Computer-aided surgery

Computer-aided surgery

Keywords: Patents, Medical robots

Applicant: Carnegie Mellon University, USAPatent number: US6,711,432Publication date: 23 March 2004Title: Computer-aided orthopaedic surgery

This patent relates to devices and methods for implementing computer-aided orthopaedic surgery utilizing intra-operative feedback.

A three-dimensional model of an area of a patient upon which a surgical procedure is to be performed is modelled using software techniques. The software model is used to generate a surgical plan, including placement of multifunctional markers, for performing the surgical procedure. After the markers are placed on the patient, an updated image of the patient is taken and used to calculate a final surgical plan for performing the remainder of the surgical procedure. The three-dimensional modelling, surgical planning, and surgery may all take place remote from each other. The various entities may communicate via an electronic communications network such as the Internet.

One example of an operation which can be performed using the system is an open wedge osteotomy, whereby the gap between cut sections of the bone is filled by bone graft and a fixation plate is attached thereto to hold the bone in its new orientation.