1. A method for identifying an anatomical structure, the method comprising the steps of: placing at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly disposed thereon relative to a target anatomical structure; transmitting at least one electrical signal from the sensor assembly through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the anatomical structure; calculating one or more signature properties of the target anatomical structure based on the measureable response; comparing values of the one or more measured signature properties to at least one other measured signature property; identifying the target anatomical structure based on the comparison between the one or more measured signature properties and at least one other measured signature property; determining proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure; and alerting a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure.