Method and apparatus for volumetric image navigation
US8116848B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2010 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3782
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical navigation system has a computer with a memory and display connected to a surgical instrument or pointer and position tracking system, so that the location and orientation of the pointer are tracked in real time and conveyed to the computer. The computer memory is loaded with data from an MRI, CT, or other volumetric scan of a patient, and this data is utilized to dynamically display 3-dimensional perspective images in real time of the patient's anatomy from the viewpoint of the pointer. The images are segmented and displayed in color to highlight selected anatomical features and to allow the viewer to see beyond obscuring surfaces and structures. The displayed image tracks the movement of the instrument during surgical procedures. The instrument may include an imaging device such as an endoscope or ultrasound transducer, and the system displays also the image for this device from the same viewpoint, and enables the two images to be fused so that a combined image is displayed. The system is adapted for easy and convenient operating room use during surgical procedures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.