Abstract: A system and method of controlling a medical device through voice commands is provided that includes an input unit, such as a microphone, for receiving a voice command identifying a function associated with one of a diagnostic and interventional procedure. The system also includes a control module for directing a medical device to perform the function based on the voice command. The system includes a voice decoder that decodes the voice command into a basic signal, and a protocol translator that converts the basic signal into a signal code associated with the voice command. The control module also includes a processing unit. The control module receives the signal code and the processing unit directs the medical device to perform the function designated by the signal code.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic imaging system includes an X-ray source and X-ray detector, sensors tracking a position of at least one of a surgical instrument and the X-ray detector, and an integrated imaging and navigation workstation. The integrated imaging and navigation workstation includes at least one processor executing fluoroscopic imaging based on an output of the X-ray detector and navigation tracking of positions of a surgical instrument and positions of an X-ray detector with respect to a coordinate system. The integrated imaging and navigation workstation also includes an input receiving surgical instrument tracking signals from the sensors, an input receiving detector tracking signals from the sensors, and a display for displaying fluoroscopic images with a displayed instrument superimposed. In particular, one or more relations of the displayed instrument with respect to the fluoroscopic image (e.g., coordinate location and rotation) corresponds to the relation of the surgical instrument to the patient.

Abstract: In a medical diagnostic imaging system, a communication protocol for providing bi-directional communication between a medical imaging subsystem and a medical navigational subsystem, the communication protocol including a plurality of navigation subsystem to imaging subsystem messages; and a Begin Imaging and an End Imaging message for synchronizing image acquisition with navigation coordinate determination, the Begin Imaging and End Imaging messages included in imaging subsystem to the navigation subsystem messages.

Abstract: A system and method of x-ray imaging is provided that includes a support base, a bearing assembly supported by the support base, and a non-circular positioning arm rotating in a semi-elliptical path relative to the support base through the bearing assembly. The non-circular positioning arm has first and second distal ends. The shape of the non-circular positioning arm conforms to a shape of a portion of a linear spiral. The system and method also includes an x-ray source located at the first distal end of the positioning arm, an x-ray detector located at the second distal end of the positioning arm. The x-ray source emits a conical beam having a theoretical central beam. The central beam passes through an origin of the linear spiral. The system also includes an imaging isocentric area located between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector. The imaging isocentric area remains substantially constant when the noncircular positioning arm rotates relative to the support base.

Abstract: A patient table with a table pivot member is disclosed. A patient support surface supporting a patient during a medical procedure is supported by a base which includes telescopic members to move the patient support surface vertically. A table pivot member connects the patient support surface to the base. The table pivot member enables the patient support surface to pivot in at least one of tilt and lateral roll directions with respect to the base. An actuating element composed of at least two actuators is connected between the patient support surface and the base to drive the patient support surface in at least one of tilt or lateral roll directions.

Abstract: A system and method of x-ray imaging is provided that includes a support base, a bearing assembly supported by the support base, and a non-circular positioning arm rotating in a semi-elliptical path relative to the support base through the bearing assembly. The non-circular positioning arm has first and second distal ends. The shape of the non-circular positioning arm conforms to a shape of a portion of a linear spiral. The system and method also includes an x-ray source located at the first distal end of the positioning arm, an x-ray detector located at the second distal end of the positioning arm. The x-ray source emits a conical beam having a theoretical central beam. The central beam passes through an origin of the linear spiral. The system also includes an imaging isocentric area located between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector. The imaging isocentric area remains substantially constant when the noncircular positioning arm rotates relative to the support base.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a medical device through voice commands is provided that includes an input unit, such as a microphone, for receiving a voice command identifying a function associated with one of a diagnostic and interventional procedure. The system also includes a control module for directing a medical device to perform the function based on the voice command. The system includes a voice decoder that decodes the voice command into a basic signal, and a protocol translator that converts the basic signal into a signal code associated with the voice command. The control module also includes a processing unit. The control module receives the signal code and the processing unit directs the medical device to perform the function designated by the signal code.