Abstract: Devices, systems and methods wherein a dilator, such as a balloon or other expandable member, is positionable within the frontal sinus ostium and adjacent frontal recess and useable to dilate the frontal sinus ostium and substantially all of the frontal sinus recess without requiring repositioning and repeated re-expansion of the dilator. One balloon catheter device of the invention comprises a catheter body that is less than about 50 cm in length (and in some embodiments less than 25 cm in length and a semi-compliant or non-compliant balloon on the catheter body. The balloon may have a working length of about 12 mm to about 30 mm and a width at its widest point when fully inflated of about 2 mm to about 7 mm. Such balloon may be constructed to withstand inflation pressures of about 12 atmospheres. In some embodiments, the dilator is advanced through or over a guide (e.g., guidewire or guide catheter) that has a preformed shape.

Abstract: A device with a removable and replaceable cleaning head for cleaning a surface. The cleaning head has a spoon shaped head section configured to be operable to reduce a user's gag reflex. A cleaning blade segment is configured to form a triple edged surface scraping implement and a ball base segment is configured to aid a user in the installation and removal of said cleaning head component. A base component is configured to attach to said cleaning head component including a motor that is configured to vibrate said cleaning head component at a predetermined rate of a direction of motion of said cleaning head. An indicator indicates a status of said device.

Abstract: A forceps comprising a first jaw and a second jaw arranged along a longitudinal axis of the forceps for relative movement toward and away from one another. The first and second forceps jaws have respective first and second jaw surfaces facing each other. The first and second jaw surfaces have a serrated surface texture at least on a distal part thereof. A serration direction of the serrated surface texture is at an angle which is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, resulting in additional profile structure elements at a tip portion surface, allowing to handle and manipulate fine tissue materials such as membranes in an eye.

Abstract: A medical device that includes an outer tube assembly that includes a straight outer tube, an inner tube assembly that includes a straight inner tube disposed within the outer tube, and at least one interference member on the outer tube assembly and at least one interference member on the inner tube assembly. The inner tube and the outer tube are configured to rotate relative to each other to resect tissue at a distal end of the inner and outer tubes. The interference members are configured to prevent a force exerted along a longitudinal axis of the inner tube from separating the inner and outer tubes without rendering the medical device unusable.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus for carpel tunnel syndrome surgery. The apparatus comprises: a shaft including a shaft proximal end, a shaft distal end, and a shaft long axis, wherein the shaft distal end comprises a raised edge; a linkage included within the shaft; a blade coupled to a distal end of the linkage; wherein (a)(i) an axis parallel to the shaft long axis intersects the raised edge but does not intersect the shaft, (a)(ii) the raised edge is curvilinear, (a)(iii) the raised edge includes a first lateral edge portion, a second lateral edge portion, and a middle edge portion between the first and second lateral edge portions; and (a)(iv) the first and second lateral edge portions are both proximal to the middle edge portion. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A jaw member for use with a surgical instrument includes a support base, a jaw liner, and a jaw overmold. The support base has a proximal portion configured to be pivotably coupled to a surgical instrument, and a distal portion. The support base defines a channel that extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal portions and an aperture disposed in communication with the channel. The jaw liner includes an elongate body configured for receipt in the channel of the support base, and a projection extending from the elongate body and configured for receipt in the aperture of the support base. The jaw overmold overlaps at least a portion of the support base and the jaw liner to fix the jaw liner to the support base.

Abstract: A medical device for removing a stenosis of a living body lumen includes a drive shaft configured to be driven by an operation at a proximal side thereof and including a treatment member disposed at a distal side thereof, a housing configured to accommodate the proximal side of the drive shaft therein, and a holding member configured to suppress unnecessary movement of the drive shaft. A proximal end of the holding member is fixed to the housing, and an inner surface of the holding member and an outer surface of the drive shaft are slidable relative to one another.

Abstract: A surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device includes a trocar, a cannula releasably mounted on the trocar, and a propulsion system operatively connected to the trocar. The cannula includes a hub, and has a central opening through which the trocar extends. The propulsion system is operable to drive the trocar axially in a forward direction away from a proximal end of the surgical device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a cannula assembly kit for a trocar suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery. The cannula assembly kit comprises a cannula and a pattern generating member. The cannula has a distal end and a proximal end and comprises a flange portion at its proximal end and an elongate cannula shaft portion extending from said flange portion to its distal end and an access port through the flange portion and the elongate cannula shaft portion, such that a surgical tool of a surgical instrument can be inserted through the access port. The pattern generating member comprises a pattern light source and a projector arranged such that the pattern light source is operatively connected to the projector for projecting a light pattern. At least the projector of the pattern generating member is configured for being at least temporarily fixed to the cannula shaft portion of the cannula.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trocar comprising a silencer. An end sealing assembly of a sheath of the trocar of the present application comprises an upper cover, a radial sealing assembly, a silencer and a lower cover; the silencer being an elastic body having one end installed on the radial sealing assembly and the other end installed on the lower cover; and the radial sealing assembly installed between the upper cover and the lower cover, Since the silencer holds up the radial sealing assembly, a gap between the upper cover and the radial sealing assembly is reduced, thereby avoiding an impact sound produced when a surgical instrument is withdrawn outwards, When the surgical instrument is advanced inwards, the impact sound produced when the surgical instrument is advanced inwards is avoided due to a buffer effect of the silencer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of persons with urinary incontinence. More particularly, the invention extends to a set of introducers (also commonly referred to as tunnelers) shaped to accommodate the Altis® suburethral sling (Coloplast Corporation), which is commonly used in surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes an elongate sheath sized for insertion into a blood vessel of a patient and a hub. The hub can be coupled to a proximal portion of the sheath and can include a first hub portion and a second hub portion. The hub can include various features to facilitate breaking apart or separating the introducer assembly from a patient. For example, the first hub portion can have a first notch which can facilitate breaking, splitting, or fracturing the hub. The second hub portion can partially surround the first hub portion and can include two wings and an opening disposed above the first notch. The first hub portion can be formed from a first material and second hub portion can be formed from a second material. In some embodiments, the second material can be stiffer than the first material to facilitate fracturing the hub.

Abstract: Diagnostic apparatus (24) includes a sealed case (40), including a biocompatible material and configured for implantation within a body of a human subject (22). At least one antenna (42) is configured to be implanted in the body in proximity to a target tissue (28) and to receive radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves propagated through the target tissue and to output a signal in response to the received waves. Processing circuitry (44,46), which is contained within the case, us coupled to receive and process the signal from the antenna so as to derive and output an indication of a characteristic of the target tissue.

Abstract: The present application discloses embodiments related to an external bone fixation device configured to correct bone deformities or repair bone injuries. The device can include a plurality of bases configured to be attached to portions of a bone and a plurality of struts configured to be adjustable in length to change the position and orientation of the plurality of bases and the attached bone portions.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system for surgical implantation in the spine having a bone fastener. The bone fastener is provided with a head portion and a shaft portion. A housing is also provided with a recess defined by sidewalls and an opening for receiving the head portion of the bone fastener. A seating element is disposed within the housing and positioned over the head portion of the bone fastener. An elongate rod is positioned on the seating element within the recess of the housing. The system also includes a cap capable of engaging with a top portion of the housing and capturing the elongate rod within the recess of the housing when the cap is rotated. The bone fastener articulates in a single plane with respect to the housing and the seat element.

Abstract: An integral dual rod spinal construct for immobilizing and stabilizing vertebral bodies of the spine is described.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for securing a bone to a rod, the system comprising a ligature, a body, and two fasteners. The ligature has two free ends and an intermediate portion therebetween, the intermediate portion being configured to engage a bone. A portion of a rod can be fastened to the body using one of the fasteners. The ligature can be fastened to the body using another one of the fasteners. The two fasteners are distinct from one another and are adapted to fasten two free end portions of the ligature to the body independently from fastening the portion of the rod to the body.

Abstract: A surgical connection device for a spine is disclosed including a stabilization member, compression arms and traction arms, the device being used in conjunction with first anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a first lateral side of the spine and second anchor points fixed to vertebrae at a second lateral side of the spine. A first spinal rod may be attached to the first anchor points and a second spinal rod may be attached to the second anchor points. The compression arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear compressive forces. The traction arms connect the stabilization member to the first and second anchor points or rods and bear tensile forces. Application of both tensile and compressive forces via the device may serve to straighten, change a direction of bending or increase a degree of bending of the rods and/or spine. The use of the traction arms may also provide for a more flexible construct.

Abstract: An occipital fixation assembly is provided. The occipital fixation assembly includes a first mounting plate configured for placement within a sinus cavity adjacent a rear portion of a skull of a patient. A threaded post extends from the first mounting plate. A coupling member includes an aperture configured to receive the threaded post therethrough. The coupling member includes an offset extension configured to support a surgical rod thereon. A fixation nut configured to threadably engage the threaded post of the first mounting plate is rotatable about the threaded post and translatable therealong. The fixation nut is rotatable with respect to the first mounting plate and the coupling member such that rotation of the fixation nut in a predetermined direction brings the first mounting plate and the coupling member toward one another and into secured engagement with the skull of a patient.

Abstract: Procedures for the fusion of the sacroiliac joint advantageously make use of an implant selected to distract the joint upon insertion and to maintain or increase tension upon insertion. The implant can have a varying structure along its length. In some method described herein for fusing the sacroiliac joint using an implant, an implant is screwed into the sacroiliac joint between the sacrum bone and the iliac bone. The implant comprises a shaft, a tool engagement flange at top end of the shaft, a pointed tip comprising no more than about 20 percent of the length of the screw, and threads spiraling around the shaft. For screws of particular interest, the volume displacement perpendicular to the shaft increases at least about 5 percent from a point adjacent the tip to a point near the top of the shaft. Some of the desirable screw designs can be used in other orthopedic application, especially situations involving varying bone hardness.

Abstract: Various spinal plating systems for use in treating spinal pathologies are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the spinal plating systems can be configured to allow a surgeon to select a bone screw construct having a particular range of motion for attaching a spinal plate to bone as needed based on the intended use. In one exemplary embodiment, the spinal plating system includes a first bone screw that is polyaxially movable relative to the spinal plate, and a second bone screw that has a range of motion that is substantially limited to a single plane.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. Instruments are provided to aid in insertion and positioning or the rod.

Abstract: A rod template for determining a curvature and a length of a spinal rod used for joining vertebrae in a spine fusion surgery in advance includes a core, a transparent outer tube, and a transparent filler. The core is made of metal and includes a scale on a surface thereof. The outer tube is made of silicone rubber and covers the core. The filler is made of liquid silicone rubber and inserted in a gap between the outer tube and the core to fill the gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intermedullary bone fracture fixation are described herein. The fixation device includes a main body having a flexible state and a rigid state. The fixation device further includes a proximal interface coupled to a proximal end of the main body to anchor the fixation device to an exterior surface of the bone and a distal interface coupled to a distal end of the main body to anchor the fixation device to an interior cavity of the bone. The fixation device further includes a locking interface to configured to convert the main body from the flexible state to the rigid state.

Abstract: An orthopedic plate has a first end including a locking screw hole that receives a locking screw and spaced from that hole is a closed compression housing that extends from the bone-facing side of the plate and which receives a compression screw that forms an angle of from about 10° to about 70° with a longitudinal axis of the plate. The compression housing is not located on the medial line of the plate, but is peripheral to the medial line, either in the longitudinal or the medial direction of the plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bone fixation system for orthopaedic surgery. In one form, the system comprises a screw and a plate, the plate comprising at least one through opening, the through opening comprising a screw inlet, and a through bore which tapers inwardly as it extends through the plate from the screw inlet, the plate further comprising a plurality of splines which further define the through opening by projecting into the through bore, each spline extending longitudinally through the through opening, and comprising a top land which extends from the screw inlet and along the spline, and wherein in use, at least a portion of a head of the screw will engage with the top lands of the splines. A plate for a bone fixation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lateral spine implant has a plate, configured bone screws, and configured setscrews providing locking of bone screw movement. The plate has at least two identically configured bone screw bores, each one with a spherical seat at a bottom opening, and threads around the inner circumference of a top opening. Each setscrew has a cylindrical body with external threads that mate with inner threads of the bone screw bore in order to affix the setscrew to the plate. A threaded spherical pocket is provided in a bottom of the setscrew body which conjoins with the spherical bone screw head to secure the setscrew with the bone screw head, fixing bone screw orientation/angulation. The bone screw head has a formation or formations about at least a portion of its exterior circumference that cooperate with the threads of the spherical pocket of the plate in order to fix bone screw orientation/angulation.

Abstract: A plating system is described that uses various configurations of bone fixation implants that are configured to attach to one or more portions of a bone. An exemplary bone fixation implant includes a two-dimensional structure comprising a bone-engaging surface and a tissue-engaging surface. A plurality of openings is defined in the two-dimensional structure, and arranged across a length and a width of the bone fixation implant. At least some of openings are configured to receive an attachment member for securing the bone fixation implant to an underlying bone structure. The tissue-engaging surface is configured to engage an overlying tissue structure for encouraging incorporation of the tissue structure into the bone fixation implant to promote stabilization of the underlying bone structure during healing. In certain embodiments, at least 50% of the area defined by and/or between the length and the width of the two-dimensional structure is an opening.

Abstract: A dual drive screw that includes a head and a shaft. The head has a top surface, a first recess in the top surface comprising a first drive and a second recess below the first recess comprising a second drive. The shaft extends from the head opposite the top surface and includes an exterior surface with a thread formed on at least part of the exterior surface. The first drive may be a star drive, a hex drive, a square drive, a 12-point flange, a double square, a double hex, a spline drive or any other drive that has an opening large enough for a device to pass through and engage the second drive in the second recess. A first device engages the first drive and rotates the screw in a clockwise direction. A second device engages the second drive and rotates the screw in a counter-clockwise direction for removal. The dual drive screw is preferably implanted in a person.

Abstract: The invention is directed in various aspects to a compression fixation system that includes coupling components and locking assemblies for connecting two or more separate elements in a fixed arrangement. For example, the system is useful for connecting and compressing two or more elements selected from bones and bone fragments. The system includes a substantially linear coupling component, such as, for example, a Kirschner Wire (“K-Wire”) and locking assembly elements that engage with the coupling component in a coaxial orientation. The coupling component includes at least a linear portion and an anchor portion, the anchor portion configured to be fixed within or adjacent to a first one of the elements to be connected and the linear portion configured to be fixed adjacent to a second one of the elements to be connected, where the locking assembly is attached coaxially with and locked against the second element to achieve compression and fixation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material and placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may detach the fusion cage for deposit. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. In certain embodiments, the integrated fusion cage is an expandable integrated fusion cage.

Abstract: A technique for accessing extra articular lesions or abnormalities or intra osseous lesions or abnormalities or bone marrow lesions or all has the step of utilizing an intra articular localizing pinning member to determine a location of the lesion or abnormality wherein the utilization of the localizing pinning member includes the step of inserting the localizing pinning member through cartilage or subchondral bone into the lesion or abnormality to locate or stabilize or both creating a first entry access. The localizing pinning member enters the bony lesion or abnormality penetrating at least into or through the lesion or abnormality to set the localizing pinning member to the desired depth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localised hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus. Various effects can be achieved by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target.

Abstract: A tissue treatment device includes a circuit driver, an electrode, and a plasma arc focusing element, all disposed within a housing. The circuit driver generates a plasma arc source signal. The electrode generates a plasma stream in response to the plasma arc source signal. The plasma arc focusing element focuses the plasma stream to pass through an outlet hole of the housing and onto a target spot on a target tissue of a treatment subject for heat treatment of the target tissue. In some embodiments, the circuit driver controls a temperature increase of the target tissue by modulating a fundamental frequency, power level, pulsing frequency, and/or pulsing duty cycle of the plasma arc source signal.

Abstract: An electro-thermal apparatus configured to treat tissue includes an electrosurgical cable configured to couple to an electrosurgical energy source. The electrosurgical cable includes supply and return lines that are wound in a double helix arrangement around a dielectric insulator within the electrosurgical cable. An electro-thermal element is provided at a distal end of the electrosurgical cable. The electro-thermal element is in electrical communication with the supply and return lines via corresponding first and second conductive traces. The first and second conductive traces have a patterned geometry and resistivity configured to convert electrical energy provided by the supply and return lines to thermal energy for treating tissue.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a pair of holding members, a high-frequency energy output section, a heat generating section and a control section. At least one of the pair of holding members moves to the other holding member. The high-frequency energy output section and the heat generating section are provided on at least one of the holding members. The high-frequency energy output section exerts high-frequency energy to a living tissue to denature the living tissue, and collects the biological information of the living tissue. The heat generating section applies heat to it held between the holding members, generates the heat owing to the supply of the energy, and conducts the heat therefrom to denature the living tissue. The control section controls the output of the energy to the high-frequency energy output section and the heat generating section based on the biological information collected by the high-frequency energy output section.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a jaw member of a surgical forceps includes forming a jaw frame having a distal jaw support. The method also includes forming an electrically-conductive defining an aperture having a first diameter, forming a stop member including a body having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and a shoulder having a third diameter greater than the first diameter. The method also includes inserting the stop member into the aperture such that the body extends through the aperture and the shoulder abuts a portion of the electrically-conductive plate surrounding the aperture, and overmolding an outer housing about at least a portion of the jaw frame, electrically-conductive plate, and stop member to secure the jaw frame, electrically-conductive plate, and stop member to one another.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a flexible circuit electrode assembly and an apparatus manufactured by said method. According to the method, an electrically conductive sheet is laminated to an electrically insulative sheet. An electrode is formed on the electrically conductive sheet. An electrically insulative layer is formed on a tissue contacting surface of the electrode. The individual electrodes are separated from the laminated electrically insulative sheet and the electrically conductive sheet. In another method, a flexible circuit is vacuum formed to create a desired profile. The vacuum formed flexible circuit is trimmed. The trimmed vacuum formed flexible circuit is attached to a jaw member of a clamp jaw assembly.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring the temperature of tissue at various locations in a treatment volume during fluid enhanced ablation therapy are provided. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided having an elongate body, at least one ablation element, and at least one temperature sensor. The elongate body includes a proximal and distal end, an inner lumen, and at least one outlet port to allow fluid to be delivered to tissue surrounding the elongate body. The at least one ablation element is configured to heat tissue surrounding the at least one ablation element. The at least one temperature sensor can be positioned a distance away from the at least one ablation element and can be effective to output a measured temperature of tissue spaced a distance apart from the at least one ablation element such that the measured temperature indicates whether tissue is being heating to a therapeutic level.

Abstract: An energy delivery device for treating a patient includes a probe body; a plurality of guide sleeves positioned inside the probe body and adapted to be deployed radially away from the probe body and into tissue of the patient; and a plurality of elongate electrode elements each adapted to receive electrical treatment energy from an energy source and adapted to be deployed into the tissue through a corresponding deployed guide sleeve. The guide sleeves provide a structural pathway for guiding the electrodes along their intended trajectory and for determining the angle of deployment of the electrodes relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe body.

Abstract: A custom arthroplasty guide and a method of manufacturing such a guide are disclosed herein. The method of manufacturing the custom arthroplasty guide includes: a) generating medical imaging slices of the portion of the patient bone; b) identifying landmarks on bone boundaries in the medical imaging slices; c) providing model data including image data associated with a bone other than the patient bone; d) adjusting the model data to match the landmarks; e) using the adjusted model data to generate a three dimensional computer model of the portion of the patient bone; f) using the three dimensional computer model to generate design data associated with the custom arthroplasty guide; and g) using the design data in manufacturing the custom arthroplasty guide.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an electromagnetic coil assembly for a surgical navigation tracking system which may be used during image-guided surgery. A medical instrument assembly for an electromagnetic surgical navigation system, may comprise a tracking sensor interface included within a handle of a medical instrument, the interface having a first mating surface. Further, the assembly may include a tracking sensor including a second mating surface and one or more electromagnetic coils, where the tracking sensor is removably coupled to the tracking sensor interface of the medical instrument via an attachment device included on one or more of the first mating surface and second mating surface.

Abstract: A technique for accessing extra articular lesions or abnormalities or intra osseous lesions or abnormalities or bone marrow lesions or all has the step of positioning the localizing pinning member onto cartilage or subchondral bone to define a virtual pathway through the cartilage or subchondral bone towards or into or through the lesion or abnormality or a desired target to create the virtual pathway utilizing an intra articular localizing pinning member to determine a location of the lesion or abnormality wherein the utilization of the localizing pinning member includes the step to locate or stabilize or both and thereafter using the virtual pathway to create an entry access.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is visible by both a three dimensional (3D) scanner system of a medical navigation system and a camera of the medical navigation system. The apparatus comprises a rigid member and a plurality of markers attached to the rigid member. Each of the plurality of markers includes a reflective surface portion visible by the camera and a distinct identifiable portion visible by the 3D scanner system. The apparatus further includes a connector mechanism to connect the apparatus to a reference location. The apparatus is in a field of view of the 3D scanner system and the camera within a timeframe of the 3D scan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical system for use in interventional radiology, adapted to be coupled to a navigation system, comprising: a needle (1) to be inserted into a patient's body toward a target, said needle comprising a distal tip (10) and a proximal stop (110); a needle guide (2), the needle (1) being able to slide within said guide (2) along a longitudinal axis thereof, said needle guide (2) comprising a tracker for navigating the needle guide (2) with respect to a 3D medical image of a patient ; a processor configured to detect a contact between the needle guide (2) and the proximal stop (110) and to determine, from navigation data of the needle guide when said needle guide (2) is in contact with the proximal stop (110) of the needle and from the length of said needle, a position of the distal needle tip (10) with respect to the 3D medical image; and a user interface coupled to said processor and configured to display, on at least one image (I) of the patient, a representation of the needle and

Abstract: Systems and methods for arranging objects in an operating room in preparation for a surgical procedure. The objects are arranged based on surgical procedure information provided to a guidance station. The surgical procedure information dictates the desired placement of the objects. Placement of the objects is then guided according to their desired placement using one or more tracking elements.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to systems methods and computer program products for bend estimation. The system comprises a first and second light absorbers disposed at a substantially same position along an axis of a light guide and enabled to absorb first and second respective amounts of a plurality of wavelengths of a light transmitted along the light guide, a light detector enabled to detect respective intensities of the plurality of wavelengths of the light not absorbed by the first and second light absorbers, and a processor enabled to calculate a bend state of the light guide according to the detected intensities of the plurality of wavelengths of the light.

Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly.

Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly.