Abstract: The invention relates to a medical tracking reference, comprising a fastening arm and a reference array holding arm to which a reference array is or can be attached, and comprising a joint between the arms which can be fixed using a fixing array, wherein the fixing array of the joint comprises a bonding connection which can be fixed using a curable bonding agent. It also relates to a method for setting the alignment of a medical tracking reference.

Abstract: A device is presented including a medical device adapted to be inserted in an anatomy. The medical device has many target markers. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system will not detect or will disregard the medical device as noise without information obtained on the plurality of target markers prior to insertion of the medical device into the anatomy. Also presented a method including inserting a medical device into an anatomy. The medical device has many target markers. Scanning a magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the anatomy. Processing the scanned image by a MRI processor connected to a memory. Determining a location and orientation of the medical device in relation to the anatomy based on the target markers. And displaying a precise image of the medical device within the anatomy. The medical device is not detectable or disregardable as noise for MRI systems.

Abstract: A prostate gland location and stabilization device comprising an elongate cylinder, sized to fit in the anal canal of a user, and having either a narrowing, or a bend (in the range from 20 to 60 degrees) located at or towards the axial mid-region of the cylinder. The cylinder has a heterogeneous internal structure arranged to define landmarks detectable by X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging. Additional features include an essentially flat handle, an internal gas channel and contrast markers. In some variants of the device, the heterogeneous structure comprises air-filled pockets. The invention also provides a method of locating the prostate gland of a patient using the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for anchoring implanted wireless markers in a patient's body to accurately locate a small target within a soft tissue region. One embodiment of the invention comprises a casing, a transponder partially encased in the casing, and an anchor protruding from the casing. The anchor can either be an extension of the casing or a separate component partly embedded in the casing. Different embodiments of the invention may be well suited for percutaneous implantation and/or surgical implantation.

Abstract: A bone marker device for use in surgery. The device has attachment means which is/are attachable to bone that will ultimately be resected during the surgery. A guiding device that is removably securable to the bone of a patient adjacent to the joint and on which the bone marker device may be mounted. A guide member of the guiding device has a slot for receiving a bone resector and enabling accurate resection of bone around the joint.

Abstract: An objective viewpoint image of an object captured at an objective viewpoint position is obtained, a measurement value of a sensor is received, information about the image coordinates of calibrating indices is detected from an objective viewpoint image, and two kinds of arrangement information of the calibrating indices and the sensor both placed on and relative to the object are obtained on the basis of the measurement value and the information about the image coordinates of the calibrating indices. With this, the two kinds of arrangement information are easily and accurately obtained at the same time.

Abstract: A system includes a device swallowed, passing through a subject, and including a constant magnetic field generator generating a constant magnetic field; and a position transducer. The position transducer includes a magnetic detector, a calibration magnetic field generator, a magnetic detector detecting an intensity of a magnetic field, a coordinate calibrating unit, and a position processor. The calibration magnetic field generator is disposed at a fixed relative position to the subject, and generates a calibration magnetic field for position calibration of the magnetic detector. The coordinate calibrating unit calibrates a position coordinate of the magnetic detector using an intensity of the calibration magnetic field. The position processor calculates a position of the device in the subject based on the intensity of the constant magnetic field and the position coordinate of the magnetic detector calibrated.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgical system that includes an apparatus for imaging a region of interest of a portion of an anatomy of a subject; a memory containing executable instructions; and a processor programmed using the instructions to receive two or more two-dimensional images of the region of interest taken at different angles from the apparatus and process the two or more two-dimensional images to produce three dimensional information associated with the region of interest.

Abstract: An imaging system for planning and monitoring a medical procedure is provided. The imaging system includes an image processing system and an imaging device operative to obtain a 3D data set and a 2D projection data set. The imaging device is communicatively coupled to the image processing system. The image processing system is operative to image register the 3D data set and the 2D projection data set from the imaging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for registering an image data set for visualizing internal areas of the body. The method can include determining the relative position of an imaging device and of an external body part associated with an internal area of the body and producing an image data set for the internal area of the body by means of the imaging device. The spatial position of the external body part is determined and the image data of the internal area of the body are registered or assigned according to relative position, with respect to the spatial position of the external body part, on the basis of the relative positional information.

Abstract: A system and method of producing virtual roadmap image of a patient is described. CT-like image data may be obtained for a patient, with or without a contrast agent, and differenced so as to form a roadmap mask. The roadmap mask is in the form of a 2-dimensional digitally reconstructed radiograph from the same orientation as that of a fluoroscopic X-ray device which takes real-time images of the patient during treatment. The fluoroscopic image may be subtracted from the roadmap mask so as to more clearly visualize the position of a catheter introduced into the patient for treatment. When the orientation of the fluoroscopic image is changed during the course of treatment, the roadmap mask image for the corresponding orientation is used.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: A method for planning atrial fibrillation (AF) intervention for a patient includes obtaining acquisition data from a medical imaging system, and generating a 3D model of the left atrium and pulmonary veins of the patient. One or more left atrial anatomical landmarks are identified on the 3D model, and saved views of the 3D model are registered on an interventional system. One or more of the registered saved views are visualized with the interventional system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and measuring changes in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses dual orientation devices of a type capable of measuring angular position changes from a reference position. One such device provides information as to changes in position of an anatomical landmark relative to a reference position. The second device provides information as to changes in position of a surgical instrument and/or prosthesis relative to the reference position.

Abstract: A novel image-guided system for precise automatic targeting in minimally invasive keyhole neurosurgery. The system consists of a miniature robot fitted with a mechanical guide for needle, probe, or catheter insertion. Intraoperative, the robot is directly affixed to a head clamp or to the patient skull. It automatically positions itself with respect to predefined entry points and targets in a preoperative CT/MRI image following an anatomical registration with an intraoperative 3D surface scan of the patient facial features and a registration jig. The registration procedure is a novel three-way scheme, in which the intraoperative surface scan including the registration jig is matched to a model generated from the preoperative CT/MRI image, the robot position is known in relation to the registration jig, and the entry and target points are known from the preoperative CT/MRI image, such that the robot position can be related to the entry and target points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Neuro-navigation system comprising a reflector referencing system including passive reflectors and a marker system with markers or landmarks wherein the reflectors as well as the markers as regards their shape, size and material selection as well as their arrangement or attachment on the parts of the body to be operatively treated and on the surgical instruments are configured so that mapping their locations is substantially facilitated or is able to take place more accurately positioned by a computer/camera unit having a graphic display terminal as well as the operative treatment with the aid of this unit. Optionally a surgical microscope, an ultrasonic diagnostic system as well as a calibration procedure may be integrated in the Neuro-navigation system in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A rotationally symmetric surgical instrument for use with a computer aided surgery system which is adapted so that it is easy to check its calibration and methods of checking the calibration of such instruments are described. The instrument includes a body having a working end which includes a working point which characterises the location in space of the working end. The instrument also has a location at which a marker can be attached to the instrument. Only a single formation is located toward the working end which provides a calibration reference point for engaging with a trackable instrument. The single formation has a fixed position relative to the working point. The position of the calibration reference point relative to the marker array can be determined so as to check whether the calibration of the instrument is still accurate.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises an image acquisition device configured to image certain internal anatomic structures of a patient, and an interventional device, at least a portion of which is configured to be inserted into the body of a patient. The interventional device includes one or more markers disposed on the insertable portion(s) of the interventional device. The material of which the marker is formed is suitable for detection by the image acquisition device, and is arranged in an identifying pattern. The image acquisition device is configured to detect the marker and to read the identifying pattern. In response to the detection and reading of the pattern, the image acquisition device is configured to identify and track the position of the interventional device.

Abstract: In NMR/MRI imaging, a location is noted for a point in the imaged space, and referred to a reference location so that the point in imaged space is known thereafter, without the need to locate the point again in further imaging steps. For breast cancer diagnosis and biopsy, a breast holding fixture immobilizes the breast. A volumetric image is taken encompassing a portion of the breast. In the same or a subsequent image, a fiducial mark is detected to determine the position of a holder for a biopsy tool or other modality. The tissue feature can be a tumor, cyst or tubal lesion, made temporarily visible in the image by perfusion with a contrast agent. After the contrast agent dissipates, the location of the tissue feature can still be determined by reference to the position of the fiducial marker, which is optional adjustable by post-imaging metered displacement.

Abstract: A CAS system for measuring surgical parameters during hip replacement surgery comprises a first tracking reference in fixed relation with the pelvis to form a frame of reference. A registration tool is trackable. A sensor apparatus tracks the first tracking reference and the registration tool. A controller unit receives tracking data for the first trackable reference and the registration tool. The controller unit has a position and orientation calculator for calculating from the tracking data a position and orientation of the pelvic tracking reference to track the frame of reference, and of the registration tool to produce femoral models at a first and a second sequential operative steps. An alignment adjustor aligns the femoral models with the frame of reference. A surgical parameter calculator calculates surgical parameters as a function of the femoral models as aligned by the alignment adjustor.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus determines the location of landmarks inside a patient. The apparatus includes imaging units containing two-dimensional imaging arrays capable of emitting and receiving signals to obtain three-dimensional images. The imaging units are attached to the patient's body and their location is established with a tracking system and used to compute the position of landmarks from the images. The images are adjusted relative to the imaging units such that the landmarks remain inside the images during motion of landmarks or imaging unit. The apparatus also includes a control and computing device to process the image data and to adjust the imaging arrays accordingly. In accordance with one embodiment, sources of treatment are directed towards a target structure in the patient's body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an implantable marker, which is adapted to be implanted into patient tissue using a hollow needle, includes a marker body including a radiopaque material and a polymeric material that encapsulates at least a portion of the marker body. In an embodiment, an outer surface of the encapsulating material includes one or more protrusions to reduce a tendency of the marker to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a radiation system (1) comprising an excentric gantry (100) arranged in connection with multiple treatment rooms (61-68) separated by radiation-shielding separating members (71-78). A movable rotation head (120) is connected to the gantry (100) and is able to move between, and direct a radiation beam (110) into, the treatment rooms (61-68). A simulator head (200-1 to 200-8) is preferably arranged together with the radiation system so it can be used in each respective treatment room (61-68). In such a case, while a first subject (40-1) is being irradiated in a first room (61), a treatment set-up procedure, including correct positioning of subjects (40-2 to 40-8) and irradiation simulation, can simultaneously take place for the other subjects (40-2 to 40-8) in the other treatment rooms (62 to 68).

Abstract: A calibration cage for use in Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA), comprising a biplanar configuration of two compartments, each with a fiducial plate at the bottom and a control plate at the top and parallel thereto, the fiducial and control plates of one compartment being oriented at approximately 90° to fiducial and control plates of the other compartment such that a region of interest is positioned on one side of the fiducial and control plates of both compartments.

Abstract: An electromagnetic tracking system comprising at least one electromagnetic transmitter assembly or at least one electromagnetic receiver assembly with two coils attachable to a trackable object to be tracked. The two coils including a first large coil and a second small coil, with the second small coil positioned asymmetrically with respect to the first large coil. The electromagnetic tracking system enables a medical professional to continually track the position and orientation of the object during a medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supporting an examination by means of an imaging diagnostic device. An examination mode is first selected by a user. At least one partial view of an examination object is subsequently generated and compared with a stored standard view, on which at least one accessory required for the examination mode is displayed. The comparison checks whether the at least one accessory is present on the partial view of the examination object. The result of the comparison is indicated to the user to ensure that the necessary accessories are present at a beginning of an actual examination even with a plurality of possible measuring methods.

Abstract: A system for mapping a condition of a structure that includes a plurality of support members covered by a wall is disclosed and includes a computer processor having a memory, a two-dimensional model of the structure stored in the memory and a three-dimensional model generator operatively associated with the computer. A density sensor that includes an ultrasonic transducer is operatively connected to the computer processor and provided with an ultra wideband transmitter. A position locating system is provided for determining the position of the ultra wideband transmitter, and hence the density sensor, in a frame of reference and communicating the position to the computer processor which displays indications of density on a three-dimensional model of the structure. A method for mapping a condition of a structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for measuring proportions of body materials in body parts. The apparatus includes a device for retaining the body part, at least one reference material with at least two thicknesses positioned adjacent to the device, and at least three radiopaque markers positioned on the reference material(s). The reference material(s) each have an attenuation characteristic that is selected in correspondence to the body materials in the body part. The apparatus further includes a radiation device to simultaneously irradiate the body part, the reference material(s) and the radiopaque markers as well as a detector to detect attenuated beams of radiation and a pattern projected from the irradiated radiopaque markers. A calculation device determines the thickness of the body part based on this projected pattern and compares the attenuation values of the body part and the reference material(s) at the determined thickness.

Abstract: A method for registration of cardiac image data in an interventional system includes inserting a first plurality of fiducial points on an acquired 3D anatomical image and exporting the 3D anatomical image, with the first plurality of inserted fiducial points thereon, to an interventional system. A second plurality of fiducial points is inserted on the exported 3D anatomical image using the interventional system, and the first and said second plurality of fiducial points are aligned to one another so as to register the exported 3D anatomical image with the interventional system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiducial marker having a marking grid that is used to correlate and view images produced by different imaging modalities or different imaging and viewing modalities. More specifically, the invention relates to the fiducial marking grid that has a grid pattern for producing either a viewing image and/or a first analytical image that can be overlaid with at least one other second analytical image in order to view a light path or to image different imaging modalities. Depending on the analysis, the grid pattern has a single layer of a certain thickness or at least two layers of certain thicknesses. In either case, the grid pattern is imageable by each imaging or viewing modality used in the analysis. Further, when viewing a light path, the light path of the analytical modality cannot be visualized by viewing modality (e.g., a light microscope objective).

Abstract: Procedure radiograph orientation devices and methods of use are provided for stabilization and orientation of a patient's anatomy for a variety of surgical interventions. Additionally, devices of the present invention aid in orienting radiographic imaging devices through the inclusion of radiopaque fiducials so as to optimize radiographic images by providing radiographic reference landmarks. An example of the present invention includes a rostral base plate, a plurality of support slats, and a caudal base plate, these components being adapted to pivot about one another or in certain embodiments, adapted to pivot about a series of spacers. One or more tension wires extend through the slats and base plates, joining the elements. The devices may be secured in various configurations by increasing the tension of the tension cable(s). Visual sighting or aiming devices may also be included in certain embodiments. Certain embodiments may include a rigid base plate having radiopaque fiducials.

Abstract: A method for obtaining data using an implantable sensor unit in a body of a patient includes: implanting the sensor unit in the body; conducting an imaging procedure on the body such that the sensor unit in the body serves as a fiducial marker; detecting a parameter using the sensor unit in the body; and transmitting data associated with the detected parameter from the sensor unit to a remote receiver unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing a reference array input device for use with a computer-aided surgical navigation system. A reference array input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to provide a plurality of fiducial members comprising portions capable of being sensed by at least two sensors associated with the computer-aided surgical navigation system in order to determine position and orientation of the reference array input device by the system. The reference array input device can include a plurality of indicator detectors adapted to facilitate selection of a corresponding instruction associated with the computer-aided surgical navigation system. The reference array input device can also include a mount adapted to support the reference array input device adjacent to an object, a surgical instrument, or a joint replacement prosthesis.

Abstract: Fiducial localization methods and apparatus are described.

Abstract: A scanner takes an initial image of a patient, and a known structure in the initial image is identified. Based on the initial image, a location for injection of a chemical with a medical instrument can be determined. During a medical procedure, the scanner operates in a fluoroscopy mode, and real-time images of the patient are displayed. The medical instrument includes two markers having a fixed and known relationship and orientation relative to each other and a tip of the medical instrument Movement of the tip is monitored as it is inserted into the patient, and the location of the tip relative to the injection location is tracked based on the detected relationship of the markers of the medical instrument and the known structure. When the computer determines that the tip is at the injection location, the computer provides an alert to inject the chemical.

Abstract: A marker for use with a surgical navigation system for tracking the tissue with which the marker is associated. The overall dimensions of the mark is such that it is shaped to be disposed below the skin of the patient in which the marker is implanted. The marker has a stem or a spike that allows the marker to be implanted in hard tissue such as bone. A head, containing navigation system components is located above the stem or spike. Once the procedure is completed the marker is removed from the patient by breaking the head free from the stem Alternatively the head may be rotated to cause the whole of the marker to break free from the bone in which the marker is implanted.

Abstract: There is described a system and a method for assisting a user manipulating an object during a surgery, the method comprising: tracking the object in a sterile field in which surgery is being performed at a location using a tracking device which generates tracking data; processing the tracking data using a processing device located outside the sterile field to generate position and orientation information related to the object; and sending the position and orientation information related to the object to a displaying device positioned in the sterile field adjacent to the location at which the surgery is being performed, for display to the user.

Abstract: A surgical procedure is provided. The procedure acquires a plurality of points on or near a bone abnormality and registers them with a surgical navigation system. The navigation system uses the acquired points to make an implant having a surface adapted to contact the bone, and particularly an implant having a portion whose shape substantially matches that of the bone abnormality.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to image guided interventions on dynamic tissue. One embodiment is a method that includes creating a dataset that includes images, one of the images depicting a non-tissue internal reference marker, being linked to non-tissue internal reference marker positional information, and being at least 2-dimensional. Another embodiment is a method that includes receiving a position of an instrument reference marker coupled to an instrument; transforming the position into image space using a position of a non-tissue internal reference marker implanted in a patient; and superimposing a representation of the instrument on an image in which the non-tissue internal reference marker appears. Computer readable media that include machine readable instructions for carrying out the steps of the disclosed methods. Apparatuses, such as integrated circuits, configured to carry out the steps of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a grip, a reference structure and an alignment head and method of using. The reference structure has at least one reference element that is registrable in a computer assisted navigation system. The reference element may be a reflective structure for use in an optical tracking system, wire loop for sensing a magnetic field, or other suitable device. The alignment head has a substantially planar alignment surface and may also have a plurality of outwardly extending projections or an electrocautery electrode disposed along an edge of the alignment surface and extending parallel to the alignment surface. The projections may be engaged with an anatomical structure to hold the alignment head in a desired position as the alignment surface is used as a guide to mark the anatomical structure. The disclosed instrument may be used when resecting a femur to prepare the femur to receive the femoral component of a prosthetic hip joint.

Abstract: A computer-implemented software system and method for performing dynamic, three-dimensional reconstruction of a non-linear implanted medical device from biplane x-ray images. A biplane radiographic image of a calibration object is used to compute the relationship between a three-dimensional coordinate system and the two-dimensional coordinate system for each image plane. These relationships are used to superimpose a three-dimensional device model onto each biplane image pair. An iterative, active contour model, initiated by a user-specified curved template, solves for the three-dimensional device centerline coordinates. Device reconstruction is repeated at each time point associated with each image pair. Algorithm output is available for test development, structural analysis or other clinically relevant applications.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for generating a registered image of a body part of a patient for use in an image guided surgical procedure is described. The method includes attaching a marker detectable by a tracking system to the body part before carrying out surgical steps. The tracking system has a reference frame and the position of the marker in the reference frame is detected. A first image of the body part is captured using an imaging system. An indication of the position of the first image relative to the reference frame of the tracking system is obtained. The first image is then mapped into registration with the position of the body part. The system includes an imaging system for capturing images of the body part. A tracking system detects a marker and determines the position of the marker in the reference frame of the tracking system. A marker is attachable to the body part and detectable by the tracking system.

Abstract: A marking device for use in radiation therapy includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of individual marking members. Each of the plurality of marking members includes a marking tip and a supply of marking fluid, such as an ink. disposed in each marking member. Each of the plurality of marking members is removably positioned relative to the others in succession along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the marking device includes a hollow elongated body having a first end and a second marking end defining an opening, and the plurality of individual marking members are arranged in succession along the hollow body. In other embodiments, each marking member includes a body defining a recess adapted to receive a marking tip of another marking member, and each body includes a connector adapted to releasably interconnect adjacent marking members.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for estimating internal position information of a target in real-time based on a single gantry-mounted x-ray imager and a respiratory signal. The x-ray imaging is done periodically to limit radiation dosage. Initial parameters for the estimation model are determined in a pre-treatment session using four dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) in combination with a respiratory signal acquired from the patient. The model parameters are updated during treatment based on the periodic x-ray image data and the respiratory signal.

Abstract: An interstitial marker for the location of one of an organ, tumor and tumor bed within a mammalian body includes a plurality of rings having an inner diameter and a ribbon positioned within the inner diameters of the plurality of rings. The plurality of rings may be of the same material or different materials. The materials are visible under different imaging modalities. The ribbon similarly may be of a material visible under various imaging modalities. Tips are attached to the ribbon to hold the rings in place. Alternatively, one or more of the rings may be attached to the ribbon. A helical coil may also be used in connection with a central ribbon for improved imaging. A plurality of coils, of the same material or different materials, may be positioned on a ribbon for a marker.

Abstract: A system can be used to determine a position of a structure in physical space. The system can include a flexible member, such as a drape, cloth, sheet, etc. that can include one or more trackable devices associated therewith. The trackable devices can be incorporated into the weave of a woven cloth or the matrix of a polymer member. The trackable devices can be used within a tracking system to determine the location of the trackable devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing in vivo performance measurements of an orthopedic implant involve an orthopedic implant having at least two radiopaque markers associated with a movable portion of the implant. The markers are positioned at known locations and in a first known and predetermined relationship to each other. The markers provide visible references upon application of a medical imaging technique to show the relative position of the markers according to a second, changed relationship to each other after implantation of the orthopedic implant. At least one measurement of performance of the implant can be determined from the first and second relationships of the markers.

Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Also, one or more coils can be used for tracking or localization.

Abstract: A system can be used to navigate or guide an instrument or device into an anatomy of a patient. The navigation can occur with the use of image data acquired of the patient. The image data can be registered to the patient space for navigation. Registration can occur more than once to increase efficiency and speed of the procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for registering images from two medical imaging modalities in a six-degree-of-freedom coordinate space, for the purpose of providing real time registered imagery for optimization of medical procedures. The system and method uses fiducial that is visible to the first imager and in a fixed position and orientation relative to the second imager. The first imager may be an X-ray device such as a C-arm fluoroscope, and the second imager may be a Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) device.