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Abstract

A computer-based system generating audible feedback to assist with guidance of at least one trackable point in space is provided. Surgical embodiments include generating audible feedback (to supplement visual and tactile feedback) to a surgeon moving the tip of a probe, for example, in a surgical field with respect to a volume of interest such as a tumor. Other surgical embodiments include generating audible feedback to assist with the precise insertion of a pedicle screw. In such surgical embodiments, as a surgeon moves a probe or instrument within the surgical field, a computer analyzes the current position of the probe and/or instrument in space with respect to a system of fiducial markers. The computer then provides audible feedback to the surgeon as to the position of the probe and/or instrument with respect to predetermined feature(s) of interest (such as a tumor) previously identified on a computer reconstruction of the surgical view obtained, for example, by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a computerized tomography (CT) scan and/or an ultrasound scan. The audible feedback may vary in numerous ways, such as in tone, volume, pattern and/or style, as the probe and/or instrument moves relative to the feature(s) of interest.

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First Claim