Abstract: Systems and methods for medical device identification are described. One embodiment is A medical device identification system including a medical device having an identifying symbol for providing information to a user about the medical device, and a monitoring system comprising a processing circuit and a communications interface. The processing circuit includes a device identification module configured to receive input from a detection device, via the communications interface, for identifying the medical device, and a device information module configured to provide identifying information about the medical device. The medical device may be a tool or an implant. The identifying symbol may be a shape, and the symbol may further include an identifying color.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone to receive a fixation screw through a fixation device includes providing a drill bit sized and configured to pass through a bore in a fixation device positioned in the bone and drilling a passage into the bone and through the bore. At least a distal portion of the drill bit passes through the bore in the drilling step. At least an outer portion of the distal portion of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than a hardness of the fixation nail.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone to receive a fixation screw through a fixation device includes providing a drill bit sized and configured to pass through a bore in a fixation device positioned in the bone and drilling a passage into the bone and through the bore. At least a distal portion of the drill bit passes through the bore in the drilling step. At least an outer portion of the distal portion of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than a hardness of the fixation nail.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a fixation device configured to be positioned at a target area of bone comprising two ends connected by a shaft and further comprising a bore formed through the shaft configured to receive a fixation screw. The system further includes a drill bit sized and configured to pass through the bore to prepare the surrounding bone to receive a second fixation device. At least a distal portion of the drill bit is configured to pass through the bore. The fixation device is made of a first material and wherein the distal portion of the drill bit comprises at least an outer portion made of a second material. The second material of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than the hardness of the first material of the fixation device.

Abstract: A method for delivering multiple substances in a delay fashion to a bone of a patient is provided. The method includes providing a cannulated bone screw, creating an aperture in the skin of a patient, and inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient through the aperture. The method further includes delivering a first substance into the bone through the bone screw, wherein the first substance changes over time into a solid hardened material, and then delivering a second substance into the bone through the bone screw after the first substance changed into a solid hardened material. The solid hardened material of the first substance may be a permeable material that allows the second substance to transport through, or the second substance may transport through the first substance by diffusion, or may reach a desired location in the bone through pores or cracks in the hardened solid material.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a fixation element securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation element. A fastening mechanism is configured to fasten both the pedicle screw securing device and the fixation element securing device. The fastening mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A medical device identification system includes a medical device including an identifier and a sensor device configured to read the identifier of the medical device. The system further includes an output device configured to provide feedback related to the medical device and a monitoring system communicably coupled to the sensor device and the output device. The monitoring system is configured to identify the medical device based on the identifier of the medical device read by the sensor device and transmit feedback to the output device specific to the medical device.

Abstract: A method for determining an indication for use of a bone support substance in a bone includes providing a surgical device for providing rotational movement of a surgical tool, determining a torque measurement associated with the rotation of the surgical tool as it is moving through a portion of the bone, and using the torque measurement to determine whether the portion of the bone has a characteristic that indicates the need for a bone support substance. Determining a torque measurement may include determining a motor torque generated to cause rotation of the surgical tool as it is moving through the portion of the bone. Determining a torque measurement may also include determining a drilling torque, wherein the drilling torque is the force created by the portion of the bone that acts against the motor torque, as the surgical tool is moving through the portion of the bone.

Abstract: A tool for insertion of an intervertebral insert into an intervertebral space is provided. The tool includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft is configured to be coupled to the intervertebral insert. The tool includes a tapered section located at the distal end of the shaft, the tapered section tapering toward the longitudinal axis of the shaft and away from the proximal end of the shaft. The tool further includes a recess formed in the tapered section, the recess configured to receive the intervertebral insert such that at least a portion of the intervertebral insert is located within the recess when the intervertebral insert is coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A method of mixing and delivering a substance to a bone includes providing a compressible tube having a reservoir and using a mixing apparatus to mix a particulate solid and a mixing liquid to form the substance within the reservoir of the compressible tube. The method further includes using a compressing device to move the substance through an exit port in the compressible tube for delivery to the bone. The compressing device may be positioned on the compressible tube and the method may further include moving the compressing device along the compressible tube to empty the substance from the compressible tube. The substance may be a bone void filler, and the substance may be delivered from the exit port in the tube through a delivery apparatus, such as a cannula, to a target portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone to receive a fixation screw through a fixation device includes providing a drill bit sized and configured to pass through a bore in a fixation device positioned in the bone and drilling a passage into the bone and through the bore. At least a distal portion of the drill bit passes through the bore in the drilling step. At least an outer portion of the distal portion of the drill bit has a hardness that is less than a hardness of the fixation nail.

Abstract: A system for delivering fluid to a space between two vertebrae is provided. The system includes a tool and an insert configured to be implanted in the space between two vertebrae. The tool includes a proximal end, a distal end and a structure at the distal end configured to be coupled to the insert. The tool further includes a first opening located near the proximal end of the tool, a second opening located near the distal end of the tool, and a passage extending between the first opening and the second opening. The first opening, the passage and the second opening provide a fluid delivery path from the proximal end to the exterior of the tool near the distal end. The second opening is positioned relative to the structure such that fluid is permitted to be delivered from the tool directly into the space between the two vertebrae.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical device inventory tracking are described. One embodiment is a medical device inventory tracking system, including a shipping container configured to contain a medical device, a sensor coupled to the shipping container and configured to detect the presence of the medical device, and a processing circuit integrated into the shipping container and configured to receive a signal from the sensor and perform an action based upon the signal. Another embodiment is a system for monitoring a surgical procedure using a medical device in an operating room, including a camera and display mounted in the operating room and a telecommunications interface configured to permit a videoconference between personnel in the operating room and a product specialist associated with the medical device using the display and the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for interrogating radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags within an enclosure. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises an RFID module, a first assembly comprising a processor, a second assembly comprising an RFID radiator operatively coupled to the RFID module, and a connection element coupled to the first assembly and second assembly such that the second assembly is movable relative to the first assembly between a first configuration and second configuration. The processor may be configured to interrogate RFID tags via the RFID module and RFID radiator when the second assembly is in the second configuration, and not interrogate RFID tags when the second assembly is in the first configuration. In addition, both the first assembly and the second assembly may comprise attachment components configured to removably couple its respective assembly to one or more surfaces of an enclosure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first assembly, a second assembly, and a coupling element coupled to the first assembly and the second assembly. The first assembly includes a processor, a memory, and a radiator module, the processor operatively coupled to the memory and the radiator module. The second assembly includes a radiator operatively coupled to the radiator module. The second assembly is movable relative to the first assembly about the coupling element between a first configuration and a second configuration. The processor is configured to interrogate a radio-frequency identification module via the radiator module and the radiator when the second assembly is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A system for communicating fluid to or from a bone includes an insert. The insert includes a shaft extending between proximal and distal ends of the insert, a fenestration, and an expandable portion coupled to the shaft. The shaft is cannulated along at least a portion of the shaft between the proximal and distal ends. The fenestration is disposed along the cannulated portion of the shaft. Outer surfaces of the expandable portion are configured to expand laterally outward to increase the cross-sectional area of the expandable portion orthogonal to the shaft.

Abstract: Bone screws and inserts disposed therein or thereon are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, or to promote bony fusion, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula, comprising. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and an open distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The method further includes inserting the multichannel cannula into the hole in the bone such that the first channel receives the stabilizing wire, and delivering the substance into the bone by introducing the substance into the inlet portal of the second channel such that the substance exits the second channel through the exit portal.

Abstract: A method for delivering a substance to bone includes placing a stabilizing wire in a bone, creating a hole in the bone around the stabilizing wire, and providing a multichannel cannula. The multichannel cannula includes a first channel having an open proximal end and distal end, the first channel being configured to receive the stabilizing wire, and a second channel having an inlet portal and an exit portal that are in fluid communication. The cannula further includes a cap having a delivery port in fluid communication with the inlet portal and a channel for receiving the cannula therein, and a distal tip.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a fixation element securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation element. A fastening mechanism is configured to fasten both the pedicle screw securing device and the fixation element securing device. The fastening mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.