Abstract: A medical diagnostic imaging system includes an X-ray source and X-ray detector, sensors tracking a position of at least one of a surgical instrument and the X-ray detector, and an integrated imaging and navigation workstation. The integrated imaging and navigation workstation includes at least one processor executing fluoroscopic imaging based on an output of the X-ray detector and navigation tracking of positions of a surgical instrument and positions of an X-ray detector with respect to a coordinate system. The integrated imaging and navigation workstation also includes an input receiving surgical instrument tracking signals from the sensors, an input receiving detector tracking signals from the sensors, and a display for displaying fluoroscopic images with a displayed instrument superimposed. In particular, one or more relations of the displayed instrument with respect to the fluoroscopic image (e.g., coordinate location and rotation) corresponds to the relation of the surgical instrument to the patient.

Abstract: In a medical diagnostic imaging system, a communication protocol for providing bi-directional communication between a medical imaging subsystem and a medical navigational subsystem, the communication protocol including a plurality of navigation subsystem to imaging subsystem messages; and a Begin Imaging and an End Imaging message for synchronizing image acquisition with navigation coordinate determination, the Begin Imaging and End Imaging messages included in imaging subsystem to the navigation subsystem messages.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support for supporting a subject on a surface and an imager for imaging the subject. The imager is movably coupled to a track to allow relative movement of the imager about the support. The track is located substantially along a plane which is substantially parallel to the surface of the support. The support may, in some embodiments, be rotatable from a horizontal to a vertical position for certain procedures. The track provides movement of the imager about at least three sides of the apparatus and, in some embodiments, is affixed to the floor. Further, the track is substantially aligned with a centerline of the support surface. This provides a firm support for the imaging means, but keeps the support structure at a position where it will not interfere with clinical operations.

Abstract: A patient support table comprising a first patient support surface. The first patient support surface, in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of an x-ray translucent material such as carbon fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the first patient support surface is for supporting a patient and is slightly concave. The patient support table also comprises a support, with the support being affixed to the first end of the first patient support surface at a first end of the support and extends beyond the third end of the first patient support surface. The support is affixed in such a manner that the first patient support surface may be interchanged with a second patient support surface, wherein the second patient support surface has all of the properties of the first patient support surface. The patient support table also comprises a base. The base is affixed to a second end of the support.

Abstract: A patient support table comprising a first patient support surface. The first patient support surface, in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of an x-ray translucent material such as carbon fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the first patient support surface is for supporting a patient and is slightly concave. The patient support table also comprises a support, with the support being affixed to the first end of the first patient support surface at a first end of the support and extends beyond the third end of the first patient support surface. The support is affixed in such a manner that the first patient support surface may be interchanged with a second patient support surface, wherein the second patient support surface has all of the properties of the first patient support surface. The patient support table also comprises a base. The base is affixed to a second end of the support.