Various embodiments of wirelessly detectable objects to be used in medical procedures are provided. Such may employ ionizing radiation hard wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, all of which retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization dosages of ionizing radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, may retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization temperatures and/or pressures.

Various embodiments of wirelessly detectable objects to be used in medical procedures are provided. Such may employ ionizing radiation hard wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, all of which retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization dosages of ionizing radiation. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, other wireless transponders and/or integrated circuits, and attachment structures, may retain structural and functional integrity when exposed to standard sterilization temperatures and/or pressures.

A handling and control system for expandable electrodes of a handpiece is provided that includes a plurality of flexible electrodes made of elastic cables carried by a support assembly with needle-shaped front portions that protrude from the support assembly and move in a three-dimensional space under the push of actuators. An electronic control device performs the following functions: a) providing a command to the actuators to perform an initial handling of each cable according to an initial step Δh performing an axial advancement of the front portion with respect to the second proximal end and a distancing of the front portion from the axis H; b) determining for each pair of electrodes the spacing or distance l.sub.i, measured along a direction perpendicular to the axis, between the tips of the front portions of the pair of electrodes; c) determining a voltage V as a function of the spacing l.sub.i, V=f(l.sub.i) and applying to each electrode a pulsed signal having maximum voltage equal to the calculated value V; e) repeating the steps a), b) and c) for a plurality n of steps k successive to the initial one so that the active portions of the electrodes move in space in a three-dimensional application area becoming distanced from each other; the voltage applied to the electrodes increasing linearly with the increasing of the spacing so as to generate an electric field which ensures in the application area complete electro-poration of tissue.

Devices are provided that include a faceplate for a medical device. In embodiments, an identifier chip adapted to be affixed to an exterior portion of a faceplate provides a unique identifier for the faceplate. Accordingly, the identifier chip enables tracking and monitoring of an associated medical device. And, in embodiments, the faceplate includes a visual communication alert indicator to enable the faceplate to provide visual cues a user. As such, the status of the medical device and the faceplate can be easily communicated to the user. Methods to use the faceplate are also provided.

Devices are provided that include a faceplate for a medical device. In embodiments, an identifier chip adapted to be affixed to an exterior portion of a faceplate provides a unique identifier for the faceplate. Accordingly, the identifier chip enables tracking and monitoring of an associated medical device. And, in embodiments, the faceplate includes a visual communication alert indicator to enable the faceplate to provide visual cues a user. As such, the status of the medical device and the faceplate can be easily communicated to the user. Methods to use the faceplate are also provided.

A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

A medical or dental instrument part having a coupling device for connecting the instrument part to a control, regulating or supply unit, a memory device that can be operated with electrical power for storing identification data and/or operating and/or care data of the instrument part and at least one electrical line, which is provided for supplying electrical power to a lighting device that is provided on the instrument part or can be connected to the instrument part for operating the lighting device and for supplying electrical power to the memory device for operating the memory device. In addition, a medical or dental treatment device having such a medical or dental instrument part and a corresponding method for supplying electrical power to a lighting device and to a memory device by at least one electrical line are provided.

A surgical instrument includes a distal portion. A force sensor is operatively mounted on the distal portion. The force sensor includes a wireless package, which wirelessly provides (1) identification information of the surgical instrument and (2) strain data related to the distal portion. A surgical end effector includes a jaw and the distal portion is on a non-contact portion of the jaw. The wireless package includes a surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The wireless package also includes a small folded antenna electrically coupled to the surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The identification information includes an identification of a type of surgical instrument and unique identification of the specific surgical instrument in the type of surgical instrument.

A surgical instrument includes a distal portion. A force sensor is operatively mounted on the distal portion. The force sensor includes a wireless package, which wirelessly provides (1) identification information of the surgical instrument and (2) strain data related to the distal portion. A surgical end effector includes a jaw and the distal portion is on a non-contact portion of the jaw. The wireless package includes a surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The wireless package also includes a small folded antenna electrically coupled to the surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The identification information includes an identification of a type of surgical instrument and unique identification of the specific surgical instrument in the type of surgical instrument.

A load sensing assembly for a spinal implant includes a set screw having a central opening that extends from a first end of the set screw toward a second end of the set screw. The second end of the set screw is configured to engage with an anchoring member. The load sensing assembly includes an antenna, an integrated circuit in communication with the antenna, where the integrated circuit is positioned within the central opening of the set screw, and a strain gauge in connection with the integrated circuit. The strain gauge is located within the central opening of the set screw in proximity to the second end of the set screw.