Intervention device

Abstract

A device for interventions within the body, the device comprising: an end piece 6 for insertion into the body at a distal end thereof, the end piece 6 including a rigid lumen for holding an instrument 10 and guiding the instrument 10 to the distal end of the end piece; and a body section 4 supporting the lumen and being rigidly connected thereto, the body section including a navigation array 14 for guidance of the device using a surgical navigation system and/or including an anchor point 20 for a standard navigation array.

Claims

1. A device adapted for interventions within a patient's body, the device comprising: an end piece adapted to be inserted into the patient's body at a distal end of the end piece, the end piece including a rigid lumen for holding an instrument and guiding slidable movement of the instrument to the distal end of the end piece; a body section supporting the lumen and being rigidly connected thereto; a navigation array rigidly connected to the instrument and held in a track on the body section that permits slidable movement of the navigation array relative to the body section, the navigation array comprising a plurality of optical markers at known locations relative to the end piece or an electromagnetic location sensor at a known location relative to the end piece, and wherein the navigation array is configured to allow for guidance of the device in three dimensions toward a target site within the patient's body using a surgical navigation system; a proximal holder piece configured to hold a proximal end of the instrument, the proximal holder piece being positioned at a proximal end of the end piece and of the body section; one or more clamps configured to attach to the instrument, wherein the one or more clamps are configured to fix the instrument in place relative to the end piece and the distal end of the end piece thereof; and moveable parts configured to connect to and move with the instrument as the instrument moves slidably relative to the end piece; wherein an entirety of the body section, with the navigation array connected thereto, is placed/positioned between the end piece and the proximal holder piece, wherein the instrument extends from a proximal end of the proximal holder piece, through the body section and into the lumen of the end piece, and wherein the slidable movement of the instrument relative to the end piece moves the instrument along the lumen and through the distal end of the end piece into the patient's body.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the end piece comprises a tip adapted to pierce the patient's body, the tip comprising a tapered profile narrowing toward a point.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the end piece comprises a marking adapted to show a depth of insertion of the end piece into the patient's body.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the lumen is configured to be rigid enough to permit placement of a tip of the end piece with millimeter accuracy without deformation as the lumen penetrates body tissues and while being subject to any bending moments that arise as the lumen is manoeuvred along a selected approach toward the target site.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the device is adapted to be used for cranial use and the rigidity of the lumen is sufficient to enable the tip to be placed with millimeter accuracy at the patient's sphenopalatine ganglion or otic ganglion when targeted via a lateral approach.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the device is adapted to be used for cranial use and the of the lumens is sufficient to limit deflection of the instrument as the instrument advances toward the patient's sphenopalatine ganglion along the lateral approach to a deflection of from 0 mm to 2 mm per 10 cm of length of the lumen.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the rigid connection between the navigation array and the instrument is via a coupling between the proximal holder piece and the navigation array.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the instrument further comprises an injection needle configured to inject substances into the patient's body, and the end piece is for receiving and guiding the needle.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the lumen is sized to receive a needle having a diameter of 25 G or smaller (diameter of 0.02025 inches or smaller).

10. The device of claim 1, the instrument further comprising a needle, the needle including a needle tip comprising a slightly rounded end and openings on each side of the tip rather than at the tip end.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising an ampule or a syringe, the ampule or the syringe being attached to the needle at the body section or at the proximal holder piece.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a first, locking, mechanism to lock the proximal holder piece and a second, injection, mechanism to aspirate and then inject a substance from the vessel.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the instrument is a pointer, a neurostimulator, a core biopsy needle, a fine biopsy needle, an electric or radiofrequency ablation therapy electrode or a cannula for chemical ablative therapy.

14. A method comprising: inserting the device of claim 1 into the body and using the surgical navigation system to guide the instrument, the end piece, or both in three dimensions toward the target site within the patient's body, the navigation system being associated with the navigation array of the device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the instrument is a needle, the method further comprising injecting a pharmacological substance into the patient's body at the target site.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the navigated insertion of the end piece of the device is toward a sphenopalatine ganglion or otic ganglion along a lateral approach.

17. An apparatus comprising a computer processor and a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that when executed cause the apparatus to perform a method comprising: configuring an image guided surgery navigation system to guide the end piece of the device of claim 1 in three dimensions toward the target site within the patient's body.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the apparatus to configure the image guided surgery navigation system to guide the end piece in three dimensions toward the patient's sphenopalatine ganglion or otic ganglion along a lateral approach.

Description

(1) Certain preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows an example of an intervention device in side view;

(3) FIG. 2 is a detail view showing features of a needle used with the intervention device of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows arrangements for the tip of the intervention device of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another example of an intervention device

(6) FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 4 with the addition of a handheld device mounted to the body of the intervention device;

(7) FIGS. 6 and 7 are side and end views of a device similar to the device of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further example of an intervention device;

(9) FIG. 9 shows the intervention device of FIG. 8 with the needle extended;

(10) FIGS. 10a and b show a further example of an intervention device including an optional cradle for a handheld device and an optional cheek stopper;

(11) FIGS. 11a and 11b show another example, wherein the intervention device is fitted with an endoscope and smart phone;

(12) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a still further example of an intervention device;

(13) FIGS. 12a and b show the location of the SPG in the head with the device shown approaching the SPG infrazygomatically;

(14) FIG. 14 shows the transnasal approach with a device having an angled tip, wherein the end piece passes through the nasal cavity and therefore only penetrates the mucosa at the shown point;

(15) FIGS. 15a and b show the infrazygomatic approach to the OG; and

(16) FIG. 16 shows the transnasal approach to the OG, this approach being defined by a straight line.

(17) FIG. 1 shows an intervention device for high-precision image guided interventions targeting cranial autonomic ganglia. The device can also be used wherever applicable for injections, core needle biopsy, fine needle biopsy, puncture, aspiration, ablation, and for the positioning of electrodes, radioactive seeds, catheters or implants.

(18) The device consists of a proximal piece 2, body 4 and an end piece 6 with a tip 8. It is made of a rigid material to avoid navigation inaccuracy. This is of paramount importance since there is no way for the interventionist to be aware of deformations of an instrument as soon as skin or mucosa is punctured and the instrument is within the body.

(19) The end piece 6 comprises a rigid lumen through which an object such as a needle 10 can pass. The lumen can be of any suitable diameter, length and form, provided that it has sufficient length to penetrate to the injection site. In this example embodiment it is sized for use in a lateral or transnasal medial approach to the SPG and hence the end piece 6 extends away from the body 4 by about 12 cm allowing for sufficient length to penetrate the skin and reach the SPG, which can be perhaps 6 to 9 cm from the skin as noted above. The lumen of the end piece 6 is made of a rigid material to avoid navigation inaccuracy and it should be rigid enough to permit placement of the tip 8 with millimeter accuracy without deformation as the lumen penetrates the intervening body tissues and whilst being subject to bending moments that might arise as it is manoeuvred along the selected approach toward the SPG (which may be transnasal or lateral). The lumen of this example has a diameter just big enough fit a 25 G needle with appropriate clearance.

(20) The end piece 6 has centimeter marks to provide an indication of the depth of insertion beneath the skin. The end piece 6 extends through the body 4 and is attached to proximal piece 2 to allow for the needle 10 to extend along the proximal piece as described below. The lumen is open at the proximal end to provide access for the needle 10. The tip 8 can be sharp as shown or rounded to minimize tissue damage. Potential adaptations to the design of the tip 8 are discussed below in relation to FIG. 3. The outer diameter of the end piece 6 may taper off from the proximal end to the distal end of the end piece 6. The very distal end of the end piece may be approximately 20-22 G. The inner diameter will typically be just big enough to carry the preferred 25 G needle.

(21) The body 4 is connected to and holds the end piece 6 and proximal piece 2. The body 4 includes an ergonomic shaped handle 12 that allows for one-handed use. The body 4 also holds an array 14 with reflector balls for an optical guidance system mounted on a suitable anchor point 16. This optical guidance array 14 can be used in conjunction with further reflector balls 18 mounted on the proximal piece for best accuracy and to permit the navigation system to also monitor the position of the needle 10 within the end piece 6. The body 4 in this example also has a universal clamp anchor point 20, which is formed to fit universal clamps as provided by manufacturers, and also an electromagnetic anchor 22. The various anchor points 16, 20, 22 allow for alternative guidance systems to be used for the needle guide. For electromagnetic navigations system any connection point provided by the manufacturer could be embedded.

(22) The body 4 optionally includes a mounting point (for example, as described below in relation to FIGS. 5 to 7) for a handheld device replacing the traditional computer platform, such as a tablet, smart phone, iPod or the like. The display screen of the handheld device can be used during navigation to show the operator what movement of the end piece is required or to show images from an endoscope attached to the intervention device. Such a handheld device can include software that by animation (e.g. three-dimensional) of the medical image with targets and bars, will provide guidance to the operator in relation to the puncture site, alignment of the end piece and distance to the target along with warnings if the device is off track. The software may display a magnified view of a region of interest in the navigation image on the screen of the handheld device. Appropriate software could also be integrated into the software of the computer platform provided by the manufacturers of navigation systems either in addition to software on a handheld device and capable of interacting with the handheld device or as an alternative allowing the use of a separate computer platform without a handheld device. This can make the intervention procedure safer and more precise. Furthermore, it can make the procedure available not only for specialized surgeons but also to surgeons with less experience in this field as well as potentially to other medical professionals such as neurologists and anaesthesiologists. This is of importance since the ease of performing a procedure and hence its availability to patients is as important as the existence of such procedure. The handheld device can communicate with a computer platform through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or the like. The computer platform can be integrated in a tracking rack, making it convenient for storage and transport, and therefore for outpatient use or the like. The device may include a sensor in the body of the device connected to the handheld device that registers movements of the needle and/or of the proximal piece, this is done with or without usage of the possibility of tracking movements by markers on the proximal piece.

(23) The proximal piece 2 is attached to the end piece 6 and the body 4. The proximal piece comprises two clamps 24 for attachment of the needle 10. These clamps 24 are used to fix the needle 10 in place relative to the tip 8. With appropriate guidance from an optical navigation system or similar, the needle guide can be pushed forward using the tip 8 and end piece 6 to penetrate the skin and body tissue. When the tip 8 is at a suitable distance from the target site the distal end of the needle 10 can be extended from the tip 8 by manipulation of the proximal end of the needle 10 at the proximal piece. A scale provided on the proximal piece shows how far the needle has been inserted. In this way the device avoids the risk tissue damage that might otherwise be caused by the larger end piece of the device approaching close to the target site. Extending and then retracting the needle 10 can also be used to avoid backflow of a pharmacological substance as one retracts the device.

(24) Another way to measure the distance that the needle 10 has been moved is the use of positional markers, e.g. in the case of an optical system, reflectors, for calculating the distance. In the embodiment shown one of the reflector balls 18 could slide along the proximal piece 2 connected to an associated clamp 24 and hence provide an indication of the distance that the needle 10 has moved. In such cases, with appropriate software, the position of the needle can be seen on a navigation screen or other computer device.

(25) The device will be made of a rigid material to avoid IGS inaccuracies. Any instrument guided by the device can be semi-rigid, in this case the needle 10, as the device in itself provides the requisite stiffness to ensure that the intervention is accurate.

(26) The needle 10 in this example is a 25 G needle that is provided with a specially designed needle tip 26, which is shown in FIG. 2. The tip 26 has a slightly rounded end to minimise the risk of damage to the target site (the SPG in one example) and there are openings on each side of the tip 26 so that tissue on either side is infiltrated by the pharmacological substance. FIG. 2 also shows detail of the proximal end of the needle 10, which is provided with a luer lock device for connection to an appropriate source of the pharmacological substance, for example a syringe.

(27) FIG. 3 shows potential alternative designs for the tip 8 of the lumen, with adaptations to bend the needle 10 as it is pushed out of the tip 8 and to thereby direct it away from the line of the end piece 6. This allows for targeting of injection sites that are not in a location than can be easily accessed in a straight line from an appropriate puncture site. Since the effect of the shaped tip 8 on the final position of the needle 10 as it is extended will be known then the angled path of the needle 10 can be taken into account when the desired path for insertion of the end piece 6 into the body is determined. FIG. 3 shows three possible arrangements, including an angled tip 8, and two systems using internal contours within the tip 8 to angulate the needle 10 either as it exits a hole at the very end of the tip 8 or as it exits a hole in the side of the tip. One advantageous use for an angled tip 8 is shown in FIG. 11, where the SPG is targeted using a transnasal approach.

(28) Another exemplary intervention device is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. This device has generally similar features to the device described in relation to FIG. 1 and comprises the same main parts, with a proximal piece 2, body section 4 and end piece 6. With the perspective views of FIGS. 4 and 5 the arrangement of the array 14 of reflector balls can be more clearly seen, in particular the spacing of the front and rear pairs of balls 14. This arrangement is also found in the device of FIG. 1.

(29) The example device of FIGS. 4 and 5 includes various additional or alternative features compared to the device of FIG. 1. The differences are in the proximal piece 2 and body section 4, and also in the supply of fluid to the needle. If not described otherwise then the remaining features can be taken to be similar or identical to the features described above for FIG. 1. The proximal piece 2 includes a handle in the form of a ring 30 for enabling the user to push or pull the instrument with the thumb or a finger. In this way the needle can be moved in a one-handed operation whilst the handle 12 of the body section is held by the same hand. A reflector 18 is attached to the ring 30 to permit the navigation system to determine the position of the needle as it moves with movement of the ring 30. To supply fluid to the needle the device of this second example includes an ampule 32 attached to the needle within the body section 4. There are also further features for actuating the device in the form of two trigger levers 34, 36. The body section 4 incorporates a locking mechanism to lock needle in place and prevent further movement of the proximal piece, and this is actuated using a first, shorter, lever 34. A second, longer, lever 36 is provided for actuating a mechanism that aspirates and then injects a substance from the ampule 32.

(30) It will be seen that FIG. 5 includes an additional feature of a handheld device 38, which is not in FIG. 4. The handheld device 38 is mounted to the body section 4 and can operate as discussed above in order to assist the user with navigation.

(31) FIGS. 6 and 7 show a similar device to that shown in FIG. 5, but with an additional feature of a cheek-stopper 40. The other features are as in FIG. 5, although for this example the ring 30 is omitted. FIG. 6 is a side view and FIG. 7 is an end view looking along the line of the end piece 6 from the tip 8 toward the body section 4. It should also be noted that whilst FIGS. 4 and 5 show the needle 10 in a retracted position, withdrawn within the end piece 6 and hence not visible, FIG. 6 shows the needle 10 extended out of the tip 8 of the end piece 6. The reflector 18 clamped to the needle 10 at the proximal piece 2 is hence moved forward by the same distance that the needle 10 has moved.

(32) A further example of an intervention device is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The device is broadly similar to the other examples herein, but the design of the handle 12 is changed and a three reflector navigation array 14 is used in place of the four reflector navigation array 14 of the above devices. In addition, in place of the luer lock 28 or ampule 32, the device of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes a core biopsy instrument 42 to take core needle biopsy. An example of a suitable instrument for the core biopsy instrument 42 is the BARD MONOPTY Disposable Core Biopsy Instrument, as manufactured by Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., of Tempe, Ariz., USA. See www.bardbiopsy.com. Another possible biopsy instrument is the BARD MAGNUM Resuable Core Biopsy Instrument, from the same manufacturer. The core biopsy device 42 is connected to a slide at the proximal piece 2 and can be moved by way of a ring 30 that is operable via a finger or thumb. FIG. 8 shows the needle 10 withdrawn inside the end piece 6 and FIG. 9 shows the core biopsy instrument 42 slid forward and the needle 10 therefore extending from the tip 8 of the end piece 6.

(33) FIGS. 10a and 10b show another example device, which once again is broadly similar to the other examples described herein. In these Figures the reference numbers show similar features to those described above, including the proximal piece 2, body section 4, end piece 6 and tip 8. The navigation array 14 has three reflectors similar to the example of FIGS. 8 and 9. The device of FIGS. 10a and b has a syringe 44 connected to the needle 10 via the proximal piece 2. The syringe 44 can be coupled to the needle 10 using any suitable coupling mechanism, for example a three-way stop cock. The device further includes a cradle 48 for a handheld device 38. The handheld device 38 can be used as described above to assist in the intervention procedure. A cheek stopper 40 is also present. It will be appreciated that the device of FIGS. 10a and b could be used without the cradle 48 and cheek stopper 40, if required.

(34) The device of FIGS. 10a and 10b further includes a track 46 on the body section 4, in which the navigation array 14 is mounted. The track 46 allows the navigation array 14 to slide along the body section, although in the arrangement of the Figures this feature is not in use and the navigation array would instead be fixed in place. When the sliding connection is used the instrument (the needle 10 in this example) would be connected to the navigation array 14 via a coupling between the proximal piece 2 and the array 14. This is to allow the array 14 to be rigidly connected to the instrument and to hence reflect the location of the instrument within the body.

(35) Another example device is shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b. The main features are similar to the example of FIGS. 10a and 10b, but the syringe is not present and instead an endoscope 52 is mounted on the body section 4. Advantageously, the endoscope 52 can be linked to the display of a smart phone 38 mounted in smartphone cradle 48 so that the smart phone 38 shows the endoscope 52 image feed. This allows the view from the endoscope 52 to be easily seen by the user and also to be aligned with the orientation of the device/end piece 6. As noted above, fitting the device with an endoscope 52 enables convenient combined use of the endoscope 52 with other instruments, such as a needle 10, without risk of collision of the two instruments.

(36) The further example of FIG. 12 is similar to that of FIGS. 10a and 10b, but the cradle 48 and cheek stopper 40 have been removed and the syringe 44 is replaced with a core biopsy instrument 42, similar to that discussed above. Once again the body section 4 has a track 46 that the navigation array 14 is mounted in for sliding movement. The movable proximal piece 2 is connected to the navigation array 14 by a coupling so that when the biopsy instrument 42 is moved then the navigation array 14 also moves. FIG. 11 also shows a handle 12 made of a transparent material, which is an optional feature. The internal mechanism of the device can be seen. In this example a trigger is provided to actuate the device and cause the biopsy instrument and the needle to advance.

(37) It should be noted that the features of the needle tip described in relation to FIG. 2 and the various alternative embodiments of the tip 8 of the end piece 6 shown in FIG. 3 can also be utilised in the devices shown in FIGS. 4 to 12. Similarly, the additional features of FIGS. 4 to 12 relating to the handheld device 38/cradle 48, ring 30, ampule 32 and lever system, sliding track 46, syringe 44, cheek stopper 40, core biopsy instrument 42, endoscope 52 and so on can also be used with the device of FIG. 1 or as optional features for any of the other devices of FIGS. 2 to 12.

(38) The devices described above makes it safe to use the lateral approach targeting the SPG, significantly lowering the risk of complications such as tissue destruction of adjacent structures by the very instrument at use or adverse events due to misjudged placement of the needle while injecting the pharmacological substance. At the same time the positioning of the injection will be highly accurate, making it feasible to use small volumes with minimal possibilities of diffusion into adjacent structures. Such a precision also ensures optimal delivery of the pharmacological substances and therefore optimal treatment effect.

(39) In further alternative embodiments the end piece 6 and tip 8 can be designed for implantation of neuromodulators where, for example, the very end of the neuromodulator can be pointed and pushed out of the device to be installed at the target site as applicable. The distal end can alternatively, be formed to carry an implant, for example a steroid releasing implant to be installed in sinuses. The device may also be adapted for other procedures such as those listed below.

(40) The end piece 6 can also be adjusted in design by providing it with anchor points for flexible or rigid endoscopes. An endoscope may alternatively be mounted on the body section of the device, as in the example of FIGS. 11a and 11b. Use of an endoscope would ease the localisation of the best entry point on the lateral wall of the nasal cavity using the transnasal route, making this procedure more user friendly and more accessible as procedure performed under local anaesthesia. An endoscope can also assist with other procedures using the device.

(41) In the case of electromagnetic navigation, which can be used as an alternative or in addition to optical navigation, a coil can be embedded in the tip 8 and/or the end piece 6.

(42) Example dimensions for the end piece are set out in the table below. The example end pieces are manufactured of beta titanium and available from Futaku Precision Machinery Industry Company of Kyoto, Japan. Alternative sizes could of course be used, provided that they have sufficient rigidity.

(43) TABLE-US-00001 Length To the angled Outer diameter Inner Straight/ segment Total Proximal Distal diameter angled tip (cm) (cm) (mm) (mm) (mm) Straight 14 3.048/1.651 1.10 0.9 45 degrees 14 16 3.048 1.270 1.1 Straight 16 3.048 1.40 1.1 20 degrees 14 16 3.048 1.651 1.3 40 degrees 14 16 3.048 1.70 1.6 Straight 16 3.048 1.270 0.9 20 degrees 14 16 3.048 1.270 1.1 40 degrees 14 16 3.048 1.45 1.3 Straight 18 3.048 2.10 1.6

(44) A possible advantageous use of the device is the injection of neuroinhibitory substances such as botulinum toxin in close proximity to the SPG or OG. Note that the injection device should not penetrate the SPG or OG. The injection is achieved in order to treat or prevent headache and may be achieved without damage to surrounding critical structures within the head. A neuroinhibitor is defined as any substance that affects transmission in a neural structure, resulting in any change of transmission, which may decrease or increase the neural activity. The neuroinhibitory substance is preferably a neurotoxin.

(45) By delivery of the active substance in close proximity (proximally) to the sphenopalatine ganglion or otic ganglion means that the botulinum toxin or other neuroinhibitory substance in question is delivered so that it causes the desired technical effect, e.g. the prevention of treatment of headache etc. Ideally therefore the neuroinhibitory substance is injected to within 5 mm of the SPG or OG, preferably within 4 mm, such as within 3 mm, especially within 2 mm. Ideally injection of the active ingredient takes place 2 mm or less form the target SPG or OG. This can be measured using the device and associated computer technology which is described in detail below.

(46) The injection of the neuroinhibitor occurs infrazygomatically or transnasally in order to ensure that a safe, close injection of the neuroinhibitor is achieved. The terms infrazygomatic or transnasally are terms of this art.

(47) The term infrazygomatic therefore requires that the injection takes place inferior to the zygomatic arch on either side of the mandibula, typically anterior or through the mandibular notch.

(48) The term transnasally defines an injection route which involves advancing the needle through the nasal cavity. Targeting the SPG this route will further violate the lateroposterior boundary of the nasal cavity, constituting the medial boundary of the SF.

(49) Targeting the OG involves advancing through the maxillary ostium and the maxillary sinus, violating the back wall of the maxillary sinus, advancing on the lateral aspect of the lateral pterygoid plate. The OG is located in the infratemporal fossa, the SPG in the sphenopalatine fossa.

(50) It is preferably the case that access to the SPG or OG from the outside of the body is achieved infrazygomatically or transnasally by insertion of the injection device such that the device defines a straight line between SPG or OG (or more specifically the point proximal to the SPG and OG where active substance release will occur) and the point at which the external skin or mucosa is penetrated. This is illustrated in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16. FIG. 14 shows an alternative preferred approach where the end piece of the device has a curved tip enabling the needle to be directed toward the SPG or OG at an angle from the main axis of the lumen. The device punctures the wall of the nasal cavity at puncture site 50 and the angled tip directs the needle toward the target site.

(51) The infrazygomatic approach therefore allows the injection device to pass through the skin and then soft tissue to the SPG or OG. That can be achieved in a straight line and hence with a straight injection device. That means that the injection can be targeted very accurately in close proximity to the SPG or OG. This method of administration allows application under local anaesthetic.

(52) Where the injection takes place transnasally the route involves passing through the nasal mucosa and the sphenopalatine foramen or the perpendicular plate of the palatine bone to reach the SPG. Injection is not therefore lateral (via the cheek) but preferably involves a straight line from the injection point to the SPG. Transnasal route to reach the OG involves advancing through the maxillary ostium and the maxillary sinus, violating the back wall of the maxillary sinus, advancing on the lateral aspect of the lateral pterygoid plate. This involves a straight line from the injection site to the OG. These methods may require general anaesthesia.

(53) The injection described above can be used in the treatment or prevention of headaches, in particular any kind of primary headache or secondary headache. The treatment or prevention may relate therefore to cluster headaches, migraine, tension-type headache, short lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing/cranial autonomic features (SUNCT/SUNA), hemicrania continua or paroxysmal hem icrania.

(54) Paroxysmal hemicrania is a primary headache disorder involving frequent attacks of unilateral, peri-orbital and temporal pain typically lasting less than 30 minutes. The pain can be associated with conjunctival injection, lacrimation, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, ptosis and eyelid edema.

(55) SUNCT/SUNA is a primary headache disorder characterized by multiple attacks of unilateral, peri-orbital and temporal pain typically lasting less than 2 minutes. The pain is associated with conjunctival injection, lacrimation, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and eyelid edema. This headache may be associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

(56) Hemicrania continua is a primary headache disorder characterized by a strictly unilateral headache responsive to Indomethacin. The pain is associated with conjunctival injection, lacrimation, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, ptosis, and eyelid edema.

(57) It will be appreciated that the term treatment here refers to reduction in pain experienced by a patient and/or a reduction in the frequency in which headache occurs. The term prevention means preventing headaches occurring, e.g. as frequently as before.

(58) The neuroinhibitory substance is one which is capable of preventing or treating headache when administered in close proximity to the SPG or OG. Suitable inhibitors include Botulinum toxin, Tetanus neurotoxin, (which is produced by Clostridium tetani), Staphylococcal alpha-toxin, and acylpolyamine toxins (e.g. AR636 and AG489).

(59) In general the therapeutic modality used to treat and/or prevent headache is a presynaptic neurotoxin. Presynaptic neurotoxin as used herein refers to those neurotoxins and their derivatives which are known to produce localized, reversible flaccid paralysis of musculature in mammals which does not result in degeneration of muscle or nervous tissue.

(60) It is preferred however if the inhibitor is botulinum toxin. This is a protein and neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is commercially available. It is preferred if the botulinum toxin is of types A, B, C, D, E, F or G, such as Botulinum toxin type A. Botulinum toxin may for example be administered in the manner and form described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,981,433

(61) The frequency of the injections needed may be every 3 to 8 months but will be patient dependent.

(62) Whilst the method described above is in relation to the administration of neuroinhibitory substances such as botulinium toxin, the method of injection and device discussed here can be used for the injection of other active substances such as local anaesthetics (e.g. lidocaine or marcain) and corticosteroids (e.g. triamcinolone). The method and device may be used to inject a local anaesthetic or corticosteroid for use in a method for treating or preventing headache, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, Frey syndrome or hypersecretion of tears/lacrimation comprising injecting said substance in close proximity to the sphenopalatine ganglion or otic ganglion wherein an injection device comprising said substance is brought into close proximity to the sphenopalatine ganglion or otic ganglion by inserting said injection device into the patient transnasally or infrazygomatically and the substance injected in close proximity to the SPG or OG.

(63) Various example procedures using the device described above are set out below and FIGS. 13a through 16 illustrate the locations of the SPG and OG along with possible approaches for interventions on the SPG or OG as discussed above.

EXAMPLE 1

(64) A female patient with refractory hemicrania continua was treated via injection of Botox around the SPG. Due to an occipital neurostimulator MRI was contraindicated and identification of SPG on MRI was not possible. Preoperatively the calculated position of the SPG was marked on a CT scan with 1 mm slides. On the navigation planning system a preplanned puncture site and trajectory was made. On the symptomatic side a navigable needle guide was advanced through the sphenopalatine foramen and towards the SPG. The needle was passed through the guide and the tip of the needle was confirmed to be 1 mm from the SPG by the navigation system while 75 IU botulinum toxin type A was injected.

(65) Over a period of two months prior to the treatment the patient had an average headache intensity of 8.1 (scale 1-10) and normally experienced from one to four headache attacks daily. From 4 to 10 weeks after the treatment the patient had not a single attack during the whole period and the average headache intensity was 6.3. The patient also did not experience any complication during 4 months follow-up.

EXAMPLE 2

(66) The patient was a male that presented with a prevertebral mass close to the atlas (C1) seen on MRI. He had formerly been treated for pulmonary cancer histologically classified as adenocarcinoma. After a clinical assessment it was concluded that the tumor was not available for conventional procedures for a histological diagnosis. Using a navigable guide with an optical navigation system and a transoral approach it was possible to do a fine needle biopsy of the tumor deep in the neck to confirm the suspicion of a pulmonary metastasis.

EXAMPLE 3

(67) A female patient with refractory chronic cluster headache was treated via injection of lidocaine around the OG. Preoperatively the calculated position of the SPG was marked on a CT scan with 1 mm slides. On the navigation planning system a pre-planned puncture site and trajectory was made. On the symptomatic side a navigable needle guide was advanced through the maxillary ostium and the back wall of the maxillary sinus, and then at the lateral aspects of the lateral pterygoid plate to the OG. 5 ml of lidocaine 20 mg/ml was injected. The patient had a short relief of the headache as expected using short-acting local anaesthetic.

EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS

(68) The advantages for interventions targeting the SPG will also arise when using the device for IGS in the rest of the body for indications such as injections, biopsies, punctures, aspiration, ablation therapy, and for positioning of electrodes, catheters, radioactive seeds and implants. The same device can be used or it may be advantageous to use a similar device with an alternative tip design or a different length of end piece, depending on the characteristics of the target site, the approach available and the procedure that is to be carried out. The needle guide device may thus be utilised for procedures to address numerous medical conditions. Procedures that the device can be used for include: Injections Any pharmacological substance Neuroexcitatory agent Neuroinhibitory agents Botulinum toxin, any type Staphylococcal alpha-toxin Tetanus neurotoxin Acylpolyamine toxins Core needle biopsy and fine needle biopsy Head/neck area Intracranially Extracranially Retropharyngeal space Parapharyngeal space Skull base Deep regions of the face/neck Any region of the face/neck In the vicinity of the columna In the vicinity of bone in any region of the body Any region of the body Puncture and aspiration Evacuation of cystic structures and fluidic compartment for diagnosis and therapy Any part of the body Ablation therapy Any nerve or neural structure, intracranially and extracranially Ablation of normal tissue to reduce volume and/or increase stiffness in any region of the body Ablation of tumour tissue in any region of the body Positioning of electrodes, catheters, implants, electrophysiological measurements, radioactive seeds Any structure or organ of the body including nerve, neural structure, blood vessel. Endoscopy and/or pointer procedures Flexible or rigid endoscope may be attached to the device Any procedure in an open cavity that requires endoscope or pointer Paranasal sinusis Nasal cavity Farynx Larynx

(69) The device can be used in the treatment of conditions including: Headache Migraine Cluster headache Tension-type headache Trigeminal Autonomic Headache SUNCT Hemicrania Continua Paroxysmal hemicrania Any kind of primary headache Any kind of secondary headache Rhinitis Allergic rhinitis Vasomotor rhinitis Rhinitis medicamentosa Polypous rhinitis Any kind of non-structural rhinitis Rhinosinusitis Without polyps With polyps Any kind of rhinosinusitis Hypersecretion of tears/excessive lacrimation Any disease with hypersecretion of tears Frey syndrome/auriculotemporal syndrome/gustatory sweating Tinnitus Objective tinnitus Subjective tinnitus

(70) Whilst the indications and examples above primarily relate to conditions of the human body the device can of course also be utilised for interventions on the animal body.