Abstract: A cortical surface registration procedure related to a diagnostic or surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the procedure includes the steps of pre-operatively obtaining a first textured point cloud of the cortical surface of a targeted region of a brain of a living subject, intra-operatively obtaining optically a second textured point cloud of the cortical surface of the brain of the living subject, and aligning the first textured point cloud of the cortical surface to the second textured point cloud of the cortical surface so as to register images of the brain of the living subject to the cortical surface of the living subject.

Abstract: A cortical surface registration procedure related to a diagnostic or surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the procedure includes the steps of pre-operatively obtaining a first textured point cloud of the cortical surface of a targeted region of a brain of a living subject, intra-operatively obtaining optically a second textured point cloud of the cortical surface of the brain of the living subject, and aligning the first textured point cloud of the cortical surface to the second textured point cloud of the cortical surface so as to register images of the brain of the living subject to the cortical surface of the living subject.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and processing physical space data used while performing image-guided surgery is disclosed. Physical space data is collected by probing physical surface points of surgically exposed tissue. The physical space data provides three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates for each of the physical surface points. Based on the physical space data collected, point-based registrations used to indicate surgical position in both image space and physical space are determined. In one embodiment, the surface of surgically exposed tissue of a living patient is illuminated with laser light. Light reflected from the illuminated surface of the exposed tissue is received and analyzed. In another embodiment, one or more magnetic fields of known shape and size are established in the proximity of the exposed tissue. Data associated with the strength of the magnetic fields is acquired and analyzed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and processing physical space data used while performing image-guided surgery is disclosed. Physical space data is collected by probing physical surface points of surgically exposed tissue. The physical space data provides three-dimensional (3-D) coordinates for each of the physical surface points. Based on the physical space data collected, point-based registrations used to indicate surgical position in both image space and physical space are determined. In one embodiment, the surface of surgically exposed tissue of a living patient is illuminated with laser light. Light reflected from the illuminated surface of the exposed tissue is received and analyzed. In another embodiment, one or more magnetic fields of known shape and size are established in the proximity of the exposed tissue. Data associated with the strength of the magnetic fields is acquired and analyzed.