Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A power tool system (24) for use with an image guidance system (28) to perform image guided surgery. The power tool system includes a handpiece (48) to which a powered cutting accessories (26) are selectively attached. A coupling assembly (50) releasbly holds a cutting accessory to the handpiece. A state marker (204) is connected to the coupling assembly. The state marker undergoes a state transition whenever the coupling assembly undergoes a run state/accessory load state transition. A sensing unit (34) integral with the image guidance system is releasbly attached to the handpiece. The sensing unit includes a sensing element (238) that provides an output signals indicative of the position of the sensing unit and handpiece. The sensing unit also includes a handpiece state sensor (240) that provides an indication of the state of the state marker. Once the image guidance system is calibrated for a cutting accessory, the system presents an image of the position of the cutting accessory. If the coupling assembly is moved to the accessory load state to facilitate the attachment of a new cutting accessory, the change in state of the output signal from the handpiece state sensor prompts the image guidance system to require the user to calibrate the system for the new cutting accessory. If the cutting accessory is a motor driven tool, the tool system includes a drive unit (42) separate from the handpiece with an electric motor (44). Rotational power developed by the motor is transferred to the handpiece by a flexible drive shaft (46).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim