The present invention relates to a tracking reference structure for localizing and tracking an object by means of a medical tracking system, said structure comprising: —a first part (1) which forms a support structure for at least one tracking marker (3); and—a second part (2) which is configured to be fixed to said object, wherein a positionally fixed connection between the first part (1) and the second part (2) is established by means of an interface comprising at least one resiliently articulated element (4) on the first part (1) and/or second part (2), which engage(s) with the respective other part (2, 1), and wherein the resiliently articulated element (4) is configured such that its restoring spring force alone is already sufficient to positionally fix the connection. The present invention also relates to a tracking reference system comprising such a tracking reference structure which in turn comprises at least one first part (1), wherein any additional first part(s) (1) support(s) a different type of tracking marker (3) and said different first parts (1) can be interchangeably connected to the second part (2), and wherein the tracking markers (3) of each of said different first parts (1) are in particular placed in the same spatial position when being coupled to the second part (2).

A disposable, multiple layer surgical drape is provided. The surgical drape includes a bottom layer configured as a fluid impervious layer, a middle layer configured as a fluid absorbent layer, and a top layer configured as a fluid repellent layer. The middle layer is disposed between the top and bottom layers and has varying thickness. The top layer includes one or more continuity breaks exposing the middle layer.

A disposable, multiple layer surgical drape is provided. The surgical drape includes a bottom layer configured as a fluid impervious layer, a middle layer configured as a fluid absorbent layer, and a top layer configured as a fluid repellent layer. The middle layer is disposed between the top and bottom layers and has varying thickness. The top layer includes one or more continuity breaks exposing the middle layer.

A medical instrument comprises an instrument control surface configured to mate with an instrument sterile adapter to receive input drive forces through the sterile adapter to control actuation of the surgical instrument, the instrument control surface comprising a first opening defined in the instrument control surface. A latch structure of the instrument comprises a locking surface configured to engage a latch arm in response to the latch arm being received in the opening, wherein in an engaged state of the latch arm with the locking surface the medical instrument is attached to the instrument sterile adapter and the latch structure prevents movement of the latch arm in a first direction. A latch release is moveable in the engaged state of the latch arm with the locking surface to exert a force causing movement of the latch arm in a second direction to disengage the latch arm from the locking surface.

An antiseptic solution including, a cationic antiseptic agent, a film forming polymer, an anionic tinting agent, and a solvent, wherein the cationic antiseptic agent, the film forming polymer and the anionic tinting agent each remain solubilized within the solution for greater than about 1 hour at 25° C. and 60% relative humidity. The antiseptic agent is preferably octenidine dihydrochloride or chlorhexadine gluconate. The film forming polymer is preferably an acrylate polymer. The solvent is preferably ethanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol. When a drape is adhered to a dried surgical film via the antiseptic solution, the force required to peel the drape from the surgical film is at least about 105 g/25 mm.

Certain embodiments are directed to materials and devices to be used in conjuction with interventional medical procedures. In certain aspects the interventional procedure is ultrasound guided venous cathterization.

Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.

Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.

A surgical drape is configured for covering a patient and an ultrasonography probe during surgical treatment of the patient. The surgical drape may include a first portion that includes a canopy portion. The canopy portion can be sized and shaped to at least partially cover a mechanical arm coupled to the ultrasonography probe and a proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe, and the canopy portion can be configured to move with the proximal portion of the ultrasonography probe when the ultrasonography probe is supported by the mechanical arm. A second portion can be coupled to the first portion, in which the second portion is sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of a torso of the patient.

3D image data of a skeletal portion is acquired. A location of a proximal portion of a tool is calculated and a location is derived of a distal portion of the tool with respect to the skeletal portion, with respect to the 3D image data. A display indicates the derived location. First and second 2D images of the distal portion of the tool are acquired from two different poses of a 2D imaging device with respect to the subject and registered with the 3D image data. The location of the distal portion with respect to the 3D image data of the skeletal portion is determined based on the registration and an identified location of the distal portion within the 2D x-rays. Based upon the determined location, the display updates the indicated location of the distal portion. Other embodiments are also described.