Abstract: A system including initialization, imaging, alignment, processing, and setting modules. The initialization module obtains patient parameters for a patient and procedure and surgeon parameters. The initialization module selects first settings for an x-ray source based on the patient, procedure, and surgeon parameters. The image module obtains a first sample set of images of a region-of-interest of the patient and a master sample set of images. The first sample set was acquired as a result of the x-ray source operating according to the first settings. The alignment module aligns the first sample set to the master sample set. The processing module processes pixel data corresponding to a result of the alignment based on a pixel parameter or one of the patient parameters. The setting module adjusts the first settings to provide updated settings. X-ray dosage associated with the updated settings is less than x-ray dosage associated with the first settings.

Abstract: A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on an 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 placement of a device. The system and method can be used in confirming an efficacious result.

Abstract: A transformable imaging system configured to operate in at least two configurations. A first configuration may be open and a second configuration may be closed. The closed configuration may allow for imaging in along an arc greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that can be used to track and navigate an instrument relative to a patient. The system can include an electromagnetic tracking system to track an electromagnetic stimulation probe, such as a transcranial magnetic stimulation probe. The system can, according to various embodiments, provide a tracking device on the probe, track the coil of the probe, provide a field relative to the probe, and determine the position of the patient based upon the field produced by the probe.

Abstract: A transformable imaging system configured to operate in at least two configurations. A first configuration may be open and a second configuration may be closed. The closed configuration may allow for imaging in along an arc greater than 180 degrees.

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.

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, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked.

Abstract: A transformable imaging system configured to operate in at least two configurations. A first configuration may be open and a second configuration may be closed. The closed configuration may allow for imaging in along an arc greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system including initialization, imaging, alignment, processing, and setting modules. The initialization module obtains patient parameters for a patient and procedure and surgeon parameters. The initialization module selects first settings for an x-ray source based on the patient, procedure, and surgeon parameters. The image module obtains a first sample set of images of a region-of-interest of the patient and a master sample set of images. The first sample set was acquired as a result of the x-ray source operating according to the first settings. The alignment module aligns the first sample set to the master sample set. The processing module processes pixel data corresponding to a result of the alignment based on a pixel parameter or one of the patient parameters. The setting module adjusts the first settings to provide updated settings. X-ray dosage associated with the updated settings is less than x-ray dosage associated with the first settings.

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.

Abstract: A system including an input sensor, a summer, a controller, and a feedback sensor. The input sensor: detects a first amount of force or torque applied on a component of an x-ray scanner gantry in a direction; and generates a command signal. The command signal indicates the first amount of force or torque. The summer generates an error signal based on the command signal and a feedback signal. The controller controls operation of a motor based on the error signal to: reduce the error signal; provide counterbalancing of the gantry in the direction; and provide a net force or torque on the gantry that is equal to a predetermined value or is within a predetermined range of the predetermined value. The feedback sensor detects a second amount of force or torque applied on the gantry in the direction as a result of the controlled operation and generates the feedback signal.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a member used in a navigation system. The navigation system can determine the identification of an instrument via an input. The input can be substantially automatic when an instrument is introduced into the navigation system field or assembly.

Abstract: A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for navigating an instrument relative to a configurable theater system. The configurable theater instrument can be any instrument positioned in a theater that is configured to have more than one position. 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.

Abstract: A transformable imaging system configured to operate in at least two configurations. A first configuration may be open and a second configuration may be closed. The closed configuration may allow for imaging in along an arc greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system including an x-ray scanner gantry having: a housing; a gantry gear; a rotor; a generator mounted on the rotor; and first and second generator gears connected to or engaged with one or more axles of the generator. The second generator gear is engaged with the gantry gear. A motor rotates the intermediate gear via a motor gear. A second actuator actuates the motor gear to engage the motor with the rotor. A control module operates in first and second modes and: while in the first mode, engages the intermediate gear to the first generator gear via the first actuator to rotate, via the motor gear, the intermediate gear and as a result the first generator gear; and while in the second mode, engage the motor to the rotor via the second actuator to rotate, via the motor gear, the rotor and as a result the second generator gear.

Abstract: A system and apparatus taught to determine the identification and selected information relating to surgical instruments near a reader. The information can be stored on a member operable to transmit the information to a reader at a selected time. The information can be used in a navigation system to assist in navigation of the instrument relative to a patient.

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. A volumetric model of multiple phases can be reconstructed using dynamic or enhanced reconstruction techniques.

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.