Abstract: A system and method for generating three dimensional CT-type information from a conventional C-arm fluoroscope imaging system. A small number of fluoroscope images are used, taken from angles whose pose is determined by means of a three-dimensional target attached to the region of interest, aided by the participation of the surgeon or an image processing routine to pinpoint known anatomical features in the region of interest of the patient. This procedure enables the reconstruction of virtual images in any desired plane, even in planes other than those accessible by the C-arm imaging process, such as the axial plane of a vertebra. Use of this system and method of marking of the feature to be treated in a small number of angularly dissimilar images, enables the generation of CT-type information which can be used to accurately align a robotically guided surgical tool with the anatomical feature.

Abstract: A tracking and positioning system and method to enable the precise positioning of an object or tool relative to its surgical surroundings, and in accordance with preoperative CT images of the operating site. When used for artificial spinal disc positioning, the system comprises a computing system incorporating in memory the preoperative CT data showing the two vertebrae and the predetermined disc position between them; a 3-D target having radio-opaque markers for attaching to one of the vertebrae to define the position of the vertebra in an intra-operative fluoroscope image of the spine; a tool for intra-operative insertion of the artificial disc, and a registration system for relating the intra-operative fluoroscope image to the preoperative CT data, such that the predetermined disc position is displayed in the fluoroscope image of the subject, thereby enabling the surgeon to place the artificial disc accurately in its intended position.

Abstract: A novel image-guided system for precise automatic targeting in minimally invasive keyhole neurosurgery. The system consists of a miniature robot fitted with a mechanical guide for needle, probe, or catheter insertion. Intraoperative, the robot is directly affixed to a head clamp or to the patient skull. It automatically positions itself with respect to predefined entry points and targets in a preoperative CT/MRI image following an anatomical registration with an intraoperative 3D surface scan of the patient facial features and a registration jig. The registration procedure is a novel three-way scheme, in which the intraoperative surface scan including the registration jig is matched to a model generated from the preoperative CT/MRI image, the robot position is known in relation to the registration jig, and the entry and target points are known from the preoperative CT/MRI image, such that the robot position can be related to the entry and target points.