Extended reality headset tool tracking and control

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 11382700
  • Patent Number
    11,382,700
  • Date Filed
    Friday, May 8, 2020
    4 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, July 12, 2022
    2 years ago
Abstract
A surgical tool tracking array can include a first marker holder, a second marker holder, and a tool holder. The first marker holder is configured to couple a first marker to the surgical tracking array in a first plane. The second marker holder is configured to couple a second marker to the surgical tool tracking array in a second plane that is independent and substantially parallel to the first plane. The tool holder is configured to couple a portion of a surgical tool to the surgical tool tracking array in a third plane that is independent from the first plane and the second plane.
Description
FIELD

The present disclosure relates to medical devices and systems, and more particularly, camera tracking systems used for computer assisted navigation during surgery.


BACKGROUND

Computer assisted navigation in surgery provides surgeons with enhanced visualization of surgical instruments with respect to radiographic images of the patient's anatomy. Navigated surgeries typically include components for tracking the position and orientation of surgical instruments via arrays of disks or spheres using a single stereo camera system. In this scenario, there are three parameters jointly competing for optimization: (1) accuracy, (2) robustness and (3) ergonomics.


Navigated surgery procedures using existing navigation systems are prone to events triggering intermittent pauses when tracked objects are moved outside a tracking area of the camera system or become obstructed from camera view by intervening personnel and/or equipment. There is a need to improve the tracking performance of navigation systems.


SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a surgical tool tracking array is provided. The surgical tool tracking array includes a first marker holder, a second marker holder, and a third marker holder. The first marker holder is configured to couple a first marker to the surgical tool tracking array in a first plane. The second marker holder is configured to couple a second marker to the surgical tool tracking array in a second plane that is independent and substantially parallel to the first plane. The tool holder is configured to couple a portion of a surgical tool to the surgical tool tracking array in a third plane that is independent from the first plane and the second plane.


In other embodiments, a surgical system is provided. The surgical system includes an extended reality (“XR”) headset, a tracking system, and an XR headset controller. The XR headset is configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure and including a see-through display screen configured to display an XR image and to allow at least a portion of a real-world scene to pass therethrough for viewing by the user. The tracking system includes a first camera associated with the XR headset and configured to detect a tracking array positioned in a field of view of the user and determine that the user is selecting a surgical tool associated with the tracking array based on the tracking array being detected in the field of view of the user. The XR headset controller is configured to, responsive to determining that the user is selecting the surgical tool, generate the XR image based on information associated with the surgical tool.


Related methods by a camera tracking system and/or surgical system and related computer program products are disclosed.


Other camera tracking systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such camera tracking systems, methods, and computer program products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Moreover, it is intended that all embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented separately or combined in any way and/or combination.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in a constitute a part of this application, illustrate certain non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts. In the drawings:



FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surgical system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 2 illustrates a surgical robot component of the surgical system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 3A illustrates a camera tracking system component of the surgical system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate a front view and isometric view of another camera tracking system component which may be used with the surgical system of FIG. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an end effector that is connectable to a robot arm and configured according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 5 illustrates a medical operation in which a surgical robot and a camera system are disposed around a patient;



FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram view of the components of the surgical system of FIG. 5 being used for a medical operation;



FIG. 7 illustrates various display screens that may be displayed on the display of FIGS. 5 and 6 when using a navigation function of the surgical system;



FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of some electrical components of a surgical robot according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of components of a surgical system that includes imaging devices connected to a computer platform which can be operationally connected to a camera tracking system and/or surgical robot according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a C-Arm imaging device that can be used in combination with the surgical robot in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an O-Arm imaging device that can be used in combination with the surgical robot in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram view of the components of a surgical system that includes a pair of XR headsets and an auxiliary tracking bar which operate in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 13 illustrates an XR headset which is configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 14 illustrates electrical components of the XR headset that can be operatively connected to a computer platform, imaging device(s), and/or a surgical robot in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram showing arrangement of optical components of the XR headset in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 16 illustrates an example view through the display screen of an XR headset for providing navigation assistance to manipulate a surgical tool during a medical procedure in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 17 illustrates an example configuration of an auxiliary tracking bar having two pairs of stereo cameras configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIGS. 18-21 illustrate examples of a tracking array in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 22 illustrates an example of information associated with a surgical instrument being displayed via an XR headset in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;



FIG. 23 illustrates an example of processes performed by a tracking system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and



FIG. 24 illustrates an example of processes performed by a surgical system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Inventive concepts will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments of inventive concepts are shown. Inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of various present inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present or used in another embodiment.


Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to improvements in computer assisted navigation during surgery. An extended reality (XR) headset is operatively connected to the surgical system and configured to provide an interactive environment through which a surgeon, assistant, and/or other personnel can view and select among patient images, view and select among computer generated surgery navigation information, and/or control surgical equipment in the operating room. As will be explained below, the XR headset may be configured to augment a real-world scene with computer generated XR images. The XR headset may be configured to provide an augmented reality (AR) viewing environment by displaying the computer generated XR images on a see-through display screen that allows light from the real-world scene to pass therethrough for combined viewing by the user. Alternatively, the XR headset may be configured to provide a virtual reality (VR) viewing environment by preventing or substantially preventing light from the real-world scene from being directly viewed by the user while the user is viewing the computer generated AR images on a display screen. An XR headset can be configured to provide both AR and VR viewing environments. In one embodiment, both AR and VR viewing environments are provided by lateral bands of substantially differing opacity arranged between the see-through display screen and the real-world scene, so that a VR viewing environment is provided for XR images aligned with a high opacity band and an AR viewing environment is provided for XR images aligned with the low opacity band. In another embodiment, both AR and VR viewing environments are provided by computer adjustable control of an opacity filter that variably constrains how much light from the real-world scene passes through a see-through display screen for combining with the XR images viewed by the user. Thus, the XR headset can also be referred to as an AR headset or a VR headset.



FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a surgical system 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Prior to performance of an orthopedic or other surgical procedure, a three-dimensional (“3D”) image scan may be taken of a planned surgical area of a patient using, e.g., the C-Arm imaging device 104 of FIG. 10 or O-Arm imaging device 106 of FIG. 11, or from another medical imaging device such as a computed tomography (CT) image or MRI. This scan can be taken pre-operatively (e.g. few weeks before procedure, most common) or intra-operatively. However, any known 3D or 2D image scan may be used in accordance with various embodiments of the surgical system 2. The image scan is sent to a computer platform in communication with the surgical system 2, such as the computer platform 910 of the surgical system 900 (FIG. 9) which may include the camera tracking system component 6, the surgical robot 4 (e.g., robot 2 in FIG. 1), imaging devices (e.g., C-Arm 104, O-Arm 106, etc.), and an image database 950 for storing image scans of patients. A surgeon reviewing the image scan(s) on a display device of the computer platform 910 (FIG. 9) generates a surgical plan defining a target pose for a surgical tool to be used during a surgical procedure on an anatomical structure of the patient. Example surgical tools, also referred to as tools, can include, without limitation, drills, screw drivers, retractors, and implants such as a screws, spacers, interbody fusion devices, plates, rods, etc. In some embodiments, the surgical plan defining the target plane is planned on the 3D image scan displayed on a display device.


As used herein, the term “pose” refers to the position and/or the rotational angle of one object (e.g., dynamic reference array, end effector, surgical tool, anatomical structure, etc.) relative to another object and/or to a defined coordinate system. A pose may therefore be defined based on only the multidimensional position of one object relative to another object and/or to a defined coordinate system, only on the multidimensional rotational angles of the object relative to another object and/or to a defined coordinate system, or on a combination of the multidimensional position and the multidimensional rotational angles. The term “pose” therefore is used to refer to position, rotational angle, or combination thereof.


The surgical system 2 of FIG. 1 can assist surgeons during medical procedures by, for example, holding tools, aligning tools, using tools, guiding tools, and/or positioning tools for use. In some embodiments, surgical system 2 includes a surgical robot 4 and a camera tracking system component 6. The ability to mechanically couple surgical robot 4 and camera tracking system component 6 can allow for surgical system 2 to maneuver and move as a single unit, and allow surgical system 2 to have a small footprint in an area, allow easier movement through narrow passages and around turns, and allow storage within a smaller area.


A surgical procedure may begin with the surgical system 2 moving from medical storage to a medical procedure room. The surgical system 2 may be maneuvered through doorways, halls, and elevators to reach a medical procedure room. Within the room, the surgical system 2 may be physically separated into two separate and distinct systems, the surgical robot 4 and the camera tracking system component 6. Surgical robot 4 may be positioned adjacent the patient at any suitable location to properly assist medical personnel. Camera tracking system component 6 may be positioned at the base of the patient, at the patient shoulders, or any other location suitable to track the present pose and movement of the pose of tracks portions of the surgical robot 4 and the patient. Surgical robot 4 and camera tracking system component 6 may be powered by an onboard power source and/or plugged into an external wall outlet.


Surgical robot 4 may be used to assist a surgeon by holding and/or using tools during a medical procedure. To properly utilize and hold tools, surgical robot 4 may rely on a plurality of motors, computers, and/or actuators to function properly. Illustrated in FIG. 1, robot body 8 may act as the structure in which the plurality of motors, computers, and/or actuators may be secured within surgical robot 4. Robot body 8 may also provide support for robot telescoping support arm 16. The size of robot body 8 may provide a solid platform supporting attached components, and may house, conceal, and protect the plurality of motors, computers, and/or actuators that may operate attached components.


Robot base 10 may act as a lower support for surgical robot 4. In some embodiments, robot base 10 may support robot body 8 and may attach robot body 8 to a plurality of powered wheels 12. This attachment to wheels may allow robot body 8 to move in space efficiently. Robot base 10 may run the length and width of robot body 8. Robot base 10 may be about two inches to about 10 inches tall. Robot base 10 may cover, protect, and support powered wheels 12.


In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, at least one powered wheel 12 may be attached to robot base 10. Powered wheels 12 may attach to robot base 10 at any location. Each individual powered wheel 12 may rotate about a vertical axis in any direction. A motor may be disposed above, within, or adjacent to powered wheel 12. This motor may allow for surgical system 2 to maneuver into any location and stabilize and/or level surgical system 2. A rod, located within or adjacent to powered wheel 12, may be pressed into a surface by the motor. The rod, not pictured, may be made of any suitable metal to lift surgical system 2. The rod may lift powered wheel 10, which may lift surgical system 2, to any height required to level or otherwise fix the orientation of the surgical system 2 in relation to a patient. The weight of surgical system 2, supported through small contact areas by the rod on each wheel, prevents surgical system 2 from moving during a medical procedure. This rigid positioning may prevent objects and/or people from moving surgical system 2 by accident.


Moving surgical system 2 may be facilitated using robot railing 14. Robot railing 14 provides a person with the ability to move surgical system 2 without grasping robot body 8. As illustrated in FIG. 1, robot railing 14 may run the length of robot body 8, shorter than robot body 8, and/or may run longer the length of robot body 8. Robot railing 14 may further provide protection to robot body 8, preventing objects and or personnel from touching, hitting, or bumping into robot body 8.


Robot body 8 may provide support for a Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm, hereafter referred to as a “SCARA.” A SCARA 24 may be beneficial to use within the surgical system 2 due to the repeatability and compactness of the robotic arm. The compactness of a SCARA may provide additional space within a medical procedure, which may allow medical professionals to perform medical procedures free of excess clutter and confining areas. SCARA 24 may comprise robot telescoping support 16, robot support arm 18, and/or robot arm 20. Robot telescoping support 16 may be disposed along robot body 8. As illustrated in FIG. 1, robot telescoping support 16 may provide support for the SCARA 24 and display 34. In some embodiments, robot telescoping support 16 may extend and contract in a vertical direction. The body of robot telescoping support 16 may be any width and/or height configured to support the stress and weight placed upon it.


In some embodiments, medical personnel may move SCARA 24 through a command submitted by the medical personnel. The command may originate from input received on display 34, a tablet, and/or an XR headset (e.g., headset 920 in FIG. 9) as will be explained in further detail below. The XR headset may eliminate the need for medical personnel to refer to any other display such as the display 34 or a tablet, which enables the SCARA 24 to be configured without the display 34 and/or the tablet. The command may be generated by the depression of a switch and/or the depression of a plurality of switches, and/or may be generated based on a hand gesture command and/or voice command that is sensed by the XR headset as will be explained in further detail below.


As shown in FIG. 5, an activation assembly 60 may include a switch and/or a plurality of switches. The activation assembly 60 may be operable to transmit a move command to the SCARA 24 allowing an operator to manually manipulate the SCARA 24. When the switch, or plurality of switches, is depressed the medical personnel may have the ability to move SCARA 24 through applied hand movements. Alternatively or additionally, an operator may control movement of the SCARA 24 through hand gesture commands and/or voice commands that are sensed by the XR headset as will be explained in further detail below. Additionally, when the SCARA 24 is not receiving a command to move, the SCARA 24 may lock in place to prevent accidental movement by personnel and/or other objects. By locking in place, the SCARA 24 provides a solid platform through which the end effector 26 can guide a surgical tool during a medical procedure.


Robot support arm 18 can be connected to robot telescoping support 16 by various mechanisms. In some embodiments, best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, robot support arm 18 rotates in any direction in regard to robot telescoping support 16. Robot support arm 18 may rotate three hundred and sixty degrees around robot telescoping support 16. Robot arm 20 may connect to robot support arm 18 at any suitable location and by various mechanisms that enable rotation in any direction relative to robot support arm 18. In one embodiment, the robot arm 20 can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees relative to the robot support arm 18. This free rotation allows an operator to position robot arm 20 according to a surgical plan.


The end effector 26 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may attach to robot arm 20 in any suitable location. The end effector 26 can be configured to attach to an end effector coupler 22 of the robot arm 20 positioned by the surgical robot 4. The example end effector 26 includes a tubular guide that guides movement of an inserted surgical tool relative to an anatomical structure on which a surgical procedure is to be performed.


In some embodiments, a dynamic reference array 52 is attached to the end effector 26. Dynamic reference arrays, also referred to as “DRAs” herein, are rigid bodies which may be disposed on an anatomical structure (e.g., bone) of a patient, one or more XR headsets being worn by personnel in the operating room, the end effector, the surgical robot, a surgical tool in a navigated surgical procedure. The computer platform 910 in combination with the camera tracking system component 6 or other 3D localization system are configured to track in real-time the pose (e.g., positions and rotational orientations) of the DRA. The DRA can include fiducials, such as the illustrated arrangement of balls. This tracking of 3D coordinates of the DRA can allow the surgical system 2 to determine the pose of the DRA in any multidimensional space in relation to the target anatomical structure of the patient 50 in FIG. 5.


As illustrated in FIG. 1, a light indicator 28 may be positioned on top of the SCARA 24. Light indicator 28 may illuminate as any type of light to indicate “conditions” in which surgical system 2 is currently operating. In some embodiments, the light may be produced by LED bulbs, which may form a ring around light indicator 28. Light indicator 28 may comprise a fully permeable material that can let light shine through the entirety of light indicator 28. Light indicator 28 may be attached to lower display support 30. Lower display support 30, as illustrated in FIG. 2 may allow an operator to maneuver display 34 to any suitable location. Lower display support 30 may attach to light indicator 28 by any suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, lower display support 30 may rotate about light indicator 28 or be rigidly attached thereto. Upper display support 32 may attach to lower display support 30 by any suitable mechanism.


In some embodiments, a tablet may be used in conjunction with display 34 and/or without display 34. The tablet may be disposed on upper display support 32, in place of display 34, and may be removable from upper display support 32 during a medical operation. In addition the tablet may communicate with display 34. The tablet may be able to connect to surgical robot 4 by any suitable wireless and/or wired connection. In some embodiments, the tablet may be able to program and/or control surgical system 2 during a medical operation. When controlling surgical system 2 with the tablet, all input and output commands may be duplicated on display 34. The use of a tablet may allow an operator to manipulate surgical robot 4 without having to move around patient 50 and/or to surgical robot 4.


As will be explained below, in some embodiments a surgeon and/or other personnel can wear XR headsets that may be used in conjunction with display 34 and/or a tablet or the XR head(s) may eliminate the need for use of the display 34 and/or tablet.


As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5, camera tracking system component 6 works in conjunction with surgical robot 4 through wired or wireless communication networks. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, camera tracking system component 6 can include some similar components to the surgical robot 4. For example, camera body 36 may provide the functionality found in robot body 8. Robot body 8 may provide an auxiliary tracking bar upon which cameras 46 are mounted. The structure within robot body 8 may also provide support for the electronics, communication devices, and power supplies used to operate camera tracking system component 6. Camera body 36 may be made of the same material as robot body 8. Camera tracking system component 6 may communicate directly to an XR headset, tablet and/or display 34 by a wireless and/or wired network to enable the XR headset, tablet and/or display 34 to control the functions of camera tracking system component 6.


Camera body 36 is supported by camera base 38. Camera base 38 may function as robot base 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, camera base 38 may be wider than robot base 10. The width of camera base 38 may allow for camera tracking system component 6 to connect with surgical robot 4. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the width of camera base 38 may be large enough to fit outside robot base 10. When camera tracking system component 6 and surgical robot 4 are connected, the additional width of camera base 38 may allow surgical system 2 additional maneuverability and support for surgical system 2.


As with robot base 10, a plurality of powered wheels 12 may attach to camera base 38. Powered wheel 12 may allow camera tracking system component 6 to stabilize and level or set fixed orientation in regards to patient 50, similar to the operation of robot base 10 and powered wheels 12. This stabilization may prevent camera tracking system component 6 from moving during a medical procedure and may keep cameras 46 on the auxiliary tracking bar from losing track of a DRA connected to an XR headset and/or the surgical robot 4, and/or losing track of one or more DRAs 52 connected to an anatomical structure 54 and/or tool 58 within a designated area 56 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 5. This stability and maintenance of tracking enhances the ability of surgical robot 4 to operate effectively with camera tracking system component 6. Additionally, the wide camera base 38 may provide additional support to camera tracking system component 6. Specifically, a wide camera base 38 may prevent camera tracking system component 6 from tipping over when cameras 46 is disposed over a patient, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 5.


Camera telescoping support 40 may support cameras 46 on the auxiliary tracking bar. In some embodiments, telescoping support 40 moves cameras 46 higher or lower in the vertical direction. Camera handle 48 may be attached to camera telescoping support 40 at any suitable location and configured to allow an operator to move camera tracking system component 6 into a planned position before a medical operation. In some embodiments, camera handle 48 is used to lower and raise camera telescoping support 40. Camera handle 48 may perform the raising and lowering of camera telescoping support 40 through the depression of a button, switch, lever, and/or any combination thereof.


Lower camera support arm 42 may attach to camera telescoping support 40 at any suitable location, in embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, lower camera support arm 42 may rotate three hundred and sixty degrees around telescoping support 40. This free rotation may allow an operator to position cameras 46 in any suitable location. Lower camera support arm 42 may connect to telescoping support 40 by any suitable mechanism. Lower camera support arm 42 may be used to provide support for cameras 46. Cameras 46 may be attached to lower camera support arm 42 by any suitable mechanism. Cameras 46 may pivot in any direction at the attachment area between cameras 46 and lower camera support arm 42. In embodiments a curved rail 44 may be disposed on lower camera support arm 42.


Curved rail 44 may be disposed at any suitable location on lower camera support arm 42. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, curved rail 44 may attach to lower camera support arm 42 by any suitable mechanism. Curved rail 44 may be of any suitable shape, a suitable shape may be a crescent, circular, oval, elliptical, and/or any combination thereof. Cameras 46 may be moveably disposed along curved rail 44. Cameras 46 may attach to curved rail 44 by, for example, rollers, brackets, braces, motors, and/or any combination thereof. Motors and rollers, not illustrated, may be used to move cameras 46 along curved rail 44. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, during a medical procedure, if an object prevents cameras 46 from viewing one or more DRAs being tracked, the motors may responsively move cameras 46 along curved rail 44. This motorized movement may allow cameras 46 to move to a new position that is no longer obstructed by the object without moving camera tracking system component 6. While cameras 46 is obstructed from viewing one or more tracked DRAs, camera tracking system component 6 may send a stop signal to a surgical robot 4, XR headset, display 34, and/or a tablet. The stop signal may prevent SCARA 24 from moving until cameras 46 has reacquired tracked DRAs 52 and/or can warn an operator wearing the XR headset and/or viewing the display 34 and/or the tablet. This SCARA 24 can be configured to respond to receipt of a stop signal by stopping further movement of the base and/or end effector coupler 22 until the camera tracking system can resume tracking of DRAs.



FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate a front view and isometric view of another camera tracking system component 6′ which may be used with the surgical system of FIG. 1 or may be used independent of a surgical robot. For example, the camera tracking system component 6′ may be used for providing navigated surgery without use of robotic guidance. One of the differences between the camera tracking system component 6′ of FIGS. 3B and 3C and the camera tracking system component 6 of FIG. 3A, is that the camera tracking system component 6′ of FIGS. 3B and 3C includes a housing that transports the computer platform 910. The computer platform 910 can be configured to perform camera tracking operations to track DRAs, perform navigated surgery operations that provide surgical navigation information to a display device, e.g., XR headset and/or other display device, and perform other computational operations disclosed herein. The computer platform 910 can therefore include a navigation computer, such as one or more of the navigation computers of FIG. 14.



FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram view of the components of the surgical system of FIG. 5 used for the medical operation. Referring to FIG. 6, the tracking cameras 46 on the auxiliary tracking bar has a navigation field-of-view 600 in which the pose (e.g., position and orientation) of the reference array 602 attached to the patient, the reference array 604 attached to the surgical instrument, and the robot arm 20 are tracked. The tracking cameras 46 may be part of the camera tracking system component 6′ of FIGS. 3B and 3C, which includes the computer platform 910 configured to perform the operations described below. The reference arrays enable tracking by reflecting light in known patterns, which are decoded to determine their respective poses by the tracking subsystem of the surgical robot 4. If the line-of-sight between the patient reference array 602 and the tracking cameras 46 in the auxiliary tracking bar is blocked (for example, by a medical personnel, instrument, etc.), further navigation of the surgical instrument may not be able to be performed and a responsive notification may temporarily halt further movement of the robot arm 20 and surgical robot 4, display a warning on the display 34, and/or provide an audible warning to medical personnel. The display 34 is accessible to the surgeon 610 and assistant 612 but viewing requires a head to be turned away from the patient and for eye focus to be changed to a different distance and location. The navigation software may be controlled by a tech personnel 614 based on vocal instructions from the surgeon.



FIG. 7 illustrates various display screens that may be displayed on the display 34 of FIGS. 5 and 6 by the surgical robot 4 when using a navigation function of the surgical system 2. The display screens can include, without limitation, patient radiographs with overlaid graphical representations of models of instruments that are positioned in the display screens relative to the anatomical structure based on a developed surgical plan and/or based on poses of tracked reference arrays, various user selectable menus for controlling different stages of the surgical procedure and dimension parameters of a virtually projected implant (e.g. length, width, and/or diameter).


For navigated surgery, various processing components (e.g., computer platform 910) and associated software described below are provided that enable pre-operatively planning of a surgical procedure, e.g., implant placement, and electronic transfer of the plan to computer platform 910 to provide navigation information to one or more users during the planned surgical procedure.


For robotic navigation, various processing components (e.g., computer platform 910) and associated software described below are provided that enable pre-operatively planning of a surgical procedure, e.g., implant placement, and electronic transfer of the plan to the surgical robot 4. The surgical robot 4 uses the plan to guide the robot arm 20 and connected end effector 26 to provide a target pose for a surgical tool relative to a patient anatomical structure for a step of the planned surgical procedure.


Various embodiments below are directed to using one or more XR headsets that can be worn by the surgeon 610, the assistant 612, and/or other medical personnel to provide an improved user interface for receiving information from and/or providing control commands to the surgical robot, the camera tracking system component 6/6′, and/or other medical equipment in the operating room.



FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of some electrical components of the surgical robot 4 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, a load cell (not shown) may be configured to track force applied to end effector coupler 22. In some embodiments the load cell may communicate with a plurality of motors 850, 851, 852, 853, and/or 854. As load cell senses force, information as to the amount of force applied may be distributed from a switch array and/or a plurality of switch arrays to a controller 846. Controller 846 may take the force information from load cell and process it with a switch algorithm. The switch algorithm is used by the controller 846 to control a motor driver 842. The motor driver 842 controls operation of one or more of the motors 850, 851, 852, 853, and 854. Motor driver 842 may direct a specific motor to produce, for example, an equal amount of force measured by load cell through the motor. In some embodiments, the force produced may come from a plurality of motors, e.g., 850-854, as directed by controller 846. Additionally, motor driver 842 may receive input from controller 846. Controller 846 may receive information from load cell as to the direction of force sensed by load cell. Controller 846 may process this information using a motion controller algorithm. The algorithm may be used to provide information to specific motor drivers 842. To replicate the direction of force, controller 846 may activate and/or deactivate certain motor drivers 842. Controller 846 may control one or more motors, e.g. one or more of 850-854, to induce motion of end effector 26 in the direction of force sensed by load cell. This force-controlled motion may allow an operator to move SCARA 24 and end effector 26 effortlessly and/or with very little resistance. Movement of end effector 26 can be performed to position end effector 26 in any suitable pose (i.e., location and angular orientation relative to defined three-dimensional (3D) orthogonal reference axes) for use by medical personnel.


Activation assembly 60, best illustrated in FIG. 5, may form of a bracelet that wraps around end effector coupler 22. The activation assembly 60 may be located on any part of SCARA 24, any part of end effector coupler 22, may be worn by medical personnel (and communicate wirelessly), and/or any combination thereof. Activation assembly 60 may comprise of a primary button and a secondary button.


Depressing primary button may allow an operator to move SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22. According to one embodiment, once set in place, SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22 may not move until an operator programs surgical robot 4 to move SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22, or is moved using primary button. In some examples, it may require the depression of at least two non-adjacent primary activation switches before SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22 will respond to operator commands. Depression of at least two primary activation switches may prevent the accidental movement of SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22 during a medical procedure.


Activated by primary button, load cell may measure the force magnitude and/or direction exerted upon end effector coupler 22 by an operator, i.e. medical personnel. This information may be transferred to one or more motors, e.g. one or more of 850-854, within SCARA 24 that may be used to move SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22. Information as to the magnitude and direction of force measured by load cell may cause the one or more motors, e.g. one or more of 850-854, to move SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22 in the same direction as sensed by the load cell. This force-controlled movement may allow the operator to move SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22 easily and without large amounts of exertion due to the motors moving SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22 at the same time the operator is moving SCARA 24 and end effector coupler 22.


In some examples, a secondary button may be used by an operator as a “selection” device. During a medical operation, surgical robot 4 may notify medical personnel to certain conditions by the XR headset(s) 920, display 34 and/or light indicator 28. The XR headset(s) 920 are each configured to display images on a see-through display screen to form an extended reality image that is overlaid on real-world objects viewable through the see-through display screen. Medical personnel may be prompted by surgical robot 4 to select a function, mode, and/or assess the condition of surgical system 2. Depressing secondary button a single time may activate certain functions, modes, and/or acknowledge information communicated to medical personnel through the XR headset(s) 920, display 34 and/or light indicator 28. Additionally, depressing the secondary button multiple times in rapid succession may activate additional functions, modes, and/or select information communicated to medical personnel through the XR headset(s) 920, display 34 and/or light indicator 28.


With further reference to FIG. 8, electrical components of the surgical robot 4 include platform subsystem 802, computer subsystem 820, motion control subsystem 840, and tracking subsystem 830. Platform subsystem 802 includes battery 806, power distribution module 804, connector panel 808, and charging station 810. Computer subsystem 820 includes computer 822, display 824, and speaker 826. Motion control subsystem 840 includes driver circuit 842, motors 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, stabilizers 855, 856, 857, 858, end effector connector 844, and controller 846. Tracking subsystem 830 includes position sensor 832 and camera converter 834. Surgical robot 4 may also include a removable foot pedal 880 and removable tablet computer 890.


Input power is supplied to surgical robot 4 via a power source which may be provided to power distribution module 804. Power distribution module 804 receives input power and is configured to generate different power supply voltages that are provided to other modules, components, and subsystems of surgical robot 4. Power distribution module 804 may be configured to provide different voltage supplies to connector panel 808, which may be provided to other components such as computer 822, display 824, speaker 826, driver 842 to, for example, power motors 850-854 and end effector coupler 844, and provided to camera converter 834 and other components for surgical robot 4. Power distribution module 804 may also be connected to battery 806, which serves as temporary power source in the event that power distribution module 804 does not receive power from an input power. At other times, power distribution module 804 may serve to charge battery 806.


Connector panel 808 may serve to connect different devices and components to surgical robot 4 and/or associated components and modules. Connector panel 808 may contain one or more ports that receive lines or connections from different components. For example, connector panel 808 may have a ground terminal port that may ground surgical robot 4 to other equipment, a port to connect foot pedal 880, a port to connect to tracking subsystem 830, which may include position sensor 832, camera converter 834, and DRA tracking cameras 870. Connector panel 808 may also include other ports to allow USB, Ethernet, HDMI communications to other components, such as computer 822. In accordance with some embodiments, the connector panel 808 can include a wired and/or wireless interface for operatively connecting one or more XR headsets 920 to the tracking subsystem 830 and/or the computer subsystem 820.


Control panel 816 may provide various buttons or indicators that control operation of surgical robot 4 and/or provide information from surgical robot 4 for observation by an operator. For example, control panel 816 may include buttons to power on or off surgical robot 4, lift or lower vertical column 16, and lift or lower stabilizers 855-858 that may be designed to engage casters 12 to lock surgical robot 4 from physically moving. Other buttons may stop surgical robot 4 in the event of an emergency, which may remove all motor power and apply mechanical brakes to stop all motion from occurring. Control panel 816 may also have indicators notifying the operator of certain system conditions such as a line power indicator or status of charge for battery 806. In accordance with some embodiments, one or more XR headsets 920 may communicate, e.g. via the connector panel 808, to control operation of the surgical robot 4 and/or to received and display information generated by surgical robot 4 for observation by persons wearing the XR headsets 920.


Computer 822 of computer subsystem 820 includes an operating system and software to operate assigned functions of surgical robot 4. Computer 822 may receive and process information from other components (for example, tracking subsystem 830, platform subsystem 802, and/or motion control subsystem 840) in order to display information to the operator. Further, computer subsystem 820 may provide output through the speaker 826 for the operator. The speaker may be part of the surgical robot, part of an XR headset 920, or within another component of the surgical system 2. The display 824 may correspond to the display 34 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.


Tracking subsystem 830 may include position sensor 832 and camera converter 834. Tracking subsystem 830 may correspond to the camera tracking system component 6 of FIG. 3. The DRA tracking cameras 870 operate with the position sensor 832 to determine the pose of DRAs 52. This tracking may be conducted in a manner consistent with the present disclosure including the use of infrared or visible light technology that tracks the location of active or passive elements of DRAs 52, such as LEDs or reflective markers, respectively.


Functional operations of the tracking subsystem 830 and the computer subsystem 820 can be included in the computer platform 910, which can be transported by the camera tracking system component 6′ of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The tracking subsystem 830 can be configured to determine the poses, e.g., location and angular orientation of the tracked DRAs. The computer platform 910 can also include a navigation controller that is configured to use the determined poses to provide navigation information to users that guides their movement of tracked tools relative to position-registered patient images and/or tracked anatomical structures during a planned surgical procedure. The computer platform 910 can display information on the display of FIGS. 3B and 3C and/or to one or more XR headsets 920. The computer platform 910, when used with a surgical robot, can be configured to communicate with the computer subsystem 820 and other subsystems of FIG. 8 to control movement of the end effector 26. For example, as will be explained below the computer platform 910 can generate a graphical representation of a patient's anatomical structure, surgical tool, user's hand, etc. with a displayed size, shape, color, and/or pose that is controlled based on the determined pose(s) of one or more the tracked DRAs, and which the graphical representation that is displayed can be dynamically modified to track changes in the determined poses over time.


Motion control subsystem 840 may be configured to physically move vertical column 16, upper arm 18, lower arm 20, or rotate end effector coupler 22. The physical movement may be conducted through the use of one or more motors 850-854. For example, motor 850 may be configured to vertically lift or lower vertical column 16. Motor 851 may be configured to laterally move upper arm 18 around a point of engagement with vertical column 16 as shown in FIG. 2. Motor 852 may be configured to laterally move lower arm 20 around a point of engagement with upper arm 18 as shown in FIG. 2. Motors 853 and 854 may be configured to move end effector coupler 22 to provide translational movement and rotation along in about three-dimensional axes. The computer platform 910 shown in FIG. 9 can provide control input to the controller 846 that guides movement of the end effector coupler 22 to position a passive end effector, which is connected thereto, with a planned pose (i.e., location and angular orientation relative to defined 3D orthogonal reference axes) relative to an anatomical structure that is to be operated on during a planned surgical procedure. Motion control subsystem 840 may be configured to measure position of the end effector coupler 22 and/or the end effector 26 using integrated position sensors (e.g. encoders).



FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of components of a surgical system that includes imaging devices (e.g., C-Arm 104, O-Arm 106, etc.) connected to a computer platform 910 which can be operationally connected to a camera tracking system component 6 (FIG. 3A) or 6′ (FIGS. 3B,3C) and/or to surgical robot 4 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Alternatively, at least some operations disclosed herein as being performed by the computer platform 910 may additionally or alternatively be performed by components of a surgical system.


Referring to FIG. 9, the computer platform 910 includes a display 912, at least one processor circuit 914 (also referred to as a processor for brevity), at least one memory circuit 916 (also referred to as a memory for brevity) containing computer readable program code 918, and at least one network interface 902 (also referred to as a network interface for brevity). The display 912 may be part of an XR headset 920 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The network interface 902 can be configured to connect to a C-Arm imaging device 104 in FIG. 10, an O-Arm imaging device 106 in FIG. 11, another medical imaging device, an image database 950 containing patient medical images, components of the surgical robot 4, and/or other electronic equipment.


When used with a surgical robot 4, the display 912 may correspond to the display 34 of FIG. 2 and/or the tablet 890 of FIG. 8 and/or the XR headset 920 that is operatively connected to the surgical robot 4, the network interface 902 may correspond to the platform network interface 812 of FIG. 8, and the processor 914 may correspond to the computer 822 of FIG. 8. The network interface 902 of the XR headset 920 may be configured to communicate through a wired network, e.g., thin wire ethernet, and/or through wireless RF transceiver link according to one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., WLAN, 3GPP 4G and/or 5G (New Radio) cellular communication standards, etc.


The processor 914 may include one or more data processing circuits, such as a general purpose and/or special purpose processor, e.g., microprocessor and/or digital signal processor. The processor 914 is configured to execute the computer readable program code 918 in the memory 916 to perform operations, which may include some or all of the operations described herein as being performed for surgery planning, navigated surgery, and/or robotic surgery.


The computer platform 910 can be configured to provide surgery planning functionality. The processor 914 can operate to display on the display device 912 and/or on the XR headset 920 an image of an anatomical structure, e.g., vertebra, that is received from one of the imaging devices 104 and 106 and/or from the image database 950 through the network interface 920. The processor 914 receives an operator's definition of where the anatomical structure shown in one or more images is to have a surgical procedure, e.g., screw placement, such as by the operator touch selecting locations on the display 912 for planned procedures or using a mouse-based cursor to define locations for planned procedures. When the image is displayed in the XR headset 920, the XR headset can be configured to sense in gesture-based commands formed by the wearer and/or sense voice based commands spoken by the wearer, which can be used to control selection among menu items and/or control how objects are displayed on the XR headset 920 as will be explained in further detail below.


The computer platform 910 can be configured to enable anatomy measurement, which can be particularly useful for knee surgery, like measurement of various angles determining center of hip, center of angles, natural landmarks (e.g. transepicondylar line, Whitesides line, posterior condylar line), etc. Some measurements can be automatic while some others can involve human input or assistance. The computer platform 910 may be configured to allow an operator to input a choice of the correct implant for a patient, including choice of size and alignment. The computer platform 910 may be configured to perform automatic or semi-automatic (involving human input) segmentation (image processing) for CT images or other medical images. The surgical plan for a patient may be stored in a cloud-based server, which may correspond to database 950, for retrieval by the surgical robot 4.


During orthopedic surgery, for example, a surgeon may choose which cut to make (e.g. posterior femur, proximal tibia etc.) using a computer screen (e.g. touchscreen) or extended reality (XR) interaction (e.g., hand gesture based commands and/or voice based commands) via, e.g., the XR headset 920. The computer platform 910 can generate navigation information which provides visual guidance to the surgeon for performing the surgical procedure. When used with the surgical robot 4, the computer platform 910 can provide guidance that allows the surgical robot 4 to automatically move the end effector 26 to a target pose so that the surgical tool is aligned with a target location to perform the surgical procedure on an anatomical structure.


In some embodiments, the surgical system 900 can use two DRAs to track patient anatomy position, such as one connected to patient tibia and one connected to patient femur. The system 900 may use standard navigated instruments for the registration and checks (e.g. a pointer similar to the one used in Globus ExcelsiusGPS system for spine surgery).


A particularly challenging task in navigated surgery is how to plan the position of an implant in spine, knee, and other anatomical structures where surgeons struggle to perform the task on a computer screen which is a 2D representation of the 3D anatomical structure. The system 900 could address this problem by using the XR headset 920 to display a three-dimensional (3D) computer generated representations of the anatomical structure and a candidate implant device. The computer generated representations are scaled and posed relative to each other on the display screen under guidance of the computer platform 910 and which can be manipulated by a surgeon while viewed through the XR headset 920. A surgeon may, for example, manipulate the displayed computer-generated representations of the anatomical structure, the implant, a surgical tool, etc., using hand gesture based commands and/or voice based commands that are sensed by the XR headset 920.


For example, a surgeon can view a displayed virtual handle on a virtual implant, and can manipulate (e.g., grab and move) the virtual handle to move the virtual implant to a desired pose and adjust a planned implant placement relative to a graphical representation of an anatomical structure. Afterward, during surgery, the computer platform 910 could display navigation information through the XR headset 920 that facilitates the surgeon's ability to more accurately follow the surgical plan to insert the implant and/or to perform another surgical procedure on the anatomical structure. When the surgical procedure involves bone removal, the progress of bone removal, e.g., depth of cut, can be displayed in real-time through the XR headset 920. Other features that may be displayed through the XR headset 920 can include, without limitation, gap or ligament balance along a range of joint motion, contact line on the implant along the range of joint motion, ligament tension and/or laxity through color or other graphical renderings, etc.


The computer platform 910, in some embodiments, can allow planning for use of standard surgical tools and/or implants, e.g., posterior stabilized implants and cruciate retaining implants, cemented and cementless implants, revision systems for surgeries related to, for example, total or partial knee and/or hip replacement and/or trauma.


An automated imaging system can be used in conjunction with the computer platform 910 to acquire pre-operative, intra-operative, post-operative, and/or real-time image data of an anatomical structure. Example automated imaging systems are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. In some embodiments, the automated imaging system is a C-arm 104 (FIG. 10) imaging device or an O-arm® 106 (FIG. 11). (O-arm® is copyrighted by Medtronic Navigation, Inc. having a place of business in Louisville, Colo., USA). It may be desirable to take x-rays of a patient from a number of different positions, without the need for frequent manual repositioning of the patient which may be required in an x-ray system. C-arm 104 x-ray diagnostic equipment may solve the problems of frequent manual repositioning and may be well known in the medical art of surgical and other interventional procedures. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a C-arm includes an elongated C-shaped member terminating in opposing distal ends 112 of the “C” shape. C-shaped member is attached to an x-ray source 114 and an image receptor 116. The space within C-arm 104 of the arm provides room for the physician to attend to the patient substantially free of interference from the x-ray support structure.


The C-arm is mounted to enable rotational movement of the arm in two degrees of freedom, (i.e. about two perpendicular axes in a spherical motion). C-arm is slidably mounted to an x-ray support structure, which allows orbiting rotational movement of the C-arm about its center of curvature, which may permit selective orientation of x-ray source 114 and image receptor 116 vertically and/or horizontally. The C-arm may also be laterally rotatable, (i.e. in a perpendicular direction relative to the orbiting direction to enable selectively adjustable positioning of x-ray source 114 and image receptor 116 relative to both the width and length of the patient). Spherically rotational aspects of the C-arm apparatus allow physicians to take x-rays of the patient at an optimal angle as determined with respect to the particular anatomical condition being imaged.


The O-arm® 106 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a gantry housing 124 which may enclose an image capturing portion, not illustrated. The image capturing portion includes an x-ray source and/or emission portion and an x-ray receiving and/or image receiving portion, which may be disposed about one hundred and eighty degrees from each other and mounted on a rotor (not illustrated) relative to a track of the image capturing portion. The image capturing portion may be operable to rotate three hundred and sixty degrees during image acquisition. The image capturing portion may rotate around a central point and/or axis, allowing image data of the patient to be acquired from multiple directions or in multiple planes.


The O-arm® 106 with the gantry housing 124 has a central opening for positioning around an object to be imaged, a source of radiation that is rotatable around the interior of gantry housing 124, which may be adapted to project radiation from a plurality of different projection angles. A detector system is adapted to detect the radiation at each projection angle to acquire object images from multiple projection planes in a quasi-simultaneous manner. The gantry may be attached to a support structure O-arm® support structure, such as a wheeled mobile cart with wheels, in a cantilevered fashion. A positioning unit translates and/or tilts the gantry to a planned position and orientation, preferably under control of a computerized motion control system. The gantry may include a source and detector disposed opposite one another on the gantry. The source and detector may be secured to a motorized rotor, which may rotate the source and detector around the interior of the gantry in coordination with one another. The source may be pulsed at multiple positions and orientations over a partial and/or full three hundred and sixty degree rotation for multi-planar imaging of a targeted object located inside the gantry. The gantry may further comprise a rail and bearing system for guiding the rotor as it rotates, which may carry the source and detector. Both and/or either O-arm® 106 and C-arm 104 may be used as automated imaging system to scan a patient and send information to the surgical system 2.


Images captured by an imaging system can be displayed on the XR headset 920 and/or another display device of the computer platform 910, the surgical robot 4, and/or another component of the surgical system 900. The XR headset 920 may be connected to one or more of the imaging devices 104 and/or 106 and/or to the image database 950, e.g., via the computer platform 910, to display images therefrom. A user may provide control inputs through the XR headset 920, e.g., gesture and/or voice based commands, to control operation of one or more of the imaging devices 104 and/or 106 and/or the image database 950.



FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram view of the components of a surgical system that include a pair of XR headsets 1200 and 1210 (head-mounted displays HMD1 and HMD2), which may correspond to the XR headset 920 shown in FIG. 13 and operate in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.


Referring to the example scenario of FIG. 12, the assistant 612 and surgeon 610 are both wearing the XR headsets 1210 and 1210, respectively. It is optional for the assistant 612 to wear the XR headset 1210. The XR headsets 1200 and 1210 are configured to provide an interactive environment through which the wearers can view and interact with information related to a surgical procedure as will be described further below. This interactive XR based environment may eliminate a need for the tech personnel 614 to be present in the operating room and may eliminate a need for use of the display 34 shown in FIG. 6. Each XR headset 1200 and 1210 can include one or more cameras that are be configured to provide an additional source of tracking of DRAs or other reference arrays attached to instruments, an anatomical structure, the end effector 26, and/or other equipment. In the example of FIG. 12, XR headset 1200 has a field-of-view (FOV) 1202 for tracking DRAs and other objects, XR headset 1210 has a FOV 1212 partially overlapping FOV 1202 for tracking DRAs and other objects, and the tracking cameras 46 has another FOV 600 partially overlapping FOVs 1202 and 1212 for tracking DRAs and other objects.


If one or more cameras is obstructed from viewing a DRA attached to a tracked object, e.g., a surgical instrument, but the DRA is in view of one or more other cameras the tracking subsystem 830 and/or navigation controller 828 can continue to track the object seamlessly without loss of navigation. Additionally, if there is partial occlusion of the DRA from the perspective of one camera, but the entire DRA is visible via multiple camera sources, the tracking inputs of the cameras can be merged to continue navigation of the DRA. One of the XR headsets and/or the tracking cameras 46 may view and track the DRA on another one of the XR headsets to enable the computer platform 910 (FIGS. 9 and 14), the tracking subsystem 830, and/or another computing component to determine the pose of the DRA relative to one or more defined coordinate systems, e.g., of the XR headsets 1200/1210, the tracking cameras 46, and/or another coordinate system defined for the patient, table, and/or room.


The XR headsets 1200 and 1210 can be operatively connected to view video, pictures, and/or other information received from and/or to provide commands that control various equipment in the surgical room, including but not limited to neuromonitoring, microscopes, video cameras, and anesthesia systems. Data from the various equipment may be processed and displayed within the headset, for example the display of patient vitals or the microscope feed. Example XR Headset Components and Integration to Navigated Surgery, Surgical Robots, and Other Equipment



FIG. 13 illustrates an XR headset 920 which is configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The XR headset includes a headband 1306 configured to secure the XR headset to a wearer's head, an electronic component enclosure 1304 supported by the headband 1306, and a display screen 1302 that extends laterally across and downward from the electronic component enclosure 1304. The display screen 1302 may be a see-through LCD display device or a semi-reflective lens that reflects images projected by a display device toward the wearer's eyes. A set of DRA fiducials, e.g., dots are painted or attached in a spaced apart known arranged on one or both sides of the headset. The DRA on the headset enables the tracking cameras on the auxiliary tracking bar to track pose of the headset 920 and/or enables another XR headset to track pose of the headset 920.


The display screen 1302 operates as a see-through display screen, also referred to as a combiner, that reflects light from display panels of a display device toward the user's eyes. The display panels can be located between the electronic component enclosure and the user's head, and angled to project virtual content toward the display screen 1302 for reflection toward the user's eyes. The display screen 1302 is semi-transparent and semi-reflective allowing the user to see reflected virtual content superimposed on the user's view of a real-world scene. The display screen 1302 may have different opacity regions, such as the illustrated upper laterally band which has a higher opacity than the lower laterally band. Opacity of the display screen 1302 may be electronically controlled to regulate how much light from the real-world scene passes through to the user's eyes. A high opacity configuration of the display screen 1302 results in high-contrast virtual images overlaid on a dim view of the real-world scene. A low opacity configuration of the display screen 1302 can result in more faint virtual images overlaid on a clearer view of the real-world scene. The opacity may be controlled by applying an opaque material on a surface of the display screen 1302.


According to some embodiments the surgical system includes an XR headset 920 and an XR headset controller, e.g., controller 1430 in FIG. 14 or controller 3410 in FIG. 34. The XR headset 920 is configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure and has a see-through display screen 1302 that is configured to display an XR image and to allow at least a portion of a real-world scene to pass therethrough for viewing by the user. The XR headset 920 also includes an opacity filter positioned between at least one of the user's eyes and the real-world scene when the see-through display screen 1302 is viewed by the user. The opacity filter is configured to provide opaqueness to light from the real-world scene. The XR headset controller is configured to communicate with a navigation controller, e.g., controller(s) 828A, 828B, and/or 828C in FIG. 14, to receive navigation information from the navigation controller which provides guidance to the user during the surgical procedure on an anatomical structure, and is further configured to generate the XR image based on the navigation information for display on the see-through display screen 1302.


Opacity of the display screen 1302 may be configured as a gradient having a more continuously changing opacity with distance downward from a top portion of the display screen 1302. The gradient's darkest point can be located at the top portion of the display screen 1302, and gradually becoming less opaque further down on the display screen 1302 until the opacity is transparent or not present. In an example further embodiment, the gradient can change from about 90% opacity to entirely transparent approximately at the mid-eye level of the display screen 1302. With the headset properly calibrated and positioned, the mid-eye level can correspond to the point where the user would look straight out, and the end of the gradient would be located at the “horizon” line of the eye. The darker portion of the gradient will allow crisp, clear visuals of the virtual content and help to block the intrusive brightness of the overhead operating room lights.


Using an opacity filter in this manner enables the XR headset 920 to provide virtual reality (VR) capabilities, by substantially or entirely blocking light from the real-world scene, along an upper portion of the display screen 1302 and to provide AR capabilities along a middle or lower portion of the display screen 1302. This allows the user to have the semi-translucence of AR where needed and allowing clear optics of the patient anatomy during procedures. Configuring the display screen 1302 as a gradient instead of as a more constant opacity band can enable the wearer to experience a more natural transition between a more VR type view to a more AR type view without experiencing abrupt changes in brightness of the real-world scene and depth of view that may otherwise strain the eyes such as during more rapid shifting between upward and downward views.


The display panels and display screen 1302 can be configured to provide a wide field of view see-through XR display system. In one example configuration they provide an 80° diagonal field-of-view (FOV) with 55° of vertical coverage for a user to view virtual content. Other diagonal FOV angles and vertical coverage angles can be provided through different size display panels, different curvature lens, and/or different distances and angular orientations between the display panels and curved display screen 1302.



FIG. 14 illustrates electrical components of the XR headset 920 that can be operatively connected to the computer platform 910, to one or more of the imaging devices, such as the C-arm imaging device 104, the O-arm imaging device 106, and/or the image database 950, and/or to the surgical robot 800 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.


The XR headset 920 provides an improved human interface for performing navigated surgical procedures. The XR headset 920 can be configured to provide functionalities, e.g., via the computer platform 910, that include without limitation any one or more of: identification of hand gesture based commands and/or voice based commands, display XR graphical objects on a display device 1450. The display device 1450 may a video projector, flat panel display, etc., which projects the displayed XR graphical objects on the display screen 1302. The user can view the XR graphical objects as an overlay anchored to particular real-world objects viewed through the display screen 1302 (FIG. 13). The XR headset 920 may additionally or alternatively be configured to display on the display screen 1450 video feeds from cameras mounted to one or more XR headsets 920 and other cameras.


Electrical components of the XR headset 920 can include a plurality of cameras 1440, a microphone 1442, a gesture sensor 1444, a pose sensor (e.g., inertial measurement unit (IMU)) 1446, a display module 1448 containing the display device 1450, and a wireless/wired communication interface 1452. As will be explained below, the cameras 1440 of the XR headset may be visible light capturing cameras, near infrared capturing cameras, or a combination of both.


The cameras 1440 may be configured operate as the gesture sensor 1444 by capturing for identification user hand gestures performed within the field of view of the camera(s) 1440. Alternatively the gesture sensor 1444 may be a proximity sensor and/or a touch sensor that senses hand gestures performed proximately to the gesture sensor 1444 and/or senses physical contact, e.g. tapping on the sensor or the enclosure 1304. The pose sensor 1446, e.g., IMU, may include a multi-axis accelerometer, a tilt sensor, and/or another sensor that can sense rotation and/or acceleration of the XR headset 920 along one or more defined coordinate axes. Some or all of these electrical components may be contained in the component enclosure 1304 or may be contained in another enclosure configured to be worn elsewhere, such as on the hip or shoulder.


As explained above, the surgical system 2 includes a camera tracking system component 6/6′ and a tracking subsystem 830 which may be part of the computer platform 910. The surgical system may include imaging devices (e.g., C-arm 104, O-arm 106, and/or image database 950) and/or a surgical robot 4. The tracking subsystem 830 is configured to determine a pose of DRAs attached to an anatomical structure, an end effector, a surgical tool, etc. A navigation controller 828 is configured to determine a target pose for the surgical tool relative to an anatomical structure based on a surgical plan, e.g., from a surgical planning function performed by the computer platform 910 of FIG. 9, defining where a surgical procedure is to be performed using the surgical tool on the anatomical structure and based on a pose of the anatomical structure determined by the tracking subsystem 830. The navigation controller 828 may be further configured to generate steering information based on the target pose for the surgical tool, the pose of the anatomical structure, and the pose of the surgical tool and/or the end effector, where the steering information indicates where the surgical tool and/or the end effector of a surgical robot should be moved to perform the surgical plan.


The electrical components of the XR headset 920 can be operatively connected to the electrical components of the computer platform 910 through a wired/wireless interface 1452. The electrical components of the XR headset 920 may be operatively connected, e.g., through the computer platform 910 or directly connected, to various imaging devices, e.g., the C-arm imaging device 104, the I/O-arm imaging device 106, the image database 950, and/or to other medical equipment through the wired/wireless interface 1452.


The surgical system 2 further includes at least one XR headset controller 1430 (also referred to as “XR headset controller” for brevity) that may reside in the XR headset 920, the computer platform 910, and/or in another system component connected via wired cables and/or wireless communication links. Various functionality is provided by software executed by the XR headset controller 1430. The XR headset controller 1430 is configured to receive navigation information from the navigation controller 828 which provides guidance to the user during the surgical procedure on an anatomical structure, and is configured to generate an XR image based on the navigation information for display on the display device 1450 for projection on the see-through display screen 1302.


The configuration of the display device 1450 relative to the display screen (also referred to as “see-through display screen”) 1302 is configured to display XR images in a manner such that when the user wearing the XR headset 920 looks through the display screen 1302 the XR images appear to be in the real world. The display screen 1302 can be positioned by the headband 1306 in front of the user's eyes.


The XR headset controller 1430 can be within a housing that is configured to be worn on a user's head or elsewhere on the user's body while viewing the display screen 1302 or may be remotely located from the user viewing the display screen 1302 while being communicatively connected to the display screen 1302. The XR headset controller 1430 can be configured to operationally process signaling from the cameras 1440, the microphone 142, and/or the pose sensor 1446, and is connected to display XR images on the display device 1450 for user viewing on the display screen 1302. Thus, the XR headset controller 1430 illustrated as a circuit block within the XR headset 920 is to be understood as being operationally connected to other illustrated components of the XR headset 920 but not necessarily residing within a common housing (e.g., the electronic component enclosure 1304 of FIG. 13) or being otherwise transportable by the user. For example, the XR headset controller 1430 may reside within the computer platform 910 which, in turn, may reside within a housing of the computer tracking system component 6′ shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C.


Example User Views through the XR Headset


The XR headset operations can display both 2D images and 3D models on the display screen 1302. The 2D images may preferably be displayed in a more opaque band of the display screen 1302 (upper band) and the 3D model may be more preferably displayed in the more transparent band of the display screen 1302, otherwise known as the environmental region (bottom band). Below the lower band where the display screen 1302 ends the wearer has an unobstructed view of the surgical room. It is noted that where XR content is display on the display screen 1302 may be fluidic. It is possible that where the 3D content is displayed moves to the opaque band depending on the position of the headset relative to the content, and where 2D content is displayed can be placed in the transparent band and stabilized to the real world. Additionally, the entire display screen 1302 may be darkened under electronic control to convert the headset into virtual reality for surgical planning or completely transparent during the medical procedure. As explained above, the XR headset 920 and associated operations not only support navigated procedures, but also can be performed in conjunction with robotically assisted procedures.



FIG. 16 illustrates an example view through the display screen 1302 of the XR headset 920 for providing navigation assistance to a user who is manipulating a surgical tool 1602 during a medical procedure in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 16, when the surgical tool 1602 is brought in vicinity of a tracked anatomical structure so that dynamic reference arrays 1630 and 1632, connected to the surgical tool 1602, become within the field of view of the cameras 1440 (FIG. 15) and/or 46 (FIG. 6), a graphical representation 1600 of the tool can be displayed in 2D and/or 3D images in relation to a graphical representation 1610 of the anatomical structure. The user can use the viewed graphical representations to adjust a trajectory 1620 of the surgical tool 1602, which can be illustrated as extending from the graphical representation 2000 of the tool through the graphical representation 1610 of the anatomical structure. The XR headset 920 may also display textual information and other objects 1640. The dashed line 1650 extending across the viewed display screen represents an example division between different opacity level upper and lower bands.


Other types of XR images (virtual content) that can be displayed on the display screen 1302 can include, but are not limited to any one or more of:


I) 2D Axial, Sagittal and/or Coronal views of patient anatomy;


2) overlay of planned vs currently tracked tool and surgical implant locations;


3) gallery of preoperative images;


4) video feeds from microscopes and other similar systems or remote video conferencing;


5) options and configuration settings and buttons;


6) floating 3D models of patient anatomy with surgical planning information;


7) real-time tracking of surgical instruments relative to floating patient anatomy;


8) augmented overlay of patient anatomy with instructions and guidance; and


9) augmented overlay of surgical equipment.


Example Configuration of Cameras for Tracking System Component



FIG. 17 illustrates example configuration of an auxiliary tracking bar 46 having two pairs of stereo tracking cameras configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The auxiliary tracking bar 46 is part of the camera tracking system component of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C. The stereo tracking cameras include a stereo pair of spaced apart visible light capturing cameras and another stereo pair of spaced apart near infrared capturing cameras, in accordance with one embodiment. Alternatively, only one stereo pair of visible light capturing cameras or only one stereo pair of near infrared capture cameras can used in the auxiliary tracking bar 46. Any plural number of near infrared and/or visible light cameras can be used.


Pose Measurement Chaining


As explained above, navigated surgery can include computer vision tracking and determination of pose (e.g., position and orientation in a six degree-of-freedom coordinate system) of surgical instruments, such as by determining pose of attached DRAs that include spaced apart fiducials, e.g., disks or spheres, arranged in a known manner. The computer vision uses spaced apart tracking cameras, e.g., stereo cameras, that are configured to capture near infrared and/or visible light. In this scenario, there are three parameters jointly competing for optimization: (1) accuracy, (2) robustness, and (3) user ergonomics during a surgical procedure.


Some further aspects of the present disclosure are directed to computer operations that combine (chain) measured poses in ways that can improve optimization of one or more of the above three parameters by incorporating additional tracking cameras mounted to one or more XR headsets. As shown in FIG. 17, a stereo pair of visible light tracking cameras and another stereo pair of near infrared tracking cameras can be attached to the auxiliary tracking bar of the camera tracking system component in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Operational algorithms are disclosed that analyze the pose of DRAs that are fully observed or partially observed (e.g., when less than all of the fiducials of a DRA are viewed by a pair of stereo cameras), and combine the observed poses or partial poses in ways that can improve accuracy, robustness, and/or ergonomics during navigated surgery.


As explained above, the XR headset may be configured to augment a real-world scene with computer generated XR images. The XR headset may be configured to provide an XR viewing environment by displaying the computer generated XR images on a see-through display screen that allows light from the real-world scene to pass therethrough for combined viewing by the user. Alternatively, the XR headset may be configured to provide a VR viewing environment by preventing or substantially preventing light from the real-world scene from being directly viewed by the user along the viewing path of the displayed XR images. An XR headset can be configured to provide both AR and VR viewing environments. In one embodiment, both AR and VR viewing environments are provided by lateral bands of substantially differing opacity arranged between the see-through display screen and the real-world scene, so that a VR viewing environment is provided for XR images aligned with a high opacity band and an AR viewing environment is provided for XR images aligned with the low opacity band. In another embodiment, both AR and VR viewing environments are provided by computer adjustable control of an opacity filter that variably constrains how much light from the real-world scene passes through a see-through display screen for combining with the XR images viewed by the user. Thus, the XR headset can also be referred to as an AR headset or a VR headset.


As was also explained above, the XR headset can include near infrared tracking cameras and/or visible light tracking cameras that are configured to track fiducials of DRAs connected to surgical instruments, patient anatomy, other XR headset(s), and/or a robotic end effector. Using near infrared tracking and/or visible light tracking on the XR headset provides additional tracking volume coverage beyond what cameras on a single auxiliary tracking bar can provide. Adding near infrared tracking cameras to the existing auxiliary tracking bar allows for the headset location to be tracked more robustly but less accurately than in visible light. Mechanically calibrating the visible and near infrared tracking coordinate systems enables the coordinate systems to be aligned sufficiently to perform 3D DRA fiducials triangulation operations using stereo matching to jointly identify pose of the DRA fiducials between the visible and near infrared tracking coordinate systems. Using both visible and near infrared tracking coordinate systems can enable any one or more of: (a) identifying tools that would not be identified using a single coordinate system; (b) increased pose tracking accuracy; (c) enabling a wider range of motion without losing tracking of surgical instruments, patient anatomy, and/or a robotic end effector; and (d) naturally track an XR headset in the same coordinate system as the navigated surgical instruments.


2-Parallel-Plane Instrument Tracking Arrays


In some embodiments, it is useful for the instrument tracking system to be able to track navigated instruments using both the standalone camera at the foot of the bed, similar to that of the camera system of ExcelsiusGPS, and each XR headsets (e.g., a first XR headset worn by a surgeon and a second XR headset worn by an assistant or fellow surgeon). For example, two cameras can prevent marker occlusion, which can occur if a single camera source does not have a line of sight with a marker. However, in order for the instrument to be simultaneously tracked by multiple cameras, the instruments must be able to be tracked at different angles. Tracking the instruments with multiple cameras ensures the instrument in use will continuously be tracked, even if there is occlusion of the instrument from one of the cameras. Using different patterns, visible light, or NIR markers, similar to that or the ExcelsiusGPS arrays, attached to an instrument can allow the a tracking system to track the instrument from one line of sight, but not necessarily two or more lines of sight.


Various embodiments herein describe an array pattern that can be tracked from multiple angles simultaneously, while still preserving the accuracy of the instrument tip location.


In some embodiments, to allow multiple cameras to be able to track the instruments via its array pattern simultaneously, the passive marker arrays are positioned at an angle from vertical. Positioning the passive marker array at angle from vertical can prevent the markers from being occluded by other objects in the surgical field. For example, positioning the passive marker array at an angle form vertical can ensure that an XR headset can track the array pattern while the array pattern is also in a field of view of a stand-alone camera positioned around a surgical bed (e.g., at the foot of the surgical bed).


In some embodiments, the passive parkers are positioned at 45° from vertical or 135° from horizontal to allow for tracking from both any number of cameras positioned around or above the surgical area.



FIGS. 18-21 depict examples of a tracking array 1800 including two substantially parallel planes, each including positions for at least one passive marker, which can simultaneously be tracked by multiple cameras at different angles. The first and second substantially parallel planes may have less than 10 degrees offset between them or, more preferably, less than 5 degrees between them to avoid possibly substantially degrading the tracking accuracy of the camera tracking system when tracking pose of the markers. The camera tracking system accuracy can be improved by the markers in both the first and second planes having the same or substantially similar shapes when viewed by the tracking cameras, which is facilitated by having less than 10 degrees planar offset and, more preferably, less than 5 degrees planar offset. The passive markers will be visible to tracking cameras even at steep trajectories.



FIGS. 18-20 depict examples of a tracking array 1800 with five disk markers 1820 and 1830a-d (although disk marker 1830b is not visible in FIG. 19). FIG. 21 depicts an example of the tracking array 1800 without any of the disk markers installed such that the disk holders 2120, 2130a-d are visible. In FIGS. 18-20, Disk marker 1820 is in a first plane that is substantially parallel to a plane that includes disk markers 1830a-d. In this example, disk markers 1820, 1830a, 1830d can be referred to as outer disks and their location may remain the same across numerous tracking arrays. Disk markers 1830b, 1830c are inner disk markers and their position along their respective arms of the tracking array may be different between different tracking arrays and the difference may be detected to uniquely identify the tracking array. Disk markers 1830a, 1830b are positioned along a first line and disk markers 1830c, 1830d are positioned on a second line that is independent of the first line. In some examples, the first line runs along a first arm of the tracking array and the second line runs along a second arm such that the first line is independent from the second line because they are on separate arms.


Each tracking array includes a coupling element 1810 for attaching to an instrument 1950 (e.g., a surgical tool). The tracking system can detect a unique pattern of the disk markers 1820, 1830a-d, recognize the specific tracking array, and therefore, determine the location of the instrument 1950. For example, to create differing patterns, the inner disks 1830b, 1830c may change positions along the lower arms of the array. In some embodiments, the disks must be at least 4 mm from center to center of adjacent disks to be detected as different disks and to be encoded as a unique pattern within the tracking software. These unique patterns will allow for tracking of multiple instruments at one time. Using 5 disk markers can provide redundancy. For example, in FIG. 19, disk marker 1830b is obstructed by 1820, however, the distance between disk marker 1830c and disk marker 1830d can be used to identify the tracking array.


In additional or alternative embodiments, a different number of disk markers can be used. In some examples, a tracking array may use only four disk markers and double the number of unique patterns that are available. A single inner disk marker can be used instead of two inner disk markers (e.g., disk markers 1830b-c) and the position of the single inner disk marker can be adjusted to be any position along either arm of the tracking array. In this example, a first outer marker 1830a is positioned on a first line with an inner marker 1830b (or 1830c) and a second outer marker 1830d is positioned on a second line (that is independent from the first line) with the inner marker 1830b. The first line and the second line are independent in that the first line is not the same as the second. In some examples, each of the first line and the second line can pass through a center of their respective disk markers.


In some embodiments, each of the disks are consistent in shape and size, where the outer 3 disk locations remain constant between patterns. In additional or alternative embodiments, the size, shape and location of the disk markers may be adjusted as long as the tracking array includes at least two substantially parallel planes that each include at least one disk marker.


In some embodiments, the disks are either retro-reflective or colored for visible light tracking. The disks may be replaceable, for example, using a snap-in/push-out method from the back or the array face or a threaded feature. FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the tracking array with the disks inserted and FIG. 21 illustrates an example of the tracking array with the disks removed. The disks may be designed for visible light tracking may also be machine washable. With visible light tracking. contrast can be important, so the disks may be replaced once their contrast has dissipated due to use and washing.


In some embodiments, substantially parallel planes allow for tracking from multiple angles (e.g., top-down and side) depending on surgical field setup, which can reduce a risk of occlusion and loss of navigation. In additional or alternative embodiments, tracking disks used in the tracking array can be designed for visible light and may be machine washable for multiple-case use. In additional or alternative embodiments, tracking arrays can allow for optimized accuracy while allowing the surgical site to be visible from surgeon's point of view.


In some embodiments, a tracking array can use any shape markers. For example, the tracking array can include two or more substantially parallel planes that each include at least one spherical marker. In additional or alternative embodiments, a number of markers used in the tracking array can be predetermined to allow for either greater redundancy or a greater number of unique patterns to act as unique identifiers.



FIG. 23 illustrates an example of processes performed by a tracking system in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 23 is described below as being performed by processor 914 of surgical system 900, however, the processes could be performed by any suitable processor in the surgical system 900.


At block 2310, processor 914 detects a position of a first marker (e.g., first marker 1820). The first marker is coupled to the tracking array by a first marker holder (e.g., first marker holder 2220) in a first plane.


At block 2320, processor 914 detects a position of a second marker (e.g., second marker 1830a). The second marker is coupled to the tracking array by a second marker holder (e.g., second marker holder 2130a) in the second plane, which is independent of the first plane and substantially parallel to the first plane.


At block 2330, processor 914 detects a position of a third marker (e.g., third marker 1830b). The third marker is coupled to the tracking array by a third marker holder (e.g., third marker holder 2130b) in the second plane.


At block 2340, processor 914 determines an identity of a surgical tool (e.g., surgical tool 1950) based on the position of the second marker and the position of the third marker. The surgical tool is coupled to the tracking array by a tool holder (e.g., 1810) in a third plane. The third plane is between 125 and 135 degrees from the first plane and the second plane. In some embodiments, determining the identity of the surgical tool includes determining an identity of the tracking array based on a distance between the second marker holder and the third marker holder.


At block 2350, processor 914 determines the position of the surgical tool based on the position of the first marker and the position of the second marker.


At block 2340, processor 914 determines that a user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool. In some embodiments, determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool includes detecting a position of a hand of the user and determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool based on the position of the hand of the user relative to the position of the of the surgical tool. In additional or alternative embodiments, determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool includes determining a length of time that the first marker and the second marker are within view of the camera associated with the XR headset and determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool based on the length of time exceeding a predetermined amount of time.


In some embodiments, only a portion of the operations in FIG. 23 may be performed and the operations may be performed in another sequence.


Headset Tool Selection


During navigated surgery, when a navigated tool becomes inaccurate and/or multiple tools are being passed around and/or used within an operation, a quick process of registering a tool to be tracked is valuable. However, registering and managing tracked tools between multiple users that are each using an XR headset can require complex for navigation.


Various embodiments described herein provide a process for quick and easy tool selection by a user of an XR headset. In some embodiments, the tracking process is accomplished by two cameras attached to the headset. The cameras take in infrared light off of the tool's highly reflective fiducials that form a unique tracked identifier. Holding the tool in front of the wearer's view for a prolonged period of time, can trigger an analysis of the fiducial to a list of known identified patterns. An XR headset controller can then cause the XR headset to display the pattern and/or the identified tool and allow the surgeon to check for and correct any obstruction (ex. blood) errors in the pattern or replace a tool if there is tool warping. FIG. 22 depicts information associated with the surgical tool that may be displayed by the XR headset including an indicator 2210 showing how long the surgical tool must be held within view of the user in order for the surgical tool to be selected.


During this process, the tool is also selected as the active tool for purposes of viewing patient reference image volume data based on the tool's position and orientation. If another tool is brought into the view, the process can repeat. However, previously registered tools can be tracked without an additional registration step.


If another XR headset wearing surgeon picks up a tool and commences registration, they will then take over tracking that instrument.


In some embodiments, this approach for selecting, registering, and tracking tools can be simple to initiate and can require no additional input from a user other than moving the tool in a relevant space within the XR headset wearer's view.



FIG. 24 illustrates an example of processes performed by a surgical system in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 24 is described below as being performed by processor 914 of surgical system 900, however, the processes could be performed by any suitable processor in the surgical system 900.


At block 2410, processor 914 detects that a tracking array is positioned in a field of view of the user.


At block 2420, processor 914 determines that the user is selecting a surgical tool associated with the tracking array. In some embodiments, determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool includes detecting a position of a hand of the user and determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool based on the position of the hand of the user relative to the position of the of the surgical tool. In additional or alternative embodiments, determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool includes determining a length of time that the first marker and the second marker are within view of the camera associated with the XR headset and determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool based on the length of time exceeding a predetermined amount of time.


At block 2430, processor 914 displays information associated with the surgical tool via the XR headset. In some embodiments, the information indicates the identity or shape of the surgical tool to allow the user to verify the correct surgical tool has been selected. In additional or alternative embodiments, an indicator can be displayed to communicate whether the surgical tool has been selected and how length tool must be held within the field of view of the user in order to select the surgical tool.


At block 2440, processor 914 tracks a pose of the surgical tool. In some embodiments, the pose of the surgical tool is tracked in response to the surgical tool being selected.


In some embodiments, only a portion of the operations in FIG. 24 may be performed and the operations may be performed in another sequence.


Further Definitions and Embodiments

In the above-description of various embodiments of present inventive concepts, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of present inventive concepts. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which present inventive concepts belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense expressly so defined herein.


When an element is referred to as being “connected”, “coupled”, “responsive”, or variants thereof to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly coupled”, “directly responsive”, or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, “coupled”, “connected”, “responsive”, or variants thereof as used herein may include wirelessly coupled, connected, or responsive. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.


It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements/operations, these elements/operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element/operation from another element/operation. Thus, a first element/operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element/operation in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of present inventive concepts. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.


As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “comprises”, “include”, “including”, “includes”, “have”, “has”, “having”, or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the common abbreviation “e.g.”, which derives from the Latin phrase “exempli gratia,” may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. The common abbreviation “i.e.”, which derives from the Latin phrase “id est,” may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.


Example embodiments are described herein with reference to block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and/or devices) and/or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and/or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks, and thereby create means (functionality) and/or structure for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block(s).


These computer program instructions may also be stored in a tangible computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks. Accordingly, embodiments of present inventive concepts may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) that runs on a processor such as a digital signal processor, which may collectively be referred to as “circuitry,” “a module” or variants thereof.


It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and/or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated. Finally, other blocks may be added/inserted between the blocks that are illustrated, and/or blocks/operations may be omitted without departing from the scope of inventive concepts. Moreover, although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows.


Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the principles of the present inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of present inventive concepts. Accordingly, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended examples of embodiments are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the spirit and scope of present inventive concepts. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of present inventive concepts are to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the present disclosure including the following examples of embodiments and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims
  • 1. A surgical tool tracking array comprising: a first marker holder configured to couple a first marker to the surgical tool tracking array in a first plane;a second marker holder configured to couple a second marker to the surgical tool tracking array in a second plane that is at least substantially parallel to the first plane and is spaced apart from the first plane in a direction orthogonal to one of the first and second planes; anda tool holder configured to couple a portion of a surgical tool to the surgical tool tracking array in a third plane that is spaced part from the first plane and the second plane in a direction orthogonal to one of the first and second planes.
  • 2. The surgical tool tracking array of claim 1, wherein the third plane is at an angle between 125° and 145° of the first plane and the second plane.
  • 3. The surgical tool tracking array of claim 1, further comprising: a third marker holder configured to couple a third marker to the surgical tool tracking array in the second plane; anda fourth marker holder configured to couple a fourth marker to the surgical tool tracking array in the second plane;wherein the second marker holder and the third marker holder are positioned along a first line,wherein the third marker holder and the fourth marker holder are positioned along a second line that is independent from the first line, andwherein the surgical tool tracking array is identifiable by a position of the third marker holder relative to the second marker holder and the third marker holder.
  • 4. The surgical tool tracking array of claim 1, further comprising: a third marker holder configured to couple a third marker to the surgical tool tracking array in the second plane;a fourth marker holder configured to couple a fourth marker to the surgical tool tracking array in the second plane; anda fifth marker holder configured to couple a fifth marker to the surgical tool tracking array in the second plane,wherein the second marker holder and the third marker holder are positioned along a first line,wherein the fourth marker holder and the fifth marker holder are positioned along a second line that is independent from the first line,wherein a distance between the second marker holder and the third marker holder is the same as a distance between the fourth marker holder and the fifth marker holder, andwherein the surgical tool tracking array is identifiable by the distance.
  • 5. The surgical tool tracking array of claim 1, further comprising: the first marker coupled to the tracking array by the first marker holder and detectable by a camera tracking system; andthe second marker coupled to the tracking array by the second marker holder and detectable by the camera tracking system.
  • 6. The surgical tool tracking array of claim 5, wherein the first marker and the second marker are disk markers including a retro-reflective material detectable by the camera tracking system.
  • 7. A method of operating a camera tracking system, the method comprising: detecting a position of a first marker in a first plane;detecting a position of a second marker in a second plane that is independent of the first plane and substantially parallel to the first plane;determining a position of a surgical tool based on the position of the first marker and the position of the second marker.
  • 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: detecting, by the camera tracking system, a position of a third marker in the second plane; anddetermining an identity of the surgical tool based on the position of the second maker relative to the position of the third marker.
  • 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: responsive to the position of the first marker, the position of the second marker, and the position of the third marker being detected by a camera associated with an XR headset, determining that a user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool.
  • 10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool comprises: detecting a position of a hand of the user; anddetermining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool based on the position of the hand of the user relative to the position of the of the surgical tool.
  • 11. The method of claim 9, wherein determining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool comprises: determining a length of time that the first marker and the second marker are within view of the camera associated with the XR headset; anddetermining that the user wearing the XR headset is selecting the surgical tool based on the length of time exceeding a predetermined amount of time.
  • 12. A surgical system comprising: an extended reality (“XR”) headset configured to be worn by a user during a surgical procedure and including a see-through display screen configured to display an XR image and to allow at least a portion of a real-world scene to pass therethrough for viewing by the user; anda tracking system comprising a first camera associated with the XR headset and configured to: detect a tracking array positioned in a field of view of the user; anddetermine that the user is selecting a surgical tool associated with the tracking array based on the tracking array being detected in the field of view of the user; andan XR headset controller configured to, responsive to determining that the user is selecting the surgical tool, generate the XR image based on information associated with the surgical tool.
  • 13. The surgical system of claim 12, wherein the camera is further configured to determine that the user is selecting the surgical tool based on determining that the tracking array is in the field of view of the user for a period of time that exceeds a predetermined amount of time.
  • 14. The surgical system of Clam 12, wherein the camera is further configured to determine that the user is selecting the surgical tool by: detecting a position of a hand of the user of the XR headset; anddetermining that the user is selecting the surgical tool based on a distance between the position of the hand and a position of the tracking array is below a threshold value.
  • 15. The surgical system of claim 12, wherein the camera tracking system further comprises a second camera configured to, responsive to determining that the user is selecting the surgical tool, track a pose of the surgical tool.
US Referenced Citations (996)
Number Name Date Kind
4150293 Franke Apr 1979 A
4722056 Roberts et al. Jan 1988 A
5246010 Gazzara et al. Sep 1993 A
5354314 Hardy et al. Oct 1994 A
5397323 Taylor et al. Mar 1995 A
5526812 Dumoulin et al. Jun 1996 A
5598453 Baba et al. Jan 1997 A
5740802 Nafis et al. Apr 1998 A
5772594 Barrick Jun 1998 A
5791908 Gillio Aug 1998 A
5820559 Ng et al. Oct 1998 A
5825982 Wright et al. Oct 1998 A
5887121 Funda et al. Mar 1999 A
5911449 Daniele et al. Jun 1999 A
5951475 Gueziec et al. Sep 1999 A
5961456 Gildenberg Oct 1999 A
5987960 Messner et al. Nov 1999 A
6012216 Esteves et al. Jan 2000 A
6031888 Ivan et al. Feb 2000 A
6033415 Mittelstadt et al. Mar 2000 A
6080181 Jensen et al. Jun 2000 A
6106511 Jensen Aug 2000 A
6122541 Cosman et al. Sep 2000 A
6144875 Schweikard et al. Nov 2000 A
6157853 Blume et al. Dec 2000 A
6167145 Foley et al. Dec 2000 A
6167292 Badano et al. Dec 2000 A
6201984 Funda et al. Mar 2001 B1
6203196 Meyer et al. Mar 2001 B1
6205411 DiGioia, III et al. Mar 2001 B1
6212419 Blume et al. Apr 2001 B1
6226548 Foley et al. May 2001 B1
6228368 Gissmann et al. May 2001 B1
6231565 Tovey et al. May 2001 B1
6236875 Bucholz et al. May 2001 B1
6246900 Cosman et al. Jun 2001 B1
6301495 Gueziec et al. Oct 2001 B1
6306126 Montezuma Oct 2001 B1
6312435 Wallace et al. Nov 2001 B1
6314311 Williams et al. Nov 2001 B1
6320929 Von Der Haar Nov 2001 B1
6322567 Mittelstadt et al. Nov 2001 B1
6325808 Bernard et al. Dec 2001 B1
6340363 Bolger et al. Jan 2002 B1
6349001 Spitzer Feb 2002 B1
6377011 Ben-Ur Apr 2002 B1
6379302 Kessman et al. Apr 2002 B1
6402762 Hunter et al. Jun 2002 B2
6424885 Niemeyer et al. Jul 2002 B1
6447503 Wynne et al. Sep 2002 B1
6451027 Cooper et al. Sep 2002 B1
6477400 Barrick Nov 2002 B1
6484049 Seeley et al. Nov 2002 B1
6487267 Wolter Nov 2002 B1
6490467 Bucholz et al. Dec 2002 B1
6490475 Seeley et al. Dec 2002 B1
6499488 Hunter et al. Dec 2002 B1
6501981 Schweikard et al. Dec 2002 B1
6503195 Keller et al. Jan 2003 B1
6507751 Blume et al. Jan 2003 B2
6535756 Simon et al. Mar 2003 B1
6544176 Mikus et al. Apr 2003 B2
6560354 Maurer, Jr. et al. May 2003 B1
6565554 Niemeyer May 2003 B1
6587750 Gerbi et al. Jul 2003 B2
6614453 Suri et al. Sep 2003 B1
6614871 Kobiki et al. Sep 2003 B1
6619840 Rasche et al. Sep 2003 B2
6636757 Jascob et al. Oct 2003 B1
6645196 Nixon et al. Nov 2003 B1
6666579 Jensen Dec 2003 B2
6669635 Kessman et al. Dec 2003 B2
6701173 Nowinski et al. Mar 2004 B2
6725080 Melkent et al. Apr 2004 B2
6727618 Morrison et al. Apr 2004 B1
6757068 Foxlin Jun 2004 B2
6781630 Nomura et al. Aug 2004 B2
6782287 Grzeszczuk et al. Aug 2004 B2
6783524 Anderson et al. Aug 2004 B2
6786896 Madhani et al. Sep 2004 B1
6788018 Blumenkranz Sep 2004 B1
6804581 Wang et al. Oct 2004 B2
6823207 Jensen et al. Nov 2004 B1
6827351 Graziani et al. Dec 2004 B2
6837892 Shoham Jan 2005 B2
6839612 Sanchez et al. Jan 2005 B2
6856324 Sauer et al. Feb 2005 B2
6856826 Seeley et al. Feb 2005 B2
6856827 Seeley et al. Feb 2005 B2
6867753 Chinthammit et al. Mar 2005 B2
6879880 Nowlin et al. Apr 2005 B2
6892090 Verard et al. May 2005 B2
6919867 Sauer Jul 2005 B2
6920347 Simon et al. Jul 2005 B2
6922632 Foxlin Jul 2005 B2
6947786 Simon et al. Sep 2005 B2
6964934 Brady Nov 2005 B2
6968224 Kessman et al. Nov 2005 B2
6978166 Foley et al. Dec 2005 B2
6988009 Grimm et al. Jan 2006 B2
6991627 Madhani et al. Jan 2006 B2
6996487 Jutras et al. Feb 2006 B2
6999852 Green Feb 2006 B2
7007699 Martinelli et al. Mar 2006 B2
7016457 Senzig et al. Mar 2006 B1
7043961 Pandey et al. May 2006 B2
7050845 Vilsmeier May 2006 B2
7062006 Pelc et al. Jun 2006 B1
7063705 Young et al. Jun 2006 B2
7072707 Galloway, Jr. et al. Jul 2006 B2
7083615 Peterson et al. Aug 2006 B2
7097640 Wang et al. Aug 2006 B2
7099428 Clinthorne et al. Aug 2006 B2
7108421 Gregerson et al. Sep 2006 B2
7130676 Barrick Oct 2006 B2
7139418 Abovitz et al. Nov 2006 B2
7139601 Bucholz et al. Nov 2006 B2
7155316 Sutherland et al. Dec 2006 B2
7164968 Treat et al. Jan 2007 B2
7167738 Schweikard et al. Jan 2007 B2
7169141 Brock et al. Jan 2007 B2
7172627 Fiere et al. Feb 2007 B2
7176936 Sauer et al. Feb 2007 B2
7194120 Wicker et al. Mar 2007 B2
7197107 Arai et al. Mar 2007 B2
7231014 Levy Jun 2007 B2
7231063 Naimark et al. Jun 2007 B2
7239940 Wang et al. Jul 2007 B2
7248914 Hastings et al. Jul 2007 B2
7301648 Foxlin Nov 2007 B2
7302288 Schellenberg Nov 2007 B1
7313430 Urquhart et al. Dec 2007 B2
7318805 Schweikard et al. Jan 2008 B2
7318827 Leitner et al. Jan 2008 B2
7319897 Leitner et al. Jan 2008 B2
7324623 Heuscher et al. Jan 2008 B2
7327865 Fu et al. Feb 2008 B2
7331967 Lee et al. Feb 2008 B2
7333642 Green Feb 2008 B2
7339341 Oleynikov et al. Mar 2008 B2
7366562 Dukesherer et al. Apr 2008 B2
7379790 Toth et al. May 2008 B2
7386365 Nixon Jun 2008 B2
7422592 Morley et al. Sep 2008 B2
7435216 Kwon et al. Oct 2008 B2
7440793 Chauhan et al. Oct 2008 B2
7460637 Clinthorne et al. Dec 2008 B2
7466303 Yi et al. Dec 2008 B2
7480402 Bar-Zohar et al. Jan 2009 B2
7493153 Ahmed et al. Feb 2009 B2
7505617 Fu et al. Mar 2009 B2
7533892 Schena et al. May 2009 B2
7542791 Mire et al. Jun 2009 B2
7555331 Viswanathan Jun 2009 B2
7567834 Clayton et al. Jul 2009 B2
7570791 Frank et al. Aug 2009 B2
7594912 Cooper et al. Sep 2009 B2
7599730 Hunter et al. Oct 2009 B2
7605826 Sauer Oct 2009 B2
7606613 Simon et al. Oct 2009 B2
7607440 Coste-Maniere et al. Oct 2009 B2
7623902 Pacheco Nov 2009 B2
7630752 Viswanathan Dec 2009 B2
7630753 Simon et al. Dec 2009 B2
7643862 Schoenefeld Jan 2010 B2
7660623 Hunter et al. Feb 2010 B2
7661881 Gregerson et al. Feb 2010 B2
7683331 Chang Mar 2010 B2
7683332 Chang Mar 2010 B2
7689320 Prisco et al. Mar 2010 B2
7691098 Wallace et al. Apr 2010 B2
7702379 Winash et al. Apr 2010 B2
7702477 Tuemmler et al. Apr 2010 B2
7711083 Heigl et al. May 2010 B2
7711406 Kuhn et al. May 2010 B2
7720523 Omernick et al. May 2010 B2
7725253 Foxlin May 2010 B2
7726171 Langlotz et al. Jun 2010 B2
7742801 Neubauer et al. Jun 2010 B2
7751865 Jascob et al. Jul 2010 B2
7760849 Zhang Jul 2010 B2
7762825 Burbank et al. Jul 2010 B2
7763015 Cooper et al. Jul 2010 B2
7774044 Sauer et al. Aug 2010 B2
7787699 Mahesh et al. Aug 2010 B2
7796728 Bergfjord Sep 2010 B2
7813838 Sommer Oct 2010 B2
7818044 Dukesherer et al. Oct 2010 B2
7819859 Prisco et al. Oct 2010 B2
7824401 Manzo et al. Nov 2010 B2
7831294 Viswanathan Nov 2010 B2
7834484 Sartor Nov 2010 B2
7835557 Kendrick et al. Nov 2010 B2
7835778 Foley et al. Nov 2010 B2
7835784 Mire et al. Nov 2010 B2
7840253 Tremblay et al. Nov 2010 B2
7840256 Lakin et al. Nov 2010 B2
7843158 Prisco Nov 2010 B2
7844320 Shahidi Nov 2010 B2
7853305 Simon et al. Dec 2010 B2
7853313 Thompson Dec 2010 B2
7865269 Prisco et al. Jan 2011 B2
D631966 Perloff et al. Feb 2011 S
7879045 Gielen et al. Feb 2011 B2
7881767 Strommer et al. Feb 2011 B2
7881770 Melkent et al. Feb 2011 B2
7886743 Cooper et al. Feb 2011 B2
RE42194 Foley et al. Mar 2011 E
RE42226 Foley et al. Mar 2011 E
7900524 Calloway et al. Mar 2011 B2
7907166 Lamprecht et al. Mar 2011 B2
7909122 Schena et al. Mar 2011 B2
7925653 Saptharishi Apr 2011 B2
7930065 Larkin et al. Apr 2011 B2
7935130 Willliams May 2011 B2
7940999 Liao et al. May 2011 B2
7945012 Ye et al. May 2011 B2
7945021 Shapiro et al. May 2011 B2
7953470 Vetter et al. May 2011 B2
7954397 Choi et al. Jun 2011 B2
7971341 Dukesherer et al. Jul 2011 B2
7974674 Hauck et al. Jul 2011 B2
7974677 Mire et al. Jul 2011 B2
7974681 Wallace et al. Jul 2011 B2
7979157 Anvari Jul 2011 B2
7983733 Viswanathan Jul 2011 B2
7987001 Teichman et al. Jul 2011 B2
7988215 Seibold Aug 2011 B2
7996110 Lipow et al. Aug 2011 B2
8004121 Sartor Aug 2011 B2
8004229 Nowlin et al. Aug 2011 B2
8010177 Csavoy et al. Aug 2011 B2
8019045 Kato Sep 2011 B2
8021310 Sanborn et al. Sep 2011 B2
8035685 Jensen Oct 2011 B2
8046054 Kim et al. Oct 2011 B2
8046057 Clarke Oct 2011 B2
8052688 Wolf, II Nov 2011 B2
8054184 Cline et al. Nov 2011 B2
8054752 Druke et al. Nov 2011 B2
8057397 Li et al. Nov 2011 B2
8057407 Martinelli et al. Nov 2011 B2
8062288 Cooper et al. Nov 2011 B2
8062375 Glerum et al. Nov 2011 B2
8066524 Burbank et al. Nov 2011 B2
8073335 Labonville et al. Dec 2011 B2
8079950 Stern et al. Dec 2011 B2
8086299 Adler et al. Dec 2011 B2
8092370 Roberts et al. Jan 2012 B2
8098914 Liao et al. Jan 2012 B2
8100950 St. Clair et al. Jan 2012 B2
8105320 Manzo Jan 2012 B2
8106905 Markowitz et al. Jan 2012 B2
8108025 Csavoy et al. Jan 2012 B2
8109877 Moctezuma de la Barrera et al. Feb 2012 B2
8112292 Simon Feb 2012 B2
8116430 Shapiro et al. Feb 2012 B1
8120301 Goldberg et al. Feb 2012 B2
8121249 Wang et al. Feb 2012 B2
8123675 Funda et al. Feb 2012 B2
8133229 Bonutti Mar 2012 B1
8142420 Schena Mar 2012 B2
8147494 Leitner et al. Apr 2012 B2
8150494 Simon et al. Apr 2012 B2
8150497 Gielen et al. Apr 2012 B2
8150498 Gielen et al. Apr 2012 B2
8165658 Waynik et al. Apr 2012 B2
8170313 Kendrick et al. May 2012 B2
8179073 Farritor et al. May 2012 B2
8182476 Julian et al. May 2012 B2
8184880 Zhao et al. May 2012 B2
8202278 Orban, III et al. Jun 2012 B2
8208708 Homan et al. Jun 2012 B2
8208988 Jensen Jun 2012 B2
8219177 Smith et al. Jul 2012 B2
8219178 Smith et al. Jul 2012 B2
8220468 Cooper et al. Jul 2012 B2
8224024 Foxlin et al. Jul 2012 B2
8224484 Swarup et al. Jul 2012 B2
8225798 Baldwin et al. Jul 2012 B2
8228368 Zhao et al. Jul 2012 B2
8231610 Jo et al. Jul 2012 B2
8263933 Hartmann et al. Jul 2012 B2
8239001 Verard et al. Aug 2012 B2
8241271 Millman et al. Aug 2012 B2
8248413 Gattani et al. Aug 2012 B2
8256319 Cooper et al. Sep 2012 B2
8271069 Jascob et al. Sep 2012 B2
8271130 Hourtash Sep 2012 B2
8281670 Larkin et al. Oct 2012 B2
8282653 Nelson et al. Oct 2012 B2
8301226 Csavoy et al. Oct 2012 B2
8311611 Csavoy et al. Nov 2012 B2
8314815 Navab et al. Nov 2012 B2
8320991 Jascob et al. Nov 2012 B2
8325873 Helm et al. Dec 2012 B2
8332012 Kienzle, III Dec 2012 B2
8333755 Cooper et al. Dec 2012 B2
8335552 Stiles Dec 2012 B2
8335557 Maschke Dec 2012 B2
8348931 Cooper et al. Jan 2013 B2
8353963 Glerum Jan 2013 B2
8358818 Miga et al. Jan 2013 B2
8359730 Burg et al. Jan 2013 B2
8374673 Adcox et al. Feb 2013 B2
8374723 Zhao et al. Feb 2013 B2
8379791 Forthmann et al. Feb 2013 B2
8386019 Camus et al. Feb 2013 B2
8392022 Ortmaier et al. Mar 2013 B2
8394099 Patwardhan Mar 2013 B2
8395342 Prisco Mar 2013 B2
8398634 Manzo et al. Mar 2013 B2
8400094 Schena Mar 2013 B2
8414957 Enzerink et al. Apr 2013 B2
8418073 Mohr et al. Apr 2013 B2
8427527 Msser et al. Apr 2013 B2
8450694 Baviera et al. May 2013 B2
8452447 Nixon May 2013 B2
RE44305 Foley et al. Jun 2013 E
8462911 Vesel et al. Jun 2013 B2
8465476 Rogers et al. Jun 2013 B2
8465771 Wan et al. Jun 2013 B2
8467851 Mire et al. Jun 2013 B2
8467852 Csavoy et al. Jun 2013 B2
8469947 Devengenzo et al. Jun 2013 B2
RE44392 Hynes Jul 2013 E
8483434 Buehner et al. Jul 2013 B2
8483800 Jensen et al. Jul 2013 B2
8486532 Enzerink et al. Jul 2013 B2
8489235 Moll et al. Jul 2013 B2
8500722 Cooper Aug 2013 B2
8500728 Newton et al. Aug 2013 B2
8504136 Sun et al. Aug 2013 B1
8504201 Moll et al. Aug 2013 B2
8506555 Ruiz Morales Aug 2013 B2
8506556 Schena Aug 2013 B2
8508173 Goldberg et al. Aug 2013 B2
8509503 Nahum et al. Aug 2013 B2
8512318 Tovey et al. Aug 2013 B2
8515576 Lipow et al. Aug 2013 B2
8518120 Glerum et al. Aug 2013 B2
8521331 Itkowitz Aug 2013 B2
8526688 Groszmann et al. Sep 2013 B2
8526700 Isaacs Sep 2013 B2
8527094 Kumar et al. Sep 2013 B2
8528440 Morley et al. Sep 2013 B2
8532741 Heruth et al. Sep 2013 B2
8541970 Nowlin et al. Sep 2013 B2
8548563 Simon et al. Oct 2013 B2
8549732 Burg et al. Oct 2013 B2
8551114 Ramos de la Pena Oct 2013 B2
8551116 Julian et al. Oct 2013 B2
8556807 Scott et al. Oct 2013 B2
8556979 Glerum et al. Oct 2013 B2
8560118 Green et al. Oct 2013 B2
8561473 Blumenkranz Oct 2013 B2
8562594 Cooper et al. Oct 2013 B2
8571638 Shoham Oct 2013 B2
8571710 Coste-Maniere et al. Oct 2013 B2
8573465 Shelton, IV Nov 2013 B2
8574303 Sharkey Nov 2013 B2
8585420 Burbank et al. Nov 2013 B2
8594841 Zhao et al. Nov 2013 B2
8597198 Sanborn et al. Dec 2013 B2
8600478 Verard et al. Dec 2013 B2
8603077 Cooper et al. Dec 2013 B2
8611985 Lavallee et al. Dec 2013 B2
8613230 Blumenkranz et al. Dec 2013 B2
8621939 Blumenkranz et al. Jan 2014 B2
8624537 Nowlin et al. Jan 2014 B2
8630389 Kato Jan 2014 B2
8634897 Simon et al. Jan 2014 B2
8634957 Toth et al. Jan 2014 B2
8638056 Goldberg et al. Jan 2014 B2
8638057 Goldberg et al. Jan 2014 B2
8639000 Zhao et al. Jan 2014 B2
8641726 Bonutti Feb 2014 B2
8644907 Hartmann et al. Feb 2014 B2
8657809 Schoepp Feb 2014 B2
8660635 Simon et al. Feb 2014 B2
8666544 Moll et al. Mar 2014 B2
8672836 Higgins et al. Mar 2014 B2
8675939 Moctezuma de la Barrera Mar 2014 B2
8678647 Gregerson et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679125 Smith et al. Mar 2014 B2
8679183 Glerum et al. Mar 2014 B2
8682413 Lloyd Mar 2014 B2
8684253 Giordano et al. Apr 2014 B2
8685098 Glerum et al. Apr 2014 B2
8693730 Umasuthan et al. Apr 2014 B2
8694075 Groszmann et al. Apr 2014 B2
8696458 Foxlin et al. Apr 2014 B2
8700123 Okamura et al. Apr 2014 B2
8706086 Glerum Apr 2014 B2
8706185 Foley et al. Apr 2014 B2
8706301 Zhao et al. Apr 2014 B2
8717430 Simon et al. May 2014 B2
8734432 Tuma et al. May 2014 B2
8738115 Amberg et al. May 2014 B2
8738181 Greer et al. May 2014 B2
8740882 Jun et al. Jun 2014 B2
8746252 McGrogan et al. Jun 2014 B2
8749189 Nowlin et al. Jun 2014 B2
8749190 Nowlin et al. Jun 2014 B2
8761930 Nixon Jun 2014 B2
8764448 Fang et al. Jul 2014 B2
8771170 Mesallum et al. Jul 2014 B2
8774363 Van Den Houten et al. Jul 2014 B2
8781186 Clements et al. Jul 2014 B2
8781630 Banks et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784385 Boyden et al. Jul 2014 B2
8784443 Tripathi Jul 2014 B2
8786241 Nowlin et al. Jul 2014 B2
8787520 Baba Jul 2014 B2
8792704 Isaacs Jul 2014 B2
8798231 Notohara et al. Aug 2014 B2
8800838 Shelton, IV Aug 2014 B2
8808164 Hoffman et al. Aug 2014 B2
8812077 Dempsey Aug 2014 B2
8814793 Brabrand Aug 2014 B2
8816628 Nowlin et al. Aug 2014 B2
8818105 Myronenko et al. Aug 2014 B2
8820605 Shelton, IV Sep 2014 B2
8821511 Von Jako et al. Sep 2014 B2
8823308 Nowlin et al. Sep 2014 B2
8827996 Scott et al. Sep 2014 B2
8828024 Farritor et al. Sep 2014 B2
8830224 Zhao et al. Sep 2014 B2
8834489 Cooper et al. Sep 2014 B2
8834490 Bonutti Sep 2014 B2
8838270 Druke et al. Sep 2014 B2
8842893 Teichman et al. Sep 2014 B2
8844789 Shelton, IV et al. Sep 2014 B2
8855822 Bartol et al. Oct 2014 B2
8858598 Seifert et al. Oct 2014 B2
8860753 Bhandarkar et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864751 Prisco et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864798 Weiman et al. Oct 2014 B2
8864833 Glerum et al. Oct 2014 B2
8867703 Shapiro et al. Oct 2014 B2
8870880 Himmelberger et al. Oct 2014 B2
8876866 Zappacosta et al. Nov 2014 B2
8878900 Yang et al. Nov 2014 B2
8880223 Raj et al. Nov 2014 B2
8882803 Iott et al. Nov 2014 B2
8883210 Truncale et al. Nov 2014 B1
8888821 Rezach et al. Nov 2014 B2
8888853 Glerum et al. Nov 2014 B2
8888854 Glerum et al. Nov 2014 B2
8891847 Helm et al. Nov 2014 B2
8894652 Seifert et al. Nov 2014 B2
8894688 Suh Nov 2014 B2
8894691 Iott et al. Nov 2014 B2
8906069 Hansell et al. Dec 2014 B2
8938283 Zentgraf et al. Jan 2015 B2
8938301 Hagedorn Jan 2015 B2
8945140 Hubschman et al. Feb 2015 B2
8948935 Peeters Feb 2015 B1
8992580 Bar et al. Mar 2015 B2
8996169 Lightcap et al. Mar 2015 B2
9001963 Sowards-Emmerd et al. Apr 2015 B2
9002076 Khadem et al. Apr 2015 B2
9044190 Rubner et al. Jun 2015 B2
9095252 Popovic Aug 2015 B2
9105207 Leung Aug 2015 B2
9107683 Hourtash et al. Aug 2015 B2
9119670 Yang et al. Sep 2015 B2
9123155 Cunningham et al. Sep 2015 B2
9125556 Zehavi et al. Sep 2015 B2
9131986 Greer et al. Sep 2015 B2
9215968 Schostek et al. Dec 2015 B2
9232982 Soler et al. Jan 2016 B2
9265468 Rai et al. Feb 2016 B2
9289267 Sauer et al. Mar 2016 B2
9295435 Florent et al. Mar 2016 B2
9308050 Kostrzewski et al. Apr 2016 B2
9333361 Li et al. May 2016 B2
9380984 Li et al. Jul 2016 B2
9393039 Lechner et al. Jul 2016 B2
9398886 Gregerson et al. Jul 2016 B2
9398890 Dong et al. Jul 2016 B2
9414859 Ballard et al. Aug 2016 B2
9420975 Gutfleisch et al. Aug 2016 B2
9436993 Stolka et al. Sep 2016 B1
9439556 Pandya et al. Sep 2016 B2
9492235 Hourtash et al. Nov 2016 B2
9492241 Jaskowicz et al. Nov 2016 B2
9498132 Maier-Hein et al. Nov 2016 B2
9538962 Hannaford et al. Jan 2017 B1
9547940 Sun et al. Jan 2017 B1
9554866 Cunningham et al. Jan 2017 B2
9563266 Banerjee et al. Feb 2017 B2
9576106 Ahmad Feb 2017 B2
9592096 Maillet et al. Mar 2017 B2
9626805 Lampotang et al. Apr 2017 B2
9645379 Ren et al. May 2017 B2
9681925 Azar et al. Jun 2017 B2
9707400 Grenz et al. Jul 2017 B2
9750465 Engel et al. Sep 2017 B2
9757203 Hourtash et al. Sep 2017 B2
9767608 Lee et al. Sep 2017 B2
9773312 Lee Sep 2017 B2
9788756 Demmer Oct 2017 B2
9795282 Sholev et al. Oct 2017 B2
9795354 Menegaz et al. Oct 2017 B2
9814535 Bar et al. Nov 2017 B2
9820783 Donner et al. Nov 2017 B2
9833265 Donner et al. Nov 2017 B2
9833254 Barral et al. Dec 2017 B1
9835862 Zhou et al. Dec 2017 B1
9839365 Homyk et al. Dec 2017 B1
9848922 Tohmeh et al. Dec 2017 B2
9855103 Tsekos et al. Jan 2018 B2
9892564 Cvetko et al. Feb 2018 B1
9895063 Hannaford et al. Feb 2018 B1
9898662 Tsuda et al. Feb 2018 B2
9911187 Steinle et al. Mar 2018 B2
9925011 Gombert et al. Mar 2018 B2
9925013 Dell et al. Mar 2018 B2
9928629 Benishti et al. Mar 2018 B2
9931025 Graetzel et al. Apr 2018 B1
9931040 Homyk et al. Apr 2018 B2
9949637 Wong et al. Apr 2018 B1
9970955 Homyk et al. May 2018 B1
9980698 Bakker et al. May 2018 B2
10010373 Canfield et al. Jul 2018 B2
10010379 Gibby et al. Jul 2018 B1
10013808 Jones et al. Jul 2018 B2
10016243 Esterberg Jul 2018 B2
10034717 Miller et al. Jul 2018 B2
10052170 Saget et al. Aug 2018 B2
10073515 Awdeh Sep 2018 B2
10092164 Sholev et al. Oct 2018 B2
10092237 Wong et al. Oct 2018 B2
10092361 Ferro et al. Oct 2018 B2
10105187 Corndorf et al. Oct 2018 B2
10152789 Carnes et al. Dec 2018 B2
10152796 Guo et al. Dec 2018 B2
10154239 Casas Dec 2018 B2
10163252 Yun et al. Dec 2018 B2
10166019 Nawana et al. Jan 2019 B2
10176642 Tran et al. Jan 2019 B2
10191615 Helm et al. Jan 2019 B2
10194990 Amanatullah et al. Feb 2019 B2
10195076 Fateh Feb 2019 B2
10197803 Badiali et al. Feb 2019 B2
10197816 Waisman et al. Feb 2019 B2
10226298 Ourselin et al. Mar 2019 B2
10231784 Hettrick et al. Mar 2019 B2
10235737 Cheatham, III et al. Mar 2019 B2
10242292 Zisimopoulos et al. Mar 2019 B2
10251714 Carnes et al. Apr 2019 B2
10258426 Silva et al. Apr 2019 B2
10265138 Choudhry et al. Apr 2019 B2
10275927 Kuhn et al. Apr 2019 B2
10278726 Barth et al. May 2019 B2
10285765 Sachs et al. May 2019 B2
10292780 Park May 2019 B2
10360730 Hasegwa Jul 2019 B2
10366489 Boettger et al. Jul 2019 B2
10376318 Tsusaka et al. Aug 2019 B2
10379048 Wang et al. Aug 2019 B2
10383654 Yilmaz et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390780 Han et al. Aug 2019 B2
10390890 Jagga Aug 2019 B2
10390891 Govari et al. Aug 2019 B2
10398514 Ryan et al. Sep 2019 B2
10405927 Lang Sep 2019 B1
10412377 Forthmann et al. Sep 2019 B2
10413363 Fahim et al. Sep 2019 B2
10426339 Papac Oct 2019 B2
10426345 Shekhar et al. Oct 2019 B2
10426554 Siewerdsen et al. Oct 2019 B2
10431008 Djajadiningrat et al. Oct 2019 B2
10432913 Shokri et al. Oct 2019 B2
10433915 Isaacs et al. Oct 2019 B2
10448003 Gafenberg Oct 2019 B2
20010036302 Miller Nov 2001 A1
20020035321 Bucholz et al. Mar 2002 A1
20030179308 Zamorano et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030210812 Khamene et al. Nov 2003 A1
20040068172 Nowinski et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040076259 Jensen et al. Apr 2004 A1
20040254454 Kockro Dec 2004 A1
20050054910 Tremblay et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050096502 Khalili May 2005 A1
20050143651 Verard et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050171558 Abovitz et al. Aug 2005 A1
20050215879 Chuanggui Sep 2005 A1
20060100610 Wallace et al. May 2006 A1
20060173329 Marquart et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060176242 Jaramaz et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060184396 Dennis et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060241416 Marquart et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060291612 Nishide et al. Dec 2006 A1
20060293557 Chuanggui et al. Dec 2006 A1
20070015987 Benlloch Baviera et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070021738 Hasser et al. Jan 2007 A1
20070038059 Sheffer et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070073133 Schoenefeld Mar 2007 A1
20070156121 Millman et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070156157 Nahum et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070167702 Hasser et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070167712 Keglovich et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070233238 Huynh et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070236514 Agusanto et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070238981 Zhu et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070248261 Zhou et al. Oct 2007 A1
20080004523 Jensen Jan 2008 A1
20080013809 Zhu et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080033283 Dellaca et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080046122 Manzo et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080082109 Moll et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080108912 Node-Langlois May 2008 A1
20080108991 Jako May 2008 A1
20080109012 Falco et al. May 2008 A1
20080123910 Zhu May 2008 A1
20080144906 Allred et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080161680 Von Jako et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080161682 Kendrick et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080177203 von Jako Jul 2008 A1
20080183068 Carls et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080183074 Carls et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080183188 Carls et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080214922 Hartmann et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080228068 Viswanathan et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080228196 Wang et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080235052 Node-Langlois et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080243142 Gildenberg Oct 2008 A1
20080269596 Revie et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080287771 Anderson Nov 2008 A1
20080287781 Revie et al. Nov 2008 A1
20080300477 Lloyd et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080300478 Zuhars et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080302950 Park et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080306490 Lakin et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080319311 Hamadeh Dec 2008 A1
20090012509 Csavoy et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090030428 Omori et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090080737 Battle et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090185655 Koken et al. Jul 2009 A1
20090198121 Hoheisel Aug 2009 A1
20090216113 Meier et al. Aug 2009 A1
20090228019 Gross et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090259123 Navab et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090259230 Khadem et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090264899 Appenrodt et al. Oct 2009 A1
20090281417 Hartmann et al. Nov 2009 A1
20100022874 Wang et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100039506 Sarvestani et al. Feb 2010 A1
20100125286 Wang et al. May 2010 A1
20100130986 Mailloux et al. May 2010 A1
20100210902 Navab et al. Aug 2010 A1
20100228117 Hartmann Sep 2010 A1
20100228265 Prisco Sep 2010 A1
20100249571 Jensen et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100274120 Heuscher Oct 2010 A1
20100280363 Skarda et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100331858 Simaan et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110022229 Jang et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110077504 Fischer et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110098553 Robbins et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110137152 Li Jun 2011 A1
20110213384 Jeong Sep 2011 A1
20110224684 Larkin et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110224685 Larkin et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110224686 Larkin et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110224687 Larkin et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110224688 Larkin et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110224689 Larkin et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110224825 Larkin et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110230967 O'Halloran et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110238080 Ranjit et al. Sep 2011 A1
20110276058 Choi et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110282189 Graumann Nov 2011 A1
20110286573 Schretter et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110295062 Gratacos Solsona et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110295370 Suh et al. Dec 2011 A1
20110306986 Lee et al. Dec 2011 A1
20120035507 George et al. Feb 2012 A1
20120046668 Gantes Feb 2012 A1
20120051498 Koishi Mar 2012 A1
20120053597 Anvari et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120059248 Holsing et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120059378 Farrell Mar 2012 A1
20120071753 Hunter et al. Mar 2012 A1
20120108954 Schulhauser et al. May 2012 A1
20120136372 Amat Girbau et al. May 2012 A1
20120143084 Shoham Jun 2012 A1
20120184839 Woerlein Jul 2012 A1
20120197182 Millman et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120203067 Higgins et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120226145 Chang et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120235909 Birkenbach et al. Sep 2012 A1
20120245596 Meenink Sep 2012 A1
20120253332 Moll Oct 2012 A1
20120253360 White et al. Oct 2012 A1
20120256092 Zingerman Oct 2012 A1
20120294498 Popovic Nov 2012 A1
20120296203 Hartmann et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120302875 Kohring Nov 2012 A1
20130006267 Odermatt et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130016889 Myronenko et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130030571 Ruiz Morales et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130035583 Park et al. Feb 2013 A1
20130060146 Yang et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130060337 Petersheim et al. Mar 2013 A1
20130094742 Feilkas Apr 2013 A1
20130096574 Kang et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130113791 Isaacs et al. May 2013 A1
20130116706 Lee et al. May 2013 A1
20130131695 Scarfogliero et al. May 2013 A1
20130144307 Jeong et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130158542 Manzo et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130165937 Patwardhan Jun 2013 A1
20130178867 Farritor et al. Jul 2013 A1
20130178868 Roh Jul 2013 A1
20130178870 Schena Jul 2013 A1
20130204271 Brisson et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130211232 Murphy et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130211419 Jensen Aug 2013 A1
20130211420 Jensen Aug 2013 A1
20130218142 Tuma et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130223702 Holsing et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130225942 Holsing et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130225943 Holsing et al. Aug 2013 A1
20130231556 Holsing et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130237995 Lee et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130245375 DiMaio et al. Sep 2013 A1
20130261640 Kim et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130267838 Fronk et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130272488 Bailey et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130272489 Dickman et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130274596 Azizian et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130274761 Devengenzo et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130281821 Liu et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130296884 Taylor et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130303887 Holsing et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130307955 Deitz et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130317521 Choi et al. Nov 2013 A1
20130325033 Schena et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130325035 Hauck et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130331686 Freysinger et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130331858 Devengenzo et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130331861 Yoon Dec 2013 A1
20130342578 Isaacs Dec 2013 A1
20130345717 Markvicka et al. Dec 2013 A1
20130345757 Stad Dec 2013 A1
20140001235 Shelton, IV Jan 2014 A1
20140012131 Heruth et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140022283 Chan et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140031664 Kang et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140044333 Barth, Jr. et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140046128 Lee et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140046132 Hoeg et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140046340 Wilson et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140049629 Siewerdsen et al. Feb 2014 A1
20140052151 Hingwe Feb 2014 A1
20140058406 Tsekos Feb 2014 A1
20140073914 Lavallee et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140080086 Chen Mar 2014 A1
20140081128 Verard et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140088612 Bartol et al. Mar 2014 A1
20140094694 Moctezuma de la Barrera Apr 2014 A1
20140094851 Gordon Apr 2014 A1
20140096369 Matsumoto et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140100587 Farritor et al. Apr 2014 A1
20140121676 Kostrzewski et al. May 2014 A1
20140128882 Kwak et al. May 2014 A1
20140135796 Simon et al. May 2014 A1
20140139405 Ribble et al. May 2014 A1
20140142591 Alvarez et al. May 2014 A1
20140142592 Moon et al. May 2014 A1
20140148692 Hartmann et al. May 2014 A1
20140163581 Devengenzo et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140171781 Stiles Jun 2014 A1
20140171900 Stiles Jun 2014 A1
20140171965 Loh et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140180308 von Grunberg Jun 2014 A1
20140180309 Seeber et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140187915 Yaroshenko et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140188132 Kang Jul 2014 A1
20140194699 Roh et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140206994 Jain et al. Jul 2014 A1
20140130810 Azizian et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140221819 Sarment Aug 2014 A1
20140222023 Kim et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140228631 Kwak et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140234804 Huang et al. Aug 2014 A1
20140257328 Kim et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140257329 Jang et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140257330 Choi et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140275760 Lee et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140275985 Walker et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140276931 Parihar et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140276940 Seo Sep 2014 A1
20140276944 Farritor et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140288413 Hwang et al. Sep 2014 A1
20140299648 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140303434 Farritor et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140303643 Ha et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140305995 Shelton, IV et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140309659 Roh et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140316436 Bar et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140323803 Hoffman et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140324070 Min et al. Oct 2014 A1
20140330288 Date et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140340287 Achilefu Nov 2014 A1
20140347353 Popovic et al. Nov 2014 A1
20140364720 Darrow et al. Dec 2014 A1
20140371577 Maillet et al. Dec 2014 A1
20150031990 Boctor et al. Jan 2015 A1
20150039034 Frankel et al. Feb 2015 A1
20150073265 Popovic et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150084990 Laor Mar 2015 A1
20150085970 Bouhnik et al. Mar 2015 A1
20150112126 Popovic et al. Apr 2015 A1
20150146847 Liu May 2015 A1
20150146946 Elhawary et al. May 2015 A1
20150150524 Yorkston et al. Jun 2015 A1
20150196261 Funk Jul 2015 A1
20150201892 Hummel et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150213633 Chang et al. Jul 2015 A1
20150230689 Blohm et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150238276 Atarot et al. Aug 2015 A1
20150248793 Abovitz et al. Sep 2015 A1
20150305828 Park et al. Oct 2015 A1
20150335480 Alvarez et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150342647 Frankel et al. Dec 2015 A1
20150366628 Ingmanson Dec 2015 A1
20160005194 Schretter et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160015469 Goshayesh et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160015470 Border Jan 2016 A1
20160018640 Haddick et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160018641 Haddick et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160018642 Haddick et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160019715 Haddick et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160019716 Huang et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160019719 Osterhout et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160021304 Osterhout Jan 2016 A1
20160022125 Nicolau et al. Jan 2016 A1
20160086380 Vayser et al. Mar 2016 A1
20160163105 Hong et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160166329 Langan et al. Jun 2016 A1
20160235480 Scholl et al. Aug 2016 A1
20160249989 Devam et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160249990 Glozman et al. Sep 2016 A1
20160287337 Aram et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160302871 Gregerson et al. Oct 2016 A1
20160317119 Tahmasebi Maraghoosh et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160320322 Suzuki Nov 2016 A1
20160324598 Bothorel et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160331335 Gregerson et al. Nov 2016 A1
20160360117 Elefteriu et al. Dec 2016 A1
20170035517 Geri et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170053437 Ye et al. Feb 2017 A1
20170099479 Browd et al. Apr 2017 A1
20170119471 Winner et al. May 2017 A1
20170119474 Kronman May 2017 A1
20170135770 Scholl et al. May 2017 A1
20170143284 Sehnert et al. May 2017 A1
20170143426 Isaacs et al. May 2017 A1
20170151034 Oda et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170156816 Ibrahim Jun 2017 A1
20170172381 Morimoto Jun 2017 A1
20170172663 Popovic et al. Jun 2017 A1
20170202624 Atarot et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170202629 Maillet et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170202633 Liu Jul 2017 A1
20170212723 Atarot et al. Jul 2017 A1
20170215825 Johnson et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170215826 Johnson et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170215827 Johnson et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170224427 Lavallee et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170231710 Scholl et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170231714 Kosmecki et al. Aug 2017 A1
20170251900 Hansen et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170256095 Bani-Hashemi Sep 2017 A1
20170258426 Risher-Kelly et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170273549 Nazareth et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170273748 Hourtash et al. Sep 2017 A1
20170296277 Hourtash et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170296292 Mahmood et al. Oct 2017 A1
20170315364 Masumoto Nov 2017 A1
20170322410 Watson et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170323062 Djajadiningrat et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170336870 Everett et al. Nov 2017 A1
20170360493 Zucher et al. Dec 2017 A1
20170367766 Mahfouz Dec 2017 A1
20170367771 Tako et al. Dec 2017 A1
20180021099 Warner et al. Jan 2018 A1
20180032130 Meglan Feb 2018 A1
20180042692 Kim et al. Feb 2018 A1
20180049809 Marti et al. Feb 2018 A1
20180071032 De Almeida Barreto Mar 2018 A1
20180078316 Schaewe et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180082480 White et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180092698 Chopra et al. Apr 2018 A1
20180092706 Anderson et al. Apr 2018 A1
20180116724 Gmeiner et al. May 2018 A1
20180116732 Lin et al. May 2018 A1
20180125586 Sela et al. May 2018 A1
20180140362 Cali et al. May 2018 A1
20180158201 Thompson et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180161102 Wei et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168730 Nazy Jun 2018 A1
20180168741 Swayze et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180168769 Wood et al. Jun 2018 A1
20180185100 Weinstein et al. Jul 2018 A1
20180220100 Ovchinnikov et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180228555 Charron et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180232925 Frakes et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180233222 Daley et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180235739 Jahn Aug 2018 A1
20180247449 Park et al. Aug 2018 A1
20180249912 Schneider et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180256256 May et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180263698 Wang et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180263727 Pellerito Sep 2018 A1
20180289428 Lee et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180289983 Fishman Oct 2018 A1
20180299675 Benz et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180303377 West et al. Oct 2018 A1
20180303558 Thomas Oct 2018 A1
20180303667 Peyman Oct 2018 A1
20180310811 Meglan et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180310831 Cheng et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180310875 Meglan et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180325604 Atarot et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180325618 Justin et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180333073 Hill et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180333207 Moctezuma D La Barrera Nov 2018 A1
20180333208 Kotian et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180344266 Altmann Dec 2018 A1
20180344408 Rotilio et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180357825 Hoffmann et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180360310 Berlin Dec 2018 A1
20180368930 Esterberg et al. Dec 2018 A1
20190000564 Navab et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190000570 Esterberg et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190008592 Thienphrapa et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190011709 Yadav et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190015162 Abhari et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190015167 Draelos et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190029757 Roh et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190035156 Wei et al. Jan 2019 A1
20190038362 Nash et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190046276 Inglese et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190050665 Sakuragi Feb 2019 A1
20190053851 Sieminonow et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190053855 Siemionow et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190053858 Kapoo et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190054632 Grafenberg et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190059773 Laughlin et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190066260 Suehling et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190066390 Vogel et al. Feb 2019 A1
20190069962 Tabandeh et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190076194 Jang Mar 2019 A1
20190080515 Geri et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190088162 Meglan Mar 2019 A1
20190090955 Singh et al. Mar 2019 A1
20190099221 Schmidt et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190104919 Shelton, IV et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190108654 Lasserre et al. Apr 2019 A1
20190117190 Djajadonongrat Apr 2019 A1
20190122443 Stocker Apr 2019 A1
20190125361 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190125454 Shelton, IV et al. May 2019 A1
20190142520 Vandyken May 2019 A1
20190159841 Abhari et al. May 2019 A1
20190167148 Durfee et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190175058 Godwin et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190180441 Peng et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183576 Fahim et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190183590 Hladio et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192230 Siemionow et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190192232 Altmann et al. Jun 2019 A1
20190200844 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190200977 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201104 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201106 Siemionow et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190201158 Shelton, IV et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206062 Matsuoka et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206134 Devam et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190206565 Shelton, IV Jul 2019 A1
20190209241 Begg Jul 2019 A1
20190214126 Goetz Jul 2019 A1
20190216572 Wang et al. Jul 2019 A1
20190223746 Intrator Jul 2019 A1
20190231220 Refai et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190231443 McGinley et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190239850 Dalvin et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190254753 Johnson et al. Aug 2019 A1
20190274762 Kim et al. Sep 2019 A1
20190282099 Themelis Sep 2019 A1
20190307516 Schotzko et al. Oct 2019 A1
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry
US 8,231,638 B2, 07/2012, Swarup et al. (withdrawn)
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20210346098 A1 Nov 2021 US