Abstract: The invention provides for a medical instrument (100, 300, 400, 500) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (102). The medical instrument further comprises a subject support (120) with a support surface (121) configured for supporting at least a portion of the subject within an imaging zone (108). The subject support comprises a radar array (125) embedded below the support surface. The medical instrument further comprises a radar system (124) for acquiring a radar signal (144) from the subject. The medical instrument further comprises a motion detection system (122) configured for acquiring a movement signal (146).

Abstract: A platform is provided for generating 3D models of a tumor segmented from a series of 2D medical images and for identifying from these 3D models, radiomic features that may be used for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment response assessment of the tumor. The radiomic features may be shape-based features, intensity-based features, textural features, and filter-based features. The radiomic features are compared to remove sufficiently redundant features, thereby producing a reduced set of radiomic features, which is then compared to separate genomic data and/or outcome data to identify clinically and biologically significant radiomic features for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment response assessment, other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical microscope with a field of view and comprising an optical imaging system which images an inspection area which is at least partially located in the field of view, and to a method for a gesture control of a surgical microscope having an optical imaging system. The surgical microscope further comprises a gesture detection unit for detection of a movement of a surgical instrument, the gesture detection unit having a detection zone which is located between the inspection area and the optical imaging system and is spaced apart from the inspection area, and the gesture detection unit being configured to output a control signal to the optical imaging system depending on the movement of the surgical instrument in the detection zone, the optical imaging system being configured to alter its state depending on the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical guidance and image registration are provided, in which three-dimensional image data associated with an object or patient is registered to topological image data obtained using a surface topology imaging device. The surface topology imaging device may be rigidly attached to an optical position measurement system that also tracks fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The instrument may be registered to the topological image data, such that the topological image data and the movable instrument are registered to the three-dimensional image data. The three-dimensional image data may be CT or MRI data associated with a patient. The system may also co-register images pertaining to a surgical plan with the three-dimensional image data. In another aspect, the surface topology imaging device may be configured to directly track fiducial markers on a movable instrument. The fiducial markers may be tracked according to surface texture.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying and quantifying image distortions within a patient magnetic resonance image set comprises a structure of magnetic resonance compatible materials with a high level of rigidity, where the structure is configured to cover the whole image volume of the brain region of the patient and sized to fit within a brain magnetic resonance coil when worn by a patient. A plurality of magnetic resonance fiducial markers is placed on the structure, thereby permitting the measurement of three-dimensional distances between the markers when the patient undergoes a magnetic resonance imaging procedure. Also presented is a process for identifying and quantifying image distortions within a patient magnetic resonance image set using the apparatus where the geometrical distortion is quantified and compared with a set threshold or a standard image.

Abstract: When the distance indicated by distance information received by a Bluetooth module (31) is less than a predetermined first reference distance (KY1), a guidance image (33) including a distance image (33a) and a direction image (33b) is generated, and this guidance image (33) is displayed on a combiner (26) of a helmet (20). By stopping the display of the distance image (33a) of the guidance image (33) and continuing to display the direction image (33b) from when the distance indicated by the distance information becomes less than a second reference distance (KY2) shorter than the first reference distance (KY1) to when the guidance point is reached, the driver's attention is focused on the direction image (33b), so that a mistake in the direction of travel at the guidance point can be prevented.

Abstract: An instrument for use in a navigated surgical procedure, the instrument includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a shaft extending therebetween. An angled instrument tip is positioned at an end of the distal portion of the instrument. A first tracking array is coupled to the proximal portion of the instrument and a surveillance array is coupled to the proximal portion of the instrument. The tracking array includes a plurality of tracking markers, and is configured to rotate with respect to a central axis of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating in bronchial pathways. In order to provide further improved navigation guidance, a sequence of 2D X-ray images of a region of interest of a bronchial structure with an intrathoracic device (visible in the X-ray images) inserted in a bronchial pathway is provided. The intrathoracic device is tracked in the 2D X-ray images and direction and magnitude of repetitory cardiovascular and respiratory induced motion is assessed based on the tracked intrathoracic device. The assessed motion is modelled and a navigation information indicative of a range of the modelled motion is generated. The navigation information is shown as a confidence reference (310), for example a rEBUS historical trajectory confidence reference, to a user operating the intrathoracic device. As an example, an augmented fluoroscopy 2D image (302) of a thorax region is registered and shown overlaid with segmentation (304) of the bronchial structure and target lesion (312).

Abstract: Endoscopic image analysis, endoscopic procedure analysis, and/or component control systems, methods and techniques are disclosed that can analyze images of an endoscopic system and/or affect an endoscopic system to enhance operation, user and patient experience, and usability of image data and other case data.

Abstract: A tracker for a surgical navigation system, a tracker system, and a surgical navigation system are provided. The tracker comprises a carrier and an electrical circuit disposed on the carrier. The electrical circuit comprises at least one infrared light emitting diode, IR-LED, and a battery or a wireless power reception device configured to receive power wirelessly, wherein the battery or the wireless power reception device is configured to provide power to operate the at least one IR-LED. The electrical circuit is configured to limit a current for at least one of the at least one IR-LED to not exceed 15 mA.

Abstract: A method for delivering an elongated medical device along a path to a target location using a catheter procedure system includes generating a mask of the path, tracking a position of a distal portion of the elongated medical device based on a set of real-time images and determining a remaining path length based at least on the position of the distal portion of the elongated medical device. The remaining path length is a distance between the distal portion of the elongated medical device and the target location. The remaining path length decreases as the distal portion of the elongated medical device approaches the target location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for robotically assisted disc prosthesis selection and implantation. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the intended surgical site and identifying and storing data for the positions of the first and second vertebrae. A computing system for stores and processes the 3D model and the position data. A robot connected to the computing system attaches to a plurality of instruments including sizing templates, trials, cutters or placement instruments for intervertebral disc prostheses. An interface on the computing system allows the surgeon to sequentially deliver the plurality of instruments with the robot to a registration position to improve the speed and accuracy of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system for providing computer-aided surgery. The surgical navigation system includes a handheld surgical tool with computer-aided navigation, an imaging device, an alignment module, and a user interface module. The handheld surgical tool includes at least one sensor for measuring a position of the tool in three dimensions, and at least one set key. A processor and at least one display device are associated with the handheld surgical tool and configured to display a target trajectory of the handheld surgical tool for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for isocenter calibration. The method includes providing a phantom including a first member and a second member with a fixed position relationship. The method includes acquiring, using a first device, at least one first image of the first member of the phantom. The method includes determining, based on the at least one first image, a first position relationship between a first isocenter of the first device and the first member. The method includes acquiring, using a second device, at least one second image of the second member of the phantom. The method includes determining, based on the at least one second image and the fixed position relationship, a second position relationship between a second isocenter of the second device and the first member. The method includes determining, based on the first position relationship and the second position relationship, a third position relationship between the first isocenter and the second isocenter.

Abstract: Accordion to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a volume data generating unit, an image generating unit, an MPR image generating unit, and a display controller. The volume data generating unit generates, based on position angle information of an ultrasound probe and echo data from the ultrasound probe, functional volume data of a subject accompanied with the position angle information. The image generating unit sequentially generates a sectional image of the subject based on the position angle information and the echo data. The MPR image generating unit generates an MPR image corresponding to the cross-section of the sectional image from the functional volume data based on the position angle information corresponding to the sectional image and the position angle information attached to the functional volume data. The display controller displays the sectional image and the MPR image in parallel or in a superimposed manner on a display.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the field of cardiac electrophysiology (EP) and, more specifically, to image-guided radio frequency ablation and pacemaker placement procedures. For those procedures, it is proposed to display the overlaid 2D navigation motions of an interventional tool intraoperatively obtained from the same projection angle for tracking navigation motions of an interventional tool during an image-guided intervention procedure while being navigated through a patient's bifurcated coronary vessel or cardiac chambers anatomy in order to guide e.g. a cardiovascular catheter to a target structure or lesion in a cardiac vessel segment of the patient's coronary venous tree or to a region of interest within the myocard. In such a way, a dynamically enriched 2D reconstruction of the patient's anatomy is obtained while moving the interventional instrument.

Abstract: A drill guide fixture may be configured to prepare a skull for attachment of a cranial insertion fixture. The drill guide fixture may include a central drill guide and a bone anchor guide at a base of the drill guide fixture. The central drill guide may define a central drill guide hole therethrough, wherein the central drill guide hole has a first opening at a base of the drill guide fixture and a second opening spaced apart from the base of the drill guide fixture. The bone anchor drill guide may define a bone anchor drill guide hole therethrough, and the bone anchor drill guide hole may be offset from the central drill guide hole in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to a direction of the central drill guide hole. Related cranial insertion fixtures, robotic systems, and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of partial surface models from volumetric datasets for subsequent registration of such partial surface models to surface topology datasets. Specifically, given an object that is imaged using surface topology imaging and another volumetric modality, the volumetric dataset is processed in combination with an approach viewpoint to generate one or more partial surfaces of the object that will be visible to the surface topology imaging system. This procedure can eliminate internal structures from the surfaces generated from volumetric datasets, thus increases the similarity of the dataset between the two different modalities, enabling improved and quicker registration.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system (10) employing an endoscope (20) and an endoscope guidance controller (30). In operation, endoscope (20) generates an endoscopic video (23) of an anatomical structure within an anatomical region. Endoscopic guidance controller (30), responsive to a registration between the endoscopic video (23) and a volume image (44) of the anatomical region, controls a user interaction (50) with a graphical user interface (31) including one or more interactive planar slices (32) of the volume image (44), and responsive to the user interaction (50) with the graphical user interface (31), endoscopic guidance controller (30) controls a positioning of the endoscope (20) relative to the anatomical structure derived from the interactive planar slices (32) of the volume image (44).

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for tracking a position and orientation of a handheld implement, such that the handheld implement may be trackable with an overhead tracking system. A support member secures one or more markers relative to a longitudinal portion of the handheld implement, and a marker plane containing the markers is orientated an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion. A marker assembly may include a support member for supporting the markers, and a connector for removably attaching the marker assembly to one or more handheld implements. The marker assembly may be configured to be removably attachable to a plurality of connection adapters, where each connection adapter is further connectable to a handheld implement, optionally at a calibrated position, such that a single connection adapter can be optionally employed to track a plurality of handheld implements. The handheld implement may be a medical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated patient anatomy and orientation identification using an artificial intelligence (AI) based deep learning module are provided. The method comprises positioning a subject over a table of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and wrapping at least one radiofrequency (RF) imaging coil over the subject. The method comprises obtaining a plurality of depth images, color images and infrared images of the subject using a three-dimensional (3D) depth camera and identifying the table boundary of the MRI system using the images obtained by the 3D camera. The method further comprises identifying a location of the subject over the table to determine if the subject is positioned within the table boundary of the MRI system and identifying a plurality of key anatomical points or regions corresponding to a plurality of organs of the subject body.

Abstract: A computer-implemented medical data processing method for determining a difference in position of an imaged anatomical body part of a patient, the method comprising executing, on at least one processor of at least one computer, steps of: acquiring, at the at least one processor, first patient image data describing a digital image of a first anatomical body part during a first phase of inspiration and the position of the first anatomical body part during the first phase of inspiration in a first reference system associated with the first image data; acquiring, at the at least one processor, second patient image data different from the first patient image data and describing a digital image of the first anatomical body part during a second phase of inspiration and the position of the first anatomical body part during the second phase of inspiration in a second reference system associated with the second image data; acquiring, at the at least one processor, position transformation data describing a transformatio

Abstract: A first layer of data having a first set of Ambisonic audio components can be decoded where the first set of Ambisonic audio components is generated based on ambience and one or more object-based audio signals. A second layer of data is decoded having at least one of the one or more object-based audio signals. One of the object-based audio signals is subtracted from the first set of Ambisonic audio components. The resulting Ambisonic audio components are rendered to generate a first set of audio channels. The one or more object-based audio signals are spatially rendered to generate a second set of audio channels. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: There is provided a control device that decides at least one medical image as a medical image to display or save from among medical images taken by a plurality of imaging devices, on a basis of imaging device status information that includes information about a position or an attitude for at least one of the plurality of imaging devices.

Abstract: A system for tracking a navigated instrument. The system can include a first elongated instrument and a second elongated instrument. The first elongated instrument can have a first proximal end and a first distal end. The first elongated instrument can be adapted to be positioned relative to an anatomy. The second elongated instrument can move adjacent to the first elongated instrument. The second elongated instrument can have a second proximal end and a second distal end. The system can also include at least one tracking device coupled to the second elongated instrument. When the second elongated instrument is in a first position, the at least one tracking device tracks the first distal end of the first elongated instrument, and when the second elongated instrument is in a second position, the at least one tracking device tracks the second distal end of the second elongated instrument.

Abstract: A tracking and guidance arrangement for a surgical robot system and related method are provided. The arrangement includes a patient-interacting device including an instrument engaged a distal end of a guide arm and a fiducial marker coupled to maxillofacial anatomy of the patient. A detector is connected to an articulating arm and co-operable therewith to be positioned adjacent to the fiducial marker, with the detector being configured to interact with the fiducial marker. A controller device is configured to receive data from the detector relative to the interaction thereof with the fiducial marker, to determine a spatial relation between the fiducial marker and the detector based on the data, to determine a spatial relation of the instrument relative to the fiducial marker, and to direct the instrument to interact with the maxillofacial anatomy of the patient according to the determined spatial relations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system that uses ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) for counting and identifying a variety of objects during medical or surgical operations. The method includes passive UHF RFID tag, a RFID scanner to communicate with host equipment and storage in a database cloud. The method includes a water-proof antenna and microchip supported by a substrate with covering overlay materials. The invention further discloses a tracking method for counting process, with software implementation, to assist the count-in count-out function to track multiple medical devices, resulting in reduction of counting errors during surgical procedures when the current UHF RFID process is utilized.

Abstract: There is provided a medical support device for holding and positioning a needle. This device is particularly useful for positioning needles in a less invasive puncture treatment. This device comprises two rotational elements and at least one needle guide attached to a rotational element and. The needle guide guides the direction of insertion of a needle-like instrument and includes a guide portion that guides a needle or other needle-like instrument where the puncture point of the needle in a first position is different from the puncture point when the needle guide guides the needle in a second position.

Abstract: A platform is provided for generating 3D models of a tumor segmented from a series of 2D medical images and for identifying from these 3D models, radiomic features that may be used for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment response assessment of the tumor. The radiomic features may be shape-based features, intensity-based features, textural features, and filter-based features. The radiomic features are compared to remove sufficiently redundant features, thereby producing a reduced set of radiomic features, which is then compared to separate genomic data and/or outcome data to identify clinically and biologically significant radiomic features for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment response assessment, other applications.

Abstract: A surgical device has a shaft including a proximal portion and a distal portion being disposable with a surgical robot guide to engage vertebral tissue. The proximal portion defines a detectable marker and is connectable with at least one surgical instrument for manipulating the vertebral tissue. Systems, surgical instruments, spinal implants, constructs and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for computer-assisted orthopedic feedback of at least one surgical tool relative a pre-operative plan, wherein the surgical tool is moveable relative to an anatomy of a patient during surgery, including providing the pre-operative plan including a planned position and orientation of an implant relative to a virtual model of the anatomy. Further including obtaining a position of the patient structure and at least one surgical tool using a navigation system, and registering the anatomy to the model of the anatomy. Further including tracking a current position and orientation of the at least one surgical tool and the anatomy of the patient using the navigation system, and providing feedback of the current position and orientation of the at least one surgical tool relative to the planned position and orientation of the implant based on the tracked current position and orientation of the at least one surgical tool.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatus of surgical instruments engineered for integration with robotic surgical systems to enhance precision in surgical procedures. Also described herein are methods of using such surgical instruments in performing surgical procedures. The use of such surgical instruments reduce complications arising from misalignment during surgery. The disclosed technology assists in stages of a surgical procedure that require a precise trajectory to be followed. Surgical instrument guides are attached to a universal surgical instrument guide, which is engineered to attach directly or indirectly with a robotic arm of a robotic surgical system. Surgical instruments can then be precisely guided along an axis defined by the universal surgical instrument guide. Individual instruments are easily inserted and removed from the channel of the universal surgical instrument guide, thus allowing a range of instruments to be used throughout a procedure while maintaining the surgical trajectory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical system, in particular for implanting a knee joint endoprosthesis, which comprises at least one medical referencing unit whose position in space is detectable using a surgical navigation system. The referencing unit comprises at least one surgical marker element that is arranged or formed on a carrier element and is detectable using a detection device of the surgical navigation system. The at least one referencing unit comprises a base body that carries the carrier element. The base body comprises at least one patient-specific bone contact face faces away from the base body and deviates from being a sector of a surface of a sphere and from being a planar surface. The at least one bone contact face is formed in a manner corresponding to a bone surface of the patient.

Abstract: A method for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes generating at least one image of the patient, automatically determining a plurality of surgical guidance cues indicating three-dimensional spatial properties associated with the local tissue, and generating a visualization of the surgical guidance cues relative to the surface. A system for generating surgical guidance cues for resection of a local tissue from a patient includes a location module for processing at least one image of the patient to determine three-dimensional spatial properties of the local tissue, and a surgical cue generator for generating the surgical guidance cues based upon the three-dimensional spatial properties. A patient-specific locator form for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes a locator form surface matching surface of the patient, and a plurality of features indicating a plurality of surgical guidance cues, respectively.

Abstract: A teleoperated surgical system includes a component such as a master control or a multi-jointed mechanical system that is configured for manual manipulation and a detection module configured to analyze movement of the component and detect uncontrolled movement of the component. Uncontrolled movement may be identified by detecting movement only on joints that gravity can move, but no movement on joints that are not subject to movement caused by gravity. In response to detection of uncontrolled movement of the component, the detection module can cause the system to switch to a safe mode of operation.

Abstract: An indoor navigation system is based on a multi-beam laser projector, a set of calibrated cameras, and a processor that uses knowledge of the projector design and data on laser spot locations observed by the cameras to solve the space resection problem to find the location and orientation of the projector.

Abstract: A method for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes generating at least one image of the patient, automatically determining a plurality of surgical guidance cues indicating three-dimensional spatial properties associated with the local tissue, and generating a visualization of the surgical guidance cues relative to the surface. A system for generating surgical guidance cues for resection of a local tissue from a patient includes a location module for processing at least one image of the patient to determine three-dimensional spatial properties of the local tissue, and a surgical cue generator for generating the surgical guidance cues based upon the three-dimensional spatial properties. A patient-specific locator form for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes a locator form surface matching surface of the patient, and a plurality of features indicating a plurality of surgical guidance cues, respectively.

Abstract: A guide for placing a landmark(s) in a patient tissue comprises a central portion defining at least one guiding bore configured to receive and guide a tool for placing the at least one landmark in the patient tissue. Extended portions project away from the central portion, each of the extended portions having respective lower base surfaces contoured to mate with the patient tissue, at least the respective lower base surfaces being customized as a function of preoperative imaging of the patient tissue, whereby the guide is specific to the patient.

Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery (CAS) system for navigating a surface of an anatomical feature in a coordinate system comprises an apparatus for obtaining points of a surface of an anatomical feature including a base adapted to be secured to the anatomical feature, a spherical joint supported by the base, the spherical joint having a ball member rotatable in at least two rotational degrees of freedom relative to the base and having a center of rotation fixed relative to the base, a distance-measurement device connected to the ball member such that a distance-measurement axis of the distance-measurement device passes through said center of rotation of the ball member. An inertial sensor unit produces signals representative of the orientation of the distance-measurement device.

Abstract: A surgical robot includes a fixed frame and a moving frame, each having an open space in a center region and may be formed as a partially open ring. The robot also includes three leg structures connecting the fixed frame and the moving frame, and enabling the moving frame to move relative to the fixed frame. The robot also includes a stabilizer for holding an anatomical structure in the open space of each frame. Each leg structure may include a linear component coupled to the moving frame, a rotary component mounted to the fixed frame, and a connector connecting between the two. Each of the linear component and the rotary component may have a rotary actuator that can be controlled by a computer. The robot may be controllable by a computer to assist a reduction procedure of long bone fractures or pelvis surgery.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a plurality of manipulator assemblies of a robotic system. In accordance with a method, a first plurality of sensor signals are received at a plurality of joint space interface elements from a plurality of connector input elements via a first mapping between the joint space interface elements and joints of the first manipulator assembly. The connector input elements are operable to couple to only one manipulator assembly at a time. The received first sensor signals are then processed with a joint controller so as to control the first manipulator assembly. A second plurality of sensor signals are then received from the connector input elements at the joint space interface elements via a second mapping different than the first mapping. The received second sensor signals are then processed with the joint controller so as to control a second manipulator assembly different than the first manipulator assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods of valve quantification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of mitral valve quantification is provided. The method includes generating a 3-D heart model, defining a 3-D mitral valve annulus, fitting a plane through the 3-D mitral valve annulus, measuring the distance between at least two papillary muscle heads, defining an average diameter of at least one cross section around the micro valve annulus, and determining a size of an implant to be implanted.

Abstract: Abstract systems and methods of biopsy control include reconstructing a 3D volume from a plurality of tomosynthesis projection images and producing a plurality of synthetic stereo images from the plurality of tomosynthesis projection images. At least the synthetic stereo images are presented on a graphical display to a clinician to facilitate at least one input of a biopsy location for biopsy control.

Abstract: An indoor navigation system is based on a multi-beam laser projector, a set of calibrated cameras, and a processor that uses knowledge of the projector design and data on laser spot locations observed by the cameras to solve the space resection problem to find the location and orientation of the projector.

Abstract: Example methods and systems may be used intraoperatively to help surgeons perform accurate and replicable surgeries, such as knee arthroplasty surgeries. An example system combines real time measurement and tracking components with functionality to compile data collected by the hardware to register a bone of a patient, calculate an axis (e.g., mechanical axis) of the leg of the patient, assist a surgeon in placing cut guides, and verify a placement of an inserted prosthesis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a member including an end. A first image guide is connected with the member and is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the member. A second image guide is connected with the member and is oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the end relative to the member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for performing a surgical procedure at a surgical site utilizing a surgical robot. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument carriage provides control of a surgical instrument coupled to the instrument carriage. The instrument carriage includes a control surface that is coupled to the surgical instrument to provide the control. A detection pin having a first distal end that extends from the control surface is coupled to the instrument carriage. A magnet is fixed to a proximal end of the detection pin. A carriage controller provides an indication that the surgical instrument is present on the instrument carriage when movement of the detection pin causes an output signal from a Hall effect sensor to exceed a presence threshold value that is stored in the carriage controller as part of a calibration procedure during the assembly of the instrument carriage. Surgical instrument removal may be indicated when detection pin movement causes the output signal to be less than a removal threshold value of less than the presence threshold value.

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for tracking a position and orientation of a handheld implement, such that the handheld implement may be trackable with an overhead tracking system. A support member secures one or more markers relative to a longitudinal portion of the handheld implement, and a marker plane containing the markers is orientated an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal portion. A marker assembly may include a support member for supporting the markers, and a connector for removably attaching the marker assembly to one or more handheld implements. The marker assembly may be configured to be removably attachable to a plurality of connection adapters, where each connection adapter is further connectable to a handheld implement, optionally at a calibrated position, such that a single connection adapter can be optionally employed to track a plurality of handheld implements. The handheld implement may be a medical instrument.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for assisting cartilage diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and includes the steps of acquiring 3D osteocartilaginous parameters by using multimodal 3D tracked devices; incorporating these parameters into a volumic anatomic osteocartilaginous model from which a bone tracking virtual real-time environment is built; three-dimensionally computing an osteocartilaginous quality score from this multiparametric 3D osteocartilaginous model; providing real-time navigation in this 3D virtual environment in order to make ongoing therapeutic assessments and adjustments; and updating steps 1 to 3 according to the performed therapy. It will be appreciated that the above steps are compatible with arthroscopic procedures involving cartilage.