in a vertical direction. A practitioner sliding the needle holder onto the stereotactic device in a horizontal direction would thus only need to touch vertical sides of the needle holder, while a needle approaching the needle holder in a vertical direction would mainly risk contacting a horizontal side of the needle holder before being successfully guided into the through hole. There is thus a distinction between sides of the needle holder being contacted by the practitioner and sides of the needle holder which might contact the needle which reduces the risk of contamination.

[0032] According to alternative embodiments, the fastening members could comprise other types of connectors, such as a male-female connector, magnetic connectors, or a snap on connector together with a push button or lever for removal.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the first arm member comprises a first attachment for the needle guide, the first attachment being arranged between the first fastening member and an oppositely arranged end side of the first arm member.

[0034] Hereby, a compact needle holder can be obtained. For example, the attachment could be arranged between the first fastening member and the first arm opening. A second attachment may be arranged on the second arm in a corresponding way, such that the needle guide is held between the first arm and the second arm.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first attachment is a first pin for rotatably attaching the needle guide device to the first arm member.

[0036] Hereby, a secure attachment can be obtained which at the same time allows for rotation of the needle guide device in relation to the first arm member.

[0037] The pin preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the first and second arm members. Furthermore, when the needle guide device is a cylinder, the needle guide device may comprise a central passage extending along the rotational geometric center axis of the cylinder, wherein the pin member is arranged to extend into said central passage, such that the cylinder is allowed to be rotated around the pin.

[0038] A second pin could further be arranged on the second arm member such that the needle guide device is attached to both the first pin and the second pin.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the first pin comprises means for preventing detachment of the needle guide device from the first arm member. Hereby, while the arm members and the needle guide device are manufactured as two different parts, a non-reversible attachment may be provided between the arm members and the needle guide device. By allowing the parts to be rotated in relation to each other, but not allowing the needle holder to be disassembled, it is clear to a practitioner using the needle holder that it is meant to be disposed in its entirety after it has been used.

[0040] The means for preventing detachment could be constructed in a plurality of ways. For example, the pin could comprise a protrusion, indentation or other structure adapted to snap into a mating structure of the needle guide device.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the first pin comprises a flexible head portion at an end of the first pin, and the first end portion of the needle guide device comprises a passage ending in a cavity, such that the means for preventing detachment of the needle guide device is a snap-fit connection between the flexible head portion and the cavity.

[0042] Hereby, as the first pin is guided into the passage during assembly of the needle holder, the flexible head portion is first compressed by the walls of the passage and then expanded as it reaches the cavity such that a connection is obtained which allows for rotation between the arm members and the needle guide device, while preventing detachment of the parts from each other. This construction thus allows for an efficient assembly of the needle holder.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the first and the second arm members each comprises a protrusion configured to snap into an indentation of the stereotactic device, for securing the needle holder to the stereotactic device.

[0044] Hereby, once the needle holder has been attached to the stereotactic device, the protrusions hold the needle holder in place. The protrusions might be arranged within the dovetail slot. The protrusions and indentations are constructed such that the needle holder is locked to the stereotactic device during the medical procedure, while still allowing it to be readily removed by a practitioner after the procedure. The needle holder may be removed by simply grabbing it and providing a high enough force in a certain direction, preferably in a direction away from the stereotactic device. Alternatively, the needle holder may be provided with a latch, such that a lever or button must be actuated before being able to remove the needle holder.

[0045] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stereotactic device comprising a needle holder in accordance with any of the embodiments described in above in relation to the first aspect.

[0046] Effects and features of the second aspect of the invention are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the invention are largely compatible with the second aspect of the invention, of which some are exemplified below.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the stereotactic device comprises a receiving member, the receiving member comprising a first receiving member end attached to the first arm member of the needle holder, and a second receiving member end attached to the second arm member of the needle holder.

[0048] Hereby, the needle holder may be readily attached to the stereotactic device.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the first and second receiving member ends each comprises a dovetail member attached to a dovetail slot of the needle holder.

[0050] Hereby, the needle holder may be slid onto the stereotactic device by providing a light force in a certain direction, while at the same time, a sturdy connection between the stereotactic device and the needle holder may be achieved.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the first and second receiving member ends each comprises an indentation attached to a protrusion of the needle holder.

[0052] Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person realize that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0053] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing an example embodiment of the present invention, wherein:

[0055] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a needle holder and a stereotactic device in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Fig. 2 illustrates a needle holder in accordance with at least some example embodiments of the present invention,

[0057] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the needle holder of Fig. 2,

[0058] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the part in Fig. 3,

[0059] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of parts of the needle holder in Fig. 2,

[0060] Fig. 6 is a side view of the parts in Fig. 5,

[0061] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the stereotactic device, and Fig. 8 is a cross section view of a part of the needle holder in Fig. 2.

[0062] Detailed Description

[0063] In the present detailed description, various embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0064] Fig. 1 illustrates a stereotactic device 100 and a needle holder 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stereotactic device 100 could for example be used during a breast biopsy procedure to automatically guide a biopsy needle to the correct position. During the procedure, the biopsy needle is held by the needle holder 200, the needle holder is guided by an imaging and positioning system of the stereotactic device 100. A variety of such imaging and positioning systems are known to the skilled person, and they will thus not be further elaborated in the present disclosure. The stereotactic device 100 comprises a receiving member 102 having a first receiving member end 104 and a second receiving member end 106. The first and second receiving member ends 104, 106 of the stereotactic device 100 are adapted to attach to a first arm member 202 and a second arm member 204 of the needle holder 200, such that the needle holder 200 can be removably attached to the stereotactic device 100. The first and second receiving member ends 104, 106 in Fig. 1 each comprises a dovetail member adapted to be attached to a first and second dovetail slot of the needle holder 200.

[0065] Fig. 2 is a needle holder 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The needle holder 200 in Fig. 2 comprises the first arm member 202, the second arm member 204 and a needle guide device 300. The needle guide device 300 comprises a first end portion 302 attached to the first arm member 202, and a second end portion 304 attached to the second arm member 204. The needle guide device 300 is thus supported between the first arm member 202 and the second arm member 204. The first arm member 202 further comprises an opening 206 for guiding a needle through the first arm member 202. The opening 206 is adapted to be aligned with a through hole 306 of the needle guide device 300 (see Figs. 3-4) and with a further opening 208 of the second arm member 204 (see Fig. 5). The needle is thus allowed to extend into the opening 206 of the first arm member 202, through the through hole 306 of the needle guide device 300, and out through the opening 208 of the second arm member 204. The first arm member 202 further comprises a first fastening member 212, and the second arm member 204 further comprises a second fastening member 214. The first and second fastening members 212, 214 are arranged at opposite sides of the arm members 202, 204 with respect to the openings 206, 208. The fastening members 212, 214 are used to removably attach the needle holder 200 to the stereotactic device 100. The arm members 202, 204 thus serve to both attach the needle holder 200 to the stereotactic device and to support the needle guide device 300.

[0066] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the needle guide device 300. The needle guide device 300 is in Fig. 3 illustrated as a cylinder, wherein the first end portion 302 of the needle guide device 300 corresponds to a first axial end of the cylinder and the second end portion 304 of the needle guide device 300 corresponds to a second axial end of the cylinder. A plurality of through holes 306a-306f extend from the first end portion 302 to the second end portion 304 in an axial direction of the cylindrical needle guide device 300. The diameter of each of the plurality of through holes 306a-306f is preferably but not exclusively the same at the first end portion 302 of the needle guide device 300 to facilitate insertion of the needle. However, as will be seen in the following figures, the diameter of the plurality of through holes 306a-f at the second end portion 304 is preferably different between each of the through holes 306a-f. At the center of the needle guide device 300 of Fig. 3 is a passage 312 for attachment of the needle guide device 300 to the arm members 202, 204. A corresponding passage could be arranged to extend from the second end portion 304. Fig. 3 further discloses a plurality of ridges 310 for guiding a practitioner using the needle holder 200. These will be explained in more detail in relation to Fig. 4.

[0067] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the needle guide device 300 as seen from the first end portion 302. While the plurality of through holes 306a-f have the same diameter at the first end portion 302 of the needle guide device 300, the diameter of the holes decreases to a varying degree towards the second end portion 304. Thus, the smallest inner diameter of each of the plurality of through holes is different compared to the smallest inner diameter of the rest of the plurality of through holes 306a-f. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the through hole 306a has the smallest diameter while the through hole 306f has the largest inner diameter. By providing a plurality of through holes with different inner diameters allows a practitioner using the needle holder 200 to rotate the needle guide device 300 in such a way that different through holes 306 aligns with the openings 206, 208 of the first and second arm members 202, 204. Thus, the practitioner can adjust the needle holder 200 such that the needle is allowed to be inserted into a through hole 306a-f having an appropriate diameter, such that the needle is firmly held by the needle guide device 300. Fig. 4 further provides a clearer view of the plurality of ridges 31 Oa-31 Of. The number of ridges 31 Oa-31 Of in Fig. 4 corresponds to the number of through holes 306a-306f. Furthermore, the width of each of the ridges 310a-310f is different compared to the width of the remaining ridges. More specifically, ridge 310a having the smallest width is radially aligned with the through hole 306a having the smallest diameter. Thereby, the ridges can be used as a tactile and visual guide for a practitioner when selecting a through hole 306 corresponding to the needle to be used.

[0068] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the needle holder 200 with the needle guide device 300 removed. Fig 5. shows the first arm member 202 and the second arm member 204. In the following, some parts might be described with reference to one of the arm members 202, 204 only but it should be understood that both arm members 202, 204 preferably comprise identical or corresponding features. As already shown in relation to Fig. 1 , the first arm member 202 comprises an opening 206 and a first fastening member 212. The first arm member 202 further comprises a pin 216 arranged between the first fastening member 212 and the opening 206, wherein the pin extends in a direction perpendicular to an extension of the first arm member 202. The pin 216 is adapted to extend into the passage 312 (Figs. 3 and 4) of the needle guide device 300, for attaching the first arm member 202 to the needle guide device 300. The end of the pin 216 comprises a flexible head portion 218 which allows the pin 216 to be connected to the passage 312, while still allowing the needle guide 300 to rotate in relation to the first arm member 202.

[0069] Furthermore, the fastening members 212, 214 are in Fig. 5 illustrated as dovetail slots. This allows a practitioner to push the arm members 202, 204 of the needle holder 200 onto corresponding dovetails on the stereotactic device 100, wherein the arm members 202, 204 are pushed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the through holes 306a-f and the openings 206, 208. The second arm member 204 is further illustrated with a protrusion 220 flexibly arranged on the second arm member 204 such that the protrusion 220 can snap into an indentation of the stereotactic device 100 and thus prevent unintentional detachment of the needle holder 200 unless a sufficiently large force is applied. The second arm member 204 is also provided with an indicator 222, the indicator being adapted to, together with the ridges 310, indicate the through hole 306 currently being aligned with the first and second openings 206, 208 to a practitioner.

[0070] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the first arm member 202 shown in Fig.5. In this embodiment, the first arm member 202 further comprises a protrusion 224 for ensuring that one of the plurality of through holes 306 of the needle guide device 300 is aligned with the first opening 206. To achieve this, the protrusion 224 is attached to a first end of a flexible tab member, the flexible tab member being attached at its second end to the first arm member 202 such that the protrusion 224 is allowed to snap into another one of the plurality of through holes 306. Preferably, the through hole into which the protrusion 224 snaps, is the through hole being arranged radially opposite to the through hole aligned with the first and second openings 206, 208. Thus, as the needle guide 300 is rotated by a practitioner, the practitioner will receive both tactile and possibly audible feedback each time a through hole 306 is aligned with the first and second openings 206, 208 since the protrusion will then snap into another one of the plurality of through holes 306. In other embodiments, a structure separated from the through holes 306 could be arranged to receive the protrusion 224, for achieving the same effect.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows the receiving member 102 of the stereotactic device 100. The receiving structure is arranged to be attached to the needle holder 200. The first and second receiving member ends 104, 106 are in this embodiment illustrated as dovetail members, and it can further be seen that at least the first receiving member end 104 comprises an indentation 108 for receiving a protrusion 219 of the first arm member 202 as the needle holder 200 is attached to the stereotactic device 100. The receiving member 102 is preferably attached to the stereotactic device 100 at all times and could thus be an integral part of the stereotactic device. However, the receiving member 102 could also comprise means allowing it to be removed and exchanged if so needed. Fig. 8 is a cross section view of the needle guide device 300, taken along section A-A of Fig. 4. Fig. 8 clearly shows how the diameter of each of the plurality of through holes 306 decreases in the direction from the first end portion 302 to the second end portion 304, such that the through hole 306 has identical diameters at the first end portion 302, but unique diameters at the second end portion 304. The diameter of each hole 306 at the first end portion 302 is made as large a reasonably possible to ease the required dexterity of the operator, as this creates an easier target than a hole having the same diameter as the needle. Expressed differently, each hole 306 could comprise an internal chamfering at the first end portion 302. Fig.8 further shows the passage 312 for attaching the needle guide device 300 to the pin 216. It can be seen that the passage 312 opens up into a cavity 314. Thus, as the pin 216 with its flexible head portion 218 is inserted into the passage 312, the flexible head portion 218 is first compressed by the walls of the passage 312 and thereafter allowed to expand within the cavity 314, such that the needle guide device is irreversibly attached to the first arm member 202. In Fig. 8, the passage 312 extending from the first end portion 302 is connected to an identical passage extending from the second end portion 304. However, in other embodiments, the needle guide device 300 could comprise only one passage 312, or two passages being completely separated from each other.

[0072] Even though the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.

[0073] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A needle holder (200) for a stereotactic device (100), the needle holder (200) comprising: a needle guide device (300) comprising a first end portion (302), a second end portion (304), and a through hole (306) extending from the first end portion (302) to the second end portion (304) for receiving a needle therethrough, a first arm member (202) attached to the first end portion (302) of the needle guide device (300), and a second arm member (204) attached to the second end portion (304) of the needle guide device (300), wherein the first arm member (202) comprises a first fastening member (212) and the second arm member (204) comprises a second fastening member (214), the first and second fastening members (212, 214) being arranged to allow the needle holder (200) to be removably attached to the stereotactic device (100).

2. The needle holder (200) according to claim 1 , wherein the first arm member (202) comprises a first opening (206) arranged to be aligned with the through hole (306), and the second arm member (204) comprises a second opening (208) arranged to be aligned with the through hole (306).

3. The needle holder (200) according to claim 2, wherein the needle guide device (300) comprises a plurality of through holes (306a-f), wherein a diameter of each of the plurality of through holes (306a-f) is different compared to the diameters of the remaining plurality of through holes (306a-f) for allowing the needle guide device (300) to receive needles of different diameters.

4. The needle holder (200) according to claim 3, wherein the needle guide device (300) is rotatable in relation to the first and second arm members (202, 204).

5. The needle holder (200) according to claim 4, the needle guide device (300) being a cylinder, the first end portion (302) of the needle guide device (300) being a first axial end portion of the cylinder, and the second end portion (304) of the needle guide device (300) being a second axial end portion of the cylinder.

6. The needle holder (200) according to any one of claims 3 - 5, wherein the needle holder (200) comprises means for ensuring that one of the plurality of through holes (306a-f) is aligned with the first opening (206) of the first arm member (202).

7. The needle holder (200) according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the means for ensuring that one of the plurality of through holes (306a-f) of the cylinder is aligned with the first opening (206) is a protrusion (224) configured to snap into another one of the plurality of through holes (306a-f) upon rotation of the cylinder.

8. The needle holder (200) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second fastening members (212, 214) comprises a dovetail slot configured to be attached to a dovetail member of the stereotactic device (100).

9. The needle holder (200) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm member (202) comprises a first attachment for the needle guide (300), the first attachment being arranged between the first fastening member (212) and an oppositely arranged end side of the first arm member (202).

10. The needle holder (200) according to claim 9, wherein the first attachment (216) is a first pin (216) for rotatably attaching the needle guide device (300) to the first arm member (202).11 . The needle holder (200) according to claim 10, wherein the first pin (216) comprises means for preventing detachment of the needle guide device (300) from the first arm member (202).

12. The needle holder (200) according to claim 11 , wherein the first pin (216) comprises a flexible head portion (218) at an end of the first pin (216), and wherein the first end portion (302) of the needle guide device (300) comprises a passage (312) ending in a cavity (314), such that the means for preventing detachment of the needle guide device (300) is a snap-fit connection between the flexible head portion (218) and the cavity (314).

13. The needle holder (200) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second arm members (202, 204) each comprises a protrusion (219, 220) configured to snap into an indentation (108, 109) of the stereotactic device (100), for securing the needle holder (200) to the stereotactic device (100).

14. A stereotactic device (100) comprising a needle holder (200) according to anyone of the preceding claims.

15. The stereotactic device (100) according to claim 14, further comprising a receiving member (102), the receiving member (102) comprising a first receiving member end (104) attached to the first arm member (202) of the needle holder (200), and a second receiving member end (106) attached to the second arm member (204) of the needle holder (200).

16. The stereotactic device (100) according to claim 15, wherein the first and second receiving member ends (104, 106) each comprises a dovetail member attached to a dovetail slot of the needle holder (200).

17. The stereotactic device (100) according to anyone of the claims 15-16, wherein the first and second receiving member ends (104, 106) each comprises an indentation (108, 109) attached to a protrusion (219, 220) of the needle holder (200).

Images