Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a heart pump device with a first receiving space for a compressible and expandable heart pump, wherein the first receiving space is delimited on several sides, in particular on all sides, by one or more closure elements and is closed off to the outside for preventing a contacting of the heart pump, wherein the closure elements) leave free an opening for the passage of a catheter from the outside into the first receiving space, wherein the diameter of the opening is dimensioned such that the heart pump can pass this exclusively in a condition which is at least partly compressed compared to the expanded condition. For implantation, the heart pump in the container can firstly be operated by trial in the container whilst feeding a rinsing fluid and can then be pulled through the opening amid simultaneous compression, into a sheath element.

Abstract: A screw containment system is disclosed including a caddy, a first screw, an adhesive substance, and a cover. The caddy includes a plurality of recesses including a first recess extending from a first opening towards a second surface of the caddy. The first recess is sized to accept a screw therein and includes a counterbore at a distal end. The first screw is removably disposed in the first recess such that the screw head shoulder sits on an upper surface of the counterbore with the shank disposed in an inner recess of the counterbore. The adhesive substance is disposed within the drive of the first screw, the adhesive substance being configured to temporarily couple two objects together. The cover is removably coupled to the first surface of the caddy such that, while the cover is coupled to the first surface, the first screw held within the first recess.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot air cooking appliance comprising a base seat provided with a receiving chamber, the base seat is provided with a heating device and an air supply device capable of supplying and circulating hot air in the receiving chamber, the hot air cooking appliance is provided with an air exhaust port disposed distally from the air supply device, and during the process of cooking by the hot air cooking appliance, the water vapor generated in the receiving chamber is discharged into the atmosphere through the air exhaust port. The hot air cooking appliance of the present application is structurally simple and capable of reducing heat loss, noise, oily fume emissions, and indoor air pollution, as well as ensuring adequate amount of water vapor is generated to accomplish cooking.

Abstract: A sieve tray for receiving objects to be disinfected or sterilized includes a base which has a plurality of openings and a base plane delimited by lateral walls. The base is a sheet metal part which has corrugations or indentations which protrude out of the base plane towards the sieve tray interior and/or sieve tray exterior such that the sheet metal part imitates a meshwork structure.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to “wet” transcatheter prosthetic heart valve or other implant packaging and assemblies in which a prosthetic heart valve or other implant is loaded into a first portion of a delivery device and positioned within a container in which sterilizing fluid is retained to sterilize interior portions of the container as well as provide moisture to prevent the implant from drying out. The disclosure also relates to methods of sterilizing the disclosed assemblies. Some disclosed methods include at least two sterilizing steps and adjustment of a mechanical seal member or formation of multiple seals so that areas proximate the seals are also sterilized during the sterilization process.

Abstract: A catheterization package including a catheterization tray and contents for a catheterization procedure. The catheterization tray can include a structural configuration for maintaining a sterile field about a patient throughout the catheterization procedure, the sterile field including at least a portion of the tray. The structural configuration of the tray can provide a sterile side of the tray designated for a first person performing sterile steps of the catheterization procedure in the sterile field. The structural configuration of the tray can also provide a non-sterile side of the tray designated for either the first person or a second person performing non-sterile steps of the catheterization procedure outside the sterile field. The contents for the catheterization procedure can include a perineal care kit, two or more pairs of gloves, and a drainage system including a catheter.

Abstract: A suturing kit includes a suture and a suture holder for holding the suture. The suture has a first end and a second, opposite, end. The suture holder includes an elongated wall defining a suture receiving passage that is elongated along a longitudinal axis and terminates at a suture exit opening. The suture receiving passage has a width at least twice the diameter of the suture and receives the suture such that the suture is folded over forming a half loop section spaced from the suture exit opening. A first second of the suture extends from the half loop section toward the first end and a second section of the suture extends from the half loop section towards the second end. The first section and the second section of the suture within the suture receiving passage are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An adhesive layer applicator for a body-mountable device is disclosed. The applicator includes a housing defining a first opening through which a chamber is accessible, and a plurality of adhesive layers and a plurality of adhesive liners alternately stacked on a floor that is movable within the chamber. The size and shape of the opening corresponds to the size and shape of the body-mountable device. The housing is configured to receive at least a portion of the body-mountable device through the opening. A second opening is formed in each adhesive layer in the plurality of adhesive layers and a gel is accommodated within the second openings.

Abstract: A food package having a heat-sealed cover composed of a lower plastic film and an upper plastic film which is distinct and separate from the lower plastic film is disclosed. The upper and lower films are collapsible, i.e., they can be creased and crumpled into a ball without effort or folded as a tissue paper. The lower film and upper film are heat-sealed to each other at respective perimeter edges to define a closed, watertight internal housing filled with a modified atmosphere. A tray, configured to house the food product, is inserted in the closed internal housing but is not fixed to the upper or lower film. The food packaging described herein allows a substantial reduction of plastic compared to those currently on the market, while guaranteeing its mechanical rigidity, and the long-term quality of the product. A method for producing the packaging is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held electromechanical surgical device is configured to selectively connect with a surgical accessory. The surgical device includes a power-pack, an outer shell housing, and a gasket. The power-pack is configured to selectively control a surgical accessory. The outer shell housing includes a distal half-section and a proximal half-section, the distal half-section and the proximal half-section together defining a cavity configured to selectively encase substantially the entire power-pack therein. The gasket is located between the distal half-section and the proximal half-section of the outer shell housing. The gasket is configured to create a seal between the distal half-section and the proximal half-section and to provide a sterile barrier between the power-pack and an outside environment outside the outer shell housing.

Abstract: A medical tubing organizer includes a base defining a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction being defined as substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a vertical direction being defined as substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal and lateral directions. A tube retainer is positioned on a top of the base and configured to receive a medical tube that extends along the lateral direction. The tube retainer is further configured to adjust between a free flow state and a retention state, wherein, in the free flow state, the tube retainer is configured to enable movement of the medical tube in the lateral direction and resist movement in the longitudinal direction, and in the retention state, the tube retainer is configured to resist movement in the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical directions. A connector is positioned on the base for selectively coupling the medical tubing organizer to a structure.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging container and a packaging element. The packaging container include a first half having a base surface and an outer wall defining an inset receiving area, a second half sized and configured to couple to the first half in a locking relationship, and a coupling element extending from the base surface of the first half. The packaging element includes a central coupling body defining an opening sized and configured to receive the coupling element of the packaging container therethrough and a plurality of secondary coupling elements each coupled to an outer perimeter of the central coupling body. A plurality of surgical elements are each coupled to one of the plurality of secondary coupling elements.

Abstract: Urinary catheter-insertion kits can include an upper tray fixed to a lower tray and a separator wall positioned over at least a portion of the urinary catheter assembly. The upper tray can include a preformed catheter section configured to accommodate a urinary catheter of a urinary catheter assembly, and a cutout formed through an end portion of the catheter section. A drainage system of the urinary catheter assembly can be disposed in the lower tray, the drainage system including drainage tubing and a drainage receptacle. The drainage tubing can be connected to the urinary catheter through the cutout in the catheter section of the upper tray. Methods of urinary catheterization include use of the urinary catheter-insertion kits.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous post and partition assembly that is configured and adapted to promote modularity and withstand the harsh environment of central sterile processing processes. Modular post assembly may be removed and relocated on tray without additional fasteners or components. Tray and bracket assembly may further provide identification features to correctly associate cataloged reusable medical devices to identified trays.

Abstract: Device for folding an instrument tray into a packaging material, comprising a supporting surface for supporting the instrument tray during folding of the instrument tray into the packaging material, a first folding plate and a second folding plate, a movable folding aid for fixing the packaging material over a predefined line portion before and/or during the making of a fold, at least one movable clamp for gripping and moving the packaging material, a control unit for controlling the movement of the first folding plate between its respective first and second positions, the movement of the second folding plate between its respective first and second positions, the movement of the folding aid, and the movement and clamping and release of the at least one clamp.

Abstract: A device is provided for coupling and decoupling a blade and a handle, wherein the device includes a housing that defines an interior chamber and an exterior slot adjacent the interior chamber. The exterior slot is dimensioned to pass the blade and is configured to receive a portion of the handle. The housing defines a groove in the interior chamber configured to retain the blade in a ready configuration for coupling the blade to the handle. The device includes a pivot member secured within the interior chamber of the housing. The pivot member is pivotable between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The unlocked configuration of the pivot member is configured to allow the blade in the ready configuration to be coupled to the handle. The locked configuration of the pivot member is configured to lock the blade within the interior chamber.

Abstract: A storage container, a packaging member, and a medical instrument set are reduced in size and can reduce the burden of preparing medical instruments. The storage container includes side face parts surrounding a first space and a second space for accommodating an introducer, a first storage part in which a catheter hub is disposed, a second storage part in which a tubular member is disposed in a state in which a connector unit is disposed in the second space, and a third storage part in which a dilator hub is disposed. The third storage part is disposed between the first storage part and the second storage part.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an overtube, a sheathing tube, a syringe, a tube, an inner needle, and a storage case that has individual storage parts for individually storing the overtube, the sheathing tube, the syringe, the tube, and the inner needle, respectively. The storage case fixes a first instrument, which is any one of the overtube, the sheathing tube, the syringe, the tube, or the inner needle, to the individual storage part corresponding to the first instrument by using at least one of second instruments which are other instruments stored in the individual storage parts.

Abstract: A storage medium stores a program. The program causes a first terminal apparatus to execute processing including: obtaining biological information on a subject from a first sensor provided in a mobile object, obtaining identification information for the subject, obtaining a detection time, and sending the biological information in association with the identification information for the subject and the detection time to an information processing apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for holding and organizing surgical instruments in a surgical environment. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument holder has an elongated body portion with a top surface and a base surface. The base surface is configured to contact a table surface. When a portion of a surgical instrument is laid upon the top surface, the top surface is configured to deform under an applied weight so as to limit movement of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A package for enclosing an oral care device includes a first layer and a second layer removably coupled to the first layer. The second layer includes a first section configured to enclose a first portion of an oral care device, a second section configured to enclose a second portion of the oral care device, and a formed region disposed between the first section and the second section, wherein the formed region is configured to prevent the first portion from moving from the first section into the second section.

Abstract: A storage tray provides storage for multiple types of wires, catheters, and other instruments used during surgical procedures. The storage tray includes a base and a set of walls forming a basin that holds liquid. A wire containment section within the basin holds multiple coiled guidewires in a channel filled with the liquid. The wire containment section includes an inner wall and one or more wall segments forming an outer boundary of the channel. A wire holder outside the channel holds end portions of the guidewires. Pulling an end portion of one of the coiled guidewires horizontally causes the guidewire to slide along the inner wall for separation and removal from the storage tray.

Abstract: An instrument tray for storing and supplying surgical instruments, and a system and a method for at least semi-automatically handling trays of this type. The tray includes a container for receiving surgical instruments, and the container has unique visual markers for individual instruments. The system also includes a manipulator and an image recognition unit.

Abstract: A needle retention and disposal device including a cup having an interior compartment for receiving and retaining used needles and a skirt having a bottom open end. The cup is positioned inside the skirt and is springedly attached to the skirt. Two doors are rotatably attached to the interior compartment of the cup and are moveable between an open position and a closed position. The bottom open end of the skirt receives the neck of a sharps container such that the neck of the sharps container contacts the bottom surface of the cup. The doors are moveable from the closed position to the open position to release the used needles when the skirt is pushed down over the neck of the sharps container.

Abstract: A cable holder prevents fraying or tangling of cables configured to physically and electrically connect to one or more devices, such as patient monitoring devices. The cable holder can be configured to: (i) detachably secure the one or more cables, and (ii) be detachably secured to a support structure. The cable holder may include a first surface in which an aperture configured to receive a cable is defined, and a second surface on which a connector configured to removably interconnect with a connector of another cable holder is defined.

Abstract: A circular stapler is disclosed. The circular stapler comprises a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a cartridge assembly. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The knife assembly is selectively movable relative to the pusher assembly to distally translate a knife. A knife carrier of the knife assembly includes at least one latch thereon. The at least one latch is configured to contact an engagement surface of the pusher assembly in response to movement between the knife carrier and the pusher assembly. The at least one latch is prevented from distally translating beyond the engagement surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package comprising a hollow body, a lid joined to the hollow body by a hinge, and a protective cover (that can be moved between a closed position in which it covers the lid and an open position in which it is separated from the hollow body and forms, with a coupling device, a lever arm coupled to the lid, with the coupling device being able to assume a retracted configuration when the cover is in the closed position, and a deployed configuration when the cover is in the open position. The invention also relates to a corresponding unpackaging process.

Abstract: An instrument cassette (100) for handling instruments (111) comprises support structures (101) for mechanically supporting the instruments (111), and a shielding structure (102, 103) for containing operational portions (112) of the instruments (111) so that a risk of unintentional touching the operational portions (112) is reduced. At least one wall (104) of the shielding structure (103) comprises channels (105) for allowing liquid and gaseous substances to flow through the wall. The substances may comprise for example hot vapor used in an autoclaving sterilization process. The channels (105) are shaped to prevent the operational portions (112) of the instruments (111) from protruding through the wall (104) via the channels (105). Thus, there is no need for a high number of very small channels which may be difficult to manufacture in a cost effective way.

Abstract: A structure for packaging containers for pharmaceutical use including a support plane fitted with a plurality of seats for housing containers for pharmaceutical use, the seats having main extension axes (X-X), parallel to each other, the seats being delimited by perimeter walls which project from the support plane towards a top side of the structure, where on the side of a top face of the seats, intended to receive in abutment an undercut element of said containers, a raised perimeter of each seat is provided to delimit and surround at least partially an annular pocket, enlarged with respect to the seat and intended to receive in abutment the undercut element of said containers for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: System comprising a pre-fillable syringe with a syringe barrel and a syringe tip and a package suitable and intended for receiving the pre-fillable syringe, wherein the syringe tip is provided with a tip cap, wherein the system comprises a replacement cap for the pre-fillable syringe, wherein the package is suitable and intended for receiving the replacement cap.

Abstract: A desk attachment apparatus and system that prevents items from falling off a desk top, to provide electrical wire management, and provides support for functional and artistic displays. The apparatus includes a body with a plurality of holes of to receive and retain electrical wires, a plurality of slits in which the wires can be inserted into the holes, a front groove configured to tightly cover a protruding edge of a desk top and back groove extending along a back face of the body to receive an insert to block wires from being removed from the holes through the slits. Also included is an extension member that can be inserted in the back groove of the desk dam attachment apparatus to extend the desk dam apparatus.

Abstract: System comprising a pre-fillable syringe with a syringe barrel and a syringe tip and a package suitable and intended for receiving the pre-fillable syringe, wherein the syringe tip is provided with a tip cap, wherein the system comprises a replacement cap for the pre-fillable syringe, wherein the package is suitable and intended for receiving the replacement cap.

Abstract: A cover for a probe 12, such as an ultrasonic probe, the cover comprising a flexible elongate pouch 1 and a mouth portion 2 for inserting the probe 12 into the pouch, the mouth portion 2 comprising sealing means to enable the mouth portion to be formed into sealing engagement with a proximal end 11 of the probe. Also, a method of preventing a decontaminated ultrasonic probe from contamination comprising the step of, immediately after disinfection, inserting the ultrasonic probe 12 into a cover comprising a flexible elongate pouch 1 and a mouth portion 2 for inserting the probe 12 into to pouch, the mouth portion 2 comprising a deformably rigid portion 3, and deforming the mouth portion 2 into a sealing engagement with a proximal end 11 of the probe, wherein no undisinfected portion of the probe 12 enters the pouch 1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: The surgical tool support system comprises a central tube, a left base, and a right base. The surgical tool support system may be an organizer for a plurality of surgical instruments. The central tube may be corrugated and expandable. When expanded, the central tube may expose a plurality of troughs disposed longitudinally along the central tube. Each of the plurality of troughs may support one or more surgical instruments. An individual surgical instrument may be placed on the surgical tool support system with a point of the individual surgical instrument down against a stand and a handle of the individual surgical instrument resting in one of the plurality of troughs. The surgical tool support system may replace a surgical instrument roll made from a towel, thus eliminating the time and complexity of forming the surgical instrument roll.

Abstract: A sterilization tray is disclosed herein that may be used to facilitate preparation of an endoscope for sterilization and increase the likelihood that the endoscope will be properly sterilized. The sterilization tray may be fabricated from a flexible and vapor-permeable sheet. Cutouts may be disposed through the sheet to define standoffs that are foldable away from the sheet. A first standoff may include a first contoured portion disposed therein. The tray may also include a second standoff that has a second contoured portion and a third contoured portion disposed therein. The third standoff may include a locking tab disposed on a free end of the third standoff. A positioning tab may also be disposed on the third standoff. The sterilization tray may also include a dry booster to which an endoscope may be connected.

Abstract: A method for managing a guidewire in preparation for a surgical operation, comprising attaching a block of resilient polymer to a coiled tube which contains a guidewire; attaching to the block of resilient polymer a card having printed information concerning the guidewire on a planar surface of the card; removing the guidewire from the coiled tube; removing the block of resilient polymer from the coiled tube while keeping the card having printed information attached to the block of resilient polymer; coiling the guidewire into a flat spiral form; capturing, in a slot formed in the block of resilient polymer, a plurality of portions of the guidewire, which portions are adjacent to and parallel with each other, thereby maintaining the guidewire in the flat spiral form.

Abstract: A medical procedure kit includes a single-layer tray (100) having a first compartment (101) at least partially bounded by a first base member (107) and a second compartment (102) at least partially bounded by a second base member (108). At least one syringe (901) is situated within the first compartment. A Foley catheter (701), coupled to coiled tubing (702) and a fluid drain bag (703), is disposed within the second compartment. This catheter assembly is inverted, with the Foley catheter (701) and the coiled tubing (702) positioned between the second base member (108) and the fluid drain bag (703).

Abstract: A single use disposable container for surgical instruments is provided for transporting sterile instruments to the point of use. The single use container comprises a base section having a base and an upstanding wall extending from the base. A lid section is provided that is configured to close the base section. The container is formed from a biodegradable thermoformed pulp material that is gas and steam permeable. At least the base section includes a surfactant proof barrier on at least the inner surface of the pulp material to protect the pulp material of the container from cleaning fluid applied to the instruments. The lid includes a double walled rim that assists in protecting the instruments stored therein.

Abstract: Methods are provided which include placing one or more objects into a cabinet, subsequently closing the cabinet and remotely starting a disinfection device disposed therein to disperse a germicide within the closed cabinet. Embodiments of cabinets include an interior void of at least 10 ft3, a door to enclose the cabinet and one or more support structures arranged within the cabinet adjacent the interior void. Portions of the support structures are transparent and/or have through-holes. Other embodiments of cabinets include a moveable germicidal blocking partition for separating portions of the cabinet, a door for accessing one of the portions and a sensor for detecting when the partition is in position to separate the portions. An embodiment of a support structure includes a base having transparent materials and/or one or more through-holes, sidewalls shaped to match a peripheral contour of a medical device, and a weight sensor.

Abstract: A first aid kit including a bottom in which to carry a first number of first aid products, a cover pivotally connected to the bottom and rotatable between closed and open positions lying over and away from the bottom, and an auxiliary tray having rotatable storage shelves at which a second number of first aid products are carried. The auxiliary tray is pivotally connected to the bottom of the first aid kit and rotatable between a folded position lying within the bottom of the kit and an unfolded position lying slightly above and to one side of the bottom to create a multi-level product storage configuration. A mounting bracket carried by the first aid kit is detached therefrom and connected to a wall. The first aid kit is reattached to the bracket, whereby the kit is suspended from the wall by the bracket.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes removing an adhesive layer from a lower housing of a monitoring device; aligning the monitoring device with an opening of an adhesive applicator; coupling an uppermost adhesive layer that is positioned within the adhesive applicator with the lower housing; and removing the monitoring device from the opening of the adhesive applicator. A shape of the lower housing of the monitor corresponds to the shape of the opening of the adhesive applicator; and aligning the monitoring device with the opening of the adhesive applicator comprises matching the orientation of the lower housing to the orientation of the opening in the adhesive applicator. The method also includes the monitoring device selectively entering a battery preservation mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical introducer (10) for inserting an implant (22) into a human ear, the introducer comprising a handle (12), a slider (14) movable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position, a retaining means being at least partially defined by the slider, and a releasable locking mechanism biased to lock the slider in said first or second position, wherein, when the slider is in said first position an implant is engaged by the retaining means and when the slider is moved towards said second position the implant is deployed.

Abstract: A stackable system container includes a bottom part and a lid part fastened to the bottom part. Respective coupling devices are movably fastened to two opposite side walls of the bottom part. In order to enable dimensionally stable and connected stacking of structurally identical system containers and also modular stacking of different system containers, each coupling device can be moved between an idle position, in which the coupling device is arranged below a top side of the lid part, and a coupling position, in which the coupling device projects beyond the top side of the lid part.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and accessory organizer comprising a base pad having a lower surface and an upper surface and, the upper surface comprising at least one section for retaining instruments having a flat portion; at least one section for retaining instruments with a handle; at least one section for retaining fluids; and a plurality of perforations extending from the lower surface to the upper surface for removably attaching at least one retaining member adapted to maintain at least one of an instrument and an object in place.

Abstract: Intra-operative systems for identifying surgical sharp objects are provided. Aspects of the systems include an intra-operative imaging device for obtaining intra-operative surgical sharp object image data; and a surgical sharp object automated shape recognition module configured to identify a surgical sharp object from intra-operative surgical sharp object image data. Systems of the invention may further include additional components, such as surgical instrument and/or sponge identification and tracking devices. Systems of the invention find use in a variety of methods and applications, including tracking of surgical items during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An improved medical procedure or catheterization tray included in an improved medical procedure or catheterization package. The improved medical procedure or catheterization tray is intuitively arranged and includes instructions printed thereon to improve the medical procedure or catheterization implementation and results. In one example, a catheterization package and catheterization tray has a layout and/or arrangement of components that may help reduce CAUTI rates by facilitating ease of use and aiding in proper aseptic technique during insertion. The medical procedure or catheterization package and/or medical procedure or catheterization tray may include various implements, compartments, and components necessary and/or helpful to the medical procedure or catheterization, including, for example, improved swabs and an improved compartment for holding the swabs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at methods of preventing damages of a sterilization wrap for surgical instruments by utilizing tray belts. The tray belts are composed of an elongate member of substantially same width and a fastening means for connecting the two ends of the member. The methods comprise the steps of placing surgical instruments inside a sterilization tray, securely the tray belts around the tray, and wrapping a sterile wrap around the tray to form a sterilization pack. The methods may further comprise securing additional tray belts around the sterilization pack.

Abstract: A two-part tray apparatus that includes a base tray having a desk surface for drawing and writing and a food tray having four food compartments. A resilient bottom of the base tray may rest on a lap. The food tray is nestable into the base tray and is nonslideable relative to the base tray. The base tray includes a proximal side with no upwardly extending walls to make it easy for a child to write or draw on the desk surface. Strap units are included to anchor opposite ends of the tray apparatus or may be connected to each other to form a full length shoulder strap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.