Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for controlling a surgical navigation system are provided. The method 1 comprises receiving image data at a processor from a tracking system; receiving, at a processor, an identifier of a surgical instrument within a field of view of the tracking system; generating, at the processor, output data based on the identifier of the surgical instrument; and transmitting the output data to at least one output device connected to the processor, for controlling the output device.

Abstract: A surgical imaging system is described. The system includes first and second optical assemblies. Each optical assembly defines a respective optical axis, and each includes a respective set of one or more optics for adjusting field-of-view (FOV) and focus and a respective camera for capturing an image. The system includes a controller for controlling the optical assemblies and for switching the surgical imaging system between a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration. In the coupled configuration, the first optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics and/or the respective optical axes in dependence on each other. In the uncoupled configuration, the optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics, and the respective optical axes independently of each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems for outputting depth data during a medical procedure on a patient. Depth data is outputted, representing at least one of relative depth data and general depth data. Tracking information about the position and orientation of a medical instrument and depth information about variations in depth over a site of interest are used. Relative depth data represents the depth information relative to the position and orientation of the instrument. General depth data represents the depth information over the site of interest independently of the position and orientation of the instrument.

Abstract: A modular system for organic sample analysis is disclosed which includes a sample stage including a support platform and a motorized positioning mechanism mounted on the support platform, and a sample holder mounted on the motorized positioning mechanism upon which a sample is placed. A probe support rack is mounted on the support platform and two or more bio-imaging probes mounted on the probe support and arranged in a pre-defined geometry with respect to each other, and at least one bio-imaging probe has a field of view independent of all other bio-imaging probes. The system includes a computer controller connected to the motorized positioning mechanism and the two or more bio-imaging probes. The computer is programmed for controlling motorized positioning mechanism to move the sample holder having the sample located thereon to positions in the field of view of each bio-imaging probe where the sample can be analyzed individually by each of the bio-imaging probes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a surgical microscope. Moveable optics of the surgical microscope are controlled using two sets of control parameters, to reduce jitter and image instability. Shifts in the image due to changes in temperature or due to the use of optical filter can also be compensated. Misalignment between the mechanical axis and the optical axis of the surgical microscope can also be corrected.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with dual optical coherence tomography probes is provided comprising: an optical scope comprising a distal end; a first OCT probe; and, a second OCT probe, each of the first OCT probe and the second OCT probe mechanically attached to the optical scope, the first OCT probe and the second OCT probe being substantially paraxial and configured to focus on a same scanning area, the optical scope configured to optically image the same scanning area using the distal end, the first OCT probe having a higher resolution than the second OCT probe.

Abstract: A camera system for providing images with simultaneous high resolution and large depth of field is provided. The system includes: a camera device having a field of view, the camera device configured to automatically acquire: a first image of the field of view at a first numerical aperture; and a second image of the field of view at a second numerical aperture smaller than the first numerical aperture; an image processing unit configured to combine the first image with the second image into a single image by: extracting a higher-resolution in-focus portion of the first image; and replacing a corresponding lower-resolution portion of the second image with the higher-resolution in-focus portion of the first image; and, a display device in communication with the image processing unit, the display device configured to render the single image.

Abstract: A system and method using a combined modality optical probe is provided. The system comprises: light source(s) providing excitation light; a first optical analysis device configured to receive light in a first range and analyze it using a first optical modality; a second optical analysis device configured to receive light in a second range and analyze it using a second optical modality slower than the first modality; an optical probe configured to: convey the excitation light to a tissue sample; receive the light in the first and second ranges from the sample; and, one or more optical conduits configured to: convey the excitation light from the light source(s) to the optical probe; convey the light in the first range from the optical probe to the first optical analysis device; and convey the light in the second range from the optical probe to the second optical analysis device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a surgical microscope. Moveable optics of the surgical microscope are controlled using two sets of control parameters, to reduce jitter and image instability. Shifts in the image due to changes in temperature or due to the use of optical filter can also be compensated. Misalignment between the mechanical axis and the optical axis of the surgical microscope can also be corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for intraoperative tissue stimulation during port-based surgery. The apparatus includes an access port and electrical terminals attached to the access port for tissue stimulation. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may include an access port, with or without electrical terminals attached to the access port for tissue stimulation, and electrocorticography sensors attached to the access port. The method includes inserting an access port into a tissue, applying an electrical potential to the tissue using electrical terminals attached to the access port, and measuring consequent neural activity using electrocorticography sensors attached to the access port.

Abstract: A 3D navigation system and methods for enhancing feedback during a medical procedure, involving: an optical imaging system having an optical assembly comprising movable zoom optics and movable focus optics, a zoom actuator for positioning the zoom optics, a focus actuator for positioning the focus optics, a controller for controlling the zoom actuator and the focus actuator in response to received control input, at least one detector for capturing an image of at least one of a target and an obstacle, the at least one detector operable with the optical assembly, and a proprioception feature operable with the optical imaging system for generating a 3D perception, the proprioception feature comprising a communication feature for providing 3D information, the 3D information comprising real-time depth information in relation to real-time planar information within an interrogation volume.

Abstract: Methods and systems for outputting depth data during a medical procedure on a patient. Depth data is outputted, representing at least one of relative depth data and general depth data. Tracking information about the position and orientation of a medical instrument and depth information about variations in depth over a site of interest are used. Relative depth data represents the depth information relative to the position and orientation of the instrument. General depth data represents the depth information over the site of interest independently of the position and orientation of the instrument.

Abstract: A flexible high resolution endoscope is provided herein. The endoscope comprises: a plurality of optical fiber bundles; a plurality of lenses in a one-to-one relationship with the plurality of optical fiber bundles; and, a plurality of cameras in a one-to-one relationship with the plurality of optical fiber bundles, each respective optical fiber bundle, of the plurality of optical fiber bundles, having a respective lens, of the plurality of lenses, located at a respective distal end, and a camera, of the plurality of cameras, located at a respective proximal end, the plurality of optical fiber bundles being coupled together at a common distal end, and otherwise being uncoupled from one another, a bending radius of the endoscope defined by a largest respective bending radius of each of the plurality of optical fiber bundles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for inserting a surgical port to minimize trauma. The system includes an access port and a guiding mechanism on the distal end of the access port, wherein the guiding mechanism has an adaptive atraumatic tip. The system also includes an introducer probe with a handle on the proximal end of the introducer probe, an atraumatic tip on the distal end of the introducer probe and a flexible body for insertion through the access port, the flexible body comprising one or more bendable elbows along the length of the introducer probe, wherein the introducer slidably engages the interior of the surgical access port to define an access path. The method includes inserting an access port down a sulcal path, inserting an introducer probe through the access port, and navigating the sulcal path with the introducer to the target.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a mobile surgical imaging sensor and display unit, and surgical navigation system associated therewith, in which the mobile unit may be disposed to provide line-of-sight or near line-of-sight imaging and display capabilities to an operator thereof during a surgical procedure, while a position and/or orientation of the mobile unit is tracked relative to a surgical site to associate a surgical site location with images captured and rendered by the mobile unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a surgical microscope. Moveable optics of the surgical microscope are controlled using two sets of control parameters, to reduce jitter and image instability. Shifts in the image due to changes in temperature or due to the use of optical filter can also be compensated. Misalignment between the mechanical axis and the optical axis of the surgical microscope can also be corrected.

Abstract: Optical probes for port-based corridor surgery are provided, including a device comprising: a surgical tool mounting adaptor configured for mounting to a surgical tool; an optical probe attached to the surgical tool mounting adaptor, the optical probe comprising: an optical interface end; an optical output end, distal the optical interface end, the optical output end comprising illumination optics and collection optics, the illumination optics configured to illuminate tissue proximal the optical output end, the collection optics configured to collect an optical signal from the tissue; one or more illumination optical fibers configured to convey illumination light from the optical interface end to the illumination optics; and, one or more collection optical fibers configured to convey the optical signal collected by the collection optics to the optical interface end.

Abstract: A system for illumination during a corridor based procedure is provided, comprising: a light source; and, an optical probe comprising: a tube having a distal end, a proximal end and one or more sidewalls there between, the optical probe and the light source arranged so that light from the light source is received by the one or more sidewalls, the one or more sidewalls configured to convey the light to the distal end, the distal end configured to receive the light and illuminate a sample adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A cognitive optical system for dynamically refining imaging during a medical procedure, involving a processor operable by a set of executable instructions storable in relation to a non-transitory memory device. The processor is configured to automatically adjust an image by automatically compensating for at least one external factor affecting an anatomical area being viewed, automatically adjusting at least one imaging parameter, and automatically adjusting at least one internal control of an optical chain, whereby a quality of the image is improvable in real time.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided for acquiring a depth map of a surgical site of interest in a patient. The medical navigation system comprises a camera, a light projecting device, a display, and a controller. The controller has a processor coupled to a memory. The controller is configured to generate a signal provided to the light projecting device to project an edge indicator on the surgical site of interest, generate a signal to operate the camera to perform a focus sweep and capture a plurality of images during the focus sweep where the plurality of images includes the projected edge indicator, receive from the camera data representing the plurality of images captured during the focus sweep, and generate a depth map of the surgical site of interest using the data representing the plurality of images.