A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises: using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target comprising or consisting of a microbial population; mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and analysing said spectrometric data in order to analyse said microbial population.

A surgical visualization feedback system is disclosed. The surgical visualization feedback system comprises an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward an anatomical structure. The emitter assembly comprises a structured light emitter configured to emit a structured light pattern on a surface of the anatomical structure and a spectral light emitter configured to emit spectral light capable of penetrating the anatomical structure. The surgical visualization feedback system further comprises a waveform sensor assembly configured to detect reflected electromagnetic radiation corresponding to the emitted electromagnetic radiation and a control circuit in signal communication with the waveform sensor assembly. The control circuit is configured to receive an input corresponding to a selected surgical procedure, determine an identity of a targeted structure within the anatomical structure based on the selected surgical procedure and the reflected electromagnetic radiation, and confirm the determined identity of the targeted structure through a user input.

A surgical visualization feedback system is disclosed. The surgical visualization feedback system comprises an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward an anatomical structure. The emitter assembly comprises a structured light emitter configured to emit a structured light pattern on a surface of the anatomical structure and a spectral light emitter configured to emit spectral light capable of penetrating the anatomical structure. The surgical visualization feedback system further comprises a waveform sensor assembly configured to detect reflected electromagnetic radiation corresponding to the emitted electromagnetic radiation and a control circuit in signal communication with the waveform sensor assembly. The control circuit is configured to receive an input corresponding to a selected surgical procedure, determine an identity of a targeted structure within the anatomical structure based on the selected surgical procedure and the reflected electromagnetic radiation, and confirm the determined identity of the targeted structure through a user input.

One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates in one aspect to a computer-implemented method for providing a configuration information for a laser guidance system for a medical intervention, comprising receiving laser projection data regarding a laser projection geometry of the laser guidance system; receiving 3D model data regarding a surface, the surface being located within an effective range of the laser guidance system; calculating shadowing data regarding a shadowing effect of the surface on the laser projection geometry based on the laser projection data and the 3D model data; selecting the configuration information based on the shadowing data, the configuration information being indicative of a configuration of the laser guidance system for visualizing a planned path of an instrument for the medical intervention; and providing the configuration information.

One or more example embodiments of the present invention relates in one aspect to a computer-implemented method for providing a configuration information for a laser guidance system for a medical intervention, comprising receiving laser projection data regarding a laser projection geometry of the laser guidance system; receiving 3D model data regarding a surface, the surface being located within an effective range of the laser guidance system; calculating shadowing data regarding a shadowing effect of the surface on the laser projection geometry based on the laser projection data and the 3D model data; selecting the configuration information based on the shadowing data, the configuration information being indicative of a configuration of the laser guidance system for visualizing a planned path of an instrument for the medical intervention; and providing the configuration information.

The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer, for use in imaging the subcutaneous veins of a target area of a patient by a practitioner. The miniature vein enhancer includes a Miniature Projection Head that is secured to a tourniquet, where the tourniquet may be mounted to the bicep of a patient. The Miniature Projection Head includes a housing, and apparatus that images subcutaneous veins of the target area, and projects the image(s) of the veins onto the target area to overlie the subcutaneous veins, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein location for a venipuncture procedure such as an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like.

The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer, for use in imaging the subcutaneous veins of a target area of a patient by a practitioner. The miniature vein enhancer includes a Miniature Projection Head that is secured to a tourniquet, where the tourniquet may be mounted to the bicep of a patient. The Miniature Projection Head includes a housing, and apparatus that images subcutaneous veins of the target area, and projects the image(s) of the veins onto the target area to overlie the subcutaneous veins, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein location for a venipuncture procedure such as an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like.

A cranial surgery planning system including at least one network interface connectable to obtain radiological patient images generated by a radiological image scanner, a display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory storing program code that is executed by the at least one processor. The operations include obtaining through the at least one network interface a first radiological patient image of cranial structure of a patient along a first plane and obtain a second radiological patient image of the cranial structure of the patient along a second plane that is angularly offset to the first plane. Operations also include merging the first and second radiological patient images to an image coordinate system. Operations also include obtaining a surgical trajectory plan defining an entry point on the patient's skull and a target point in the patient's brain captured in the merged first and second radiological patient images.

A guidance device is disclosed. The device may comprise a tracking pad with a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors operable with at least one beacon on a needle to track the disposition of the needle at least when a distal end of the needle is inserted into the guiding opening. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

A guidance device is disclosed. The device may comprise a tracking pad with a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors operable with at least one beacon on a needle to track the disposition of the needle at least when a distal end of the needle is inserted into the guiding opening. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.