Video monitoring and reapposition monitoring apparatus and methods
First Claim
1. Video monitoring apparatus for use in an application in which changes in relative spatial relationship of features of a biological tissue are to be observed, the apparatus comprising:
- video camera means for electronically producing a first image of the tissue and also electronically developing a subsequent image of the tissue after a period of time;
video means for displaying a representation of an image of the tissue derived from said camera means; and
means connected to said camera means and to said displaying means for electronically storing a representation of the first image of the tissue, and for transmitting the representation of the first image of the tissue to the displaying means with a representation of the subsequent image of the tissue so that the first and subsequent images of the tissue appear superimposed and any differences in the relative spatial relationship of features of the tissue in the images of the tissue are readily observed.
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Abstract
Video monitoring apparatus for use in an application in which changes in relative spatial relationship of features of a biological tissue are to be observed. A video camera electronically produces a first image of the tissue and also electronically produces a subsequent image of the tissue after a period of time. A video display unit displays a representation of an image of the tissue derived from the camera. Circuitry connected to the camera and to the display unit electronically stores a representation of the first image of the tissue, and transmits the representation of the first image of the tissue to the display unit with a representation of the subsequent image of the tissue so that the first and subsequent images of the tissue appear superimposed. In this way, any differences in the relative spatial relationship of features in the images of the tissue are readily observed. A surgical reapposition monitor and methods are also disclosed.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. Video monitoring apparatus for use in an application in which changes in relative spatial relationship of features of a biological tissue are to be observed, the apparatus comprising:
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video camera means for electronically producing a first image of the tissue and also electronically developing a subsequent image of the tissue after a period of time; video means for displaying a representation of an image of the tissue derived from said camera means; and means connected to said camera means and to said displaying means for electronically storing a representation of the first image of the tissue, and for transmitting the representation of the first image of the tissue to the displaying means with a representation of the subsequent image of the tissue so that the first and subsequent images of the tissue appear superimposed and any differences in the relative spatial relationship of features of the tissue in the images of the tissue are readily observed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. Reapposition monitoring apparatus for use in surgery wherein the position of pre-surgical tissue is to have a predetermined relationship to the position of the tissue after surgical incision and during subsequent closure of the incision, the apparatus comprising:
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camera means for electronically producing an image of the tissue in its presurgical position and also electronically producing a subsequent surgical image when the incision is being closed; means connected to said camera means for electronically storing a representation of the pre-surgical image of the tissue; and means for displaying a representation of an image from said means for electronically storing; said means for electronically storing including means for alternately transmitting the representation of the presurgical image to the displaying means with a representation of the subsequent surgical image during closure of the incision, thereby allowing visual comparison of the presurgical image with the subsequent surgical image. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of monitoring for changes in relative spatial relationship of features of a biological tissue, comprising the steps of:
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electronically aligning a first video image of the tissue with a second video image of the same tissue after a period of time has elapsed; automatically superimposing the first and second video images for display purposes to allow the differences between the first and second images of the tissue to be easily distinguished; and electronically superimposing and moving a measurement scale visually on the display, whereby differences in position of features of the images of the tissue are measurable.
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15. A method of monitoring for changes in relative spatial relationship of features of a biological tissue, comprising the steps of:
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electronically aligning a first video image of the tissue with a second video image of the same tissue after a period of time has elapsed; automatically superimposing the first and second video images for display purposes to allow the differences between the first and second images of the tissue to be easily distinguished; and electronically positioning visual reference points under operator control for display on the images of the tissue respectively.
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16. A method of monitoring for changes in relative spatial relationship of features of a biological tissue, comprising the steps of:
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electronically aligning a first video image of the tissue with a second video image of the same tissue after a period of time has elapsed; automatically superimposing the first and second video images for display purposes to allow the differences between the first and second images of the tissue to be easily distinguished; electronically positioning visual reference points under operator control for display on corresponding parts of the images of the tissue respectively; and electronically aligning the two images so that the reference points coincide.
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17. A reapposition monitoring method for use in surgery wherein the position of pre-surgical tissue is to have a predetermined relationship to the position of the tissue after surgical incision and subsequent closure of the incision, the method comprising the steps of:
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prior to surgery marking a surgical area on the patient with marks located on opposite sides of an incision site and separated by a pre-surgical distance; electronically producing and storing a pre-surgical image of the marks and the incision site; electronically producing a post-surgical image of the marks and the incision site and alternately displaying the postsurgical and pre-surgical images on a display; measuring on the images a value of difference between a pre-surgical distance between the marks and a post-surgical distance between the marks; and adjusting the closure of the incision until the value of difference between the pre-surgical distance and the postsurgical distance is substantially equal to a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification