US20010034530A1 - Surgery system - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgery system comprising at least one smart instrument, a computer system, and a sensor system. The sensor system is adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and to transmit position information to the computer system.

Description

• This application claims priority from the copending provisional application Ser. No. 60/178,377, filed on Jan. 27, 2000.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• This invention relates generally to a surgery system. In particular this invention relates to a system for displaying and guiding a series of instruments to a surgical site located relative to a body of a patient.[0003]
• 2. Description of Related Art[0004]
• Traditionally, an image-guided surgery system is used to display a position of a surgical instrument in an operating zone within the body of a patient. A number of frame and frameless stereotactic systems have been developed to assist surgeons during various procedures that require an instrument to travel to a target within a body. Typically, a surgeon analyzes images of the body using CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans to determine a location of a target and to determine a desirable trajectory along which the instrument should travel during a surgical procedure. The image-guided surgery system includes a position measuring system for measuring the position of the surgical instrument. A typical image guided system usually includes a series of surgical instruments, a computer system, a camera or other localization device, a monitor, a cabinet or stand to hold the monitor and computer, and various connecting equipment and accessories. The computer system is used for calculating the positions of the instruments in a corresponding previously captured or real time image of a surgical site. The position of the instrument is displayed on the image of the surgical site on the monitor. The image on the monitor shows the surgeon exactly where in the operating zone the surgical instrument is located, without the surgeon having a direct view of the instrument. Image guided systems improve the accuracy and efficiency of many surgical procedures such as complex, sight impaired neurological procedures. Known frameless stereotactic systems utilize optical, RF, magnetic, audio, or other signal systems to communicate between the surgical instruments and the computer system. Typically, the surgical instruments are either tethered to the computer system or are wireless. Wireless instruments carry a system-compatible emitter or sensor for communication through LEDs or RF systems to the computer system. Tethered instruments can add complexity to the system by limiting the range of motion of the instrument and adding additional wires and cables to route and negotiate during the surgery. Range of motion of the instrument is very important during the surgery itself. Limitations must be overcome by the surgeon and can lead to inaccuracies in the surgery.[0005]
• Traditional image guided systems require a lengthy set up process whereby the user registers reference points of the pre-established image, initializes and calibrates the instruments, and registers a plan of trajectory for the instruments. The initialization and calibration of the instruments is critical to the proper operation of the system and can involve numerous steps and manipulations by the users. Calibration of traditional systems involve field calibration units that must be brought to the instruments to be calibrated. Additional software is also often required to be installed in order to calibrate a new instrument. Re-calibrations are often required during surgery if a new instrument is necessary or if an instrument is dropped or damaged during use. Keeping the calibration software up to date, and all of the instruments in proper working order during the surgery is critical. Traditional systems also maintain one set of software code for calibrating a specific type of instrument. However, if there is a flaw in the instrument due to a manufacturing flaw or a flaw caused during use, the software may not be able to recognize the instrument, thereby making rendering the instrument useless.[0006]
• Many traditional systems require the manual entry of initialization and calibration information into the computer system. This process is lengthy and if not performed properly can result in inaccuracies in the imaging system.[0007]
• During surgery, many traditional image guided systems necessitate multiple operators, one to manipulate the instruments within the sterile field and another to make changes to the equipment and operate the computer system which is often outside of the sterile field or beyond reach of the surgeon operating the instruments. The use of multiple operators may lead to inaccuracies in the system and inefficiencies in the operation.[0008]
• The sterilization of surgical equipment is an additional requirement that has traditionally affected the efficacy of the instruments and other components. Known stereotactic systems typically utilize system-specific surgical instruments that incorporate some type of location sensor or emitter. These surgical instruments must be sterilized carefully to ensure that the sensitive detection equipment is not damaged. Due to the high cost of such equipment, surgeons must sterilize and reuse the surgical instrument rather than dispose of the sensor or emitter components after each use. The battery life of the instruments may also be affected by the sterilization process and limited battery life can impact the surgery if an instrument loses power during use.[0009]
• Thus, what is desired is an improved image guided system that would improve and address these concerns. An improved system would provide improved control, use, life, and precision of the instruments and would allow for easier set up and use of the system overall. The improved system would enhance component compatibility and interchangeability, and improve the economic efficiency of the image guided surgery system.[0010]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• It is an object of the invention to provide an image-guided surgery system which enables easy, fast and accurate initialization, calibration, and control of a series of image guided surgery instruments. This object is achieved by providing wireless instruments with several improvements. The instruments of this invention are wireless and have a bi-directional high speed communication system that allows communication between the instruments and a computer system in real time. The communication system consists of a high-speed, specific frequency or spread frequency, infrared or RF based signaling system located in the instruments and a second signaling system connected to the computer. The instruments contain non-volatile memory circuitry allowing the instruments themselves to store information about the instrument and communicate that information back to the computer system through a communication path. The instruments memory consists of an updateable EE Ram structure that can be completely updated or changed at any time. This feature allows the instruments of the invention to be updated with an improved software package as the system design changes over time. This improves an instrument's life and reduces a lifetime cost of the image-guided surgery system.[0011]
• The image-guided system's communication path allows the downloading of calibration data from the instruments to the computer system and uploading of calibration information to the instruments from the computer system. Control data can also be downloaded to the instrument instructing the instrument to perform a function, such as irrigation. The patient tracker of the invention includes a zero tolerance adapter interface for connection of the tracker to an instrument adapter or reference frame. This allows for patient setup and registration to be completed with non-sterile instruments.[0012]
• The improved communication path allows the improved instruments to be calibrated much easier and faster than conventional instruments. By storing the calibration information in the instruments themselves the image-guided system of the invention is capable of re-calibrating damaged or imperfect instruments without going through a complex field calibration process. The computer system of the invention will recognize an error present in the instruments and re-calibrate the instrument based on the data received from the field calibration tool, eliminating a need to remove the instrument from service to perform a lengthy re-calibration procedure. The ability to store an instruments calibration and emitter positions within each individual instrument also eases a manufacturing process that traditionally required the instruments to be manufactured to a tight tolerance.[0013]
• The instruments' communication and storage capabilities also allow the computer system to automatically recognize the instruments as they are placed into a field created by the localization system. The camera detection system consists of one or a plurality of camera sensors placed in a movable sensor array assembly attached to a computer system. The camera sensors contain their own calibration data allowing the camera to be apart from the computer system. The sensor array establishes a field of detection whereby the infrared signals from the instruments are received by the sensor array. The communication path of the invention allows for near instantaneous perception of a new instrument entering the field of detection. This allows the instrument to be immediately recognized and displayed by the computer system on an image of a surgical site displayed on a monitor. This feature allows a user to immediately use a new instrument without installing any new software or calibration files onto the computer system. The instrument communication system also communicates an instrument status to the computer system displaying instrument status information such as a battery and LED status to a user.[0014]
• Another object of the invention is an improved control interface between the user operating the instruments and the computer system. The invention accomplishes this object by providing operating controls integrated into the instruments. Using the wireless communication system and control buttons located on the instruments, the user can operate the computer system software from a surgical field without the need for an additional assistant to operate the computer system outside the surgical field. The control buttons can also be used to control auxiliary equipment connected to the system. The function of the instrument buttons can be specifically configured by the user to customize the instruments for each user. The invention image-guided surgery system also includes a separate remote control unit that allows further control of the computer system from within the surgical field. The remote control operates using the same communication system as the instruments.[0015]
• An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved image-guided surgery computer cart assembly for housing the computer system, the monitor, the camera detection system, and organizing a plurality of power supply cables and a plurality of communication cables. The computer cart of the invention includes an interface for connecting communication cables from the monitor and the camera detection system to the computer. In addition the cart system includes an interface for connecting peripheral equipment such as a network connection, a telephone line, a plurality of microscopes, and other operating room equipment. The cart contains a monitor interface combining the low voltage power supply, video, audio, and control cables from the system into a single system power cable exiting from the cart. The cart also contains a plurality of storage locations for peripheral equipment.[0016]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgery system according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0017]
• FIG. 2 is perspective view of a universal tracker device of the present invention;[0018]
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the universal tracker device adapted to a general instrument;[0019]
• FIG. 4 is an assembly view of the universal tracker device of FIG. 2;[0020]
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the universal tracker of FIG. 2 and a portion of a patient tracking system;[0021]
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a smart instrument in the form of a pointer device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0022]
• FIG. 7 is a partial assembly view of the smart instrument of FIG. 6;[0023]
• FIG. 8 is another partial assembly view of the pointer device of FIG. 6;[0024]
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a computer cart assembly of the present invention;[0025]
• FIG. 10 is a partial assembly front view of the computer cart assembly of FIG. 9;[0026]
• FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the computer cart assembly of FIG. 9;[0027]
• FIG. 12 is an assembly view of a sensor array for use with the surgery system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0028]
• FIG. 13 is assembly view of a rear panel assembly of the present invention;[0029]
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a switch box assembly of the present invention;[0030]
• FIG. 15 is a partial assembly view of the switch box assembly of the present invention;[0031]
• FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a smart instrument activation process, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0032]
• FIG. 17 is a second flow diagram of a smart instrument activation process, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0033]
• FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a patient tracking system using a universal tracker device activation process, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0034]
• FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic illustration of a display screen with an initial banner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0035]
• FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 with a second banner;[0036]
• FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 with an information section having tool validation instructions;[0037]
• FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a universal tracker device and another smart instrument during a validation procedure;[0038]
• FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 during a point definition process;[0039]
• FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of a process for defining markers in a surgery system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0040]
• FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 with point definition accuracy information,[0041]
• FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 with a main menu;[0042]
• FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 during an operation mode;[0043]
• FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 during an operation mode with a virtual tip feature;[0044]
• FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 during an guidance mode;[0045]
• FIG. 30 is a second diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 during the guidance mode;[0046]
• FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 during a select approach mode;[0047]
• FIG. 32 is a second diagrammatic illustration of the display screen of FIG. 19 during the select approach mode;[0048]
• FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic illustration of a flexible sheet or mesh having a plurality of markers, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0049]
• FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a calibration and validation tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention;[0050]
• FIG. 34B is a second perspective view of the calibration and validation tool of FIG. 34A;[0051]
• FIG. 35 is a flow diagram of a calibration process for a smart instrument using the calibration and validation tool of FIGS. 34A and 34B, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and,[0052]
• FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a remote control device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.[0053]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• With reference to drawings and in operation, the present invention provides a[0054]surgery system100 having at least onesmart instrument102. Thesurgery system100 includes asensor system104 and acomputer system106. Thecomputer system106 includes amonitor108. Thecomputer system106 is preferably housed in acomputer cart assembly110.
• The[0055]sensor system104 is coupled to thecomputer system106 and is adapted to wirelessly transmit data back and forth between the at least onesmart instrument102 and thecomputer system104 and to sense the position of the at least one smart instrument102 (see below). Preferably, thesensor system104 comprises asensor array112.
• The[0056]smart instrument102 is operated by anoperator120 to display a location of thesmart instrument102 relative to apatient122 on a diagram, e.g., an image (such as an MRI or x-ray), picture, outline, line drawing, displayed on themonitor108 during a surgical procedure.
• With reference to FIG. 12, the[0057]sensor array112 includes first, second, andthird position sensors1202a,1202b,12102cfor sensing the X, Y, and Z position of asmart instrument102. In the preferred embodiment, the first, second, andthird position sensors1202a,1202b,1202care linear CCD cameras which are adapted to detect infrared (IR) signals generated by the smart instruments102 (see below).
• At least one[0058]infrared transceiver1204a,1204bis used to communicate data to and from thesmart instruments102. In the preferred embodiment, thesensor array112 includes first and second spaced aparttransceivers1202a,1202b.
• The[0059]smart instruments102 and thetransceivers1204a,1204bcommunicate via infrared signals. Preferably, the infrared signals have a baud rate at a preferred frequency of 62.5 KHz and data is transmitted using an amplitude-shift keying (ASK) modulating method at a frequency of 1.5 MHz. Although the present invention will now be described as communicating wirelessly using infrared signals, other types of wireless technologies may also be used. In another embodiment, radio frequency signals are used. In still another embodiment, communication between thesmart instruments102 and thesystem100 is accomplished using the IEEE 802.11 standard, commonly referred to as “Blue Tooth”.
• Returning to FIG. 1, the[0060]computer system104 may be controlled remotely by a series ofcontrol buttons114 located on thesmart instrument102. Thecomputer system106 also contains akeyboard116 and amouse118 for operating thecomputer system104.
• As shown, the[0061]surgery system100 is designed to be used by anoperator120 during a procedure on apatient122. Preferably, thepatient122 is located on a surgical bed or table124.
• With reference to FIGS.[0062]2-7, in the preferred embodiment thesystem100 includes two types ofsmart instruments102, auniversal tracker200, as shown in FIGS.2-5 and a specially adapted or specific purpose instrument, such as a pointer instrument500, as shown in FIGS.6-8.
• With reference to FIG. 2-[0063]5, theuniversal tracker device200 is shown in detail. Theuniversal tracker device200 may serve several functions.
• First, the[0064]universal tracker device200 allows common surgical instruments to be used with the image guidedsurgery system100. Additionally, as shown In FIG. 5, theuniversal tracker device200, as part of a patient tracking system502 (shown in part), is used to initialize and calibrate a dynamic reference frame centered on thepatient122. The dynamic reference frame remains fixed relative to thepatient122 and is adjusted relative to the operating room orcomputer system104 as the body moves or is moved relative thereto.
• Additionally, the[0065]universal tracker device200 is used to validate other smart instruments102 (see below).
• With specific reference to FIG. 5, the[0066]universal tracker device200 serves as part of thepatient tracking system502. Thepatient tracking system502 includes thetracker device200, anadapter504 and aclamp device506 for attaching thetracker device200 to apatient reference frame508. A preferred clamp device is known to those skilled in the art as a Mayfield clamp. Thepatient reference frame508 couples thepatient tracking system502 to thepatient122 and is adapted to move with thepatient122 as the patient moves or is moved. An example of apatient reference frame508 is a halo.
• The[0067]tracker device200 is also used as a reference for communication between the surgical instruments and thecomputer system104. Thetracker device200 is constructed of a metal material and has a geometry designed to maximize the accuracy of the localizing system.
• With specific reference to FIG. 2, the[0068]universal tracker device200 includes a plurality of infraredlight emitting diodes202, acommunication transceiver204, and astatus light206. In the preferred embodiment, theuniversal tracker device200 includes first, second, third, fourth and fifthlight emitting diodes202a,202b,202c,202d,202e.
• The[0069]tracker200 also contains abattery holder208 for holding a battery (not shown). The battery of thetracker200 and the othersmart instruments102 is preferably a common lithium battery that is pre-sterilized that is to be loaded into thebattery holder208 just prior to use and is not to be re-sterilized.
• The[0070]status light206 glows in a green color for approximately three seconds after placement of the battery into thebattery holder208 indicating that thetracker200 is energized and has passed a series of self diagnostic test. Once thetracker200 is energized the tracker is attached to the clamp258 by a zerotolerance adapter interface210 and arelease button212. The tracker is then ready to be initialized by depression of anactivation button214. Thetracker200 also contains avalidation point216 for validating othersmart instruments102.
• With specific reference to FIG. 3, a[0071]universal tracker device200 is shown adapted to be used with ageneral instrument300, shown as a pointer. Any number of common surgical instruments may be tracked with the invention by attachment to theuniversal tracker device200, including but not limited to a probe, scalpel, suction device, pin, or clamp. In order to couple thetracker device200 to thegeneral instrument300, anadapter302 is connected to theadapter interface210 of theuniversal tracker device200 and thegeneral instrument300 is attached by aclamp screw304. During use, the universal tracker serves as a communication device between the attachedinstrument300 and thesensor array104.
• With reference to FIG. 4, an assembly view of a[0072]universal tracker device200 is shown. Thetracker200 consists generally of ahousing402, aPC board assembly404, acover plate406, and abattery housing408 interconnected by a plurality offasteners410. The plurality of infraredlight emitting diodes202 are recessed into a plurality ofLED apertures412,412a,412b,412c,412d,412ein thehousing402 and are held in place by a plurality of epoxy rings414,414a,414b,414c,414d,414e. A plurality ofelectrical leads416 connect thediodes202 to thePC board assembly404.
• The[0073]tracker200activation button214 is biased in thehousing402 by acompression spring418 and contains amagnet420.
• The[0074]communication transceiver204 includes of anIR window422 and agasket424. Thegasket424 serves to seal theIR window422 when installed in thehousing402.
• The[0075]status light206 is recessed through astatus light aperture426 and is connected to thePC board assembly404 by anelectrical lead428. Agasket430 forms a seal.
• Attached to the[0076]PC board assembly404 is ahall effect switch432. Thebattery housing408 is attached to thecover plate406 and contains a positivebattery contact spring434, a negativebattery contact spring436, and a removable cap43 for placement of a battery (not shown) into thebattery housing408.
• When the[0077]universal tracker device200 is used as part of thepatient tracking system502, a magnet (not shown) triggers another hall effect switch (not shown). When theuniversal tracker device200 is activated (see below), the status of the hall effect switch is sent to thesystem100. This allows thesystem100 to distinguish between auniversal tracker device200 being used as part of apatient tracker system502 or auniversal tracker device200 with ageneric instrument300. A magnet may also be used for functional differentiation, e.g., a device tracker is adapted to sense the present of the magnet to determine if it is being used as part of apatient tracker system502 or auniversal tracker device200 with ageneric instrument300.
• A status of the universal tracker device battery and the[0078]diodes202 may be displayed on themonitor108. The status feature is present in all of the smart instruments of the present invention. The PC board of theuniversal tracker200, and all of thesmart instruments102, contain a non-volatile memory circuit (not shown) that allows the instruments to store information about the instrument such as a unique ID number, and calibration information in the instrument itself. Storing calibration information in theinstrument102 allows theinstrument102 to be re-calibrated in a surgical field setting. The memory circuit of theinstruments102 such as thetracker200 contain updateable memory (not shown) that can be updated or changed at any time. This feature improves the life of thesmart instruments102 such as thetracker device200 by allowing thetracker device200 to be updated with an improved software package as the image-guidedsystem100 changes over time. An ability to update over time improves the life of thetracker device200 and reduces a lifetime cost of the image-guidedsurgery system100. The EE memory along with the microprocessor based circuitry of the instruments such as thetracker200 also allows thesensor array104 andcomputer system106 to immediately detect a new instrument entering the surgical field without requiring theoperator120 to load a new software program onto thecomputer system106 prior to using thenew instrument102.
• The properties of the[0079]smart instruments102, such as geometry and functional features, are preferably graphically displayed on thecomputer monitor108 to enable visual display of their spatial and functional relationships to other smart instruments, surgical equipment, and the surgical field.
• The smart instrument may also store the specific geometry of the active part of the smart tool, i.e., the tip or the part of the tool that is in contact with the patient or delivering some kind of energy, mechanical, electrical, sonic, electromagnetic, etc . . . , to alter the patient's tissues. The geometry of the active part of the smart instrument is preferably stored in memory.[0080]
• With reference to FIGS.[0081]6-8, asmart instrument102 in the form of a specially adapted or specific purpose instrument will now be discussed in detail. For exemplary purposes only, thesmart instrument102 is shown as apointer instrument600.
• The[0082]pointer instrument600 has ahousing602 constructed of a metallic material and shaped in an ergonomic design to be held in the operator's hand. Thepointer instrument600 has a plurality of infraredlight emitting diodes604 and acommunication transceiver606 for communicating with thesensor system104. Thepointer instrument600 or anysmart instrument102 may include multiple transceivers to allow the instrument to be used in any direction. Asmart instrument102 may have any number oflight emitting diodes604 depending upon the nature of the smart instrument and the resolution or degree of accuracy required for its position. Thepointer instrument600 illustrated has first, second, third and fourthlight emitting diodes604a,604b,604c,604d.
• The[0083]control buttons114 of thepointer instrument600 include an upbutton608, aselect button610, and thedown button612 for remotely controlling thecomputer system104 from thesmart instrument102.
• The function of the[0084]buttons608,610,612 may be specifically configured to suit aspecific operator120. For example, the upbutton608 and thedown button612 are generally configured to navigate (up and down or left to right) through the software running on thecomputer system104, i.e., to navigate through the options available at the current operation state. Theselect button610 button generally is used to actuate a current selection. However, depending on a particular operator's preference, the buttons can be reprogrammed, e.g., to interchange the functions of the up and downbuttons608,612.
• Controlling the[0085]computer system104 from theinstrument102 allows theoperator120 to remain in a surgical field to make adjustments to thecomputer system104 thereby improving the efficiency of an operation.
• The[0086]pointer instrument600 also contains a work tip shown as apointer614, astatus light616, and a battery holder618. Thestatus light616 blinks every few seconds to indicate normal operation of theinstrument600.
• With specific reference to FIG. 7, a partial assembly view of the[0087]pointer instrument600 is shown. Thepointer instrument600 includes thehousing602, abattery housing702, and abase assembly704 interconnected by a plurality offasteners706. The upbutton608, theselect button610, and thedown button612 are mounted in an associatedaperture708,710,712 respectively, in thehousing602 by a plurality of threadedpins714a,714band compression springs716a,716b,716c.Mounted under eachbutton608,610,612 is a plurality ofmagnet carriers718a,718b,718candmagnets720a,720b,720c.Themagnets720a,720b,720cand thesprings716a,716b,716callow thebuttons608,610,612 to toggle around thepins714a,714b.
• Under the[0088]buttons608,610,612 is afoam pad722 to insure accurate positioning of the hall sensors relative to thebuttons608,610,612. Thebattery housing702 is mounted in achannel724 located in thebase assembly704. Thebattery housing702 contains a positive and negativebattery contact spring726,728 and acap730 for holding a battery (not shown).
• With specific reference to FIG. 8, another partial assembly view of the[0089]pointer instrument600 is shown. Thepointer instrument600 includes acover plate802 connected to thePC board assembly804 byfasteners706.
• The[0090]light emitting diodes604a,604b,604c,604dare mounted into thehousing602 with a plurality of epoxy rings806 and are connected to the PC board assembly8043 by a plurality of leads808. Thestatus light616 is similarly mounted into thehousing602 with anepoxy ring810 and is connected to thePC board assembly804 bylead812. Thecommunication transceiver606 has anIR window814 mounted to thehousing602 with agasket816 and a pair offasteners706 andspacers818. ThePC board assembly804 is connected to the battery (not shown) by a pair of battery leads820.
• With reference to FIG. 9, a[0091]computer cart assembly110 of the invention according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thecomputer cart assembly110 consists of acabinet902 mounted on four wheels904 (only three are shown) with fourcorresponding wheel locks906 for activation to prevent thecart assembly110 from moving unintentionally. Mounted to thecabinet902 by amonitor extension post908 and a pivotablemonitor extension arm910 is themonitor108. Themonitor108 of the preferred invention is a flat panel high resolution monitor. Themonitor108 is connected to thecomputer system106 by amonitor cable912 that is routed along themonitor extension arm910 and through themonitor extension post908. Mounted on thecabinet902 is akeyboard tray914 and amouse tray916 for holding thekeyboard116 and themouse118, respectively.
• The[0092]sensor array112 is mounted to thecabinet902 by a sensorarray extension post918, a pivotable vertical sensorarray extension arm920, and a pivotable horizontal sensorarray extension arm922.
• The[0093]cabinet902 includes first and secondfront cabinet doors924a,924b.
• With reference to FIG. 10, the[0094]computer cart assembly110 is shown withfront cabinet doors924a,924bin an open position. Thefront cabinet doors924a,924bexpose acomputer workstation assembly1002, a disk bay andstorage assembly1004, and alocalizer1006. Aswitch panel assembly1008 is also shown mounted within thekeyboard tray914.
• With reference to FIG. 11 a rear view of the[0095]computer cart assembly110 is shown. Mounted on the rear of thecart assembly110 is arear panel assembly1102, acover1104, and aswitch box assembly1106.
• Returning to FIG. 12, an assembly view of the[0096]sensor array112 is shown. Thesensor array112 is connected by a plurality offasteners1206 to a mountingplate1208 and auniversal mount1210. Theuniversal mount1210 connects thesensor array112 to the sensor arrayhorizontal extension arm922.
• As discussed above, the[0097]sensor array112 includes a plurality of position sensors1202 and a plurality of transceivers1204. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of sensors are cameras able to detect infrared light and the transceiver1204 communicate using infrared light. Alternatively, the infrared transceivers1204 could be RF transceivers.
• The position sensors[0098]1202 contain their own calibration information allowing thelocalizer1006 to be placed away from thesensor array112 in thecomputer cart assembly902. Thesensor array112 establishes a detection field whereby the signals from thesmart instruments102 are received by thesensor array112. In order to function properly, thesmart instruments102 must be placed within the detection field in order for thecomputer system106 to recognize the position of thesmart instruments102.
• With reference to FIG. 13 an assembly view of the[0099]rear panel assembly1102 is shown. Thepanel assembly1102 consists of ahousing1302 for mounting of amonitor interface assembly1304 and avideo amplifier1306 and coordinating a plurality of associated cables, cords, and plugs (as described below). Thepanel assembly1102 includes anexternal modem port1308 connected to aphone cable1310, adata port1312 connected to apatch cable1314, and aSCSI port1316 connected to aSCSI cable1318. Thepanel assembly1102 also contains a plurality ofcommunication cables1320 and avideo cable1322 that are routed through thepanel assembly1102 and connected to themonitor interface assembly1304. Themonitor interface assembly1304 contains amonitor cable plug1324 and asensor array plug1326. Thepanel assembly1102 also includes apower cord1328.
• With reference to FIG. 14, the[0100]switch box assembly1106 is shown. Theswitch box assembly1106 contains a top1402 and afront panel1404 that contains a plurality ofcommunication ports1406, a plurality ofmedical grade outlets1408, a fusedpower entry module1410, an ACpower outlet module1412, and an ACpower entry module1414. Theswitch box assembly1106 and thepanel assembly1104 allow for a connection of a computer network, a telephone line, a plurality of microscopes, and a plurality of other operating room equipment (not shown).
• With reference to FIG. 15, the[0101]switch box assembly1106 is shown with a back and a side panel (not shown) removed. The fusedpower entry module1410, the ACpower outlet module1412, and the ACpower entry module1414 are shown interconnected to each other and to the plurality ofoutlets1408 by a plurality ofwires1502. The plurality ofoutlets1408 are connected to a plurality of universal in-line plugs1504 by the of wires230. Mounted to the top1402 is a cartpower control assembly1506 that houses the universal in-line plugs1504. Also housed on the cartpower control assembly1506 is an image guidedcart UPS micro1508 and an image guided cartswitch interface micro1510. The micro internal to the switch box allow for easy power up and power down of the complete system. A single push of the on button will turn the system on and pushing the standby button will turn the system off. During turn off, the micros synchronizes the Windows operating system shutdown and power to eliminate system crashes.
• Any number of[0102]smart instruments102 may be active at any one time. Thesurgery system100 operates on a scanning cycle which has a length determined by the number of smart instruments102 (including universal tracker devices200) being tracked. In the preferred embodiment, the image guidedsurgery system100 only tracks the location of thesmart instrument102 currently being used by theoperator120 and any active universal tracker device200 (see below).
• As described below, the[0103]system100 displays a computer graphic on themonitor108 representing thepatient122 or a portion of the patient's body. The graphic can be a two-dimensional, three-dimensional or multi-planer, e.g., a picture, x-rays, an MRO image, outline, line drawing or any other representation of thepatient122. Thecomputer system106 receives information from thesensor system104 regarding an active smart instrument's position and matches up this position with the graphic representing thepatient122. In one embodiment, thesystem100 displays a line on themonitor108 representing the activesmart instrument102. In another embodiment, thesystem100 displays a graphic depicting the activesmart instrument102.
• With reference to FIG. 16, activation of a new[0104]smart instrument102 will now be discussed. In afirst process block1602, a newsmart instrument102 is placed in a ready to be activated state. When asmart instrument102 is powered up, i.e., by insertion of the battery, it is in a ready to be activated state. In asecond process block1602, theoperator120 actuates theactivation button214 or theselect button610 so that the image guidedsurgery system100 recognizes thesmart instrument102.
• Each[0105]smart instrument102 has a unique serial number. With reference to FIG. 17 in the preferred embodiment, the activation of a newsmart instrument102 may occur at the beginning of each scan cycle. In athird process block1702, thesurgery system100 generates a request for any new tool to identify itself. Preferably, the computer system106 (through thetransceivers1204a,1204b) generates a New Tool Inquiry Package Signal. The New Tool Inquiry Package Signal includes a serial number identification for atarget tool102 and a request for the tool's serial number. The serial number identification for a target tool is set to a default value, e.g., zero (0). Onlysmart instruments102 that are in the ready to be activated state and whoseactivation button214 is actuated respond to a request to smart instruments having a serial number equal to the default value.
• If a[0106]fourth process block1704, if no response is received to the New Tool Inquiry Package Signal within a predetermined time period, then thesystem100 continues with its normal scans in thefifth process block1706.
• In a[0107]sixth process block1706, if a newsmart instrument102 is ready to be activated, thesmart instrument102 responds to the New Tool Inquiry Package Signal and thesystem100 stops the scanning.
• In a[0108]seventh process block1708, the newsmart instrument102 and thecomputer system104 then communicate back and forth to relay the information thecomputer system104 requires in order to initial the newsmart instrument102 to add it to the scanning process. After this process is done, then control proceeds to the normal scanning cycle in thefifth process block1706.
• The above process must be completed for each[0109]smart instrument102 to be used during the procedure. Typically, eachsmart instrument102 to be used is initialized prior to the start of the procedure. However,new tools102 may be added at any time.
• The following is a list of the data that may be stored within the[0110]smart instruments102. Some or all of this data may be transmitted to thecomputer system106 during the initialization process (see above).
• Serial Number: This is the unique electronic serial number for the[0111]smart instrument102 that is used to identify thesmart instrument102 to thesystem100.
• Model Number: This is the model number of the[0112]smart instrument102. Thecomputer system106 may utilize this information to retrieve information regarding thesmart instrument102 stored on thecomputer system106 such as a graphic to be displayed on themonitor108 while thesmart instrument102 is being used.
• Instrument Name: This is the name of the[0113]smart instrument102. The Instrument Name is typically displayed on themonitor108 while thesmart instrument102 is being used.
• Generic Tool Information: This is the generic type of the[0114]smart instrument102. Thecomputer system106 utilizes this information to create graphics and other instrument parameters if a model number match can not be found.
• Generic Type: This is a generic type for the smart instrument. Preferably, the Generic Type is one of the following: unknown, navigation tool, calibration tool, tracker, keypad, frame based tool, functional tool.[0115]
• Tip Type: This is the type of tip on the instrument. Type of tips include: cylinder, sphere, cone, truncated cone, and blade.[0116]
• Minimum LEDs: This is the minimum number of LEDs that must be seen by the[0117]sensor system104 for thesmart instrument102 to be recognized.
• Dimensional Data: The Dimensional Data represents the physical size of the[0118]smart instrument102 and may include a radius, a bottom radius, a bottom width, a length, a top radius, a top width, and a thickness.
• Number of LEDs: This is the total number of infrared light emitting diodes on the[0119]smart instrument102.
• LED on Time: This is the amount of time that an infrared LED is activated.[0120]
• Tip Position: This is the position of the smart instrument's tip in relation to the instrument's coordinate system. Preferably, the Tip Position includes an X, Y, Z, yaw, pitch, and roll value.[0121]
• Tip Correction: Tip Correction represents a correction factor for the position of the tip as a result of manufacturing tolerances and/or tip displacement.[0122]
• Button Parameters: The Button Parameters define the buttons present on a[0123]smart instrument102. The Button Parameters may include the number of buttons, a clock delay, and a button timeout.
• Number of Calibration Points: This is the number of calibration points on a[0124]smart instrument102.
• EERAM Revision: This is the revision level for the information stored on the EERAM.[0125]
• RMS Match: This is the parameters used to calculate the match of the instrument LEDs.[0126]
• LED Position: This parameter contains the position of a LED in relation to the smart instrument's coordinate system. Typically, there will be an LED position for each LED contained on an[0127]smart instrument102. Preferably, the LED Position includes an X, Y, Z, and a X, Y, and Z component of a normal vector.
• Button Function: This parameter defines the function of a button on the[0128]smart instrument102.
• Calibration Point: The position of the smart instrument's calibration point in relation to the instrument's coordinate system. Preferably, the Calibration Point includes an X, Y, X and radius value.[0129]
• With reference to FIG. 18, operation of the[0130]universal tracker device200 as a component in the dynamic reference frame and validation of anothersmart instrument102 using theuniversal tracker device200 will now be explained.
• In an[0131]eighth process block1802, theuniversal tracker device200 is coupled to thepatient tracking system502. Theuniversal tracker device200 must be positioned to ensure optimal alignment of thelight emitting diodes202 with thesensor array104. Theuniversal tracker device200 must also be positioned within a working volume of thesystem100. There should be no obstacles that interrupt the infrared beams between theuniversal tracker200 and thesensor array112. Furthermore, theuniversal tracker200 should be positioned to give complete access to the surgical site.
• At this point, the[0132]computer system106 must also be initialized. With reference to FIG. 19, thecomputer system106 displays adisplay screen1900 on themonitor108. Thedisplay screen1900 includes abutton bar1902, aninformation section1904 and adisplay section1906. In the preferred embodiment, when thecomputer system106 is initialized, abanner1908 instructing theoperator120 to activate thetracking device200 is displayed.
• In a[0133]ninth process block1804, once theuniversal tracker200 is in position theoperator120 momentarily depresses theactivation button214, as described above, to activate theuniversal tracker200. With reference to FIG. 20, once theuniversal tracker device200 has been activated abanner2002 is displayed indicating that no active tool is visible to the system.
• In a[0134]tenth process block1806, asmart instrument102 must be activated. Returning to FIG. 20, once thesmart instrument102 has been activated, a graphic orpictogram2004 of the smart instrument102 (based on the Serial number, Model Number, Generic Tool Information or Generic Type) and the Name of thesmart instrument102 is displayed in theinformation section1904 of thedisplay screen1900. Once thesmart instrument102 has been activated, thered banner2002 will disappear.
• After the[0135]smart instrument102 has been activated, it must then be validated, i.e., its position relative to thepatient tracker502 must be verified. With reference to FIG. 21,instructions2102 on the validation procedure are displayed in theinformation section1904 of thedisplay screen1900. Furthermore, a background of the graphic2004 is displayed in the color red to illustrate that theactive tool102 has not been validated.
• With reference to FIG. 22, the[0136]smart instrument102 is validated by placing the tip of thesmart instrument102 at the center of thevalidation point216 of thetracker device202 and actuating theselect button610. When theselect button610 is activated, thesensor system104 detects the firing of thediodes604 and transmits raw position information to thesystem computer106.
• In one embodiment, the[0137]localizer1006 converts the raw position information into the position of theindividual diodes604 and transmits this information to thecomputer system106. Thecomputer system106 utilizes this information to determine the position and orientation of thesmart instrument102. In another embodiment, thelocalizer1006 converts the raw position information into the position and orientation information of thesmart instrument102 and/orcomputer system106 and transmits this information to thecomputer system106. The conversion of the raw position information by thelocalizer1006 is well known in the art and is therefore not further discussed.
• If the validation procedure is successful, the[0138]computer system106 advances to the next step. Otherwise, the validation procedure may be redone through actuation of theselect button610 or thesmart instrument102 can be re-calibrated (see below).
• With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, the[0139]system102 may utilize a plurality ofmarkers2308a,2308b,2308c,2308dlocated on a portion of the patient'sbody122 in order to accurately register the surgical field relative to the graphic displayed in thedisplay screen1900. In aneleventh process block2402, the position of eachmarker2308a,2308b,2308c,2308dis defined.
• With specific reference to FIG. 23, the[0140]display section1906 is divided into first, second, third, andfourth sub-sections2302a,2302b,2302c,2302d.The first, second andthird sub-sections2302a,2302b,2302ccontain MRI images of the patient's head. Thefourth sub-section2302dcontains acomputer image2304 representing the head of the patient with the positions of themarkers2308a,2308b,2308c,2308dindicated.
• In this example, there are three markers represented by the[0141]numbers1,2, and3 in thefourth sub-section2302d.Themarkers2308a,2308b,2308c,2308dmay be of several different types including sticker or screw-in posts. A graphic2306 showing the screw-in post type orbone markers2308a,2308b,2308cis shown in theinformation section1904. The graphic2306 is for information purposes only and is not an actual picture of the patient126.
• Additionally, with reference to FIG. 33, a mesh or[0142]sheet3302 made of a flexible material may be draped or placed over a portion of thepatient122. Themesh3302 has a layer of light adhesive of one side and a plurality ofmarkers3304 on the other side. Preferably, themarkers3304 are spaced apart at known intervals. Themesh3302 is stuck onto thepatient122 using the adhesive. Themarkers3304 are thus visible by thelocalizer1006 and can be used by thesystem100 for surface matching as well as patient tracking.
• In one embodiment, the[0143]markers3304 are stickers which are used with asmart instrument102 to register the positions of themarkers3304 within thesystem102.
• In another embodiment, the[0144]sheet3302 is a smart instrument and themarkers3304 are light emitting diodes. Preferably, the position of the diodes is determined on the field. The diodes are connected to a breakout box and can be positioned using different means of attachment to any tissue of the patient, e.g., bone or skin. The geometry of thesheet3302 can then be initialized to two modes: tracking of rigid tissues after determining the spatial relationships of the diodes with the sensor array. The second mode is to track soft tissue displacement or deformations over time. Using the first mode (tracking), the positional information of the sheet's diodes can be used to register the tracked feature of the patient to an image data set, e.g., a CT scan, using, for example, surface matching techniques.
• Returning to FIG. 23, the images contained in the[0145]sub-sections2302a,2302b,2302c,232dare used to define the reference points represented by themarkers2308a,2308b,2308cin thesystem100. A set ofinstructions2310 are displayed in theinformation section1904.
• Additionally, light emitting diodes (not shown) may be fixedly attached to the[0146]markers2308a,2308b,2308cfor automatic registration of the marker positions in thesystem100.
• As shown by the graphic[0147]2004, the activesmart instrument102 is a pointer. In order to define the position of themarkers2308a,2308b,230cwithin the system, theoperator120 places the tip of thepointer102 on the marker and actuates theselect button610. Themarkers2308a,2308b,2308cmust be defined in the order instructed, i.e.,1,2,3. However, amarker2308a,2308b,2308cmay be skipped altogether by scrolling through them using thecontrol buttons114.
• The[0148]system100 preferably allows theoperator120 to zoom and rotate the images in thedisplay section1906 to facilitate this process.
• Returning to FIG. 24 in a[0149]twelfth process block2404, after eachmarker2308a,2308b,2308chas been defined in thesystem100 the accuracy of the defined positions is checked. In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by calculating the relative agreement between the defined positions and known positions. If any of the defined positions differ from the expected position by over a predetermined threshold, then the marker position must be re-defined. In the preferred embodiment, the predetermined threshold is one (1) millimeter (mm) for skin markers and two and ½ (2.5) millimeters for the bone markers. However, these values may be adjusted.
• With reference to FIG. 25, the[0150]display screen1900 showing the calculated accuracy is shown. The points represented by themarkers2308a,2308b,230cand their deviation are listed in theinformation section1904. Even if a defined point is within the predetermined deviation, thesystem100 allows theoperator120 to re-define the point to optimize the accuracy of thesystem100.
• With reference to FIG. 26, during operation the[0151]information section1904 includes a main menu2602. The main menu2602 includes anoperation button2604, aguidance mode button2606, an approachesbutton2608, aregistration button2610, and aview selection button2612.
• With reference to FIG. 27, upon actuation of the[0152]operation button2604 theinformation section1904 includes anoperation panel2702. Theoperation panel2702 includes atrajectory section2704, avirtual tip section2706, an imagefreeze toggle button2708, atake snapshot button2710, a zoom inbutton2712, and zoom outbutton2714, and amain menu button2716.
• The[0153]trajectory section2704 includes information on the distance between the actual position of asmart instruments102 and the desired operating point. For example, theTrajectory Section2704 describes the type oftrajectory2720 required to reach the operating point, i.e., “Straight”. Acolored dot2718 denotes the color of an image on thescreen2724 representing the trajectory. Atext box2722 contains the distance from the actual position of thesmart instrument102 and the desired operating point.
• The virtual tip feature allows the[0154]operator120 to virtually extend the tip of thesmart instrument102 on themonitor108. This is usual for visualizing an extended instrument during operation. Thevirtual tip section2706 includes adistance text box2726, adecrementing button2728, anincrementing button2730 and areset button2732. Thedistance text box2726 contains the virtual extended distance of thesmart instrument102. Thedecrementing button2728,incrementing button2730 and resetbutton2732 are used to decrease, increase, and set to zero the virtual extended distance of the smart instrument and may be operated via themouse116 orcontrol buttons114.
• The virtual tip feature is useful for aligning a navigated instrument along a planned trajectory. The virtual tip feature is also useful to determine the depth of a biopsy. With the tip of the[0155]smart instrument102 placed at the entry point the distance to target is shown in thetext box2722. The virtual tip can then be extended this amount (to the target) and the alignment of the instrument along the planned trajectory is easily done.
• With reference to FIG. 28, a virtual tip extension of 50 mm is shown. When the tip is extended a[0156]warning signal2802 is displayed to remind theoperator120 that a virtual probe is being displayed.
• The required trajectory from the actual point of the[0157]smart instrument102 to the desired operating point is represented by the dashedline2804. The actual tip of thesmart instrument102 is represented by the firstperpendicular line segment2806. The secondperpendicular line segment2808 represents the virtual tip.
• The freeze[0158]image toggle button2708 is used to toggle between frozen or static onscreen images and real-time images. Real-time images are displayed during normal operation.
• The[0159]take snapshot button2710 captures the images displayed in thedisplay section1906 in a graphic file, preferably in a the TIFF file format, and stores the image into a patient archive.
• The zoom in and zoom out[0160]buttons2712,2714 are used to zoom in and zoom out on the images displayed in thedisplay section1906.
• The[0161]main menu button2716 returns thesystem100 to the main menu2602.
• With reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, operation of the[0162]system100 in the guidance mode will now be explained. The guidance mode is used to guide the insertion of asmart instrument102 into a pre-defined entry. Anpre-defined entry point2902 is displayed in thedisplay section1906. Preferably, theentry point2902 remains centered in thedisplay section1906. Afirst target2904 represents the tip of the activesmart instrument102. Asecond target2906 represents the end of thesmart instrument102. The goal is to line up the first andsecond targets2904,2906 indicated that the currentsmart instrument102 is at the proper orientation. The guidance mode can only be selected if there is at least one approach trajectory2908.
• With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, actuation of the[0163]approaches button2608 allows theoperator120 to view defined trajectories. With specific reference to FIG. 31, after theapproaches button2608 has been actuated, theinformation section1904 includes alist3102 of all pre-defined approaches. In this example, only one approach (“Straight1”)3104 has been defined. One or more of thesub-sections2302a,2302b,2302c,2302dincludes an image or representation of thepatient122 illustrating the definedentry point3106 andtrajectory3108. A modify entry point button allows theoperator120 to modify the defined entry point.
• With specific reference to FIG. 32, after the modify entry point button has been actuated, the[0164]information section1904 includesinstructions3202 on how to modify the entry point. Generally, theoperator120 places the tip of the activesmart instrument102 at a desired point and actuates the select or applybutton610 on thesmart instrument102 thereby redefining theentry point3106. Theoperator120 can then actuate either the up (forward)button608 or the down (back)button612 to accept or cancel the change.
• With reference to FIGS. 34A and 34B, a calibration and validation tool[0165]3400 is shown. The tool3400 is a smart instrument having fourinfrared LEDs3402a,3402b,3402c,3402d, a battery holder3402 for a battery (not shown), astatus light3406, aninfrared transceiver3408, and aactivation button3410. When the universal tracker is mounted to a non-guided tool the calibration tool can be used calibrate the combined instruments tip position into the tracker. The calibration tool3400 can also be used to re-calibrate anothersmart instrument102 if thesmart instrument102 could not be validated (see above) or if it is suspected that the smart took102 has been compromised. Additionally, the calibration tool3400 can be used to validate anothersmart instrument102 if, for example, apatient tracker system502 with auniversal tracker device200 is not being used.
• Like all[0166]smart instruments102, the calibration tool3400 must be initialized. The calibration tool3400 must be placed on a solid surface within the working volume of thesystem100 with theLEDs3402a,3402b,3402c,3402din view of thesensor system104. Then it is initialized through actuation of the activation button3410 (see above).
• The calibration tool[0167]3400 includes at least one validation point3412. In the preferred embodiment, the tool3400 includes fourvalidation points3412a,3412b,3412c,3412dadapted to various types of tool tips. The fourvalidation points3412a,3412b,3412c,3412dare mounted at the top of fourcolumns3414a,3414b,3414c,3414d.The fourcolumns3414a,3414b,3414c,3414dare coupled to abase3416. An upper andlower plate3418,3420 are slidably coupled to the fourcolumns3414a,3414b,3414c,3414d.First and second upper platform screws3418a,3418band first and secondlower platform screws3420a,3420block the upper andlower plates3418,3420 to the fourcolumns3414a,3414b,3414c,3414d, respectively.
• The[0168]upper plate3418 includes afirst aperture3422. Afirst lever3424 is coupled to a first plurality offlanges3426. Thefirst lever3424 operates the first plurality of flanges to variably close and/or change the size of thefirst aperture3422.
• The[0169]lower plate3420 includes asecond aperture3428. Asecond lever3430 is coupled to a second plurality offlanges3432. Thesecond lever3430 operates the second plurality offlanges3432 to variably close and/or change the size of thesecond aperture3428.
• With reference to FIG. 35, the process to calibrate a[0170]smart instrument102 will now be explained. In athirteenth process block3502, the station3400 is initialized (see above). In afourteenth process block3504, the first andsecond apertures3422,3428 are fully opened via the first andsecond levers3424,3430, respectively.
• In a[0171]fifteenth process block3506, thesmart instrument102 to be calibrated is then inserted through the first andsecond apertures3422,3428 until the tip of thesmart instrument102 is against thebase3416.
• In a[0172]sixteenth process block3508, the platform screws3418a,3418b,3418c,3418dare loosened and the upper andlower plates3418,3420 are slid apart as far as the shape of thesmart instrument102 allows.
• In a[0173]seventeenth process block3410, the platform screws3418a,3418b,3420a,3420bare then tightened.
• In an eighteenth process block[0174]3412, the first andsecond levers3424,3430 are used to close the first andsecond apertures3422,3428 around thesmart instrument102.
• In a nineteenth process block[0175]3414, theoperator120 then presses theactivation button214 orselect button610 on thesmart instrument102. TheLEDs202,604 on thesmart instrument102 are then read by the localizer system. Position information is relayed to thecomputer system106 which calculates new calibration information for thesmart instrument102. In the preferred embodiment, the new calibration information is then sent back to thesmart instrument102 and stored thereon. Whenever this smart instrument is thereafter activated, the new calibration is then sent to thecomputer system106 for use.
• It is recommended that after a smart instrument has been calibrated, that it be validated. The calibration and validation tool[0176]3400 can also be used to perform the validation. The operation of the calibration and validation tool3400 to validate asmart instrument102 is similar to the use of theuniversal tracker device200.
• With reference to FIG. 36, the[0177]system100 includes aremote control device3600 which allows theoperator120 to move through and make selections from thedisplay screen1900 on themonitor108. Preferably, theremote control device3600 can be sterilized and placed with the work volume of the system.
• The[0178]remote control device3600 includes ahousing3602 with abattery holder3604. A plurality ofcontrol buttons3606 allow theoperator120 to control thesystem100, aninfrared transceiver3608 and astatus light3610. In the preferred embodiment, theremote control device3600 includes anupward button3606a, adownward button3606b, anext button3606c, a back button3606D, and a select or apply button3606E.
• As discussed above, the[0179]system100 operates on a scanning cycle which has a length based on the number ofsmart instruments102 active. At the beginning of each cycle, thesystem100 sends out a new tool inquiry package system which requests that any newsmart instruments102 identify themselves (see above). If there are no new tools, then thesystem100 cycles through the activesmart instruments102 to determine their position.
• In order to determine a smart instrument's[0180]102 position, thesystem100 has stored the number of LEDs in eachsmart instrument102 that has been activated. Only oneLED202,604 can be read at a time.
• In the preferred embodiment, the[0181]system100 first sends out a initial signal identifying asmart instrument102 by serial number that it should prepare for firing itsLEDs202,604. The initial signal also request status information from the targetedsmart instrument102. This status information may include battery life, any faults, activated control buttons, etc, . . . . The targetsmart instrument102 delivers the requested status information to thesystem100.
• The initial signal may also include commands for the[0182]smart instrument102. For example, for asmart instrument102 adapted as an irrigator may respond to on and off commands.
• The[0183]system100 then requests that thesmart instrument102 fires off each LED one at a time in order to be recognized by thesystem100.
• In one embodiment, the[0184]system100 cycles through all active smart instruments and attempts to determine their position.
• In another embodiment, the[0185]system100 only determines the position of anyuniversal tracker device200 coupled to a patient trackedsystem502 and asmart tool102 currently being used by theoperator120. In this embodiment, when theoperator120 picks up (an already activated)smart instrument102, theoperator120 must actuate theactivation button214 or theselect button610. This signals to thesystem100 that thesmart instrument102 is currently being used. In the preferred embodiment, thesystem100 cycles through allactive instruments102 but temporarily sets the number of LEDs on theinstruments102 not being used to zero (0).
• As discussed above, the[0186]control buttons114 are programmable and are adapted to operate, i.e., navigate through, the software running on thecomputer system106. Thecontrol buttons114 are also used in the validation and calibration operations, as discussed above. For example, on thesmart instrument600 shown in FIG. 6, theselect button610 is used to validate thesmart instrument600, calibrate theinstrument600 and activate theinstrument600. Thesystem600, based on the position of thesmart instrument600 performs the correct operation. For example, if thesmart instrument600 position indicates that thepointer614 is located at thevalidation point216 of the universal tracker device200 (or the validation tool3400), then thesystem100 performs a validation operation upon activation of theselect button610. If thesmart instrument600 is in the calibration tool3400, then a calibration operation is performed when theselect button610 is activated. This feature can also be used with other input devices to thesystem100. For example, if theoperator120 needs to push a button on thekeyboard116, theoperator120 can simply point at the desired key and activate theselect button610.
• Other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.[0187]

Claims (79)

1. A smart instrument for use in a surgery system, comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the housing and being adapted to fire independently; and,

a transceiver adapted to communicate with the surgery system.

2. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument includes a memory circuit for storing information related to the smart instrument.

3. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 2

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to transmit via the transceiver the information stored on the memory circuit in response to a received signal.

4. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument includes a status light.

5. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be for a specific purpose.

6. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be used as a pointer.

7. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be used as a scalpel.

8. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be used as a probe.

9. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be used as a validation tool for other smart instruments.

10. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be used as a suction device.

11. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be used as a pin.

12. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be used as a clamp.

13. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be interchangeably coupled with a plurality of generic instruments.

14. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be interchangeably coupled with a patient tracking system.

15. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to be interchangeably coupled with a patient tracking system and at least one generic instrument.

16. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument includes an activation button.

17. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 16

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to transmit via the transceiver information stored on a memory circuit in response to a received signal.

18. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 17

, wherein the information includes a status of the activation button.

19. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument includes a plurality of control buttons for remotely controlling the surgery system.

20. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 19

, wherein the smart instrument is adapted to transmit via the transceiver information stored on a memory circuit in response to a received signal.

21. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 20

, wherein the information includes a status of control buttons.

22. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 1

, wherein the smart instrument includes an up button, a select button, and a down button.

23. A smart instrument for use in a surgery system, comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the housing and being adapted to fire independently;

a transceiver adapted to communicate with the surgery system;

an activation button;

an adapter interface coupled to the housing; and,

a release button operatively couple to the adapter interface, where the smart instrument is adapted to be interchangeably coupled with a patient tracking system and at least one generic instrument.

24. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 23

, including a memory circuit for storing information related to the smart instrument.

25. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 24

, wherein the information stored on the memory circuit is updated by the surgery system.

26. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 24

, wherein the information stored on the memory circuit includes calibration information.

27. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 26

, wherein the calibration information is updateable using a calibration station.

28. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 24

, wherein the smart instrument further includes a validation point for validating other smart instruments.

29. A smart instrument for use in a surgery system, comprising a housing;

a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the housing and being adapted to fire independently;

a transceiver adapted to communication with the surgery system;

a plurality of control button for remotely controlling the surgery system; and,

a work tip coupled to the housing.

30. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 29

, including a memory circuit for storing information related to the smart instrument.

31. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 30

, wherein the information stored on the memory circuit is updated by the surgery system.

32. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 30

, wherein the information stored on the memory circuit includes calibration information.

33. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 32

, wherein the calibration information is updateable using a calibration tool.

34. A smart instrument, as set forth in

claim 29

, wherein the smart instrument further includes a validation point for validating other smart instruments.

35. A surgery system, comprising:

at least one smart instrument;

a computer system;

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and to transmit position information to the computer system.

36. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the at least one smart instrument includes a memory circuit for storing information related to the smart instrument, and wherein the at least one smart instrument is adapted to wirelessly transmit the information to the computer system.

37. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 36

, wherein the information includes calibration information.

38. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the sensor system uses infrared signals.

39. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the sensor system uses radio frequency signals.

40. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the sensor system uses the IEEE 802.11 communication standard.

41. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the sensor system includes a sensor array.

42. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the sensor array includes at least one linear CCD camera and an infrared transceiver.

43. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the sensor array includes three linear CCD cameras and at least one infrared transceiver.

44. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the computer system includes a monitor.

45. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 44

, wherein the computer system is adapted to display a diagram of a patient on the monitor.

46. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 45

, wherein the diagram is of one of an image, picture, outline and line drawing of at least a portion of the patient.

47. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 45

, wherein the computer system is adapted to display a representation of the at least one smart instrument on the diagram.

48. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 47

, wherein the representation of the at least one smart instrument is a line.

49. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 47

, is a graphic.

50. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, wherein the computer assembly includes:

a localizer coupled to the sensor system;

a computer workstation coupled to the localizer; and

a monitor coupled to the computer workstation.

51. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 50

, wherein the at least one smart instrument includes a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes.

52. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 51

, wherein the localizer is adapted to receive the position information from the sensor system, determine a relative position of each of the plurality of infrared light emitting diodes.

53. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 52

, wherein the localizer is adapted to transmit the relation positions of the plurality of infrared light emitting diodes to the computer workstation.

54. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 52

, wherein the localizer is adapted to determine a relative position and orientation of the at least one smart instrument as a function of the relative positions of the plurality of infrared light emitting diodes and transmit the relative position and orientation to the computer workstation.

55. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 35

, including:

a patient tracking system;

a universal tracker device coupled to the patient tracking system;

wherein the sensor system is adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the universal tracker device and to transmit position information to the computer system.

56. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 55

, wherein the universal tracker device includes a validation point.

57. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 56

, wherein the validation point is used to validate the at least one smart instrument.

58. A surgery system, comprising:

at least one smart instrument;

a patient tracking system;

a universal tracker device coupled to the patient tracking system;

a localizer;

a computer workstation coupled to the localizer;

a monitor coupled to the computer workstation;

a sensor system coupled to the localizer and being adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and the universal tracker device and to transmit position information to the localizer.

59. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 58

, wherein the at least one smart instrument includes first plurality of infrared light emitting diodes and the universal tracker device includes a second plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein the localizer is adapted to receive the position information from the sensor system and to determine a relative position of each of the first and second plurality of infrared light emitting diodes.

60. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 59

, wherein the localizer is adapted to transmit the relation positions of the first and second plurality of infrared light emitting diodes to the computer workstation.

61. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 59

, wherein the localizer is adapted to determine a relative position and orientation of the at least one smart instrument and the universal tracker device as a function of the relative positions of the first and second plurality of infrared light emitting diodes and transmit the relative position and orientation of the at least one smart instrument and the universal tracker device to the computer workstation.

62. A surgery system, comprising:

at least one smart instrument;

a patient tracking system;

a universal tracking system having a validation point and being coupled to the patient tracking system;

a localizer;

a computer workstation coupled to the localizer;

a monitor coupled to the computer workstation; and,

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and to transmit position information to the localizer, wherein the validation point is used to validate the at least one smart instrument.

63. A surgery system, comprising:

at least two smart instruments;

a computer system;

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least two smart instruments and to transmit position information to the computer system.

64. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 63

, wherein the computer system includes a monitor and wherein the computer system is adapted to display a diagram of a patient on the monitor.

65. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 64

, wherein the computer system is adapted to display a representation of one of the at least two smart instruments on the diagram.

66. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 65

, wherein the one of the at least two smart instruments is in use.

67. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 66

, wherein the computer system is adapted to alternatively determine the position of the at least two smart instruments.

68. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 66

, wherein the computer system is adapted to only determine the position of the one of the at least two smart instruments.

69. A surgery system, comprising:

a sheet of flexible material having a plurality of markers on a first side;

a smart instrument adapted to be placed in contact with the plurality of markers;

a computer system;

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and to transmit position information to the computer system.

70. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 69

, wherein the flexible material is a mesh.

71. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 69

, wherein the sheet of flexible material includes a layer of adhesive on another side.

72. A validation tool for validating a smart instrument in a surgery system, comprising:

a base;

four columns coupled to the base;

at least one validation point coupled to one of the four columns; and,

a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes coupled to the base.

73. A calibration tool for calibrating a smart tool in a surgery system, comprising:

a base;

four columns coupled to the base;

a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes coupled to the base; and,

an upper plate and a lower plate slidably coupled to the four columns, the upper and lower plates each including an aperture for receiving the smart tool during a calibration process.

74. A surgery system, comprising:

at least one smart instrument;

a validation tool, the validation tool including:

a base;

four columns coupled to the base;

at least one validation point; and,

a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes coupled to the base; and,

a computer system;

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and the calibration tool and to transmit position information to the computer system, wherein the validation tool is adapted to validate the at least one smart instrument.

75. A surgery system, comprising:

at least one smart instrument;

a calibration tool, the validation tool including:

a base;

four columns coupled to the base;

a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes coupled to the base;

an upper plate and a lower plate slidably coupled to the four columns,

the upper and lower plates each including an aperture for receiving the smart tool during a calibration process; and

a computer system;

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and the calibration station and to transmit position information to the computer system, wherein the calibration station is adapted to calibrate the at least one smart instrument.

76. A surgery system, comprising:

a smart instrument being composed of a flexible material; and having a plurality of light emitting diodes on a first side;

a computer system; and,

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the plurality of light emitting diodes and to transmit position information to the computer system.

77. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 76

, wherein the computer system is adapted to determine the contour of the smart instrument and perform a surface matching operation with a known contour.

78. A surgery system, as set forth in

claim 76

, wherein the smart instrument is part of a dynamic reference frame.

79. A surgery system, comprising:

at least one smart instrument, having at least one control button

a computer system; and,

a sensor system adapted to wirelessly sense the position of the at least one smart instrument and to transmit position information to the computer system and to transmit status information of the at least one control button, wherein the computer system is adapted to perform an operation based on the activation of the control button and the position of the at least one smart instrument.

Images