Abstract: Systems and methods include an anchor engage able to a vertebra and an extender removably mounted to the anchor. The extender includes an insulating member extending at least partially thereabout to electrically insulate the extender and prevent shunting of electrical signals delivered through the extender to the anchor to structures adjacent the extender.

Abstract: An instrument for locating defects adjacent neural elements in bone tissue includes a handle member with a rotatable coupling member and a probe member coupled to the coupling member. The probe member extends distally from the handle member and includes a longitudinal shaft portion along a longitudinal axis and a distal angled portion extending transversely to the longitudinal axis. The angled portion has a probe end that carries an electrical signal. The handle member operates to rotate the probe member and the probe end about the longitudinal axis to sweep holes in the bone tissue to locate possible defects in the bone tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing medical treatment includes a tool portion configured to operate relative to bone tissue, a handle portion to operate the tool portion, and a nerve monitoring system to detect neural elements. The tool portion includes an insulated shaft comprised of an electrically conductive member and a non-insulated tip. The shaft carries an electrical signal to the non-insulated tip. The handle portion, which is removably and operably connected to the tool portion, incorporates an operating system to operate the tool portion. Additionally, the nerve monitoring system is linked to the tip and is operable to detect a neural element as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal on the tip. Upon detection of a neural element, the nerve monitoring system provides a signal to the operating system of the handle portion directing the operating system change an operative mode of the tool portion.

Abstract: A surgical needle assembly for penetrating soft and hard tissues of a patient includes a handle assembly removably coupled to the needle assembly. The needle assembly is electrically coupled to an electrical signal source. The surgical tool includes an electrically conductive portion in communication with an un-insulated distal end of the needle assembly, and an insulated portion extending from the distal end to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A bottle retaining mechanism holds a culture bottle in place in a cell in an incubating apparatus which agitates the culture bottle and detects the growth of microorganisms in the culture bottle. When a bottle is not present in the cell of the apparatus, the retaining mechanism moves to a position which reflects light from the light emitter to the light detector in an amount greater than the amount of light reflected off of a bottle when present, so as to indicate when a bottle is not present in a cavity of the bottle holder. The retaining mechanism/reflectance flag also is capable of providing a reference signal for auto-calibration purposes. The amount of light reflected from the retaining mechanism/reflectance flag to the light detector in a cell when no bottle is present can be monitored in order to detect changes in the cell. By monitoring such changes in the empty cell, drift from the original cell calibration can be monitored.