Patent ID: 7274958
Filing Date: 2007-09-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A registration pointer for registering points of surfaces of bodily elements in computer-assisted surgery, comprising: a handle for being manipulated by a pointer operator; a stem connected to the handle; a first tip configuration at a first tip of the stem; a second tip configuration being a removable hollow stem portion that selectively matingly covers the first tip and a portion of the stem, with each tip configuration having a respective use relating to a registration of points on specified bodily elements; and a detectable device secured to any one of the handle, the stem and the tip configurations, the detectable device being adapted to be tracked in space for position and orientation by a sensing apparatus; whereby a position of any one of the tip configurations with respect to the detectable device is determinable such that a position of any one of the tip configurations is calculable as a function of the position and orientation of the detectable device, any one of the tip configurations being chosen to register points on given bodily elements as a function of the respective use, by recording a position of points of contact between any one of the tip configurations and the given bodily element.