Abstract: A system is provided to align a surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system. An instrument guide unit can include an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body near an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for percutaneous and/or minimally invasive implantation of a construct. The construct may be implanted using a navigation system for planning and execution of a procedure. A plurality of portions of the construct may be interconnected using locations and paths determined and navigated with the navigation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to perform a procedure that can include a processor assisted surgical procedure. During the procedure patient space and image space can be registered to allow for tracking of various tracking sensors. A dynamic reference frame can be used to maintain localization of the patient space with the image space. The dynamic reference frame can be fixedly interconnected with a bone portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: A system is provided to align a surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system. An instrument guide unit can include an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body near an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area.

Abstract: A method and system to assist in a planning and navigation of procedure. Generally, the system allows for image acquisition of a selected area of the anatomy. The images may then be used to mark various points to determine true anatomical definitions and planes. The definitions may assist in positioning a prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and system to assist in a planning and navigation of procedure. Generally, the system allows for image acquisition of a selected area of the anatomy. The images may then be used to mark various points to determine true anatomical definitions and planes. The definitions may assist in positioning a prosthesis.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for simultaneously displaying surgical navigational information and neuromonitoring information. The apparatus includes a video display terminal configured to display a visualization of anatomical structures of a patient and a computer operatively linked to the video display terminal. The computer is programmed to acquire neurological response information from the patient and automatically update the visualization of anatomical structures based on the acquired neurological response information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument capable of applying an electrostimulation to a neural structure. The surgical instrument also has a tracking system associated therewith to provide navigational tracking during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated surgical navigational and neuromonitoring system. The integrated system provides real-time visualization of an instrument relative to a visualization of patient anatomy. The integrated system also acquires and incorporates neuromonitoring information into the visualization of the patient anatomy. The integrated system is further capable of integrating neurodiagnostic information, such as nerve conduction information, with anatomical and instrument position information to evaluate changes in neural integrity and develop treatment strategies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated surgical navigational and neuromonitoring system. The integrated system provides real-time visualization of an instrument relative to a visualization of patient anatomy. The integrated system also acquires and incorporates neuromonitoring information into the visualization of the patient anatomy.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and system for a aligning surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stand-alone instrument guidance unit that is attachable to a patient's skull. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system and method of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an instrument guide unit includes an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body in an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area. The adjustment mechanism is operative to adjust the instrument guide in x and y directions.

Abstract: Methods for performing surgery in a patient through a single cannula are shown. A device is provided which includes an elongated cannula sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula defines a working channel between its ends for access to a location in the patient. A clamp assembly is removably engaged to the cannula. The clamp assembly allows use of an endoscopic viewing system or can be removed to allow use of a microscopic viewing system in order to view the surgical site in the patient through the working channel. Methods are provided for performing spinal surgeries percutaneously, including insertion of vertebral fixation elements and fusion devices.

Abstract: Computer integrated telecommunication systems are disclosed that provide a message exchange interface that transfers data and control requests generated by applications running on a computer system directly to a telecommunications unit that is adapted to respond to the data and control requests generated by these application programs. In particular, PBX systems are disclosed that include message exchange interfaces that provide fault tolerant operation and that directly map application programs running on a computer system into the controller element of the PBX system. Further systems are disclosed that provide message exchange interfaces that allow the efficient transfer of audio signals between a computer system and a telecommunication unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous spinal surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (DI) and an outer diameter (DO) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D2) equal to the diameter (DI) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30). The fixture (30) includes a housing (31) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20) that defines a working channel opening (35) which is in communication with the working channel (25). The housing (31) also defines an optics bore (60) adjacent the working channel opening (35).

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and system for a aligning surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stand-alone instrument guidance unit that is attachable to a patient's skull. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system and method of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an instrument guide unit includes an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body in an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area. The adjustment mechanism is operative to adjust the instrument guide in x and y directions.

Abstract: A method for accessing the spine includes making an incision in the skin of a patient. The skin and tissue can be dilated, and a cannula inserted through the dilated skin and tissue. The cannula includes a distal end positioned adjacent a first working space that includes paraspinous tissue. The cannula can be repositioned through the incision to a second working space adjacent the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a method and system for a aligning surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a stand-alone instrument guidance unit that is attachable to a patient's skull. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system and method of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, an instrument guide unit includes an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body in an area in which surgery. is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area. The adjustment mechanism is operative to adjust the instrument guide in x and y directions.

Abstract: A brain lead anchoring system is described which allows for installation of a brain stimulation lead or a drug delivery catheter without the lead or catheter ever being unsupported during installation so that the lead or catheter does not move during the anchoring procedure. An anchor assembly contains an anchoring mechanism that is biased in the closed or anchoring position and is only open to allow installation of a lead when it is mated to an introducer instrument, which has prongs that open the anchoring mechanism. Once the lead is appropriately positioned within the brain and while the lead is still supported by the installation guiding device, the introducer instrument is withdrawn from the anchoring mechanism, which thus allows the anchoring mechanism to return to its closed position. A locking cap covers the aperture through the anchor assembly into the skull and mechanically ensures that the anchoring mechanism remains in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedures for percutaneous placement of surgical implants and instruments such as, for example, screws, rods, wires and plates into various body parts using image guided surgery. The invention includes an apparatus for use with a surgical navigation system, an attaching device rigidly connected to a body part, such as the spinous process of a vertebrae, with an identification superstructure rigidly but removably connected to the attaching device. This identification superstructure, for example, is a reference arc and fiducial array which accomplishes the function of identifying the location of the superstructure, and, therefore, the body part to which it is fixed, during imaging by CAT scan or MRI, and later during medical procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedures for percutaneous placement of surgical implants and instruments such as, for example, screws, rods, wires and plates into various body parts using image guided surgery. The invention includes an apparatus for use with a surgical navigation system, an attaching device rigidly connected to a body part, such as the spinous process of a vertebrae, with an identification superstructure rigidly but removably connected to the attaching device. This identification superstructure, for example, is a reference arc and fiducial array which accomplishes the function of identifying the location of the superstructure, and, therefore, the body part to which it is fixed, during imaging by CAT scan or MRI, and later during medical procedures.