Combining tomographic images in situ with direct vision in sterile environments

US8211020B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education · US

Inventors

• George DeWitt Stetten · Pittsburgh, US
• William David Weiser · Dorpsstraat, US
• David C. Wang · Pittsburgh, US
• John Galeotti · Pittsburgh, US
• Damion Shelton · Pittsburgh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 2008
• Grant date: Jul 3, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 6, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/378
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may be enclosed in a sterile container (e.g., a probe bag) and a mirror and mirror housing may be separately attachable to the image capture device and display. In these embodiments, the mirror may be disposable and the sterility of the overall imaging device is maintained.