Abstract: A surgical tool guide comprises an anchor body extending between a proximal end and a distal end along an anchor axis. The anchor body has a piercing element at the proximal end. An angle adjustor arcuately extends between two opposed ends. The angle adjustor is mounted to the anchor body between the proximal end and the distal end. A guide body is cannulated along a longitudinal length thereof to define a guide passage extending along a guide axis. The guide body is mounted to the angle adjustor such that the guide axis intersects the anchor axis at a target surgical point and an angle is defined between the anchor axis and the guide axis. The anchor body and/or the guide body is displaceable relative to the other along the angle adjustor to vary at least one of the angle and a depth of the target surgical point.

Abstract: A surgical tool guide comprises an anchor body extending between a proximal end and a distal end along an anchor axis. The anchor body has a piercing element at the proximal end. An angle adjustor arcuately extends between two opposed ends. The angle adjustor is mounted to the anchor body between the proximal end and the distal end. A guide body is cannulated along a longitudinal length thereof to define a guide passage extending along a guide axis. The guide body is mounted to the angle adjustor such that the guide axis intersects the anchor axis at a target surgical point and an angle is defined between the anchor axis and the guide axis. The anchor body and/or the guide body is displaceable relative to the other along the angle adjustor to vary at least one of the angle and a depth of the target surgical point.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting X rays and signaling the detection to a computer-assisted surgery processor system comprises an X ray detector unit having an X ray detector adapted to be positioned within a radiation field. The X ray detector emits a detection signal upon being excited by an X ray of a given intensity. A transmitter outputs the detection signal in radio frequency. A receiver receives the detection signal in radio frequency and forwards the detection signal to a computer-assisted surgery processor system to signal the detection of the X ray. A method is provided as well.

Abstract: A detection device for detecting X rays and signaling the detection to a computer-assisted surgery processor system comprises an X ray detector unit having an X ray detector adapted to be positioned within a radiation field. The X ray detector emits a detection signal upon being excited by an X ray of a given intensity. A transmitter outputs the detection signal in radio frequency. A receiver receives the detection signal in radio frequency and forwards the detection signal to a computer-assisted surgery processor system to signal the detection of the X ray. A method is provided as well.

Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery system for tracking an object during surgery comprises a first tracker device and a second tracker device secured to different parts of the object. The first and the second tracker device are secured to the object separately in such a way that a geometrical pattern is defined with trackable elements from the first tracker device and from the second tracker device. A tracking system has a sensor unit tracking the trackable members. A calibration unit defines a geometrical pattern from the trackable members. A pattern identifier identifies the geometrical pattern. A position and orientation calculator calculates a position and orientation of the geometrical pattern The tracking system calculates position and orientation of the object as a function of the position and orientation of the geometrical pattern and of object/geometrical pattern relation data gathered during surgery.

Abstract: The present invention in one aspect is a breathing detection device with a signal source and receiver. A card between the source and receiver alternates between a first state of signal reception and a second state of signal interference, on card movement. A cord moves the card in one direction on pulling, and in reverse on retraction. The card can be a disc, belt, or any configuration conforming to a principle of card movement to affect a difference in signal receiving state. Another aspect the invention is an asynchronous breathing detection method providing a first and a second detection device as described, both in communication. In various configurations, one or more processors is provided to receive and process data to determine magnitude and direction of cord and card movement.

Abstract: A surgical reference device for use with a computer-assisted surgery system comprises an engaging member adapted to engage directly on soft tissue of a body part such that substantially no relative movement is possible between the engaging member and a bone element of the body part. A trackable member is attached to the engaging member and comprises a detectable element for being located and tracked in three-dimensional space by the computer-assisted surgery system to measure a position and an orientation of the trackable member in time, whereby the bone element is tracked as a function of the position and orientation of the trackable member. A method for tracking a position and an orientation of a bone element using a computer-assisted surgery system is also provided.

Abstract: A navigation system for tracking an object during surgery, comprises markers adapted to be connected to an object in a known relation. An optical camera detects a light signal from the at least one marker, the optical camera generating tracking data associated with a position of the markers from the light signal. A transparent shield is positioned between the optical camera and the markers during surgery to allow the optical camera to be within the sterile field. Calibration data is associated with an effect of the shield on the light signal passing therethrough to be detected by the optical camera. A position and orientation calculator calculates a position and/or orientation of the object as a function of the tracking data, of the calibration data, and of the known relation between the object and the markers. A method is provided for tracking an object in computer-assisted surgery.

Abstract: A calibration system for the calibration of a surgical instrument, comprises a surgical instrument having a working shaft. A clamp has a first trackable member and is releasably connected to the surgical instrument such that an orientation relation between the clamp and the working shaft of the instrument is known. A base is separated from the clamp and has a second trackable member and a positioning portion being tracked for position. A sensor unit tracks the first and second trackable members. A calibration unit calibrates the surgical instrument by initializing the orientation relation between the clamp and the working shaft from the tracking data to obtain an orientation of the working shaft, and by setting a position for the working shaft with respect to the first trackable member by relating the orientation of the working shaft to the position of the positioning portion when the working shaft contacts the positioning portion.