Abstract: A bone fixation apparatus includes an insert and a bone anchor. The insert has open ends defining a lumen. A first thread is disposed on an outer surface of the insert and a second thread is disposed in the lumen. The insert is configured for threadably engaging bone. A driving tool is releasably attachable to the insert. The bone fixation apparatus also includes a bone anchor with a bone screw member and a housing. The bone screw member extends from the housing and has a third thread along a shank of the bone screw member. The third thread of the shank is engageable with the second thread of the lumen such that the bone anchor is coupled to the insert.

Abstract: [Task] Provided is the spinal fixation system that facilitates surgical operations and improves reliability in stable fixation to a spine. [Means to Solve the Task] A spinal fusion system 1A includes a connector 6A (6A?) detachably connected to a rod 3, and a hook member 7A (7A?) connected to the connector 6A (6A?) and engaged with a vertebral arch. Thereby, in particular, reliability in stable fixation to the spine can be improved.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for orthopedic use having a housing that includes a top surface, a recess, a distal base and a bottom surface, the recess defining a longitudinal axis and extending through the housing from the top surface through the distal base and toward the bottom surface, and at least two through slots, each one of being disposed at a bottom or a side a surface of the housing. The assembly including a securement assembly positionable within the recess in a co-axial relationship to a mating surface on the recess, and a band sized for travel along a predetermined path defined in part by the through slots in the housing, wherein at least one of the through slots is a starting point for travel of the band along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a receiver having a central bore with an integral downward facing surface below a helically wound guide and advancement structure and a first interference surface, and a compression insert configured for top-loading into the central bore into a first position and then being rotatable about the receiver longitudinal axis into a second position defined by an engagement between a second protuberant interference surface of the compression insert and a first interference surface of the central bore. The compression insert further includes radially offset upwardly facing surfaces configured for biased engagement with a downward facing surface of the central bore upon completion of rotation to the second position, and the receiver further includes one or more inwardly extending integral non-resilient structure positionable into one or more outer alignment grooves of the compression insert, also upon the completion of rotation to the second position.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant kit comprising a lockable poly-axial screw, a tissue dilatation sleeve, a screw driver, a screw extender, a rod, rod-reduction device, a set screw driver, a torque limiting device and a screw releasing device.

Abstract: A plate and an installation tool are provided for preventing a spinal facet joint implant from expulsing from its implant location between a superior and an inferior vertebra. A k-wire is used in cooperation with the plate and installation tool to guide them to the desired location. The plate includes a central threaded bore situated between one or two superior bone screw or bone connection barb bores and one or two inferior bone screw or bone connection barb bores. The installation tool includes a threaded plug at one end for receipt by the plate's central threaded bore for releasably holding the plate during installation. The installation tool has a superior structure and an inferior structure that can be a cannula or tang depending on the plate's form.

Abstract: An interspinous fusion device includes a central body defining a longitudinal direction and configured to be inserted between two adjacent spinous processes; and a proximal body and a distal body, opposite to each other with respect to the central body and configured to relatively translate towards each other along the longitudinal direction. A pair of proximal jaws and a pair of distal jaws opposite to each other with respect to the central body are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction, and have a first end connected by hinges to the proximal body or to the distal body and a second end configured to abut against a spinous process. An actuation system percutaneously actuates the proximal and distal bodies to cause relative translation and rotation of the jaws about the proximal body and the distal body, thereby opening and closing the jaws.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments, implants, and methods for surgically treating facet joints of vertebrae. An instrument may be advanced into one or more facet joints to one or both separate vertebrae and remove tissue from one or more articular processes. A stop on the instrument may be used to terminate advancement of the instrument by contacting a vertebra, and one or more implants may be placed into one or more facet joints.

Abstract: An adjustable implant includes a body portion including a first end, a second end including a bull nose, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end, a hook coupled to the body portion, the hook including a first hook portion extending from the body portion in a first direction, and a second hook portion extending from the first hook portion in a second direction that is different from the first direction, a first wing coupled to the first end of the body portion, and a second wing coupled to the body portion such that the distance between the first wing and the second wing is adjustable by a user, wherein the first and second wings include inward facing surfaces configured to be positioned adjacent portions of bone of a patient.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an implant for correcting a deformity in or near a joint of a subject includes an implant body having an internal lumen, a suture side hole or window extending through a wall of the implant body and providing access to the internal lumen through an exterior of the implant body, a tension assembly comprising a first bone anchor and a second bone anchor, wherein the first and second bone anchors are configured to be placed on opposite sides of the implant body, and an adjustable suture loop coupling the first bone anchor to the second bone anchor, wherein at least a portion of the at least one adjustable suture loop is positioned within the internal lumen of the implant body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a strike instrument that couples to an insertion handle of an intramedullary nail has a shaft that extends along a shaft axis, and an abutment that extends outward relative to the shaft. The abutment is rotationally fixed to the shaft such that the shaft can rotate the abutment between a first orientation, where the abutment can be removed or inserted into the insertion handle, and a second orientation, where the abutment forms an interference with the insertion handle that prevents the abutment from being removed from the handle. The strike instrument includes a strike surface that can transfer an impaction force to the insertion handle, and a lock that engages the insertion handle so as to prevent the abutment from rotating from the second orientation to the first orientation after the abutment is rotated within the insertion handle from the first orientation to the second orientation.

Abstract: An implant comprises a unitary body including an intramedullary portion connected to an extramedullary portion. The unitary body is configured to attach a first bone section to a second bone section. The intramedullary portion has a first longitudinal axis, and is configured for insertion into the first bone section. The intramedullary portion includes at least one first fastener aperture having an aperture axis oriented obliquely relative to the first longitudinal axis. The extramedullary portion is configured to abut a surface of the second bone section and includes at least one second fastener aperture disposed to transversely receive a bone fastener inserted in the second bone section. The extramedullary portion has a second longitudinal axis offset from, the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Described is a femur fracture fixation device for treating a fractured, proximal end portion of a femur. The femur fracture fixation device comprises: an intramedullary nail; an extramedullary plate, including a main body portion for attachment to a lateral surface of the femur, and a posterior support portion extending from the main body portion for attachment to a posterior surface of the greater trochanter region of the femur; and a bone fastener, configured for insertion through an opening of the main body portion of the extramedullary plate, through an opening of the intramedullary nail, and into the head portion of the femur.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a treatment tool cable of satisfactorily treating long tubular bone fractures, such as femoral trochanteric fractures and subtrochanteric fractures. The treatment tool comprises an elastic plate 2 that has a curved shape or that can be curved, the plate comprising at least one pressing portion 20 that is provided at one end in the width direction of the plate and that presses the trochanter 103 of the femur 100 from the posterior side by a restoring force that is generated by deformation of widening the curvature.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate system with integrated locks which is additively manufactured as one component is disclosed. The anterior cervical plate system comprises a plate having at least one through hole configured to receive a bone screw for attaching the plate to a patient's bone. The plate includes a lock component adjacent to the at least one through hole. The lock component is connected to the plate such that the lock component is permitted to rotate with respect to the plate. The lock component has an unlocked position in which the locking ends of the lock component do not cover the head of the bone screw inside the through hole, and a locked position in which at least part of the locking ends engage the head portion of the bone screw to prevent the bone screw from backing out of the through hole.

Abstract: A bone fastening device includes a ready-to-assemble plate assembly including hingedly secured first, second, third, and fourth plates, first insertion members, second insertion members, a plurality of upper half adjustment members, and a plurality of lower half adjustment members; and a plurality of screws configured to drive through the first, second, third, and fourth plates into the broken bone.

Abstract: A fixation device includes a head, a tapered body coupled to the head and extending along a central longitudinal axis, and a flexible tail extending distally from the tapered body and defining a central bore therethrough. The flexible tail is movable from an initial configuration aligned with the central longitudinal axis to a deflected configuration that extends away from the central longitudinal axis when a force is applied to the flexible tail.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a shaft. The shaft includes a wall that defines a longitudinal cavity and a plurality of openings in communication therewith. The openings are disposed in axial alignment along the shaft and the wall is closed exclusive of the openings. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fixation element is described. The bone fixation element includes first and second channels, a connection channel, and at least one fenestration. The first channel includes a first proximal channel portion and a first distal channel portion. The first proximal channel portion extends from a proximal end of the first channel toward a distal end, and the first distal channel portion extends from the first proximal channel portion to the distal end. The connection channel extends between the distal end of the first channel and a distal end of the second channel such that the first channel is in fluid communication with the second channel via the connection channel. The at least one fenestration extends from at least one of the first and second channels to an outer surface of the bone fixation element.

Abstract: Devices used to treat tissue, including treatment of vertebral bone fractures, are disclosed. The devices may be configured to displace bone tissue using an expandable member, such as a balloon. The devices may further include a handle having a rotatable grip configured to apply a tension force to a plurality of pull wires to articulate a distal portion of the devices.

Abstract: A microfracture impactor tool including a housing defining a central axis, the housing can include a proximal portion and an opposite distal portion. A handle can be connected to the distal portion of the housing and can extend outward therefrom. The impactor tool can include a grip that is pivotably connected to the proximal portion of the body near the handle. The impactor tool can include an impactor wire configured to impact bone, and a guide tube connected to the distal portion of the housing that is configured to retain the impactor wire.

Abstract: A driver for engaging an endcap of an intramedullary nail. The driver includes a handle extending along a longitudinal axis of the driver from a proximal end to a distal end. The handle having a handle channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The driver also includes a shaft extending through the handle channel from a proximal end to a distal end along the longitudinal axis. The shaft having a shaft channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The distal end of the shaft extends distally from the handle. The distal end of the shaft forms a driving element to be inserted into a head portion of the endcap. The driver further includes a retention pin slidably received in the shaft channel. The retention pin extends also extends along the longitudinal axis. The distal end of the retention pin is configured to reversibly lock the shaft to the head portion of the endcap.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cryoablation catheter and a cryoablation system. The cryoablation catheter comprises a catheter body and a freezing unit. The catheter body comprises a cold-source fluid input lumen and a cold-source fluid output lumen, both extending in an axial direction of the catheter body, and the freezing unit is arranged at a distal portion of the catheter body, and comprises a first balloon in fluid communication with the cold-source fluid input lumen and the cold-source fluid output lumen, and a second balloon arranged external to the first balloon with the length of the first balloon being less than the length of the second balloon. When the first balloon and the second balloon are dilated, a cavity is formed between the first balloon and the second balloon, to prevent the energy transfer in a space of the freezing unit corresponding to the cavity.

Abstract: A method for cryogenically treating tissue. A connection is detected between a probe having a disposable secure processor (DSP) to a handpiece having a master control unit (MCU) and a handpiece secure processor (HSP), the probe having at least one cryogenic treatment applicator. The probe is fluidly coupled to a closed coolant supply system within the handpiece via the connection. An authentication process is initiated between the DSP and the HSP using the MCU. As a result of the authentication process, one of at least two predetermined results is determined, the at least two predetermined results being that the probe is authorized and non-authorized.

Abstract: A hemostatic surgical blade is formed of five symmetrically layers. A martensitic stainless steel core with oppositely disposed faces is bonded to layers exhibiting a high thermal conductivity which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. A thin aluminum layer is deposited on one side of blade blanks to enable chemical reaction bonding to electrically insulative dielectric inks formulated for use with aluminum substrates. The blade is heated by a blade heating circuit that is manufactured by thick-film printing and firing an electrically resistive heating element layer and an electrically conductive leads on an electrically insulative dielectric layer with all layers subsequently covered by a thick-film printed electrically insulative dielectric overcoat. Tissue contacting portions of blade are coated with a very thin non-stick coating.

Abstract: A coaxially-driven tissue aspiration instrument having a hand-supportable housing with a stationary tubing connector provided at the rear of the housing and receiving a length of flexible tubing connected to a vacuum source. A twin cannula assembly is coupled to a an electromagnetic cannula drive mechanism disposed within a guide tube structure mounted in the hand-supportable housing and powered by electrical power signals so as to periodically exert forces on the a front-loaded cannula base device slidably supported within the guide tube structure, and to which the inner cannula is releasably connected. The coaxially exerted forces cause the front-loaded cannula base device, and thus inner cannula, to reciprocate within the guide tube structure, while tissue is being aspirated along the inner cannula lumen, through the reciprocating front-loaded cannula base device, and through the stationary tubing connector, and along the flexible tubing towards the vacuum source.

Abstract: Presented are an apparatus and method for fluid evacuation. An exemplary fluid evacuation system includes a surgical apparatus having a fluid conduit therethrough. The fluid conduit includes a gaseous fluid sorbent material. Additionally, the fluid conduit is fluidly coupled with a vacuum tube fluidly coupled with a vacuum source, wherein the vacuum source is operable to create a flow of fluid through the surgical apparatus fluid conduit and the vacuum tube.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes at least one shaft member, an end effector assembly extending distally from the at least one shaft member, and a heat pipe. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members, each including an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other about a pivot between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surfaces. The heat pipe includes a proximal body portion and a flattened distal portion. The proximal body portion extends through at least a portion of the at least one shaft member, and the flattened distal portion extends through at least a portion of the first jaw member. The heat pipe is configured to facilitate drawing heat proximally from the end effector assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a multifunctional high-frequency electric knife, comprising processing portion, sheath portion, and operating portion. The processing portion is provided with an electrode and a clip component; the electrode is provided with a hollow tubular portion; the electrode can be pushed out or retracted relative to far end of the sheath portion; the clip component can be pushed out or retracted relative to far end of the sheath portion; the sheath portion is disposed at near end of the processing portion and comprises a hollow pull rod and a spring tube; and the operating part is located at near end of the sheath portion and comprises a high-frequency joint connected to the electrode by wire, a component driving, by operating line, the electrode to move, a member driving the hollow pull rod to move, and a liquid inlet allowing liquid to flow to the hollow tubular portion of the electrode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a balloon catheter configured to be inserted into a body-part of a living subject, the balloon catheter comprising an insertion tube having a distal tip, a force sensor connected to the distal tip, and an inflatable balloon including a proximal portion connected to the force sensor so that the force sensor is disposed between the distal tip of the insertion tube and the inflatable balloon, and multiple electrodes disposed around an outer surface of the balloon, and configured, when the balloon is inflated, to contact tissue at respective locations in the body-part, wherein the force sensor is configured to output at least one force signal indicative of a magnitude and a direction of a force applied by the balloon on the tissue when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing RF ablation while monitoring the procedure using low coherence interferometry (LCI) data are described. A catheter includes a distal section, a proximal section, a multiplexer, and a sheath coupled between the distal section and the proximal section. The distal section includes one or more electrodes configured to apply RF energy to a portion of a sample in contact with the electrode. The distal section also includes a plurality of optical elements configured to transmit one or more beams of exposure radiation away from the distal section of the catheter. The proximal section includes an optical source configured to generate a source beam of radiation and a detector configured to generate depth-resolved optical data. The multiplexer is configured to generate the one or more beams of exposure radiation from the source beam of radiation.

Abstract: Smart torquers are provided. Aspects of the smart torquers include: an engager for releasably engaging an elongated intravascular device; a communications module; a contact associated with the engager and configured to communicatively contact an elongated intravascular device engaged by the engager with the communications module; and a manipulator configured to allow a user to torque an elongated intravascular device engaged by the engager. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the smart torquers, as well as systems and kits employed in such methods.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter and an end effector. At least a portion of the catheter is sized and configured to fit within a lumen of a cardiovascular system. The end effector is positioned at a distal end of the catheter. The end effector includes a panel, a plurality of mapping electrodes positioned on a first surface of the panel, and a plurality of ablation electrodes positioned on the first surface of the panel. The mapping electrodes are configured to sense electrical potentials in tissue contacting the mapping electrodes. The ablation electrodes are operable to ablate tissue contacting the ablation electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter and an end effector. The end effector includes an expandable body and a plurality of electrodes deposited on the outer surface of the expandable body. The expandable body is configured to transition between a non-expanded state and an expanded state. The expandable body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The expandable body defines a plurality of openings extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. The electrodes are configured to expand with the expandable body from the non-expanded state to the expanded state. The electrodes including one or more electrodes selected from the group consisting of mapping electrodes that are configured to sense electrical potentials in tissue contacting the mapping electrodes and ablation electrodes that are operable to ablate tissue contacting the ablation electrodes.

Abstract: An irrigated electrophysiology balloon catheter with flexible-circuit electrodes is disclosed. To help prevent fluids, e.g., irrigation fluid or air, from passing between a space between an inner tubular shaft and an outer tubular shaft of the catheter, a first seal and a second seal may be provided about locations where the inner tubular shaft emerges from the outer tubular shaft. The materials and dimensions of these seals are instrumental in ensuring that the seals are sufficiently robust such that they do not fail during use of the catheter. Additionally, the flexible-circuit electrodes may include substrates adhered to the balloon. Delamination of these substrates may be prevented by use of a reinforcement component that extends the length of the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for treating heart failure. In some variations, a catheter for forming an anastomosis in a heart may comprise a first catheter comprising an electrode. A second catheter may be slidably disposed within the first catheter. The second catheter may comprise a barb and a dilator comprising a mating surface configured to engage the electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating assessment of a nature of contact between an electrode assembly of an ablation catheter and viable body tissue are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method comprises obtaining a first detected voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are positioned along an electrode assembly of the ablation catheter, and wherein the first electrode is distal to the second electrode, obtaining a second detected voltage between the second electrode and a third electrode, the third electrode positioned proximal to the second electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft, the shaft including a plurality of stepped sections along the length of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the length of the shaft, each electrode characterized by a geometric aspect ratio of the length of the electrode to the outer diameter of the electrode. Each electrode is located at a different stepped section of the plurality of stepped sections of the shaft and includes a set of leads. Each lead of the set of leads is configured to attain an electrical voltage potential of at least about 1 kV. The geometric aspect ratio of at least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes is in the range between about 3 and about 20.

Abstract: Microwave applicators are disclosed which include a first transmission line segment, a second transmission line segment, and a third transmission line segment. The first transmission line segment includes a first inner conductor, a first dielectric disposed on the first inner conductor, and a first outer conductor disposed on the first dielectric. The second transmission line segment includes a second inner conductor, a second dielectric disposed on the second inner conductor, and a second outer conductor disposed on the second dielectric. The third transmission line segment includes a third inner conductor disposed on the third inner conductor, a third outer conductor disposed on the proximal end of the third dielectric. The impedance of the second transmission line segment can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the third transmission line segment.

Abstract: A microwave generator configured to induce a change in temperature in a target area of a biological tissue so that the temperature of the target area exceeds the lethal threshold for the biological tissue, wherein the microwave generator is configured to release an electromagnetic pulse train in a frequency range between 0.4 GHz and 100 GHz that induces a thermal pulse train in the biological tissue, wherein: each pulse has a duration comprised between 100 ms and 2 minutes for the electromagnetic pulse train; the pulse width to period ratio is below 0.25 for the electromagnetic pulse train and the pulse width to period ratio is below 0.25 for the thermal pulse train; the peak to average ratio for the electromagnetic power exceeds 2 for the electromagnetic pulse train and the peak to average ratio for the temperature exceeds 2 for the thermal pulse train.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method (200) and apparatus for determining a transformation for anatomically aligning fragments of a broken bone. An image of the broken bone of the subject is acquired (202). The bone is broken into two or more fragments. A model of a corresponding unbroken bone and at least one parameter is acquired. The at least one parameter defines one or more deformations to the model that are permitted when fitting portions of the model of the unbroken bone to corresponding fragments of the broken bone (204). Portions of the model of the unbroken bone are fit to corresponding fragments of the broken bone based on the at least one parameter (206). A transformation is determined that anatomically aligns the fragments of the broken bone with the corresponding portions of the model (208).

Abstract: A method may be used to correct a condition present in a patient. The method may include obtaining a first bone model of a first bone of one or more bones of the patient's foot, and using at least the first bone model to generate a cutting guide model. The cutting guide model may define a first bone engagement surface shaped to match a first contour on the first bone, and a first guide feature that, with the first bone engagement surface overlying the first contour, is positioned to guide resection of the one or more bones as part of a surgical osteotomy for correcting the condition. The surgical procedure may be selected from a first group consisting of a bunion correction osteotomy, an Evans calcaneal osteotomy, and a medializing calcaneal osteotomy. The first bone may be selected from a second group consisting a metatarsus, a cuneiform, and a calcaneus.

Abstract: A system for surgical navigation includes a surgical tool, a tracking device configured to track poses of the surgical tool relative to an anatomical object, and a computer. The computer is programmed to perform a constructive sold geometry (CSG) operation using a model of the anatomical object and an accumulation of the tracked poses of the surgical tool relative to the anatomical object and generate a 2D image based on a result of the CSG operation and a viewpoint of a virtual camera by shading fragments of the 2D image based on the result of the CSG operation and the viewpoint of the virtual camera. The CSG operation is independent of the viewpoint of the virtual camera.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus may be attached to first and second anatomical structure segments. Images of the fixation apparatus and the attached anatomical structure segments may then be captured. In some examples, the images need not necessarily be orthogonal with respect to one another. Configuration information associated with the fixation apparatus may then be received. Additionally, first image information may be received, for example including indications of one or more locations, within the images, of at least part of one or more elements of the fixation apparatus. Additionally, second image information may be received, for example including indications of one or more locations, within the images, of at least part of the first and the second anatomical structure segments. Manipulations to the fixation apparatus for correction of the anatomical structure deformity may then be determined, and indications of the determined manipulations may then be provided to one or more users.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for controlling an articulating member including a tool. The system may include a dual camera system that captures near-infrared (NIR) images and point cloud images of a tissue or other substance that includes NIR markers. The system may generate a three-dimensional (3D) path based on identified positions of the NIR markers, may filter the generated path, and may generate a 3D trajectory for controlling the articulated arm of a robot having a tool to create an incision along the filtered path. In a shared control mode, an operator may generate manually control commands for the robot to guide the tool along such a path, while automated control commands are generated in parallel. One or more allocation functions may be calculated based on calculated manual and automated error models, and shared control signals may be generated based on the allocation functions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating an interactive tool for determining and displaying a functional relationship between a vascular network and an associated perfused tissue. One method includes receiving a patient-specific vascular model of a patient's anatomy, including at least one vessel of the patient; receiving a patient-specific tissue model, including a tissue region associated with the at least one vessel of the patient; receiving a selected area of the vascular model or a selected area of the tissue model; and generating a display of a region of the tissue model corresponding to the selected area of the vascular model or a display of a portion of the vascular model corresponding to the selected area of the tissue model, respectively.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a probe apparatus includes a shaft having a distal end, a tube containing separate powder granules of a ferrite, the tube being fixed to the distal end of the shaft, a coil disposed around the tube, and electrical wires connected to the coil so as to read out a signal generated across the coil due to an externally-applied magnetic field.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a system for medical object tracking is provided. The system includes a plurality of radio frequency transceivers where each of the plurality of radio frequency transceivers are configured to emit a radio frequency signal at a respective frequency. The system includes a radio frequency beacon removably attachable to a medical object where the radio frequency beacon configured to: reflect the radio frequency signals from the plurality of radio frequency transceivers, and emit vibration-based signals. The system includes a control device in communication with the plurality of radio frequency transceivers where the control device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a location of the medical object in three-dimensional space based at least in part on the reflected radio frequency signals and vibration-based signals.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a system for medical object tracking is provided. The system includes a plurality of radio frequency transceivers where each of the plurality of radio frequency transceivers are configured to emit a radio frequency signal at a respective frequency. The system includes a radio frequency beacon removably attachable to a medical object where the radio frequency beacon configured to: reflect the radio frequency signals from the plurality of radio frequency transceivers, and emit vibration-based signals. The system includes a control device in communication with the plurality of radio frequency transceivers where the control device includes processing circuitry configured to determine a location of the medical object in three-dimensional space based at least in part on the reflected radio frequency signals and vibration-based signals.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for imaging a target during a medical procedure, the imaging system involving an optical assembly having moveable zoom optics and moveable focus optics, a zoom actuator and a focus actuator for positioning the zoom and focus optics, respectively, a controller for controlling the zoom and focus actuators independently in response to received control input, a camera for capturing an image of the target from the optical assembly, the system capable of performing autofocus during a medical procedure.