Abstract: An instrument carrier for assisting with the positioning of a surgical instrument during surgery, the carrier having an arcuate rail mountable to an operating table and moveable relative to the table for positioning the rail over a target region in use; and a carriage operatively coupled to the rail, the carriage having a support for carrying the surgical instrument; where the carriage is configured to be movable along the rail such that movement of the carriage positions the surgical instrument along an arcuate path relative to the target region.

Abstract: A mechanical manipulator (10) for controlling the movement of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducers, especially for medical use, such as in the treatment of cancers. A base harness having two or three legs (12) is mounted on the treatment table. A central shaft mounted on the base harness carries a diagnostic probe as well as a plurality of treatment probes. The treatment probes may be moved through three degrees of freedom using computer controlled motors. The treatment probes may be moved linearly, in jaw motion and in a pitch motion.

Abstract: A method of treatment, clinical treatment assembly, robotic manipulator and controlling arrangements for the treatment of cancers are described. The invention has particular application in the treatment of breast cancer. A robotic manipulator (18) carries a jig assembly (30). The jig assembly (30) includes an array of treatment probes (52, 54, 56) and a single identification/diagnostic probe (58). The probes can be moved by the robotic manipulator (18) in three directions (x, y, ?). A subject breast tissue is received in a tank (16) through an operating window (14), and the robotic manipulator (18) is to firstly determine the site of a tumor in the breast tissue. Once the tumor has been located by use of the identification/diagnostic probe (58), the treatment probes (52, 54, 56) are used to ablate the tumor by the superposition of ultrasonic waves at a focal region. A series of such lesions may be performed in sequence to traverse the full extent of the tumor.

Abstract: A mechanical manipulator (10) for controlling the movement of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducers, especially for medical use, such as in the treatment of cancers. A base harness having two or three legs (12) is mounted on the treatment table. A central shaft mounted on the base harness carries a diagnostic probe as well as a plurality of treatment probes. The treatment probes may be moved through three degrees of freedom using computer controlled motors. The treatment probes may be moved linearly, in jaw motion and in a pitch motion.

Abstract: A computer assisted, minimally invasive method and apparatus for surgically removing abnormal tissue from a patient, for example, from a breast, are disclosed. The method involves imaging of the breast to locate the abnormal tissue, and determining a volume encapsulating the abnormal tissue and including a margin of healthy tissue. Based on the volume, a sequence of movements of a surgical instrument for tissue removal device is planned, so as to predictably excise the desired volume of tissue.

Abstract: A computer assisted, minimally invasive method and apparatus for surgically removing abnormal tissue from a patient, for example, from a breast, are disclosed. The method involves imaging of the breast to locate the abnormal tissue, and determining a volume encapsulating the abnormal tissue and including a margin of healthy tissue. Based on the volume, a sequence of movements of a surgical instrument for tissue removal device is planned, so as to predictably excise the desired volume of tissue.

Abstract: A method of treatment, clinical treatment assembly, robotic manipulator and controlling arrangements for the treatment of cancers are described. The invention has particular application in the treatment of breast cancer. A robotic manipulator (18) carries a jig assembly (30). The jig assembly (30) includes an array of treatment probes (52, 54, 56) and a single identification/diagnostic probe (58). The probes can be moved by the robotic manipulator (18) in three directions (x, y, ?). A subject breast tissue is received in a tank (16) through an operating window (14), and the robotic manipulator (18) is to firstly determine the site of a tumour in the breast tissue. Once the tumour has been located by use of the identification/diagnostic probe (58), the treatment probes (52, 54, 56) are used to ablate the tumour by the superposition of ultrasonic waves at a focal region. A series of such lesions may be performed in sequence to traverse the full extent of the tumour.