Dynamic reference arrays use markers and trackers to register a patient's anatomy to computer system. Wherein the dynamic reference array may be screwed into a patient's spinous process, clamped on to a spinous process, or attached to the spinous process using posts. In embodiments, a dynamic reference array may comprise a single structure comprising and attachment member and a scaffold. In alternate embodiments, the dynamic reference array may comprise distinct structures that allow the dynamic reference array to swivel and collapse in order to facilitate registration, while not interfering with a surgical procedure.

Imaging marker embodiments that may be used for marking sites within a patient's body are discussed. Some imaging marker embodiments are particularly useful for imaging with ultrasound imaging modalities and some imaging marker embodiments may be suitable for imaging with multiple modes of imaging modalities. Method embodiments for making and using imaging markers are also discussed herein.

A wireless pressure sensing unit (20) comprises a membrane (25) forming an outer wall portion of a cavity and two permanent magnets (26,28) inside the cavity. One magnet is coupled to the membrane, and at least one magnet is free to oscillate with a rotational movement. At least one is free to oscillate with a rotational movement. The oscillation takes place at a resonance frequency, which is a function of the sensed pressure, which pressure influences the spacing between the two permanent magnets. This oscillation frequency can be sensed remotely by measuring a magnetic field altered by the oscillation. The wireless pressure sensing unit may be provided on a catheter (21) or guidewire.

Disclosed herein are fiducial markers that include a sealed casing member containing a mixture of iodine and water that includes about 1-300 mg/ml iodine. The fiducial markers may be distinguishable on at least two imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI. The casing member may include a plastic or elastomeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polypropylene, latex, nylon, dynaflex, and may take the form of a length of IV tubing sealed at each of two ends. The length of IV tubing may be crimped to form a desired shape, such as a triangle. Also disclosed are methods of making fiducial markers that are distinguishable on at least two imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI.

A method for postural independent location of targets in diagnostic images acquired by multimodal acquisitions, compensating for deformation of soft tissues due to changing posture, includes generating a transition of a digital image of the inside of a target region from a first to a second position by correlating the position of markers placed on the external surface of the target region in a digital image of the inside of the target region and in a digital representation of the external surface of the target region acquired by optically scanning the external surface; and at a later time registering the diagnostic image of the inside of the target region, transitioned into the second position, with a diagnostic image of the same target region acquired with the target region in the second position by matching a second representation of the external surface of the target region in the second position without markers with the diagnostic image of the inside of the target region transitioned into the second position.

Methods and devices are disclosed for puncturing tissue, comprising a puncture device for puncturing tissue and a supporting member for supporting the puncture device. The puncture device is capable of being insertable within the supporting member and being selectively usable in co-operation therewith during a portion of a procedure for puncturing tissue and wherein the puncture device is usable independently therefrom during another portion of the procedure. The puncture device comprises visual or tactile markers for determining the relative positioning between puncture device and supporting member.

An eye surgery surgical system includes a device for displaying a relative position of a section of a surgery object in a 3D reconstruction of a region of an eye, a device for continuously providing at least two data records relating to at least partly overlapping portions of the region of the eye and of the section of the surgery object to a computer, a computer program for continuously ascertaining the relative position of the section of the surgery object and continuously ascertaining the 3D reconstruction of the eye from the data records provided. The program includes a first routine for continuously ascertaining the relative position of the section of the surgery object and the 3D reconstruction of the region of the eye from the data records provided via a registration method and a second routine for adapting the registration method based on a criterion.

An AR headset is described to co-localize an image data set with a body of a person. One method can include identifying optical codes with a contrast medium in a tubing on the body of the person using the AR headset. The image data set can be aligned with the body of the person using the fixed position of the image visible marker with the contrast medium in the tubing with respect to the optical code referenced to a representation of the image visible marker. In one configuration, an image data set can be scaled by comparing a measured size of the image visible marker (e.g., gadolinium tubing) in the captured image data set to the known size of the image visible marker. In addition, a center of an optical code may be identified to more accurately align the image data set with a body of a person.

A medical device that includes an outer body configured to visually mark a target tissue such that the target tissue is detectable by an imaging system. The medical device includes a sensor disposed within the outer body, wherein the sensor is configured to detect radiation at the target site.

A guide wire deployment system that can be utilized as a pre-surgical procedure without the need for radiology imaging. The clip marker would include light and sonic sensors to determine angular orientation and distance from the needle. Wireless communication between the handheld insertion device and the clip marker would provide information to guide the needle to the clip marker location. The guide wire would then be pushed from the needle and laid in a path to outside the patient.