Abstract: Systems and methods for planning a surgical procedure are provided. Information corresponding to an examination of a patient and an image of patient may be received. The information and the image may be inputted into an analytical model figured to identify a pathology location. A needed surgical modification of the patient anatomy may be automatically identified. At least a portion of an anatomical element in a three-dimensional model of the patient anatomy may be automatically labeled.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a safety mechanism for a robotically controlled surgical tool. Embodiments of the methods use sensors to detect parameters that vary by the tissue traversed by a surgical tool. The sensors detect signals arising from the interaction of the surgical tool with the tissue and provide this information to a robotic controller. For example, during drilling, the sensors may measure power, vibration, sound frequency, mechanical load, electrical impedance, and distance traversed according to preoperative measurements on a three-dimensional image set used for planning the tool trajectory. By comparing the detected output with that expected for the tool position based on the planned trajectory, identified discrepancies in output would indicate that the tool has veered from the planned trajectory. The robotic controller may then alter the tool trajectory, change the speed of the tool, or discontinue power to the tool, thereby preventing damage to underlying tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a rod reduction process is provided. The methods and systems include determining, based on at least one parameter, a threshold for forces exerted by a tool on a rod or a pedicle screw and receiving data corresponding to a magnitude of the forces exerted by the tool on the pedicle screw or the rod during reduction of the rod into a head of the pedicle screw. A surgical plan may be updated when the monitored magnitude meets the threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated path planning of a surgical procedure, such that the optimal approach is selected from among a series of potential choices. The system is configured to plan and carry out, using a robotic surgical system, access to a surgical site starting from selection of the skin entry point. The methods select the best surgical approach and plan the physical path for robotically performing a selected surgical procedure. The path finding method uses preoperative MRI or CT images and computer vision or other image processing method to identify specific organs and tissues. The method then assigns values to a variety of parameters that define the tissue compressibility, penetrability, flexibility, and other characteristics. The system then plans an optimal path to reach the surgical target area with minimum danger of tissue damage and maximum patient safety, and encodes this information for execution by a robotic system.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for determining the treatment option most likely to result in a favorable long-term outcome in a subject with spinal pain. Using forms of computer learning and artificial intelligence, databases are generated and mined for information matching a subject of interest. Once the appropriate treatment option has been selected for the subject, if a surgical procedure is indicated, further methods are employed to select the optimal type of operation to eliminate the source of the pain and stabilize the spine. After the type of surgical procedure and approach to the area of interest have been determined, methods are described for selecting the optimal interbody for insertion under the control of a robotic surgical system. Additional methods are used for planning the minimal amount of bone that must be removed to allow insertion of intervertebral hardware such as an interbody.

Abstract: A surgical tool may include a mechanical tool for selectively cutting or removing anatomical tissue, and an electrosurgery device selectively operable to apply an electric current to anatomical tissue. The mechanical tool may include a tool bit and a driver operatively connected to the tool bit, and the electrosurgery device may include a first electrode and a second electrode different than the first electrode.

Abstract: An interbody tool may include an upper portion with an upper contact surface and a plurality of upper legs; a lower portion with a lower contact surface and a plurality of lower legs, each of the lower legs moveably connected to one of the upper legs; a plurality of gauges, each gauge configured to measure a position of one of the plurality of upper legs relative to a corresponding one of the plurality of lower legs; at least one actuator configured to selectively push the upper portion away from the lower portion; and at least one sensor for measuring a force exerted by the at least one actuator.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a power tool that generates torque; a torque sensor for measuring a torque characteristic of the power tool; a user interface; at least one processor; and a memory. The memory stores instructions for execution by the at least one processor that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: receive torque data from the torque sensor, the torque data corresponding to the measured torque characteristic; evaluate the torque data; and execute a predetermined action based on the evaluation.