Abstract: A surgical drill bit assembly for use on a surgical drill. The surgical drill bit assembly includes a shank extending between a proximal end and a distal end along an axis. The surgical drill bit assembly also includes a cutting tip portion adjacent to the distal end of the shank. The surgical drill bit assembly also includes a sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the shank. The sleeve includes a non-magnetic material and an identification feature for identifying a configuration of the cutting tip portion. The identification feature includes a magnetic material. The magnetic material is dispersed in the non-magnetic material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing spine surgery. A retractor may be positioned within a patient to facilitate maintaining a volume of fluid at the surgical site. The retractor includes an opening capable of receiving one or more surgical instruments, for example, a cutting instrument and an endoscope. A cutting member of the cutting instrument is submerged and operated within the volume of fluid to resect tissue, for example, within the intervertebral disc space. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site improves cooling of the surgical site and visualization of the surgical site via the endoscope during resection. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site via the surgical system. The surgical system may include a sensor for measuring the level of fluid in the retractor, an inflow source and an outflow source in fluid communication with the retractor, and a controller controlling the surgical system.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece system for use with a drill bit having an identification feature that includes magnetic material. A handpiece transfers torque to the drill bit to rotate the drill bit. A measurement module that includes a housing is coupled to the handpiece. A measurement cannula made of a non-magnetic material surrounds the drill bit during operation. The measurement cannula extends forward or rearward relative to the housing and has a distal end adapted for placement against a workpiece. A transducer assembly generates a transducer signal based on a position of the measurement cannula relative to the housing. A sensor generates an identification signal responsive to a magnetic field or magnetoresistance of the identification feature of the drill bit through the measurement cannula during operation. A controller receives the identification signal and identifies the coupled drill bit corresponding to the received identification signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing spine surgery. A retractor may be positioned within a patient to facilitate maintaining a volume of fluid at the surgical site. The retractor includes an opening capable of receiving one or more surgical instruments, for example, a cutting instrument and an endoscope. A cutting member of the cutting instrument is submerged and operated within the volume of fluid to resect tissue, for example, within the intervertebral disc space. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site improves cooling of the surgical site and visualization of the surgical site via the endoscope during resection. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site via the surgical system. The surgical system may include a sensor for measuring the level of fluid in the retractor, an inflow source and an outflow source in fluid communication with the retractor, and a controller controlling the surgical system.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece system for performing measurement functions and surgical operations. The system includes a handpiece assembly. The handpiece has a handpiece housing and a drive cannula rotatably coupled to the handpiece housing. The drive cannula extends along an axis and is configured to receive torque from a motor. A surgical attachment module has an attachment housing removably coupleable to the handpiece housing. The surgical attachment module has a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the surgical attachment housing and configured to receive torque from the drive cannula to operate an end effector. A measurement module has a measurement housing removably coupleable to the handpiece housing. The measurement module is configured to perform measurement functions associated with operation of the handpiece assembly.

Abstract: A saw blade cartridge comprises a saw blade and a cassette. The cassette is disposed over a proximal portion of the saw blade and includes first and second cassette portions opposing each other across the proximal portion. Each portion comprises a shell and a damper. The shells are of a first stiffness and have an outer side. The dampers are of a second stiffness less than the first stiffness and are disposed on an inner side of the shell. The cassette portions are substantially fixed relative to the proximal portion and are substantially aligned with each other. The shells are fixed to each other. The dampers contact the proximal portion. A handpiece coupler for engaging either of the saw blade cartridge or a saw blade includes a release button with a lock button slidably disposed therein to resist unintended opening.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a power module, a first handpiece, a first energy applicator, a second handpiece, and a second energy applicator. The power module includes a rechargeable cell, a motor, and a controller configured to connect the rechargeable cell to the motor. The first handpiece, being a first type having a first power requirement, and comprising a first shell defining a first void and a first opening for receiving the power module. The first energy applicator is configured to perform a first medical task. The second handpiece, being a second type and having a second power requirement, and comprising a second shell defining a second void and a second opening for receiving the power. The second energy applicator is configured to perform a second medical task. The controller is configured to control the power module based on the type of handpiece identified.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece system for use with a drill bit having an identification feature that includes magnetic material. A handpiece transfers torque to the drill bit to rotate the drill bit. A measurement module that includes a housing is coupled to the handpiece. A measurement cannula made of a non-magnetic material surrounds the drill bit during operation. The measurement cannula extends forward or rearward relative to the housing and has a distal end adapted for placement against a workpiece. A transducer assembly generates a transducer signal based on a position of the measurement cannula relative to the housing. A sensor generates an identification signal responsive to a magnetic field or magnetoresistance of the identification feature of the drill bit through the measurement cannula during operation. A controller receives the identification signal and identifies the coupled drill bit corresponding to the received identification signal.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece system for performing measurement functions and surgical operations. The system includes a handpiece assembly. The handpiece has a handpiece housing and a drive cannula rotatably coupled to the handpiece housing. The drive cannula extends along an axis and is configured to receive torque from a motor. A surgical attachment module has an attachment housing removably coupleable to the handpiece housing. The surgical attachment module has a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the surgical attachment housing and configured to receive torque from the drive cannula to operate an end effector. A measurement module has a measurement housing removably coupleable to the handpiece housing. The measurement module is configured to perform measurement functions associated with operation of the handpiece assembly.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece includes a shell, an energy applicator, a transmission component, a lid, a latch and a data tag. The shell defines a void for receiving a power module and an opening through which the power module is inserted into and removed from the void. The energy applicator is attached to the shell. The energy applicator, when actuated, outputs energy for application to a tissue to perform a medical/surgical task. The transmission component is disposed in the shell for transmitting energy output by the power module to the energy applicator. The lid moveably is mountable to the shell to cover the shell opening. The latch is moveably attached to the shell or the lid for holding the lid in a latched state. The data tag is mounted to the latch so as to move with the latch, the data element including data identifying the handpiece.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a shank extending along an axis and an interface comprising at least one outermost drive portion spaced at a first interface distance from the axis. The drill bit further comprises a resilient arm extending from a proximal end of the shank. The resilient arm comprises an outer arm surface facing away from the axis and a retention surface facing toward a distal end of the shank. The retention surface may be radially aligned about the axis with respect to the outermost drive portion. The resilient arm is movable between: a first position where the outer arm surface is spaced from the axis at a first arm distance greater than the first interface distance, and a second position where the outer arm surface is spaced from the axis at a second arm distance less than or equal to the first interface distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing spine surgery. A retractor may be positioned within a patient to facilitate maintaining a volume of fluid at the surgical site. The retractor includes an opening capable of receiving one or more surgical instruments, for example, a cutting instrument and an endoscope. A cutting member of the cutting instrument is submerged and operated within the volume of fluid to resect tissue, for example, within the intervertebral disc space. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site improves cooling of the surgical site and visualization of the surgical site via the endoscope during resection. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site via the surgical system. The surgical system may include a sensor for measuring the level of fluid in the retractor, an inflow source and an outflow source in fluid communication with the retractor, and a controller controlling the surgical system.

Abstract: A blade assembly including a guide bar having a proximal end and a distal end, the guide bar including a bottom bar, an inner bar and an outer bar that are stacked together, the inner bar holding the bottom bar and outer bar in a spaced relation from each other. The blade including a blade base at least partially disposed inside the guide bar and a blade head having a thickness at least equal to a thickness of a distal end of the guide bar, the blade head having teeth. A connecting member that extends internally through the guide bar, the connecting member being connected to, and extending proximally away from, the blade base. The connecting member and the blade are a monolithic, one-piece component.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a shank extending along an axis and an interface comprising at least one outermost drive portion spaced at a first interface distance from the axis. The drill bit further comprises a resilient arm extending from a proximal end of the shank. The resilient arm comprises an outer arm surface facing away from the axis and a retention surface facing toward a distal end of the shank. The retention surface may be radially aligned about the axis with respect to the outermost drive portion. The resilient arm is movable between: a first position where the outer arm surface is spaced from the axis at a first arm distance greater than the first interface distance, and a second position where the outer arm surface is spaced from the axis at a second arm distance less than or equal to the first interface distance.

Abstract: A blade assembly including a guide bar having a proximal end and a distal end, the guide bar including a bottom bar, an inner bar and an outer bar that are stacked together, the inner bar holding the bottom bar and outer bar in a spaced relation from each other. The blade including a blade base at least partially disposed inside the guide bar and a blade head having a thickness at least equal to a thickness of a distal end of the guide bar, the blade head having teeth. A connecting member that extends internally through the guide bar, the connecting member being connected to, and extending proximally away from, the blade base. The connecting member and the blade are a monolithic, one-piece component.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece includes a shell, an energy applicator, a transmission component, a lid, a latch and a data tag. The shell defines a void for receiving a power module and an opening through which the power module is inserted into and removed from the void. The energy applicator is attached to the shell. The energy applicator, when actuated, outputs energy for application to a tissue to perform a medical/surgical task. The transmission component is disposed in the shell for transmitting energy output by the power module to the energy applicator. The lid moveably is mountable to the shell to cover the shell opening. The latch is moveably attached to the shell or the lid for holding the lid in a latched state. The data tag is mounted to the latch so as to move with the latch, the data element including data identifying the handpiece.

Abstract: A drill for driving a drill bit into a solid object such as bone. The drill includes a rotor with a bore that transmits rotational movement to the drill bit. The drill bit extends through the rotor bore. A probe extends forward from the drill to measure bore depth. The probe is moveably mounted to the drill so as to extend into the rotor bore. As the drill and drill bit advance forward the probe remains static. As a result of the advancement of the drill the rotor extends over the proximal end of the probe.

Abstract: A solid medical waste collection system for collecting solid medical waste. The system includes a mobile cart with a bag for storing the waste. A pre-detection apparatus detects metal-containing objects prior to placing them inside the bag to reduce costs to the facility in which the cart is employed. The system may also include a bag-tensioning mechanism for securing the bag to the cart.