Importance

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Abstract

A method and system to facilitate image guided surgery by projecting onto the patient an image corresponding to markings made on pre-acquired images of the patient is disclosed. The image is projected by an imaging projecting device such as a laser which emits coherent visible light. The position of the patient and the image are determined in the same frame of reference. The markings made on the pre-acquired images are then mapped onto the corresponding locations of the patient. The image projecting device then projects images onto the patient corresponding to the markings made on the pre-acquired images. The image is projected substantially normal to a surface of the corresponding locations on the anatomical body to decrease errors arising from the image being optically distorted by the surface features of the patient. The images projected by the image projecting device can be marked onto the patient so that they are visible after the image projecting device stops emitting radiation. Use of a photodynamic substance can also be used in conjunction with the light emitted from the laser to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the patient.

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First Claim