Patents Assigned to Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
  • System and method for navigated drill guide
    Patent number: 9265589
    Abstract: A system for tracking a navigated instrument. The system can include a first elongated instrument and a second elongated instrument. The first elongated instrument can have a first proximal end and a first distal end. The first elongated instrument can be adapted to be positioned relative to an anatomy. The second elongated instrument can move adjacent to the first elongated instrument. The second elongated instrument can have a second proximal end and a second distal end. The system can also include at least one tracking device coupled to the second elongated instrument. When the second elongated instrument is in a first position, the at least one tracking device tracks the first distal end of the first elongated instrument, and when the second elongated instrument is in a second position, the at least one tracking device tracks the second distal end of the second elongated instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Hartmann, Joel S. Hughes, Joseph Moctezuma, Laurent Verard
  • System and method for tracking positions of uniform marker geometries
    Patent number: 9220573
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking a tracking device for use with a surgical navigation system is provided. The system and method can include at least one tracking device having a plurality of faces. The faces can be operable to generate a signal upon activation. Also included is a face activation module that activates a selected one of the faces upon receipt of an activation signal. The system can also include a visibility module that generates the activation signal and receives the signal from the face to generate tracking data for the tracking device, along with a face switching module that generates a face control signal to activate a different face based on the tracking data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Kendrick, Andrew Bzostek, Vince J. Doerr
  • Multi-configuration tracking array and related method
    Patent number: 9179984
    Abstract: A navigation system generally determines a location of a portion of a first medical instrument relative to a patient. The navigation system generally includes a multi-configuration tracking array that extends from the first medical instrument. A plurality of tracking devices can be positioned on the multi-configuration tracking array. At least one of the tracking devices changes to define at least a first condition and a second condition. A tracking system detects the tracking devices and relates a change between the first condition and the second condition with a change between at least a first instrument configuration and a second instrument configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Teichman, David Mire, Jason Tipton, Steven L. Hartmann
  • Method and apparatus for providing a container to a sterile environment
    Patent number: 9168102
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an unsterilized item to a sterile field is disclosed. The item can include a human input device. The sterile field can be in an operating room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ryterski, Lance Kendrick
  • Method and apparatus for calibrating and re-aligning an ultrasound image plane to a navigation tracker
    Patent number: 9138204
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system that has been calibrated. The imaging system can include an ultrasound imaging system that collects one of more images based on a plane of image acquisition. The plane of image acquisition can be calibrated to a tracking device associated with the ultrasound transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Koenig, Andrew Bzostek, Jawad Mokhtar, Danail G. Danailov
  • System and method for off-center imaging
    Patent number: 9107632
    Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, which can be positioned along at an isocenter of the imaging system. The system can include a source and a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry on a rotor. The system can include a move control module that sets move data for each of the source, detector and rotor that causes the source, detector and rotor to move in a desired motion profile to acquire image data of a portion of the subject off the isocenter of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Michael Connor, Russell Stanton, Norbert Johnson, Eugene A. Gregerson
  • Hybrid multi-row detector and flat panel imaging system
    Patent number: 9042513
    Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system are provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, and a source positioned within the gantry. The source can be responsive to a signal to output at least one pulse. The system can include a multi-row detector positioned within the gantry. The multi-row detector can be in alignment with the source and sets multi-row detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include a flat panel detector positioned within the gantry. The flat panel detector can in alignment with the source and sets flat panel detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include an image acquisition control module that determines which of the multi-row detector and the flat panel detector to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuanghe Shi, Jason R. Chandonnet, Matthew G. Mooney
  • Method and apparatus for assisted trajectory planning
    Patent number: 9008414
    Abstract: A procedure can be assisted by a processor system, such as a computer system. A trajectory can be used to identify a selected trajectory or path of an instrument to reach a tumor within a brain of a subject, reach a selected portion of the anatomy (e.g. sub-thalamic nucleus (STN) or spinal cord), or other appropriate target. The planning algorithm can include both inputted data and learned rankings or ratings related to selected trajectories. The planning algorithm can used the learned ratings to rate and later determined trajectories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Merkl, Rasool Khadem
  • Method and apparatus for power control in an image-based navigation system
    Patent number: 8971495
    Abstract: An imaging system can include an imaging capturing portion, an image processing unit, a main power supply and a supplemental power supply. The image capturing portion can include a source that emits an emission signal towards a target to be imaged, and a receiver that receives the emission signal emitted by the source. The image processing unit can receive the received emission signal from the imaging capturing portion and generate image data based on the received emission signal. The main power supply can be coupled to the imaging capturing portion and the imaging processing unit for providing operational power thereto. The supplemental power supply can be coupled to the main power supply and the imaging processing unit. The supplemental power supply can be charged by the main power supply in a first mode and provide operational power to the imaging processing unit in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jigney Shah
  • Navigated instrument with a stabilizer
    Patent number: 8961500
    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: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Dicorleto, Marco Capote
  • Method and apparatus for securing a guide tube
    Patent number: 8961535
    Abstract: A guide tube is used for guiding an instrument through a hole within tissue of a patient. The guide tube includes a cannula member defining a passage extending therethrough along an axis. The passage is operable to receive the instrument and guide the instrument through the hole within the tissue of the patient. The guide tube also includes an expansion member that is moveably coupled to the cannula member to selectively move radially between a retracted position and an expanded position relative to the axis of the cannula member. The expansion member is at least partially insertable into the hole when the expansion member is in the retracted position. The expansion member is operable to engage with a surface of the hole when the expansion member is in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Burg, Brad Jacobsen
  • Dynamically scanned X-ray detector panel
    Patent number: 8948338
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging system for imaging a subject includes an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray radiation toward a portion of the subject and a panel detector positioned opposite the x-ray source relative to the subject and configured to receive x-ray radiation passing through the subject. The panel detector includes a scintillation layer converting x-ray radiation to light rays of a selected spectrum and a plurality of microelectromechanical scanners. Each microelectromechanical scanner includes a photodetector mounted on a corresponding movable platform and configured to detect light in the selected light spectrum. The panel detector includes a scanning control module configured to move each platform in a selected scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Barbato, Patrick A. Helm, Jigney Shah
  • Method and Apparatus for Moving a Reference Device
    Publication number: 20150031985
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a subject. A reference device can be associated with the subject. The reference device can be moved while maintaining or allowing registration with an image space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. REDDY, Robert Teichman
  • Automatic implant detection from image artifacts
    Patent number: 8891847
    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: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Shuanghe Shi
  • Electromagnetic Coil Apparatuses for Surgical Navigation and Corresponding Methods
    Publication number: 20140323852
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wald, Bruce M. Burg, Steven L. Hartmann, Brad Jacobsen, Jeffrey Swetnam
  • X-ray imaging system with cabling precharging module
    Patent number: 8848873
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging system can include an X-ray tube, an X-ray generator, a precharging module and a triaxial cable. The X-ray tube can be configured to generate an X-ray emission and include an anode, a cathode and a filament. The X-ray generator can be coupled with the X-ray tube and include a high voltage module and a low voltage module. The high voltage module can be being configured to supply a dosing voltage across the X-ray tube and the low voltage module can be configured to supply a dosing current to the filament. The precharging module can be configured to supply a precharge voltage. The triaxial cable can electrically connect the X-ray generator to the X-ray tube. The outer shield conductor of the triaxial cable can carry a ground voltage, the inner shield conductor can carry the precharge voltage and the center conductor can carry the dosing voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric V. Duhamel
  • Instrument guide system
    Patent number: 8845655
    Abstract: A system is provided to align a surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system. An instrument guide unit can include an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body near an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaimie Henderson, Richard D. Bucholz, Kurt R. Smith, Kevin J. Frank, John B. Clayton, Catalina J. Carroll, Phillip T. Ulberg
  • Method and apparatus for image-based navigation
    Patent number: 8842893
    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: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Teichman, Eric Potts, Robert J. Reddy
  • Image guided awl/tap/screwdriver
    Patent number: RE45484
    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 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, Anthony J. Melkent, Catalina J. Carroll
  • Percutaneous registration apparatus and method for use in computer-assisted surgical navigation
    Patent number: RE45509
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Foley, John B. Clayton, Anthony J. Melkent, Michael C. Sherman