CN117045290A

CN117045290A - Systems and methods for facilitating surgical fluid management

Info

Publication number: CN117045290A
Application number: CN202310513955.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·I·奥马尔; M·K·马里瑟蒂; M·S·宾德拉
Original assignee: Medtronics Virtue Co ltd
Current assignee: Medtronics Virtue Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-12
Filing date: 2023-05-09
Publication date: 2023-11-14

Abstract

A surgical fluid management system includes a console defining a cassette bay and a cassette including a fluid line extending therethrough, the cassette configured for insertion into the cassette bay of the console. The console includes a sensor disposed adjacent to the cassette bay, the sensor configured to detect a position of the cassette relative to the cassette bay to enable selective locking or unlocking of the cassette within the cassette bay. Additionally or alternatively, the console includes cassette bay electronics configured to obtain encoded information from the cassette.

Description

Systems and methods for facilitating surgical fluid management

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/341,042 filed 5/12 at 2022 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/420,382 filed 10/28 at 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate surgical fluid management.

Background

The fluid is used with various surgical devices, systems, and methods to facilitate performing surgical tasks, such as, for example, being able to irrigate a treatment site, aspirate a treatment site, clean a surgical device, clean a treatment site, clear a field of view, cool a surgical device, and the like. Some non-limiting examples of devices that benefit from the use of fluid include mini debriders, surgical drills, surgical saws, aspiration irrigators, tissue resectors, endoscopes, balloons or other catheters, energy devices, and the like.

Fluid-enabled surgical systems typically include a fluid management console connected to a surgical device. The fluid management console may be further connected to a fluid source and/or fluid collection tank and include a pump to enable control of fluid flow to the surgical site via the surgical device and/or out of the surgical site via the surgical device or a separate outflow path.

Disclosure of Invention

As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," and the like are intended to be illustrative of manufacturing, material, environment, use, and/or measurement tolerances and variations, and in any event can encompass variations up to 10%. Additionally, to the extent consistent, any aspect described herein may be used in combination with any or all of the other aspects described herein.

There is provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure a surgical fluid management system including a console and a cassette. The console defines a pod and includes a sensor disposed adjacent the pod and an actuator disposed adjacent the pod. The cartridge includes at least one fluid line extending therethrough. The at least one fluid line may comprise a flushing or other fluid supply line and/or may comprise a vacuum fluid line. In aspects, one of the at least one fluid line is a bifurcated fluid line that divides a single channel into two separate channels. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into the cartridge bay in an insertion direction to an operational position. The console is configured to lock the cassette in the operative position. The sensor is configured to detect a movement of the cartridge farther from the operating position to the release position in the insertion direction. The console is configured to unlock the cassette in response to the sensor detecting movement of the cassette to the release position, thereby enabling removal of the cassette from the console.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the console is configured to move the actuator from the retracted position to the home position to lock the cartridge and to move the actuator from the home position to the retracted position to unlock the cartridge.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the actuator is configured to selectively open or close the fluid line of the cartridge.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the actuator is driven by a solenoid within the console. In aspects where multiple lines are provided, multiple solenoids may be provided.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the sensor is an optical sensor.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the cassette includes a reflector and the optical sensor includes an emitter and a detector disposed adjacent to each other. In such aspects, in the operational position of the cassette, the reflector is positioned to reflect electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the detector. In the released position of the cassette, the reflector is offset such that electromagnetic radiation from the emitter is not reflected to the detector. In such aspects, the absorber may be disposed adjacent the reflector (on one or both sides) so as to at least partially absorb electromagnetic radiation, thereby suppressing or reducing reflection. In aspects, the cartridges are at least partially formed from such absorbent materials.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge includes an extension defining an aperture, and the optical sensor includes an emitter and a detector disposed on opposite sides of the channel. In such aspects, in the operational position of the cassette, the extension is positioned within the channel such that the aperture is aligned between the emitter and the detector to allow transmission of electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the detector. In the released position of the cassette, the apertures are misaligned such that electromagnetic radiation from the emitter is blocked by the extension and is not transmitted to the detector.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the console further includes a wireless antenna, and the box further includes a data tag. The wireless antenna is configured to wirelessly access data stored on the data tag when the cassette is at least partially inserted into the cassette bay of the console. In such aspects, the data tag may store identification information and/or usage information associated with the cartridge.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor is further configured to detect insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge bay to the operational position. In such aspects, the console is configured to lock the cassette in the operational position in response to the sensor detecting insertion of the cassette into the cassette bay to the operational position.

A surgical fluid management method provided according to aspects of the present disclosure includes: receiving a cartridge inserted in an insertion direction in a cartridge compartment of a console; locking the cassette within the cassette bay of the console in the operative position; operating at least one actuator of the console to control fluid flow through at least one fluid path (into (e.g., flushing) and/or out of (e.g., vacuum) fluid paths) defined within the cassette; detecting movement of the cassette from the operating position to a release position, the release position being farther within the cassette bay in the insertion direction than the operating position; and unlocking the cassette from the cassette bay of the console.

In one aspect of the disclosure, locking the cartridge within the cartridge bay includes advancing the actuator from the retracted position to the home position.

In another aspect of the disclosure, unlocking the cassette from the cassette bay includes retracting the actuator from the home position to the retracted position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, operating the actuator includes moving the actuator to selectively open or close the fluid path.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the movement of the detection cartridge includes detecting the presence or absence of electromagnetic radiation at the detector. In such aspects, detecting movement of the cassette may more particularly include detecting at the detector that there is no electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter and reflected from the cassette. Alternatively, detecting movement of the cassette may more particularly include detecting at the detector that there is no electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter and passing through an aperture defined within the cassette.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the method further includes accessing, by the console, data stored within a data tag associated with the cartridge. The accessing may include accessing identification information and/or usage information associated with the cartridge.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the method further includes inserting the test cassette into the operational position while the cassette is received within the cassette bay. In such aspects, locking the cassette in the cassette bay in the operational position is performed in response to insertion of the cassette into the operational position.

Another surgical fluid management system provided according to the present disclosure includes: a console defining a cassette bay and including a sensor disposed adjacent the cassette bay; and a cassette including a fluid line extending therethrough, and configured for insertion into a cassette bay of a console. The sensor is configured to detect a position of the cartridge relative to the cartridge bay. The console is configured to selectively lock or unlock the cassette within the cassette bay based on the detected position of the cassette.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge is configured to be inserted into the cartridge bay in an insertion direction to an operational position. In such aspects, the console may be configured to lock the cassette within the cassette bay when the detected position of the cassette is the operational position.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge is further configured to move farther in the insertion direction from the operating position to the release position. In such aspects, the console is configured to unlock the cassette from the cassette bay when the detected position of the cassette is the release position.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the console further includes at least one actuator disposed adjacent the cassette bay. In such aspects, the console may be configured to move the at least one actuator between the retracted position and the home position to lock and unlock the cassette. Further, the console may be configured to move the at least one actuator from the starting position to selectively open or close the fluid line of the cassette.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor is a discrete position sensor configured to detect whether the cartridge is disposed in at least one predetermined position.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge includes a reflector and the sensor includes an emitter and a detector disposed adjacent to each other. In such aspects, the reflector may be positioned to reflect electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the detector in at least one of the predetermined positions of the cassette.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge includes an extension defining an aperture, and the sensor includes an emitter and a detector disposed on opposite sides of the channel. In such aspects, in at least one of the predetermined positions of the cassette, the extension is positioned within the channel such that the aperture is aligned between the emitter and the detector to allow transmission of electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the detector.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the sensor is a continuous position sensor configured to detect a distance between the cartridge and at least one predetermined position.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the sensor is an optical sensor or an acoustic wave sensor configured to measure a time of flight (ToF) associated with a distance between the sensor and the cartridge to detect the distance.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the console further includes pod electronics configured to obtain information from the pod.

Yet another surgical fluid management system is provided in accordance with the present disclosure. The system comprises: a console defining a pod and including pod electronics and a sensor disposed adjacent the pod; and a cassette including a fluid line extending therethrough and configured for insertion into a cassette bay of a console. The box includes encoded information. The sensor is configured to detect a cassette received within the cassette bay. The pod electronics are configured to obtain encoded information from the pod. The encoded information includes at least one of identification information or usage information associated with the cartridge.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the pod electronics include a wireless antenna and the pod includes a data tag storing encoded information. In such aspects, the wireless antenna may be configured to wirelessly access encoded information stored on the data tag when the cassette is received within the cassette bay of the console.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge bay electronics includes an optical sensor assembly including a plurality of optical sensors, and the cartridge includes an identifier including a plurality of identification portions. Each optical sensor is configured to detect a bit of information from a corresponding one of the identification portions when the cassette is received within the cassette bay of the console. The multi-bit information constitutes encoded information.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the cartridge electronics includes a current supply circuit and a voltage sensor, and the cartridge includes an identifier circuit. In such aspects, the current supply circuit is configured to supply current to the identifier circuit when the cartridge is received within the cartridge bay of the console to enable the voltage sensor to detect the voltage. The detected voltages constitute encoded information.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the identifier circuit includes a ladder circuit. In aspects, the ladder circuit includes a plurality of rungs, at least one of the plurality of rungs including a fuse.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor is a discrete position sensor configured to detect whether the cartridge is disposed in at least one predetermined position. Alternatively, the sensor is a continuous position sensor configured to detect a distance between the cartridge and the at least one predetermined position.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the console is configured to selectively lock or unlock the cassette within the cassette bay based on feedback from the sensor.

Drawings

Various aspects and features of the disclosure are described below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a surgical system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the surgical system including a surgical device, a console, a cassette, a fluid source, and a fluid collection canister;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged perspective view of the detail area indicated as "1B" in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of another surgical system provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the surgical system including an endoscope system and a corresponding cassette configured for use with the console, fluid source, and fluid collection canister of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a cassette of the surgical system of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2B and 2C are opposite side perspective views of the cartridge of FIG. 2A with its outer housing removed to show internal components and features;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 2A operably positioned within the cassette bay of the console of FIG. 1A and relative to an actuation mechanism of the console for selectively managing various fluid flow paths (e.g., irrigation and vacuum flow paths) through the cassette;

FIG. 3B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the cassette of FIG. 2A operably positioned within the cassette bay of the console of FIG. 1A and relative to an actuation mechanism of the console;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cassette of FIG. 2A disposed with the cassette bay of the console of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are enlarged schematic views of a detail area indicated as "5" in FIG. 4, wherein the cassette of FIG. 2A is disposed within the cassette bay of the console of FIG. 1A in an operative position and a release position, respectively;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another cassette and console configured for use with the surgical system of FIG. 1A, wherein the cassette is disposed with a cassette bay of the console;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are enlarged schematic views of a detail area indicated as "7" in FIG. 6, wherein the cassette of FIG. 6 is disposed within the cassette bay of the console of FIG. 6 in an operative position and a release position, respectively;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams illustrating yet another cassette and console configured for use with the surgical system of FIG. 1A, wherein the cassette is disposed with a cassette bay of the console in a partially inserted (FIG. 8A) position and a fully inserted (FIG. 8B) position, respectively;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing yet another cassette and console configured for use with the surgical system of FIG. 1A, wherein the cassette is disposed with a cassette bay of the console in a partially inserted position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another cassette configured for use with the surgical system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cassette of FIG. 10 disposed within a console configured for use with the surgical system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another cassette and console configured for use with the surgical system of FIG. 1A, wherein the cassette is disposed within the console; and is also provided with

Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a communication circuit of the cassette and console of fig. 12.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1A, a surgical system 10 provided in accordance with the present disclosure generally includes: a console 100; one or more surgical devices 1200 configured to be powered, controlled, energized, supplied with fluid, and/or supplied with vacuum by the console 100; one or more cartridges 200, each of which operatively couples the console 100 with one of the surgical devices 1200; one or more fluid sources 400; and/or one or more fluid collection tanks 500. Although a plurality of surgical devices 1200, cartridges 200, fluid sources 400, and/or fluid collection canisters 500 are contemplated, for purposes of brevity and understanding, the surgical system 10 is described below with reference to only each of these features. Likewise, although the console 100 may include a plurality of identical or similar features to receive, for example, a plurality of surgical devices 1200, cartridges 200, fluid sources 400, and/or fluid collection tanks 500, each of these features is described in the singular below for purposes of brevity and understanding.

The console 100 includes: a housing 110; a power button 120; a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 130 (such as, for example, a touch screen GUI); one or more ports 140, such as, for example, a power port for powering and controlling one or more connected powered surgical devices (e.g., surgical device 1200), an energy port for providing surgical energy (e.g., monopolar, bipolar, microwave, ultrasound, thermal, light, and/or other surgical energy) to one or more connected energy devices, an additional port 160 for connecting one or more auxiliary devices (such as a foot switch); and a plurality of pods 170. The console 100 also includes one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs) and/or microcontroller units (MCUs), power generation and control hardware, surgical energy generation and control hardware, and/or any other suitable hardware and corresponding firmware/software stored on the console for operating and controlling the operation of the surgical device 1200 connected to the console. In addition, for each pod 170, the console 100 includes pod electronics 172 (fig. 4) in communication with one or more CPUs and/or MCUs, for example, to enable power and/or data to be transferred therebetween. The cartridge bay electronics 172 (fig. 4) are positioned adjacent to the corresponding cartridge bay 170 to enable communication between the console 100 and the cartridge 200 received within the cartridge bay 170, as described in detail below.

The console 100 additionally includes an actuation mechanism 600 (fig. 3A-3B) that is operably positioned relative to the corresponding cartridge bay 170 to control various fluid paths (flushing, vacuum, etc.) defined through the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received within the cartridge bay 170. One of the CPU and/or MCU of the console 100 may also control the actuation mechanism 600 (fig. 3A-3B) according to a particular control program selected (e.g., via the graphical user interface 130), according to user actuation of one or more controls associated with the surgical device 1200, in response to sensed feedback, and/or in any other suitable manner.

With continued reference to fig. 1A, as described above, the surgical device 1200 may be powered, controlled, energized, supplied with fluid, and/or supplied with vacuum by the console 100. The surgical device 1200 may be configured as one or more of, for example, but not limited to, a mini debrider, a surgical drill, a surgical saw, an aspiration irrigator, a tissue resecter, an endoscope, a sheath for an endoscope (e.g., a lens cleaning sheath), a balloon or other catheter, an energy device, a fluid cooling device, and the like.

In various aspects, the surgical device 1200 includes a handpiece 1210 and an end effector 1220 that is releasably engageable with the handpiece 1210. More specifically, with respect to surgical tissue removal devices, such as mini debridement, surgical drills, tissue resectors, and the like, handpiece 1210 can include a motor 1214 disposed therein and a drive rotor 1216 coupled to the motor 1214 and configured to drive a movable (e.g., rotary, reciprocating, oscillating, or a combination thereof) component of end effector 1220 to remove tissue from a surgical site. As shown in fig. 1B, for example, end effector 1220 can include an outer shaft 1222 and an inner shaft 1224 configured to be driven by motor 1214 via drive rotor 1216 to move relative to outer shaft 1222 to cut tissue. Further, a vacuum can be applied through the outer shaft 1222 and/or the inner shaft 1224 (e.g., through the outgoing fluid line 1272 connected to the collection canister 500) to remove cut tissue (along with fluid and debris) from the surgical site and to the fluid collection canister 500 through the outer shaft 1222 and/or the inner shaft 1224. The surgical device 1200 may also include a power cord 1250 configured to connect the surgical device 1200 to the console 100 to power and control the motor to control the operation of the end effector 1220.

The end effector 1220 can additionally or alternatively include a sheath 1228 disposed (in a fixed or removable manner) about the outer shaft 1222 and configured to deliver fluid to a surgical site. In such aspects, a proximal hub 1230 disposed at a proximal end of the sheath 1228 can include a port 1232 to connect to an inflow fluid line 1234 (e.g., a tube) to enable fluid to be pumped through the sheath 1228 and into a surgical site. Alternatively, port 1232 may enable connection of a vacuum line such that sheath 1228 may be used to withdraw fluid from the surgical site. Other suitable configurations for surgical device 1200 and/or fluid supply/removal associated with surgical device 1200 for treating tissue are also contemplated.

Referring back to fig. 1A, a fluid source 400 (e.g., an IV fluid bag) is fluidly coupled to one or more fluid flow paths defined within the cassette 200, for example, via a fluid line 402 connected to one of the one or more inflow ports 210a (fig. 2A-2C) of the cassette 200. The cartridge 200 also includes one or more outflow ports 210b (fig. 2A-2C) to enable a fluid line 1234 to connect the outflow of the cartridge 200 to a port 1232 of the proximal hub 1230 of the end effector 1220 of the surgical device 1200 to enable fluid to be supplied to (or withdrawn from) the sheath 1228. When operably engaged within the cartridge bay 170 of the console 100, the cartridge 200 enables pumping of fluid from the fluid source 400 to the end effector 1220 of the surgical device 1200, as described in detail below.

In aspects provided, the fluid collection canister 500 is fluidly coupled to an outflow port 1270 of the surgical device 1200 via an outflow fluid line 1272, and in aspects is further coupled to a vacuum source (e.g., via the cassette 200) to facilitate fluid (as well as tissue, debris, etc.) extraction from the surgical site through the surgical device 1200 and into the fluid collection canister 500.

Referring to fig. 1C, another surgical device and corresponding cartridge configured for use with console 100, fluid source 400, and fluid collection canister 500 are shown in accordance with the present disclosure. The surgical device is in the form of an endoscope system 800 that includes an endoscope 802 and an endoscope sheath 804 coupled to the endoscope 802. The connector 806 enables connection of a plurality of irrigation lines 812 (e.g., for irrigation into a surgical site and endoscope lens cleaning) and aspiration lines 814 (e.g., connected to a vacuum source for removing fluid from the surgical site) to the endoscope sheath 804. Lines 812, 814 are connected to an endoscope sheath box 820 (including any of the aspects of the boxes detailed herein) that is operably coupled to console 100 to enable control of irrigation and/or aspiration to or from a surgical site via endoscope system 800. Although the present disclosure is detailed herein with respect to surgical device 1200 and cassette 200 (see fig. 1A), it is likewise contemplated that aspects and features detailed herein may be used with: endoscope system 800 and cassette 820 and/or any other suitable surgical device and corresponding cassette configured for use with console 100.

Turning to fig. 2A-2C, as described above, the cartridge 200 can be received within the cartridge bay 170 of the console 100 (fig. 1A) to operatively couple a fluid flow path defined therethrough with a corresponding actuation mechanism 600 (fig. 3A-3B) of the console 100 (fig. 1A) to enable control of various fluid flow paths, e.g., closing, opening, and/or controlling fluid flow along the various fluid flow paths. Cassette 200 includes a plurality of external tubing ports 210a, 210b to enable connection of appropriate tubing to fluidly couple cassette 200 with one or more fluid flow paths associated with surgical device 1200, fluid source 400, and/or fluid collection canister 500.

More specifically, the cassette 200 includes a faceplate 202 supported on the chassis 204 and defining a plurality of external plumbing ports 210a, 210b (e.g., a plurality of input plumbing ports 210a and a plurality of output plumbing ports 210 b) that enable the cassette 200 to be connected to a fluid source 400 (fig. 1A), a surgical device 1200 (fig. 1A), and/or a fluid collection canister 500 (fig. 1A). The cartridge 200 also includes an outer housing 220 that cooperates with the faceplate 202 to enclose the internal components and features of the cartridge 200. The outer housing 220 defines a plurality of side openings 222, 224, 226 to enable the console 100 (fig. 1A) to selectively open, close, and/or otherwise control a fluid flow path defined through the cartridge 200, as described in detail below. The outer housing 220 also defines one or more rear receptacles (not explicitly shown) configured to enable a pump drive rotor (not explicitly shown) of the console 100 (fig. 1A) to be operably coupled with the pump 230 of the cartridge 200 to drive the pump 230 of the cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 also includes a data tag 250 to enable communication between the cartridge 200 and the console 100 (fig. 1) when the cartridge 200 is positioned within one of the cartridge bays 170 of the console (fig. 1), as described in detail below.

In aspects, the cartridge 200 defines three fluid flow paths 242, 244, 246, with two fluid flow paths 242, 244 configured as fluid inflow paths and a third fluid flow path 246 configured as fluid outflow path. However, various different combinations of more than three fluid flow paths and/or inflow paths and/or outflow paths are also contemplated. The first fluid inflow path 242 includes a conduit 243a connecting one of the input conduit ports 210a to the pump 230 and a conduit 243b connecting the first output of the pump 230 with one of the output conduit ports 210 b. The second fluid inflow path 244 shares conduit 243a with the first inflow path 244 and includes a conduit 245 connecting the second output of the pump 230 with another one of the output conduit ports 210 b. A fluid source 400 (fig. 1A) may be connected to the input conduit port 210a to supply fluid for selective pumping along the flow paths 242, 244 and out of the corresponding output conduit port 210 b. However, in other aspects, the flow paths 242, 244 do not require a common conduit or a single fluid source 400 (fig. 1A). Surgical device 1200 (fig. 1A) (and more specifically, one or more fluid flow paths of the surgical device) can be connected to one or more output tubing ports 210b to enable supply of fluid thereto for irrigation and lavage, respectively.

The fluid outflow path 246 includes tubing 247 connecting another of the input tubing ports 210a to another of the output tubing ports 210b such that a vacuum source (not explicitly shown) may be connected to the input tubing port 210a and an outflow fluid path of the surgical device 1200 (fig. 1A) may be connected to one of the output tubing ports 210b (through the fluid collection canister 500 (fig. 1A)) to provide suction capability to the surgical device 1200 (fig. 1A). Other suitable fluid connections, flow paths and pump configurations for fluid supply and/or fluid return are also contemplated.

With continued reference to fig. 2A-2C, the side openings 222, 224, 226 of the outer housing 220 provide access to the conduits 243B, 245, 247 such that the actuation mechanism 600 (fig. 3A-3B) is capable of selectively maintaining open, fully closed (e.g., fully clamped), or partially closed (e.g., partially clamped) lumens defined through the conduits 243B, 245, 247 to selectively control irrigation, lavage, and/or aspiration through the surgical device 1200 (fig. 1A).

Referring to fig. 3A and 3B, in conjunction with fig. 2A-2C, the actuation mechanism 600 of the console 100 (fig. 1A) includes a plurality of actuators 610 (e.g., three actuators 610) and a plurality of drivers 620 (e.g., three drivers 620) to selectively and independently drive the actuators 610. The actuation mechanism 600 also includes a support 630 that is mounted on the pod 170 and that is operable to hold the actuator 610 and the driver 620 in place relative to the pod. In aspects, the actuator 610 can be a plunger that can be selectively deployed into and retracted from the cartridge bay 170. In such aspects, the driver 620 may be a solenoid configured to selectively deploy and retract the actuator 610 (or allow spring-biased retraction of the actuator).

When the cartridge 200 is disposed within the cartridge bay 170 in the operational position, each side opening 222, 224, 226 of the outer housing 220 of the cartridge 200 is aligned with one of the actuators 610 of the actuation mechanism 600. In this manner, each actuator 610 of the actuation mechanism 600 is aligned with a conduit 243b, 245, 247 of one of the fluid flow paths 242, 244, 246 of the cartridge 200, respectively. Accordingly, the driver 620 can be controlled to selectively deploy or retract the corresponding actuator 610, thereby selectively maintaining the lumen defined through the conduits 243b, 245, 247 open, fully closed, or partially closed, and thus selectively controlling irrigation, lavage, and/or aspiration through the surgical device 1200 (fig. 1A). With respect to the fluid inflow paths 242, 244, this configuration enables the fluid inflow paths 242, 244 to be independently controlled using a single pump 230 driven by a pump rotor (not shown) of the console 100 (fig. 1A). For example, with pump 230 activated, either, both, or neither of irrigation and lavage may be provided. Likewise, aspiration may be controlled at console 100 (FIG. 1A) via a suitable actuator 610 such that the lumen defined through tubing 247 is selectively maintained open, fully closed, or partially closed.

Before inserting the cartridge 200 into the cartridge bay 170, or in the event that the cartridge 200 is at least partially disposed within the cartridge bay 170 but not in an operational position within the cartridge bay 170, the actuator 610 is disposed in a retracted position in which the actuator 610 does not protrude into the cartridge bay 170 or minimally protrudes into the cartridge bay 170 so that the cartridge 200 can be inserted into and removed from the cartridge bay 170. When the cartridge 200 reaches the operational position within the cartridge bay 170, the actuator 610 is partially advanced through the side openings 222, 224, 226 of the outer housing 220 of the cartridge 200 to the starting position, thereby locking the cartridge 200 in the operational position within the cartridge bay 170. Thus, in use, within the cartridge 200 locked in the operative position (with the actuator 610 aligned with the conduits 243b, 245, 247 in the home position), the actuator 610 may be advanced and/or retracted from the home position of the actuator to fully close, partially close, or open the corresponding conduits 243b, 245, 247, as detailed above. Of course, when it is desired to remove the cartridge 200 from the cartridge bay 170, the actuators 610 first need to return to their retracted positions from their home positions, thereby releasing the cartridge 200 and enabling subsequent removal of the cartridge 200 from the cartridge bay 170.

In other aspects, another locking mechanism (in lieu of or in addition to actuator 610) may be used to lock cartridge 200 in an operative position within cartridge bay 170. Whether or not the actuator 610 and/or another locking mechanism is used, ensuring that the cartridge 200 is disposed in an operative position within the cartridge bay 170 prior to deployment of the actuator 610 to the home position, and ensuring that the actuator 610 is returned to the retracted position prior to removal of the cartridge 200 from the cartridge bay 170 prevents damage to the console 100 (fig. 1A) and cartridge 200.

As described in detail below, the console 100 (fig. 1A) includes a sensor 174 (fig. 4) associated with each cartridge bay 170 to enable a determination of when a cartridge 200 is inserted into the cartridge bay 170 and disposed in an operational position within the cartridge bay 170 (thereby signaling that it is safe to deploy the actuator 610 to a starting position and lock the cartridge 200 in an operational position within the cartridge bay 170), and also to enable a determination of an attempt to remove the cartridge 200 from the cartridge bay 170 (such that the actuator 610 is movable to a retracted position to unlock the cartridge 200 and enable removal of the cartridge 200 from the cartridge bay 170).

Turning to fig. 4, in conjunction with fig. 2A-3B, as described above, the cartridge 200 includes a data tag 250 to enable communication between the cartridge 200 and the console 100 (fig. 1A) when the cartridge 200 is positioned within one of the cartridge bays 170 of the console (fig. 1A), as described in detail below. The cartridge 200 may also include a reflector 260 disposed on the cartridge. Also as described above, the console 100 includes pod electronics 172 and a sensor 174 associated with and operably positioned with respect to each pod 170.

The data tag 250 of the cartridge 200 may be passive or active and may include, for example, an NFC tag, an RFID tag, and/or any other suitable storage medium that stores readable data and/or readable/writable data. The pod electronics 172 of the console 100 may include an antenna 173, such as an NFC antenna, an RFID antenna, or other suitable antenna, capable of wirelessly accessing or communicating with the data tag 250, such as via RFID communication or NFC. In other aspects, mating contacts associated with the cassette 200 and the cassette bay 170 of the console 100 may be provided to enable the cassette bay electronics 172 to access or communicate with the data tag 250 via a wired connection.

Regardless of the particular manner of communication, the pod electronics 172 may be configured to access and/or communicate with the data tag 250 to obtain identification information associated with the pod 200, such as, for example, a unique ID, device type, lot number, date of manufacture, etc. The identification information may be used to configure the console 100 for use with the cartridge bay 200, for example, based on features and/or settings associated with the cartridge bay 200. The identification information may additionally or alternatively be used to: authentication of the cartridge 200 (e.g., to prevent use of a counterfeit or unverified cartridge 200); and reads/writes the usage information to/from the cartridge 200 (e.g., a usage count of the cartridge having been used, etc.). In aspects, the cartridge 200 is configured as a single use (or limited use) disposable component such that the console 100 activates a used flag within the data tag 250 of the cartridge 200 (e.g., upon insertion, after activation, upon removal, or in any other suitable manner) and prevents use of the inserted cartridge 200 that has activated its used flag. With respect to multiple use of the cartridge 200, the console 100 may increment a use counter within the data tag 250 (e.g., upon insertion, after activation, upon removal, or in any other suitable manner) and prevent use of the inserted cartridge 200 that has reached a use threshold.

Referring also to fig. 5A and 5B, the sensor 174 of the console 100 enables a determination of when the cartridge 200 is disposed in an operational position within the cartridge bay 170. The sensor 174 is configured to: when it is determined that the cartridge 200 is disposed in the operative position, the actuator 610 is allowed to advance safely through the side openings 222, 224, 226 of the outer housing 220 of the cartridge 200 to the starting position of the actuator, thereby locking the cartridge 200 in the operative position within the cartridge bay 170. Suitable sensors 174 for this purpose may include optical sensors. More specifically, the sensor 174 may include an emitter 176 configured to output electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light, infrared light, or other suitable wavelength light or other electromagnetic radiation) and a detector 178 configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation (e.g., and generate a voltage based thereon). The emitter 176 and the detector 178 are positioned adjacent to each other such that electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 176 needs to be reflected to the detector 178 to enable detection. The reflector 260 of the cassette 200 is positioned on the cassette 200 such that electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 176 is reflected by the reflector 260 toward the detector 178 only when the cassette 200 is disposed in an operational position within the cassette bay 170 (see fig. 5A). Even a relatively small deviation of the cassette 200 from the operative position within the cassette bay 170 (see fig. 5B) inhibits reflection of electromagnetic radiation toward the detector 178.

Referring to fig. 1A and 2A-5A, in use, a processor associated with the cartridge bay electronics 172 (or one of the CPU and/or MCU of the console 100) may monitor the voltage at the detector 178 to determine whether electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 176 has been detected and, thus, whether the cartridge 200 is disposed in an operational position within the cartridge bay 170. Since communication between the pod electronics 172 and the data tag 250 (e.g., via NFC or RFID communication) is less sensitive to alignment of the pod 200 within the pod 170, once the pod electronics 172 determine that a pod 200 is present (e.g., being inserted into the pod 170), only the emitter 176 may be activated and the detector 178 monitored. Alternatively, the emitter 176 may continuously output electromagnetic radiation and the detector 178 may be continuously monitored.

Once the detector 178 detects the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 176 and determines that the cartridge 200 is disposed in an operational position within the cartridge bay 170 based on a processor (or one of the CPU and/or MCU of the console 100) associated with the cartridge bay electronics 172, the actuators 610 may be deployed from their retracted position to their starting position to lock the cartridge 200 within the cartridge bay 170 in the operational position. Alternatively or additionally, another locking mechanism or other operating component may be activated to lock the cartridge 200 in the operating position within the cartridge bay 170 (e.g., one or more of the actuators may be configured as a rotary pump driver or other suitable actuator configured to operate the cartridge 200 under control of the console 100). Thereafter, console 100 can manipulate cassette 200 to facilitate performing a surgical procedure, as described in detail above.

In various aspects, the console 100 can deactivate the emitter 176 and/or not monitor the detector 178 during active use of the surgical device 1200 (e.g., as determined by the console 100 actively outputting power and/or control signals to the surgical device 1200) and/or the cassette 200 (e.g., as determined by the console 100 driving the pump 230 and/or driving the one or more actuators 610 from a starting position of the actuators). In this way, a relatively small offset in positioning of the cartridge 200 during active use will not result in retraction of the actuator 610. In other aspects, the emitter 176 and detector 178 remain active and monitored throughout use. In such an aspect, retraction of the actuator 610 may not occur automatically in response to loss of detection of electromagnetic radiation at the detector 178 during active use. Conversely, a warning (e.g., an audible tone and/or visual output on GUI 130) may be provided, active use may be stopped, and/or a countdown timer may be started to retract actuator 610 and/or stop active use.

Referring additionally to fig. 5B, when it is desired to unlock the cartridge 200 and remove it from the cartridge bay 170 (e.g., when the surgical instrument 1200 and/or the cartridge 200 are not in active use), the cartridge 200 is manually pushed further into the cartridge bay 170 to the release position. The cartridge bay 170 may define sufficient clearance to enable the cartridge 200 to be advanced further into the cartridge bay 170 beyond the operating position and to the release position. The gap is large enough so that in the released position of the cartridge 200, reflection of electromagnetic radiation by the reflector 260 toward the detector 178 is inhibited, but small enough to prevent potentially damaging contact between the actuator 610 and the outer housing 220 of the cartridge 200 (and/or between other components of the cartridge 200 and the console 100). In various aspects, a spring or other suitable biasing feature (not explicitly shown) is provided between the cartridge 200 and the front wall of the cartridge bay 170 such that manual pushing of the cartridge 200 further into the cartridge bay 170 toward the released position is achieved against the bias of the spring. Such a configuration facilitates ejection of the cartridge 200 once the cartridge 200 is unlocked, as described in detail below.

Once the cartridge 200 is moved from the operating position to the release position such that the detector 178 no longer detects the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 176, the console 100 directs the actuators 610 to retract from their home position to the retracted position (and/or unlock any other locking mechanisms or components associated with the cartridge 200), thereby unlocking the cartridge 200 and enabling removal of the cartridge 200 from the console 100. In aspects where a spring or other suitable biasing feature (not explicitly shown) is provided, unlocking of the cartridge 200 enables the spring to at least partially eject the cartridge 200 from the cartridge bay 170 under its bias, thereby facilitating manual grasping and complete removal of the cartridge 200 from the cartridge bay 170.

Turning to fig. 6-7B, another console 1000 and cassette 2000 are shown. The console 1000 and the cassette 2000 are similar to the console 100 and the cassette 200 (fig. 1A) detailed above, so only differences are detailed below, and the similarity is generally described or omitted entirely.

Rather than including a reflector, the cassette 2000 includes an extension 2060 extending from the outer housing 2020. The extension 2060 defines a blocking surface 2062 and includes a bore 2064 laterally defined by a blocking surface 2064.

The console 1000 includes pod electronics 1072 operably positioned relative to the pod 1070. The pod electronics 1072 include a sensor 1074, which may be an optical sensor. Sensor 1074 differs from sensor 174 (fig. 4-5B) in that: the sensor 1074 includes an emitter 1076 and a detector 1078 disposed on opposite sides of the receiving channel 1080. Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 1076 can be detected by the detector 1078 unless a blocking structure received in the channel 1080 prevents transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the channel 1080 to the detector 1078. When a cassette 2000 is inserted into cassette bay 1070, extension 2060 is received within channel 1080. With cassette 2000 disposed in an operational position within cassette bay 1070, aperture 2064 is aligned between emitter 1076 and detector 1078 to permit transmission of electromagnetic radiation therebetween such that electromagnetic radiation emitted from emitter 1076 is detectable by detector 1078, e.g., such that detector 1078 generates a voltage in response to detection of electromagnetic radiation. However, a relatively small deviation of the cassette 2000 from the operative position within the cassette bay 1070 may also misalign the aperture 2064 such that the blocking surface 2062 of the extension 2060 is disposed between the emitter 1076 and the detector 1078 to prevent electromagnetic radiation from reaching the detector 1078.

In use, a processor associated with the pod electronics 1072 of the console 1000 (or one of the CPU and/or MCU of the console 1000) may monitor the voltage at the detector 1078 to determine whether electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 1076 has been detected and, thus, whether the pod 2000 is disposed in an operational position within the pod 1070. With respect to the insertion of the cartridge 2000, the processor may look for a voltage, followed by a lack of voltage and a subsequent reconstruction of the voltage, thus indicating an initial insertion of the cartridge 2000 (as determined by movement of the extension 2060 into the channel 1080, with the blocking surface 2062 initially blocking the path between the emitter 1076 and the detector 1078) and a subsequent movement of the cartridge 2000 into the operative position (as determined by re-detecting the voltage when the aperture 2064 is aligned between the emitter 1076 and the detector 1078) (see fig. 7A). Alternatively, in this configuration and/or the configuration of fig. 4-5B, insertion of the cartridge 2000 may be determined by communication (e.g., via NFC or RFID communication) between the cartridge bay electronics 1072 and the cartridge 2000 (e.g., a data tag of the cartridge).

Once it is determined that the cartridge 2000 is disposed in the operational position within the cartridge bay 170, an actuator or another suitable locking mechanism may be actuated to lock the cartridge 2000 within the cartridge bay 1070 in the operational position. Thereafter, console 1000 can operate cassette 2000 to facilitate performing a surgical procedure, as described in detail above.

In various aspects, the console 1000 can deactivate the emitter 1076 and/or not monitor the detector 1078 during active use of the surgical device 1200 (fig. 1A) and/or the cassette 2000. In this way, relatively small offsets in the positioning of the cartridge 2000 are ignored. In other aspects, the emitter 1076 and detector 1078 remain active and monitored throughout use, and in the event that detection of electromagnetic radiation is determined to be lost at the detector 1078, a warning (e.g., audible tone and/or visual output on the GUI 130) may be provided, active use may be stopped, and/or a countdown timer may be started.

When it is desired to unlock and remove the cartridge 2000 from the cartridge bay 1070, the cartridge 2000 is manually pushed further into the cartridge bay 1070 to a release position. The pod 1070 may define sufficient clearance to enable the cassette 2000 to advance minimally into the pod 1070 beyond the operational position (and into the release position) sufficient to interrupt the transmission of electromagnetic radiation to the detector 1078, but not allow potentially damaging contact between the cassette 2000 and the console 1000. In various aspects, a spring or other suitable biasing feature (not explicitly shown) is provided between the cassette 2000 and the front wall of the cassette bay 1070 to provide a bias against manual pushing of the cassette 2000 further into the cassette bay 1070 and to facilitate ejection of the cassette 2000, similar to that detailed above.

Once the cassette 2000 is moved from the operative position such that the aperture 1064 is no longer aligned between the emitter 1076 and the detector 1078, and thus such that the detector 1078 is no longer able to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter 1076 (see fig. 7B), the console 1000 directs the cassette 2000 to unlock, thereby enabling the cassette 2000 to be removed from the console 1000. In aspects where a spring or other suitable biasing feature (not explicitly shown) is provided, unlocking of the cassette 2000 enables the spring to at least partially eject the cassette 2000 from the cassette bay 1070 under its bias, thereby facilitating manual grasping and complete removal of the cassette 2000 from the cassette bay 1070.

Turning to fig. 8A and 8B, another console 1100 and cartridge 2100 are shown. The console 1100 and cartridge 2100 are similar to and can include any features of the console 100 and cartridge 200 (fig. 1A), or any other console and cartridge detailed herein. Accordingly, only the differences between console 1100 and cartridge 2100 and console 100 and cartridge 200 (fig. 1A), respectively, are detailed below, and similarities are generally described or omitted entirely.

The console 1100 includes a sensor 1174 associated with each pod 1170 of the console to enable determination of the position of the pod 2100 when the pod 2100 is inserted into, received in, and/or removed from the pod 1170. More specifically, when the sensors 174 (fig. 4-5B) and 1074 (fig. 6-7B) provide discrete feedback (e.g., binary or other discrete feedback) to enable a determination of whether the cartridge is disposed in an operational position (and/or one or more additional positions, such as a release position), the sensor 1174 provides continuous feedback to enable a determination of an actual position of the cartridge 2100 relative to the cartridge bay 1170, such as a distance the cartridge 2100 is inserted into the cartridge bay 1170, a distance the cartridge 2100 extends from the cartridge bay 1170, and/or a distance the cartridge 2100 is from one or more predetermined positions (e.g., operational position, release position, etc.) associated with the cartridge bay 1170.

With continued reference to fig. 8A and 8B, a sensor 1174 of the console 1100 enables determination of the position of the cartridge 2100 relative to the cartridge bay 1170. Thus, the sensor 1174 can determine when to set the cartridge 2100 in the operational position such that the actuator can be safely advanced through the outer housing 2120 of the cartridge 2100 to the starting position of the actuator, thereby locking the cartridge 2100 in the operational position within the cartridge bay 1170. Further, the sensor 1174 as a continuous sensor also enables determination of the distance of the cartridge 2100 from the operational position (and/or other positions) such that the sensor 1174, in combination with one or more of the CPU and/or MCU of the console 1100, can provide a warning and/or indication to the user regarding the position of the cartridge 2100. For example: the console 1100 may output visual and/or audible indications that the cartridge 2100 needs to be further inserted into the cartridge bay 1170 to reach the operational position; cartridge 2100 has been inserted too far into cartridge bay 1170; cartridge 2100 requires further insertion into cartridge bay 1170 to reach the released position; etc. The sensor 1174, in conjunction with one or more of the CPU and/or MCU of the console 1100, may also provide other feedback, e.g., one or more visual and/or audible indications, such as, for example, to more carefully insert the cartridge 2100 (e.g., to indicate that the cartridge 2100 insertion speed is above a threshold based on sensor data over time).

The sensor 1174 may be any suitable sensor for providing continuous position feedback. More specifically, sensor 1174 may be configured as an acoustic wave sensor configured to emit acoustic waves at a defined frequency and to determine time of flight (ToF) upon receipt of the acoustic waves (after reflection from cassette 2100 and return to sensor 1174). In aspects, the acoustic wave sensor is an ultrasonic sensor configured to transmit acoustic waves at a defined ultrasonic frequency. Based on the ToF, a distance of the cartridge 2100 from the sensor 1174 can be determined, and based on the determined distance, a distance of the cartridge 2100 relative to the cartridge bay 1170 and/or one or more of any other locations can be determined. In various aspects, to facilitate ToF determination, the sensor 1174 is positioned to transmit acoustic waves to or from the cartridge compartment 1170 in the insertion/removal direction of the cartridge 2100. Thus, as shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the sensor 1174 can be positioned at or beyond the rear wall of the cartridge 1170.

To facilitate the transmission and reception of acoustic waves detailed above, as shown in fig. 8A and 8B, the sensor 1174 may include a separate transmitter 1175a and receiver 1175B. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 9, the sensor 1174 may include a transceiver 1175c configured to both transmit and receive acoustic waves. In either configuration, instead of sending and receiving acoustic waves, sensor 1174 may be configured as an optical sensor configured to emit an optical wave at a defined wavelength, receive the optical wave after reflection from cassette 2100 and back to sensor 1174, and determine ToF based on the optical wave. Other suitable continuous position sensors are also contemplated. In addition to the continuous position determination detailed above provided by the sensor 1174, the sensor 1174 also provides the functionality of any or all of the sensors detailed above, e.g., based on movement of the test cartridge 2100 to and/or from an operating position, a release position, etc.

Turning to fig. 10 and 11, yet another console 1300 and box 2300 is shown. The console 1300 and the cassette 2300 are similar to and may include any of the features of any or all of the consoles and cassettes detailed herein; accordingly, only the differences between console 1300 and cassette 2300 and console 100 and cassette 200 (fig. 1A), respectively, are detailed below, and the similarities are generally described or omitted entirely.

The cartridge 2300 includes an identifier 2350 disposed on an outer surface of the outer housing 2320 of the cartridge 2300. The identifier 2350 may be printed onto the outer housing 2320, may be a decal adhered to the outer housing 2320, or may be provided on the outer housing 2320 in any other suitable manner. Although shown in fig. 10 and 11 and disposed on the top surface of the cassette 2300, the identifier 2350 may be disposed at any suitable location on the cassette 2300 such that the control console 1300 can read the identifier 2350 when the cassette 2300 is inserted into the control console 1300.

The identifier 2350 includes an array of identification portions 2352, each including one or more optical indicators in the form of one or more of a shape, symbol, etc. of a particular color (e.g., black or white), reflectivity (e.g., reflective or non-reflective), etc. Each of the one or more optical indicators of each identification portion 2352 encodes information that can be read by console 1300. As an example, the identifier 2350 may include an array of eight (8) identifying portions 2352, each identifying portion encoding one bit of information (e.g., configured to read as 1 or 0). Thus, up to 256 unique arrays for identifying different cartridges 2300 and/or conveying information related to the cartridges are implemented, all of which have an inexpensive and easy to manufacture identifier 2350 without any power requirements.

With continued reference to fig. 10 and 11, the console 1300 includes pod electronics 1372 (e.g., a pod circuit board including an optical sensor assembly 1373). The optical sensor assembly 1373 includes an array of optical sensors 1375. The number of optical sensors 1375 may correspond to the number of recognition portions 2352 of the identifier 2350 of the cartridge 2300. Each light sensor 1375 includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver (or optical transceiver) that emit light at defined wavelengths and detect light reflected from the corresponding identification portion 2352 of the identifier 2350, respectively. As described above, each identification portion 2352 may encode one bit of information (or more) and thus each optical sensor 1375 may be configured to generate a binary response, e.g., 1 or 0, based on the detected reflected light (or no reflected light).

In aspects, each identification portion 2352 may encode additional information (such as, for example, more than two different outputs), and correspondingly in such aspects, each optical sensor 1375 may be configured to detect more than two different responses based on reflected light and/or multiple optical sensors 1375 may be assigned to each of such identification portions 2353. While such a configuration increases the amount of information that can be transmitted via the identifier 2350 and read by the optical sensor assembly 1373, and thus is useful in certain aspects (e.g., where a greater amount of information is desired to be transmitted), such a configuration also increases the complexity of the optical sensor assembly 1373 and thus increases the cost of the console 1300.

When the cartridge 2300 is received within the cartridge bay 1370 of the console 1300 in the operational position, the identifier 2350 of the cartridge 2300 is disposed in alignment with the optical sensor assembly 1373, and more specifically, each identifying portion 2352 of the identifier 2350 is aligned with a corresponding optical sensor 1375 of the optical sensor assembly 1373. Thus, once the cartridge 2300 is inserted into an operational position within the cartridge bay 1370 (e.g., as determined by any of the presence/position sensor configurations described in detail herein or any other suitable presence/position sensor), the cartridge bay electronics 1372 of the console 1300 may activate the optical sensor assembly 1373 such that each optical sensor 1375 reads information encoded on the corresponding identification portion 2352.

Regarding the information encoded on each of the identification portions 2352 and read by the console 1300 to identify and in various aspects determine additional information about the inserted cartridge 2300, the information (e.g., 1 and 0, in the case of using bits) may be combined to provide one piece of accumulated information. For example, in the 8-bit configuration illustrated above, the identifier 2350 of the box 2300 may provide a unique sequence from among 256 possible unique sequences. Thus, for example, the console 1300 may recognize up to 256 different types of cartridges 2300. Of course, more or fewer unique sequences are implemented with more or fewer bits.

Instead of one piece of accumulated information, the information from the different identifying portions 2352 of the box 2300 may be divided into subsets to provide multiple pieces of different information. For example, in the 8-bit configuration illustrated above, the first subset of identification portions 2352 may include three identification portions 2352 (e.g., three bits, where bits are used), and may be configured to provide any of eight unique sequences for the first subset; the second subset of identification portions 2352 may include three identification portions 2352 and may be configured to provide any of eight unique sequences for the second subset; and the third subset of identification portions 2353 may include two identification portions 2352 and may be configured to provide any of four unique sequences (based on 2 bits) for the third subset. Of course, the number of subsets and the number of bits (or other information) corresponding to each subset may vary depending on the particular purpose. The information encoded in the unique sequence for each of the respective subsets may include, for example: setup information, usage information, cassette type, lot number, manufacturing site, etc.

Regardless of whether the cartridge bay electronics 1372 of the console 1300 reads a single piece of information or multiple pieces of information from the identifier 2350 of a cartridge 2300, the read information may be used to configure the console 1300 for use with that particular cartridge 2300, e.g., based on features and/or settings associated with that cartridge 2300.

Various sensors that enable determination of the position of a cassette within the cassette bay of a console, whether via discrete position sensing (e.g., as detailed with respect to cassette 200 and console 100 (fig. 4-5B) and cassette 2000 and console 1000 (fig. 6-7B)) or via continuous position sensing (e.g., as detailed with respect to cassette 2100 and console 1100 (fig. 8A-9)) are detailed above. Further, different configurations for identifying and/or obtaining information about the cassette received within the cassette bay of the console (e.g., via the data tag 250 of the cassette 200 and the antenna 173 (fig. 4) of the cassette bay electronics 1372 of the console 100 or via the identifier 2350 and the optical sensor assembly 1373 (fig. 10-11) of the cassette bay electronics 172 of the console 1300). Any combination of the above aspects may be incorporated into a cassette and console system according to the present disclosure to enable determination of the position of a cassette within a cassette bay of a console and identification and/or acquisition of information about a cassette received within a cassette bay of a console.

Referring to fig. 12 and 13, yet another console 1400 and a cassette 2400 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The console 1400 and the cassette 2400 are similar to and may include any of the features of any or all of the consoles and cassettes detailed herein; accordingly, only the different features of console 1400 and box 2400 are detailed below, while similarities to any or all of the above are generally described or omitted entirely. As described in detail below, the console 1400 and the cassette 2400 are configured to enable transfer of identification information from the cassette 2400 to the console 1400 and/or to enable tracking of the cassette 2400 to be used in a passive manner, e.g., without requiring the cassette 2400 to include an on-board power supply and/or to write information to the cassette 2400.

The console 1400 includes pod electronics 1472 (e.g., a pod circuit board including current supply circuitry 1473 and a voltage sensor 1475) associated with each pod 1470. The current supply circuit 1473 includes a first (e.g., positive) terminal 1474a and a second (e.g., negative) terminal 1474b.

The cassette 2400 includes an identifier circuit 2450 disposed on or in the cassette. The identifier circuit 2450 includes a first (e.g., positive) terminal 2452a and a second (e.g., negative) terminal 2452b and can be configured as a ladder circuit including a plurality of rungs arranged in parallel. Each rung of the identifier circuit 2450 includes a fuse and defines a different resistance. For example, as shown in fig. 13, the identifier circuit 2450 can include: a first rung 2454 connected between the terminals 2452a, 2452b and including a first fuse 2455 (and including a first resistor in aspects); a second rung 2456 connected between the terminals 2452a, 2452b and including a second fuse 2457a and a second resistor 2457b; and a third rung 2458 connected between terminals 2452a, 2452b and including a third fuse 2459a and a third resistor 2459b, although other configurations and/or more or fewer rungs are also contemplated.

The different resistances associated with the first resistor of the first rung 2454 (or no resistor associated with the first rung 2454), the second resistor 2457b of the second rung 2456, and the third resistor 2459b of the third rung 2458 define different resistances for each rung 2454, 2456, 2458. More specifically, resistance is added to each subsequent rung 2454, 2456, 2458 (however, the rungs need not be physically arranged in a resistive order). The fuses 2455, 2457a, 2459a may be electrolytic fuses configured to open when a current above a current threshold is supplied through the corresponding rung 2454, 2456, 2458 to open a circuit through the rung. Suitable fuses include cobalt-chromium alloy wires, although other suitable fuses are also contemplated. The identifier circuit 2450 can be printed on a circuit board associated with the cassette 2400 or in any other suitable manner.

When the cassette 2400 is received within the cassette bay 1470 of the console 1400 in the operational position, contacts (not explicitly shown) associated with the terminals 1474a, 1474b and the terminals 2452a, 2452b mate with each other, thereby establishing electrical communication between the corresponding pair of terminals 1474a, 2452a and 1474b, 2452 b. Thus, the current supply circuit 1473 of the console 1400 may be used to supply current from one of the terminals 1474a, 1474b to the identifier circuit 2450 and back to the current supply circuit 1473 via the other terminal 1474a, 1474b to complete the circuit.

During initial insertion of the cartridge 2400 into the cartridge bay 1470 of the console 1400 (e.g., where the fuses 2455, 2457a, 2459a of the rungs 2454, 2456, 2458, respectively, are complete), the current supplied to the identifier circuit 2450 flows through the first rung 2454 and back to the current supply circuit 1473 because the first rung 2454 defines the minimum resistance of the rungs 2454, 2456, 2458. The voltage sensor 1475 detects a voltage associated with the current flowing through the first step 2454 and based thereon may determine the type of cartridge 2400, the number of uses of the cartridge 2400, and/or other information associated with the cartridge 2400 (such as any of the identifiable information detailed above). This information may be determined based on an identifiable electrical characteristic (e.g., resistance) associated with the current flowing through the first rung 2454, such as by selecting the first resistor (if provided), the first fuse 2455, and/or otherwise configuring the first rung 2454 to provide a particular electrical characteristic.

Upon initial insertion of the cartridge 2400 as described above, or at any other point (e.g., upon request to remove the cartridge 2400, after a predetermined elapsed time of use or other measured amount of use, etc.), the current source 1473 may be configured to provide a current that may be used to open the first fuse 2455. Thus, upon subsequent insertion of the cassette 2400 associated with a subsequent use of the cassette 2400 (or upon subsequent request to remove the cassette 2400, upon subsequent predetermined elapsed time or other measured subsequent use, etc.), the current supplied from the current supply circuit 1473 to the identifier circuit 2450 flows through the second rung 2456 and back to the current supply circuit 1473 because the second rung 2456 defines a minimum resistance of a complete rung (e.g., because the first rung 2454 is an open circuit and the third rung 2458 defines a resistance greater than the second rung 2456). The voltage sensor 1475 detects a voltage associated with the current flowing through the second step 2456 and determines the type of cartridge 2400, the number of uses of the cartridge 2400, and/or other information associated with the cartridge 2400 based thereon, similar to that detailed above.

Similar to the details above, the second fuse 2457a eventually opens (if not opened via initial current flow through the second rung 2456) such that, in further use, current supplied from the current supply circuit 1473 to the identifier circuit 2450 flows through the third rung 2458, thereby enabling information associated with the rung to be determined. The above is continued for each step provided. Thus, the identifier circuit 2450 enables information to be transferred to the current supply circuit 1473 of the console 1300 and the number of uses of the cartridge 2400 without writing information to the cartridge 2400.

In aspects, in the event that a fuse associated with the final step breaks, the console 1400 recognizes the break circuit and inhibits further use of the cassette 2400 or otherwise provides a warning that the prescribed number of uses has been reached. In other aspects, instead of the final step including a fuse, the final step may define an electrical characteristic detected by the console 1400 as corresponding to the end of the useful life, such that the console 1400 may prohibit further use of the box 2400 or otherwise provide a warning that a prescribed number of uses have been reached.

It should be understood that various modifications may be made to the aspects and features disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various aspects and features. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A surgical fluid management system, comprising:

a console defining a cassette bay and including a sensor disposed adjacent the cassette bay; and

a cassette including a fluid line extending therethrough, the cassette configured for insertion into the cassette bay of the console,

wherein the sensor is configured to detect a position of the cassette relative to the cassette bay, and

wherein the console is configured to selectively lock or unlock the cassette within the cassette bay based on the detected position of the cassette.

2. The surgical fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the cassette is configured to be inserted into the cassette bay in an insertion direction to an operational position, and wherein the console is configured to lock the cassette within the cassette bay when the detected position of the cassette is the operational position.

3. The surgical fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the console further comprises at least one actuator disposed adjacent the cassette bay, and wherein the console is configured to move the at least one actuator between a retracted position and a starting position to lock and unlock the cassette.

4. The surgical fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a discrete position sensor configured to detect whether the cassette is disposed in at least one predetermined position.

5. The surgical fluid management system of claim 4, wherein the cassette comprises a reflector and the sensor comprises an emitter and a detector disposed adjacent to each other, wherein in at least one of the predetermined positions of the cassette, the reflector is positioned to reflect electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the detector.

6. The surgical fluid management system of claim 4, wherein the cassette includes an extension defining an aperture, and the sensor includes an emitter and a detector disposed on opposite sides of a channel, wherein in at least one of the predetermined positions of the cassette, the extension is positioned within the channel such that the aperture is aligned between the emitter and the detector to allow transmission of electromagnetic radiation from the emitter to the detector.

7. The surgical fluid management system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a continuous position sensor configured to detect a distance between the cassette and at least one predetermined location.

8. The surgical fluid management system of claim 7, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor or an acoustic wave sensor configured to measure a time of flight (ToF) associated with a distance between the sensor and the cassette to detect the distance.

9. A surgical fluid management system, comprising:

a console defining a pod and including pod electronics and a sensor disposed adjacent the pod; and

a cassette including a fluid line extending therethrough, the cassette configured for insertion into the cassette bay of the console and including encoded information,

wherein the sensor is configured to detect the cassette received within the cassette bay, and

wherein the cartridge bay electronics are configured to obtain the encoded information from the cartridge, the encoded information including at least one of identification information or usage information associated with the cartridge.

10. The surgical fluid management system of claim 9, wherein the cassette bay electronics comprise a wireless antenna, and wherein the cassette comprises a data tag storing the encoded information, the wireless antenna configured to wirelessly access the encoded information stored on the data tag when the cassette is received within the cassette bay of the console.

11. The surgical fluid management system of claim 9, wherein the cassette bay electronics comprise an optical sensor assembly comprising a plurality of optical sensors, wherein the cassette comprises an identifier having a plurality of identification portions, and wherein each optical sensor is configured to detect at least one bit of information from a corresponding one of the identification portions when the cassette is received within a cassette bay of the console, the at least one bit of information being the encoded information.

12. The surgical fluid management system of claim 9, wherein the cassette bay electronics comprise a current supply circuit and a voltage sensor, wherein the cassette comprises an identifier circuit, and wherein the current supply circuit is configured to supply current to the identifier circuit when the cassette is received within the cassette bay of the console to enable the voltage sensor to detect a voltage, the voltage being the encoded information.

13. The surgical fluid management system of claim 9, wherein the sensor is a discrete position sensor configured to detect whether the cassette is disposed in at least one predetermined position.

14. The surgical fluid management system of claim 9, wherein the sensor is a continuous position sensor configured to detect a distance between the cassette and at least one predetermined location.

15. The surgical fluid management system of claim 9, wherein the console is configured to selectively lock or unlock the cassette within the cassette bay based on feedback from the sensor.