A method and apparatus for holding a suture needle may include a suture needle pad disposed on a suture tray for holding the needle and suture originally contained with the suture tray. The suture tray/suture tray cover may include identifying information for the needle disposed in the suture needle pad and the associate suture thread.

A method and apparatus for holding a suture needle may include a suture needle holding pad disposed on the exterior of the container holding the suture needle and suture. A method of using the container may include removing a needle/suture combination from the container and then attaching the needle to the suture needle holding pad disposed on the exterior of the container.

A method and apparatus for holding a suture needle may include a suture needle holding pad disposed on the exterior of the container holding the suture needle and suture. A method of using the container may include removing a needle/suture combination from the container and then attaching the needle to the suture needle holding pad disposed on the exterior of the container.

A sterilization system with automated sterilization data processing and related methods. In one aspect, the sterilization system receives mechanical indicator values and chemical indicator values for the sterilization cycle. The system determines whether the mechanical indicator values and chemical indicator values for the sterilization cycle match predetermined criteria. In response to the mechanical indicator and chemical indicator values for the sterilization cycle matching predetermined criteria, the system automatically generates a sterilization record in accordance with the first sterilization cycle data and second sterilization cycle data, stores the sterilization record in a sterilization database, and prints a sterilization label for each sterilized item in the sterilization cycle. Each sterilization label includes a Quick Response (QR) code encoding information for sterilization cycle.

A tool tracking method comprises receiving stereo image data of a tool. The tool includes a tracking marker. The method also comprises receiving first kinematic data for the tool and determining a three-dimensional image-derived pose of the tool from the stereo image data of the tool and the tracking marker. The method also comprises determining a first kinematic pose of the tool from the first kinematic data and determining a pose offset between the image-derived pose of the tool and the first kinematic pose of the tool. The method also comprises determining a corrected first kinematic pose of the tool based on the pose offset and the first kinematic data.

A tool tracking method comprises receiving stereo image data of a tool. The tool includes a tracking marker. The method also comprises receiving first kinematic data for the tool and determining a three-dimensional image-derived pose of the tool from the stereo image data of the tool and the tracking marker. The method also comprises determining a first kinematic pose of the tool from the first kinematic data and determining a pose offset between the image-derived pose of the tool and the first kinematic pose of the tool. The method also comprises determining a corrected first kinematic pose of the tool based on the pose offset and the first kinematic data.

An example method includes capturing images using a camera and detecting a medical device in a first image among the images. A request is transmitted to the medical device. Based on transmitting the request, the example method includes determining that the medical device has output a chirp signal in a second image among the images. Based on the chirp signal, the method includes causing the medical device to perform an action by transmitting a control message to the medical device.

A surgical instrument is disclosed including an end effector operable to treat tissue, a shaft extending proximally from the end effector, and a housing assembly extending proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor-assembly compartment including a motor assembly interchangeably retained by the motor-assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly is movable relative to the motor-assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. The motor assembly includes a motor configured to drive the end effector to treat the tissue and an RFID tag detectable by the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. The RFID tag stores motor-assembly information.

Optical sensors and optical markers are placed on components in a medical system to provide calibration and alignment, such as on a patient transportation mechanism and spatially separated medical diagnostic devices. Image processing circuitry uses the data captured by these optical devices to coordinate their movements and/or position. This enables scans that were captured in multiple medical diagnostic devices to be accurately aligned.

A robotic system includes first and second manipulator assemblies in an operating environment and having separately movable bases. A processing unit is configured to receive first sensor data from a first plurality of sensors disposed on the first manipulator assembly, wherein the first sensor data provide spatial information about the operating environment external to the first manipulator assembly. A first spatial relationship of the second manipulator assembly relative to the first manipulator assembly is determined using data including the first sensor data. A first alignment relationship between the first and second manipulator assemblies is established based on the first spatial relationship. Based on the first alignment relationship, motion of the second manipulator assembly is commanded in response to a command from a first input device operable by an operator.