Abstract: A system and method for a guided placement of a medical instrument n a patient using a computed topography (CT) scanner includes an instrument placement kit having an alignment frame and multiple guidance devices, and a user interface unit. The alignment frame is configured to be attached to a body of the patient and also be used as a reference plane in the scanned images, and the multiple guidance devices are configured for selective engagement with the alignment frame and also have different sets of pre-defined parameters. The user interface unit is operable to determine a planned trajectory based on the scanned images and also determine the prescribed parameters among the different sets of pre-defined parameters such that the user interface unit allows a user to select one of the guidance devices according to the prescribed parameters for guiding the medical instrument along the planned trajectory.

Abstract: A computed tomography system is disclosed with a gantry assembly and a base assembly. The gantry assembly having a x-ray source, and a x-ray imager. The base assembly is configured to receive power and provide mechanical stability. A connection interface is located between the gantry assembly and the base assembly. The connection interface is configured to mechanically lock the gantry assembly to the base assembly and provide power to the gantry assembly through the base assembly.

Abstract: A computed tomography system is disclosed with a gantry assembly and a base assembly. The gantry assembly having a x-ray source, and a x-ray imager. The base assembly is configured to receive power and provide mechanical stability. A connection interface is located between the gantry assembly and the base assembly. The connection interface is configured to mechanically lock the gantry assembly to the base assembly and provide power to the gantry assembly through the base assembly.

Abstract: A motion tracker including a head band and laser devices that direct laser beams having non-concentric axes to a charge coupled device is used to determine movement of a patient during a CT scan. When the patient is motionless, the laser devices each direct a laser beam along a line, and the laser beams contact the charge coupled device at a contact location. If the patient moves, the laser devices, and therefore the contact locations, move. The charge coupled device detects the movement of the contact locations to determine the movement of the patient. A computer adjusts the x-ray image taken at the time of the movement to accommodate for this movement.

Abstract: A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a gantry including a first arm and a second arm. The first arm houses an x-ray source that generate x-rays, and the second arm houses a complementary flat-panel detector. During a pre-operative CT scan, the CT scanner is positioned at a scanning position near the patient. An alignment feature ensures that the CT scanner is repeatably positionable in the scanning position. After the pre-operative scan is complete, the CT scanner is moved to a remote position. If an updated CT scan is needed during the surgical procedure, the CT scanner is moved from the remote position to the scanning position. The alignment feature ensures that the CT scanner is properly positioned in the scanning position.

Abstract: A motion tracker including a head band and laser devices that direct lasers having non-concentric axes to a charge coupled device is used to determine movement of a patient during a CT scan. When the patient is motionless, the laser devices each direct a laser along a line, and the lasers contact the charge coupled device at a contact location. If the patient moves, the laser devices, and therefore the contact locations, move. The charge coupled device detects the movement of the contact locations to determine the movement of the patient. A computer adjusts the x-ray image taken at the time of the movement to accommodate for this movement.

Abstract: A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.