Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member that defines a first longitudinal axis and includes a first pivot engageable with a first spinal construct connected with a first vertebral surface. A second member includes a second pivot engageable with a second spinal construct connected with a second vertebral surface. The second member is axially translatable relative to the first member along the first longitudinal axis such that the first vertebral surface is moved relative to the second vertebral surface. The first member is engageable to rotate the first spinal construct relative to the first member and the second member is engageable to rotate the second spinal construct relative to the second member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bone fracture repair. The apparatus may include a structural support for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The apparatus may include an anchoring substrate. The anchoring substrate may be configured to compress the first bone segment to the second bone segment. The anchoring substrate may transmit tension from a distal bone segment anchor in the first bone segment to a proximal bone segment anchor in the second bone segment. The apparatus may be configured to be deployed percutaneously in an inner cavity of a bone. The apparatus may be installed in an open fracture. The apparatus may be expanded, self-expanding or configured for mechanically actuation. Some embodiments of the apparatus may include a central axis member that may be used in conjunction with expansion of one or both of the structural support and the anchoring substrate to configure the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of loading an implant inserter with an implant tab and an intramedullary orthopedic implant includes placing the intramedullary orthopedic implant engaged with the implant tab in an implant tab press tool. The implant tab press tool closes the implant tab, which is then moved to a locked position. The implant press tool opens, and the implant tab coupled with the intramedullary orthopedic implant is removed therefrom. The implant tab coupled with the intramedullary orthopedic implant and the implant inserter are placed in an inserter press tool. The inserter press tool closes the implant inserter, which is then moved to a locked position. The inserter press tool opens, and the implant inserter loaded with the implant tab and the intramedullary orthopedic implant coupled therewith is removed from the inserter press tool.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for hip fixation with load-controlled dynamization. In exemplary embodiments, the system may comprise a fixation element, such as a screw, configured to be placed into a proximal femur of a subject, with a leading end of the fixation element anchored in a head of the proximal femur. The system also may comprise a stop member configured to be connected (e.g., via a nail or plate) to the proximal femur. The system further may comprise a deformable member configured to be irreversibly deformed by compressive force exerted on at least a portion of the deformable member by the fixation element and the stop member in response to a load applied to the proximal femur by the subject, such that the fixation element and the stop member move relative to one another parallel to a long axis of the fixation element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone plate assembly for use in orthopaedic or trauma surgery. The bone plate assembly includes a plate member having a top side and a bottom side at least one passage extending from the top side to the bottom side; wherein the at least one passage includes a first bore with a first end open towards the top side and a second end, a seat portion configured to receive the head of the bone anchor; and wherein the first bore comprises a first central axis and the seat portion comprises a second central axis, and wherein the first central axis and the second central axis intersect each other within the passage; and a second bore open towards the bottom side.

Abstract: A device for treating bone fractures with a sleeve 11 covering the fracture area. The sleeve 11 has inside a stopping element 12 to allow easy filling of the sleeve 11 with bone an easy manipulation. The sleeve 11 can be connected to fixating plate that fixates the bone fragments 15. The stopping element 12 can be fixated to the fixating plate.

Abstract: A reinforced cannulated screw assembly includes a cannulated screw and a reinforcing rod coupled to the cannulated screw. The cannulated screw includes a channel formed therethrough that is defined by an inner wall having at least one set of grooves formed therein. The reinforcing rod is configured for insertion into the channel. The reinforcing rod includes a set of protrusions configured to engage the at least one set of grooves.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a first portion that defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface defining an implant cavity. An intermediate portion includes a first part having a wall including a first end surface that defines at least a portion of the implant cavity and a second end surface. The intermediate portion further includes a second part having a wall including an end surface connected with the second end surface of the first part and an inner surface. The second part is rotatable relative to the first part. A second portion includes a first end engageable with the inner surface of the second part and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for anchoring implants to bones comprises a screw and fixation collar that when connected together inhibit axial movement of the screw and that when connected to an implant with a compatibly shaped aperture inhibit the screw's ability to back out from the bone and back out from the implant. The fixation collar includes a substantially C-shaped configuration partially surrounding a void, with first and second ends defining a gap that is slightly narrower in width than the diameter of the screw and being partially flexible to allow compression and expansion of the fixation collar to snap fit the collar around the screw.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device has an anchoring element, a receiving portion, and a pressure element. The anchoring element includes a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head, the head having an exterior surface with a spherical segment-shaped portion. The shank and the head are separate parts. The receiving portion includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a longitudinal axis passing through the two ends, a bore coaxial with the longitudinal axis, and a first region adjacent to the second end for receiving a spherical segment-shaped section of the head. The pressure element exerts pressure on the head to lock the head in the receiving portion. The head has a hollow inner portion to receive a free end portion of the shank and wherein the head and the end portion are formed such that the end portion can be elastically clamped by the head.

Abstract: A fixing element for an implant system includes at least two fixing elements that are fixable to bone parts or the like and at least one connecting element that is fixable to the at least two fixing elements. The fixing element includes a distal end fixing part having a fixing section and a seating part which is connected to the fixing part. The seating part includes a connecting element seating for accommodating the connecting element and a fixing element for fixing the fixing element in the connecting element seating. The seating part is formed from a seating part material. The seating part includes at least one reinforcement element which is formed from a reinforcement element material that has at least one of a greater stiffness and strength than the seating part material.

Abstract: A bone screw is created, with a thread section (1) with a tip (6) at a first end and a head (8) for engaging with a screwdriver at the opposite second end, which serves as traction element to connect shattered or split off parts of bones to one another. So that fusion of the screw with the bones can take place, the thread section (1) is constructed as tubular and its wall has a plurality of recesses.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a reservoir for storing pressurized fluid and a piston rod passing through the reservoir and having an end portion with a dimension larger than the piston rod. A sleeve is configured to engage the end portion of the piston rod such that when the piston rod is advanced, the end portion seals an opening in the sleeve. The sleeve and the end portion function as a piston for extracting fluid from a delivery chamber. When the piston rod is retracted, the sleeve engages a portion of the end portion to permit the reservoir to communicate with the delivery chamber through the opening. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for bending a surgical rod using an automated bending system includes receiving an indication of a plurality of line segments defined on the rod and an indication of an angle measurement to be formed between at least two adjacent ones of the plurality of line segments. Bending parameters to perform on the rod to form the angle measurement between the at least two adjacent ones of the plurality of line segments are determined and operation of the automated bending system is controlled using the bending parameters to create an angle having the angle measurement between the at least two adjacent ones of the plurality of line segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state.

Abstract: A cryoprotective device includes a hollow cryoprotective probe having a distal tip, a removable obturator, and at least one integral temperature sensor monitoring temperature at least adjacent the distal tip. An injector is able to inject a cyroprotective substance (CPS) through the cryoprotective probe and out the distal tip when the obturator is removed. The CPS is of a material that prevents freezing of a substance at which it is injected when adjacent cryotherapy occurs. A processor monitors temperature of the at least one the temperature sensor and can indicate if a preset limit is exceeded.

Abstract: An article comprising: (i) a handheld device including (a) a housing, (b) a powered element within the housing; (ii) a battery pack, wherein the handheld device is connected by an external cable to a functional system, wherein the battery pack is attached to the external cable, and wherein the battery pack supplies power to the powered element.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a direct heating element configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The treatment device is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state and a deployed state. The direct heating element is housed within an occlusion element which is sized and shaped so that the direct heating element contacts an interior wall of the occlusion element, an outer wall of which is simultaneously in contact with the inner wall of a renal blood vessel when the treatment assembly is in the deployed state. The direct heating element is configured to apply thermal energy to heat neural fibers that contribute to renal function.

Abstract: An end effector assembly is presented including a pair of first and second jaw members configured to move from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The end effector assembly further includes an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the first and second jaw members relative to an elongated shaft attached to a flexible catheter having a longitudinal axis defined therethrough. Additionally, a spring mechanism is disposed between a supporting member and a distal most end of the elongated shaft, the spring mechanism configured to apply constant sealing pressure between the first and second jaw members irrespective of angular displacement of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A high-frequency surgical device having a high-frequency generator, which produces a high-frequency output signal for treating, in particular for cutting or coagulating, biological tissue, the high-frequency generator being designed in such a way that the output signal of the high-frequency generator has a predetermined fundamental frequency and a modulation apparatus being provided, which is used to modulate the output signal with a modulation frequency, the modulation frequency being smaller than the fundamental frequency. The high-frequency surgical device is characterized in that the modulation frequency is at least 100 kHz, and in that the output signal can be modulated in such a way that a crest factor of the modulated output signal suitable for a specific application of the high-frequency surgical device arises.

Abstract: This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process.

Abstract: This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process.

Abstract: This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process.

Abstract: This invention relates to high-frequency ablation of tissue in the body using a cooled high-frequency electrode connected to a high frequency generator including a computer graphic control system and an automatic controller for control the signal output from the generator, and adapted to display on a real time graphic display a measured parameter related to the ablation process and visually monitor the variation of the parameter of the signal output that is controlled by the controller during the ablation process. In one example, one or more measured parameters are displayed simultaneously to visually interpret the relation of their variation and values. In one example, the displayed one or more parameters can be taken from the list of measured voltage, current, power, impedance, electrode temperature, and tissue temperature related to the ablation process.

Abstract: A surgical generator and related method for mitigating overcurrent conditions are provided. The surgical generator includes a power supply, a radio frequency output stage, an overcurrent detection circuit in operative communication with an interrupt circuit, and a processor. The power supply generates a power signal and supplies the power signal to the radio frequency output stage. The radio frequency output stage generates a radio frequency signal from the power signal. The overcurrent detection circuit detects an overcurrent of the power signal and/or an overcurrent of the radio frequency signal. The interrupt circuit provides an interrupt signal in response to a detected overcurrent. The processor receives the interrupt signal and supplies a pulse-width modulation signal to the power supply and incrementally decreases the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal in response to the interrupt signal. The radio frequency output stage may be disabled in response to the detected overcurrent.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.

Abstract: An operation handle for electrocautery includes: a grip, an operation rod, a stopping part, a positioning bar, and a driven member. One end of the operation rod is jointly connected to the grip, and the other end has a pressing portion. The operation rod moves selectively from an initial position to at least one work position. The stopping part is disposed on the operation rod and adjacent to the pressing portion. The positioning bar is disposed on the grip and comprises at least one positioning groove. When the pressing portion of the operation rod is forced, the operation rod moves from the initial position to the at least one work position, and one end of the driven member is lodged in the at least one positioning groove.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that includes a hand piece, a heating power supply, and a therapy power supply. The hand piece includes a first electrode including a heater. The heating power supply selectively provides heating power to the heater. The therapy power supply selectively provides therapeutic power to the first electrode. The medical device is changeable between operating a first electrosurgical configuration and a second electrosurgical configuration. In the first electrosurgical configuration, the heating power supply provides the heating power to the heater to heat the first electrode and the therapy power supply provides the therapeutic power to the first electrode.

Abstract: An over shoe for use with electrosurgical instruments having a pair of juxtaposed jaw members pivotably associated with one another, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon which is in electrical engagement with an electrosurgical energy source. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the over shoe includes a tissue contacting wall configured and dimensioned to selectively and substantially overlie the electrically conductive surface of the electrosurgical instrument. The tissue contacting wall is fabricated from a non-conductive material and includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough. In another embodiment, the tissue contacting wall is electrically conductive and is configured for selective engagement atop on of the jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.

Abstract: A device for delivering therapeutic energy to tissue is provided. The device includes a housing and a rotating device coupled to the housing. The device includes a plurality of electrodes, each electrode including: (i) a proximal section longitudinally extending from within the housing to an exterior of the housing and having a longitudinal axis; (ii) an intermediate section extending from the proximal section; and (iii) a distal section extending longitudinally from the intermediate section. The rotating device is coupled to the proximal sections of the plurality of electrodes and adapted to rotate the distal section of the electrodes so that distance between at least two electrodes changes, so that the electrodes can be placed in a compact configuration or an expanded configuration to provide for a treatment region larger than the size of the opening for insertion.

Abstract: An ablation probe fixation apparatus for securing an ablation probe to tissue includes a base having a top surface and a skin-contacting bottom surface, wherein the base includes an adhesive layer disposed on the skin-contacting bottom surface. The fixation apparatus also includes a fixation member coupled to the top surface of the base. The base and the fixation member include an aperture defined therein for insertion of the ablation probe therethrough.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrosurgical device comprising a handle, a shaft member distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip at a distal end of the shaft member with the first electrode tip laterally spaced from the second electrode tip, and an electrode sheath movable to cover and uncover a side of the electrode tips while a distal end of the electrode tips is uncovered to treat tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar electrosurgical instrument with an elongated shaft and with two coagulation electrodes arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and each forming a surface portion of the shaft, said electrodes being insulated electrically from one another by an insulator. At the distal end, the shaft is blunt, particularly rounded off, and has a cutting electrode for electrosurgical cutting at the distal end.

Abstract: An embodiment of system for intrabody treatment of a treatment location in a body of a treated patient is disclosed. The system may include deploying at least two transmission points of a multi point probe to a proximity with the treatment location in the body. A transmission pattern may be selected that defines, for each of the transmission points, a respective signal of a plurality of transmission signals. The transmission pattern may form at least one interaction between the respective signals. The interaction may form a hot spot at the treatment location. A plurality of transmission signals may be delivered from the transmission points.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to ablation catheter systems configured, for example, to ablate tissue adjacent an ostium of the pulmonary vein in a left atria of a heart. In one embodiment, an ablation catheter system includes a handle and a catheter coupled to the handle defining a lumen extending through a length of the catheter, the catheter including a distal end thereof. The ablation catheter system may also include an electrode coupled to the handle with lines extending through the lumen of the catheter, the electrode being configured to be constrained adjacent the distal end of the catheter and configured to be deployed from the distal end of the catheter to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a cannula insertable into a patient and positionable adjacent abnormal tissue. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a microwave antenna that includes a distal end having a radiating section receivable within the cannula and positionable within a patient adjacent abnormal tissue. The microwave antenna is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for transmitting electrosurgical energy to the radiating section. A portion of the radiating section substantially encompasses a portion of the abnormal tissue and may be configured to apply pressure thereto. The microwave antenna is actuated to electrocautery treat tissue to reduce blood flow to the abnormal tissue.

Abstract: A dielectric spacer for use during microwave ablation of tissue is disclosed. The dielectric spacer includes a housing having a predetermined thickness and a skin-contacting bottom surface. The housing is configured to be filled with a dielectric material having a predetermined dielectric permittivity. The housing is further configured to be placed on the tissue in proximity with at least one microwave antenna assembly, wherein the thickness and the dielectric permittivity are configured to shift a maximum voltage standing wave ratio of the at least one microwave antenna assembly.

Abstract: An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. One of the inner conductor and the outer conductor is movable relative to the other to cause at least a portion of the outer conductor to expand radially relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of repairing an inner vessel wall includes the step of inserting at least a portion of a microwave ablation device into a vessel. The microwave ablation device includes an inner conductor disposed within an outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. The method also includes the steps of inserting a repairing sealant into the vessel such that the repairing sealant is disposed between an inner vessel wall and the outer conductor and expanding at least a portion of the outer conductor relative to the longitudinal axis to force at least a portion of the repairing sealant into the inner vessel wall. The method also includes the step of delivering energy to at least one of the inner conductor and the outer conductor to activate the repairing sealant to repair the inner vessel wall.

Abstract: Provided is a chromium ion-doped laser apparatus for medical application and a method of operating the laser apparatus, the apparatus including a laser beam generating unit to generate a laser beam, a converting unit to convert a wavelength of the generated laser beam to be a set wavelength, and an emitting unit to emit the laser beam having the converted wavelength to an object.

Abstract: A disposable bag for maintaining sterility of a medical instrument having a detection mechanism and cable extending from the detection mechanism, wherein the bag comprises: a pair of flexible sheets comprised of a polymeric material, the pair of sheets being arranged in parallel to each other and sealed along opposing lateral sides that extend longitudinally from a top end to a bottom end, the cable having a selected length such that upon insertion of the detection mechanism through the enclosed interior chamber of the bag, the cable extends longitudinally through the open bottom end, the bag being adapted to be attached to at least a portion of the cable that extends from the detection mechanism downstream toward the open bottom end.

Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery system may have a robotic arm including a surgical tool and a processor communicatively connected to the robotic arm. The processor may be configured to receive, from a neural monitor, a signal indicative of a distance between the surgical tool and a portion of a patient's anatomy including nervous tissue. The processor may be further configured to generate a command for altering a degree to which the robotic arm resists movement based on the signal received from the neural monitor; and send the command to the robotic arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fortified plastic connector mount having a plastic generally conical nose with a top and bottom, the bottom formed as part of or affixed to the flat top of a body and the top of the nose having a square channel guide with corners. The channel is formed axial and centered in the nose and of a size to accept a tool or shaft. At 90 degree orientation from each other are four pairs of force buttressing ribs “FBR” wherein the FBR have a bottom affixed at said flat top, and the FBR has a support edge affixed to an annular outer wall of the nose. The four pairs of FBR each pair being positioned along one of the four sides of the square channel. In some instances, each FBR further comprises an interior edge and an outer edge and each outer edge is aligned with a corner.

Abstract: A sterilization assembly and methods of use for sterilizing various instruments or surfaces are described herein. The assembly may generally comprise an elongate housing defining a storage lumen and an opening, a plurality of cartridges aligned adjacent to one another within the storage lumen where each cartridge has a cleaning element, a biasing mechanism configured to bias the plurality of cartridges towards the opening of the storage lumen, and a release mechanism positioned along the elongate housing and adjacent to the opening. Actuation of the release mechanism may release at least one cartridge at the opening for ejection. The assembly may also comprise an actuator which oscillates the cleaning element or the at least one cartridge relative to the elongate housing. Furthermore, a processor in electrical communication with the actuator which is programmed to monitor operation of the actuator and/or positioning of the plurality of cartridges may also be incorporated.

Abstract: A base body for cleaning or disinfecting a medical product includes a plurality of nozzles for releasing a cleaning medium. The base body is of a disc-based construction consisting of a plurality of plates arranged in succession. A cover plate can be connected to a supply line for a cleaning medium. A distributor plate is fluidically downstream from the cover plate including inlet lines. A nozzle plate is provided with the nozzles being fluidically connected to the inlet lines and open towards a face of the nozzle plate. An end cover plate is fluidically downstream from the cover, distributor and nozzle plate. The cover and nozzle plate each have a central through-clearance which is of a shape corresponding to the article's peripheral contour, where the nozzles are arranged lined up in succession along the inner periphery of the nozzle plate and being open towards the through-clearance.

Abstract: A metering apparatus for a reprocessing device for reprocessing surgical instruments. The metering apparatus including: a metering chamber for accommodating a reprocessing fluid, wherein the metering chamber comprises: an inlet for letting the reprocessing fluid into the metering chamber; and an outlet for letting out the reprocessing fluid introduced into the metering chamber, wherein the inlet and the outlet are dimensioned such that a flow velocity of the reprocessing fluid from the outlet while the reprocessing fluid is being let out of the metering chamber is greater than a flow velocity of the reprocessing fluid into the inlet while the reprocessing fluid is being introduced into the metering chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a discrete signal-identifying badge and operative system for recognizing, differentiating and distinguishing among the many kinds, shapes and sizes of surgical instruments and tools commonly used today for human and veterinary surgeries and in scientific research. The signal-identifying badge is a discrete millimeter-sized article of manufacture which can be easily affixed to an exposed surface of any type, any configuration and any dimension of surgical instrument or tool; and includes a well-cushioned and protected photovoltaic cell-integrated chip transponder unit embedded within a safeguarding three-tier stack construct. The photovoltaic cell of the embedded transponder is activated by the introduction of light energy in any form; and once activated, provides electric power to the electronic circuitry of the transponder unit of the instrument-affixed badge such that a responsive identifying RF signal is emitted to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: Efficient path planning of a medical device for insertion into a patient using medical imaging is provided. An image rendered from different transfer functions is used. One transfer function provides context, such as rendering to show a skin surface or other patient anatomical system. Another transfer function indicates local vessel, fluid, or other information for selecting points along the path. The user may select the transfer function used at different locations as well as the depth of a clipping plane at the different locations to allow unambiguous selection of a path point in the three-dimensional rendering.