Method and apparatus for computerized surgery

Abstract

An implant for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant may also include a wound disc replacement element. A method of performing spinal surgery on a patient comprises securely mounting a patient onto a patient support table; imaging a spinal region of the patient; building up a three-dimensional image file of the spinal region of the patient; storing the image file; and utilizing the image file for planning and carrying out computer controlled spinal surgery on the patient utilizing the implant. A computer-controlled surgical implant system comprises a steerable endosurgical implanting assembly operative to install the implant at a desired location in a patient; and a computerized controlled, which operates the steerable endosurgical implanting assembly.

1 . A multifunctional cannula assembly for providing access to an internal surgical site comprising 
 a first cannula subassembly, a second cannula subassembly, and a third cannula subassembly;    said first cannula subassembly containing a shaft rotatably located within a bore formed within a central flexible core and including tendons operatively configured to allow steering of said first cannula subassembly to said internal surgical site, said tendons coupled to an external driving structure;    said second cannula subassembly longitudinally slidable and coaxially retained around said first cannula subassembly, said second cannula subassembly including fiber optics transmission media and suitable connection means for optical sensors and illuminators operationally configured to provide imaging of said surgical site;    said third cannula subassembly longitudinally slideable and coaxially retained around said second cannula subassembly, said third cannula subassembly comprising tracks operationally configured to permit transport of surgical equipment therealong and removal of body materials.