Abstract: The “Smart Tool” includes a “Smart Tool Probe” and two processing modules. The Smart Tool Probe is a hand held, wired or wireless, device that a surgeon utilizes for interrogating and identifying a tissue site, such as the entrance to a pedicle. The processing units, an Electro-Optical Control (EOC) Module and a CDS Module, provide control and display capabilities enabling real-time tissue site (such as vertebra bone) interrogation. The Smart Tool Probe utilizes a system of optical fibers that carry the interrogating optical signal sent by the light source(s) and the reflected optical signal back to the optical receivers. The light source(s) and light receivers are located in the EOC Module. The data received from the EOC Module are processed and converted into an image which is displayed on the screen in real-time. The software installed on the machine allows the surgeon to adjust/enhance the image properties to suit the selected requirements.

Abstract: IntraOsteal UltraSound (IOUS) is the use of acoustical energy to facilitate “real-time” manipulation and navigation of a device for intraosseous placement of synthetic or biologic implants and to diagnose the condition of the tissue into which the implant is being placed. Representative applications include placement of synthetic or biologic implants, such as bone screws, through vertebral pedicles during spinal fusion surgery. Devices for use in the placement of the implants include a means for creating a lumen or channel into the bone at the desired site in combination with a probe for providing realtime feedback of differences in density of the tissue, typically differences in acoustical impedance between cancellous and cortical bone. The devices will also typically include means for monitoring the feedback such as a screen creating an image for the surgeon as he creates the channel, and/or an audible signal which different tissues are present. The system can also be used for diagnostic applications.

Abstract: IntraOsteal UltraSound (IOUS) is the use of acoustical energy to facilitate “real-time” manipulation and navigation of a device for intraosseous placement of synthetic or biologic implants and to diagnose the condition of the tissue into which the implant is being placed. Representative applications include placement of synthetic or biologic implants, such as bone screws, through vertebral pedicles during spinal fusion surgery. Devices for use in the placement of the implants include a means for creating a lumen or channel into the bone at the desired site in combination with a probe for providing realtime feedback of differences in density of the tissue, typically differences in acoustical impedence between cancellous and cortical bone. The devices will also typically include means for monitoring the feedback such as a screen creating an image for the surgeon as he creates the channel, and/or an audible signal which different tissues are present.

Abstract: IntraOsteal UltraSound (IOUS) is the use of acoustical energyto facilitate “real-time” manipulation and navigation of a device for intraosseous placement of synthetic or biologic implants and to diagnose the condition of the tissue into which the implant is being placed. Representative applications include placement of synthetic or biologic implants, such as bone screws, through vertebral pedicles during spinal fusion surgery. Devices for use in the placement of the implants include a means for creating a lumen or channel into the bone at the desired site in combination with a probe for providing realtime feedback of differences in density of the tissue, typically differences in acoustical impedence between cancellous and cortical bone. The devices will also typically include means for monitoring the feedback such as a screen creating an image for the surgeon as he creates the channel, and/or an audible signal which different tissues are present.

Abstract: IntraOsteal UltraSound (IOUS) is the use of acoustical energyto facilitate “real-time” manipulation and navigation of a device for intraosseous placement of synthetic or biologic implants and to diagnose the condition of the tissue into which the implant is being placed. Representative applications include placement of synthetic or biologic implants, such as bone screws, through vertebral pedicles during spinal fusion surgery. Devices for use in the placement of the implants include a means for creating a lumen or channel into the bone at the desired site in combination with a probe for providing realtime feedback of differences in density of the tissue, typically differences in acoustical impedence between cancellous and cortical bone. The devices will also typically include means for monitoring the feedback such as a screen creating an image for the surgeon as he creates the channel, and/or an audible signal which different tissues are present.

Abstract: A holding and tensioning device for leather and leather-like pieces of material having a pallet and a pair of adjustable positioning clamps mounted on the pallet is provided. Advantageously, the device of the instant invention is capable of holding the piece in place without damaging it, as was the case in the prior art.