Abstract: A method and system for registering volumetric scan data of a patient surgical site with actual patient position are disclosed. In practicing the method, position data relating to (i) the x,y,z coordinates of a detector screen in fixed coordinate system, and the x,y, coordinates of patient features on the screen are used to determine the x,y,z coordinates of the patient features in the fixed coordinate system. These coordinates are then matched with the coordinates of the same patient features taken from pre-op scan data, e.g., CT scan data, to place the CT scan data in the fixed coordinate system.

Abstract: A method and system for obtaining desired subsurface views of a patient target site are disclosed. The system includes a scan-data file for storing, in digital form, volumetric scan data of a surgical site of a patient, a pointer for indicating the position and orientation of desired views, and a display screen for placement near the patient target region. A computational device operatively connected to the data file, pointer, and display screen functions to reconstruct a 2-D shadowgraph images of the patient region from the position and orientation of the pointer. By moving the pointer to selected positions and orientations, the user can view optimal and desired shadowgraph images of the patient in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in calibrating lens position and field of view in an endoscope is disclosed. The apparatus includes tracking elements mounted at fixed positions on the endoscope's shaft, a holder providing an object or pattern to be viewed by the endoscope, when the endoscope is placed in the holder, and positional elements mounted on the holder at known positions. A processor in the apparatus operates to determine the positions of the tracking and positional elements, with the endoscope shaft received in the holder guide, and calculate from the determined positions, the coordinates of the endoscope lens with respect to the tracking elements, and the field of the view of the lens. Also disclosed is a calibration method which employs the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing transformations between a view orientation in a virtual space and a view orientation with respect to a target site in a patient's body where surgery is being performed. The view in virtual space enables the surgeon to see the internal structures in the target site in a variety of ways and orientations including from behind the site.