Ultra-wideband positioning for wireless ultrasound tracking and communication

Abstract

A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising:
 iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and,   selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising gathering dynamic imaging data prior to iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the dynamic imaging data is fluoroscopic data. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the dynamic imaging data is subjected to a feature extraction process to establish an edge of a bone. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the dynamic imaging data is subjected to a sequential shape and pose estimation process to generate a three dimensional virtual model of a bone. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the dynamic imaging data is utilized to generate multiple bone models that change position with respect to one another across a range of motion. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising constructing virtual anatomical models using the dynamic imaging data. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the virtual anatomical models comprise an anatomical joint comprising at least two bones. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the anatomical joint includes at least one of a shoulder joint, a knee joint, a hip joint, and an ankle joint. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the anatomical models include soft tissue. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined kinematic constraint is derived from predicting normal kinematics. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising establishing implant geometry constraints for the orthopedic implant. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising establishing manufacturing constraints for the orthopedic implant. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising establishing a surgical plan to effectuate implantation of the orthopedic implant. 
     
     
         22 .- 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A surgical navigation system comprising:
 a first ultrawide band and inertial measurement unit;   a second ultrawide band and inertial measurement unit;   a processor communicatively coupled to the first and second ultrawide band and inertial measurement units; and,   a graphical display communicatively coupled to the processor, the graphical display configured to display augmented reality images that are capable of changing in at least one of position and orientation as the graphical display is repositioned with respect to at least one of the first and second ultrawide band and inertial measurement units.   
     
     
         45 . The surgical navigation system of  claim 44 , wherein the second ultrawide band and inertial measurement unit, the processor, and the graphical display are integrated as part of a user wearable helmet. 
     
     
         46 . The surgical navigation system of  claim 45 , wherein the helmet includes a visor upon which the graphical display projects the augmented reality images. 
     
     
         47 . (canceled) 
     
     
         48 . The surgical navigation system of  claim 44 , wherein the augmented reality images are generated by a projector. 
     
     
         49 . The surgical navigation system of  claim 48 , wherein the projector comprises a laser projector. 
     
     
         50 . A method of planning a surgical procedure, the method comprising:
 generating instructions allowing for generation of a dynamic orthopedic implant, where the dynamic orthopedic implant is generated as a result of iteratively evaluating possible surface bearing shapes using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations;   generating instructions for generation of at least one of a tangible guide and a virtual guide, where the instructions are patient-specific; and,   generating navigation instructions to be facilitate implantation of the dynamic orthopedic implant, where the navigation instruction include concurrently tracking at least a portion of a patient and a surgical tool using a combination ultrawide band and inertial measurement unit.