Augmented Reality Glasses for Guiding Surgeons

This patent describes a head-mounted augmented reality display, like smart glasses, specifically designed to help surgeons by overlaying digital patient data and markers directly onto their view of the patient during medical procedures.

What it covers

The device is a head-mounted display, such as smart glasses or a helmet (claims 2, 3), worn by a user, likely a surgeon. It features two optical combiners, one for each eye, that allow the user to see through them to the real world, including a "portion of a region of interest of a patient" (claim 1). Simultaneously, two micro-projectors display digital images from a database onto these combiners. Lenses then make these projected images appear in focus at about 50 cm, seemingly floating in the real world (claim 1). An infrared sensor tracks physical markers placed near the patient's area of interest, allowing the system to accurately align the digital information with the real anatomy (claim 1). For example, a surgeon could see a 3D model of a patient's spine overlaid precisely on the patient's back during a spinal fusion surgery.

What it doesn't cover

• —Augmented reality displays not specifically configured to facilitate a medical procedure.
• —Head-mounted AR devices that do not include an infrared sensor for tracking markers near a patient's region of interest.
• —AR systems where the projected image is not adapted to be in focus at approximately 50 cm.
• —AR displays where the optical combiners cannot tilt downwards at an angle of up to 40 degrees from horizontal.
• —General AR glasses used for gaming, navigation, or industrial maintenance outside of medical procedures.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in combining the specific optical arrangement for near-eye projection (focused at 50 cm) with the ability to tilt the optical combiners and the use of an infrared sensor to track physical markers, all tailored for precise overlay during medical procedures. This allows for accurate, hands-free guidance in a sterile environment.

Why it matters

This patent is significant for the field of surgical navigation and medical imaging. By directly overlaying critical patient data, like CT scans or surgical plans, onto the surgeon's view, it aims to improve precision and reduce the need to look away at separate monitors. Augmedics, the assignee, is known for its xvision Spine System, which uses similar technology to guide spinal surgeries, suggesting this patent covers core aspects of their commercial offering.

Real-world examples

• 1.Augmedics xvision Spine System
• 2.Surgical navigation systems
• 3.Augmented reality for medical training
• 4.Head-mounted displays for interventional radiology