Abstract: An imaging modality, in particular a mobile CT system, comprises an imaging system for imaging an object to be examined. The imaging modality is also provided with an image guided surgery system which includes a position measuring system for measuring positions within the object and a data processor for deriving a transformation between positions within the object and the corresponding positions in the image. The position measuring device is also arranged to measure the position of the imaging system and the data processor is arranged to derive the transformation from the position and/or orientation of the imaging system. The position measuring system is notably an optical position measuring system which is arranged to measure the position of the gantry of the CT system. The data processor is arranged to derive the transformation from the measured position of the gantry.

Abstract: An image-guided surgery system includes a position measuring system (9, 10) for measuring a position of an instrument (20). The image-guided surgery system includes a test system (9, 10, 30) which is arranged to measure the instrument, using the position measuring system, by measuring a calibration position of a reference part (42) of the instrument while an object part (23) of the instrument is situated in a calibration location. The test system is also arranged to measure a test position of the reference part of the instrument while the object part of the instrument is situated in a test position.

Abstract: An image-guided surgery system includes an alignment device (1) which measures the direction of a target position (2) with respect to a starting position (4). Subsequently, the alignment device (1) places one end of the surgical instrument (3) in the starting position and rotates the surgical instrument in such a manner that it is oriented along the measured direction. It is ensured that the end meanwhile remains in the starting position. The image-guided surgery system includes a system of arms (7), one end of which is provided with an alignment member (5) for supporting the surgical instrument. The alignment member is preferably a sphere provided with an opening (6) in which the surgical instrument fits.

Abstract: An image-guided surgery system is used to show a user, for example a surgeon, a position of a surgical instrument in an operating area in the body of a patient during a surgical operation. The image-guided surgery system includes an alignment system for deriving an alignment line through a target position, for selecting a starting plane through an end of the surgical instrument, for deriving a starting point on the alignment line and in the starting plane, and for reproducing a position of said end and of said starting point relative to one another in the starting plane. For example, the positions of the end and the starting point in the starting plane are reproduced in a guide image.

Abstract: An image guided surgery system comprises a position detection system which measures the position of a surgical instrument and displays the surgical instrument in its corresponding position in a CT-image or an MRI-image. The position detection system is provided with an indicator system which shows a region for which the position detection system is sensitive. Preferably, the camera unit of the position detection system incorporates a semiconductor laser which generates a light spot in the center of the operating region.

Abstract: An image-guided surgery system includes an optical position measuring system (1, 2) for measuring the position of a surgical instrument (13) relative to a patient (14) to be operated or treated. Using a data processor (2), the position of the surgical instrument (13) is reproduced in an image displayed on a monitor (16). The optical position measuring system (1, 2) includes a camera unit (1) with two cameras (10). The camera unit (1) also includes a memory unit (3) in which data concerning the positions of the cameras (10) in the camera unit (1) relative to one another are stored.

Abstract: A computer tomography system includes an X-ray tube having an elongate anode across which a beam spot can be displaced, a scanogram being formed by correctly shifting the profiles measured in the various source positions with respect to one another, followed by superposition. Parts of the object which are situated in a selected layer are thus emphasized in an image, parts of the object which are situated outside the selected layer being blurred. When a point of interest in the object is determined by observation of the scanogram, the same apparatus is used to produce a tomography slice image transverse the scanogram image. An important additional advantage consists in that the permissible power to be applied to the X-ray source may be higher. Furthermore, a scanogram thus obtained is not necessarily disturbed by the failure of one or more detectors.