Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical device for operating on tissue comprises an end effector, a shaft, and an interface assembly. The shaft comprises an articulation section operable to provide deflection of the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The interface assembly comprises a plurality of pulleys associated with drive shafts driven by an external system. The pulleys are operable to cause rotation of one or both of the shaft or end effector. The pulleys are further operable to cause articulation of the articulation section. The interface assembly further comprises drive components operable to cause movement of components of the end effector.

Abstract: An array of surface-emitting lasers is provided. The array outputs high brightness in a unipolar way. The array comprises a stress-adjustment unit and a plurality of epitaxial device units. The stress-adjustment unit is used to adjust stress. The stress from a substrate is used to select a laser mode for an aperture unit. The selection of the laser mode is enhanced for the aperture unit without sacrificing driving current. Low current operation is achieved in a single mode for effectively reducing volume and further minimizing the size of the whole array to achieve high-quality laser output. An object can be scanned by the outputted laser to obtain a clear image with a high resolution. Hence, the present invention is applicable for face recognition with high recognition and high security.

Abstract: Adapter assemblies selectively interconnect a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector. The adapter assembly includes an adapter knob housing configured and adapted for connection with the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device. The adapter knob housing defines a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and a ring gear formed in an inner surface of the lumen of the adapter knob housing. The ring gear defines an internal array of gear teeth which are engaged with a spur gear of a rotatable drive shaft. The adapter knob housing may be a unitary member and may be formed of plastic.

Abstract: A surgical system includes: an adapter assembly; an end effector configured to couple to a distal portion of the adapter assembly; and a surgical device configured to couple to a proximal portion of the adapter assembly. The surgical device includes: a power source; a motor coupled to the power source, the motor configured to actuate at least one of the adapter assembly or the end effector; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor and configured to calibrate the motor while at least one of the adapter assembly or the end effector is actuated by the motor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be articulated into position is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system powered by at least one electric motor for articulating the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly comprising a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member and a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from the proximal shaft assembly is disclosed. The distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the proximal drive member, wherein the distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by the proximal drive member. The drive stroke comprises a beginning of stroke position, an end of stroke position distal to the beginning of stroke position, and a home position. The proximal drive member and the distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are in the home position, wherein the home position is not at the beginning of stroke position or the end of stroke position.

Abstract: A system and method for treating the skin by heating at least one discrete skin volume, comprising at least one treatment tip reversibly connectable to at least one applicator. The treatment tip comprises one or more electrodes, with the electrodes having one or more spaced apart protruding conducting elements. The protruding conducting elements are characterized by dimensions of height A and hypotenuse B, where the ratio A/B is in a predetermined range, and the protruding conducting elements penetrate the skin surface at discrete locations. The electrodes are configured to apply energy to skin volumes around the discrete locations so as to heat the skin volumes. The applicator comprises an energy generator configured to apply energy to the skin volumes by means of the electrodes and the spaced apart protruding conducting elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for use for radio frequency ablation. The systems can include one or more of an ablation tool, power source for use with the ablation tool and a backstop for use in conjunction with the ablation tool during surgical procedures. Preferred ablation tools comprise a series of three or more blade-shaped electrodes disposed in a linear, curved, curvilinear or circular array. The backstops are useful for reducing direct physical and thermal heat transfer injuries to the patient or surgeon during procedures using radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices.

Abstract: A method for downloading data from a surgical hub to a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method comprises assembling a first shaft assembly to a handle and downloading a first set of operational data from the surgical hub to the handle once the first shaft assembly is attached to the handle. The method further comprises assembling a second shaft assembly to the handle and downloading a second set of operational data from the surgical hub to the handle once the second shaft assembly is attached to the handle, wherein the second set of operational data is different than the first set of operational data.

Abstract: A medical device includes a clevis, a first blade, a second blade, and a tension member. The first and second blades are rotatably coupled to the clevis. The first blade includes a first coupling portion. The tension member is coupled to the first blade and applies a torque to the first blade to rotate the first blade about the clevis between a first, second, and third orientation. The second blade includes a second coupling portion. The second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion such that A) the second blade remains in a fixed position relative to the clevis when the first blade is between the first and second orientation, and B) rotation of the first retractor blade between the second and third orientation transfers at least a portion of the torque to the second retractor blade causing rotation of the second blade about the clevis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for introducing a flexible prosthesis into a surgical incision, comprising a globally tubular body (2) having a proximal end (2a) and a distal end (2b), said tubular body being designed for receiving the prosthesis in a folded configuration in a sliding way, wherein the tubular body is provided with an open longitudinal slit (3) extending from said proximal end (2a) to said distal end (2b), and wherein said distal end is provided with a distal semi-tubular rounded extension (2c).

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a rotatable jaw of an attachment relative to a non-rotatable jaw is disclosed. The method comprises assembling the attachment to a surgical robot, rotating a first rotatable driver of the robot to align the first driver with a first rotatable drive of the attachment, and rotating a second rotatable driver of the robot to align the second driver with a second rotatable drive of the attachment. The method further comprises evaluating the amount of rotation required to align the first driver with the first drive and the amount of rotation required to align the second driver with the second drive, calculating a difference between the amount of rotation of the first driver and the amount of the rotation of the second driver, and determining the position of the rotatable jaw relative to the non-rotatable jaw based on the calculated difference.

Abstract: Methods for creation and use (e.g., for navigation) of displays of flattened (e.g., curvature-straightened) 3-D reconstructions of tissue surfaces, optionally including reconstructions of the interior surfaces of hollow organs. In some embodiments, data comprising a 3-D representation of a tissue surface (for example an interior heart chamber surface) are subject to a geometrical transformation allowing the tissue surface to be presented substantially within a single view of a flattened reconstruction. In some embodiments, a catheter probe in use near the tissue surface is shown in positions that correspond to positions in 3-D space sufficiently to permit navigation; e.g., the probe is shown in flattened reconstruction views nearby view regions corresponding to regions it actually approaches. In some embodiments, automatic and/or easily triggered manual view switching between flattened reconstruction and source reconstruction views is implemented.

Abstract: A stabilizer system for supporting a medical device includes a platform and a stabilizer body positioned on the platform and being slidably translatable about the platform. The platform includes a translation actuator configured to engage with a receiving member of the stabilizer body. Actuation of the translation actuator passes a force to the receiving member of the stabilizer body and causes the stabilizer body to translate relative to the platform. The stabilizer body includes a base and one or more support wings extending from the base to support a medical device. A straddle actuator is coupled to a support wing and is configured to engage with the medical device. Actuation of the straddle actuator passes a force to the medical device and causes at least a portion of the medical device to translate relative to the stabilizer body.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a test apparatus and system for a millimeter wave reflection test to measure propagation of millimeter wave signal through a material at various incident angles. In one example, the test apparatus may include a mechanized arch over a base plate, the mechanized arch including antenna carriers coupled to the mechanized arch and configured to hold respective antennas. A motor assembly moves the antenna carriers along the mechanized arch while maintaining the antenna carriers at symmetrical (equal and opposite) angles with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: A light therapy apparatus includes a pad comprising at least a first layer and a second layer and a side scattering light guide mounted between the first layer and the second layer and having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end extend in parallel with each other externally from the pad, the side scattering light guide extends from at least one of the first end or the second end in a sinusoidal shape or an inward extending circular spiral between the first layer and the second layer, and at least one of the first layer or the second layer is translucent.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system that may: render, based at least on first positions of locations of iris structures of an eye, a first two-dimensional overlay image associated with a three-dimensional image overlay image; display, via a first display, the first two-dimensional overlay image; render, based at least on the first positions and at least on a horizontal offset, a second two-dimensional overlay image associated with the three-dimensional overlay image; display, via a second display, the second two-dimensional overlay image; render, based at least on second positions, a third two-dimensional overlay image associated with the three-dimensional overlay image; display, via the first display, the third two-dimensional overlay image; render, based at least on second positions of locations of the iris structures and at least on the horizontal offset, a fourth two-dimensional overlay image associated with the three-dimensional overlay image; and display, via the second display, the fourth two-dimensional

Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for precise placement and guidance of tools during surgery, particularly spinal surgery, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Several minimally invasive approaches to spinal surgeries were conceived, percutaneous technique being one of them. This procedures looks to establish a skin opening as small as possible by accessing inner organs via needle-puncture of the skin. The percutaneous technique is used in conjunction with a robotic surgical system to further enhance advantages of manual percutaneous techniques by improving precision, usability and/or shortening surgery time by removal of redundant steps.

Abstract: There is provided an embolization device for promoting clot formation in a bodily lumen and having a contracted delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration, the embolisation device comprising: a stem comprising a tube having a tube wall; and a plurality of flexible bristles extending radially outwardly from the tube, wherein at least one of the plurality of flexible bristles penetrates through the tube wall.

Abstract: Methods for creating a void within a bone. An elongate member is directed into a tube of an access cannula, and a handle is positioned adjacent the access cannula. A working tip and pre-bent elbow are disposed within the tube such that the pre-bent elbow is straightened. The device remains slidable relative to the access cannula. A control assembly is actuated to distally move the shaft relative to the handle. Bone adjacent the tube of the access cannula may resist the working tip from protruding from the access cannula so as to displace the handle of the device proximally, or the handle may be manually maintained adjacent the access cannula. The pre-bent elbow and the working tip are moved beyond the distal end of the tube to be freed from the constraint of the tube of the access cannula to assume a curve within the bone.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members disposed in parallel orientation relative to one another. One or both of the jaw members is movable along a first axis relative to the other jaw member between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The first and second jaw members are configured to maintain the parallel orientation therebetween upon movement of the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions. A drive bar is coupled to one or both of the jaw members. The drive bar is selectively movable along a second axis that is different from the first axis between first and second positions for moving the jaw members between the spaced-apart and approximated positions.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for tensioning grafts are provided. In general, a surgical device can include a grip and a frame. The frame can have two opposed segments. The segments can be spaced apart from one another and can each be configured to have at least one suture attached thereto. The sutures attached to the frame can each be configured to attach to a graft. The two segments can be configured to dynamically move toward and away from each other in response to tension that is applied to the sutures attached to the frame. The frame can include an indicator configured to provide an indication of the tension applied to the sutures. The grip can have at least one opening therein. The at least one opening can be configured to have a surgical instrument passed therethrough.

Abstract: A robotic surgical arm can include a puck containing motors to drive an end effector. A tool assembly attached to the puck generates ultrasonic and/or radio frequency energy to apply between the jaws of the end effector. The tool assembly can include modular components such as a modular shaft that can include an ultrasonic transducer, nonvolatile memory, wireless interface, and/or a power source. The power source allows the tool assembly and modular shaft to communicate wirelessly with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A force transmission transmits forces received by three levers to an input gimbal plate having three support points. The input gimbal play may in turn transmit the force to a wrist assembly coupled to a surgical tool. The three axes of rotation for the three levers are parallel. Two of the levers may have half-cylinder surfaces at an end of the lever to receive a support point of the input gimbal plate. Two of the levers may be supported with one degree of rotational freedom orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the fulcrum. A spring may draw the second and third levers toward one another. Two levers may have stops that bear against the support points. The force transmission may include a parallelogram linkage that includes a rocker link pivotally coupled to the first lever and having a flat surface that supports the first gimbal support point.

Abstract: A jointed mechanism includes a passive pendulum system attached to and suspended from the multi-axis robot. The system includes one or more position sensors configured to measure a joint angle on the pendulum system, at least one arm, and an end-effector attached to a distal end of the pendulum system. A controller implements a method to selectively control motion of the robot in a plurality of control modes. The control modes include a Cooperative Mode and an Autonomous Mode. The controller is configured to detect contact with the end-effector when operating in the Autonomous Mode, and to automatically initiate a control action in response to the contact. The pendulum system may be a parallelogram arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for ensuring strain gauge accuracy including a handle assembly including a controller, an adapter assembly including a tubular housing having a proximal end portion configured to couple to the handle assembly and a distal end portion, a load sensing assembly configured to measure a load exerted on the tubular housing, and a signal processing circuit electrically coupled to the load sensing assembly, a memory coupled to the signal processing circuit, and a calibration assembly including a biasing member having a known spring rate stored as a force value in the memory, the calibration assembly configured to couple to the distal end portion of the adapter assembly. The signal processing circuit is configured to calibrate the adapter assembly with the calibration assembly attached thereto by calculating a correction factor based on a comparison a force of the spring member measured by the load sensing assembly to the force value.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a wrist, an end effector, a cable pair, and a transmission. A proximal wrist portion is coupled to a distal end portion of a shaft. Actuation of the wrist moves a distal wrist portion relative to the proximal wrist portion. The end effector is coupled to the distal wrist portion, and can be actuated to move relative to the wrist. The transmission is coupled to a proximal end portion of the shaft, and can move an end of the cable pair to actuate the end effector. The end of the cable pair is routed through a transmission cable path within the transmission. The transmission includes an adjustment mechanism having an input portion that receives a force exerted by the end of the cable pair. The adjustment mechanism is configured to change a length of the transmission cable path in response to a change in the force.

Abstract: An implant (500) comprises an elastic deformation portion (51) and a connection portion (52) connected with the proximal end (511) of the elastic deformation portion (51), wherein the elastic deformation portion (51) is covered by an elastic outer layer (55); the proximal end of the connection portion (52) is surrounded by a tightening ring (58); and the proximal end of the elastic outer layer (55) is covered by the tightening ring (58). Since the proximal end of the elastic outer layer (55) of the implant (500) is surrounded by a tightening ring (58), the elastic outer layer (55) is closely attached on the connecting portion (52) of the implant (500), such that the elastic outer layer (55) can be prevented from being rolled over from the surface of the implant (500) when the implant (500) is implanted, thereby improving safety of lung volume reduction surgery.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a gripping and pushing device for a medical instrument comprises an elongated main body defining a lumen. The elongated main body comprises one or more deflectable portions that can be pressed radially inwardly toward a shaft of the medical instrument extending through the lumen. One or more elastomeric gripping layers can be secured to the inner surface of a respective deflectable portion at axially spaced apart attachment locations. The one or more gripping layers are axially deformable relative to the one or more deflectable portions between the attachment locations when manual pressure is applied to the one or more deflectable portions to press the one or more gripping layers against the shaft and move the shaft longitudinally into a patient's body.

Abstract: Active and semi-active damping of systems include a first link supported by a base, a second link, a damper coupling the first link to the second link, the damper having a variable damping coefficient, and a processor. The processor is configured to predict an acceleration or a vibration of the second link expected to result from a commanded movement of the second link and adjust the variable damping coefficient of the damper based on the predicted acceleration or the predicted vibration to reduce vibration in the second link.

Abstract: A resectoscope has an elongated shaft tube, an elongated optic arranged therein with a lens at the distal end and an electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly in turn includes an electrode arranged at the distal end of the arms of a fork assembly, which are arranged on opposing sides of the lens and are brought together in a transition region to an electrode shaft, wherein the electrode assembly can be extended in the longitudinal direction by a stroke length from a first position, in which the electrode is arranged inside the shaft tube in front of the lens, into a second position in which the arms of the fork assembly protrude out of the shaft tube. The length of the arms of the fork assembly is thereby greater than 1.2 times the stroke length. The electrode assembly is configured correspondingly.

Abstract: An instrument including an actuation gear mechanism that provides two functions of a tool. The actuation gear mechanism comprises a cam mechanism and a gear segment mechanism. The circumference of the cam disk of the cam mechanism—in a first section (?1)—is a spiral curve for generating a stroke for closing the forceps tool, while the circumference of the cam disk—in a second, adjoining, angular range (?2)—is circular. When the cam disk with the circular curved line biases the spring means, no further movement takes place on the output of the cam mechanism. Preferably, two congruent cam disks are provided, whereby these—together with the driving gear and the segment gear, as well as the shaft—form a one-piece plastic injection-molded part. The installation space between the cam disks can be utilized for a slide with a gear rack for shifting the knife.

Abstract: A surgical system for selective connection to a robotic arm includes an instrument drive unit, an instrument support platform coupled to the instrument drive unit, an instrument carriage coupled to the instrument support platform, and a surgical instrument releasably coupled to the instrument carriage. The surgical instrument includes an end effector controllable to perform surgery in response to telemanipulation of actuators in the instrument drive unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring 3D image data of a targeted skeletal portion within a body of a subject, and a 2D radiographic image of the targeted skeletal portion. A machine-learning engine is used to generate machine-learning data based on (i) the 3D image data of the targeted skeletal portion, (ii) a database of 2D projection images generated from the 3D image data, and (iii) respective values of one or more viewing parameters corresponding to each 2D projection image. A computer processor receives the machine-learning data, receives the 2D radiographic image of the targeted skeletal portion, and registers the 2D radiographic image to the 3D image data by using the machine-learning data to find a 2D projection from the 3D image data that matches the 2D radiographic image of the targeted skeletal portion. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A teleoperative system includes a teleoperational manipulator, a flexible medical instrument, an entry port, a sensor system, and a control system. The flexible medical instrument is coupled to and movable by the teleoperational manipulator. The entry port provides a passageway for insertion of the flexible medical instrument into a patient body. The sensor system includes a first sensor fixedly coupled to the entry port. The control system is configured to use information transmitted by the first sensor to determine a position and orientation of the entry port with respect to the flexible medical instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for using sensor sleeves with surgical tools. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor sleeve includes a tubular body defining a central longitudinal axis and having a lumen defined therethrough, the tubular body being configured to receive a tool, a plurality sensors attached to the tubular body, a cabling extending distally from the tubular body, and an interface connector coupled to the cabling and configured to interface with a navigation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for introducing and driving flexible members in a patient's body are described herein. In one embodiment, a robotic method includes positioning a flexible elongated member that has a preformed configuration, wherein at least a part of the flexible elongated member has a first member disposed around it, and wherein the first member includes a first wire for bending the first member or for maintaining the first member in a bent configuration, releasing at least some tension in the first wire to relax the first member, and advancing the first member distally relative to the flexible elongated member while the first member is in a relaxed configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a reamer handle comprising: a shank having a distal tool coupling end adapted to releasably couple to a part of a surgical tool and a proximal end; a retractable catch which is linearly displaceable along the shank between a non-retracted position in which the catch captures the surgical tool within the distal tool coupling end of the tool holder and a retracted position in which the catch enables the tool to be released from the distal tool coupling end; a biasing member configured to bias the catch in the non-retracted position; and a sleeve extending along the shank. The sleeve comprises: a distally located catch contacting portion and a proximally located handle portion for manually displacing the sleeve relative to the shank such that displacement of the catch contacting portion moves the retractable catch between the non-retracted position and the retracted position to enable capture and release of the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: A device for visualization of internal tissue of a patient's uterus having a hand-held control unit, an elongated member, and an image capturing tip. To increase the manoeuvrability of the image capturing tip, the elongated member forms a straight portion extending along a straight axis and a curved portion forming a curvature away from the straight axis, the curved portion being between the image capturing tip and the straight portion. By rotation of an inner tube in an outer tube, the image capturing structure will move along a circular path without being rotated about the centre axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: Methods and system for atrial fibrillation mapping utilizing cardiac mapping based on medical image(s). The methods and system also adapted for any balloon based catheters including cryoballoon catheter, laser balloon catheter, or “hot balloon” catheter, as well as circular catheters. The methods and system includes overlaying of two or more images on top of each other (where the images are of various types or modalities) and aligning the images, where the transparency between the images can be adjusted for navigating and optimal placement of the balloon based catheters or circular catheters. The cardiac system also adopted for guiding optimal placement of the left ventricular (LV) lead placement for cardiac re-synchronization (CRT) therapy, and for mapping and displaying activation times from various branches of the coronary sinus for optimizing CRT therapy.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating a mammal (e.g., a human) having one or more stenotic blood vessels. For example, amnion coated balloons that can be used in balloon angioplasty are provided.

Abstract: An arthroscopic system includes a re-useable, sterilizable handle integrated with a single umbilical cable or conduit. The single umbilical cable or conduit carries electrical power from a power and/or control console to the handle for operating both a motor drive unit within the handle and delivering the RF power to a disposable RF probe or cutter which may be detachably connected to the handle. The RF power delivered to the handle and on to the probe or cutter is typically bi-polar, where the handle includes first and second electrical bi-polar contacts that couple to corresponding bi-polar electrical contacts on a hub of the disposable RF probe or cutter is connected to the handle.

Abstract: A tool for implementing a correction plan in an external fixation frame having a plurality of adjustment elements or screws, for example, generally includes a driver, a motor, a controller, and a processor. The driver is adapted to engage and rotate each of the screws. The motor is coupled the driver and adapted to rotate the driver. The controller is connected to the motor and configured to control operation of the motor. The controller may determine whether the tool is engaged with a strut and which strut is engaged, and may determine how much the strut has rotated, taking into account intentional or unintentional manual rotation of the tool. The tool may also include features to help ensure proper engagement between the drive and the strut. Variations may be provided in which similar functionality is provided with manual rotation of a motorless tool.

Abstract: A 3D navigation system and methods for enhancing feedback during a medical procedure, involving: an optical imaging system having an optical assembly comprising movable zoom optics and movable focus optics, a zoom actuator for positioning the zoom optics, a focus actuator for positioning the focus optics, a controller for controlling the zoom actuator and the focus actuator in response to received control input, at least one detector for capturing an image of at least one of a target and an obstacle, the at least one detector operable with the optical assembly, and a proprioception feature operable with the optical imaging system for generating a 3D perception, the proprioception feature comprising a communication feature for providing 3D information, the 3D information comprising real-time depth information in relation to real-time planar information within an interrogation volume.

Abstract: A manipulator includes an elongated portion; a bending portion coupled to a distal end of the elongated portion, the bending portion being formed by articulating a plurality of segment pieces; an end effector coupled to a distal end of the bending portion; an actuator coupled to a proximal end of the elongated portion; a first wire coupled to between the actuator and the end effector, the first wire being configured to actuate the end effector; and a second wire coupled to between the actuator and the bending portion, the second wire being configured to actuate the bending portion. Each of the plurality of segment pieces is configured to be articulated so as to be twisted with respect to a longitudinal central axis of the bending portion, and the first wire is configured to be inserted into the plurality of segment pieces so as to form a substantially twisted path.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, an RFID tag, and a control circuit is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a contact assembly configured to contact tissue. The staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein. The anvil and the staple cartridge are configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The RFID tag is configured to store information about the staple cartridge. The control circuit is operably coupled to the contact assembly. The control circuit is configured to interrogate the RFID tag to determine the information about the staple cartridge, transmit an electrical signal to tissue contacting the contact assembly, determine a characteristic of the tissue contacting the contact assembly based on the electrical signal, and change an operational parameter of the surgical stapling instrument based on the characteristic of the tissue.

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

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a surgical instrument and a robotic surgical assembly. The robotic surgical assembly defines an instrument opening and includes a floating plate and a drive assembly. The floating plate is movable between an extended position and a compressed position. The surgical instrument is laterally receivable in the instrument opening of the robotic surgical assembly while the floating plate is disposed in the compressed position. The floating plate is movable to the extended position to couple the surgical instrument to the robotic surgical assembly while the surgical instrument is received in the instrument opening of the robotic surgical assembly.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to an arm cart operable to transport a robotic arm to and/or from a surgical table. The robotic arm can be coupled to the arm cart via a connector. The connector can be slideably mounted to the arm cart such that the connector and the robotic arm, collectively, can move relative to the arm cart. For example, when the arm cart is adjacent to the surgical table, the connector and the robotic arm can be movable to provide final, fine adjustments to align the robotic arm with a coupling portion of the surgical table.