Abstract: Methods and a steering device for minimally invasive visualization surgery system are disclosed. In particular, the steering device configured for holding and positioning an image capturing device about a frame above a surgical site. The steering device including a curvilinear prismatic joint which may be operated by an end effector and a braking system including one or more sensors. In some embodiments, one or more electrical power mechanisms can be used to inhibit motion according to predetermined parameters can be included. A controller in logical communication with a database including said predetermined parameters (including, for example, ranges of motion for the curvilinear prismatic joint) may also be used to control the range of motion using the one or more electrical power mechanisms and/or the braking system. The braking system can include one or more of a frictional brake, a pumping brake, and an electromagnetic brake.

Abstract: Specific embodiments of the invention are directed to improved surgical procedures involving the use of processed non-visual three-dimensional data (i.e. diagnostic scan data) to provide a surgeon with additional guidance (i.e. more than that generally obtained from visual observation of the working area) concerning the distance separating a working end of a surgical instrument and the posterior portion of a target tissue. Separation information may be used to aid the surgeon in minimizing the risk of unintended penetration of adjacent tissue with the working end of the instrument. Some embodiments provide for the visual and/or auditory conveyance of distance information to the surgeon. Additional embodiments provide for overlaying visual representations of selected three-dimensional structure information (e.g. depths of troughs cut into the lens) with the real surface feature images viewed by the surgeon.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for guiding emissions to a target. The methods and systems utilize, in part, Markerless Tracking software to detect a beam of energy, such as a laser, toward a target such as a tissue that is the subject of a medical procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved phacoemulsification procedures involving the use of processed non-visual three-dimensional data (i.e. diagnostic scan data) to provide a surgeon with additional guidance concerning the distance separating a working end of a phacoemulsification instrument and the posterior capsule of the eye during a surgical procedure involving the removal of the crystalline lens of an eye. Such information is implemented to aid the surgeon in cutting or scoring the lens to a desired depth while minimizing the risk of penetrating the posterior portion of the capsule with the working end of the instrument. Some embodiments provide for the visual and/or auditory conveyance of distance information to the surgeon. Additional embodiments can provide for overlaying visual representations of selected structure information with the images provided to the surgeon.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides augmented reality methods and systems where two or more component optical images are optically overlaid via one or more beam splitters to form composite optical images. In some embodiments a second component optical image is an electronic optical image (an image from an electronically controlled emission source) while the first component optical image is one of a physical optical image (an image of a physical object from which diffuse reflection occurs), an electronic optical image, an emission optical image (an image from a non-electronic source that emits radiation), or a hybrid optical image (composed of at least two of a physical optical image, and electronic optical image, or an emission optical image). In some embodiments the first and second component optical images are used to provide feedback concerning the quality of the overlaying and appropriate correction factors to improve the overlay quality.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved visualization systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery. Some embodiments include the use of reverse kinematic positioning of camera systems to provide rapid and manual surgeon controllable positioning of camera systems as well as display of 3D surgical area images along the line of sight between a surgeon's eyes and the surgical area itself.