A system and method for patient positioning during radiotherapy. The system can include a patient support structure configured to receive a patient during a radiotherapy process using a radiotherapy source to deliver a therapy to the patient when positioned on the patient support structure, a patient positioning system configured to adjust a position of the patient support structure relative to the radiotherapy source, a flexible actuator configured to secure the patient to the patient support and adjust a position of the patient relative to the patient support, and an imaging system configured to acquire imaging data of the patient, the patient support, and the flexible actuator during the radiotherapy process.

A system and method for patient positioning during radiotherapy. The system can include a patient support structure configured to receive a patient during a radiotherapy process using a radiotherapy source to deliver a therapy to the patient when positioned on the patient support structure, a patient positioning system configured to adjust a position of the patient support structure relative to the radiotherapy source, a flexible actuator configured to secure the patient to the patient support and adjust a position of the patient relative to the patient support, and an imaging system configured to acquire imaging data of the patient, the patient support, and the flexible actuator during the radiotherapy process.

An automated and/or motorized spatial frame including a control unit and a plurality of motorized struts is disclosed. The control unit being configured as a controller for exchanging data with an external computing system, exchanging data with the plurality of motorized struts, and delivering power to the motorized struts. Thus arranged, the control unit may be configured as a fully integrated power supply and controller for powering and controlling the motorized struts. In some embodiments, the control unit includes a plurality of PCB modules, each positioned within the spaces or pockets formed between adjacent tabs on a ring of the frame. The PCB modules being detachably coupled to the ring. In some embodiments, the PCB modules may be detachably coupled to the ring via interconnecting male and female connectors. Alternatively, the PCB modules may be detachably coupled to the ring via a plurality of brackets.

A computer-assisted surgery system comprises instruments adapted to be used to perform tasks related to surgery. A reference device is in a fixed relation to a bone. A rotating magnet creates a magnetic field plane, the rotating magnet being connected to one of the instrument and the reference device. A magnetometer on the other of the instrument and the reference device produces signals as a function of at least its orientation relative to the magnetic field plane. A processing unit tracks said orientation of the instrument relative to the bone using said signals from the magnetometer subjected to the magnetic field plane.

A computer-assisted surgery system comprises instruments adapted to be used to perform tasks related to surgery. A reference device is in a fixed relation to a bone. A rotating magnet creates a magnetic field plane, the rotating magnet being connected to one of the instrument and the reference device. A magnetometer on the other of the instrument and the reference device produces signals as a function of at least its orientation relative to the magnetic field plane. A processing unit tracks said orientation of the instrument relative to the bone using said signals from the magnetometer subjected to the magnetic field plane.

A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly. The instruction signals can be configured to cause the motor assembly to selectively move the effectuator element.

Traction apparatuses can be used to facilitate spinal surgery. For example, this document provides traction apparatuses that engage with the skull of a patient, traction apparatuses that engage with the pelvis of a patient, and cervical traction systems for use in conjunction with the skull and/or pelvis traction apparatuses to facilitate correction of occipito-cervical-thoracic deformities, and to safely position the head during spinal surgery. Additionally, this document provides thoraco-lumbar-pelvic spinal deformity correction apparatuses to manipulate the position of the pelvis in relation to the spine during surgery.

Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.

Methods of immobilizing the head of a patient include heating a thermoplastic mask preform to a formable temperature, forming the thermoplastic mask over at least a mouth of the patient, and pushing a mouth receiving end of a bite piece into a portion of the thermoplastic mask preform that is positioned over the mouth of the patient, which moves the portion of the thermoplastic mask preform into the mouth of the patient. The methods also include allowing the thermoplastic mask preform to cool from the formable temperature, causing the portion of the thermoplastic mask moved into the mouth of the patient to harden.

A medical device and a method of using same are provided. The medical device includes a first arm and a second arm mounted on a support rail, each of the first arm and the second arm having a bone contacting region. The medical device also includes a mechanism for reducing a distance between the bone contacting regions hereby applying a force to a bone or bones positioned therebetween and a force gauge for indicating a force applied by the bone contacting regions.