Abstract: A device includes an outer member extending between a first end and a second end. The outer member comprises an inner surface defining a passage. The device includes an inflatable member having a first end extending from the second end of the outer member and a second end. The inflatable member includes an inner surface defining a chamber. The inner surface of the outer member is continuous with the inner surface of the inflatable member. The device includes an inner member having a first end positioned within the passage and a second end coupled to the second end of the inflatable member such that the inner member does not engage the inner surface of the outer member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for use in combining two part preparations, such as bone cement, can include a chamber for intermixing liquid and powder components, a container, a vacuum channel, and a filter. The mixing chamber can be configured to hold a non-liquid, polymer powder component of a bone cement. The container can be configured to hold a liquid component of the bone cement. The vacuum channel can direct a partial vacuum to draw the liquid component from the container into the non-liquid component in the mixing chamber to intermix the components and to thereby provide a settable bone cement.

Abstract: A surgical tool, enabling extraction of a prosthesis from a bony implantation site of that prosthesis, defines a proximo-distal axis and includes a distal end head adapted both to cut at least partially the bonding interface between the prosthesis and the bony material of the implantation site and to fix itself to the prosthesis by rotation centered on the proximo-distal axis, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices and methods for treating cardiac tissue, including percutaneous closure of cardiac openings such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. The invention includes a device having at least one elongated member. The elongated member has a first material and a second material interwoven with at least a portion of the first material. The second material is capable of transferring energy to tissue in need of treatment.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for predicting lesion quality. Specifically, lesion quality may be predicted based on an assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion using injection of an impedance-modifying agent and evaluation of changes in impedance measurements recorded by an electrode located distal to an occlusion element of the treatment device used to inject the impedance-modifying agent. The quality of the occlusion may be rated based on the changes in impedance over time within the pulmonary vein. For example, the quality of the occlusion may be rated as being good, fair, or poor. This assessment may be quickly and easily communicated to an operator.

Abstract: A method, system, and device for predicting lesion quality. Specifically, lesion quality may be predicted based on an assessment of pulmonary vein occlusion using saline injection and evaluation of temperature measurements recorded by a thermocouple located distal to the cryoballoon of the treatment device. The quality of the occlusion may be rated based on the time it takes the temperature recorded by the thermocouple to increase from approximately 2° C. to approximately 38° C., the rate of temperature change over a predetermined time period, and/or the rate of dissipation within the pulmonary vein of the saline with a volume of contrast medium. For example, the quality of the occlusion may be rated as being good, fair, or poor. This assessment may be quickly and easily communicated to an operator.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation.

Abstract: Cartilage and other tissues are treated by generating a plasma in an interior space of a probe and exposing the tissue to the plasma. The plasma is released through a gap in a working end of the probe.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a pair of finger-mountable annular members, each having an electrode disposed thereon. An optical member is disposed on at least one of the pair of finger-mountable annular members and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of at least one of the finger-mountable annular members. At least one finger-mountable annular member is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from a first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device having an electrode with a first portion whose exterior is electrically uninsulated, a second portion whose exterior is electrically insulated, and a third portion. An elongated hollow body has an internal cavity, a front end, a rear end, an external surface. An electrical circuit is arranged within the body. The second portion of the electrode is not surrounded by the hollow body. A first button is arranged on the external surface of the body for controlling a current flow at a first level. A vacuum tube is slidably engaged by the body. The vacuum tube is configured with a blade holder to reversibly receive the third portion of the electrode such that electrical contact is made between the electrode and a conductor which is connected to the electrical circuit by electrical connector. A vacuum outlet port is arranged near the rear end, and the outlet port, internal cavity, and vacuum inlet are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A medical device utilizing temperature sensing to identify or assess anatomical bodies or structures includes an elongate tubular member, at least one electrode, a thermal sensor, and a temperature response assessment system or component. The at least one electrode may be connected to the distal portion of the elongate tubular member, and the one or more electrode can be configured to provide energy or heat to a portion of an anatomical body or structure. The thermal sensor may be configured to measure the thermal response of the portion of an anatomical body or structure, e.g., tissue or blood pools. The temperature response assessment system or component can be coupled to the thermal sensor. In embodiments, the device may include a lumen and port opening, which may accommodate a tool, such as a needle. Methods for using temperature sensing to identify an anatomical body or structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An illuminated energy device includes a handle, an optical waveguide coupled to the handle, and an energy tip such as an electrode coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is preferably adjustably coupled to the optical waveguide, and adjustment of the optical waveguide moves a distal end of the optical waveguide closer to or further away from a target such as tissue in a surgical field.

Abstract: An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members pivotable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. The first and second jaw members include first and second proximal flanges, respectively. A pivot pin couples the proximal flanges of the jaw members to one another. The pivot pin includes a body and a head. The body is coupled to the first proximal flange. The head defines a first ramped surface configured to slidably contact a second ramped surface of the second proximal flange. In the spaced-apart position of the jaw members, the first and second ramped surfaces are oppositely disposed such that a maximum clearance is defined between the first and second proximal flanges. In the approximated position of the jaw members, the first and second ramped surfaces are similarly disposed such that a minimum clearance is defined between the first and second proximal flanges.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is associated with the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. A switch is configured to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the electrodes. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable is housing is configured to be releasably coupled to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupled to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. A tissue stop has a knife slot that aligns with the knife channel to receive the knife blade. An actuation mechanism advances the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is configured to releasably couple to the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade there through to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.

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: Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for clamping and cutting tissue. In general, a surgical device is provided having a handle and an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom with opposed jaws coupled to the elongate shaft's distal end. First and second movable handles of the device's handle can be configured to move together during a first phase of travel, and the second movable handle can be configured to move relative to the first movable handle during a second phase of travel. In the first phase of travel, the first movable handle's movement can cause the jaws to move from an open position to a closed position. In the second phase of travel, the second movable handle's movement can cause a cutting element to translate through the jaws. The second phase of travel can be prevented from occurring until the first phase of travel has been completed.

Abstract: An end effector includes a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer comprising an electrically conductive projection extending from the second electrically conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first electrically conductive layer and the electrically conductive projection is movable relative to the other one of the first electrically conductive layer and the electrically conductive projection to capture tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A vessel sealing tip for surgical forceps is provided, which allows both sealing a vessel section and cutting therethrough without extracting the tip out of the body or exchanging the tip. Either a single action yields the sealing and the cutting or two or more tip actions may be carried out sequentially to perform the sealing and cutting operations. In addition, the tip may be used for cutting through tissue. Embodiments of the tip may utilize any energy source, in particular optical laser energy but also RF or ultrasound energy. The different effects (sealing, cutting) may be achieved by varying the emitted energy spatially, by manipulating the vessel prior or during energy delivery, by changing a configuration of the tip during operation and by combining tensile forces or ablation at appropriate locations of the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having a movable handle coupled thereto and movable between an initial position and a compressed position. A drive bar is operably coupled to the movable handle such that movement of the movable handle between the initial and compressed positions effects longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The drive bar further includes a coupling member disposed at a distal end thereof. An end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions. Each jaw member defines a cam slot. A cam pin is slidably disposed within the cam slot of each of the jaw members. The coupling member is configured to releasably engage the cam pin such that movement of the movable handle between the initial position and the compressed position effects movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart position and the approximated position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an end effector including a pair of jaw members configured to move with respect to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration for clamping tissue. At least one jaw member includes an elongate cam slot extending in a longitudinal direction over a substantial a length a tissue clamping surface of the at least one jaw member. A plurality of electrically isolated, and longitudinally spaced electrodes is supported by the tissue clamping surface and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. A reciprocating member engages the elongate cam slot and is extendable to a sealing position with respect to each of the electrodes to define a predetermined gap distance between a particular electrode and an opposing tissue clamping surface.

Abstract: A treatment device includes a first energy output portion that is disposed in one of a pair of holding portions and includes first and second operation regions; and a second energy output portion that is disposed in the other holding portion of the pair of holding portions and includes third and fourth operation regions. The first operation region projects toward the second energy output portion more than the second operation region. The third operation region projects toward the first energy output portion more than the fourth operation region. Each of the first and third operation regions includes steps.

Abstract: Techniques for treating a tumor and vaccinating against cancer are described. The techniques include treating the tumor by positioning electrodes over an interface between the tumor and non-tumor tissue and applying sub-microsecond pulsed electric fields. The positioning is facilitated by an imaginary contour line of a threshold value of the electric field. In an example, the imaginary contour line is overlaid over images that include the tumor such that the electrodes are properly positioned over the tumor. The techniques also include vaccinating against cancer by passing sub-microsecond pulsed electric fields through tumor cells of a subject sufficient to cause the tumor cells to express calreticulin on surface membranes. The tumor cells are extracted and introduced with the expressed calreticulin into the subject or another subject, thereby providing a vaccination.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for delivering energy to a body lumen. The device includes an elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion adapted for insertion into a body lumen; and an energy delivery device disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongate member, the energy delivery device including at least one elongate electrode arm, wherein the elongate electrode arm is configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration different than the first configuration. The at least one elongate electrode arm includes an active region configured to contact and deliver energy to the body lumen. When the elongate electrode arm is in the first configuration, at least a portion of the active region of the elongate electrode arm extends radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the energy delivery device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering microwave energy to skin are provided, such that a focal zone of destructive heat is generated in the upper sub-dermis, mid-dermis, and/or lower dermis. This microwave therapy may be used for hair removal, treatment of acne, skin tightening, treatment of toe nail fungus, or sweat reduction. According to one embodiment, a system can include a microwave applicator having a distal treatment portion that includes at least one microwave antenna, a cooling system, and vacuum features. In some embodiments, the interaction between incident waves transmitted from the microwave applicator and reflected waves may be used to generate a standing wave with a peak energy density in selected regions of the dermis.

Abstract: An increasing number of non-invasive skin treatment devices are being provided for use by consumers instead of by medical professionals. Such home use raises new concerns, such as safety and treatment efficacy. The invention improves on existing devices and treatment methods. The invention provides a device and method, wherein a light source is configured and arranged to provide a first (31) and a second (32) region of non-zero intensity within a transverse cross-section of a laser light beam (21) having a single higher-order laser beam mode, and a third region (33), disposed between the first (31) and second (32) regions, of lower light intensity than the non-zero light intensity. The first (31) and second (32) regions are configured to create, during use, a lesion in skin tissue in the focal spot of the laser light beam, and the third (33) region is configured to avoid creating in the focal spot, during use, a lesion in skin tissue between the lesions created by the first and second regions.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and processes for performing femoroacetabular impingement hip surgery using a robotic system. In general, the processes may include receiving an image of the at least one bone; creating three-dimensional models of the at least one bone; determining the location of the at least one bone such that a precise orientation is known; Using software to automatically generate a volume of the at least one bone to be removed; automatically performing robotically controlled milling to remove the impinging at least one bone; and providing a simulated kinematic analysis of motion of the at least one bone after it is removed. The process may further include the step of receiving input from the user, determined manually by said user, based on the three dimensional-models of the at least one bone, to modify a volume of the at least one bone to be removed.

Abstract: A method of determining an optimal position of a glenoid implant. The method includes identifying a center point of a patient's glenoid fossa based on an image of the patient's glenoid fossa; determining the optimal position of the glenoid implant based on the location of the center point relative to a medial point of the patient's scapula; and selecting orientation of an alignment pin based on the determined optimal glenoid implant position such that the glenoid fossa will be prepared to receive the glenoid implant at the optimal position when the glenoid fossa is prepared with a cutting device or guide coupled to the alignment pin.

Abstract: A technique for determining a transformation between a navigation reference coordinate system (302) for navigation of a surgical device (150) relative to patient image data and an image coordinate system (304) in which the patient image data define a shape of a patient surface is provided. A computer-implemented method implementation of that technique comprises receiving multiple data sets that have been taken from different perspectives of the patient surface. Feature coordinates of multiple features (170) identifiable in the picture data sets are determined from the picture data sets and in the navigation reference coordinate system (302). From the feature coordinates, a shape model of the patient surface in the navigation reference coordinate system (302) is determined.

Abstract: A method of operating a shape sensing apparatus comprising receiving first shape data from a first shape sensor section including a first elongated optical fiber extending between a first location and a second location. The method further comprises receiving second shape data front a second shape sensor section including a second elongated optical fiber extending between a third location and a fourth location. The method further comprises determining a position of an end portion of the first shape sensor section using the second shape data from the second shape sensor section.

Abstract: A graphical user interface having a portion of an orthopedic system displayed on an electronic display. Where the graphical user interface displays: a parameter of the orthopedic system; a portion of an orthopedic insert; and a parameter of the orthopedic insert. Where in response to detecting movement of the orthopedic system the displayed portion of the orthopedic system is moved, a change of the parameter of the orthopedic system is displayed, and a change in parameter of the orthopedic insert is displayed.

Abstract: Tool mount adaptors for interfacing a medical instrument with a medical insertion device are provided. The tool mount adaptor includes a collar for holding a medical instrument wherein the tool mount adaptor is releasably attachable to the medical insertion device. Cannula holder assemblies for a medical insertion device are also provided. The cannula holder assembly includes: (a) a cannula track; and (b) a cannula carriage slideably mounted on the cannula track comprising a cannula holder mount and a demobilizer. Medical insertion devices comprising the tool mount adaptors and/or cannula holder assemblies are also provided together with methods of using the medical insertion devices in diagnostic and/or therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical robot system comprising a robot arm (8) installed on a substructure (1), a first control instance (16) for producing control commands for the robot arm (8) on the basis of user inputs, and a second control instance (18), which receives the control commands from the first control instance (16) and checks the control commands with respect to whether the execution of the control commands by the robot arm (8) requires the robot arm to leave a specified occupied space (21, 22) of the robot arm (8) and releases a control command for execution by the robot arm (8) at most to the extent to which the control command can be executed without the robot arm leaving the specified occupied space (21, 22, 30).

Abstract: Medical and/or robotic devices, systems and methods can provide an indicator associated with each manipulator assembly of a multi-arm telerobotic or telesurgical system. The exemplary indicator comprises a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) mounted to a manipulator moving an associated surgical instrument, allowing the indicator to display any of a wide variety of signals. The invention may provide an additional user interface to facilitate communications between the telesurgical system and/or members of a telesurgical team.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reference fixture. The reference fixture includes a joint, and a joint tracker to track motion of the joint. The apparatus also includes a surgical instrument. A tether is connected between the joint and the surgical instrument. A shape sensor extends from the reference fixture through the joint, through the tether, and into the surgical instrument. The shape sensor is substantially free of twist. The joint tracker measures the motion of the joint. Information from the shape sensor in combination with information from the joint tracker provides absolute three-dimensional information relative to the reference fixture, i.e., provides absolute three-dimensional information in a fixed world reference frame.

Abstract: An articulated surgical instrument for enhancing the performance of minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrument has a high degree of dexterity, low friction, low inertia and good force reflection. A unique cable and pulley drive system operates to reduce friction and enhance force reflection. A unique wrist mechanism operates to enhance surgical dexterity compared to standard laparoscopic instruments. The system is optimized to reduce the number of actuators required and thus produce a fully functional articulated surgical instrument of minimum size.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a counter balanced arm is disclosed including, a first link having a first rotating transmission device, a second link having a first rotating transmission device and a compression spring, a third rotating transmission device coupled between the first and second links, and a cable routed over the rotating transmission devices coupled between the second link and the compression spring. The compression spring forms a tension in the cable to counter balance a load applied to an end of the second link of the counter balanced arm.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical devices, systems, and methods. The system may include a port assembly and instrument arm assembly. The port assembly may have first and second end sections. The first end section may include a first end channel and first gate assembly. The second end section may include a second end channel, second gate assembly, and anchor port. The first and second gate assemblies may be configurable to transition between an open position to allow access through the first and second end channels, respectively, and a closed position to prevent access to same. The instrument arm assembly may include a shoulder section securable to the anchor port, first arm section secured to the shoulder section, elbow section secured to the first arm section, second arm section secured to the elbow section, wrist section secured to the second arm section, and end effector section secured to the wrist section.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods for performing a surgical action. The system may comprise a port assembly and instrument arm assembly. The port assembly may include a central access channel formed through the port assembly and plurality of anchor ports. The instrument arm assembly may include a shoulder section securable to a first anchor port, first arm section secured to the shoulder section, elbow section secured to the first arm section, second arm section secured to the elbow section, wrist section secured to the second arm section, and end effector section secured to the wrist section. The image capturing assembly may include an image capturing device and multi-curvable body. The multi-curvable body may be configurable to curve at one or more locations along the multi-curvable body, in one or more of a plurality of curvatures, and in one or more of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive surgical system includes a slave surgical instrument having a slave surgical instrument tip and a master grip. The slave surgical instrument tip has an alignment in a common frame of reference and the master grip, which is coupled to the slave surgical instrument, has an alignment in the common frame of reference. An alignment error, in the common frame of reference, is a difference in alignment between the alignment of the slave surgical instrument tip and the alignment of the master grip. A ratcheting system (i) coupled to the master grip to receive the alignment of the master grip and (ii) coupled to the slave surgical instrument, to control motion of the slave by continuously reducing the alignment error, as the master grip moves, without autonomous motion of the slave surgical instrument tip and without autonomous motion of the master grip.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system is configured with rigid, curved cannulas that extend through the same opening into a patient's body. Surgical instruments with passively flexible shafts extend through the curved cannulas. The cannulas are oriented to direct the instruments towards a surgical site. A teleoperation control system that moves the curved cannulas and their associated instruments in a manner that allows a surgeon to experience intuitive control is disclosed. The flexible shaft instruments are controlled as if extending along a virtual straight line insertion and withdrawal axis. Various port features that support the curved cannulas within the single opening are disclosed. Cannula support fixtures that support the cannulas during insertion into the single opening and mounting to robotic manipulators are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are mobility assistance devices, particularly useful in medical settings where a patient ambulation is desired but the patient remains connected to one or many medical components. The system comprises a mast connected to a base, wherein the mast is angled with respect to the base and from which any number of medical components is supported. The device geometry and connections ensure the device is extremely stable and tip-resistant. Also provided are oxygen tank holders to reliably and conveniently hold oxygen tanks and power management systems that reliably provide electrical power without impacting device performance or mobility. The device is deployable to permit conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical instrument for cataract surgery, and provides the surgical instrument for assisting in distinguishing the anterior capsule during cataract surgery, including a ring-shaped body; and a light source provided on a bottom surface portion of the body.

Abstract: An illuminated medical system comprises a medical instrument and a light transmitting waveguide. The waveguide projects lights from a distal portion of the waveguide toward a target area. The waveguide is formed primarily of a cyclic olefin copolymer or a cyclic olefin polymer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ablation instruments and methods of use thereof, in particular to ablation catheters and methods for providing visual confirmation of pulmonary isolation during an ablation procedure and preferably, in real-time.

Abstract: An image including the marker M is continuously collected every constant time from the images and template matching is performed by utilizing the first template image stored in advance in the template image memory element relative to the image including the marker M. And the image including the marker M after pattern matching specified by the template matching element is clipped as a template image and is stored in the template image memory. Then, the image including the marker M is acquired from the next images continuously collected every constant time. Thereafter, the template matching is performed by utilizing the second template image stored just therebefore in the template image memory element relative to the image including the marker M. Once the second template matching is completed, the image including the marker M is clipped as the next second template image since the pattern matching is identified by the template matching element, and is stored.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a surgical instrument with a cleaning fluid, the surgical instrument having at least one channel. The method including: applying a pressure to the cleaning fluid, flushing the channel by means of the cleaning fluid, and varying the pressure during the flushing.

Abstract: Medical procedure related objects (e.g., instruments, supplies) tagged with transponders may be accounted for in a medical procedure environment via a medical object accounting system using a number of antennas, and optional readers. A first set of antennas may be configured to interrogate sterile fields and/or non-sterile fields which do not encompass a body of a patient to account for the objects proximate a start and an end of a medical procedure. Sterile fields may encompass working surfaces of tables and stands, typically used by nurses. Readers (e.g., symbol, RFID) may be employed. A database may be maintained with information including a current status of each instrument or supply, for instance as checked in or checked out. On notification of a discrepancy, a handheld antenna and/or second set of antennas may interrogate a volume encompassing a body of a patient for retained instruments or supplies. The system may be automatically configured (e.g.

Abstract: A dental laser treatment system includes a treatment laser beam and a pilot (e.g., aiming/marking) laser beam sharing a collinear beam path, where the beam path is guided by a guidance system through a handpiece/main chamber assembly having a beam exit. A laser beam presence detector is removably affixed to or within the handpiece/main chamber assembly. The laser beam presence detector provides feedback to a computer which can control actuation of the treatment laser beam and the pilot laser beam, and the beam guidance system. The computer performs a search for determining the center location of the beam exit based on the feedback and controls the beam guidance system to guide the beam path approximately to the center of the beam exit, thereby providing automatic alignment of the laser beam with the beam exit or an optional hollow waveguide.