Patent Publication Number: US-2018042514-A1

Title: Automatic Identification Of Instruments Used With A Surgical Navigation System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/087,735 filed on Nov. 22, 2013, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/708,157 filed on Feb. 19, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,600,478 issued on Dec. 3, 2013. The disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     A system for identification and information transfer regarding a surgical instrument, and particularly to a system providing specific information regarding a particular surgical instrument in a navigation system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     Surgical procedures are often performed on various patients in various operating theaters at different times. Many instruments can be reused for different operations on different patients over a series of operative procedures. Also, multiple instruments can be used in a single operation procedure on a single patient. It may be desirable to provide information relating to a specific instrument or attachment to an instrument among the multiple instruments in a single operating theater, or a single procedure, or among multiple procedures with a single instrument. 
     Systems may be provided that allow for general tracking information to be collected relating to particular surgical instruments. The information can be transferred to a computer to determine the location of a selected instrument in an inventory, a manufacturer of an instrument, or the like. The information relating to the instrument, however, is generally limited to information relating only to inventory tracking information or limited identity information. 
     It is desirable, however, to provide more detailed information relating to a particular surgical instrument or attachment therefore. For example, it is desirable to ensure information relating to calibration, size, etc. are always provided and correct. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system can provide information to a surgical navigation and/or tracking system for use by the navigation system in tracking and navigating a surgical instrument. For example, calibration information, size information, configuration information, and the like can be transferred to a navigation system from a specific instrument directly. The information can include information specific to a particular procedure about a particular instrument to allow for precise tracking of the instrument during a procedure. The system can also allow for rewriting the information to insure an up-to-date information, particular procedure information, and the like are always provided and correct. 
     According to various embodiments, a system to determine information related to a selected member in a surgical navigation system for navigating a procedure relative to an anatomy is disclosed. The system can include a surgical instrument operable to perform a surgical procedure on the anatomy and having an identification member including selected information related to the surgical instrument and a tracking device associated with the surgical instrument. A tracking system can track a location of the tracking device. A navigation processor can determine the position of the surgical instruction based upon the tracked position of the surgical device and determine an identity of the surgical instrument based upon the identification member. Also, a display can display an icon representing the specific surgical instrument. 
     According to various embodiments a system to determine information related to a selected member In a surgical navigation system for navigating a procedure relative to an anatomy is taught. The system can include an information tag operable to receive and transmit selected information and an information tag reader that can at least one of read, write, or combinations thereof information of the information tag. A surgical instrument can be associated with the information tag wherein the information tag includes information specific to the surgical instrument. A navigation system can be used with a communication system that interconnects the information tag reader and the navigation system wherein information read from the information tag is transmitted to the navigation system. Also, a display can display information regarding the surgical instrument based upon the information read by the information tag reader from the information tag. 
     According to various embodiments a method of using a system to determine information related to a selected member in a surgical navigation system for navigating a procedure relative to an anatomy is taught. The method can include providing a surgical instrument and associating an information member with the surgical instrument. Data can be stored on the information member describing characteristics of the surgical instrument. The data from the information member can be retrieved and the retrieved data can be provided to the surgical navigation system. The provided information can be used during an operative procedure. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a surgical navigation system according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed block diagram of an information reading system according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a multi-piece surgical system; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of multi-piece surgical system according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method according to various embodiments for transferring information; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates an information reader and a display according to various embodiments; and 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates an information reader and a display according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
     A guided procedure can be performed with a navigation system  20 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The guided procedure can be any appropriate procedure, such as a cardiac procedure, ENT, neural procedure, spinal procedure, and orthopedic procedure. The navigation system  20  can include various components, as will be discussed further herein. The navigation system  20  can allow a user, such as a surgeon to view on a display  22  a relative position of an instrument  24  to a coordinate system. The coordinate system can be made relative to an image, such as in an image guided procedure, or can be registered to a patient only, such as in an imageless procedure. 
     It should further be noted that the navigation system  20  can be used to navigate or track instruments including: catheters, probes, needles, guidewires, instruments, implants, deep brain stimulators, electrical leads, etc. Moreover, the instrument  24  can be used in any region of the body. The navigation system  20  and the various instruments  24  can be used in any appropriate procedure, such as one that is generally minimally invasive, arthroscopic, percutaneous, stereotactic, or an open procedure. Also, the instrument  24  is only exemplary of any appropriate instrument and may also represent many instruments, such as a series or group of instruments. Identity and other information relating to the instrument  24  can also be provided to the navigation system  20 . Further, the information about the instrument  24  can also be displayed on the display  22  for viewing by a surgeon  121 . 
     Although the navigation system  20  can include an exemplary imaging device  26 , one skilled in the art will understand that the discussion of the imaging device  26  is merely for clarity of the present discussion and any appropriate imaging system, navigation system, patient specific data, and non-patient specific data can be used. Image data can be captured or obtained at any appropriate time with any appropriate device. 
     The navigation system  20  can include the optional imaging device  26  that is used to acquire pre-, intra-, or post-operative or real-time image data of a patient  28 . The illustrated imaging device  26  can be, for example, a fluoroscopic x-ray imaging device that may be configured as a C-arm  26  having an x-ray source  30  and an x-ray receiving section  32 . Other imaging devices may be provided such as an ultrasound system, a microscope, magnetic resonance image systems, computed tomography systems, etc. and reference herein to the C-arm  26  is not intended to limit the type of imaging device. An optional calibration and tracking target and optional radiation sensors can be provided, as understood by one skilled in the art. An example of a fluoroscopic C-arm x-ray device that may be used as the optional imaging device  26  is the “Series 9600 Mobile Digital Imaging System,” from OEC Medical Systems, Inc., of Salt Lake City, Utah. Other exemplary fluoroscopes include bi-plane fluoroscopic systems, ceiling fluoroscopic systems, cath-lab fluoroscopic systems, fixed C-arm fluoroscopic systems, isocentric C-arm fluoroscopic systems, 3D fluoroscopic systems, etc. 
     An optional imaging device controller  34  can control the imaging device  26  to capture the x-ray images received at the receiving section  32  and store the images for later use. The controller  34  may also be separate from the C-arm  26  and/or control the rotation of the C-arm  26 . For example, the C-arm  26  can move in the direction of arrow  26   a  or rotate about a longitudinal axis  28   a  of the patient  28 , allowing anterior or lateral views of the patient  28  to be imaged. Each of these movements involves rotation about a mechanical axis  36  of the C-arm  26 . 
     The operation of the C-arm  26  is understood by one skilled in the art. Briefly, x-rays can be emitted from an x-ray section  30  and received at a receiving section  32 . The receiving section  32  can include a camera that can create the image data from the received x-rays. It will be understood that image data can be created or captured with any appropriate imaging device, such as a magnetic resonance imaging system, a positron emission tomography system, computed tomography, or any appropriate system. It will be further understood that various imaging systems can be calibrated according to various known techniques. Further, a C-arm tracking device  38  can be provided to track a position of the receiving section  32  at any appropriate time by the navigation system  20 . 
     The image data can then be forwarded from the C-arm controller  34  to a navigation computer and/or processor  40  via a communication system  41 . The communication system  41  can be wireless, wired, a data transfer device (e.g. a CD-Rom or DVD-Rom), or any appropriate system. A work station  42  can include the navigation processor  40 , the display  22 , a user interface  44 , and a memory  46 . It will also be understood that the image data is not necessarily first retained in the controller  34 , but may be directly transmitted to the workstation  42  or to a tracking system  50 , as discussed herein. 
     The work station  42  provides facilities for displaying the image data as an image on the display  22 , saving, digitally manipulating, or printing a hard copy image of the of the received image data. The user interface  44 , which may be a keyboard, mouse, touch pen, touch screen or other suitable device, allows a physician or user to provide inputs to control the imaging device  26 , via the C-arm controller  34 , or adjust the display settings of the display  22 . 
     While the optional imaging device  26  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 isocentric fluoroscopy, bi-plane fluoroscopy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT), T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), T2 weighted MRI, high frequency ultrasound (HIFU), positron emission tomography (PET), optical coherence tomography (OCT), intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS), ultrasound, intra-operative CT, single photo emission computed tomography (SPECT), or planar gamma scintigraphy (PGS) may also be used to acquire 2D, 3D or 4D pre- or post-operative and/or real-time images or image data of the patient  28 . 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. A more detailed discussion on optical coherence tomography (OCT), is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,808, issued Apr. 21, 1998, entitled “Systems And Methods For Guiding Diagnostic Or Therapeutic Devices In Interior Tissue Regions” which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Image datasets from hybrid modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET) combined with CT, or single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) combined with CT, can also provide functional image data superimposed onto anatomical data to be used to confidently reach target sites within the patient  28 . It should further be noted that the optional imaging device  26 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , provides a virtual bi-plane image using a single-head C-arm fluoroscope as the optional imaging device  26  by simply rotating the C-arm  26  about at least two planes, which could be orthogonal planes to generate two-dimensional images that can be converted to three-dimensional volumetric images. By acquiring images in more than one plane, an icon representing the location of an impacter, stylet, reamer driver, taps, drill, deep brain stimulators, electrical leads, needles, implants, probes, or other instrument, introduced and advanced in the patient  28 , may be superimposed in more than one view on the display  22  allowing simulated bi-plane or even multi-plane views, including two and three-dimensional views. 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the navigation system  20  can further include the tracking system  50  that includes a localizer  52  (e.g. a coil array or multiple coil arrays), a coil array controller  54 , a navigation interface  56  for an instrument tracking device and a dynamic reference frame  58 . The dynamic reference frame  58  can include a dynamic reference frame member or holder  60  and a removable tracking device  62 . Alternatively, the dynamic reference frame  58  can include a tracking device that is formed integrally with the dynamic reference frame member  60 . One skilled in the art will understand that the tracking device  62  can be any appropriate device that can be an emitter, a receiver, a reflector, a sensor to sense a field, or any other appropriate device that can be tracked by a tracking system including a localizer. 
     The transmitter coil array  52  may also be supplemented or replaced with a second localizer  52   a . The second localizer  52   a  may be one such as that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/941,782, filed Sep. 15, 2004, now U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0085720, and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SURGICAL NAVIGATION”, herein incorporated by reference. As is understood the localizer array can transmit signals that are received by the dynamic reference frame  58 , and a tracking device  94 . The dynamic reference frame  58  and the tracking device  94  can then transmit signals based upon the received signals from the array  52 ,  52   a.    
     It should further be noted that the entire tracking system  50  or parts of the tracking system  50  may be incorporated into the imaging device  26 . For example, one of the localizers can be incorporated into the imaging device  26 . Incorporating the tracking system  50  may provide an integrated imaging and tracking system. Any combination of these components may also be incorporated into the imaging system  26 , which can include any appropriate imaging device. 
     The transmitter coil array  52  can be attached to the receiving section  32  of the C-arm  26 . It should be noted, however, that the transmitter coil array  52  may also be positioned at any other location as well. For example, the transmitter coil array  52  may be positioned at the x-ray source  30 , within or atop an operating room (OR) table  84  positioned below the patient  28 , on siderails associated with the OR table  84 , or positioned on the patient  28  in proximity to the region being navigated, such as on the patient&#39;s chest. The coil array  52  can be used in an electromagnet tracking system as the localizer therefore. The transmitter coil array  52  may also be positioned in the items being navigated, further discussed herein. The transmitter coil array  52  can include a plurality of coils that are each operable to generate distinct electromagnetic fields into the navigation region of the patient  28 , which is sometimes referred to as patient space. Electromagnetic systems are generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,820, entitled “Position Location System,” issued Jun. 22, 1999 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,939, entitled “Method and System for Navigating a Catheter Probe,” issued Jan. 14, 1997, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The transmitter coil array  52  is controlled or driven by the coil array controller  54 . The coil array controller  54  drives each coil in the transmitter coil array  52  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, as discussed further herein. Upon driving the coils in the transmitter coil array  52  with the coil array controller  54 , electromagnetic fields are generated within the patient  28  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 tracking devices  62 ,  94  positioned on or in the instruments  24 . These induced signals from the instrument  24  are delivered to the navigation device interface  56  and can be forwarded to the coil array controller  54 . The navigation device interface  54  may provide all the necessary electrical isolation for the navigation system  20 , as discussed herein. The navigation device interface  56  can also include amplifiers, filters and buffers to directly interface with the tracking devices  62 ,  94  in the instrument  24 . Alternatively, the tracking devices  62 ,  94 , or any other appropriate portion, may employ a wireless communications channel, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,341, entitled “Surgical Communication Power System,” issued Nov. 5, 2002, herein incorporated by reference, as opposed to being coupled with a physical cord to the navigation device interface  56 . 
     When the navigation system  20  uses an EM based tracking system, various portions of the navigation system  20 , such as tracking devices  62 ,  94 , that can be associated with the (DRF)  58  and the instrument  24 , are equipped with at least one, and generally multiple coils that are operable with the EM localizer arrays  52 ,  52   a . Alternatively, the tracking system  50  may be a hybrid system that includes components from various tracking systems such as optical, acoustic, radiation, radar, etc. 
     The tracking device  94  on the instrument  24  can be in a handle  122  ( FIG. 3 ) or inserter that interconnects with an attachment  124 ,  126 ,  128  ( FIG. 3 ). The instrument  24  may assist in placing a screw implant  142 ,  144 ,  146  ( FIG. 4 ), a prosthesis  147  ( FIG. 4 ), or driving a selected portion. The instrument  24  can include a graspable or manipulable portion at a proximal end and the tracking sensor device and can be fixed near the manipulable portion of the instrument  24  or at a distal working end, as discussed herein. The tracking device  24  can include an electromagnetic sensor to sense the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitter coil array  52  that can induce a current in the tracking device  94 . 
     The dynamic reference frame  58  of the tracking system  50  can also be coupled to the navigation device interface  56  to forward the information to the coil array controller  54 . The dynamic reference frame  58 , according to various embodiments, may include a small magnetic field detector as the tracking device  62 . The dynamic reference frame  58  may be fixed to the patient  28  adjacent to the region being navigated so that any movement of the patient  28  is detected as relative motion between the transmitter coil array  52  and the dynamic reference frame  58 . The dynamic reference frame  58  can be interconnected with the patient  28  in any appropriate manner, including those discussed herein. Any relative motion is forwarded to the coil array controller  54 , which updates registration correlation and maintains accurate navigation, further discussed herein. If the dynamic reference frame  58  is electromagnetic it can be configured as a pair or trio of orthogonally oriented coils, each having the same center or may be configured in any other non-coaxial or co-axial coil configurations. 
     The dynamic reference frame  58  may be affixed externally to the patient  28 , adjacent to the region of navigation, such as on the patient&#39;s cranium, etc., as shown in  FIG. 1 . The dynamic reference frame  58  can be affixed to the patient&#39;s skin, by way of a selected adhesive patch and/or a tensioning system. The dynamic reference frame  58  may also be removably attachable to a fiducial marker  69 . The fiducial markers can be anatomical landmarks or members attached or positioned on the patient&#39;s  28  body. The dynamic reference frame  58  can also be connected to a bone portion of the anatomy. The bone portion can be adjacent the area of the procedure, the bone of the procedure, or any appropriate body portion. 
     Although the discussion above is directed to an electromagnetic navigation and tracking system, it will be understood that any appropriate tracking system can be used as the tracking system  50 . For example, one skilled in the art will understand that an optical tracking system can be used, a radar tracking system can be used, an acoustic tracking system can be used, an accelerometer tracking system can be used, or any appropriate tracking system. Nevertheless, the tracking system can include any appropriate portions such as an appropriate localizer for the tracking system and appropriate tracking devices for the tracking system. Thus, the discussion herein regarding an electromagnetic tracking system is merely exemplary of any appropriate tracking system. 
     Briefly, the navigation system  20  operates as follows. The navigation system  20  creates a translation map between all points in the image data or image space and the corresponding points in the patient&#39;s anatomy in patient space. After this map is established, the image space and patient space are registered. In other words, registration is the process of determining how to correlate a position in image space with a corresponding point in real or patient space. This can also be used to illustrate a position of the instrument  24  relative to the proposed trajectory and/or the determined anatomical target. The work station  42  in combination with the coil array controller  54  and the C-arm controller  34  identify the corresponding point on the pre-acquired image or atlas model relative to the tracked instrument  24  and display the position on display  22  and relative to the image data  23 . This identification is known as navigation or localization. An icon representing the localized point or instruments is shown on the display  22  within several two-dimensional image planes, as well as on three and four dimensional images and models. 
     To register the patient  28  the surgeon  121  may use point registration by selecting and storing particular points from the pre-acquired images and then touching the corresponding points on the patient&#39;s  28  anatomy with a pointer probe or any appropriate tracked device, such as the instrument  24 . The navigation system  20  analyzes the relationship between the two sets of points that are selected and computes a match, which allows for a determination of a correlation of every point in the image data or image space with its corresponding point on the patient&#39;s anatomy or the patient space. 
     The points that are selected to perform registration or form a translation map are the fiducial markers  69 , such as anatomical or artificial landmarks. Again, the fiducial markers  69  are identifiable on the images and identifiable and accessible on the patient  28 . The fiducial markers  69  can be artificial landmarks that are positioned on the patient  28  or anatomical landmarks that can be easily identified in the image data. The artificial fiducial markers  69 , can also form part of the dynamic reference frame  58 , such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,485, entitled “Registration of Human Anatomy Integrated for Electromagnetic Localization,” issued Apr. 30, 2002, herein incorporated by reference. It will be understood that the “X” illustrated in  FIG. 1  can merely indicate a position of a fiducial marker  69  rather than being the fiducial marker  69 . 
     The 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 system  20  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. Ser. No. 10/644,680, filed on Aug. 20, 2003, now U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004-0215071, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Performing 2D to 3D Registration”, hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In order to maintain registration accuracy, the navigation system  20  continuously can track the position of the patient  28  during registration and navigation with the dynamic reference frame  58 . This is because the patient  28 , dynamic reference frame  58 , and transmitter coil array  52  may all move during the procedure, even when this movement is not desired. Alternatively the patient  28  may be held immobile once the registration has occurred, such as with a head frame. Therefore, if the navigation system  20  did not track the position of the patient  28  or area of the anatomy, any patient movement after image acquisition would result in inaccurate navigation within that image. The dynamic reference frame  58  allows the tracking system  50  to track the anatomy and can assist in registration. Because the dynamic reference frame  58  is rigidly fixed to the patient  28 , any movement of the anatomy or the transmitter coil array  52  is detected as the relative motion between the transmitter coil array  52  and the dynamic reference frame  58 . This relative motion is communicated to the coil array controller  54 , via the navigation probe interface  56 , which updates the registration correlation to thereby maintain accurate navigation. 
     The dynamic reference frame  58  can be affixed to any appropriate portion of the patient  28 , and can be used to register the patient space to the image data, as discussed above. For example, when a procedure is being performed relative to a cranium  29 , the dynamic reference frame  58  can be interconnected with the cranium  29 . The dynamic reference frame  58  can be interconnected with the cranium  29  in any appropriate manner, such as those discussed herein according to various embodiments. 
     Navigation can be assisted with registration and the navigation system  20  can detect both the position of the patient&#39;s anatomy and the position of the device  58  or attachment member (e.g. tracking sensor  94 ) attached to the instrument  24 . Knowing the location of these two items allows the navigation system  20  to compute and display the position of the instrument  24  or any portion thereof in relation to the patient  28 . The tracking system  50  is employed to track the instrument  24  and the anatomy  28  simultaneously. 
     The tracking system  50 , if it is using an electromagnetic tracking assembly, can work by positioning the transmitter coil array  52  adjacent to the patient space to generate a magnetic field, which can be low energy, 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 electromagnetic tracking system  50  can determine the position of the instrument  24  by measuring the field strength at the tracking device  94  location. The dynamic reference frame  58  is fixed to the patient  28  to identify the location of the patient  28  in the navigation field. The electromagnetic tracking system  50  continuously recomputes the relative position of the dynamic reference frame  58  and the instrument  24  during localization and relates this spatial information to patient registration data to enable image guidance of the instrument  24  within and/or relative to the patient  28 . 
     To obtain maximum accuracy it can be selected to fix the dynamic reference frame  58  in each of at least 6 degrees of freedom. Thus, the dynamic reference frame  58  or any of the tracking sensors  258  can be fixed relative to axial motion X, translational motion Y, rotational motion Z, yaw, pitch, and roll relative to the portion of the patient  28  to which it is attached. Any appropriate coordinate system can be used to describe the various degrees of freedom. Fixing the dynamic reference frame relative to the patient  28  in this manner can assist in maintaining maximum accuracy of the navigation system  20 . 
     The instrument  24  can be any appropriate instrument (e.g., a catheter, a probe, a guide, etc.) and can be used for various procedures and methods, such as delivering a material to a selected portion of the patient  28 , such as within the cranium  29 . Other exemplary instruments can also be implantable members, scissors, clamps, retractors, etc. The material can be any appropriate material such as a bioactive material, a pharmacological material, a contrast agent, or any appropriate material. As discussed further herein, the instrument  24  can be precisely positioned via the navigation system  20  and otherwise used to achieve a protocol for positioning the material relative to the patient  28  in any appropriate manner, such as within the cranium  29 . The instrument  24  may also include a brain probe to perform deep brain stimulation. 
     Determination of or information relating to the current instrument  24  at any point in time can assist the navigation system  20  in displaying an appropriate location or icon on the display  22 . For example, an icon representing a particular instrument can be used as well as an exact size or shape of the particular instrument. Therefore, an instrument identification system according to various embodiments is taught. The navigation system  20  can be used with an identification system  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The identification system  100  can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) or information system. Such RFID systems include those sold by Precimed, Inc. of Exton, Pa. or MBBS S.A. of Cocelles, Switzerland. 
     The RFID identification system  100  can generally include an information RFID tag or member  102  and an RFID reader  104 . The RFID tag  102  can transmit or be induced to transmit a signal  106  that can be received as a reception signal  108  by the RFID reader  104 . The signal induced or sent by the RFID tag  102  can be any appropriate signal, such as one that is induced by a power signal from the RFID reader  104 , a signal powered by an onboard system in the RFID tag  102 , or any appropriate manner. The RFID reader  104  can be interconnected through a communication line  110  with the workstation  42 . It will be understood, however, that a wireless system can also be used to transmit information from the RFID reader  104  to the work station  42 . 
     Returning reference to  FIG. 1 , the RFID reader  104  can be provided in any appropriate location in an operating theater. For example, the RFID reader  104  can be integrated with the localizer array  52  (shown in plantom). Also, the RFID reader  104  can be integrated into the bed  84 , the array  52 , or any appropriate location. Although multiple RFID readers can be provided, an RFID reader can be provided with the localizer array  52  to insure that an instrument that is in the navigation field is the appropriate instrument or is being appropriately illustrated on the display  22 . Therefore, the RFID reader  104  can be provided in any appropriate location within an operating theater. 
     As discussed above, the localizer array  52  can include electromagnetic coils that can send or receive electromagnetic fields. Therefore, according to various embodiments, the coils provided in the localizer array  52  can also serve as the RFID reader  104 . Therefore, not only can the RFID reader  104  be integrated with the localizer array  52 , the localizer array  52  can act as the RFID reader  104 , according to various embodiments. This can be provided if the RFID tags  102  are provided to transmit or receive on the appropriate frequencies used with the coil array  52 . 
     An RFID processor  112  can also be provided in the communication line  110 A′ and  110 B′ between the RFID reader  104  and the workstation  42 . The RFID processor  112  can be used to process the signal from the RFID reader  104  for interpretation by a processor on the work station  42 . Therefore, the processor provided in the work station  42  can be selected to simply execute instructions related to the information provided from the RFID processor  112 . It will be understood, however, that the RFID processor  112  can be provided as a single unit with the RFID reader  104  or can be provided in the work station  42  according to various embodiments. 
     The RFID tag  102  can be provided on any appropriate portion that can be used in an operating theater, and can include any appropriate tag. For example, RFID tags can include those provided by MBBS of Switzerland. The RFID tag  102  can be programmed with a certain amount and type of information or data at any appropriate time. For example, a selected information can be programmed or stored at manufacturing or at integration of the RFID tag  102  with the instrument  24 . The information can include any appropriate information, such as size of the instrument  24 , material of manufacturing, manufacturing information, and the like. The RFID tag  102  can also be provided with a mechanism to change or add information at a later time. For example, a calibration change or orientation change can occur and can alter the correctness of the information on the RFID tag  102  after manufacturing. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , an instrumentation set  120  can be used as the instrument  24  and can be used with the identification system  100 . The instrumentation set  120  can include numerous components, such as a handle  122  and a working or interchangeable portion  123  including a probe  124 , an awl  126 , and a tap  128 . The instrument system  120  can be used for a single procedure on a single patient or between multiple patients in multiple procedures. Nevertheless, the working portion  123  of the system  120  can include each of the probe  124 , the awl  126 , and the tap  128 . Each of the working portions  123  can include quick connect portions  124   a ,  126   a , and  128   a  for each of the respective components. The working portion  123  can be interconnected with a quick connect portion  130  of the handle  122  during an operating procedure. If the working portion  123  is being navigated on the display  22  or displayed relative to the image data  23 , the particular working portion  123  may be selected to be particularly illustrated on the display  22  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ). Further, each of the various working portions  123 , can include different dimensions, such as lengths, diameter, angles, configurations and the like. The specific information relating to each of the particular working portions  123  can also be specifically displayed or illustrated on the display  22  at a selected time, as discussed herein. 
     The many different types of information that can be stored or saved on the RFID tag  102  can include calibration information which can include different instrument specific information. For example, the position of a tip of the instrument  24  can be saved or stored on the RFID tag  102  which can also include a length of the instrument, to determine a position of the tip of the instrument  24 . Also, other information regarding calibration can include a configuration, an angle, an orientation, or the like. The calibration information saved on the RFID tag  102  can include specific information that can be used for various purposes, such as being displayed on the display  22  ( FIG. 6A - FIG. 6B ). As discussed further herein the calibration information, that includes information such as size and tip location, can be used to determine an appropriate icon or appropriate rendering of the instruments being displayed on the display  22 . 
     During an operative procedure, interconnecting the selected working portion  123  with the handle  122  can be displayed on the display  22  by the reading of the particular RFID tag  102  on one of the working portion  123 . In this regard, each of the working portion  123  can include an RFID tag  102 , such as a first RFID tag  132  on the probe  124 , a second RFID tag  134  on the awl  126 , and a third RFID tag  136  on the tap  138 . The multiple RFID tags  132 - 136  can provide specific information for the parts  124 - 128  of the working portion  123  to which they are attached. The RFID reader  104  can be used to read the RFID tag  132 - 136  interconnected with a particular working portion  123 . The RFID reader  104  can be provided in any appropriate manner, including that discussed further herein. Nevertheless, particular information can be provided on the RFID tags  132 - 136  for use by the navigation system  20  to assist in navigating the instrument  24 . As discussed above, the information can include length, diameter, angle, and the like of the working portion  123 . 
     Further, various additional information can be added to the particular RFID tags  102  at a selected time. For example, each time the particular instrument is used in a procedure it can be selected to determine or write to the RFID tag  132 - 136  that a particular procedure has been performed with the particular instrument. Therefore, a lifetime or number of work cycles of the particular working portion can be stored on the different RFID tag  132 - 136  and be specifically determined for each of the individual working member  123 . 
     Exemplary information can include a calibration information that can be provided regarding one particular instrument, including the length, diameter and the like of the instrument. Because of a writing capability, a user can select to change or recalibrate the information on the RFID tag  102  regarding the particular working portion  123 . For example, the probe  124  may change over a life span of the probe  124 . Although the change in the probe  124  can change its length, angle, or the like, it can still be usable. Therefore, calibration information relating to the particular probe  124  can be read and rewritten to the first RFID tag  132 . 
     As one skilled in the art will understand, the position of various instruments can be used to assist in navigating or tracking an instrument relative to the patient  28 . Further, various information can be determined intraoperably, such as a length of a particular tool, particularly when the tracking device  94  is attached intraoperatively. For example, the tracking device can be interconnected with the instrument  24  and can be intraoperatively calibrated by touching a reference point, such as a portion of the DRF  58 . The tracking system  50  can then determine a position of the tracking device  94  relative to a tip of the instrument  24 . It will be understood that this information can also be written to the RFID tag  102 , if selected. Nevertheless, the position of the tracking device  94  may be moved from operation to operation, thus providing such calibration information from a calibration performed intraoperatively may or may not be written, and can depend on various conditions. 
     Nevertheless, further calibration information can be provided to the RFID tag  102  at any appropriate time. The calibration information can include size, tip location, angulations or orientation of the instrument  24 , or any other appropriate information. It will be understood that the information can generally be used by the navigation system  20  for display on the display  22 . As discussed further herein, the calibration information can be used to select an appropriate icon, render an appropriate icon, determine the location of a portion of the icon relative to a particular part of the image data  23 , or other appropriate information. 
     The identity of the particular working portion  123  can be encoded or stored on the RFID tags  132 - 136 . The particular identification of the working portion  123  can be provided to the navigation system  20  for various appropriate purposes. As discussed above, the navigation system  20  can be used to navigate a procedure relative to the patient  28 . Further, the navigation system  20 , or any appropriate system, can be used to plan a procedure relative to the patient  28 . The planned procedure can be provided with a navigation system  20  or loaded onto the navigation system  20  for use during a procedure on the patient  28 . As part of the plan, the identity of instruments to be used on the patient  28  can be included in the plan that is provided on the navigation system  20 . Thus, during an actual procedure, the identity of the particular working portion  123  provided for a use on the patient  28  can be verified. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a kit for a surgical procedure  140  is illustrated. The kit  140  can include various portions, such as the handle  122 , the working portions  123 , including various lengths, such as a first length probe  124 A, and a second length of a probe  124 B, two lengths of awls  126 A,  126 B and two lengths of taps  128 A,  128 B. Further additional portions can be provided by the kit  140 , such as implants of various lengths  142 ,  144 , and  146 . The implants  142 - 146  can also be different types of implants, different sizes of implants, or the like. Also, a stylet  148  can be provided along with any other appropriate instruments, such as a scissor  150 . 
     Each of the multiple instruments or portions of the kit  140  can be provided with a specific RFID tag, as discussed above. Further, a tray RFID tag  152  can also be provided. The multiple RFID tags can be read with the RFID reader  104  and the information transferred to the work station  42 . Thus, prior to a procedure, verification of particular instruments, particular implants, or the like can be provided to the work station  42  for verification by a user, such as the surgeon  121  or a nurse, before opening or breaking the sterility of the kit  140 . Further, the verification of the appropriate instrument or working portions  123  can be provided before opening the kit  140  or beginning a procedure on the patient  28  by being compared to a plan stored in the workstation  42 . The RFID tags, including the tray RFID tag  152  can be provided to insure that an appropriate system, instrument, or implant is being provided for a particular procedure on a particular patient. 
     As discussed above, the plan for a particular patient or a procedure can be provided in the work station  42 . Therefore, once the RFID reader has read the RFID tags provided in the kit  140 , the plan, such as an instrument table stored as a part of the plan, can be used to confirm the presence of the appropriate instrument or implants. Also, this can allow a period to obtain a different or appropriate instrument or implants if they are needed. This also can provide an error check or confirmation for a particular procedure. 
     The kit  140  can include the implants  142 ,  144 ,  146 , and  147 . The implants can be the same, such as implants  142 - 146  in different sizes, or can include a different implant, such as a spinal implant  147 . Nevertheless, each of the implant portions can include a respective RFID tag or identification member  142   a ,  144   a ,  146   a , and  147   a . Like the RFID tags that are provided for each of the various instruments, the RFID tags  142   a ,  144   a ,  146   a , and  147   a  on each of the implants  142 - 147  can be read with the RFID reader  104 . Briefly, this can allow the determination or verification of an appropriate implant being used at a particular time, such as within a particular step of the plan for the procedure. 
     In addition, the RFID tags  142   a - 147   a , can be used to ensure that appropriate implants are provided in the kit  140 . Also, the RFID tags on the implants can be used in a post-operative survey to ensure that all of the appropriate implants are positioned in the patient as defined by the pre-operative plan or by the surgeon intra-operatively. Therefore, one skilled in the art will understand that the RFID tags can be provided on the implants as well as the instruments for various purposes, such as identification and verification. 
     With reference to each of the Figs. above, and additional reference to  FIG. 5 , an exemplary system or method is illustrated in a flow chart  160 . The flow chart  160  is only an exemplary method, and is provided merely to illustrate the system according to various embodiments for use with a navigation system. The RFID tags can be provided on various instruments and implants in block  162 . Various information can be input into the RFID tag in block  164 . As discussed above, the particular information stored on the RFID tag can include calibration information, length information, size information, manufacturing information, or any appropriate type of information. Further, the information stored into the RFID tag can be written at any appropriate time, as discussed above. For example, the information can be provided during a particular procedure, subsequent to a particular procedure, or at any appropriate time. The information written into the RFID tag can include information changed by a particular user or by a supplier, manufacturer, or the like. 
     A procedure can then be planned with particular instruments or implants in block  166 . The procedure planned in block  166  can include any appropriate procedure, such as a neurological procedure, an orthopedic procedure, a cardiac procedure, or the like. For example, a procedure can include a spinal implant, an ablation, a resection, or the like. The procedure planned in block  166  can also include the acquisition of image data of the patient  28  or any other appropriate information. Further, the procedure planned in block  166  can also include determining the appropriate instruments and implants for a particular procedure. The particular instruments and implants can be provided as part of the plan for input into the navigation system  20 , including the work station  42 . The planned procedure in block  166 , therefore, can include any appropriate information and can include particular information for a specific planned procedure. It will be understood that the plan made in block  166  can be altered at any appropriate time by an appropriate individual, such as the user  121 . Providing the plan  166 , however, can be used to insure that a procedure actually performed substantially matches or adheres to a planned procedure. 
     Once the plan has been produced in block  166  and the information of various implants or instruments are provided on various RFID tags to provided therewith, the instruments and implants can be prepared for the procedure or plan in block  168 . Preparing the implants and the instruments for the procedure can include any appropriate preparation, such as obtaining them, providing them in a tray, sterilizing the implants, preparing patient specific implants, or the like. The instruments prepared for the procedure block  168 , however, can then be provided to an operating theater for the planned procedure. Providing the implants and the instruments to the operating theater can include any appropriate step, such as moving a sterilized tray or container to an operating theater for use by a particular user, such as the surgeon  121 . 
     Once the instruments and implants are provided to the operating theater, the RFID tags on the instruments and implants can be read in block  170 . The information read in block  170  can be read with the RFID reader  104 , discussed above, or with any appropriate system. Further, as discussed above, the RFID reader  104  can be integral with the navigation system  20 , including a separate reader, or be provided in any appropriate manner. The information read from the RFID tags in block  170 , however, can be transferred to the work station  42  in block  172 . The information transferred to the work station can be transferred in any appropriate manner, including the transmission line  110  discussed above, a wireless system, a hard disk or hard media, or in any appropriate manner. 
     Nevertheless, the information read from the RFID tags in block  170  can be transferred to the work station  42  for any appropriate purpose. For example, the data read from the tags on block  170  and transferred in block  172  can be compared to the plan from block  166  in block  174 . Comparing the plan in block  174  can include insuring that each of the appropriate instruments and implants have been provided and prepared in block  168 . Therefore, the comparison in block  174  can be to insure that all the appropriate instruments, all the appropriate preparation of instruments or implants, or any other preparation has occurred and each are being provided to the operating theater. 
     A decision block  176  can be used to insure that each appropriate instrument and implant is being provided to the operating theater. When comparing the information that is transferred to the work station from block  174 , the decision block  176  can be used to insure that all of the appropriate instruments and implants are provided to an operating theater. If the determination is NO in, block  180 , different or additional instruments can be prepared in block  168 . Therefore, the procedure  160  can be part of a process to insure that each of the appropriate instruments and implants are provided to an operating theater. Generally, at least this portion, determining that the instruments and implants are appropriate for the plan, can be performed before the patient  28  is prepped for a procedure. Although it can be understood that the determination can occur at any time, it can be selected to insure that the appropriate instruments and implants are provided in a selected manner prior to exposing the patient  28  to the operating theater or an operating procedure. The other alternative is YES in block  182 , which can allow the procedure to continue. 
     Once it has been determined that each of the appropriate implants and instruments are provided, the implants and instruments can be assembled in a selected manner in block  184 . The assembly of the instruments and implants can be in any appropriate manner, such as interconnecting a working portion  123  with the handle  122 . The assembly of the instruments or the implants can be used to perform a selected portion of the procedure or plan, as discussed above. 
     The information from the RFID tag from a selected or active instrument can be read in block  186 . As discussed above, the RFID reader  104  can be provided in the operating theater, such that when the interconnection of an instrument or implant is performed, the RFID reader  104  can also confirm that the appropriate instrument or implant has been assembled or is being provided relative to the patient  28  according to the plan in block  166 . The active instrument is generally one or more instruments about to be used in the procedure and in or near parent space. The information can be read from the RFID tag at any appropriate time, such as when an RFID tag is moved into the navigation field. As discussed above, the navigation array or localizer  52  can be used as the RFID reader  104  or an RFID reader  104  can be integrated therewith to insure that when an instrument or implant moves into the navigation field, it can be compared relative to the plan to insure that the appropriate instrument or implant is being provided at an appropriate time according to the plan. 
     The reading of the tag of the particular instrument or implant in block  186  can be performed at any appropriate time and according to any appropriate process. For example, when a tag comes within the field of influence of the RFID reader  104 , the RFID reader  104  can automatically obtain information from the RFID tag  102 . Therefore, the obtaining or reading of the information by the RFID reader  104  in block  186  can be done substantially automatically. In addition, various inputs can be provided to provide instructions or prompts to the RFID reader  104  to obtain the information from the RFID tag. For example, a user can activate the RFID reader  104 , according to various embodiments, to obtain information from the RFID tag. Alternatively, or in addition, a switch or portion can be interconnected with a portion of the instrument, such as the handle  122 , to provide an instruction to the RFID reader  104  to obtain information from the RFID tag. Therefore, obtaining information from the RFID tag can occur at any appropriate time and can be done substantially automatically or with an input, which can be from a user or other portion of the system. 
     As discussed above, the information can be obtained from the RFID tag  102  in any appropriate manner, such as automatically, with user input, or a combination thereof. For example, the information from the RFID tag  102  can be read by the RFID reader  104  when positioned relative to the array  52 , substantially automatically. Therefore, the user  121  can be alleviated from a responsibility of inputting the appropriate information into the navigation system  20  using various inputs, such as the user input  44 . For example, the user  121  maybe required to input a part number, calibration information, size information, identifying information, select an icon, or the like if an automatic system is not provided. Nevertheless, an automatic system can substantially eliminate the need of the user  121  to select or input the appropriate information. Further, the RFID reader  104  can read selected information based upon an input of the user, which can alleviate the user from inputting the detailed information and only requiring that the user to indicate to the navigation system  20  that the RFID reader  104  should read a particular RFID tag  102 . Therefore, it will be understood that the RFID reader  104  can read information from the RFID tag to alleviate the user  121  from various tasks, such as inputting information relating to the instrument  24 . Further, particular information can be stored in the memory  46 , such as calibration information, size information, orientation information, and the like and the RFID tag  102  can simply identify the instrument through the RFID reader  104  for the workstation  42  and the workstation can recall the particular information. Alternatively, the RFID tag  102  can include all of the information required for performing or creating an appropriate icon for display on the display  22  that can be read with the RFID reader  104 . 
     A determination block  188  can be provided to insure that the appropriate instrument or implant is being provided according to the plan formed in block  166 . If the determination is NO in block  190  a different instrument or implant can be assembled in block  184  and the information can be read from the new instrument and compared as discussed above. The instrumentation and implant assembly can also be done with confidence according to the present teachings to insure that the procedure is being performed according to the plan  166 . Although it will be understood by one skilled in the art that a plan can be altered intraoperatively, the procedure  160  can be provided to insure that if a deviation is made that it is specifically selected by a user, such as the surgeon  121 , for the patient  28 . Therefore, if the determination is YES in block  192 , the instrument or implant that is read can be navigated in block  194 . 
     The navigation in block  194  can proceed according to any appropriate manner, such as those discussed above or understood by one skilled in the art. For example, an icon can be displayed on the display  22  relative to the image data  23  to illustrate the position of the instrument  24  relative to the image data  23 . Further, because of the specific information provided from the RFID tag read in block  186 , the display can provide a specific illustration of the instrument or implant being navigated in block  194 . As the information changes, the work station  42  can provide an appropriate icon on the display  22  to substantially match or mimic the particular implant or instrument being navigated in block  194 . Therefore, the procedure  160  can not only confirm that a particular plan is being performed, but can also provide a specific illustration on the display  22  relative to the particular implant or instrument being provided or used. The display of the navigation in block  196  can include the appropriate illustration and the trajectory of an instrument or implant. 
     Finally, in block  198  the procedure can be completed or performed. The completion of the procedure can include implanting an implant, performing a resection, an ablation, or the like. Nevertheless, the procedure can be performed according to the plan formed in block  166  and navigated with the appropriate navigation system  20 . Further, the provision of the particular information can be used to insure that the plan in block  166  has been done with only a selected or particular deviation from the plan inputted in block  166 , if desired, or with a particular display on the display  22 . 
     Although one skilled in the art will understand that any appropriate information can be displayed on the display  22  or can be provided in the RFID tag  102 , the above-described system is merely exemplary and provided as an example of a selected procedure and instrumentation. For example, as discussed above, new information can be provided onto the RFID tag  102  to be read with the RFID reader  104 , which can also be illustrated on the display  22 . Further, additional information on the display  22  can include displaying when a particular instrument may be replaced, recalibrated, altered, or the like. 
     As discussed above, with reference to the flow chart  160  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the information provided from the RFID tag  102 , according to various embodiments, can be used to display on the display  22  particular information. For example, navigation in block  194  can include illustrating a selected icon on the display  22 . With reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B  a particular instrument, such as a working portion thereof, can be displayed on the display  22  for navigation. 
     For example, with reference to  FIG. 6A , the probe  124  can be interconnected with the handle  122 . The RFID reader  104  positioned near the operating theater and near the probe  124  so that it can read the information from the RFID tag  132 , such as in block  170 . The information can be transferred along communication line  110  as described in block  187 . The information transferred in block  187  can include any appropriate information such as an identification of the probe  124 , calibration of the probe  124 , or any other appropriate information. The information transferred from the RFID tag  132  to the work station  42  can be used to form an icon  124   i  (e.g. the information can include a rendering or calibration information of the probe  124 ) of the probe  124  on the display  22 . It will be understood that the icon  124   i  can be displayed relative to image data of the patient  28 . However, the identification of the probe  124  can be used to display an appropriate size, configuration, geometry, and the like. Therefore, the display  22  can substantially match the configuration of the probe  124 . Further, various calibration information from the RFID tag  132  can be used to ensure that the position of various portions of the probe  124  are illustrated appropriated on the display  22 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6B , a different one of the working portion  123  can be interconnected with the handle  122 . For example, the tap  128  can be interconnected with the handle  122  that includes the RFID tag  136 . The RFID tag  136  can be read by the RFID reader  104  and the information can be transferred along the communication line  110  to the work station  42 . Due to the information from the RFID tag  136  read by the RFID reader  104  the display  22  can change the icon to an icon of the tap  128   i . Not only can the icon change to the tap icon  128   i , the information from the RFID tag  136  can be used to ensure that appropriate configuration, size, geometry, and the like are illustrated on the display  22 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6A - FIG. 6B , and according to various embodiments, the determination of an appropriate icon for display on the display  22  can include various pieces of information. For example, a specific location of the tip of the instrument  24  relative to a portion of the patient  28  for display on the image data  23  can be determined based upon the various calibration and other specific information stored and read from the RFID tag  102 . Thus, the display  22  can display the appropriate location of the instrument  24  by displaying an icon based upon the calibration information. This can assist in determining a position of the tip of the instrument  24  relative to a selected of the patient  28  for applying a therapy, minimizing contact with the portion of the anatomy, or other appropriate purposes. Further, as discussed above, the reading of the RFID tag  102  by the RFID reader  104  can be substantially automatic, performed with user input, or any appropriate combination thereof. 
     Therefore, the flow chart  160  can be used to assist the surgeon  121  in various tasks such as ensuring that the appropriate instrumentation is provided to the operating theater, a particular plan can be performed with the instruments and implants provided, or an illustration of the appropriate icon is on the display  22 . As discussed above, as the working portion is interchanged with the handle  122 , the display  22  can display an appropriate icon, such as the probe icon  124   i  or the tap icon  128   i . This allows the display  22  to display the appropriate instrumentation for navigation relative to the patient  28 . It will be further understood that the RFID reader  104  can be positioned and substantially automatically read the RFID tags  102  on the various portions of the instrument so that the display  22  can illustrate the appropriate instrument substantially automatically. Further, various mechanisms can be provided to ensure that the display  22  is updated at an appropriate time, such as when the tap  128  is exchanged for the probe  124  with the handle  122 . Various mechanisms can be provided such as a foot switch, a touch screen, a connection to the handle  122 , or the like to provide a signal to the work station  42  that a change has occurred. Also, the RFID reader  104  alone can substantially automatically read the appropriate RFID tag  132 ,  136  and sense the difference in the RFID tags and change or transmit the information to the work station  42  to change the display  22 . Therefore, the RFID reader  104  can allow for a substantially automatic change of the display  22  without user input due to the substantially active nature of obtaining the data from the RFID tags.