Dynamic reference arrays and methods of use
AssigneeGlobal Medical Inc
InventorsNicholas Theodore, Neil R. Crawford, Mitchell A. Foster
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Abstract
Dynamic reference arrays use markers and trackers to register a patient's anatomy to computer system. Wherein the dynamic reference array may be screwed into a patient's spinous process, clamped on to a spinous process, or attached to the spinous process using posts. In embodiments, a dynamic reference array may comprise a single structure comprising and attachment member and a scaffold. In alternate embodiments, the dynamic reference array may comprise distinct structures that allow the dynamic reference array to swivel and collapse in order to facilitate registration, while not interfering with a surgical procedure.
Claims20
A method of using a dynamic reference array including a plurality of markers, the method comprising:
- attaching the dynamic reference array to a patient at a base and a connection point, wherein the plurality of markers are both radiopaque and optically reflective;
- scanning the patient while the plurality of markers of the dynamic reference array are in a first position;
- registering the dynamic reference array to the patient's anatomy based on the scanning;
- and
- after the registration, moving at least one marker of the plurality of markers to a second position while the entire dynamic reference array remains attached to the patient, wherein the dynamic reference array swivels relative to the base at the connection point and moving the at least one marker includes swiveling the marker without detaching the marker from the dynamic reference array.
A method of using a dynamic reference array including a plurality of markers, the method comprising:
- attaching the dynamic reference array to a patient bone, wherein the plurality of markers are both radiopaque and optically reflective;
- scanning the patient with a medical imaging device while the plurality of markers of the attached dynamic reference array are in a first position;
- registering the dynamic reference array to the patient's anatomy based on the plurality of markers contained in the scanned medical image;
- and
- after the registration, moving at least one marker of the plurality of markers to a second position relative to the other markers of the plurality of markers while the entire dynamic reference array remains attached to the patient, wherein the dynamic reference array swivels relative to the base, wherein the moved markers in the second position are positioned to be tracked by a camera tracking system and moving the at least one marker includes swiveling the marker without detaching the marker from the dynamic reference array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.