| 20080294036 | Surgical Metal Detection Apparatus and Methods - A surgical metal detection apparatus. The apparatus comprises an elongate, tubular cannula and a removable element, which may be a trocar, releasably engaged within the cannula. A metal detection coil is positioned within the removable element or, in some embodiments, within the cannula. The metal detection coil is connected to a metal detection circuit which is adapted to detect the presence of a metallic element proximate to the end of the removable element or cannula. When a metallic element has been detected, the removable element may be removed from the cannula to permit the passage of a removal tool, such as a screwdriver, through the cannula without removing or changing the position of the cannula. | 11-27-2008 |
