Abstract: An information processing system that acquires video data captured by an image pickup unit; detects an object from the video data; detects a condition corresponding to the image pickup unit; and controls a display to display content associated with the object at a position other than a detected position of the object based on the condition corresponding to the image pickup unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a first estimation unit configured to estimate a deformation between a first image and a second image under a first condition and obtain first deformation information; a second estimation unit configured to estimate a deformation between the first image and the second image under a second condition different from the first condition and obtain second deformation information; and an obtaining unit configured to obtain one of an estimation error and reliability of the deformation at a point on an image based on a difference between the first deformation information and the second deformation information.

Abstract: Navigation systems and methods used to track objects moving in space. One navigation system and method employs trackers having light emitters for indicating when line-of-sight between tracking elements on the trackers and sensors is obstructed or for other errors. Another navigation system and method instructs users on how to place a tracker with respect to an object to reduce line-of-sight issues during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A shared-housing ultrasound transducer and machine-vision camera system is disclosed for registering the transducer's x, y, z position in space and pitch, yaw, and roll orientation with respect to an object, such as a patient's body. The position and orientation are correlated with transducer scan data, and scans of the same region of the object are compared in order to reduce ultrasound artifacts and speckles. The system can be extended to interoperative gamma probes or other non-contact sensor probes and medical instruments. Methods are disclosed for computer or remote guiding of a sensor probe or instrument with respect to saved positions and orientations of the sensor probe.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a measure of accuracy of a registration mapping combining data indicative of spatial positions in a three-dimensional operating space and imaging data acquired with an imaging device located in a position and orientation in operating space is provided. A phantom is brought into a first pose, wherein the phantom is at least in partial view of the imaging device located in a second pose, the phantom comprising a marker assembly that can be imaged by the imaging device. Image data of the marker assembly of the phantom is acquired with the imaging device in the second pose. Imaged markers in the acquired image data of the marker assembly are located, and mapped markers are obtained by submitting spatial positions of the markers in the marker assembly of the phantom in the first pose to the registration mapping using the second pose as the imaging pose.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain embodiments, a device for positioning and orienting the femoral cutting block. The present invention also provides a device for setting rotation of sagittal resection for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The present invention further provides methods for setting the rotation of the tibial implant by kinematic measurements.

Abstract: A method and device for assisting reduction for complex fractures includes the steps of receiving an x-ray image of a fractured bone having a plurality of bone fragments, identifying structural aspects of at least one of the bone fragments, adapting a virtual bone model to the imaged bone based on the identified structural aspects, and generating an overlay of the virtual bone model onto the x-ray image, with the virtual bone model aligned to the identified structural aspects. The device is adapted to perform the method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to compare in real-time an intended radiation treatment plan with a delivered plan. Markers are arranged, on a subject receiving radiation, at three-dimensional (3D) positions between a two dimensional radiation detector and a radiation source and are used to reconstruct the actual position of a high dose rate (HDR) source in three-dimensional (3D) space. The detected position is compared with the intended radiation path of the treatment plan. Adjustments can be made to the treatment plan if the detected position and the intended path do not correspond.

Abstract: Device and a method for positioning and monitoring the rotary orientation of extremity bone fragments when implanting an intramedullary implant, and in particular to a device and a method for monitoring the rotary orientation of extremity bone fragments of the leg when implanting an intramedullary nail by using a monitoring of locking means of the intramedullary nail which so as to improve the accuracy of the orientation of extremity bone fragments.

Abstract: A measuring appliance in which inputted or measured spatial points and a horizontal projection representation or spatial representation of at least some spatial points from the quantity of spatial points can be displayed, said points being at least partially connected by lines. The measuring appliance has a representation-changing functionality in the framework of which, according to a line selected on the user side from the lines displayed in a horizontal projection representation or a spatial representation, in an automatically controlled manner by means of the evaluation and control unit: a virtual surface is defined by the selected line and a direction provided as the vertical; a subset of spatial points is selected from the quantity of spatial points, lying inside a buffer zone surrounding the virtual surface in a defined manner; and a vertical projection representation of exclusively such spatial points pertaining to the subset is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A diagnostic image of internal anatomical features of a patient is annotated with representations of external features, such that both can be viewed together on a visual display. Adjustments to various treatment parameters relating to the administration of radiation therapy are provided, and the displayed image is automatically updated based on the adjustments.

Abstract: Provided is a method of correcting a medical image according to a patient's pose variation. The method includes attaching a marker to an object, generating a first non-real-time image and a first real-time image when the object is in a first pose, generating a second real-time image when the object is in a second pose, and correcting the first non-real-time image based on shift information of the marker when the object is changed from the first pose to the second pose.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a surgical rod are disclosed. The system includes a processor, a probe in communication with the processor and configured to trace along a surface of the implant, a tracking system in communication with the processor and the probe for generating first data representing at least one of linear and rotational movement of the probe during a first trace along the surface of the implant, wherein the processor is configured to receive the first data and generate a first graphical representation of the implant based on the first data, and a display in communication with said processor for displaying the graphical representation of the implant based on the first data. Various methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgeon-assisted rapid surgical implantation of devices into soft tissue. The apparatus comprises several subsystems that enable the referencing of the spatial position and orientation of the device being implanted with respect to the soft tissue into which it is being implanted and then the controlled implantation of the device at a predefined speed with higher positional accuracy and precision and a reduction in soft tissue damage, provided by ultrasonic assisted motion, compared to current state-of-the-art implantation methods and devices.

Abstract: In a mammography apparatus, a deflection of an x-ray source aligned on a radiation detector is predetermined depending on the size of a breast compressed in the compression unit and/or the density of the breast tissue. Given an increasing deflection on an arc-shaped trajectory of the x-ray source, the compression of the breast is reduced at least once so that the path of the x-rays through the breast stays within a predetermined path length, starting from a first compression in a first x-ray acquisition.

Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A system and method of ultrasound imaging, the system including a laparoscopic surgical instrument including at least one ultrasound transducer, and a processor adapted to receive acoustic data from the ultrasound transducer and process the acoustic data from the ultrasound transducer to produce a graphical representation of the acoustic data, the graphical representation depicting echoic attributes of tissue substantially axially aligned with a transmission path of the at least one ultrasound transducer, and the distance of at least one tissue type having different echoic attributes from surrounding tissue form a distal tip of the laparoscopic surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method for generating position data of an instrument (1), in particular a medical instrument, wherein the method includes the following steps: capturing position measurement data by way of at least one position sensor (7, 9) arranged on the instrument, determining a movement state of the instrument on the basis of the captured position measurement data, filtering the captured position measurement data on the basis of the determined movement state. A system for presenting an instrument, a computer program product including a program code, a computer program and a data storage medium including a program code.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to computer-assisted joint replacement surgery, and corresponding navigation systems. The systems and methods presented find particular use in performing hip replacement surgery. For example, in one embodiment, there is provided a system and method for: (a) measuring a pre-dislocation positional relationship between a patient's pelvis and the patient's femur; (b) performing a post-dislocation femoral registration of the femur; (c) tracking the position of the femur relative to the pelvis during a reduction procedure; (d) calculating a change in leg length and a change in offset, after the reduction procedure, based on the femoral registration and the pre-dislocation positional relationship between the pelvis and the femur; and (e) conveying the change in leg length and the change in offset.

Abstract: A system and method can increase confidence or other factors of a tract identified in a selected image data. The system can use various confidence determining factors to identify confidence in the identified tract. The identified tract can be used for various purposes, such as diagnosis or treatment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for guiding an instrument, comprises determining, by a processor associated with a computer, a current orientation angle of an instrument axis relative to a target axis. The method also comprises establishing, by the processor, a haptic boundary associated with the instrument based on the determined orientation angle of the instrument axis relative to the target axis. The haptic boundary is configured to constrain the instrument axis from being moved to an angle substantially greater than the current orientation angle.

Abstract: An information processing system that acquires video data captured by an image pickup unit; detects an object from the video data; detects a condition corresponding to the image pickup unit; and controls a display to display content associated with the object at a position other than a detected position of the object based on the condition corresponding to the image pickup unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize optical sensors and non-optical sensors to determine the position and/or orientation of objects. A navigation system includes an optical sensor for receiving optical signals from markers and a non-optical sensor, such as a gyroscope, for generating non-optical data. A navigation computer determines positions and/or orientations of objects based on optical and non-optical data.

Abstract: A system assesses quality of an image of human anatomical components in the presence of a metallic object. The system comprises an image processor for selecting an imaging protocol to use in imaging a test unit in response to data indicating a metal type employed in the test unit. The test unit includes, at least one object of the metal type used for a medical implant, an object comprising water and an object representing human fat. The water object and fat object are less than 3 centimeters, for example, distant from the metal object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical image registration method in which an actual patient's body or portion of a patient's body (22) is positionally registered to a patient image created using a medical body-imaging technique such as MR, CT or x-ray imaging, wherein in a medical navigation system, the actual spatial position of at least a part of the body or body portion (22) is assigned to a respective position in the image of said body or body portion (22), wherein the part of the body or body portion (22) comprises a registration area in the form of the surface of a substantially rigid body structure, in particular an inner structure, made of bone or cartilage. The invention also relates to a medical image registration device which comprises a surface scanner (15) for scanning a registration area comprising the surface of a substantially rigid body structure, in particular an inner structure, made of bone or cartilage.

Abstract: A system for providing integrated guidance for positioning a needle in a body has two levels of guidance: a coarse guidance and a fine guidance. The system includes a non-invasive tracking system for tracing the biopsy device in the body, for providing the coarse guidance. Furthermore, the system includes an optical detector mounted on the needle for obtaining optical information discriminating tissue in the body, for providing the fine guidance.

Abstract: In an object display device, in the case that a marker is not detected at present, a display complementing unit acquires a change in an image in real space displayed on a display unit between the past when the marker was detected and the present. Since a virtual object is displayed based on the position and shape of the marker in the image in real space, the display position and display manner of the virtual object are also to be changed in accordance with a change in the image in real space. A display decision unit can therefore decide the display position and display manner of the virtual object at present from the display position and display manner of the virtual object in the past, based on the change in the image in real space between the past and the present.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical guidance and image registration are provided, in which three-dimensional image data associated with an object or patient is registered to topological image data obtained using a surface topology imaging device. The surface topology imaging device may be rigidly attached to an optical position measurement system that also tracks fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The instrument may be registered to the topological image data, such that the topological image data and the movable instrument are registered to the three-dimensional image data. The three-dimensional image data may be CT or MRI data associated with a patient. The system may also co-register images pertaining to a surgical plan with the three-dimensional image data. In another aspect, the surface topology imaging device may be configured to directly track fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The fiducial markers may be tracked according to surface texture.

Abstract: A method of producing a drilling jig for implantation of a hearing aid involves capturing a molded imprint (14) of a patient's upper teeth (12) by solidifying an elastic material on them; connecting the teeth print to a jig (16) having a lateral beam (20) and navigation benchmarks (22); positioning the jig on the patient's head (10) using the imprint; capturing a three-dimensional image of the patient's head with the jig in place; determining a minimal invasive drilling axis (28) for hearing aid implantation based on the three-dimensional image; and manufacturing a customized jig having a drilling guide opening (24) in the lateral beam of the jig for guiding a drilling tool (26). The position and orientation of the drilling guide opening are selected to guide the drilling tool along the determined minimal invasive drilling axis when the jig is positioned on the patient's head by using the imprint (14).

Abstract: A method and system of determining a sub-pixel point position of a marker point in an image. Embodiments of the invention allow a marker point sub-pixel localization module executable by an electronic processing unit to obtain an image, including a marker point, and to derive both a background corrected marker point profile and a background and baseline corrected marker point profile. Additionally, embodiments of the invention allow defining of a sub-pixel position of the marker point as a center of a peak of the background corrected marker point profile. Thus, embodiments of the invention allow for rapidly detecting and localizing external markers placed on a patient in projection images.

Abstract: A method and system for performing invasive procedures includes a surgical robot which is controlled by a guidance system that uses time of flight calculations from RF transmitters embedded in the robot, surgical instrument, and patient anatomy. Sensors around the room detect RF transmissions emitted by the RF transmitters and drive the robot according to a preprogrammed trajectory entered into the guidance system.

Abstract: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including a vascular closure device. The vascular closure device includes a fibrous structure formed from at least one randomly oriented fiber, the randomly oriented fiber comprising at least one polymer, and at least one agent, in therapeutic dosage, incorporated into at least one of the fibrous structure and the at least one randomly oriented fiber.

Abstract: A position monitoring system comprises a single composite fiducial reference comprised of a fiducial key and a fiducial extension rigidly and removably attached to the fiducial key, a tracker for obtaining image information of the surgical site, and a computer system with processor, memory, a software program, and access to a database. The computer has scan data of an area of a surgical patient with the fiducial reference fixed to the area by a multipodal surgical screw fixture. A uniquely identifiable first marker is attached to the fiducial key in a predetermined fixed relative position and orientation. The computer determines the relative position and orientation of the marker based on live image information from the tracker, relates and displays the current position and orientation of the composite fiducial reference to the scan data during a surgical procedure. Further implements at the surgical site may bear further markers that may be tracked.

Abstract: An intracorporeal marker, for marking a site within living tissue of a host, includes an outer body portion of biodegradable material. An inner body portion is located in the outer body portion. The inner body portion includes biological material that becomes calcified in the living tissue of the host over time. An agent interacts with the biological material to promote calcification of the biological material of the inner body portion in the living tissue of the host.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system and method for use thereof. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for determining the size of blood vessels are disclosed. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing device includes a marker configured for placement on the skin of a patient. The marker defines a substantially circular shape and includes a plurality of radiopaque substantially concentric circles. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing method includes placing a marker having a plurality of substantially concentric circles on the skin of a patient, imaging a blood vessel of the patient and the marker, and comparing the imaged blood vessel to the imaged circles to determine the blood vessel size.

Abstract: Overview images that represent the overview of a structure (e.g., the large intestine) are generated based on volume data, and displayed on a screen. Points within the overview images and points corresponding thereto in the volume data are set as target points. A target volume that includes the target points and line of sight vectors within the volume data having the target points as endpoints and a movable viewpoint as a starting point are set within the volume data. The directions of the line of sight vectors are changed by moving the viewpoint, and the target volumes are projected onto projection planes perpendicular to the directions of the line of sight vectors to generate detailed images that represent details of the structure in the vicinity of the target points. The detailed images are displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A new and improved method for tracking and/or spatial localization of an invasive device in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is provided. The invention includes providing an invasive device including a marker having a chemically shifted signal source with a resonant frequency different from the chemical species of the subject to be imaged, applying a pulse sequence, detecting the resulting RF magnetic resonance signals, and determining the 3D coordinates of the marker. The invention also includes generating scan planes and reconstructing an image from the detected signals to generate an image having the marker contrasted from the subject. The invasive device includes a marker having a chemically shifted signal source which has a resonant frequency different from the chemical species of the subject to be imaged for use in tracking the device during imaging.

Abstract: A reference device (166) for surgery includes a substrate (156) forming a matrix of windows (154) configured to be attached to an external portion of a body. The windows provide access location choices from which access to a target area may be determined. A radiopaque marker (150) is integrated with the substrate such that the at least one radiopaque marker is visible in X-ray images. A fixing mechanism (155) is coupled to the substrate to secure the substrate in contact with the body to prevent motion of the substrate relative to the body. Methods and systems using this device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has an imageable shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and may contain permanent metallic elements to aid in its imaging. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it can cause the cavity to conform substantially to a known imageable shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its attenuation properties being different from those of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.

Abstract: A mapping system (200) including: (a) at least one external marker (210,212,214,216) adapted for positioning outside a target (520) to define a target context; (b) at least one target marker (230) adapted for positioning with the target; (c) a data acquisition tool (221) configured to provide position coordinates for at least one data point (220) at the target (520); and (d) a registration module (300) adapted to output position coordinates of said at least one data point relative to at least a portion of the target context.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize optical sensors and non-optical sensors to determine the position and/or orientation of objects. A navigation system includes an optical sensor for receiving optical signals from markers and a non-optical sensor, such as a gyroscope, for generating non-optical data. A navigation computer determines positions and/or orientations of objects based on optical and non-optical data.

Abstract: An inventive medical imaging marker includes a base (2) composed of a non-imageable material, three spherical members (10, 11, 12) provided in a predetermined positional relationship in the base (2) and each composed of an imageable material, and auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) provided in the base (2) and composed of the imageable material. The auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) respectively have linear portions (20L, 21L, 22L) which are disposed parallel to straight lines extending through center points of the three spherical members (10, 11, 12) and each have a predetermined length sufficient to serve as a mark. The center points of the three spherical members (10, 11, 12) can be correctly identified in a captured image with reference to the linear portions (20L, 21L, 22L) of the auxiliary marker members (20, 21, 22) of the inventive medical imaging marker. Thus, reference axes can be correctly defined in the image.

Abstract: A system for compensating a neurally triggered or other self-caused displacement of a tissue of an animal including man comprises a base provided with a means for immobilizing the animal or body part thereof comprising the tissue, one or more displacement means in contact with the base, a means for sampling position data from a marker disposed in or in the proximity of the tissue, a means for sampling source activity data from one or more sources of displacement, microprocessor means for correlating position data and source activity data to generate a predictive correspondence, a means for controlling the one or more displacement means by source activity data based on the predictive correspondence. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing an overlay image of an implant during a surgical procedure using a mobile computing device are provided herein. The implant may include radio-opaque internal markers adjacent to and defining edges of the implant. The method may include: capturing an image of a imaging display device screen; estimating a pose of the implant based on the relationship between the 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers and the 3-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers; retrieving or generating a 3-D model image of the implant at the determined pose using the 3-D implant data; and overlaying the 3-D model image onto the image of the implant. The captured image may include the implant and at least two of the radio-opaque internal markers being visible as fiducial markers within the image. The fiducial markers may be 2-D positions of the radio-opaque internal markers in a 2-D plane.

Abstract: The invention concerns an imaging system to monitor at least one surgical instrument in an operative site inside a volume of the body of an animal, comprising: at least one endoscopic camera to obtain endoscopic data on the operative site, at least one ultrasound imaging device to obtain ultrasound data on the operative site, and a processing device to process the endoscopic and ultrasound data. The imaging system further comprising at least three markers intended to be positioned in the operative site, said markers being mobile relative to the instrument, each marker being adapted to be detected both by the endoscopic camera and by the ultrasound imaging device, so as to permit cross-mapping of the endoscopic and ultrasound data by the processing means.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to fiduciary markers suitable for affixing to a patient that are detectable with respect an imaging modality such as MRI and methods of making the same. The markers include a paramagnetic material disposed therein that generates a distinguishable signal relative to a patient or other biological sample of interest during an imaging data collection session. Further, the markers demonstrate desirable signal to noise ratios across two or more MRI data collection procedures in one embodiment. The length of the markers is also adjustable by, for example, cutting or tearing a substrate upon which a substantially fluid-free region straddles a specified separation position on the substrate.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for determining the size of blood vessels are disclosed. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing device includes a marker configured for placement on the skin of a patient. The marker defines a substantially circular shape and includes a plurality of radiopaque substantially concentric circles. In an embodiment, a blood vessel sizing method includes placing a marker having a plurality of substantially concentric circles on the skin of a patient, imaging a blood vessel of the patient and the marker, and comparing the imaged blood vessel to the imaged circles to determine the blood vessel size.

Abstract: Systems and methods for attenuation correction in time-of-flight (“TOF”) positron emission tomography (“PET”) imaging are provided. In some aspects, a provided PET system includes a plurality of detectors arranged about a bore configured to receive the subject, the plurality of detectors configured to acquire gamma rays emitted from the subject as a result of a radiotracer administered to the subject. The system also includes a data acquisition processor in communication with the plurality of detectors and configured to acquire TOF-PET data corresponding to acquired gamma rays. The system further includes an image reconstruction processor configured to process the acquired TOF-PET data with steps including estimating from the TOF-PET data, a posterior probability distribution of attenuation-corrected TOF-PET data, and reconstructing attenuation-corrected images from the posterior probability distribution of attenuation-corrected TOF-PET data.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedures for percutaneous placement of surgical implants and instruments such as, for example, screws, rods, wires and plates into various body parts using image guided surgery. The invention includes an apparatus for use with a surgical navigation system, an attaching device rigidly connected to a body part, such as the spinous process of a vertebrae, with an identification superstructure rigidly but removably connected to the attaching device. This identification superstructure, for example, is a reference arc and fiducial array which accomplishes the function of identifying the location of the superstructure, and, therefore, the body part to which it is fixed, during imaging by CAT scan or MRI, and later during medical procedures.