Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to apparatus for calibrating and recalibrating a digitized navigator or so-called frameless stereotactic instrument or device during a surgical operation. The apparatus enables calibration for the stereotactic digitizer to be recovered after sterile draping of the patient, movement of the patient's head during operation, relative movement of the patient's head and reference apparatus associated with the stereotactic digitizer, power failures, or other events which could compromise calibration of the stereotactic digitizer during the operation which would otherwise preclude continuations using the digitizer. It also provides convenient means for initial calibration or repeat calibration, should that be necessary. The apparatus is, in one embodiment, cooperatively coupled to, or coupled so as to move with, the portion of the patient's body which is being operated upon and enables the repositioning of the recalibration means after sterile draping. In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus would include a reference point structure or a reference holding structure that can be attached to, for example, a surgical head clamp in a neurosurgical operation and can be accessed for calibration positioning or calibration locationing by the digitizer during the operation. The apparatus could be removed, sterilized, and repositioned in an identical position relative to the head clamp, and therefore the patient's head during the operation, assuring that sterility and loss of calibration would not be compromised.

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First Claim