Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for spinal surgery include a retractor with an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end and an opposite proximal end. The retractor defines a passage between the distal and proximal ends and a window opening into the passage adjacent to the distal end. The apparatus also includes a guide member extending laterally from the proximal end of the retractor and the guide member includes a body extending along an arc. The body defines a number of trajectories each intersecting the window of the retractor. The apparatus further includes an instrument removably mounted to the guide member and the instrument is movable along the guide member and securable to the guide member in any one of the number of trajectories so that the instrument can be moved along the selected trajectory through the window.
Abstract:
A trackable medical instrument for use in a computer assisted image guided medical and surgical navigation systems that generate images during medical and surgical procedures, includes a guide member having an emitter array for being tracked by the system and a drive shaft contained within the guide member having a proximal and a distal end, the drive shaft being rotatable within the guide member while being fixable axially inside the guide member, the proximal end of the drive shaft having a first connector for interchangeably receiving at least one drive source, and the distal end having a second connector for interchangeably receiving at least one instrument tip.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors. The brace can be indexed for insertion at a predetermined orientation with respect to the installation instrument. Methods and techniques for using the installation instrument are also provided.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for determining, calculating, and/or viewing a trajectory. The trajectory can be displayed on a display relative to image data of a patient. A user can use the system to determine relationships between two or more trajectories that have been determined. The relationships can be within two dimensional, three-dimensional, or four dimensional space. The relationships can include distance, angle, etc. The relationships can also be determined between real time trajectories and stored trajectories, or combinations thereof.
Abstract:
Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.
Abstract:
Digital x-ray images taken before a surgical procedure by a fluoroscopic C-arm imager are displayed by a computer and overlaid with graphical representations of instruments being used in the operating room. The graphical representations are updated in real-time to correspond to movement of the instruments in the operating room. A number of different techniques are described that aid the physician in planning and carrying out the surgical procedure.
Abstract:
Images taken before a surgical procedure by an imager are displayed by a computer and overlaid with graphical representations of instruments and/or surgical implants. The graphical representations can be used to determined appropriate sizes of the surgical implants and trajectories for placement. Also, the images can be used in the operating room. The graphical representations can be updated in real-time to correspond to movement of the instruments in the operating room.
Abstract:
Systems are provided for reducing the complexity and invasiveness of spinal stabilization procedures and provide an expandable device deliverable to a spinal implantation location. The expandable device can be delivered through a minimally invasive access portal and expanded at the implantation location to manipulate one or more bony structures or maintain a configuration of one or more bony structures.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for determining, calculating, and/or viewing a trajectory. The trajectory can be displayed on a display relative to image data of a patient. A user can use the system to determine relationships between two or more trajectories that have been determined. The relationships can be within two dimensional, three-dimensional, or four dimensional space. The relationships can include distance, angle, etc. The relationships can also be determined between real time trajectories and stored trajectories, or combinations thereof.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.