Surgical instrument with navigational safety

Abstract

An image-guided surgical system includes a navigational system configured to track a surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to a patient. A tracking device is operably coupled to the handpiece and is configured to communicate with the navigational system to track the tool assembly relative to the patient. The tool assembly is coupled to a distal end of the handpiece and extends therefrom, the tool assembly including a first tube and a second tube concentrically disposed therein. The second tube is configured to support a working member at a distal end thereof and the tool assembly is adapted to couple to a motor for imparting rotational or oscillatory motion to the middle tube within the outer tube. Motion of the second tube within the first tube generates a signal that is detectable by the navigational system such that, upon detection, the navigational system pauses tracking of the tool assembly.

Description

A0012038 SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 643,757 filed on May 7, 2024, the entire contents of which is being incorporated herein. FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to image-guided surgery systems having navigational tracking features, and, more particularly to a safety mechanism that is configured to prevent use of the navigation tracking features of the surgical instrument during operation thereof. BACKGROUND

[0003] Surgical procedures can be performed on anatomies such as the human anatomy for providing a therapy to the anatomy. One area of surgery includes procedures performed on facial cavities of a patient such as on the ear, nose or throat (ENT). In such a procedure, a working member such as a shaver, bur, or other tool connected to an instrument (e.g., a handpiece) may be inserted into such a cavity to cut tissue or perform a shaping procedure. During use of the surgical instrument, it is favorable to avoid trauma to other sensitive areas, unintentionally make any supplemental incisions, and avoid other axis portals in the patient tissue.

[0004] Because the viewing angle of a surgeon at the area of interest can be obscured by the surrounding tissue of the cavity, the ability of a surgeon to effectively apply a therapy can be reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a mechanism so that a surgeon can provide a therapy without minimization or reduction of effectiveness of the procedure or in viewing the area to apply the therapy. Navigation of instruments relative to the anatomy is typically employed to mitigate this issue.

[0005] Surgical navigation systems provide anatomical information to the surgeon, based on pre-operative scans of patients, with an overlay of surgical device information references superimposed on the patient anatomic reference. In some navigation systems, instruments are provided with tracking devices. During use, however, such tracking devices have a tendency to provide inaccurate positional information in 3-dimentional space due to electromagnetic interference.A0012038

[0006] Current attempts to provide communication between the navigation system and the surgical tool control systems rely on undeveloped and expensive infrastructure deployment within the both the navigation and device control systems. Typically such systems require an interface between the two systems (wired or wireless) that impacts the cost and reliability of the systems and devices.

[0007] As such, there is a need to provide reliable and inexpensive systems to prevent the navigation system from operating while the device is being utilized (or vice versa). SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure utilizes passive components that can be implemented in a low-cost manner, utilized with current navigation system infrastructures, and can be applied to existing tool designs for backwards compatibility. When actuated / in-use (rotating or oscillating) specific, tunable geometry of internal passive components, embedded into the surgical tools, will emit a detectable signal, or detectable disruption in the electromagnetic (EM) field that is monitored by the EM navigation system. The EM navigation system will "pause" operation when the EM navigational system detects this response. The system (or surgical device) is capable of resuming normal operation and navigational tracking when the signal stops.

[0009] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is an image-guided surgical system which includes a navigational system configured to track a surgical tool assembly of a surgical handpiece relative to a patient. A tracking device is operably coupled to the handpiece and is configured to communicate with the navigational system to track the handpiece and tools associated therewith relative to the patient. The surgical tool assembly or blade assembly is coupled to a distal end of the handpiece and extends therefrom and is configured to support a surgical working member at a distal end thereof. The blade assembly is adapted to couple to a motor for imparting rotational or oscillatory motion to the surgical working member. Rotational or oscillatory motion of the surgical working member generates a signal that is detectable by the navigational system such that, upon detection, the navigational system pauses tracking of the handpiece and tools associated therewith relative to the patient.

[0010] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the tracking device of the handpiece includes one or more tracking coils disposed therein configured to facilitate tracking the handpieceA0012038 and the resection tool or tool tip relative to the patient. In other aspects according to the present disclosure, rotational or oscillatory motion of the surgical working member generates the signal that is detectable by the tracking coils which, in turn, communicate the signal back to the navigational system.

[0011] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the signal is disruptive to the tracking of the handpiece and tools associated therewith relative to the patient. In other aspects according to the present disclosure, the signal is generated by one or more passive components disposed within the handpiece and tools associated therewith. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure, the signal is tunable based on the geometry of the passive components.

[0012] In aspects according to the present disclosure, after the surgical working member stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system automatically resumes tracking the handpiece.

[0013] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the surgical working member is at least one of a debrider, surgical bur, or surgical blade.

[0014] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the surgical working element is specifically adapted for ENT procedures.

[0015] Provided in accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical instrument including a handpiece having a tracking device operably coupled thereto, the tracking device is adapted to communicate with a navigational system configured to track a surgical tool assembly of the handpiece and tools associated therewith relative to the patient. A surgical tool assembly or blade assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the handpiece and extends therefrom. The blade assembly includes an outer or first tube and a middle or second tube concentrically disposed therein, the middle tube is configured to operably support a surgical working element at a distal end thereof. The blade assembly is adapted to operably couple to a motor for imparting at least one of rotational or oscillatory motion to the middle tube within the outer tube (or an inner tube within the middle tube). Rotational or oscillatory motion of the middle tube (or inner tube) generates a signal that is detectable by the navigational system such that, upon detection, the navigational system pauses tracking of the handpiece and tools associated therewith relative to the patient.

[0016] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the tracking device of the handpiece includes one or more tracking coils disposed therein configured to facilitate tracking the handpieceA0012038 and tools associated therewith relative to the patient. In other aspects according to the present disclosure, rotational or oscillatory motion of the middle tube within the outer tube (or inner tube within the middle tube) generates the signal that is detectable by the tracking coils which, in turn, communicate the signal back to the navigational system.

[0017] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the signal is disruptive to the tracking of the handpiece and tools associated therewith relative to the patient. In other aspects according to the present disclosure, the signal is generated by one or more passive components disposed within the handpiece. In still other aspects according to the present disclosure, the signal is tunable based on the geometry of the passive components.

[0018] In aspects according to the present disclosure, after the middle tube (or inner tube) stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system automatically resumes tracking the handpiece.

[0019] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the surgical working member is at least one of a debrider, surgical bur, or surgical blade.

[0020] In aspects according to the present disclosure, the surgical working element is specifically adapted for ENT procedures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a surgical navigation system, according to various embodiments;

[0023] FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of an exemplary handpiece having a working member, such as a surgical bur and shown with an electromagnetic tracking device, coupled to a distal end of the handpiece;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the handpiece of FIG. 2 with the blade assembly detached; and

[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side view of a proximal end of the handpiece of FIG. 2 showing the electromagnetic tracking device mounted thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTIONA0012038

[0026] With initial reference to FIG. 1, an electromagnetic (EM) image guided surgery system according to one example of the present teachings is shown and generally identified as reference numeral 10. The EM image-guided surgery system 10 can generally include an instrument such as a handpiece 12 having an EM instrument tracking device 14 configured to communicate with an exemplary navigation system 20. The navigation system 20 can be used to track the location of the handpiece 12 relative to a patient 22 to assist in a surgical procedure.

[0027] As will be described in greater detail herein, the EM instrument tracking device 14 can receive a signal, transmit a signal, or combinations thereof to provide information to the navigation system 20 to determine a location of the handpiece 12. Prior to discussing in detail the EM instrument navigational system and the presently disclosed safety shut off mechanism 200, a general discussion of the exemplary navigation system 20 is warranted.

[0028] The navigation system 20 includes an imaging device 24 that is used to acquire pre- , intra-, or post-operative or real-time image data of the patient 22. The image data acquired with the imaging device 24 can be used as part of the image data in the EM image-guided surgery system 10. In addition, data from atlas models can be used to produce patient images. The imaging device 24 may be a fluoroscopic X-ray imaging device with a C-arm 26 having an X-ray source 28, an X-ray receiving section 30, an optional calibration and tracking target 32 and optional radiation sensors. The calibration and tracking target 32 includes calibration markers (not illustrated). Image data may also be acquired using other imaging devices, such as those discussed herein. Other types of tracking systems may also be employed.

[0029] The EM instrument tracking device 14 is coupled to the handpiece 12 such that the navigation system 20 can track the location of the handpiece 12 relative to a patient 22 to assist in surgical procedure. The EM instrument tracking device 14 may be integrally associated with the handpiece 12 or selectively attached. The EM instrument tracking device 14 can be coupled to other devices including: catheters, probes, needles, leads, implants, etc., for tracking their respective locations with the navigation system 20.

[0030] Image data is forwarded from the imaging device 24 to the navigation computer and / or processor controller or work station 36 having a display device 42 to display image data 44 and a user interface 46. The work station 36 can also include or be connected to an image processor, navigation processor, and a memory to hold instruction and data. The workstation 36 can include an optimization processor that assists in a navigated procedure. Processing for the navigationA0012038 system 20 and optimization can all be done with a single or multiple processors all of which may or may not be included in the work station 36.

[0031] The work station 36 provides facilities for displaying the image data 44 as an image on the display device 42, saving, digitally manipulating, and / or printing a hard copy image of the received image data. The user interface 46, which may be a keyboard, mouse, touch pen, touch screen or other suitable device, allows a physician or user 50 to provide inputs to control the imaging device 24, via the controller 34, or adjust the display settings of the display 42. The work station 36 may also direct the controller 34 to adjust the rotational axis 38 of the C-arm 26 to obtain various two-dimensional images in different planes in order to generate representative two- dimensional and three-dimensional images.

[0032] Although one type of imaging device 24 is shown in FIG.1, any other alternative 2D, 3D or 4D imaging modality may also be used. For example, any 2D, 3D or 4D imaging device, such as egocentric fluoroscopy, bi-plane fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), optical coherence tomography (OCT), intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS), intraoperative CT, single photo emission computed tomography (SPECT), planar gamma scintigraphy (PGS). Additional imaging systems include intraoperative MRI systems such as the Polestar®MRI system sold by Medtronic, Inc. Further systems include the O-Arm™ imaging system sold by Medtronic, Inc. The images may also be obtained and displayed in two, three or four dimensions. In more advanced forms, four-dimensional surface rendering regions of the body may also be achieved by incorporating patient data or other data from an atlas or anatomical model map or from pre-operative image data captured by MRI, CT, or echocardiography modalities.

[0033] The tracking devices 14, 40, 76 or any tracking device as discussed herein, can include a sensor, a transmitter, or combinations thereof. Further, the tracking devices can be wired or wireless to provide a signal emitter or receiver within the navigation system 20. For example, any or all of the tracking devices 14, 40, 76 can include an electromagnetic coil to sense a field produced by the localizing array 64, 66. The tracking device (14, 40, 76) may be configured to receive a signal, transmit a signal, or combinations thereof to provide information to the navigation system 20 to determine a location of the tracking device 14, 40, 76. Therefore, as used herein, "generating an output signal" is used to mean any combination of receiving a signal, transmitting a signal or combinations thereof. The navigation system 20 can then determine a position of theA0012038 handpiece 12 or tracking device 14, 40, 76 to allow for navigation relative to the patient 22 and patient space.

[0034] The EM image-guided surgery system 10 uses the coil arrays 64, 66 to create an electromagnetic field used for navigation. The coil arrays 64, 66 can include a plurality of coils that are each operable to generate distinct electromagnetic fields into the navigation region of the patient 22, which is sometimes referred to as patient space.

[0035] The coil array 64 is controlled or driven by the coil array controller 68. The coil array controller 68 drives each coil in the coil array 64 in a time division multiplex or a frequency division multiplex manner. In this regard, each coil may be driven separately at a distinct time or all of the coils may be driven simultaneously with each being driven by a different frequency.

[0036] Upon driving the coils in the coil array 64 with the coil array controller 68, electromagnetic fields are generated within the patient 22 in the area where the medical procedure is being performed, which is, again, sometimes referred to as patient space. The electromagnetic fields generated in the patient space induce currents in the EM instrument tracking device 14 and patient tracking device 76. These induced signals from the tracking devices 14, 40, 76 are delivered to the navigation handpiece interface 70 and subsequently forwarded to the coil array controller 68.

[0037] Various portions of the navigation system 20, such as the handpiece 12, or the dynamic reference frame 60, are equipped with at least one, and generally multiple, EM or other tracking devices (i.e., such as 14 and 40), that may also be referred to as localization sensors. The EM tracking devices 14, 40 can include one or more coils that are operable with the EM localizer arrays 64, 66.

[0038] Briefly, the navigation system 20 operates as follows. The navigation system 20 creates a translation map between all points in the image data generated from the imaging device 24 which can include external and internal portions, and the corresponding points in the patient's anatomy in patient space. After this map is established, whenever the tracked handpiece 12 is used, the work station 36 in combination with the coil array controller 68 uses the translation map to identify the corresponding point on the image data or atlas model, which is displayed on display 42. This identification is known as navigation or localization. An icon representing the localized point or instruments is shown on the display 42 within several two-dimensional image planes, as well as on three and four dimensional images and models.A0012038

[0039] To enable navigation, the navigation system 20 must be able to detect both the position of the patient's anatomy and the position of the handpiece 12 (or EM instrument tracking device 14) attached to the handpiece 12. Knowing the location of these two items allows the navigation system 20 to compute and display the position of the handpiece 12 or any portion thereof (e.g., a working member as will be described) in relation to the patient 22. The EM image- guided surgery system 10 is employed to track the handpiece 12 and the anatomy simultaneously.

[0040] The EM image-guided surgery system 10 essentially works by positioning the coil array 64, 66 adjacent to the patient 22 to generate a magnetic field, which can be low energy, and generally referred to as a navigation field. Because every point in the navigation field or patient space is associated with a unique field strength, the EM image-guided surgery system 10 can determine the position of the handpiece 12 by measuring the field strength at the location of the EM instrument tracking device 14. The dynamic reference frame 60 is fixed to the patient 22 to identify the location of the patient 22 in the navigation field. The EM image-guided surgery system 10 continuously recomputes or recalculates the relative position of the dynamic reference frame 60 and the handpiece 12 during localization and relates this spatial information to patient registration data to enable navigation of the handpiece 12 within and / or relative to the patient 22. Navigation can include image guidance or imageless guidance.

[0041] The navigation system 20 may also perform registration using anatomic surface information or path information as is known in the art (and may be referred to as auto-registration). The EM image-guided surgery system 10 may also perform 2D to 3D registration by utilizing the acquired 2D images to register 3D volume images by use of contour algorithms, point algorithms or density comparison algorithms, as is known in the art. An exemplary 2D to 3D registration procedure is set forth in U.S. Serial No.10 / 644,680, now U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2004 / 0215071, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Performing 2D to 3D Registration" filed on August 20, 2003, hereby incorporated by reference.

[0042] In order to maintain registration accuracy, the navigation system 20 continuously tracks the position of the patient 22 during registration and navigation. This is because the patient 22, dynamic reference frame 60, and transmitter coil array 64, 66 may all move during the procedure, even when this movement is not desired. Alternatively, the patient 22 may be held immobile once the registration has occurred, such as with a fixed head frame. Therefore, if the navigation system 20 did not track the position of the patient 22 or area of the anatomy, any patientA0012038 movement after registration would result in inaccurate navigation within that image. The dynamic reference frame 60 allows the EM image-guided surgery system 10 to register and track the anatomy. Because the dynamic reference frame 60 is rigidly fixed to the patient 22, any movement of the anatomy or the coil array 64, 66 is detected as the relative motion between the coil array 64, 66 and the dynamic reference frame 60. This relative motion is communicated to the coil array controller 68, via the navigation handpiece interface 70, which updates the registration correlation to thereby maintain accurate navigation.

[0043] The navigation system 20 can be used according to any appropriate method or system. For example, image data, atlas or 3D models may be registered relative to the patient and patient space, as discussed further herein. Generally, the navigation system 20 allows the images on the display 42 to be registered and accurately display the real time location of the various instruments and other appropriate items. In addition, the handpiece 12 may be used to register the patient space to the pre-acquired image data or the atlas or 3D models. In addition, the dynamic reference frame 60 may be used to ensure that any planned or unplanned movement of the patient or the array 64, 66 is determined and used to correct the image on the display 42.

[0044] As mentioned briefly above, the display 42 can display any appropriate type of image data 44. For example, the image data 44 can include patient specific image data that can be acquired at any appropriate time. The image data can include magnetic resonance imaging data (MRI) that can provide structural anatomical image data (i.e., such as a nasal cavity, etc.) of the patient 22. The image data 44 can be displayed on the display 42 for use during a procedure by the user 50. The display 42 can also include various atlas image data. Atlas image data can include two-dimensional image data sets, three-dimensional image data sets, and even four-dimensional image data sets that show the change of various anatomical structures over time.

[0045] With reference now to FIGS. 2A-2B, the electromagnetic tracking device 14 is shown operatively coupled with the exemplary handpiece 12. The handpiece 12 may include a removably (or non-removably) attached working member 80 having a removably attachable surgical working tip 82 (e.g., a debrider, surgical bur, or surgical blade tip). The working member 80 may include a surgical working tip 82 specifically adapted for ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgical procedures for burring or shaping various ENT cavities. While only one working member 80 is shown, the EM image-guided surgery system 10 can include a plurality of working members 80 each having different characteristics. The location of a respective surgical working tip 82 forA0012038 each working member 80 can be programmed into the image-guided surgery system 10, such as at a terminal connector of the handpiece 12.

[0046] In one example, the working member 80 can be part of a blade assembly 84, FIGS. 2A and 3 that is fixed to the electromagnetic tracking device 14. In another example, the working member 80 or the blade assembly 84 as a whole can be releasably coupled to the electromagnetic tracking device 14. The blade assembly 84 can include an outer hub 86 having connecting tabs 88 for releasably attaching the outer hub 86 atop an inner hub 92. Inner hub 92 can be arranged intermediate of a tapered hub 94 and the outer hub 86. In an assembled position (FIG. 2A), the connecting mechanism 88 can engage structure (not specifically shown) on the inner hub 92. The inner hub 92 may include an irrigation connector 90 which is configured for attachment to an aspiration unit (not shown).

[0047] During use, a motor (not shown) rotates a middle tube 85 relative to the outer hub 86 (or, in embodiments, an inner tube within the middle tube 85). Middle tube 85, extends through outer tube or shaft 81 of the working member 80 and supports the surgical working tip 82 at a distal end thereof. It is envisioned that a rod or shaft may be utilized as the inside tube, e.g., middle tube 85. A bushing 93 supports the middle tube 85 at a proximal end thereof between the inner hub 92 and the tapered hub 94. Motor (not shown) operably couples to the tapered hub 94 and a proximal-most portion of the middle tube 85 and, upon activation, rotates or oscillates (or both) the middle tube 85 within outer tube or shaft 81. In turn, rotation of the middle tube 85 (or inner tube) is imbued onto the surgical working tip 82 upon activation of the motor by the surgeon. Fluid may be supplied to the surgical working tip 82 via one or more irrigation ports (not shown) defined in the outer tube or shaft 81 (FIG.4) which register with the irrigation connector 90 upon assembly of the handpiece 12.

[0048] As discussed above, the EM instrument tracking device 14 may be removably attached or fixed (non-removably attached) to the handpiece 12. In one example, the EM instrument tracking device 14 can be slidably advanced over a distal end of the handpiece 12 and secured with a connection mechanism 88. The connection mechanism 88 can include adhesive, cooperating threads, clips, snaps, fasteners or other devices. Explained generally, the distal end of the handpiece 12 can be inserted through a passthrough defined by the base opening 126. In other arrangements, the EM instrument tracking device 14 may be releasably coupled to the handpieceA0012038 12, such as by way of a snap-fit connection. It is contemplated however that the EM instrument tracking device 14 can be removably affixed to the handpiece 12 by any suitable method.

[0049] In other examples, the EM instrument tracking device 14 can be provided with fewer or more tracking coils, e.g., tracking coils 142, 144 other than the tracking coils 64, 66 described above. Tracking coils 142, 144 can be arranged at alternate locations on or around the body of the tracking device 14.

[0050] As mentioned above, prior attempts to provide communication between the navigation system 20 and the surgical handpiece 12 rely on very expensive infrastructure with respect to both the navigation system 20 and the handpiece control systems. Moreover, the systems typically require some sort of interface therebetween which impacts the overall system cost and reliability (adding another device may add to system unreliability).

[0051] The present disclosure is configured to rely on passive components and generated electromagnetic signals that can be implemented into the overall system 10 in a cost-effective manner. Moreover, the present disclosure augments the existing navigational system 20 and may be integrated with new or existing handpieces 12 for backwards compatibility.

[0052] Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, and as mentioned above, during use the rotation or oscillation of one or more components within the handpiece 12 will emit a detectable electromagnetic (or other) signal (or disruption thereof) which can be monitored by the navigation system 20. For example, rotation of the middle tube 85 within the outer tube or shaft 81 (or an inner tube within the middle tube 85) may be configured to emit a signal or disrupt the magnetic field. The rotation of other components relative to one another may also be utilized to emit a signal or disrupt the magnetic field. In aspects according to the present disclosure, the geometry of one or more components may be configured to emit a specific or tunable signal which may be monitored by the navigation system 20. Rotation or oscillatory movement of any component of the blade assembly 84 may be configured to emit a detectable signal.

[0053] Once the navigational system 20 picks up or otherwise detects the relative signal (or disruption thereof), the navigational system 20 will pause operation. As such, the navigational system 20 will essentially cease navigation while the surgical working tip 82 is in use, e.g., rotating and being used to accomplish a surgical purpose. When the surgical working tip 82 stops rotating, the navigational system 20 will automatically (or upon manual activation) resume normal operation.A0012038

[0054] The detection of the signal and communication or interaction with the navigation system 20 operates as a safety shutoff mechanism 200 (FIG. 1). The safety shutoff mechanism 200 may be configured as software embedded into the navigational system 20, may be configured as an electrical interface (not shown) that cooperates with the navigational system, or may be a mechanical interface (not shown) that cooperates with the navigational system 20 or combinations thereof.

[0055] As can be appreciated, safety shutoff mechanism 200 may be easily configured for use with new surgical handpieces 12 (or other surgical instrumentation) and may also be easily retrofitted onto existing surgical handpieces 12 (or other surgical instrumentation). The safety shutoff mechanism 200 may be configured to convey a shutoff or pause signal (and resume signal) to the navigational system 20 via a communication lead wire or wirelessly.

[0056] While several aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings and / or described herein, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

[0057] The techniques of this disclosure may also be described in the following examples

[0058] Example 1. An image-guided surgical system, comprising: a navigational system configured to track a surgical tool of assembly of a surgical handpiece relative to a patient; and a tracking device operably coupled to the surgical handpiece, the tracking device configured to communicate with the navigational system to track the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient, wherein the surgical tool assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the surgical handpiece and extends therefrom, the surgical tool assembly configured to operably support a surgical working member at a distal end thereof, the surgical tool assembly adapted to operably couple to a motor for imparting at least one of rotational or oscillatory motion to the surgical working member upon activation thereof, wherein rotational or oscillatory motion of the surgical working member generates a signal that is detectable by the navigational system such that, upon detection, the navigational system pauses tracking of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.A0012038

[0059] Example 2. The image-guided system according to example 1, wherein the tracking device of the surgical handpiece includes one or more tracking coils disposed therein configured to facilitate tracking the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

[0060] Example 3. The image-guided system according to example 2, wherein rotational or oscillatory motion of the surgical working member generates the signal that is detectable by the tracking coils which, in turn, communicate the signal back to the navigational system.

[0061] Example 4. The image-guided system according to example 1, wherein the signal is disruptive to the tracking of the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

[0062] Example 5. The image-guided system according to example 1, wherein the signal is generated by one or more passive components disposed within the surgical handpiece.

[0063] Example 6. The image-guided system according to example 5, wherein the signal is tunable based on the geometry of the passive components.

[0064] Example 7. The image-guided system according to example 1, wherein after the surgical working member stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system automatically resumes tracking the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece.

[0065] Example 8. The image-guided system according to example 1, wherein after the surgical working member stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system can be reactivated to resume tracking the handpiece.

[0066] Example 9. The image-guided system according to example 1, wherein the surgical working member is at least one of a debrider, surgical bur, or surgical blade.

[0067] Example 10. The image-guided system according to example 1, wherein the surgical working member is specifically adapted for ENT procedures.

[0068] Example 11. A surgical instrument, comprising: a surgical handpiece including a tracking device operably coupled thereto, the tracking device adapted to communicate with a navigational system configured to track the surgical handpiece relative to the patient; and

[0069] a surgical tool assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the surgical handpiece and extending therefrom, the surgical tool assembly including a first tube and a second tube concentrically disposed therein, the second tube configured to operably support a surgicalA0012038 working member at a distal end thereof, the surgical tool assembly adapted to operably couple to a motor for imparting at least one of rotational or oscillatory motion to the second tube within the first tube, wherein rotational or oscillatory motion of the second tube within the first tube generates a signal that is detectable by the navigational system such that, upon detection, the navigational system pauses tracking of the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

[0070] Example 12. The surgical instrument according to example 11, wherein the tracking device of the surgical handpiece includes one or more tracking coils disposed therein configured to facilitate tracking the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

[0071] Example 13. The surgical instrument according to example 12, wherein rotational or oscillatory motion of the second tube within the first tube generates the signal that is detectable by the tracking coils which, in turn, communicate the signal back to the navigational system.

[0072] Example 14. The surgical instrument according to example 11, wherein the signal is disruptive to the tracking of the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

[0073] Example 15. The surgical instrument according to example 11, wherein the signal is generated by one or more passive components disposed within the surgical handpiece.

[0074] Example 16. The surgical instrument according to example 15, wherein the signal is tunable based on the geometry of the passive components.

[0075] Example 17. The surgical instrument according to example 11, wherein after the second tube stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system automatically resumes tracking the surgical tool of the surgical handpiece.

[0076] Example 18. The surgical instrument according to example 11, wherein after the second tube stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system can be reactivated to resume tracking the surgical tool of the surgical handpiece.

[0077] Example 19. The surgical instrument according to example 11, wherein the surgical working member is at least one of a debrider, surgical bur, or surgical blade.

[0078] Example 20. The surgical instrument according to example 11, wherein the surgical working element is specifically adapted for ENT procedures.

Claims

A0012038 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An image-guided surgical system, comprising: a navigational system configured to track a surgical tool assembly of a surgical handpiece relative to a patient; and a tracking device operably coupled to the surgical handpiece, the tracking device configured to communicate with the navigational system to track the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient, wherein the surgical tool assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the surgical handpiece and extends therefrom, the surgical tool assembly configured to operably support a surgical working member at a distal end thereof, the surgical tool assembly adapted to operably couple to a motor for imparting at least one of rotational or oscillatory motion to the surgical working member upon activation thereof, wherein rotational or oscillatory motion of the surgical working member generates a signal that is detectable by the navigational system such that, upon detection, the navigational system pauses tracking of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

2. The image-guided system according to claim 1, wherein the tracking device of the surgical handpiece includes one or more tracking coils disposed therein configured to facilitate tracking the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

3. The image-guided system according to claim 2, wherein rotational or oscillatory motion of the surgical working member generates the signal that is detectable by the tracking coils which, in turn, communicate the signal back to the navigational system.

4. The image-guided system according to any preceding claim, wherein the signal is disruptive to the tracking of the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece relative to the patient.

5. The image-guided system according to any preceding claim, wherein the signal is generated by one or more passive components disposed within the surgical handpiece. . The image-guided system according to claim 5, wherein the signal is tunable based on the geometry of the passive components.A0012038 7. The image-guided system according to any preceding claim, wherein after the surgical working member stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system automatically resumes tracking the surgical tool assembly of the surgical handpiece.

8. The image-guided system according to any preceding claim, wherein after the surgical working member stops rotating or oscillating, the signal is no longer detectable and the navigational system can be reactivated to resume tracking the handpiece.

9. The image-guided system according to any preceding claim, wherein the surgical working member is at least one of a debrider, surgical bur, or surgical blade.

10. The image-guided system according to any preceding claim, wherein the surgical working member is specifically adapted for ENT procedures.

Images