Abstract:
Automatic dilator devices for generating minimally invasive access apertures for surgical procedures or endoscopic surveillance. The automatic dilators comprise a number of spreader tubes nested one inside the other. The devices deploy automatically by means of coupled mechanical mechanisms which insert one spreader after the other distally into the patient's tissue. Each spreader moves distally into the tissue by means of a screwing action, by which rotation is converted into linear motion of the neighboring spreader, immediately external to it, by means of interaction between a helical thread form on a surface of a spreader being engaged by a section of thread, or by one or more protrusions on the opposing face of the next spreader external to the rotating spreader. Such a combination of helical thread and follower enables a rotatory mechanism to be used to deploy one nested spreader tube after the other, by continuous rotary motion.
Abstract:
A system and method for the minimally invasive insertion of an intervertebral rod into the vertebrae of a subject, according to a preoperative surgical plan also defining positions for the insertion of rod clamping screws into the vertebrae. The rod shape for connecting the heads of the screws is calculated, and a path planning algorithm used to determine whether the distal end of the rod can be threaded through the screw heads by longitudinal and rotational manipulation of the proximal end of the rod. If so, instructions are provided for forming that rod shape and for the robotic insertion of the screw holes and the rod. If not, either or both of the screw positions and the rod shape are adjusted, to moderate the bends in the rods, until insertion becomes possible. The insertion can be performed robotically, or, if a navigation tracking system is added, manually.
Abstract:
Automatic dilator devices for generating minimally invasive access apertures for surgical procedures or endoscopic surveillance. The automatic dilators comprise a number of spreader tubes nested one inside the other. The devices deploy automatically by means of coupled mechanical mechanisms which insert one spreader after the other distally into the patient's tissue. Each spreader moves distally into the tissue by means of a screwing action, by which rotation is converted into linear motion of the neighboring spreader, immediately external to it, by means of interaction between a helical thread form on a surface of a spreader being engaged by a section of thread, or by one or more protrusions on the opposing face of the next spreader external to the rotating spreader. Such a combination of helical thread and follower enables a rotatory mechanism to be used to deploy one nested spreader tube after the other, by continuous rotary motion.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for performing robotic endoscopic surgical procedures, according to a surgical plan prepared on a preoperative set of three dimensional images. The system comprises a surgical robot whose coordinate system is related to that of fluoroscope images generated intraoperatively, by using a three dimensional target having radio-opaque markers, attached in a predetermined manner to the robot or to another element to which the robot is attached, such as the spinal bridge or an attachment clamp. The robot is mounted directly or indirectly on a bone of the patient, thereby nullifying movement of the bone, or a bone tracking system may be utilized. The coordinate system of the intraoperative fluoroscope images may be related to the preoperative images, by comparing anatomical features between both image sets. This system and method enables the endoscope to be directed by the robot along the exact planned path, as determined by the surgeon.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for detecting or predicting surgical tool-bone skiving are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical tool is movably and/or snugly disposed within a guide-sleeve. In some embodiments, a magnitude of a lateral force between the surgical tool and the guide-sleeve is measured (e.g. by a force sensor or strain sensor). The present or future skiving may be detected or predicted according to the magnitude of the lateral force. In some embodiments, an alert signal is generated in response to the detecting or predicting of the skiving.
Abstract:
A method verifying the position of a surgically inserted orthopedic insert. A preoperative three dimensional image data set of the surgical site is generated, showing the bone into which the insert is to be inserted. During the insertion procedure, a series of intraoperative two-dimensional fluoroscope images are generated, each at a known pose relative to the bone, showing the insert during or after insertion into the bone. The 3-D position of the insert is determined in an intraoperative three dimensional image data set reconstructed from the series of intraoperative 2-D fluoroscope images. The reconstructed intraoperative 3-D image data set is registered with the preoperative three dimensional image data set, such as by comparison of imaged anatomical features. Once this registration is achieved, the determined 3-D position of the insert is used to implant a virtual image of the insert into the preoperative three dimensional image data set.