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.

A method of ultrasonic sealing includes activating an ultrasonic blade temperature sensing, measuring a first resonant frequency of an ultrasonic electromechanical system that includes a transducer coupled to the blade via a waveguide, making a first comparison between the measured first resonant frequency and a first predetermined resonant frequency, and adjusting a power level applied to the transducer based on the first comparison. The first predetermined frequency may correspond to an optimal tissue coagulation temperature. The method may further include measuring a second resonant frequency of the system, making a second comparison between the measured second frequency and a second predetermined frequency, and adjusting the power level based on the second comparison. The second predetermined frequency may correspond a melting point temperature of a clamp arm pad. An ultrasonic instrument and a generator may implement the method.

A surgical instrument that includes first and second jaws that are movably coupled together to move between an open and a closed position. The first jaw includes a first proximal end, a first distal tip, and a first jaw midpoint between the first proximal end and the first distal tip. The second jaw includes a second proximal end and a second distal tip. The first jaw includes a first alignment feature that is distal to the first jaw midpoint and is configured to engage a corresponding portion of the second jaw when the first and second jaws are moved to the closed position to align the first distal tip with the second distal tip.

A holding arm for holding a surgical mechatronic assistance system or a surgical instrument is described. The holding arm includes a proximal end for attaching the holding arm to a base and a distal end for receiving the surgical mechatronic assistance system or the surgical instrument. The holding arm also includes a first arm segment connected to a first joint and a second arm segment connected to a second joint. The first joint and the second joint are releasable and lockable. The holding arm also includes a switch adapted to release both the first and second joints. The holding arm also includes a first contacting device with two contact elements arranged substantially opposite one another on the first arm segment. The first contacting device is adapted to release the first joint only when both of the two contact elements of the first contacting device are contacted.

A method of verifying torque measurements of a reaction torque transducer of an instrument drive unit includes a controller receiving a verification signal, generating an acceptable range of torques, receiving a torque signal, comparing the torque signal to the acceptable range of torques, and stopping a motor if the torque applied by the motor is outside of the acceptable range of torques. The verification signal is indicative of the current drawn by the motor and the torque signal is indicative of torque applied by the motor.

Various aspects of a generator, ultrasonic device, and method for estimating a state of an end effector of an ultrasonic device are disclsoed. The ultrasonic device includes an electromechanical ultrasonic system defined by a predetermined resonant frequency, including an ultrasonic transducer coupled to an ultrasonic blade. A control circuit measures a complex impedance of an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the complex impedance is defined as

[00001]$Z_g(t)=\frac{V_g\left(t\right)}{I_g\left(t\right)}.$

The control circuit receivs a complex impedance measurement data point and compares the complex impedance measurement data point to a data point in a reference complex impedance characteristic pattern. The control circuit then classifies the complex impedance measurement data point based on a result of the comparison analysis and assigns a state or condition of the end effector based on the result of the comparison analysis.

A medical device inspection system may include a base, a medical device holder on the base, a fiber scope holder on the base, a moveable roller moveably attached to the base such that it is free to rotate around an axis and move from a first position to a second position along the base, and a feeder coupled with the base for feeding a flexible portion of the fiber scope into a lumen of the medical device. During use, the flexible portion of the fiber scope may extend from the handle, around the moveable roller, and through the feeder to enter an opening in the lumen of the medical device.

A robotic system includes a robotic manipulator configured to: manipulate a medical instrument having a basket; open the basket at a first opening speed and a second, faster opening speed; and close the basket at a first closing speed and a second, faster closing speed. The system includes an input device configured to receive one or more user interactions and initiate one or more actions by the robotic manipulator, including directly controlled movement and/or pre-programmed motions. Control circuitry of the robotic system is configured to: in response to receiving a first user interaction via the input device, trigger a first pre-programmed motion of the robotic manipulator to open the basket at the second, faster opening speed; and in response to receiving a second user interaction via the input device, trigger a second pre-programmed motion to close the basket at the second, faster closing speed.

Disclosed are devices and methods for creating a bore in bone. The devices and methods described involve driving a rotating bit in an axial direction such that both rotation and linear movement are controlled and measurable. The instrument is useful for a surgeon to control and simultaneously measure the travel of the tool into the bone and prevent injury to surrounding structures.

Systems and methods related to use of a measurement system in conjunction with a powered instrument for determination of the placement of a tool portion relative to the anatomy of a patient utilizing the powered instrument. The measurement system may include a displacement sensor that indicates the relative displacement of the tool portion relative to the anatomy. The system may also include a sensor for monitoring a tool drive signal representative of a tool drive parameter that is characteristic of the tool portion acting on the anatomy. The tool drive signal may be analyzed relative to a given amount of axial displacement as measured by the displacement sensor to avoid false indications of placement based on noise and or other artifacts in the tool drive signal that may result from characteristics of the anatomy and/or operational behaviors of the surgeon utilizing the instrument.