Patent ID: 8498692
Filing Date: 2013-07-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for displaying in images position, orientation and direction of insertion of a medical implant while undertaking a process of translating the medical implant along an insertion direction and through tissue in a patient's body to a point in the body, the images providing views of an examination region of the patient derived from a 3D image data record, the method comprising: continually updating 3D image data records with a C-arm computed tomography imaging system of the type having an x-ray radiation source and an x-ray detector positionable about a patient; generating from the 3D image data records 2D sectional images of one or more implant planes along an insertion direction of the implant; generating from the 3D image data records 2D sectional images perpendicular to the implant planes; providing at least two position sensors on the implant which emit position signals; using the signals from the at least two position sensors to determine coordinates and insertion direction of the implant, during the process of translating the medical implant to a point in the body, based on the coordinates of the 3D image data records; and displaying in one or more of the 2D section images: position, orientation and direction of insertion of a medical implant during the process of translating the medical implant along an insertion direction and to the point in the body, thereby enabling via one or more images an identification of tissue regions already traversed by the medical implant and a tissue region yet to be traversed but the medical implant.