Intraosteal ultrasound during surgical implantation

Abstract

IntraOsteal UltraSound (IOUS) is the use of acoustical energy to facilitate “real-time” manipulation and navigation of a device for intraosseous placement of synthetic or biologic implants and to diagnose the condition of the tissue into which the implant is being placed. Representative applications include placement of synthetic or biologic implants, such as bone screws, through vertebral pedicles during spinal fusion surgery. Devices for use in the placement of the implants include a means for creating a lumen or channel into the bone at the desired site in combination with a probe for providing realtime feedback of differences in density of the tissue, typically differences in acoustical impedence between cancellous and cortical bone. The devices will also typically include means for monitoring the feedback such as a screen creating an image for the surgeon as he creates the channel, and/or an audible signal which different tissues are present. The system can also be used for diagnostic applications.

1 - 23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . A probe comprising a transducer and a receiver for ultrasound or audio signals, wherein the probe is suitable for insertion into bone.  
   
   
       25 . The probe of claim  1  wherein the signals are selected from the group consisting of frequency, bandwidth, attenuation characteristics, amplitude, and scatter coefficients.  
   
   
       26 . The probe of claim  1  for emitting and receiving radar.  
   
   
       27 . The probe of claim  1  for emitting and receiving sonar.  
   
   
       28 . The probe of claim  1  further comprising means for receiving and transmitting a visual signal.  
   
   
       29 . The probe of claim  1  further comprising means for receiving and transmitting an audio signal.  
   
   
       30 . The probe of claim  1  comprising input and output connections.  
   
   
       31 . The probe of claim  1  wherein the probe is between two and four mm in diameter.