Abstract: A force-sensing rib clip comprises an upper shell, a lower shell and a rib clip. The upper shell comprises an elongate body, an exterior surface of the elongate body, a rib-receiving channel extending along an interior surface of the upper shell and a ridge extending along the rib-receiving channel. The lower shell is configured to mate with the exterior surface. The load cell is positioned between the upper shell and the lower shell. A method of receiving feedback during a rib retraction procedure comprises attaching a force-sensing rib clip to a first rib bone, inserting a rib retractor into an intercostal space between the first rib bone and a second rib bone, applying retraction force to the first rib bone and the second rib bone through the force-sensing rib clip, outputting force-sensor data from the force-sensing rib clip to an interrogation device, and displaying force indicia on the interrogation device.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly may include a first component, a second component, a tracker device connected at least to the first component. A quick connect system for releasably connecting the first component to the second component, the quick connect system including a male and female engagement, a latch mechanism for latching the first component to the second component. Complementary features are on the first component and on the second component to ensure a planned positional alignment between the first component and the second component upon latching of the male and female engagement, for tracking of the second component with the tracker device.

Abstract: A force-sensing rib clip comprises an upper shell, a lower shell and a rib clip. The upper shell comprises an elongate body, an exterior surface of the elongate body, a rib-receiving channel extending along an interior surface of the upper shell and a ridge extending along the rib-receiving channel. The lower shell is configured to mate with the exterior surface. The load cell is positioned between the upper shell and the lower shell. A method of receiving feedback during a rib retraction procedure comprises attaching a force-sensing rib clip to a first rib bone, inserting a rib retractor into an intercostal space between the first rib bone and a second rib bone, applying retraction force to the first rib bone and the second rib bone through the force-sensing rib clip, outputting force-sensor data from the force-sensing rib clip to an interrogation device, and displaying force indicia on the interrogation device.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly may include a first component, a second component, a tracker device connected at least to the first component. A quick connect system for releasably connecting the first component to the second component, the quick connect system including a male and female engagement, a latch mechanism for latching the first component to the second component. Complementary features are on the first component and on the second component to ensure a planned positional alignment between the first component and the second component upon latching of the male and female engagement, for tracking of the second component with the tracker device.