US Patent 10342623 Surgical guidance systems, devices, and methods

Surgical systems and methods for avoiding injury to an anatomical structure are disclosed. According to some aspects, an implantable device configured to emit a detectable field may be attached to the anatomical structure. A proximity sensor may be attached to a distal end of a surgical instrument and may be configured to detect the detectable field. A control unit in communication with the proximity sensor may be configured to use the proximity sensor to determine if the distal end of the surgical instrument is within a predetermined distance of the implantable device. If so, a notification such as a vibration or alarm may be provided to a user of the surgical instrument so that the user can maneuver the surgical instrument to limit or prevent contact with the anatomical structure.