Abstract: A spinal facet bone screw and minimally invasive surgical method of implanting a facet screw to stabilize the spine are provided. The facet screw includes an elongated body portion having a head, a threaded portion and a distal threadless portion. A pair of flutes formed in the elongated body extends from the distal end across the threadless portion and into the distal end of the threaded portion. The flute creates a self-tapping cutting surface that includes a heel edge that is curved with respect to the outer surface. The method of implantation comprises making a minimally invasive incision on the side of the midline contralateral to the target facet joint and delivering the screw across the interspinous process using the adjacent spinous processes as guideposts. The facet screw system fixes juxtaposed facet articular processes to enhance spinal fusion and stability and the method provides for accurate, repeatable and easy implantation.

Abstract: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are usable individually, or more preferably as a tooling system in which the tools are collectively employed to implant an interspinous spacer, generally in a minimally invasive manner. For example, each of the tools is arranged with coordinated markings and/or other features to ensure consistent depths of insertion, proper orientation of the tools with respect to each other or an anatomical feature of the patient, and precise delivery of the spacer to maintain safe positioning throughout the implantation procedure.

Abstract: Fixation devices and methods for stabilization of the lamina after laminoplasty are described. The device comprises of a plate with several holes that receive bone fasteners. The plate is curved at the ends to contour to the vertebral structure and has appendages to engage the displaced lamina in a fixed position. Alternatively, the plate has a bone fusion spacer in the middle to engage and fuse the lamina in the displaced position. Several methods of dynamically stabilizing the lamina after either the open door, double door or expansive laminoplasty technique are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for percutaneously installing a vertebral stabilization system. A first anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a first percutaneous opening and a second anchor is positionable within a body of a patient through a second percutaneous opening. A stabilization member is positionable within the body of a patient through the first percutaneous opening to engage and connect the first and second anchors.

Abstract: Bone anchors and surgical instruments (e.g., bone taps, drivers, etc.) are disclosed herein that include integrated guide tips. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. For example, a surgical instrument can include a guide projection configured for insertion through a cannulation formed in a bone anchor when the surgical instrument is coupled to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument can also include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the guide projection relative to the bone anchor. The guide projection can replace the needle, stylet, and guidewire used in typical insertion procedures. The bone anchor can also include integrated tapping features to eliminate the need for a separate bone tap instrument. Thus, in some embodiments, targeting, tapping, and driving the bone anchor can be performed in a single step.

Abstract: A tibiotalar fusion system includes that includes a curved fusion nail and interlocking fasteners, along with delivery instrumentation. The curved ankle fusion nail is delivered with the fasteners in such a manner that the curved ankle fusion nail does not pass through the subtalar (talocalcaneal) joint. The curved fusion nail thus preserves the subtalar (talocalcaneal) joint and the natural motion of the hindfoot within a mammal such as, for example, a human. Additionally, drill guided delivery instrumentation and surgical methods of delivering and fixing the curved tibiotalar nail within a desired anatomical location such as the ankle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a step off bone plate, bone plate insertion system, and method of use. The step off bone plate includes a body with a first end and a second end, the body includes a first portion with a first curvature, a second portion with a second curvature, and a connecting portion coupled to the first portion at a first end and coupled to the second portion at a second end. The bone plate insertion system includes a step off bone plate and an alignment guide apparatus. A method of using the step off bone plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Instrumentation and methods are provided for upper jaw correction surgery. The application discloses an orthopedic system and method that can be used to perform both a first distraction (for example a maxillary distraction) and a second distraction (for example a maxillary expansion) within the same surgical procedure. The instrumentation for separating first and second bone segments can include a first footplate; a second footplate; an actuator arranged to vary a distance between the first and second footplates; and a hinge that rotatably attaches the first and second footplates such that the first and second footplates can be angularly adjusted relative to each other about a pivot axis. Additionally, instrumentation and methods are provided for a hinged fixation device capable of securing and adjusting both the linear separation and angular orientation of bone structures.

Abstract: Bone compression systems for internal fixation of bone portions include one or more spring washers having ultra high load capacity and ultra low displacement to close diminution gaps that develop in a discontinuity between the bone portions after fixation. The spring washers, individually or in stacks of up to four, provide installation loads between 1500 N and 4000 N. After closing diminution gaps, the spring washers or stacks provide sustained loads between 1000 N and 3000 N which stabilize the bone portions sufficiently to permit early load bearing. The sustained loads correspond to sustained average local bone stress just below the bone growth trigger threshold stress. The additional loads of early load bearing will create average local bone stress above the bone growth trigger threshold. By bone stress repeatedly passing through the bone growth trigger threshold stress, bone healing is optimized.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for repairing first and second bone fragments include a bone compression device characterized by an elongated fastener and an anchor. The fastener includes an externally-threaded shank, an enlarged head, and a bore extending through both. The anchor includes an internally-threaded bore configured to receive the threaded shank of the fastener at a first end of the anchor, and an enlarged shoulder at a second end. The fastener inserts fittedly into a first bore formed in the first and second bone fragments, with the head engaging a rim of the first bore. The anchor inserts fittedly into a second bore formed in the second bone fragment, the anchor shoulder engaging a rim of the second bore. During compression of the bone segments, a small space is maintained between the second end of the anchor and an intersection of the first bore and the second bore.

Abstract: Surgical tools having curved shapes for accessing a surgical site through an access channel are disclosed. The curved surgical tools can include a tip that is aligned and/or parallel with the handle to help transmit forces. Some embodiments of the surgical tool include a flexible member extending through a hollow surgical tool to transmit rotational motion from the handle to the tip. Methods of using the curved surgical tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, a proximal hub, and a deployment mechanism. The energizable member is movable between a storage position and a deployed position. The proximal hub is disposed within the housing, coupled to the energizable member, and translatable relative to the housing along a translation axis to deploy the energizable member. The deployment mechanism is configured to selectively translate the proximal hub and includes an actuator movable along a surface of the housing that extends in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis. The actuator is operably coupled to the proximal hub and is movable along the surface of the housing in non-parallel orientation relative to the translation axis between a proximal position and a distal position to translate the proximal hub along the translation axis and move the energizable member between the storage position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A near critical fluid based cryoablation system comprises a cryoablation catheter for creating a lesion in tissue. A cryogenic fluid is transported under pressure through the catheter. A controller adjusts the pressure from a relatively high (e.g., near critical) pressure to a substantially lower pressure based on a condition during the catheter activation. In one configuration, the pressure is modulated based on the temperature of the catheter. When the temperature of the catheter reaches a target temperature, the pressure is reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for performing pulmonary vein isolation, mapping, and assessing pulmonary vein occlusion using a single device. The device may generally include an ablation element, such as a cryoballoon, and a sensing component slidably disposed within a lumen of the device and bearing one or more mapping electrodes and one or more pressure sensors. The method may generally include mapping cardiac electrical signals within a heart and/or pulmonary vein, positioning a distal portion of the sensing component within a pulmonary vein, advancing the ablation element until it is in contact with the pulmonary vein ostium, recording blood pressure measurements within the pulmonary vein with the one or more pressure sensors to assess pulmonary vein occlusion, and activating the treatment element when the pulmonary vein is completely occluded. The sensing component may have a straight or hooped configuration, or a configuration therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft, an end effector assembly disposed at the distal end of the shaft, a deployable assembly movable relative to the end effector assembly between a storage position and a deployed position, and a selector assembly. The selector assembly includes a selector member extending from the housing. The selector member is translatable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the second position of the selector member, the selector member is rotatable relative to the housing for transitioning the selector assembly between a first state, wherein the selector member is decoupled relative to the deployable assembly, and a second state, wherein the selector member is coupled to the deployable assembly such that movement of the selector member from the second position to the first position effects movement of the deployable assembly from the storage position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A medical device for treating an airway of a patient. The medical device may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a surface of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of conductive elements may be disposed distally of another of the plurality of conductive elements. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive elements may be electrically coupled to a surface of the lumen. The medical device may also include a piston movably disposed within the lumen. The piston may include a distal portion configured to make electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of conductive elements.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, a powered deployment assembly, and a cable assembly. The energizable member is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue, and is movable between a storage position and a deployed position. The powered deployment assembly is configured to selectively move the energizable member between the storage position and the deployed position. The cable assembly having a cable coupled to the housing at a first end and having a plug coupled to the cable at a second, opposite end. The cable housing one or more first wires for selectively providing electrosurgical energy to the energizable member and one or more second wires for selectively providing power to the powered deployment assembly. The plug is configured to house a battery therein for powering the powered deployment assembly via the one or more second wires.

Abstract: A deployment mechanism for selectively deploying and retracting an energizable member and/an insulative member relative to an end effector assembly of a surgical instrument includes one or more actuators, a clutch assembly, and a drive assembly. The clutch assembly is configured to couple to the actuator(s) to provide rotational motion in the first direction in response to such rotation of the actuator(s) and to decouple from the actuator(s) in response to rotation thereof in the second direction. The drive assembly is operably coupled to the clutch assembly and is configured to convert the rotational motion provided by the clutch assembly into longitudinal motion to translate the energizable member and/or insulative member from a storage position to a deployed position and to translate the energizable member and/or the insulative member from the deployed position back to the storage position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly and a deployment mechanism for deploying a proximal hub associated with an energizable member between proximal and distal positions. The deployment mechanism includes a rotatable shaft, a cord including a proximal end engaged to the rotatable shaft and a distal end engaged to the proximal hub, a biasing member positioned to bias the proximal hub towards the distal position, and a gear assembly operably coupled to the rotatable shaft. The gear assembly is configured to move the proximal hub from the distal position to the proximal position against the bias of the biasing member by rotating the rotatable shaft relative to the cord to at least partially wind-up the cord about the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A trigger assembly is movable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position. An energizable member is selectively movable relative to the jaw members between a first storage position and a first deployed position. At least a portion of the energizable member extends distally from the jaw members in the first deployed position. A selector is operably associated with the trigger assembly and the energizable member. The selector is transitionable between a first state, wherein the energizable member is decoupled from the trigger assembly, and a second state, wherein the energizable member is coupled to the trigger assembly such that movement of the trigger assembly from the un-actuated position to the actuated position effects movement of the energizable member from the storage position to the deployed position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying energy to tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device includes a monopolar end effector, a cannulated, insulated outer sheath, a translating nozzle coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, and a handle portion coupled to a proximal end of the end effector. Various translating means, such as switches, thumbwheels, rings, and buttons, are associated with the handle portion, and are effective to advance the outer sheath to cover a distal end of the end effector and retract the outer sheath to expose the distal end of the end effector. The translating means are configured in a manner that allows a user to operate the translating means without having to adjust a location of the user's hand on the device. A variety of translating means are provided for, as are methods for cutting, coagulating, irrigating, and suctioning tissue.

Abstract: A device for extending, elongating, or repairing a previously created arteriovenous fistula between a first blood vessel and an adjacent second blood vessel includes a main body having a primary lumen and an articulating jaw member disposed at the distal end of the main body. The jaw member is configured with two elements to allow rotation of one element about a pivot point to grasp tissue while being rotated. The jaw member is also configured to allow thermal energy delivery to one or both elements of the jaw member that allow tissue welding and cutting. A second lumen located within one element of the jaw member is configured to allow advancement over a guidewire into the second vessel while the other element of the jaw member remains within the first blood vessel at the position where the arteriovenous fistula, or aperture, exists between the first and second blood vessel.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes opposed jaws moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw includes an electrically conductive surface adapted to conduct electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaws. A static bipolar cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a first configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The static cutting portion is configured to electrically cut tissue disposed between the jaws upon activation of the cutting element and at least one of an opposing sealing surface and an opposing cutting element. A dynamic cutting portion including at least one electrically conductive cutting element and at least one insulating element having a second configuration is disposed on at least one of the jaws. The dynamic cutting portion electrically transects tissue during movement relative to tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a first translatable member defining a notch, a lockout lever comprising a cam surface and a detent, a closure trigger, a jaw position sensor in a first state, and a translatable cam operatively coupled to the closure trigger. The detent of the lockout lever is configured to engage the notch of the first translatable member. In response to actuation of the closure trigger, the translatable cam is configured to slidably interface with the cam surface of the lockout lever to: (i) disengage the detent of the lockout lever from the notch of the first translatable member, and (ii) actuate the jaw position sensor to a second state.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for tightening tissue of the female genitalia by heating targeted connective tissue with radiant energy, while cooling the mucosal epithelial surface over the target tissue to protect it from the heat. Embodiments include a handle and treatment tip that has both an energy delivery element and a cooling mechanism. The handle may be a two-handed handle allowing control even while rotating and maneuvering the treatment around the genital opening. The apparatus or system may also include an integrated controller, which may confirm tissue contact without applying RF energy, based only on the temperature of the applicator and the time since the last application of energy from the applicator.

Abstract: A cutting device includes an elongated shaft that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A distal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal arm includes an inner surface defining a cavity and an outer surface defining a blunt tip. At least one proximal arm extends from the distal end of the elongated shaft at a position proximal to the distal arm. The at least one proximal arm having an inner surface defines a cavity including a cutting portion configured to cut tissue.

Abstract: A method for nervous system modulation includes operatively connecting an ECG cable having a plurality of surface electrodes to a body of a patient, introducing a catheter having a plurality of catheter electrodes into a blood vessel of the patient, probing a target location within the patient with the catheter to identify nerve tissue with maximum signal propagation in real-time, and reducing signal propagation in the identified nerve tissue.

Abstract: Neuromodulation catheters with shafts for enhanced flexibility and control and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A neuromodulation catheter configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an elongated shaft having a distal end portion and a mandrel extending at least along the distal end portion. The mandrel can have an at least substantially solid core. The neuromodulation catheter can further include a transition member and a neuromodulation assembly coupled to the transition member. The transition member can have a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire lumen extending through the proximal and distal portions. The neuromodulation assembly can extend distally from the distal portion of the transition member, and the mandrel can extend proximally from the proximal portion of the transition member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrosurgical device for conducting surgery. The device includes a tubular housing and a plurality of electrodes disposed within said tubular housing. The device further includes an actuator connected to the plurality of electrodes to extend and retract at least one of the plurality electrodes to and from the tubular housing.

Abstract: A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. hi this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion. By appropriately maneuvering each member and applying radiofrequency energy between the proximal and distal ends of the occlusion, a continuous channel is created.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices allow percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation in bodily cavities or lumens. Such may include a structure that is percutaneously positionable in a cavity, such as an intra-cardiac cavity of a heart. Transducers carried by the structure are responsive to blood flow. For example, the transducers may sense temperature, temperature being related to convective cooling caused by blood flow. A controller discerns positional information or location, based on signals from the transducers. For example, blood flow may be greater and/or faster proximate a port in cardiac tissue than proximate tissue spaced from the port. Position information may allow precise ablation of selected tissue, for example tissue surround a port in the intra-cardiac cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for the generation and control of energy delivery in a dosage to elicit a therapeutic response in diseased tissue. A balloon catheter can have electrodes attached to a power generator and controller such that the balloon and electrodes contact tissue during energy treatment. Energy selectively may be applied to tissue based on measured impedance to achieve gentle heating. Calibration of the apparatus and identification of attached accessories by computing the circuit impedance prior to energy dosage facilitate regulation of power delivery about a set point. Energy delivery can be controlled to achieve substantially uniform bulk tissue temperature distribution. Energy delivery may beneficially affect nerve activity.

Abstract: A method of potential equalization monitoring includes connecting a plurality of electrical devices to a patient, electrically connecting each of the plurality of electrical devices to a common equipotential grounding hub, the equipotential grounding hub defining a ground, monitoring a flow of current to the ground from at least one of the plurality of electrical devices, detecting a change in the balance of electrical charge between the plurality of devices, and identifying a source of the change in the balance of electrical charge.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling a flexible coaxial cable, a fluid cooling system and the outer sheath of a catheter, the coupler including a fluid coupler body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a bypass bulb, an outer sheath, and a fluid sealing system housed in the fluid coupler body. The fluid sealing system includes a distal sealing diaphragm and a proximal sealing diaphragm configured to form a fluid-tight seal with the fluid coupler body.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices.

Abstract: Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus, methods and procedures for the noninvasive treatment of tissue, including treatment using microwave energy. In one embodiment of the invention a medical device and associated apparatus and procedures are used to treat dermatological conditions using, for example, microwave energy.

Abstract: Improved melanin-enhanced photothermolysis hair removal method, which includes the application of liposome-encapsulated melanin solutions as a chromophore onto the skin and the use of mechanical devices having microneedles to favor absorption thereof by the hair follicles.

Abstract: Method for planning a process of cutting human or animal bone tissue. The method includes: obtaining initial data of an initial situation of the bone tissue; defining target data of a target situation of the bone tissue; and computing a cut geometry using the initial data and the target data for cutting the bone tissue apart. The cut geometry includes a structure such that the bone tissue is reassemblable in an at least in one degree of freedom in the target situation after being cut apart along the cut geometry. By shaping the structure of the cut geometry according to the target situation the planned cut can be provided with a particular function. Such a functional cut can geometrically define and restrict possible movements of cut apart bone portions. The functional cut can allow for comparably precisely repositioning the bone into the target position and any movement therefrom can be prevented.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods capable of imaging, manipulating, and analyzing tissue using light, including for example, coagulating and breaking the molecular bonds (e.g. cutting) tissue.

Abstract: A surgical laser system includes an array of laser diodes that are configured to output laser energy, a fiber bundle, a delivery fiber, and a tubular sheath. The fiber bundle includes a plurality of optical fibers and has a proximal end that is configured to receive laser energy from the array of laser diodes. The delivery fiber includes a proximal end that is configured to receive laser energy from a distal end of the fiber bundle. The tubular sheath defines a lumen, in which at least a portion of the delivery fiber is disposed. The tubular sheath is insertable into a working channel of an endoscope or a cystoscope. A distal end of the tubular sheath is configured to deliver laser energy discharged from the delivery fiber into a body of a patient.

Abstract: Expandable laser catheters for utilizing laser energy to remove obstructions from body passages are described. In one embodiment, the laser catheter includes a shaftway having a distal end including a flexible portion configured in a series of radial folds. Multiple optical fibers, configured to transmit laser energy, extend along the shaftway and are attached to the flexible portion. An inflatable, ring-shaped balloon is attached to the catheter within the flexible portion. In use, the catheter is inserted into a body passage such as an artery, and advanced until the distal end is adjacent to an obstruction. The balloon is inflated to expand the flexible portion and to bring the optical fibers nearer the inner wall of the body passage. Laser energy is directed by the optical fibers toward targeted regions of the obstruction, As the catheter is advanced and the process repeated, a core is formed from the obstruction and contained within the flexible portion.

Abstract: Medical apparatus includes an endoscope, which includes a distal end configured for insertion into a body cavity and which includes an imaging assembly, configured to capture and output an image of a region of the body cavity in proximity to the distal end. An energy source is configured to emit pulses of energy through an energy guide. A control unit is configured to process the image so as to identify a target mass in the body cavity and to verify that an aiming beam directed through the energy guide is incident on the target mass and, responsively to so verifying, to actuate the energy source to direct a pulse of the energy via the energy guide onto the target mass.

Abstract: A packaging system providing for sterile enclosure of devices including medical devices and systems such as delivery systems is described. The packaging system is comprised of a primary chamber and includes at least one vent or opening covered by a barrier.

Abstract: A pack of disposable multi-layered liner sheets suitable for covering non-planar surfaces of medical scanners having a long, hard to clean, bore or tunnel, particularly MRI scanners, to establish a sterile patient environment. Liner sheets are connected end-to-end in a stack by an adhesive or a linear array of perforations to respective succeeding and preceding sheets of the pack. In one embodiment, the pack is secured inside the bore by pegs on the top side of the pack engaging strategically placed clips attached to the bore wall. In other embodiments, the pack is secured inside the bore by opposing sides of a backing layer extending laterally beyond the liner sheets to engage a groove in guide rails affixed inside the bore.

Abstract: This is a surgical instrument organizational device for use during medical procedures where instruments are being used. This invention is designed to hold numerous instruments upright and easily accessible. The length of the base (1) can be lengthened, shortened or heightened during manufacturing to fit the need of specialized areas of surgery all the while keeping the same basic design intact.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various robotic and/or in vivo medical devices having compact joint configurations. Other embodiments relate to various medical device components, including forearms having grasper or cautery end effectors, that can be incorporated into certain robotic and/or in vivo medical devices.

Abstract: A surgical instrument flow indicator comprises a body defining a flow passage comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to a fluid supply source and wherein the outlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to the surgical instrument. The flow indicator further comprises a flow indication mechanism in flow communication with the flow passage, the flow indication mechanism being configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a threshold force exerted on the flow indication mechanism, wherein in the second state, the flow indication mechanism has an arrangement indicating to an observer that the flow indication mechanism transitioned from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery system comprises a calibrating instrument adapted to be applied to a pelvis in a known manner, and a surgical instrument. A computer-assisted processor unit operating a surgical assistance procedure and comprises at least one portable inertial sensor unit configured to be connected to the at least one calibrating instrument and the at least one surgical instrument, the portable inertial sensor unit outputting readings representative of its orientation. A geometrical relation data module provides a geometrical relation data between the orientation of the portable inertial sensor unit, of the calibrating instrument and of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A treatment simulator for providing information on physiological states and effects of treatment of neurological disease, comprising a computer, and an application configured to operate with the computer. The application is capable of: obtaining radiological imaging from the brain; obtaining anatomical information from the radiological imaging within a region of interest within the brain; constructing a physiological states model which assesses physiological states of the region of interest; locating sources of interstitial flow of particulate matter and obtaining fluid conductivities of paths of the interstitial flow utilizing the anatomical information and the physiological states model; and creating a flow model of the particulate matter which assesses velocities of flow and interstitial pressure variations utilizing the sources of interstitial flow and the fluid conductivities.