Patents Assigned to Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
  • Gated image acquisition and patient model construction
    Patent number: 9769912
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system with at least two different power characteristics. The image data can be reconstructed using dynamic or enhanced reconstruction techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • Method and apparatus for perspective inversion
    Patent number: 9757087
    Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is disclosed that allows a surgeon to invert the three-dimensional perspective of the instrument to match their perspective of the actual instrument. A data processor is operable to generate a three-dimensional representation of a surgical instrument as it would visually appear from either of at least two different perspectives and to overlay the representation of the surgical instrument onto an image data of the patient. The image data and the representations can be displayed on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Simon, Greg Rutz, Monish Rajpal, Gordon Goodchild, Michael Haas
  • Trackable biopsy needle
    Patent number: 9750486
    Abstract: A trackable biopsy needle assembly including an inner tube of an outer cannula, an inner dielectric layer, a first coil, a second coil, a third coil, an outer dielectric layer, and an outer tube of the outer cannula. The inner tube defines a bore. The inner dielectric layer is secured onto an outer surface of the inner tube. The first, second, and third coils are wound over the inner dielectric layer. The outer dielectric layer is secured onto the first coil, the second coil, and the third coil. The outer tube is fastened to the outer dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Burg, Steven L. Hartmann
  • System and method for image-guided navigation
    Patent number: 9737235
    Abstract: Image data can be obtained with an imaging device. A location of the imaging device relative to a subject can be determined. A location of an instrument can be tracked relative to the subject using two or more tracking systems operating with different tracking modalities. Also, the tracked location of the instrument can be illustrated relative to the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Hartmann
  • Systems and methods for imaging large field-of-view objects
    Patent number: 9724058
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Method and system for navigating an instrument
    Patent number: 9717442
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a patient that can be near a field distorting feature. A localizer can generate an electromagnetic field that is sensed by a tracking device to determine a location of the tracking device with the sensed electromagnetic field. The system and related method can assist in determining whether a navigation field is distorted near a tracking device of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Jacobsen, Andrew Bzostek, Steven L. Hartmann
  • Selected image acquisition technique to optimize patient model construction
    Patent number: 9713505
    Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that allow for generation of a model or reconstruction of a model of a subject based upon acquired image data. The image data can be acquired in a substantially mobile system that can be moved relative to a subject to allow for image acquisition from a plurality of orientations relative to the subject. The plurality of orientations can include a first and final orientation and a predetermined path along which an image data collector or detector can move to acquire an appropriate image data set to allow for the model of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • Selected image acquisition technique to optimize patient model construction
    Patent number: 9636183
    Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that allow for generation of a model or reconstruction of a model of a subject based upon acquired image data. The image data can be acquired in a substantially mobile system that can be moved relative to a subject to allow for image acquisition from a plurality of orientations relative to the subject. The plurality of orientations can include a first and final orientation and a predetermined path along which an image data collector or detector can move to acquire an appropriate image data set to allow for the model of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • Method and apparatus for tracking a patient
    Patent number: 9579161
    Abstract: A system for tracking a patient is provided. The system can include a first reference frame coupled to a first portion of an anatomical structure. The system can include a second reference frame, which can be coupled to a second portion of the anatomical structure. The system can also include a first tracking device coupled to the first reference frame and a second tracking device coupled to the second reference frame. The system can also include a tracking system that can track a position of the first tracking device and the second tracking device to ensure that the position of the first reference frame relative to the anatomical structure is substantially the same throughout a surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Hartmann, Laurent Verard, James Kelley, Kenneth Gardeski, Kevin Thomas Wu, Michael Neidert
  • Method and apparatus for surgical navigation
    Patent number: 9504530
    Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical navigation system for tracking an instrument relative to a patient. The system can track a portion of the patient, an instrument, and/or both relative to image data, a coordinate system, an atlas, a morphed atlas, or combinations thereof. The system can include a tracking device on the instrument to provide six degree of freedom information regarding the location of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Hartmann, Bruce M. Burg, Andrew Bzostek, Matthew W. Koenig, Brad Jacobsen, Bradley A. Jascob, Paul Kessman
  • Method and apparatus for image-based navigation
    Patent number: 9504531
    Abstract: A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, generally the procedure can have a selected result that is efficacious. The efficacious result may be the desired or best result for the procedure. The system and method can be used in confirming a selected result that can be efficacious.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Teichman, Eric Potts, Robert J. Reddy
  • Electromagnetic coil apparatuses for surgical navigation and corresponding methods
    Patent number: 9480415
    Abstract: An electromagnetic device includes a jig and multiple wires. The jig includes a center member and coil-separating blocks. The coil-separating blocks protrude from the center member and are separated from each other to provide a coil channels. Each of the wires is wrapped on the jig, around the center member, and in one of the coil channels to form one of a multiple coils. Each of the coils is configured to connect to an electromagnetic navigation system and generate respective electromagnetic fields to be emitted relative to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wald, Bruce M. Burg, Steven L. Hartmann, Brad Jacobsen, Jeffrey Swetnam
  • Navigated instrument with a stabilizer
    Patent number: 9468427
    Abstract: A stabilizer for use with a trackable surgical instrument can include a first member, a second member and a retaining member. The first member can have a first annular body portion and a first pair of legs extending therefrom. The first annular body portion can include a plurality of locating slots for engaging a selectively positionable portion of a surgical instrument. The second member can have a second annular body portion and a second pair of legs extending therefrom. The second annular body can engage a drive device of the surgical instrument. The first pair of legs can be telescopically coupled with and adjustable relative to the second pair of legs such that the first member can be axially adjustable relative to the second member. The retaining member can cooperate with at least one leg to retain the first member adjustably coupled to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Dicorleto, Marco Capote
  • Selected image acquisition technique to optimize patient model construction
    Patent number: 9412200
    Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that allow for generation of a model or reconstruction of a model of a subject based upon acquired image data. The image data can be acquired in a substantially mobile system that can be moved relative to a subject to allow for image acquisition from a plurality of orientations relative to the subject. The plurality of orientations can include a first and final orientation and a predetermined path along which an image data collector or detector can move to acquire an appropriate image data set to allow for the model of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • X-ray imaging system and method
    Patent number: 9411057
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system can include an X-ray source that projects a beam of X-ray radiation and an X-ray detector positioned to receive the beam of X-ray radiation at a location. The X-ray detector can include: (i) a monolithic substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, (ii) a scintillation layer arranged upon the first side and including a first region and a second region, the first region having a first X-ray sensitivity and the second region having a second X-ray sensitivity different than the first X-ray sensitivity, and (iii) a photosensor array arranged upon the second side. The X-ray source and X-ray detector can be configured to adjust the location at which the X-ray detector receives the beam of X-ray radiation such that the location is primarily within the first region or the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • Systems and methods for imaging large field-of-view objects
    Patent number: 9398886
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a detector located a distance from a source and positioned to receive a beam of radiation in a trajectory; a detector positioner that translates the detector to an alternate position in a direction that is substantially normal to the trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the alternate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Richard K. Grant, Norbert Johnson
  • Automatic implant detection from image artifacts
    Patent number: 9317661
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of implant detection includes receiving a three-dimensional (3D) image of an anatomy portion of a patient from computed tomography (CT) projections of the patient in an image processing computing system. A cluster of voxels forming an implant candidate is identified on a CT slice of the 3D image and the identified implant candidate is compared with artifacts of implants from an implant database stored in a memory of the computing system. A best-fit implant is selected from the implant database and a graphical image of the best-fit implant is overlaid on the CT slice on a display of the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • Diffusion tensor imaging confidence analysis
    Patent number: 9311335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Simon
  • Image guided awl/tap/screwdriver
    Patent number: RE46409
    Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided medical and surgical navigation systems that generate images during medical and surgical procedures, includes a guide member having an emitter array for being tracked by the system and a drive shaft contained within the guide member having a proximal and a distal end, the drive shaft being rotatable within the guide member while being fixable axially inside the guide member, the proximal end of the drive shaft having a first connector for interchangeably receiving at least one drive source, and the distal end having a second connector for interchangeably receiving at least one instrument tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Anthony J. Melkent, Catalina J. Carroll
  • Image guided awl/tap/screwdriver
    Patent number: RE46422
    Abstract: A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided medical and surgical navigation systems that generate images during medical and surgical procedures, includes a guide member having an emitter array for being tracked by the system and a drive shaft contained within the guide member having a proximal and a distal end, the drive shaft being rotatable within the guide member while being fixable axially inside the guide member, the proximal end of the drive shaft having a first connector for interchangeably receiving at least one drive source, and the distal end having a second connector for interchangeably receiving at least one instrument tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Anthony J. Melkent, Catalina J. Carroll