A tool includes a working end determining device arranged in a shaft region or gripping region thereof for determining and/or detecting a working end of the tool. The working end determining device includes a writable and/or readable data storage device that stores data relating to the working end of the tool. The working end determining device provides data externally with reference to the working end of the tool for detecting the working end of the tool. The working end determining device can be a communication device that includes the data storage device and an antenna device. Alternatively, the working end determining device can be a unit integrated into the tool that is connected to an external control device via an electrical contacting. The integrated unit includes a resistor determining the working end of the tool and/or a storage device storing data with respect to the working end.

A surgical tool for use in a system for removing bone from vertebrae to relieve stenosis is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical tool includes a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive shaft having a proximal rod portion and a distal tubular portion, the drill bit and the drive shaft configured to rotate about a horizontal axis in a clockwise direction; and an engagement system disposed between the drill bit and the drive shaft; wherein the engagement system is configured to selectively engage the drill bit to the drive shaft for powered rotation when the drill bit contacts a first material at a first predetermined resistance and to disengage the drill bit from the drive shaft when the drill bit engages a second material at a second predetermined resistance; and wherein the first predetermined resistance is greater than the second predetermined resistance.

A control device for a surgical power tool. The control device including a housing, an input element located on the housing, and a control unit. The housing configured to couple to a surgical power tool. The input element located proximate the top of the housing and configured to receive a user input. The control unit located within the housing, where the control unit sends user input information received at the input element to the surgical power tool.

A medical driver can include a handle coupled to a drive shaft. The drive shaft can couple with an access assembly for drilling into bone, and can be displaced relative to the handle from a rotationally restricted state, in which the drive shaft is rotationally restricted relative to the handle, to a drilling state, in which the drive shaft is freely rotatable in at least one direction relative to the handle. The medical driver can further include a mechanical energy-storage device coupled to the drive shaft that can automatically rotate the drive shaft relative to the handle upon transition of the drive shaft to the drilling state. A biasing element can be coupled to the handle and to the drive shaft to provide a bias to maintain the drive shaft in the rotationally restricted state. When distal movement of the drive shaft is opposed, application of a distally directed force on the handle in an amount sufficient to overcome the bias of the biasing element can transition the drive shaft to the drilling state to automatically permit the energy-storage device to rotate the drive shaft relative to the handle.

A number of improvements are provided relating to computer aided surgery. The improvement relates to both the methods used during computer aided surgery and the devices used during such procedures. Some of the improvement relate to controlling the selection of which data to display during a procedure and/or how the data is displayed to aid the surgeon. Other improvements relate to the structure of the tools used during a procedure and how the tools can be controlled automatically to improve the efficiency of the procedure. Still other improvements relate to methods of providing feedback during a procedure to improve either the efficiency or quality, or both, for a procedure.

A surgical tool system including a tool unit and a first battery and control module and a second battery and control module. The tool unit includes a power generating unit and a head for supporting an energy applicator. The first battery and control module is configured to releasably receive the tool unit. The first battery and control module having a first shape so that when the tool unit is attached to the first battery and control module, the tool unit and the first battery and control module have a pencil-grip configuration. The second battery and control module is also configured to releasably receive the tool unit. The second battery and control module having a second shape so that when the tool unit is attached to the second battery and control module, the tool unit and the second battery and control module have a pistol-shaped configuration.

Disclosed herein are medical device systems, and methods thereof. Exemplary medical devices can include intraosseous (IO) access device systems, or similar medical devices that include a motive force. Embodiments include replaceable and rechargeable batteries that are configured to store one or more performance characteristics of the medical device and transfer the performance characteristic to a base station when the battery is removed from the medical device and coupled with the base station for recharging. The base station can then store performance characteristics from one or more batteries and/or medical devices. The performance characteristics can be transferred from the base station to one or more external computing devices or networks.

Various torque-limiting surgical driver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The surgical driver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a drill bit engaged with the surgical driver, and a processor configured to control operation of the surgical driver. The surgical driver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to a drill bit and reducing or stopping rotation of the drill bit when certain torque-limiting criteria are met.

An articulating drill system is provided that includes a hand-held portion and a drill portion. At least two actuators are provided for controlling at least two axes of the drill portion. In some embodiments, a tool is provided with the drill portion and adapted to interact with patient tissue. The drill portion can be modified to include at least two rigid objects in communication with the actuators and attached to the drill portion. The system can be used to make any linear cut within a deviation of ±1.0 mm and ±1.0°, or better in patient tissue.

Disclosed is a system and method for operating an assembly, such as a powered drill assembly. The assembly may be operated to provide feedback to the user regarding a selected position and/or condition of the powered drill system. The powered drill system may be used to power or drive a selected tool, such as a resection or grinding tool.