A software-integrated disposable kit contains a series of sterile packages
which hold instrumented surgical tools, surgical accessories, user input
computer controlling peripherals (e.g. mouse, keyboard), markers, and a
one time use digital medium. When image guided surgery is to be
performed, the digital medium is inserted into the computer and the user
interface is displayed. The digital medium stores a portion of the
software which, in combination with software on the computer, provides
all of the software necessary for full user functionality (e.g. display
diagnostic image information, tracking surgical instruments,
superimposition of surgical tools). At the end of a surgical procedure,
the digital medium is deactivated or encrypted and the used surgical
tools are then disposed of without reuse. The system allows the user to
save relevant information obtained from the surgery (e.g. images, notes)
on the digital medium which is encrypted against reuse and archived.