Abstract: An adapter system can include a set of adapters operably adapted to a set of microsurgical tools. Each adapter in the set of adapters can be formed for a complimentary surgical tool in the set of surgical tools. Each adapter can have a setback feature designed to orient a corresponding tool tip at a common tip distance. An adapter receptacle can include a joint or joints having a rotary motion and/or translation mechanism and a setback stop feature.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulated instruments extending out of its distal end. A controller is configured to command manipulation an articulated instrument in response to operator manipulation of an associated input device while generating a force command to the input device that nudges the operator to command the instrument to a preferred pose. When a transition is to occur between first and second preferred poses, one is phased in while the other is phased out. Virtual barriers may be imposed to prevent the articulated instrument from being commanded to an undesirable pose.

Abstract: A medical drape has a tool-less removal feature and includes a drape material, a drape cut, an adhesive tape strip, and a scoreline. The drape material has a top side, a back side, and at least one exterior edge. The drape cut has a starting point at the exterior edge and extends completely through the thickness of the drape material. The adhesive tape strip is positioned along the length of the drape cut to overlap at least a portion of the drape material on both sides of the drape cut to initially secure the two adjoining cut edges to each other. The scoreline extends along the length of the adhesive tape strip and only partially through the thickness of the adhesive tape strip to permit easy tearing of the adhesive tape strip for separation of the two adjoining cut edges.

Abstract: A surgical tray efficiency system comprising a vertical rack assembly for holding and displaying a plurality of surgical instrument trays, a sterile barrier covering the vertical rack assembly and including tray location identifiers, and a standardization software platform including a customizable interactive planogram is described. The customizable interactive planogram software helps operating room staff arrange the instrument trays on the vertical rack assembly according to a predetermined customizable location ID, and create/load/access information related to the surgical procedure/trays/instruments before, during, and after the surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical device management units and methods of their use. The medical device management units comprise two main pieces, a base piece, and a slide piece, as well as at least one medical device pathway defined by a surface means and a plurality of trenches. The invention may be used to keep two or more medical devices organized or it may be used to maintain control over the capture and release of a single medical device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a barrier to a medical scope are provided. An apparatus may comprise a source of film and a housing. The housing may comprise a chamber configured to support therein the source of film, and an opening provided through a wall of the housing to permit a portion of the film to extend out of the chamber when the film is dispensed. The housing may comprise a recess located such that the extended portion of the film is permitted to hang freely in proximity to the recess. The recess may be sized to receive a distal portion of the medical scope. The recess may be adapted to allow the extended portion of the film to be applied to the distal portion of the medical scope when the distal portion is placed into the recess with the portion of the film located therebetween.

Abstract: An aseptic medical instrument packaging has supporting peelable flaps by adding a material playing a supporting role which is harder than the rest of an extending part outside a sealing edge of a peeling side of the packaging, or adopting a material which is harder than the rest of an extending part outside a sealing edge of the peeling side of the packaging. A groove is carved in a junction between an outer edge of a sealing edge of a peeling side of the packaging. The material playing the supporting role comprises hard plastic, metal and paper. A soft cover of the packaging is prevented from being curled inwardly in the process of peeling open the packaging; and when one or two peeling sides exist, the degree of differentiation the peeling side will be increased, such that medical staff can conveniently find the peeling side.

Abstract: A medical observation apparatus according to the present invention includes a microscope unit, a support unit that movably supports the microscope unit and that includes a plurality of arm portions and a plurality of joint portions, each of which holds the arm portions rotatably about a predetermined axis, and a cable connected to the microscope unit and inserted through an interior of the support unit, wherein at least one of the joint portions includes a twisting joint portion that rotates a rotation-target arm portion about an axis parallel to a central axis of the rotation-target arm portion, and the twisting joint portion includes a rotational-shaft portion, a rotational portion that holds the rotation-target arm portion, fixes the cable at a position offset from the central axis of the rotational-shaft portion, and is rotatable about the central axis, and an extending portion that extends from the rotational-shaft portion.

Abstract: A device for shielding teeth to be treated in order to prevent an inflow of liquid, such as saliva or bloody the device comprising a partial dental dam (1) comprising a tensioning cloth (2) made of an elastic material designed to be introduced into at least one intermediate tooth space (11) when in an elongated state, and two actuation elements (3) arranged on opposing ends of the tensioning cloth (2) for use in pulling the tensioning cloth (2) into an elongated state, and use of the device for shielding teeth to be treated.

Abstract: Orthodontic positioning devices, and related methods and systems, are disclosed for use with one or more orthodontic elastic members. The disclosed devices are configured to couple with an orthodontic elastic member so as to react a force from the elastic member into the appliance to, for example, generate traction forces on the patient's teeth to produce a desired occlusion. A positioning device includes a patient removable tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to receive and apply a resilient positioning force to a patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hook configured to interface with an orthodontic elastic member. The hook can be configured to be offset from a surface of a tooth when the appliance is coupled with the patient's teeth and no elastic member is coupled with the tooth. The hook can be curved so that the hook is more retentive on the aligner. The hook can be reinforced so that the reinforcement resists deformation when the elastic is in place.

Abstract: A magnetic tooth alignment device includes a first magnetizable element configured to be adhered to a tooth. The magnetizable element may be a magnet, a metal, or another magnetizable material. An aligner tray is configured to partially encase a plurality of teeth and the first magnetizable element. A secondary magnet holder is configured to partially encase the aligner tray. The secondary magnet holder includes a secondary magnet configured to magnetically interact with the first magnetizable element when the secondary magnet holder is partially encasing the aligner tray. An inner wall of the aligner tray includes a cavity and the inner wall is configured to stop movement of the tooth when the first magnetizable element enters the cavity and contacts the inner wall of the aligner tray. The aligner tray in implementations couples with the plurality of teeth using only a friction fit.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket is disclosed, including a main body and rotor, wherein the main body includes a base body which is provided with a base groove; the rotor is provided with a rotor body and a cover, the top of the rotor body is provided with a bracket slot, the cover is adapted to cover the top of the rotor body and cover the top of the opening of the bracket slot, the rotor is adapted to be pivotably connected to the base body, and the base body is further provided with a positioning portion for securing the rotor. An orthodontics system with the bracket and an orthodontic method are also disclosed. The adjustable bracket according to the present disclosure can be adjustable in torque, tip and the direction of the torsion on the tooth, and it can achieve a good corrective effect by simple operation.

Abstract: A pocket orthodontic bonding pad for attaching orthodontic attachments to teeth wherein the orthodontic attachment is mechanically secured within a bonding pad pocket with a design that allows a slight buffering flexibility under masticatory stress and ease of removal of the orthodontic attachment. Upon removal of locking tabs the orthodontic attachment may be removed with minimal force, and the remaining bonding pad polished from the teeth with ease, which is most advantageous for brackets that tend to break upon removal and create high stress forces upon tooth structure. The ease of removing orthodontic attachments allows maximum bonding strengths.

Abstract: A dental implant is disclosed comprising an anchoring part for anchoring within a bone and comprising a mounting part for receiving a prosthetic build-up construction, wherein the anchoring part and the mounting part are configured integrally of a material comprising zirconia, wherein at least the anchoring part is treated at its outer surface at least partially by a subtractive, removing process, such as by sand blasting or is provided with a coating which facilitates an ossification.

Abstract: An dental implant has a substantially cylindrical hollow base member; an abutment; an implant-abutment junction (IAJ) portion at one end of the base member to retain the abutment to the base member, so that the abutment is able to move within a predetermined distance alone an axial direction of the base member, and a first cushion adapted to be mounted between the abutment and the base member for providing a resistance force when the abutment is pressed to move relatively toward the base member and providing a bouncing back force when the abutment is released from the pressing.

Abstract: A system including a method and associated structures creates efficiencies in the manufacture of prosthetic tooth support frameworks. Pre-manufactured teeth with matching internal keys are used in the setup of a patient prototype. Each key includes a shaft, a cervical platform, a retention knob and preferably at least one channel for the expulsion of excess adhesive fluid. The cervical platforms are shaped to provide intimate contact with a base of their respective tooth. The same tooth/key pairs are then used to make a framework pattern from the setup positioning. The pattern can be cast or scanned for direct machining to produce the finished framework.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dental bridge intermediary structure comprising a superstructure (203) and a reference plate (200), with distance pins (202) connecting the two. A method for producing a dental bridge superstructure (203) is also provided.

Abstract: Dental systems and methods related to impressionless dental modeling. A dental modeling system includes a dental model base and a mounting plate. The dental model base includes a plate support surface and a plurality of pin receiving apertures formed in the support surface. The mounting plate includes a plate portion positioned on the plate support surface and a plurality of pins extending into the pin receiving apertures to provide removable attachment of the mounting plate to the dental model base. The plate portion includes a model support surface configured to support a model of a person's teeth. The model may be formed directly on the model support surface using an impressionless technique. The model may be formed separately using an impressionless technique and then bonded to the model support surface.

Abstract: A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention can be an electric toothbrush including a trajectory detecting module configured to detect a trajectory of movement of a brush, the trajectory including a plurality of positions; an attitude detecting module configured to detect an attitude of the brush; a site estimating module configured to estimate a brushing site for each of the plurality of positions of the trajectory, each estimated brushing site being based on the trajectory detected by the trajectory detecting module; and a back most tooth detecting module configured to detect a back most tooth based on a change of the attitude detected by the attitude detecting module; wherein the site estimating module is further configured to correct the estimated brushing site for each of the plurality of positions of the trajectory based on the estimated site of the detected back most tooth.

Abstract: A toothbrush provides a head with bristles, a neck and a handle. An eccentrically rotational weight is engaged for rotation with a motor. The motor and weight are disposed within the handle. The handle, neck and head each have a different intensity of vibration. The toothbrush houses an electrical circuit, which includes a processor and at least two LEDs (light emitting diodes) at least one of which illuminates the neck and optionally also the head and the ends of the bristles attached to the head. At least two of the LEDs in the circuit are capable of emitting different colored light with respect to each other. The at least two LEDs are switched on for a predetermined time in a predetermined sequence under the control of the processor.

Abstract: A single use fluid delivery system including a fluid containing vial fitted with a non-removable sealing plug; a separate fluid applicator non-removably installable on the fluid vial; and a ball seal structure located on the fluid vial and configured to seal the fluid vial until the applicator is installed. The fluid filled and sealed vial and the applicator are provided as separate pieces, and during use of the single dose fluid delivery system the applicator is installed onto the vial, and during installation of the applicator onto the vial, the seal is dislodged and opens a channel for the fluid to flow to the applicator.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants (e.g., urinary incontinence sling, hammock, etc.) and method of implanting a pelvic implant that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, prolapse (e.g., cystocele, enterocele, rectocele, vault prolapse), fecal incontinence, and the like, wherein the implant and methods involve various features, such as the ability to adjust dimensions of an implant before, during, or after implantation.

Abstract: An insertion device includes an elongate member and a stylet. The elongate member has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and defines a lumen therethrough. The stylet has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and is slidably coupled to the elongate member. The stylet is configured to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the elongate member. The proximal end portion of the stylet is configured to removably couple a mesh carrier thereto. A portion of the proximal end portion of the stylet is disposed outside of the lumen of the elongate member when the stylet is in its first position and is disposed within the lumen when the stylet is in its second position.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based solid substrates for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which solid substrates comprise or are made to ultimately comprise three phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment method and medical apparatus for preventing an object that becomes a causative agent causing pathogenesis of aspiration pneumonitis from invading a lung The treatment method includes a disposing step of disposing a first instrument, which allows the object that becomes a causative agent of aspiration pneumonitis to move from an esophagus to a stomach and suppresses movement of the object from the stomach to a larynx, in the esophagus and disposing a second instrument, which suppresses the object from invading the lung, in at least the larynx.

Abstract: An intraluminal device and method of fixation of an intraluminal device to resist distal migration in a mammalian lumen or hollow organ that is subject to peristalsis, according to an aspect of the invention, includes spaced apart wall portions connected with a connector. The wall portions are configured to the size and shape of a portion of the lumen or hollow organ and the connector is configured to be positioned against a wall of the lumen or hollow organ. The intraluminal device is positioned in a mammalian lumen or hollow organ that is subject to peristalsis. The device is fixed in the lumen or hollow organ against distal migration, wherein tissue lining the lumen or hollow organ bridges over the connector. The device is explanted after tissue bridges over the connector including separating the connector from one or both of the wall portions and withdrawing the connector axially from the tissue bridging over the connector.

Abstract: An implant having a preferably hollow cylindrical basic structure. A nonwoven fabric is disposed in and/or on the basic structure, the nonwoven fabric preferably comprising biocompatible thermoplastic polyurethane and/or a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid; polycaprolactone, and a copolymer thereof, and/or a polymer including polyphosphazene. At least in at least one section of the implant, preferably at the proximal and/or distal ends of the implant, fastening means are provided or the nonwoven fabric is treated such that, at least in the expanded state of the implant, the protrusion of nonwoven fabric sections from the implant is significantly reduced. Furthermore, a method for producing such an implant is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating an injury in a subject using placental tissue streamers, engineered tissue placental tissue hybrids, suture placental tissue hybrids, placental tissue patch hybrids, and tissue hybrids, and the use of these compositions to repair, treat, or support an injury or degenerative process in a subject.

Abstract: A soft tissue graft suitable for replacing a tendon or ligament is fastened in a bone opening provided in a human or animal patient by press-fitting an end portion of the graft and a fastener into the bone opening such that the graft end portion is pressed against a first portion of the bone wall inside the bone opening. The fastener is anchored in a second portion of the bone wall by liquefying a material having thermoplastic properties by the fastener and making the fastener penetrate into the bone wall. An end portion of the graft is tied to the fastener with the aid of at least one suture extending from the graft end portion. Tying is carried out after anchoring, during anchoring or between anchoring and press-fitting. The tied connection between the fastener and the graft end portion successfully counteracts potential graft slipping.

Abstract: A hook portion 4 is provided which is formed so as to extend from base portions 21a of the ciliary processes 21 along the outer surfaces of the ciliary processes 21 via anterior end portions 21b of the ciliary processes 21 to base portions 21c at the opposite side. A leg portion 3 extending from the hook portion 4 toward the visual axis C is connected to the hook portion 4, and a lens 2 to be mounted in the eye of the patient is supported by the leg portion 3. The lens 2 is held in the eye of the patient in a state where the hook portion 4 is hooked or fitted to the ciliary processes 21.

Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in a natural capsular bag of an eye after removal of a lens includes a housing structure capable of containing an intraocular device. The housing structure includes a posterior side, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, lateral sides extending between the posterior side and the anterior side, and a cavity at least partially defined by the posterior side, the anterior side, and the lateral sides. The posterior side includes a refractive surface and an opening radially outward of the refractive surface. The anterior side includes an aperture capable of allowing at least one of insertion, removal, and replacement of an intraocular device. The cavity is capable of containing an intraocular device.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a stent extending between a proximal end and a distal end and including a plurality of struts forming cells, the stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. At least one runner is coupled a cell, the at least one runner being configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration when the stent moves from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, the at least one runner projecting radially outwardly from the cell in the second configuration. A valve assembly is disposed within the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, a cuff at least partially disposed on a luminal surface of the stent, and a covering material disposed on an abluminal surface of the stent and covering the at least one runner in the second configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a prosthetic tether between a leaflet of a patient's heart valve and another portion of the patient's heart to help prevent prolapse of the leaflet and/or to otherwise improve leaflet function. The apparatus can be used with relatively low invasiveness of the patient's body. The apparatus releasably clamps the leaflet during attachment of the tether to the leaflet. The apparatus may include an integrated display for indicating how extensively the leaflet is being clamped, as well as structure for stabilizing the leaflet for better clamping. The apparatus may enter the heart through an aperture in the wall of the heart, and may include structure for helping to reduce blood leakage from that aperture. The apparatus may be able to enter the heart by following a guide wire. The apparatus may include various means for attaching the tether to the leaflet.

Abstract: Heart valve prosthesis recapture devices and methods for recapture are disclosed, which can be used for recapturing a partially deployed heart valve prosthesis. The recapture device comprises a recapture sleeve, configured to envelop and collapse a partially deployed heart valve prosthesis. The recapture sleeve comprises a distal end, configured to be securely attached to a guide wire, and a proximal end, comprising an opening along a longitudinal axis of the recapture sleeve. The opening can be configured to expand as it engages the heart valve prosthesis, and be biased toward a closed configuration. An attachment element can interface with the distal end of the recapture sleeve and be securely attached to a guide wire, such as by crimping. The recapture sleeve can include a support structure comprising at least one spine and a plurality of ribs.

Abstract: An occluder device for occluding a gap between a medical device and adjacent body tissue includes a conformable body having a hollow interior, a leading end and a trailing end; and a port disposed at the trailing end of the body and in fluid communication with the interior of the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of transcatheterly delivering a band to encircle multiple papillary muscles in a heart. The method may comprise transcutaneously inserting a catheter into a heart and delivering a first end of a first guidewire to a ventricle in the heart via the catheter. The method may further comprise looping a first end of a first guidewire around a first papillary muscle and a second end of a second guidewire around a second papillary muscle. The first end of the first guidewire and the second end of the second guidewire may be brought out of the body while the first and second guidewires remain looped around the first and second papillary muscles, respectively. The first and second guidewires may be interconnected, and at least one end of the first and second guidewires may be pulled to establish a single loop around the papillary muscles.

Abstract: A device is described for crossing the atrial septum to properly size a valve annulus for treatment or replacement, having a catheter with an expandable braided tubular structure attached at its distal end. The proximal and distal end regions of the braided tube have an open structure to allow blood flow to pass freely through the gaps or spaces between the braided fibers. The lumen within the tube includes a temporary, artificial valve that acts similar to a native valve, allowing blood to flow in one direction and preventing blood flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A device for measuring heart valve for sizing a heart valve reinforcement ring, includes a handle having a first shaft and a second shaft; an inner ring coupled to the first shaft; an outer ring coupled to the second shaft; and a trigger mechanism configured and arranged to force the inner ring and outer ring together wherein an outer surface of the inner ring engages an inner surface of the outer ring; the inner surface of the outer ring and the outer surface of the inner ring having reciprocal mating surfaces configured and arranged to grip sutures therebetween when coupled together.

Abstract: A prosthetic system for use as a partial unicompartmental artificial knee replacement system. In one form, an artificial femoral bearing component is implanted along with a floating meniscus component that is configured to cooperate with the femoral bearing component to move through a plurality of translational and rotational positions as the knee rotates through a variety of angles. In another form, an artificial tibial bearing component is implanted along with a floating meniscus component that is configured to cooperate with the tibial bearing component to move through a plurality of translational and rotational positions as the knee rotates through a variety of angles.

Abstract: Methods, techniques and apparatuses are disclosed including exemplary methods of performing a knee arthroplasty of the tibia. One exemplary method can include determining at least a depth of a distal fixation feature of a tibial implant, and forming a metaphyseal recess in a proximal portion of the tibia. The recess can be configured to receive the distal fixation feature therein and can be sized to exceed at least the depth of the distal fixation feature such that when a distal surface of the tibial implant contacts a proximal surface of the proximal portion of the tibia and the distal fixation feature is received in the metaphyseal recess, a gap remains between the distal fixation feature and one or more surfaces that form a portion of the metaphyseal recess.

Abstract: Surgical methods and tibial implants for accommodating the anterior cruciate ligament during unicompartmental or bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract: Spacerless artificial disc replacements (ADR) are disclosed. One preferred embodiment includes two saddle-shaped components to facilitate more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending while limit axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the annulus fibrosus (AF). Either or both of the superior and inferior components are made of a hard material such as chrome cobalt, titanium, or a ceramic including alumina, zirconia, or calcium phosphate. The articulating surfaces of the ADR are also preferably highly polished to reduce friction between the components. Metals, alloys or other materials with shape-memory characteristics may also prove beneficial.

Abstract: Spinal implants are disclosed. One spinal implant includes a support body, an articulating element, a blocking member and a motion limiting member. The support body includes a superior end surface and a lower end surface having teeth. In between the superior end surface and the lower end surface is a recess formed in a sidewall of the support body for receiving the articulating element. The blocking member can be received in the recess to prevent inadvertent back-out of the articulating element from within the recess. The articulating element can articulate in one or more directions, thereby allowing articulation of the spinal implant into a desired position within a disc space.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is provided including a body portion, first orifices, and second orifices. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, first and second side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The body portion includes a cavity defined through the first side surface and the cavity increases in volume at an interior portion of the body portion. The first orifices are defined through the top surface and the second orifices are defined through the bottom surface. One of the first orifices has a cross-sectional configuration different from that of one of the second orifices. A method of use therefor is also provided.

Abstract: A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A method of insertion includes inserting an intervertebral spacer and plate together using an insertion tool and, upon removal of the insertion tool, the intervertebral spacer and plate are no longer considered connected/coupled and act as separate components.

Abstract: An intervertebral fixation device is disclosed, which includes a weight-bearing shell, a first anchor, a second anchor, and a key. The shell includes a first and second opposing sidewalls at a distance from one another, a keyway that extends along at least a portion of the distance, and a first axis of rotation and a different second axis of rotation that extend along at least a portion of the distance and are outside the keyway. The first anchor is rotatably coupled to the weight-bearing shell about the first axis of rotation, and the second anchor is rotatably coupled to the weight-bearing shell about the second axis of rotation. The key is insertable into the keyway such that the first anchor and the second anchor are securable in divergent orientations with respect to the weight-bearing shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device and method for applying a bone graft material to the body. The device includes a cylinder into which bone graft material is loaded. Specifically, the bone graft material is loaded into the cylinder through a funnel at a proximal end of the cylinder and dispensed through a tip at a distal end of the cylinder. After the bone graft material is loaded, a sleeve within the cylinder can be removed in order to create a channel within the bone graft material. Water or other hydrating fluid may be inserted into the channel through a port adjacent the proximal end of the cylinder in order to hydrate the bone graft material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a referencing apparatus for application onto a patient at least partially covered by surgical drapes. The referencing apparatus includes a plurality of locking elements shaped for engagement with the surgical drapes. The surgical drapes are disposed intermediate the plurality of locking elements and a respective plurality of predefined anatomical sites on the patient. The engagement causes a docking system disposed on the referencing apparatus to assume a reference orientation relative to the plurality of predefined anatomical sites.