Apparatus and methods are described for performing a procedure using a robotic unit. A sterile drape is placed around a drape plate, such that the sterile drape is sealed with respect to the drape plate and forms an interface between a non-sterile zone and a sterile zone, a tool mount being disposed within the sterile zone, and one or more robotic arms and a linear tool motor being disposed within the non-sterile zone. A tool-actuation arm, disposed within the non-sterile zone, is driven to move linearly to thereby move at least the portion of the tool linearly with respect to the end effector. A portion of the sterile drape that is configured to be disposed at an interface between the tool-actuation arm and the portion of the tool that is pushed has greater rigidity and/or wearability than other portions of the drape. Other applications are also described.

An adapter module is configured to be coupled to a robotic arm of a robotic surgical system and a surgical instrument. The adapter module has a first interface configured to engage a second interface of the surgical instrument to removably secure the surgical instrument thereto. The adapter module further includes a sensor configured to detect whether the second interface is fully engaged with the first interface, and a control circuit coupled to the sensor. The control circuit is configured to monitor the sensor to determine an engagement status of the surgical instrument, and prevent activation of a component of the robotic surgical system in a disengaged status.

An apparatus for protecting an operating field. The apparatus includes a sheet configured to cover a patient’s hair during an operation. A sealing member is provided on or joined to a leading end of the sheet. The sealing member is configured to be applied to a patient’s skin adjacent to an operating field to create a seal between the operating field and the patient’s hair. At least one anchoring member is joined to the sheet adjacent to the leading end of the sheet. The at least one anchoring member is configured to be attached to the patient’s hair adjacent to the operating field to anchor the apparatus to the patient.

A protective barrier for face isolation in orotracheal maneuvers, comprising: an essentially rectangular sheet made of a clear plastic material comprising, on its back side, a plurality of first circumferentially arranged fastening means and second cross-sectionally arranged fastening means substantially dividing the sheet in half thereby defining two sections; and at least four sleeves made of a clear plastic material affixed to the sheet in one of the sections defined by the second cross-sectionally arranged fastening means defining an outwardly open arc, wherein said sleeves comprise third fastening means arranged internally and circumferentially on the distal ends of each of the sleeves.

A surgical instrument includes a proximal control mechanism. The proximal control mechanism has an opening through which a resilient latch arm can be inserted to engage a locking surface of a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism. The resilient latch arm is contained entirely within the proximal control mechanism when engaged. A release channel extends from an outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism to the resilient latch arm entrance opening. The release channel provides a passage through which a release tool can be inserted to engage the resilient latch arm and provides a fulcrum for the release tool where the release channel is joined to the outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism. The surgical instrument can be released by prying the resilient latch arm away from the locking surface of the fixed latch structure with the release tool used as a lever on the fulcrum.

A system for positioning a patient before, during or after a medical procedure can include an arm assembly and a surgical drape for use with the arm assembly. The surgical drape can be configured to be placed around a surgical site where an operative procedure is to be conducted. The surgical drape includes a transparent viewing window, multiple handle covers, and an expandable opening on the top side of the surgical drape. Additionally, the surgical drape may also include adhesive components on the bottom side of the drape that may be independently removed in order to affix the drape around a surgical site.

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the shaft comprises a longitudinal axis and the end effector comprises a tissue gap, wherein the tissue gap faces the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its first orientation, and wherein the tissue gap extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its second orientation. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft and a dampener configured to prevent the end effector from being back-driven from its second orientation into its first orientation.

A surgical system includes a light source, a sensor for detecting light, and a surgical device including an elongate shaft having a distal part positionable at a surgical working site within a body cavity. A first optical pathway transmits light from the light source to a distal part of the elongate shaft and onto tissue within the body cavity, and a second optical pathway receives light from tissue within the body cavity and transmits the received light to the sensor. A surgical barrier, such as one covering a robotic manipulator arm housing components of the system, is positioned such that at least the first or second optical pathway includes an optically transmissive portion of the surgical barrier.

An interface structure for detachably interfacing a surgical robot arm to a surgical instrument, the interface structure comprising a main body; and a drive transfer element comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being releasably engageable with a portion of the surgical robot arm and the second portion being releasably engageable with a portion of the surgical instrument; the drive transfer element being movable relative to the main body so as to enable transfer of drive between the surgical robot arm and the surgical instrument.

A surgical incision drape, comprises a flexible substantially flat areal substrate having an upper side and an opposing tissue-facing side, having a longitudinal axis and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the tissue-facing side; at least one hollow microtubular compartment containing a flowable medical agent, said hollow microtubular compartment positioned to intersect the longitudinal axis and embedded into the substrate or positioned on the substrate.