JP2017513558A - Sterilization verification circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a segmentation circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments includes a storage verification segment configured to indicate when the surgical instrument has been properly stored and sterilized.

Description

  The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various situations, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and their staple cartridges designed for stapling and cutting tissue.

The features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the manner in which they are realized, will become more apparent and the present invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the present invention that is used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a power supply assembly, a handle assembly, and a replaceable shaft assembly. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with the replaceable shaft assembly separated from the handle assembly. FIG. It is a circuit diagram of the surgical instrument of FIG. It is a circuit diagram of the surgical instrument of FIG. FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of a segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments configured to control a powered surgical instrument. FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of a segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments configured to control a powered surgical instrument. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a segmentation circuit with a safety processor configured to perform a monitoring function. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a segmentation circuit with a safety processor configured to perform a monitoring function. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustration of one embodiment of a segmentation circuit with a safety processor configured to monitor and compare a first characteristic and a second characteristic of a surgical instrument. FIG. 6 is an illustration of a block diagram illustrating a safety process configured to be implemented by a safety processor. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a 4 × 4 switch bank with four input / output pins. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a 4 × 4 bank circuit with one input / output pin. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a segmentation circuit with a 4 × 4 switch bank coupled with a primary processor. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a segmentation circuit with a 4 × 4 switch bank coupled with a primary processor. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of a process for sequentially energizing a segmented circuit. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a power supply segment with multiple daisy chain power converters. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a segmentation circuit configured to maximize power available for critical functions and / or power strength functions. FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of a power supply system comprising a plurality of daisy chain power converters configured to be energized sequentially. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a segmented circuit with an isolated control. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a segmentation circuit with an accelerometer. FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a process for sequential activation of a segmentation circuit. For example, one embodiment of a method 1950 for controlling a surgical instrument with a segmentation circuit, such as the segmentation control circuit 1602 illustrated in FIG.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, named "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,323, entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, named "THUMBWHHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, named "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEBLIES FOR SURGITAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,481, entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, named "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGIMAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTITIONS",
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, name "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM", and-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536, name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTO". The entirety is hereby incorporated by reference.

The applicant of this application owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,193, name "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVER MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,053, entitled "INTERCHANGABLE SHAFTS ASEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,210, "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, entitled "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, name "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,117, "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US patent application No. 13 / 803,130, name "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

Applicants also own the following patent applications filed together on the same date, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Patent Application No. ______________________, name “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM”, agent serial number END7386 USNP / 130458,
U.S. Patent Application No. _______, name "POWER MANAGENENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket Number END7387USNP / 130459,
U.S. Patent Application No. _______________________, name “VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT”, agent serial number END 7389 USNP / 130461,
U.S. Patent Application No. _______, name "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", agent reference number END 7390 USNP / 130462,
U.S. Patent Application No. _______, name "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WITH DETACHABLE SHAFFT ASSEMBLIES", Attorney Docket No.END7391USNP / 130463,
U.S. Patent Application No. ________________________________________________ FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, Attorney Docket No. END7392USNP / 130464,
U.S. Patent Application No. ______________________, name “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION”, agent serial number END 7393 USNP / 130465,
U.S. Patent Application No. ________________________, name “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR”, Attorney Docket No.
U.S. Patent Application No. ______________________, name “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS”, agent serial number END 7395 USNP / 130467,
U.S. Patent Application No. _______________________, name “INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”, Attorney Docket Number END7396USNP / 130468,
U.S. Patent Application No. _______________________, name “MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM”, agent reference number END7397USNP / 130469,
U.S. Patent Application No. _____________________, name “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT”, Attorney Docket Number END 7399 USNP / 130471,
US Patent Application No. _______, name “POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION”, agent serial number END7400USNP / 130472,
US Patent Application No. _______, name “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM”, Attorney Docket Number END7401 USNP / 130473, and US Patent Application No. _________, Name “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLTAN TNT D

  For a comprehensive understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein, specific exemplary embodiments are described. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices and methods described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting and exemplary embodiments. Features illustrated or described in the context of one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

  Throughout this specification, references to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “embodiments,” and the like are specific to the particular embodiment described in connection with that embodiment. A feature, structure, or characteristic is meant to be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as “in various embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in one embodiment”, or “in an embodiment” appear in place throughout the specification, These are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment are not limited, in whole or in part, to the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. May be combined. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

  The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein in connection with a physician operating a handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the physician and the term “distal” refers to the portion that is remote from the physician. It will be further understood that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, and “bottom” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. Let's go. However, surgical instruments are used in many directions and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

  Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications (eg, in connection with open surgery). Upon reading “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention”, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the various instruments disclosed herein may be incised or punctured in tissue in any manner, such as through natural openings. It will be further understood that it can be inserted into the body through the mouth and the like. The instrument actuation or end effector part can be inserted directly into the patient or through an access device having an actuation channel through which the surgical instrument end effector and elongated shaft can be advanced. You can also

  1-3, a motor driven surgical fastening and cutting instrument 2000 is schematically illustrated. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surgical instrument 2000 may include a handle assembly 2002, a shaft assembly 2004, and a power supply assembly 2006 (“power supply”, “power pack”, or “battery pack”). The shaft assembly 2004 may include an end effector 2008 that may be configured to function as an end cutter for tissue clamping, cutting, and / or stapling in certain situations, but in other embodiments. Other types of end effectors may be used, such as end effectors for other types of surgical devices, such as grasping instruments, cutters, staplers, forceps, access devices, drug / gene therapy devices, ultrasound devices , RF device, and / or laser device. Some RF devices are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,403,312, issued on Apr. 4, 1995, the title “ELECTROSURICAL HEMOSSTATIC DEVICE,” the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. And US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 031,573, filed Feb. 14, 2008, entitled “SURGICAL FASTENING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES”.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle assembly 2002 can be used with a plurality of interchangeable shaft assemblies, such as, for example, shaft assembly 2004. Such a replaceable shaft assembly may comprise a surgical end effector, such as, for example, end effector 2008 that may be configured to perform one or more surgical operations or procedures. An example of a suitable interchangeable shaft assembly is U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 782,866, filed March 14, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. CONTROL SYSTEM OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ".

  Referring primarily to FIG. 2, the handle assembly 2002 may include a housing 2010 comprised of a handle 2012 that may be configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by a physician. However, it will be appreciated that various unique and novel configurations of the various forms of the interchangeable shaft assembly disclosed herein can also be used effectively in conjunction with a robotically controlled surgical system. Thus, the term “housing” is also at least configured to generate and apply at least one control motion that can be utilized to operate the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their equivalents. A drive system can include a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports it. For example, the interchangeable shaft assembly disclosed herein can be found in US Patent Application No. 13/118, which is now US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0298719, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 241 (named “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS”) may be used with various robot systems, instruments, components, and methods.

  Referring again to FIG. 2, a plurality of drive systems within the handle assembly 2002 may be configured to generate and apply various control movements corresponding to portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that are operably attached. May be operably supported. For example, the handle assembly 2002 may be used to apply a closing and opening motion to the shaft assembly 2004 while being operatively attached to or coupled to the handle assembly 2002. The system can be operably supported. In at least one form, the handle assembly 2002 may operably support a firing drive system that may be configured to apply a firing motion to a corresponding portion of the attached interchangeable shaft assembly.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 3, the handle assembly 2002 may include a motor 2014 that can be controlled by a motor driver 2015 and used by the firing system of the surgical instrument 2000. In various forms, the motor 2014 may be, for example, a brushed DC drive motor having a maximum speed of about 25,000 RPM. In another arrangement, the motor 2014 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepping motor, or any other suitable electric motor. In certain circumstances, the motor driver 2015 may include an H-bridge field effect transistor (FET) 2019, for example, as illustrated in FIG. The motor 2014 can be powered by a power supply assembly 2006 (FIG. 3) that can be removably mounted to the handle assembly 2002 to provide control power to the surgical instrument 2000. The power supply assembly 2006 may include a battery that may include a number of battery cells connected in series that may be used as a power source to power the surgical instrument 2000. In certain situations, the battery cells of the power supply assembly 2006 may be replaceable and / or rechargeable. In at least one example, the battery cell may be a lithium ion battery that may be separably connectable to the power supply assembly 2006.

  The shaft assembly 2004 may include a shaft assembly controller 2022 that can communicate with the power management controller 2016 via an interface while the shaft assembly 2004 and the power supply assembly 2006 are coupled to the handle assembly 2002. While the shaft assembly 2004 and the power supply assembly 2006 are coupled to the handle assembly 2002, for example, the interface may include a corresponding shaft assembly so that electrical communication between the shaft assembly controller 2022 and the power management controller 2016 is possible. A first interface portion 2025, which may include one or more electrical connectors for coupling engagement with the electrical connectors of the power supply, and one or more for coupling engagement with the electrical connectors of the corresponding power supply assembly. A second interface portion 2027 that may include an electrical connector may be provided. One or more communication signals can be transmitted over this interface to communicate one or more power requirements of the attached interchangeable shaft assembly 2004 to the power management controller 2016. . In response, the power management controller may adjust the battery output of the power supply assembly 2006 according to the power requirements of the attached replaceable shaft assembly 2004, as described in more detail below. In certain circumstances, one or more electrical connectors allow electrical communication between the shaft assembly controller 2022 and the power management controller 2016, and the handle assembly 2002 to the shaft assembly 2004 and / or power assembly 2006. A switch may be provided that can be activated after the mechanical coupling engagement.

  In certain circumstances, the interface may include one or more between the power management controller 2016 and the shaft assembly controller 2022, for example, by routing such communication signals through the main controller 2017 within the handle assembly 2002. The communication signal can be easily transmitted. In another situation, the interface facilitates direct communication through the handle assembly 2002 between the power management controller 2016 and the shaft assembly controller 2022 while the shaft assembly 2004 and power supply assembly 2006 are coupled to the handle assembly 2002. it can.

  As an example, the main microcontroller 2017 may be any single-core or multi-core processor such as, for example, a processor known by the Texas Instruments trade name ARM Cortex. As an example, surgical instrument 2000 includes a safety microcontroller platform that includes two types of microcontroller-based products (also known by Texas Instruments as the Hercules ARM Cortex R4), such as TMS570 and RM4x, for example. A power management controller 2016 may be provided. However, it is not so limited and other suitable alternatives for the microcontroller and safety processor may be used. As an example, the safety processor is specifically configured for safety-critical applications of IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 to provide highly integrated safety features while providing scalable performance, connectivity, and memory options. May be.

  In a particular example, the microcontroller 2017 may be, for example, an LM 4F230H5QR available from Texas Instruments. In at least one example, Texas Instruments' LM4F230H5QR is an ARM Cortex-M4F processor core, in addition to other features that are readily known from the product data sheet, 256KB single cycle flash memory or other non-volatile On-chip memory, up to 40MHz, prefetch buffer that improves performance at over 40MHz, 32KB single cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read only memory (ROM) with StellarisWare ™ software, 2KB Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more orthogonal encoders A digital input (QEI) analog, with one or more 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADC) with 12 analog input channels. The present disclosure should not be limited to this context.

  The power supply assembly 2006 may include a power management circuit that may include a power management controller 2016, a power conditioner 2038, and a current sense circuit 2036. The power management circuit may be configured to adjust the output of the battery based on the power requirements of the shaft assembly 2004 while the shaft assembly 2004 and the power supply assembly 2006 are coupled to the handle assembly 2002. For example, the power management controller 2016 is programmed to control the power regulator 2038 at the output of the power assembly 2006 so that the power management controller 2016 can adjust the output of the power assembly 2006 to maintain the desired output. In addition, the current sense circuit 2036 can be used to monitor the output of the power supply assembly 2006 and provide feedback to the power management controller 2016 regarding the output of the battery.

  It should be noted that the power management controller 2016 and / or shaft assembly controller 2022 may each comprise one or more processors and / or memory units that may store multiple software modules. . Although specific modules and / or blocks of surgical instrument 2000 have been described for purposes of illustration, it can be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of modules and / or blocks may be used. . Moreover, although various examples may be described for ease of explanation in terms of modules and / or blocks, such modules and / or blocks may include one or more hardware components, eg, a processor, Digital signal processor (DSP), programmable logic device (PLD), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), circuit, register, and / or software components, such as programs, subroutines, logic, and / or hardware and software The combination may be implemented.

  In certain examples, surgical instrument 2000 may include an output device 2042 that may include one or more devices that provide sensory feedback to the user. Such devices may include, for example, visual feedback devices (eg, LCD display screens, LED indicators), audible feedback devices (eg, speakers, buzzers) or haptic feedback devices (eg, haptic actuators). In certain circumstances, the output device 2042 may include a display 2043 that may be included in the handle assembly 2002. Shaft assembly controller 2022 and / or power management controller 2016 can provide feedback to the user of surgical instrument 2000 through output device 2042. The interface 2024 can be configured to connect the shaft assembly controller 2022 and / or the power management controller 2016 to the output device 2042. The reader will understand that the output device 2042 can be integrated with the power supply assembly 2006 instead. In such a situation, communication between the output device 2042 and the shaft assembly controller 2022 may be achieved via the interface 2024 while the shaft assembly 2004 is coupled to the handle assembly 2002.

  Having generally described surgical instrument 2000, the description will now turn to a detailed description of various electrical / electronic components of surgical instrument 2000. For convenience, any reference herein to surgical instrument 2000 should be construed as a reference to surgical instrument 2000 shown in connection with FIGS. Turning now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a segmented circuit 1000 comprising a plurality of circuit segments 1002a-1002g is illustrated. A segmented circuit 1000 comprising a plurality of circuit segments 1002a-1002g is configured to control an electric surgical instrument such as, but not limited to, the surgical instrument 2000 illustrated in FIGS. . The plurality of circuit segments 1002 a-1002 g are configured to control one or more operations of the electric surgical instrument 2000. The safety processor segment 1002a (segment 1) includes a safety processor 1004. The primary processor segment 1002b (segment 2) includes a primary processor 1006. The safety processor 1004 and / or primary processor 1006 is configured to interact with one or more additional circuit segments 1002c-1002g to control the operation of the powered surgical instrument 2000. The primary processor 1006 comprises a plurality of inputs coupled to, for example, one or more circuit segments 1002c-1002g, a battery 1008, and / or a plurality of switches 1058a-1070. The segmentation circuit 1000 may be implemented by any suitable circuit such as, for example, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) within the powered surgical instrument 2000. The term “processor” as used herein refers to any microprocessor, microcontroller, or another base that incorporates the functions of a central processing unit (CPU) into one integrated circuit or at most several integrated circuits. It should be understood to include a computing device. A processor is a multi-purpose programmable device that receives digital data as input, processes the digital data according to instructions stored in the processor's memory, and provides results as output. Since the processor has internal memory, it is an example of sequential digital logic. The processor operates on numbers and symbols expressed in a binary number system.

  In one embodiment, main processor 1006 may be any single-core or multi-core processor, such as, for example, a processor known by the Texas Instruments trademark ARM Cortex. In one embodiment, the safety processor 1004 is a safety microcontroller platform that includes two types of microcontroller-based products such as TMS570 and RM4x (also known by the Texas Instruments company under the trade name Hercules ARM Cortex R4). There may be. However, it is not so limited and other suitable alternatives for the microcontroller and safety processor may be used. In one embodiment, the safety processor 1004 is dedicated to IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 safety-sensitive applications, among other things, to provide advanced integrated safety features while providing scalable performance, connectivity, and memory options. May be configured.

  In a particular example, main processor 1006 may be, for example, an LM 4F230H5QR available from Texas Instruments. In at least one example, Texas Instruments' LM4F230H5QR is an ARM Cortex-M4F processor core, in addition to other features that are readily known from the product data sheet, 256KB single cycle flash memory or other non-volatile On-chip memory, up to 40MHz, prefetch buffer that improves performance at over 40MHz, 32KB single cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read only memory (ROM) with StellarisWare ™ software, 2KB Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more orthogonal encoders A digital input (QEI) analog, with one or more 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADC) with 12 analog input channels. It is easy to replace with other processors and thus the present disclosure should not be limited to this context.

  In one embodiment, the segmentation circuit 1000 comprises an acceleration segment 1002c (segment 3). The acceleration segment 1002c includes an acceleration sensor 1022. The acceleration sensor 1022 may include an accelerometer, for example. The acceleration sensor 1022 is configured to detect movement or acceleration of the electric surgical instrument 2000. In some embodiments, the input from the acceleration sensor 1022 can include, for example, entering and exiting sleep mode, identifying the orientation of the powered surgical instrument, and / or when the surgical instrument has fallen. Used to identify. In some embodiments, the acceleration segment 1002c is coupled to the safety processor 1004 and / or the primary processor 1006.

  In one embodiment, the segmentation circuit 1000 comprises a display segment 1002d (segment 4). Display segment 1002d includes a display connector 1024 coupled to primary processor 1006. Display connector 1024 couples primary processor 1006 to display 1028 through one or more display driver integrated circuits 1026. The display driver integrated circuit 1026 may be integrated with the display 1028 and / or may be installed separately from the display 1028. Display 1028 can include any suitable display such as, for example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and / or any other suitable display. In some embodiments, the display segment 1002d is coupled to a safety processor 1004.

  In some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1000 comprises a shaft segment 1002e (segment 5). The shaft segment 1002e includes one or more controllers for the shaft 2004 coupled to the surgical instrument 2000 and / or one or more controllers of the end effector 2006 coupled to the shaft 2004. Including. Shaft segment 1002e includes a shaft connector 1030 configured to couple primary processor 1006 to shaft PCBA 1031. The shaft PCBA 1031 includes a first articulation switch 1036, a second articulation switch 1032, and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 1034 of the shaft PCBA. In some embodiments, shaft PCBA EEPROM 1034 comprises one or more parameters, routines, and / or programs dedicated to shaft 2004 and / or shaft PCBA 1031. Shaft PCBA 1031 may be coupled to shaft 2004 and / or may be integrated with surgical instrument 2000. In some embodiments, the shaft segment 1002e comprises a second shaft EEPROM 1038. The second shaft EEPROM 1038 may include a plurality of algorithms, routines, parameters, and ones corresponding to one or more shafts 2004 and / or end effectors 2006 that may be interfaced with the powered surgical instrument 2000. And / or other data.

  In some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1000 comprises a position encoder segment 1002f (segment 6). The position encoder segment 1002f includes one or more magnetic rotary position encoders 1040a-1040b. One or more magnetic rotary position encoders 1040a-1040b are configured to identify the rotational position of the motor 1048, shaft 2004, and / or end effector 2006 of the surgical instrument 2000. In some embodiments, the magnetic rotary position encoders 1040a-1040b may be coupled to the safety processor 1004 and / or the primary processor 1006.

  In some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1000 comprises a motor segment 1002g (segment 7). The motor segment 1002g includes a motor 1048 configured to control one or more movements of the powered surgical instrument 2000. The motor 1048 is coupled to the primary processor 1006 by an H-bridge driver 1042 and one or more H-bridge field effect transistors (FETs) 1044. H-bridge FET 1044 is coupled to safety processor 1004. A motor current sensor 1046 is coupled in series with the motor 1048 to measure the current consumption of the motor 1048. Motor current sensor 1046 is in signal communication with primary processor 1006 and / or safety processor 1004. In some embodiments, the motor 1048 is coupled to a motor electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter 1050.

  The segmentation circuit 1000 includes a power supply segment 1002h (segment 8). The battery 1008 is coupled with a safety processor 1004, a primary processor 1006, and one or more additional circuit segments 1002c-1002g. Battery 1008 is coupled to segmentation circuit 1000 by battery connector 1010 and current sensor 1012. Current sensor 1012 is configured to measure the total current consumption of segmented circuit 1000. In some embodiments, one or more voltage converters 1014a, 1014b, 1016 are configured to provide a predetermined voltage value to one or more circuit segments 1002a-1002g. For example, in some embodiments, segmentation circuit 1000 may comprise 3.3V voltage converters 1014a-1014b and / or 5V voltage converter 1016. Boost converter 1018 is configured to supply a boosted voltage up to a predetermined value (for example, up to 13 V, etc.). Boost converter 1018 is configured to provide additional voltage and / or current during high power operation to prevent voltage drop or low power conditions.

  In some embodiments, the safety segment 1002a includes a motor power breaker 1020. Motor power breaker 1020 is coupled between power supply segment 1002h and motor segment 1002g. Safety segment 1002a is configured to shut off power to motor segment 1002g when an error or fault condition is detected by safety processor 1004 and / or primary processor 1006, as discussed in more detail herein. Has been. Although circuit segments 1002a-1002g are shown with all components of circuit segments 1002a-10002h physically located in close proximity, those skilled in the art will recognize that circuit segments 1002a-1002h are the same circuit segment 1002a. It will be understood that components that are physically and / or electrically separated from other components from 1002 g may be included. In some embodiments, one or more components may be shared between two or more circuit segments 1002a-1002g.

  In some embodiments, the plurality of switches 1056-1070 are coupled to the safety processor 1004 and / or the primary processor 1006. The plurality of switches 1056-1070 may control one or more operations of the segmentation circuit 1100 to control one or more operations of the surgical instrument 2000 and / or surgery. The device 2000 may be configured to show the state. For example, the bailout door switch 1056 is configured to indicate the state of a bail-out door. For example, a plurality of joint flex switches such as a left joint flex left switch 1058a, a left joint flex right switch 1060a, a left joint flex center switch 1062a, a right joint flex left switch 1058b, a right joint flex right switch 1060b, and a right joint flex center switch 1062b. Are configured to control articulation of shaft 2004 and / or end effector 2006. The left reversing switch 1064a and the right reversing switch 1064b are connected to the primary processor 1006. In some embodiments, left switches including left joint flex left switch 1058a, left joint flex right switch 1060a, left joint flex center switch 1062a, and left reverse switch 1064a are coupled to primary processor 1006 by left flex connector 1072a. The Right switches including a right joint flex left switch 1058b, a right joint flex right switch 1060b, a right joint flex center switch 1062b, and a right reverse switch 1064b are coupled to the primary processor 1006 by a right flex connector 1072b. In some embodiments, firing switch 1066, unclamp switch 1068, and shaft engagement switch 1070 are coupled to primary processor 1006.

  The plurality of switches 1056-1070 may include, for example, a plurality of handle controllers mounted on the handle of the surgical instrument 2000, a plurality of indicator switches, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the plurality of switches 1056-1070 allow the surgeon to operate the surgical instrument, provide feedback to the segmentation circuit 1000 regarding the position and / or operation of the surgical instrument, and / or surgical Shows dangerous operation of the instrument 2000. In some embodiments, additional or fewer switches may be coupled to the segmentation circuit 1000 and one or more switches 1056-1070 may be combined into a single switch. And / or may be extended to multiple switches. For example, in one embodiment, one or more left and / or right articulation switches 1058a-1064b may be combined into a single multi-position switch.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a segmentation circuit 1100 comprising an embodiment of a safety processor 1104 configured to implement a monitoring function, among other safety operations. The safety processor 1004 and the primary processor 1106 of the segmentation circuit 1100 are in signal communication. The plurality of circuit segments 1102c-1102h are coupled to the primary processor 1106 to control one or more operations of a surgical instrument such as, for example, the surgical instrument 2000 illustrated in FIGS. It is configured. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the segmentation circuit 1100 includes an acceleration segment 1102c, a display segment 1102d, a shaft segment 1102e, an encoder segment 1102f, a motor segment 1102g, and a power supply segment 1102h. Each circuit segment 1102c-1102g may be coupled to a safety processor 1104 and / or a primary processor 1106. The primary processor is also coupled to flash memory 1186. The microprocessor's alive heartbeat signal is provided at output 1196.

The acceleration segment 1102 c includes an accelerometer 1122 configured to monitor the movement of the surgical instrument 2000. In various embodiments, the accelerometer 1122 may be a uniaxial, biaxial, or triaxial accelerometer. The accelerometer 1122 may be used to measure appropriate acceleration, not necessarily coordinate acceleration (rate of change in speed). Instead, the accelerometer detects the acceleration associated with the gravitational phenomenon experienced by the test mass placed in the coordinate system of the accelerometer 1122. For example, the accelerometer 1122 placed on the ground surface measures acceleration g = 9.8 m / s ² (gravity) directly upward due to its weight. Another type of acceleration that the accelerometer 1122 can measure is gravitational acceleration. In various other embodiments, the accelerometer 1122 may include a single axis, two axis, or three axis accelerometer. Further, the acceleration segment 1102c may include one or more internal sensors to detect and measure acceleration, tilt, shock, vibration, rotation, and multiple degrees of freedom (DoF). Suitable internal sensors comprise an accelerometer (single axis, two axis or three axis), eg a magnetometer for measuring a spatial magnetic field such as a geomagnetic field, and / or a gyroscope for measuring angular velocity. Also good.

  Display segment 1102d comprises a display, such as an OLED display, incorporated in surgical instrument 2000. In certain embodiments, surgical instrument 2000 may comprise an output device that may include one or more devices that provide sensory feedback to the user. Such devices may include, for example, visual feedback devices (eg, LCD display screens, LED indicators), audible feedback devices (eg, speakers, buzzers) or haptic feedback devices (eg, haptic actuators). In some aspects, the output device may comprise a display that may be included within the handle assembly 2002, as illustrated in FIG. The shaft assembly controller and / or power management controller can provide feedback to the user of surgical instrument 2000 through an output device. The interface can be configured to connect the shaft assembly controller and / or the power management controller to the output device.

  The shaft segment 1102e is configured to control the operation of one or more of the shaft 2004 and / or the end effector 2006 coupled to the shaft 2004, for example, a shaft circuit board 1131 such as a shaft PCB, and A Hall effect switch 1170 is provided for indicating shaft engagement. The shaft circuit board 1131 also includes a low power microprocessor 1190 with ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) technology, a mechanical articulation switch 1192, a shaft release Hall effect switch 1194, and a flash memory 1134. Encoder segment 1102f includes a plurality of motor encoders 1140a, 1140b configured to provide rotational position information for motor 1048, shaft 2004, and / or end effector 2006.

  The motor segment 1102g includes a motor 1048 such as a brushed DC motor, for example. The motor 1048 is coupled to the primary processor 1106 through a plurality of H bridge drivers 1142 and a motor controller 1143. The motor controller 1143 controls the first motor flag 1174a and the second motor flag 1174b to indicate the state and position of the motor 1048 to the primary processor 1106. The primary processor 1106 provides a pulse width modulation (PWM) high signal 1176a, a PWM low signal 1176b, a direction signal 1178, a synchronization signal 1180, and a motor reset signal 1182 to the motor controller 1143 through the buffer 1184. The power supply segment 1102h is configured to supply a segment voltage to each of the circuit segments 1102a to 1102g.

  In one embodiment, safety processor 1104 is configured to implement monitoring functions for one or more circuit segments 1102c-1102h, such as, for example, motor segment 1102g. In this regard, the safety processor 1104 uses a monitoring function that detects and recovers from a malfunction of the primary processor 10006. During normal operation, the safety processor 1104 monitors for hardware failures or program errors in the primary processor 1104 and initiates one or more corrective actions. Corrective actions may include placing the primary processor 10006 in a safe state and returning it to normal system operation. In one embodiment, safety processor 1104 is coupled to at least a first sensor. The first sensor measures a first characteristic of the surgical instrument 2000. In some embodiments, the safety processor 1104 is configured to compare the measured characteristic of the surgical instrument 2000 with a predetermined value. For example, in one embodiment, the motor sensor 1140a is coupled to the safety processor 1104. Motor sensor 1140 a provides motor speed and position information to safety processor 1104. The safety processor 1104 monitors the motor sensor 1140a and compares the value to a maximum speed and / or position value to ensure that the operation of the motor 1048 does not exceed a predetermined value. In some embodiments, this predetermined value is calculated based on the real-time speed and / or position of the motor 1048 or calculated from a value provided by the second motor sensor 1140b in communication with the primary processor 1106. And / or provided to the safety processor 1104 from, for example, a memory module coupled to the safety processor 1104.

  In some embodiments, the second sensor is coupled to the primary processor 1106. The second sensor is configured to measure the first physical characteristic. The safety processor 1104 and the primary processor 1106 are configured to provide signals representing the values of the first sensor and the second sensor, respectively. When either the safety processor 1104 or the primary processor 1106 shows a value outside the allowable range, the segmentation circuit 1100 prevents operation of at least one of the circuit segments 1102c to 1102h (eg, the motor segment 1102g, etc.). . For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the safety processor 1104 is coupled to a first motor position sensor 1140a and the primary processor 1106 is coupled to a second motor position sensor 1140b. The motor position sensors 1140a, 1140b may comprise any suitable motor position sensor such as, for example, a magnetic angle rotary input with sine and cosine outputs. Motor position sensors 1140a, 1140b provide respective signals indicative of the position of motor 1048 to safety processor 1104 and primary processor 1106.

  The safety processor 1104 and the primary processor 1106 generate an activation signal when the values of the first motor sensor 1140a and the second motor sensor 1140b are within a predetermined range. When either the primary processor 1106 or the safety processor 1104 detects a value outside the predetermined range, the activation signal is stopped, and the operation of at least one circuit segment 1102c to 1102h (e.g., the motor segment 1102g) is interrupted, And / or prevented. For example, in some embodiments, the activation signal from primary processor 1106 and the activation signal from safety processor 1104 are coupled to an AND gate. The AND gate is connected to the motor power switch 1120. The AND gate closes the motor power switch 1120 when the actuation signals from both the safety processor 1104 and the primary processor 1106 are high, indicating that the values of the motor sensors 1140a, 1140b are within a predetermined range. Maintain position or on position. When any of the motor sensors 1140a, 1140b detects a value outside the predetermined range, the operation signal from the motor sensors 1140a, 1140b is set to low, and the output of the AND gate is set to low to open the motor power switch 1120. Is done. In some embodiments, the values of the first sensor 1140a and the second sensor 1140b are compared, for example, by the safety processor 1104 and / or the primary processor 1106. When the values of the first sensor and the second sensor are different, the safety processor 1104 and / or the primary processor 1106 prevents operation of the motor segment 1102g.

  In some embodiments, the safety processor 1104 receives a signal indicative of the value of the second sensor 1140b and compares the second sensor value to the first sensor value. For example, in one embodiment, the safety processor 1104 is directly coupled to the first motor sensor 1140a. The second motor sensor 1140 b is coupled to a primary processor 1106 that provides the value of the second motor sensor 1140 b to the safety processor 1104 and / or directly coupled to the safety processor 1104. The safety processor 1104 compares the value of the first motor sensor 1140 with the value of the second motor sensor 1140b. When the safety processor 1104 detects a mismatch between the first motor sensor 1140a and the second motor sensor 1140b, the safety processor 1104 disconnects the operation of the motor segment 1102g, for example, power to the motor segment 1102g. You may block by.

  In some embodiments, the safety processor 1104 and / or the primary processor 1106 includes a first sensor 1140a configured to measure a first characteristic of the surgical instrument, and a second characteristic of the surgical instrument. Coupled to a second sensor 1140b configured to measure. The first characteristic and the second characteristic include a predetermined relationship when the surgical instrument is operating normally. The safety processor 1104 monitors the first characteristic and the second characteristic. When it is detected that the values of the first characteristic and / or the second characteristic do not match the predetermined relationship, a failure has occurred. When a failure occurs, the safety processor 1104 performs at least one action, such as preventing operation of at least one circuit segment, performing a predetermined operation, and / or resetting the primary processor 1106, etc. . For example, the safety processor 1104 may open the motor power switch 1120 to disconnect power to the motor circuit segment 1102g when a failure is detected.

  FIG. 6 includes a safety processor 1204 configured to monitor and compare a first characteristic and a second characteristic of a surgical instrument, such as, for example, the surgical instrument 2000 illustrated in FIGS. 2 is an illustration of a block diagram of one embodiment of segmented circuit 1200. FIG. The safety processor 1204 is coupled to the first sensor 1246 and the second sensor 1266. First sensor 1246 is configured to monitor a first physical characteristic of surgical instrument 2000. Second sensor 1266 is configured to monitor a second physical characteristic of surgical instrument 2000. The first and second characteristics include a predetermined relationship when the surgical instrument 2000 is operating normally. For example, in one embodiment, the first sensor 1246 comprises a motor current sensor configured to monitor current consumption of the motor from the power source. Motor current consumption may indicate motor speed. The second sensor comprises a linear Hall sensor configured to monitor the position of a cutting member within an end effector, such as, for example, end effector 2006 coupled to surgical instrument 2000. The position of the cutting member is used to calculate the cutting member velocity within the end effector 2006. The cutting member speed has a predetermined relationship with the motor speed when the surgical instrument 2000 is operating normally.

  The safety processor 1204 provides a signal to the main processor 1206 indicating that the first sensor 1246 and the second sensor 1266 are generating values that match a predetermined relationship. When the safety processor 1204 detects a value of the first sensor 1246 and / or the second sensor 1266 that does not match the predetermined relationship, the safety processor 1206 indicates to the primary processor 1206 that it is in a dangerous state. Primary processor 1206 blocks and / or prevents operation of at least one circuit segment. In some embodiments, safety processor 1204 is directly coupled to a switch configured to control the operation of one or more circuit segments. For example, referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the safety processor 1104 is coupled directly to the motor power switch 1120. Safety processor 1104 opens motor power switch 1120 to prevent operation of motor segment 1102g when a failure is detected.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the safety processor 1104 is configured to execute an independent control algorithm. During operation, safety processor 1104 is configured to monitor segmentation circuit 1100 and independently control and / or override signals from other circuit components such as, for example, primary processor 1106. The safety processor 1104 may execute pre-programmed algorithms and / or be updated or programmed in-situ during operation based on one or more operations and / or positions of the surgical instrument 2000. May be. For example, in one embodiment, the safety processor 1104 is reprogrammed with new parameters and / or safety algorithms each time a new shaft and / or end effector is coupled to the surgical instrument 2000. In some embodiments, one or more safety values stored by the safety processor 1104 are replicated by the primary processor 1106. Double error detection is performed to ensure that the values and / or parameters stored in one of the processors 1104, 1106 are correct.

  In some embodiments, safety processor 1104 and primary processor 1106 implement a redundant safety check. Safety processor 1104 and primary processor 1106 provide periodic signals that indicate normal operation. For example, in operation, the safety processor 1104 may indicate to the primary processor 1106 that the safety processor 1104 is executing code and operating normally. Similarly, primary processor 1106 may indicate to safety processor 1104 that primary processor 1106 is executing code and operating normally. In some embodiments, communication between the safety processor 1104 and the primary processor 1106 occurs at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval may be constant or may vary based on circuit conditions and / or operation of the surgical instrument 2000.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a safety process 1250 configured to be implemented by a safety processor, such as, for example, the safety process 1104 illustrated in FIG. In one embodiment, values corresponding to multiple characteristics of surgical instrument 2000 are provided to safety processor 1104. The multiple characteristics are monitored by multiple independent sensors and / or systems. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the measured cutting member speed 1252, the presented motor speed 1254, and the direction 1256 intended by the motor signal are provided to the safety processor 1104. Cutting member speed 1252 and presentation motor speed 1254 may be provided by independent sensors, such as, for example, a linear Hall sensor and a current sensor, respectively. The direction 1256 intended by the motor signal may be provided by a primary processor, such as the primary processor 1106 illustrated in FIG. 5, for example. The safety processor 1104 compares these multiple characteristics at 1258 to determine when the characteristics match a predetermined relationship. When these multiple characteristics contain values that match a predetermined relationship (1260a), no action is taken (1262). When the plurality of characteristics includes a value 1260b that does not match a predetermined relationship, the safety processor 1104 may include one or more actions, such as prevention of a function, execution of a function, and / or reconfiguration of a processor, etc. Execute. For example, in the process 1250 illustrated in FIG. 7, the safety processor 1104 blocks the operation of one or more circuit segments, for example, by cutting 1264 power to the motor segment.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, the segmentation circuit 1100 includes a plurality of switches 1156-1170 configured to control one or more operations of the surgical instrument 2000. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, segmentation circuit 1100 is configured to control articulation of shaft 2004 and / or end effector 2006 coupled to unclamp switch 1168, firing trigger 1166, and surgical instrument 2000. A plurality of switches 1158a to 1164b. The clamp release switch 1168, firing trigger 1166, and the plurality of articulation switches 1158a-1164b may include analog switches and / or digital switches. In particular, switch 1156 indicates the mechanical switch lifter lowered position, switches 1158a and 1158b indicate joint flex left (1) and (2), and switches 1160a and 1160b indicate joint flex right (1) and (2). The switches 1162a and 1162b indicate the center of articulation (1) and (2), and the switches 1164a and 1164b indicate inversion / left and inversion / right.

  For example, FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a switch bank 1300 comprising a plurality of switches SW1-SW16 configured to control one or more operations of a surgical instrument. Switch bank 1300 may be coupled to a primary processor, such as primary processor 1106, for example. In some embodiments, one or more diodes D1-D8 are coupled to the plurality of switches SW1-SW16. Any suitable mechanical, electromechanical, or solid state switch may be used to implement the plurality of switches 1156-1170 in any combination. For example, the switches 1156-1170 may limit switches that operate due to movement of components associated with the surgical instrument 2000 or the presence of objects. Such a switch may be used to control various functions associated with the surgical instrument 2000. A limit switch is an electromechanical device consisting of an actuator mechanically linked to a set of contacts. When an object contacts the actuator, the device manipulates the contacts to make or break an electrical connection. Limit switches are used in a variety of applications and environments because of their durability, ease of installation, and operational reliability. The limit switch can determine the presence or absence of an object, passage, position, and end of movement of the object. In other implementations, the switches 1156-1170 are, for example, among other things, solid state switches that operate under the action of a magnetic field, such as Hall effect elements, magnetoresistive (MR) elements, giant magnetoresistive (GMR) elements, magnetometers, etc. It may be. In other implementations, the switches 1156 to 1170 may be, for example, solid switches that operate under the action of light, such as optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, among others. Furthermore, the switches 1156 to 1170 may be solid elements such as transistors (for example, FETs, junction FETs, metal oxide semiconductor FETs (MOSFETs), bipolar types, etc.). Other switches include, among others, a wireless switch, an ultrasonic switch, an accelerometer, and an internal sensor.

  FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a switch bank 1350 comprising a plurality of switches. In various embodiments, one or more switches may control the operation of one or more surgical instruments, such as, for example, surgical instrument 2000 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. It is configured. The plurality of joint flex switches SW <b> 1 to SW <b> 16 are configured to control the joint flex of the shaft 2004 and / or the end effector 2006 coupled to the surgical instrument 2000. Firing trigger 1366 may be used to fire surgical instrument 2000, for example, to deploy a plurality of staples, to translate a cutting member within end effector 2006, and / or to electrosurgical to end effector 2006. It is configured to supply energy. In some embodiments, switch bank 1350 includes one or more safety switches configured to prevent operation of surgical instrument 2000. For example, the bailout switch 1356 is coupled to the bailout door and prevents operation of the surgical instrument 2000 when the bailout door is in the open position.

  FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a segmentation circuit 1400 that includes a switch bank 1450 coupled to a primary processor 1406. The switch bank 1450 is similar to the switch bank 1350 illustrated in FIG. The switch bank 1450 includes a plurality of switches SW1-SW16 configured to control the operation of one or more surgical instruments, such as the surgical instrument 2000 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, for example. . Switch bank 1450 is coupled to the analog input of primary processor 1406. Each switch in switch bank 1450 is further coupled to an input / output expander 1463 that is coupled to the digital input of primary processor 1406. Primary processor 1406 receives input from switch bank 1450 and replaces one or more additional segments of segmentation circuit 1400, such as motor segment 1402g, with one or more of switch bank 1450. Control according to switch operation.

  In some embodiments, potentiometer 1469 is coupled to primary processor 1406 to provide a signal indicating the clamp position of end effector 2006 coupled to surgical instrument 2000. Potentiometer 1469 provides a signal indicating the clamp open / close position used by primary processor 1106 to control the operation of one or more circuit segments, such as, for example, motor segment 1102g. A safety processor (not shown) may be replaced and / or supplemented. For example, when the potentiometer 1469 indicates that the end effector is in the fully clamped position and / or in the fully open position, the primary processor 1406 opens the motor power switch 1420 to open the motor segment 1402g in a particular direction. You may prevent any further action. In some embodiments, primary processor 1406 controls the current supplied to motor segment 1402g in response to a signal received from potentiometer 1469. For example, the primary processor 1406 may limit the energy that can be delivered to the motor segment 1402g when the potentiometer 1469 indicates that the end effector is closed beyond a predetermined position.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, the segmentation circuit 1100 includes an acceleration segment 1102c. The acceleration segment includes an accelerometer 1122. Accelerometer 1122 may be coupled to safety processor 1104 and / or primary processor 1106. The accelerometer 1122 is configured to monitor the movement of the surgical instrument 2000. The accelerometer 1122 is configured to generate one or more signals indicative of movement in one or more directions. For example, in some embodiments, accelerometer 1122 is configured to monitor movement of surgical instrument 2000 in three directions. In other embodiments, the acceleration segment 1102c includes a plurality of accelerometers 1122, each configured to monitor signal direction motion.

  In some embodiments, the accelerometer 1122 is configured to initiate a transition to and / or a transition from sleep mode, eg, a transition between sleep mode and wake-up mode, and vice versa. Has been. The sleep mode may include a low power mode in which one or more of the circuit segments 1102a through 1102g are stopped or placed in a low power state. For example, in one embodiment, the accelerometer 1122 remains active in sleep mode and the safety processor 1104 monitors the accelerometer 1122 while the safety processor 1104 performs no other functions. Placed in. No power is supplied to the remaining circuit segments 1102b to 1102g. In various embodiments, the primary processor 1104 and / or the safety processor 1106 are configured to monitor the accelerometer 1122, e.g., when no motion is detected within a predetermined time, the segmentation circuit 1100 transitions to sleep mode It is configured to let you. Although described in connection with the safety processor 1104 monitoring the accelerometer 1122, the sleep mode / wakeup mode may be any sensor, switch, or other associated with the surgical instrument 2000, as described herein. It may be implemented by a safety processor 1104 that monitors the indicator. For example, the safety processor 1104 may monitor internal sensors or one or more switches.

  In some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1100 enters a sleep mode after a predetermined inactivity time. The timer is in signal communication with safety processor 1104 and / or primary processor 1106. The timer may be integrated with the safety processor 1104, the primary processor 1106, and / or may be a separate circuit component. The timer is configured to monitor the time since the last movement of the surgical instrument 2000 was detected by the accelerometer 1122. If the counter exceeds a predetermined threshold, the safety processor 1104 and / or the primary processor 1106 causes the segmentation circuit 1100 to enter sleep mode. In some embodiments, the timer is reset each time the accelerometer 1122 detects movement.

  In some embodiments, when entering sleep mode, all circuit segments except the accelerometer 1122, or other designated sensors and / or switches, and the safety processor 1104 are turned off. The safety processor 1104 monitors the accelerometer 1122 or other designated sensor and / or switch. When the accelerometer 1122 indicates movement of the surgical instrument 2000, the safety processor 1104 initiates a transition from sleep mode to operating mode. In the operating mode, all circuit segments 1102a-1102h are fully energized and the surgical instrument 2000 is ready for use. In some embodiments, the safety processor 1104 transitions the segmentation circuit 1100 to the operating mode by providing the primary processor 1106 with a signal to cause the primary processor 1106 to transition from sleep mode to full power mode. Next, the primary processor 1106 shifts the remaining circuit segments 1102d to 1102h to the operation mode.

  The transition to and / or the transition from the sleep mode may include a plurality of stages. For example, in one embodiment, the segmentation circuit 1100 transitions from an operation mode to a sleep mode in four stages. The first phase begins after the accelerometer 1122 has not detected movement of the surgical instrument for a first predetermined time. After a first predetermined time, segmentation circuit 1100 dims the backlight of display segment 1102d. When no motion is detected within the second predetermined time, the safety processor 1104 proceeds to a second stage in which the backlight of the display segment 1102d is turned off. When no movement is detected within the third predetermined time, the safety processor 1104 proceeds to a third stage in which the polling rate of the accelerometer 1122 is reduced. When no motion is detected within the fourth predetermined time, display segment 1102d is stopped and segmentation circuit 1100 enters sleep mode. In sleep mode, all circuit segments except the accelerometer 1122 and the safety processor 1104 are turned off. The safety processor 1104 enters a low power mode where the safety processor 1104 only polls the accelerometer 1122. The safety processor 1104 monitors the accelerometer 1122 until the accelerometer 1122 detects motion, and when the motion is detected, the safety processor 1104 causes the segmentation circuit 1100 to transition from sleep mode to operating mode.

  In some embodiments, safety processor 1104 causes segmentation circuit 1100 to enter an operating mode only when accelerometer 1122 detects movement of surgical instrument 2000 that exceeds a predetermined threshold. By reacting only to movements that exceed a predetermined threshold, safety processor 1104 prevents an unintentional transition to the operating mode of segmentation circuit 1100 when surgical instrument 2000 is shaken or moved during storage. In some embodiments, the accelerometer 1122 is configured to monitor movement in multiple directions. For example, the accelerometer 1122 may be configured to detect movement in a first direction and a second direction. Safety processor 1104 monitors accelerometer 1122 and causes segmentation circuit 1100 to transition from sleep mode to operating mode when motion exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected in both the first and second directions. By requiring movement that exceeds a predetermined threshold in at least two directions, safety processor 1104 prevents unintentional transition from sleep mode of segmentation circuit 1100 due to accidental movement during storage. It is configured.

  In some embodiments, the accelerometer 1122 is configured to detect movement in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. The safety processor 1104 monitors the accelerometer 1122, and only when the accelerometer 1122 detects vibrational motion in each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, the segmentation circuit 1100 is brought out of sleep mode. It is configured to be migrated. In some embodiments, the oscillating motion in each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction is consistent with the movement of the surgical instrument 2000 by the operator, and hence the mode of operation. The transition to is desirably performed when the accelerometer 1122 detects a vibration motion in three directions.

  In some embodiments, with increasing time since the last detected motion, the predetermined threshold of motion required to bring segmentation circuit 1100 out of sleep mode also increases. For example, in some embodiments, the timer continues to operate during sleep mode. As the timer count increases, the safety processor 1104 increases the predetermined threshold of movement required to cause the segmentation circuit 1100 to enter the operating mode. The safety processor 1104 may increase the predetermined threshold to an upper limit. For example, in some embodiments, the safety processor 1104 causes the segmentation circuit 1100 to enter sleep mode and reset the timer. The predetermined threshold of motion is initially set to a low value and only requires minimal movement of the surgical instrument 2000 to bring the segmentation circuit 1100 out of sleep mode. As the time since entering sleep mode increases as measured by the timer, the safety processor 1104 increases the predetermined threshold of motion. At time T, the safety processor 1104 increases the predetermined threshold to the upper limit. For all of the times T +, the predetermined threshold maintains a constant upper limit.

  In some embodiments, one or more additional and / or alternative sensors are used to transition the segmentation circuit 1100 between a sleep mode and an operating mode. For example, in one embodiment, a touch sensor is disposed on the surgical instrument 2000. The touch sensor is coupled to the safety processor 1104 and / or the primary processor 1106. The touch sensor is configured to detect a user's contact with the surgical instrument 2000. For example, the touch sensor may be disposed on the handle of the surgical instrument 2000 to detect when the operator picks up the surgical instrument 2000. Safety processor 1104 causes segmentation circuit 1100 to transition to sleep mode after a predetermined time has elapsed without accelerometer 1122 detecting movement. The safety processor 1104 monitors the touch sensor and causes the segmentation circuit 1100 to enter an operating mode when the touch sensor detects a user contact with the surgical instrument 2000. Touch sensors may include, for example, capacitive touch sensors, temperature sensors, and / or any other suitable touch sensor. In some embodiments, a touch sensor and accelerometer 1122 may be used to transition the device between sleep mode and operating mode. For example, the safety processor 1104 puts the device into sleep mode when the accelerometer 1122 does not detect movement within a predetermined time and the touch sensor does not indicate that the user is in contact with the surgical instrument 2000. It may only be migrated. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more additional sensors may be used to transition the segmentation circuit 1100 between a sleep mode and an operating mode. In some embodiments, the touch sensor is monitored by the safety processor 1104 only when the segmentation circuit 1100 is in sleep mode.

  In some embodiments, the safety processor 1104 is configured to cause the segmentation circuit 1100 to transition from sleep mode to operating mode when one or more handle controllers are activated. After entering sleep mode, for example, after the accelerometer 1122 has not detected any movement for a predetermined time, the safety processor 1104 may include one or more of one or more joint flex switches 1158a-1164b, for example. Monitor the handle control. In other embodiments, the one or more handle controllers include, for example, a clamp controller 1166, a release button 1168, and / or any other suitable handle controller. An operator of surgical instrument 2000 may activate one or more handle controllers to cause segmentation circuit 1100 to enter an operating mode. When the safety processor 1104 detects actuation of the handle controller, the safety processor 1104 initiates a transition to the operating mode of the segmentation circuit 1100. Since the primary processor 1106 is not operational when the handle controller is activated, the operator can activate the handle controller without causing a corresponding action of the surgical instrument 2000.

  FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a segmented circuit 1900 comprising an accelerometer 1922 configured to monitor the movement of a surgical instrument, such as the surgical instrument 2000 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, for example. . The power supply segment 1902 supplies power from the battery 1908 to one or more circuit segments such as, for example, an accelerometer 1922. Accelerometer 1922 is coupled to processor 1906. The accelerometer 1922 is configured to monitor the movement of the surgical instrument 2000. The accelerometer 1922 is configured to generate one or more signals indicative of movement in one or more directions. For example, in some embodiments, the accelerometer 1922 is configured to monitor movement of the surgical instrument 2000 in three directions.

  In a particular example, the processor 1906 may be, for example, an LM 4F230H5QR available from Texas Instruments. The processor 1906 is configured to monitor the accelerometer 1922 and is configured to cause the segmentation circuit 1900 to enter sleep mode if no motion is detected within a predetermined time, for example. In some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1900 enters a sleep mode after a predetermined inactivity time. For example, the safety processor 1904 may cause the segmentation circuit 1900 to enter sleep mode after a predetermined time has elapsed without the accelerometer 1922 detecting motion. In a particular example, accelerometer 1922 may be, for example, a LIS331 DLM available from STMmicroelectronics. The timer is in signal communication with the processor 1906. The timer may be integrated with the processor 1906 and / or may be a separate circuit component. The timer is configured to count the time since the last movement of surgical instrument 2000 was detected by accelerometer 1922. If the counter exceeds the predetermined threshold, the processor 1906 causes the segmentation circuit 1900 to enter sleep mode. In some embodiments, the timer is reset each time the accelerometer 1922 detects motion.

  In some embodiments, the accelerometer 1922 is configured to detect a crash event. For example, when the surgical instrument 2000 falls, the accelerometer 1922 senses acceleration due to gravity in a first direction and then in the second direction (caused by a collision with the floor and / or other surface. The change in acceleration will be detected. As another example, when the surgical instrument 2000 collides with a wall, the accelerometer 1922 will detect a sudden increase in acceleration in one or more directions. When the accelerometer 1922 detects a collision event, the processor 1906 may prevent the operation of the surgical instrument 2000 because the collision event may loosen mechanical and / or electronic components. In some embodiments, only impacts that exceed a predetermined threshold prevent operation. In some embodiments, all impacts may be monitored and cumulative impacts exceeding a predetermined threshold may prevent operation of surgical instrument 2000.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the segmentation circuit 1100 includes a power supply segment 1102h. The power supply segment 1102h is configured to supply a segment voltage to each of the circuit segments 1102a to 1102g. The power supply segment 1102 h includes a battery 1108. The battery 1108 is configured to supply a predetermined voltage such as 12 volts through the battery connector 1110. One or more power converters 1114a, 1114b, 1116 are coupled to the battery 1108 to provide a particular voltage. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the power supply segment 1102h includes an auxiliary switching converter 1114a, a switching converter 1114b, and a low dropout (LDO) converter 1116. Switch converters 1114a, 1114b are configured to supply 3.3 volts to one or more circuit components. LDO converter 1116 is configured to supply 5.0 volts to one or more circuit components. In some embodiments, power supply segment 1102 h includes a boost converter 1118. A transistor switch (eg, N-channel MOSFET) 1115 is coupled to the power converters 1114b, 1116. Boost converter 1118 is configured to supply an increased voltage (eg, 13 volts) that exceeds the voltage supplied by battery 1108. Boost converter 1118 may include, for example, a capacitor, inductor, battery, rechargeable battery, and / or any other suitable boost converter for supplying increased voltage. Boost converter 1118 provides a boost voltage to prevent a voltage drop and / or a low power condition in one or more circuit segments 1102a through 1102g during high power operation of surgical instrument 2000. However, embodiments are not limited to one or more voltage ranges described in the context of this specification.

  In some embodiments, segmentation circuit 1100 is configured for sequential activation. Prior to energizing the next successive circuit segments 1102a to 1102g, an error check is performed by each circuit segment 1102a to 1102g. FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a process for sequentially energizing a segmentation circuit 1270, such as the segmentation circuit 1100, for example. When the battery 1108 is coupled to the segmentation circuit 1100, the safety processor 1104 is energized (1272). The safety processor 1104 performs a self error check (1274). If an error is detected (1276a), the safety processor interrupts energization of the segmentation circuit 1100 and generates an error code (1278a). If no error is detected (1276b), the safety processor 1104 begins to power on the primary processor 1106 (1278b). The primary processor 1106 performs a self error check. When no error is detected, the primary processor 1106 begins to sequentially power on the remaining respective circuit segments (1278b). Each circuit segment is energized and checked for errors by the primary processor 1106. When no error is detected, the next circuit segment is energized (1278b). If an error is detected, the safety processor 1104 and / or the primary process interrupts energization of the current segment and generates an error (1278a). This sequential activation continues until all the circuit segments 1102a to 1102g are energized. In some embodiments, segmentation circuit 1100 transitions from sleep mode following a similar sequential power-up process 1250.

  FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of a power supply segment 1502 comprising a plurality of daisy chain power converters 1514, 1516, 1518. The power supply segment 1502 includes a battery 1508. The battery 1508 is configured to supply a power supply voltage such as 12V, for example. A current sensor 1512 is coupled to the battery 1508 to monitor the current consumption of the segmentation circuit and / or one or more circuit segments. The current sensor 1512 is connected to the FET switch 1513. The battery 1508 is coupled to one or more voltage converters 1509, 1514, 1516. The always-on converter 1509 supplies a constant voltage to one or more circuit components such as the motion sensor 1522, for example. The always-on converter 1509 includes, for example, a 3.3V converter. The always-on converter 1509 may supply a constant voltage to additional circuit components such as a safety processor (not shown), for example. Battery 1508 is coupled to boost converter 1518. Boost converter 1518 is configured to supply a boosted voltage that exceeds the voltage supplied by battery 1508. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the battery 1508 supplies a voltage of 12V. Boost converter 1518 is configured to boost the voltage to 13V. Boost converter 1518 is configured to maintain a minimum voltage during operation of a surgical instrument such as, for example, surgical instrument 2000 illustrated in FIGS. The operation of the motor may result in the power supplied to the primary processor 1506 dropping below a minimum threshold and creating a voltage drop or reset condition at the primary processor 1506. Boost converter 1518 ensures that primary processor 1506 and / or other circuit components such as, for example, motor controller 1543 can utilize sufficient power during operation of surgical instrument 2000. In some embodiments, boost converter 1518 is directly coupled to one or more circuit components, such as, for example, OLED display 1588.

  Boost converter 1518 is coupled to one or more buck converters for supplying a voltage below the boost voltage level. The first voltage converter 1516 is connected to the boost converter 1518 and supplies a first step-down voltage to one or more circuit components. In the illustrated embodiment, the first voltage converter 1516 provides a voltage of 5V. First voltage converter 1516 is coupled to rotary position encoder 1540. The FET switch 1517 is coupled between the first voltage converter 1516 and the rotary position encoder 1540. The FET switch 1517 is controlled by the processor 1506. The processor 1506 opens the FET switch 1517 to stop the position encoder 1540, for example, during high power operation. The first voltage converter 1516 is coupled to a second voltage converter 1514 configured to supply a second step-down voltage. The second step-down voltage includes, for example, 3.3V. Second voltage converter 1514 is coupled to processor 1506. In some embodiments, the boost converter 1518, the first voltage converter 1516, and the second voltage converter 1514 are coupled in a daisy chain configuration. The daisy chain configuration allows the use of a smaller and more efficient converter to generate voltage levels below the boost voltage level. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific voltage range or ranges described in the context of this specification.

  FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of a segmentation circuit 1600 configured to maximize power available for critical functions and / or high power functions. The segmentation circuit 1600 includes a battery 1608. The battery 1608 is configured to supply a power supply voltage such as 12V, for example. The power supply voltage is supplied to a plurality of voltage converters 1609 and 1618. Always-on voltage converter 1609 provides a constant voltage to one or more circuit components, such as motion sensor 1622 and safety processor 1604, for example. Always-on voltage converter 1609 is directly coupled to battery 1608. The always-on converter 1609 supplies a voltage of 3.3V, for example. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific voltage range or ranges described in the context of this specification.

  Segmentation circuit 1600 includes a boost converter 1618. Boost converter 1618 supplies a boosted voltage (eg, 13 volts) that exceeds the power supply voltage supplied by battery 1608. Boost converter 1618 provides boost voltage directly to one or more circuit components such as, for example, OLED display 1688 and motor controller 1643. By directly connecting the OLED display 1688 to the boost converter 1618, the segmentation circuit 1600 eliminates the need for a dedicated power converter for the OLED display 1688. Boost converter 1618 provides boosted voltage to motor controller 1643 and motor 1648 during one or more high power operations of motor 1648 such as, for example, a cutting operation. Boost converter 1618 is coupled to buck converter 1616. The step-down converter 1616 is configured to supply a voltage lower than the step-up voltage, such as 5 V, to one or more circuit components. The step-down converter 1616 is connected to, for example, an FET switch 1651 and a position encoder 1640. The FET switch 1651 is coupled to the primary processor 1606. Primary processor 1606 opens FET switch 1651 when segmenting circuit 1600 transitions to sleep mode and / or during a high power function that needs to supply additional voltage to motor 1648. Opening the FET switch 1651 stops the position encoder 1640 and eliminates power consumption of the position encoder 1640. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific voltage range or ranges described in the context of this specification.

  Step-down converter 1616 is coupled to linear converter 1614. The linear converter 1614 is configured to supply a voltage of 3.3 V, for example. Linear converter 1614 is coupled to primary processor 1606. The linear converter 1614 supplies an operating voltage to the primary processor 1606. Linear converter 1614 may be coupled to one or more additional circuit components. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific voltage range or ranges described in the context of this specification.

  Segmentation circuit 1600 includes a bailout switch 1656. Bailout switch 1656 is coupled to the bailout door of surgical instrument 2000. Bailout switch 1656 and safety processor 1604 are coupled to AND gate 1619. AND gate 1619 provides an input to FET switch 1613. When the bailout switch 1656 detects a bailout condition, the bailout switch 1656 provides a bailout cutoff signal to the AND gate 1619. When safety processor 1604 detects a dangerous condition, such as, for example, a sensor mismatch, safety processor 1604 provides an interrupt signal to AND gate 1619. In some embodiments, both the bailout cutoff signal and the cutoff signal are high during normal operation and low when a bailout condition or a dangerous condition is detected. When the output of the AND gate 1619 is low, the FET switch 1613 is opened and the operation of the motor 1648 is prevented. In some embodiments, safety processor 1604 utilizes a shut-off signal to cause motor 1648 to transition to the sleep mode off state. A third input to FET switch 1613 is provided by a current sensor 1612 coupled to battery 1608. Current sensor 1612 monitors current consumption by circuit 1600 and opens FET switch 1613 to shut off power to motor 1648 when a current exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected. The FET switch 1613 and the motor controller 1643 are coupled to a bank of FET switches 1645 configured to control the operation of the motor 1648.

  Motor current sensor 1646 is coupled in series with motor 1648 to provide motor current sensor measurements to current monitor 1647. Current monitor 1647 is coupled to primary processor 1606. Current monitor 1647 provides a signal indicating the current consumption of motor 1648. The primary processor 1606 controls the motor operation, for example, to ensure that the current consumption of the motor 1648 is within an acceptable range, the circuit 1600 such as the position encoder 1640, for example, to ensure that the current consumption of the motor 1648 is within an acceptable range. The signal from the motor current 1647 may be utilized to compare with one or more other parameters of and / or to determine one or more parameters of the processing site. In some embodiments, current monitor 1647 may be coupled to safety processor 1604.

  In some embodiments, activation of one or more handle controllers, such as, for example, a firing trigger, causes primary processor 1606 to send to one or more components while the handle controller is in operation. Reduce power. As an example, one firing trigger controls the firing stroke of the cutting member. The cutting member is driven by a motor 1648. Activation of the firing trigger results in forward rotation of the motor 1648 and advancement of the cutting member. During launch, primary processor 1606 closes FET switch 1651 to remove power from position encoder 1640. Stopping one or more circuit components allows more power to be supplied to the motor 1648. When the firing trigger is released, full power is returned to the stopped part, for example, by closing the FET switch 1651 and activating the position encoder 1640 again.

  In some embodiments, safety processor 1604 controls the operation of segmentation circuit 1600. For example, safety processor 1604 may initiate sequential power-up of segmentation circuit 1600, may initiate segmentation circuit 1600 transition to and from sleep mode, and / or primary processor. One or more control signals from 1606 may be overridden. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, safety processor 1604 is coupled to buck converter 1616. Safety processor 1604 controls the operation of segmentation circuit 1600 by activating or deactivating step-down converter 1616 for supplying power to the rest of segmentation circuit 1600.

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a power supply system 1700 comprising a plurality of daisy chain power converters 1714, 1716, 1718 configured to be energized sequentially. The plurality of daisy chain power converters 1714, 1716, 1718 may be sequentially operated, for example, by a safety processor during initial power-up and / or transition from sleep mode. The safety processor may be powered by an independent power converter (not shown). For example, in one embodiment, when the battery voltage V _BATT is coupled to the power supply system 1700 and / or the accelerometer detects motion during sleep mode, the safety processor may daisy chain power converters 1714, 1716, 1718. Start sequential activation. The safety processor activates the 13V booster 1718. Booster 1718 is energized and performs self-inspection. In some embodiments, the booster 1718 includes an integrated circuit 1720 configured to boost the power supply voltage and perform self-checking. The diode D prevents the 5V supply 1716 from being turned on until the booster 1718 completes self-checking and provides a signal to the diode D indicating that the booster 1718 has not identified any errors. In some embodiments, this signal is provided by a safety processor. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific voltage range or ranges described in the context of this specification.

  The 5V supply unit 1716 is sequentially powered on after the booster unit 1718. The 5V supply unit 1716 performs a self-check during power-up to identify any errors in the 5V supply unit 1716. The 5V supply unit 1716 includes an integrated circuit 1715 configured to supply a step-down voltage from the boosted voltage and to perform an error check. When no error is detected, the 5V supply unit 1716 sequentially turns on the power and provides an operation signal to the 3.3V supply unit 1714. In some embodiments, the safety processor provides an activation signal to the 3.3V supply 1714. The 3.3V supply unit 1714 includes an integrated circuit 1713 configured to supply a step-down voltage from the 5V supply unit 1716 and perform a self-error check during power-on. When no error is detected during the self-check, the 3.3V supply unit 1714 supplies power to the primary processor. The primary processor is configured to sequentially energize each remaining circuit segment. By sequentially energizing the power supply system 1700 and / or the rest of the segmentation circuit, the power supply system 1700 can reduce the risk of error and stabilize the voltage level before the load is applied. Prevents high current consumption due to simultaneous power-up in a manner that is not controlled by the wearer. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific voltage range or ranges described in the context of this specification.

  In some embodiments, the power supply system 1700 includes an overvoltage identification and mitigation circuit. The overvoltage identification and mitigation circuit is configured to detect a monopolar return current in the surgical instrument and shut off power from the power supply segment when a monopolar return current is detected. The identification and mitigation circuit is configured to identify a ground float in the power supply system. The overvoltage identification and mitigation circuit includes a metal oxide varistor. The overvoltage identification and mitigation circuit includes at least one transient voltage suppression diode.

  FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a segmentation circuit 1800 with an isolated control unit 1802. The isolated control unit 1802 isolates the control hardware of the segmentation circuit 1800 from the power supply unit (not shown) of the segmentation circuit 1800. The controller 1802 includes, for example, a primary processor 1806, a safety processor (not shown), and / or additional control hardware such as, for example, an FET switch 1817. The power supply unit includes, for example, a motor, a motor driver, and / or a plurality of motor MOSFETS. Isolated controller 1802 includes a charging circuit 1803 and a rechargeable battery 1808 coupled to a 5V power converter 1816. Charging circuit 1803 and rechargeable battery 1808 isolate primary processor 1806 from the power supply. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery 1808 is coupled to a safety processor and any additional support hardware. By isolating the control unit 1802 from the power supply unit, even if the main power supply is removed, for example, the control unit 1802 such as the primary processor 1806 can continue to operate, and noise enters the control unit 1802. A filter is provided by the rechargeable battery 1808 to isolate the controller 1802 from severe fluctuations in battery voltage, even when the motor load is high, to ensure proper operation and / or segmentation. Circuit 1800 can use a real-time operating system (RTOS). In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery 1808 provides a step-down voltage, such as 3.3V, to the primary processor. However, embodiments are not limited to the specific voltage range or ranges described in the context of this specification.

  FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of a sequential activation process for a segmented circuit such as, for example, the segmented circuit 1100 illustrated in FIG. The sequential activation process 1820 starts when one or more sensors begin to transition from sleep mode to operating mode. When one or more sensors interrupt detection of a state change (1822), a timer is started (1824). The timer counts the time since the last movement / interaction of the surgical instrument 2000 was detected by one or more sensors. The timer count is compared (1826) to the sleep mode stage table, such as by the safety processor 1104. When the timer count exceeds one or more counts related to entering the sleep mode phase (1828a), the safety processor 1104 interrupts energization of the segmentation circuit 1100 (1830) and responds to the segmentation circuit 1100. Transition to the sleep mode stage. When the timer count falls below any of the threshold values for the sleep mode stage (1828b), the segmentation circuit 1100 continues energization of the next circuit segment sequentially (1832).

  Referring back to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1100 includes one or more environmental sensors for detecting improper storage and / or handling of surgical instruments. For example, in one embodiment, segmentation circuit 1100 includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the highest temperature and / or the lowest temperature to which the segmentation circuit 1100 is exposed. Surgical instrument 2000 and segmentation circuit 1100 include design limit exposure to maximum temperature and / or minimum temperature. When surgical instrument 2000 is exposed to temperatures that exceed limits, for example, temperatures that exceed the maximum limit during sterilization techniques, the temperature sensor detects overexposure and prevents device operation. The temperature sensor may be, for example, a bimetal piece configured to invalidate the surgical instrument 2000 when exposed to a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold, store temperature data, and provide temperature data to the safety processor 1104. May be a solid state temperature sensor, and / or any other suitable temperature sensor.

  In some embodiments, the accelerometer 1122 is configured as an environmental safety sensor. Accelerometer 1122 records the acceleration experienced by surgical instrument 2000. An acceleration that exceeds a predetermined threshold may indicate, for example, that the surgical instrument has dropped. The surgical instrument includes a maximum allowable acceleration. The safety processor 1104 prevents operation of the surgical instrument 2000 when the accelerometer 1122 detects an acceleration that exceeds a maximum allowable acceleration.

  In some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1100 comprises a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor is configured to indicate when the segmentation circuit 1100 was exposed to moisture. As the moisture sensor, for example, an immersion sensor configured to indicate when the surgical instrument 2000 has been completely immersed in the cleaning liquid. May include a moisture sensor configured to show when in contact with and / or any other suitable moisture sensor.

  In some embodiments, the segmentation circuit 1100 comprises a chemical exposure sensor. The chemical exposure sensor is configured to indicate when the surgical instrument 2000 has been in contact with harmful and / or hazardous chemicals. For example, improper chemicals may be used during sterilization procedures that lead to degradation of surgical instrument 2000. The chemical exposure sensor may indicate inappropriate chemical exposure to the safety processor 1104 that may prevent operation of the surgical instrument 2000.

  The segmentation circuit 1100 is configured to monitor the number of usage cycles. For example, in one embodiment, battery 1108 comprises circuitry configured to monitor usage cycle counts. In some embodiments, the safety processor 1104 is configured to monitor a use cycle count. The usage cycle may be, for example, surgery, such as the number of shafts 2004 used in the surgical instrument 2000, the number of cartridges inserted and / or deployed by the surgical instrument 2000, and / or the number of firings of the surgical instrument 2000. It may also include a surgical event initiated by the instrument. In some embodiments, the use cycle may include environmental events such as, for example, collision events, improper storage conditions and / or exposure to inappropriate chemicals, sterilization processes, cleaning processes, and / or reconditioning processes. May be included. In some embodiments, the use cycle may include a power supply assembly (eg, battery pack) replacement and / or charge cycle.

  The segmentation circuit 1100 may maintain a total usage cycle count for all defined usage cycles and / or maintain individual usage cycle counts for one or more defined usage cycles. You may do it. For example, in one embodiment, the segmentation circuit 1100 includes a single usage cycle count for all surgical events initiated by the surgical instrument 2000 and individual usage cycles for each environmental event experienced by the surgical instrument 2000. The count may be maintained. The use cycle count is used by the segmentation circuit 1100 to perform one or more operations. For example, the use cycle count may disable the segmentation circuit 1100, for example, by disabling the battery 1108 when the number of use cycles exceeds a predetermined threshold or when exposure to an inappropriate environmental event is detected. It may be used to In some embodiments, the usage cycle count is used to indicate when a recommended and / or mandatory maintenance check of the surgical instrument 2000 is required.

  FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of a method 1950 for controlling a surgical instrument comprising a segmentation circuit, such as, for example, the segmentation control circuit 1602 illustrated in FIG. At 1952, the power supply assembly 1608 is coupled to a surgical instrument. The power supply assembly 1608 may comprise any suitable battery, such as, for example, the power supply assembly 2006 illustrated in FIGS. The power supply assembly 1608 is configured to supply a power supply voltage to the segmentation control circuit 1602. The power supply voltage may include any suitable voltage such as, for example, 12V. At 1954, power supply assembly 1608 energizes boost converter 1618. Boost converter 1618 is configured to supply a set voltage. The set voltage includes a voltage that is greater than the power supply voltage supplied by the power supply assembly 1608. For example, in some embodiments, the set voltage includes a voltage of 13V. In a third step 1956, the boost converter 1618 energizes one or more voltage regulators for supplying one or more operating voltages to one or more circuit components. The operating voltage includes a voltage lower than the set voltage supplied by the boost converter.

  In some embodiments, the boost converter 1618 is coupled to a first voltage regulator 1616 that is configured to provide a first operating voltage. The first operating voltage supplied by the first voltage regulator 1616 is lower than the set voltage supplied by the boost converter. For example, in some embodiments, the first operating voltage includes a voltage of 5V. In some embodiments, the boost converter is coupled to the second voltage regulator 1614. The second voltage regulator 1614 is configured to supply a second operating voltage. The second operating voltage includes a set voltage and a voltage lower than the first operating voltage. For example, in some embodiments, the second operating voltage includes a voltage of 3.3V. In some embodiments, battery 1608, boost converter 1618, first voltage regulator 1616, and second voltage regulator 1614 are configured in a daisy chain configuration. Battery 1608 supplies power supply voltage to boost converter 1618. Boost converter 1618 boosts the power supply voltage to a set voltage. Boost converter 1618 supplies the set voltage to first voltage regulator 1616. The first voltage regulator 1616 generates a first operating voltage and supplies the first operating voltage to the second voltage regulator 1614. The second voltage regulator 1614 generates a second operating voltage.

  In some embodiments, one or more circuit components are energized directly by boost converter 1618. For example, in some embodiments, OLED display 1688 is directly coupled to boost converter 1618. Boost converter 1618 supplies a set voltage to OLED display 1688, thereby eliminating the need for the OLED to have a power generator integrated into itself. In some embodiments, for example, a processor such as the safety processor 1604 illustrated in FIG. 5 verifies the voltage supplied by the boost converter 1618 and / or one or more voltage regulators 1616, 1614. Safety processor 1604 is configured to verify the voltage supplied by each of boost converter 1618 and voltage regulators 1616, 1614. In some embodiments, the safety processor 1604 verifies the set voltage. When the set voltage is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value, the safety processor 1604 energizes the first voltage regulator 1616. The safety processor 1604 verifies the first operating voltage supplied by the first voltage regulator 1616. The safety processor 1604 energizes the second voltage regulator 1614 when the first operating voltage is greater than or equal to the second predetermined value. The safety processor 1604 verifies the second operating voltage. When the second operating voltage is greater than or equal to the third predetermined value, the safety processor 1604 energizes each remaining circuit component of the segmentation circuit 1600.

  Various aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a method for controlling power management of a surgical instrument through a segmentation circuit and variable voltage protection. In one embodiment, a method for controlling power management in a surgical instrument comprising a primary processor, a safety processor, and a segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments comprising: And the method includes providing variable voltage control of each segment by a power supply segment. In one embodiment, the method includes providing power stability for at least one of the segment voltages by a power supply segment comprising a boost converter. The method also includes providing power stabilization to the primary processor and the safety processor by the boost converter. The method also includes providing, by the boost converter, a constant voltage that exceeds a predetermined threshold, independent of the power consumption of the plurality of circuit segments, to the primary processor and the safety processor. The method also includes detecting a unipolar return current in the surgical instrument with an overvoltage identification and mitigation circuit, and shutting off power from the power supply segment when the unipolar return current is detected. The method also includes identifying grounding of the power system by overvoltage identification and mitigation circuitry.

  In another embodiment, the method also includes sequentially energizing each of the plurality of circuit segments by the power supply segment and performing an error check on each circuit segment before energizing the successive circuit segments. . The method also includes energizing the safety processor with a power source coupled to the power supply segment, having the error check performed by the safety processor when the safety processor is energized, and performing an error during the error checking performed by the safety processor. Including energizing the primary processor when no is detected. The method also includes performing an error check by the primary processor when the primary processor is energized, and sequentially energizing each of the plurality of circuit segments by the primary processor when no error is detected during the error check. Is done. The method also includes performing error checking of each of the plurality of circuit segments by the primary processor.

  In another embodiment, the method includes energizing the safety processor by the boost converter when a power source is connected to the power segment, performing an error check by the safety processor, and error during the error check. This includes energizing the primary processor by the safety processor when it is not detected. The method also includes performing an error check by the primary processor and sequentially energizing each of the plurality of circuit segments by the primary processor when no error is detected during the error check. The method also includes performing error checking of each of the plurality of circuit segments by the primary processor.

  In another embodiment, the method also provides supplying a segment voltage to the primary processor by a power supply segment, providing variable voltage protection for each segment, at least one segment voltage by a boost converter, an overvoltage identifier, and Including providing power stabilization for the mitigation circuit, sequentially energizing each of the plurality of circuit segments by the power supply segment, and performing an error check on each circuit segment before energizing the successive circuit segments.

  Various aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a method for controlling a surgical instrument control circuit having a safety processor. In one embodiment, a method for controlling a surgical instrument comprising a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a control circuit comprising a segmentation circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, comprising: The method includes monitoring one or more parameters of a plurality of circuit segments by a safety processor. The method also verifies one or more parameters of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor, and independent of one or more control signals generated by the primary processor, Including verifying one or more parameters. The method further includes verifying the speed of the cutting member with a safety processor. The method also includes monitoring a first characteristic of the surgical instrument with a first sensor, and monitoring a second characteristic of the surgical instrument with a second sensor, the first characteristic. And the second characteristic includes a predetermined relationship, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are in signal communication with a safety processor. The method also includes preventing the operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when a failure is detected, wherein the failure has a first characteristic having a value that does not match the predetermined relationship. And a second characteristic. The method also includes monitoring the position of the cutting member with a Hall effect sensor and monitoring the motor current with a motor current sensor.

  In another embodiment, the method detects a discrepancy between the verification of one or more parameters by the safety processor and one or more control signals generated by the primary processor. Sometimes including invalidating at least one circuit segment of the plurality of circuit segments. The method also includes preventing operation of the motor segment by the safety processor and interrupting power flow from the power supply segment to the motor segment. The method also includes preventing forward rotation of the motor segment by the safety processor, and enabling reverse movement of the motor segment by the safety processor when a fault is detected.

  In another embodiment, the segmentation circuit comprises a motor segment and a power source segment, and the method controls one or more mechanical operations of the surgical instrument by the motor segment and by the safety processor. Monitoring one or more parameters of the plurality of circuit segments. The method also verifies one or more parameters of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor, and independent of one or more control signals generated by the primary processor, Including independently verifying one or more parameters by the safety processor.

  In another embodiment, the method also includes independently verifying the speed of the cutting member by a safety processor. The method also includes monitoring a first characteristic of the surgical instrument with a first sensor, and monitoring a second characteristic of the surgical instrument with a second sensor, the first characteristic and the second characteristic. The characteristics include a predetermined relationship, the first sensor and the second sensor are in signal communication with the safety processor, and the failure has a value that does not match the predetermined relationship. And including preventing the operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when a failure is detected by the safety processor. The method also includes monitoring the position of the cutting member with a Hall effect sensor and monitoring the motor current with a motor current sensor.

  In another embodiment, the method detects a discrepancy between the verification of one or more parameters by the safety processor and one or more control signals generated by the primary processor. Sometimes including invalidating at least one circuit segment of the plurality of circuit segments. The method also includes preventing operation of the motor segment by the safety processor and interrupting power flow from the power supply segment to the motor segment. The method also includes preventing forward rotation of the motor segment by the safety processor, and enabling reverse movement of the motor segment by the safety processor when a fault is detected.

  In another embodiment, the method includes monitoring one or more parameters of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor, one or more of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor. Verifying the parameters, verifying one or more parameters by the safety processor independent of one or more control signals generated by the primary processor, and one or two When a mismatch is detected between the verification of the above parameters and one or more control signals generated by the primary processor, the safety processor invalidates at least one of the plurality of circuit segments. Including that. The method also includes monitoring a first characteristic of the surgical instrument with a first sensor, and monitoring a second characteristic of the surgical instrument with a second sensor, the first characteristic and the second characteristic. The characteristics include a predetermined relationship, the first sensor and the second sensor are in signal communication with the safety processor, and the failure has a value that does not match the predetermined relationship. Including a characteristic and including preventing at least one operation of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when a fault is detected. The method also includes preventing operation of the motor segment by interrupting power flow from the power supply segment to the motor segment by the safety processor when a fault is detected.

  Various aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a method for controlling power management of a surgical instrument via a sleep option and wake-up control of a segmented circuit, the surgical instrument comprising a primary processor, a primary processor and a signal A safety processor in communication, and a control circuit comprising a segmentation circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments comprising a power supply segment, the method comprising: And transitioning at least one of the plurality of circuit segments from the operation mode to the sleep mode, and transitioning from the sleep mode to the operation mode. The method also tracks the time since the last user-initiated event with a timer, and the primary processor and the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when the time since the last user-initiated event exceeds a predetermined threshold. Transitioning at least one of them to sleep mode. The method also includes detecting one or more movements of the surgical instrument with an acceleration segment comprising an accelerometer. The method also includes tracking by a timer the time since the last movement detected by the acceleration segment. The method also includes maintaining the acceleration segment in the operating mode when the safety processor causes the plurality of circuit segments to transition to the sleep mode.

  In other embodiments, the method also includes entering a sleep mode in multiple stages. The method also transitions the segmentation circuit to the first stage after the first predetermined time to dim the backlight of the display segment, and transitions the segmentation circuit to the second stage after the second predetermined time. Turn off the backlight, move the segmentation circuit to the third stage after a third predetermined time to lower the polling rate of the accelerometer, and move the segmentation circuit to the fourth stage after a fourth predetermined time To turn off the display and put the surgical instrument into sleep mode.

  In another embodiment, when the touch sensor detects that the user has touched the surgical instrument and the safety processor detects that the user has touched the surgical instrument, the primary sensor Transitioning the processor and the plurality of circuit segments from a sleep mode to an operating mode. The method also monitors at least one handle controller by the safety processor, and when the at least one handle controller is actuated by the safety processor, the primary processor and the plurality of circuit segments from sleep mode. Including transitioning to operational mode.

  In another embodiment, the method includes causing the safety processor to transition the surgical device to an operational mode when the accelerometer detects movement of the surgical instrument that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method also monitors the accelerometer for movement in at least a first direction and a second direction by a safety processor, and at least in the first direction and the second direction by the safety processor. Transitioning the surgical instrument from the sleep mode to the operating mode when movement exceeding the threshold is detected. The method also monitors the accelerometer for vibratory motion that exceeds a predetermined threshold in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction by the safety processor, and the first that exceeds the predetermined threshold by the safety processor. Transitioning the surgical instrument from the sleep mode to the operating mode when a vibration motion in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction is detected. The method also includes increasing the predetermined value with increasing time since the previous movement.

  In another embodiment, the method places the primary processor and at least one circuit segment of the plurality of circuit segments in an operating mode when the time since the last user-initiated event exceeds a predetermined threshold by the safety processor. From sleep mode to sleep mode, from sleep mode to active mode, by a timer to track the time since the last motion detected by the acceleration segment, and movement of the surgical instrument where the acceleration segment exceeds a predetermined threshold When the safety device is detected, the safety processor shifts the surgical device to the operating mode.

  In another embodiment, a method for controlling a surgical instrument includes tracking a time since a last user-initiated event and a safety processor when the time since the last user-initiated event exceeds a predetermined threshold. Including disabling the display backlight. The method also includes causing the safety processor to blink the display backlight and instruct the user to view the display.

  Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are methods for verifying sterilization of a surgical instrument via a sterilization verification circuit, the surgical instrument including a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and A control circuit comprising a segmentation circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments comprising a storage verification segment, wherein the method is such that when the surgical instrument is properly stored and sterilized; Relates to a method, including indicating whether or not The method also includes detecting one or more inappropriate storage or sterilization parameters with at least one sensor. The method also detects when the instrument is dropped by the fall-prevention sensor and by the safety processor when the fall-prevention sensor detects that the surgical instrument has fallen. Including preventing at least one operation. The method also includes preventing operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected by the temperature sensor. The method also includes preventing operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when the temperature sensor detects a temperature that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

  In another embodiment, the method includes controlling operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when the moisture detection sensor detects moisture. The method also includes detecting an autoclave cycle with a moisture detection sensor and preventing operation of the surgical instrument with a safety processor until the autoclave cycle is detected. The method also includes preventing operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments by the safety processor when moisture is detected during gradual circuit activation.

  In another embodiment, the method includes indicating by a plurality of circuit segments with a sterilization verification segment when the surgical instrument has been properly sterilized. The method also includes detecting sterilization of the surgical instrument with at least one sensor in the sterilization verification segment. The method also includes indicating by the storage verification segment when the surgical instrument was properly stored. The method also includes detecting improper storage of the surgical instrument by at least one sensor of the storage verification segment.

The entire disclosure below is incorporated herein by reference.
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  In accordance with various embodiments, the surgical instrument described herein may include one or more processors (eg, a microprocessor, a microcontroller) coupled with various sensors. In addition, one or more processors are coupled to each other a storage device (having operational logic) and a communication interface.

  As described above, the sensor may be configured to detect and collect data associated with the surgical device. The processor processes sensor data received from the one or more sensors.

  The processor may be configured to execute operational logic. The processor may be any of a number of single or multi-core processors known in the art. The storage device may comprise volatile and non-volatile storage media configured to store permanent and temporary (working) copies of the operating logic.

  In various embodiments, the operational logic may be configured to process collected biometric values associated with user movement data, as described above. In various embodiments, the operational logic may be configured to perform initial processing and transmit data to a computer hosting the application to determine and generate instructions. For these embodiments, the operational logic may be further configured to receive information from the host computer and provide feedback to the host computer. In another embodiment, the operational logic may be configured to play a greater role in receiving information and determining feedback. In any case, regardless of whether it is determined by itself or in response to a command from the host computer, the operational logic may be further configured to control and provide feedback to the user.

  In various embodiments, the operational logic may be implemented by instructions supported by the processor's instruction set architecture (ISA), or may be implemented by a high level language and compiled into a supported ISA. . The operating logic may include one or more logic units or modules. The operation logic may be implemented in an object-oriented manner. The operational logic may be configured to be executed in a multitasking and / or multithreaded manner. In other embodiments, the operational logic may be implemented in hardware such as a gate array.

  In various embodiments, the communication interface may be configured to facilitate communication between the peripheral device and the computing system. The communication transmits collected biometric data related to the position, posture, and / or motion data of one or more body parts of the user to the host computer and data related to tactile feedback to the host computer. To the peripheral device. In various embodiments, the communication interface may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface. Examples of wired communication interfaces include, but are not limited to, universal serial bus (USB) interfaces. Examples of wireless communication interfaces include, but are not limited to, a Bluetooth interface.

  For various embodiments, the processor may be packaged with operational logic. In various embodiments, the processor may be packaged with operational logic to form a system in package (SiP). In various embodiments, the processors may be integrated on the same die with operating logic. In various embodiments, the processor may be packaged with operational logic to form a system on chip (SoC).

  Various embodiments may be described herein in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as software, program modules, and / or engines being executed by a processor. Generally, software, program modules, and / or engines include any software element that is configured to perform a specific operation or implement a specific abstract data type. Software, program modules, and / or engines may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Software, program modules, and / or engine components and method implementations may be stored and / or transmitted across several forms of computer-readable media. In this regard, computer readable media can be any available media or media that can be used by a computer to store and access information. Some embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where operations are performed by one or more remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, software, program modules, and / or engines may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. Memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage devices, may be used to store information and instructions executed by the processor. The memory may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions for execution by the processor.

  Although some embodiments are illustrated and described as comprising functional components, software, engines, and / or modules that perform various operations, such components or modules may include one or more hardware components. It will be appreciated that may be implemented from software components, and / or combinations thereof. Functional components, software, engines, and / or modules may be implemented by logic (eg, instructions, data, and / or code), eg, for execution by logic devices (eg, processor). Such logic may be stored internally or externally to the logic device on one or more computer readable storage media. In other embodiments, functional components such as software, engines, and / or modules may be processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (eg, transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.), integrated circuits, application specific integrations. By hardware elements that may include circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor devices, chips, microchips, chipsets, etc. May be implemented.

  Examples of software, engines, and / or modules include software components, programs, applications, computer programs, application programs, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, functions, and methods. , Procedure, software interface, application program interface (API), instruction set, calculation code, computer code, code segment, computer code segment, character, value, symbol, or any combination thereof. Determining whether the embodiment is implemented as hardware elements and / or software elements depends on the desired calculation speed, power level, heat resistance, processing cycle budget, input data rate, output data rate, memory resource, data bus speed. And any number of factors, such as other design or performance limitations.

  One or more of the modules described herein may comprise one or more embedded applications implemented as firmware, software, hardware, or any combination thereof. One or more of the modules described herein may include various executable modules such as software, programs, data, drivers, application program interfaces (APIs), and the like. The firmware may be stored in the memory of controller 2016 and / or controller 2022, which may include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as in bit-masked read only memory (ROM) or flash memory. In various implementations, flash memory can be made longer by storing firmware in ROM. Non-volatile memory (NVM) can be, for example, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), double data rate DRAM ( Other types of memory may be included, including battery-backed random access memory (RAM) such as DDRAM) and / or synchronous DRAM (SDRAM).

  In some cases, various embodiments may be implemented as a product. A product may include a computer readable storage medium configured to store logic, instructions, and / or data for performing various operations of one or more embodiments. In various embodiments, for example, the product may comprise a magnetic disk, optical disk, flash memory or firmware containing computer program instructions suitable for being executed by a general purpose or application specific processor. Those embodiments, however, are not limited to this context.

  The various functional elements, logic blocks, modules, and circuit element functions described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein are software, control modules, logic, and / or logic modules that are executed on a processing device. May be implemented in the general context of computer-executable instructions. In general, software, control modules, logic, and / or logic modules include any software element configured to perform a particular operation. Software, control modules, logic, and / or logic modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Software, control modules, logic, and / or implementations of logic modules and techniques may be stored and / or transmitted across several forms of computer readable media. In this regard, computer readable media can be any available media or media that can be used by a computer to store and access information. Some embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where operations are performed by one or more remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, software, control modules, logic, and / or logic modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

  In addition, the embodiments described herein illustrate exemplary implementations, and the functional elements, logic blocks, modules, and circuit elements may vary in various other ways consistent with the described embodiments. It will be clear that can be implemented in Further, operations performed by such functional elements, logic blocks, modules, and circuit elements may be combined and / or separated for a given implementation, and a greater or lesser number of operations. It may be implemented by a component or module. As will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein is easily adapted to any of several other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It has separate components and features that can be separated from and combined with these features. Any of the described methods may be performed in the order of events described or in any other order that is logically possible.

  It should be noted that a reference to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” includes a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment in at least one embodiment. Means. The phrases “in one embodiment” or “in one aspect” appear herein and are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

  Unless otherwise specified, terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”, “determining” are used in registers and / or memory. Manipulating and / or data represented as physical quantities (e.g. electronically) into memory, registers or other such information storage devices, transmission or display devices, which are also represented as physical quantities A general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, individual gate or transistor logic, individual hardware components, designed to perform the functions described herein, or A computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, such as any combination thereof It will be apparent to those refer to the action and / or processes of the chair.

  Notably, some embodiments may be described using the terms “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. These terms are not intended to be synonymous with each other. For example, some embodiments use the terms “connected” and / or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Can be explained. The term “coupled” may also mean, however, that two or more elements do not make direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. For example, with respect to software elements, the term “coupled” may refer to an interface, a message interface, an application program interface (API), an exchange message, and the like.

  Any patents, publications, or other disclosure materials stated to be incorporated herein by reference may, in part or in whole, be incorporated into their existing definitions, descriptions, or It should be understood that the present disclosure is incorporated only to the extent that it does not conflict with other disclosure materials presented in this disclosure. As such and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein shall prevail over any contradictory matter incorporated herein by reference. Any references, or portions thereof, which are incorporated herein by reference but are inconsistent with the current definitions, descriptions, or other disclosures contained herein, are incorporated by reference. It shall be incorporated only to the extent that no contradiction arises.

  The disclosed embodiments have applications in conventional endoscopes and open surgical instruments, as well as in robot-assisted surgery.

  Embodiments of the devices disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or the embodiments may be designed to be used multiple times. Embodiments may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use in either case, or in both cases. Reconditioning may include any combination of equipment disassembly steps followed by cleaning or replacement of specific parts, and subsequent reassembly steps. In particular, each embodiment of the device may be disassembled, and any number of particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of particular parts, each embodiment of the device may be reassembled for later use either at a reconditioning facility or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. One skilled in the art will recognize that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be used in reconditioning the device. The use of such techniques and the resulting reconditioned device are all within the scope of this application.

  By way of example only, the embodiments described herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and cleaned as necessary. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. Radiation can kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art including, but not limited to, beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or water vapor.

  It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the components (e.g., operations), devices, purposes, and associated discussions described herein are used as examples to clarify concepts and are described in various ways. Configuration changes are contemplated. As a result, as used herein, the specific examples described and the discussion that follows are intended to represent a more general type. In general, the use of any particular representative example is intended to be representative of that type and does not include any particular component (eg, operation), device, and purpose. It should not be considered.

  With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from plural to singular and / or singular to plural as appropriate to the situation and / or application. Can be replaced. The various singular / plural permutations are not explicitly described herein for the sake of brevity.

  The subject matter described herein sometimes indicates various components that are included in or associated with various other components. It should be understood that the architecture so expressed is merely an example, and indeed many other architectures that achieve the same functionality may be implemented. In the context of an idea, any arrangement of components that achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired functionality. Thus, any two components combined to achieve a particular functionality herein are “associated” with each other to achieve the desired functionality, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. May be considered. Similarly, any two components so associated may also be considered “operably connected” or “operably linked” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Also, any two components that can be so associated may also be considered “operably connectable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples that are operatively connectable include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interacting components, and / or wirelessly interactable and / or Or wirelessly interactable components and / or components that interact logically and / or logically interactable.

  Some aspects may be described using the terms “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some aspects may be described using the term “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled” may also mean, however, that two or more elements do not make direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other.

  In some cases, one or more components may be used herein as “configured as”, “configurable as”, “operable / operable as”, Sometimes referred to as “adapted / adaptable”, “can be”, “can be adapted / adapted” and the like. For those skilled in the art, “configured as” is generally an active component and / or a non-operational component and / or a standby state, unless the context requires otherwise. It will be understood that these components can be included.

  While particular aspects of the subject matter described in this specification have been illustrated and described, modifications and changes have been described herein based on the teachings herein as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The subject matter and its broad aspects may be made without departing from the scope, and therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true scope of the subject matter described herein. Will be included. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the terms generally used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (eg, the body of the appended claims), are generally to be “open” terms. (Eg, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to” and “having”). Should be interpreted as "having at least" and the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to". Should be). Further, where a particular number is intended in an introduced claim recitation, such intention is clearly stated in the claim, and if there is no such statement, such intention Those skilled in the art will understand that it does not exist. For example, as an aid to understanding, in the following appended claims, the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” May be included to introduce. However, the use of such phrases means that the same claim may be indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” such as “a or more” or “at least one” and “a” or “an”. And / or “an” usually should be taken to mean “at least one” or “one or more”), the indefinite article “a” or “ The introduction of a claim statement by “an” should be construed as implying that any particular claim containing a claim statement so introduced is limited to a claim containing only one such statement. Rather, the same is true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim statements.

  Furthermore, even if a particular number is explicitly stated in an introduced claim statement, it should be understood that such a description should normally be interpreted to mean at least the stated number. As will be understood by those skilled in the art (for example, when there is a description of “two items” without any other modifier, this statement means at least two items, or two or more items) . Further, when an idiomatic expression similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, generally such syntax is in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the idiomatic expression. Intended (eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” includes but is not limited to A only, B only, C only, both A and B, A and Including systems with both C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B and C, etc.). Where an idiomatic expression similar to “at least one of A, B, C, etc.” is used, generally such syntax is intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the idiomatic expression. (Eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” includes, but is not limited to, A only, B only, C only, both A and B, A and C Including systems with both, B and C, and / or all of A, B and C, etc.). Unless the context requires otherwise, the disjunctive words and / or phrases that usually represent more than one optional term may be within the description or within the claims. It should be further understood by those skilled in the art that it is intended to include one of the terms, any of the terms, or both, whether within the drawings. It will be understood. For example, the phrase “A or B” will generally be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

  As will become apparent to those skilled in the art when referring to the appended claims, the operations described herein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although the various operational flows are shown in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in an order other than that illustrated or may be performed simultaneously. Also good. Examples of such other ordering include duplication, interleaving, interrupting, reordering, incremental, preliminary, additional, simultaneous, reverse, or other, unless the context requires otherwise Different ordering can be mentioned. In addition, adjectives “responding to”, “related to”, or other past tenses are generally intended to exclude such variations unless the context requires otherwise. is not.

  A number of benefits have been outlined as a result of using the concepts described herein. The foregoing description of one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teaching. One or more embodiments are illustrated to illustrate the principles and practical applications so that those skilled in the art can utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as appropriate for the particular application contemplated. Selected and described. It is intended that the “claims” filed with this specification define the overall scope.

Embodiment
(1) a primary processor;
A safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor;
A segmentation circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments configured to indicate when the surgical instrument has been properly stored and sterilized A surgical instrument control circuit comprising a segmentation circuit comprising a segment.
2. The control circuit of embodiment 1, wherein the storage verification segment comprises at least one sensor configured to detect one or more inappropriate storage or sterilization parameters.
(3) The at least one sensor includes a fall prevention sensor, and the safety processor detects at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the fall prevention sensor detects that the surgical instrument has fallen. Embodiment 3. The control circuit of embodiment 2 configured to prevent one operation.
(4) The control circuit according to embodiment 3, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an impact sensor.
(5) The control circuit according to embodiment 3, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an accelerometer.

(6) At least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, and the safety processor prevents operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the temperature sensor detects a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold. The control circuit according to embodiment 2, wherein the control circuit is configured.
(7) The control circuit according to embodiment 6, wherein the temperature sensor includes a bimetal temperature piece.
(8) The at least one sensor includes a moisture detection sensor, and the safety processor controls operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the moisture detection sensor detects moisture. The control circuit according to embodiment 2, wherein the control circuit is configured.
(9) The moisture detection sensor is configured to detect an autoclave cycle, and the safety processor is configured to prevent operation of the surgical instrument unless the autoclave cycle is detected. The control circuit according to aspect 8.
10. The embodiment of claim 8, wherein the safety processor is configured to prevent operation of the at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when moisture is detected during gradual circuit activation. Control circuit.

(11) a primary processor;
A safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor;
A segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments comprising a sterilization verification segment configured to indicate when the surgical instrument was properly sterilized A surgical instrument control circuit comprising: a segmentation circuit.
12. The control circuit of embodiment 11, wherein the sterilization verification segment comprises at least one sensor configured to detect sterilization of the surgical instrument.
13. The embodiment of claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, and proper sterilization of the surgical instrument corresponds to a temperature between a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value. Control circuit.
(14) The control circuit according to embodiment 12, wherein the at least one sensor includes a moisture detection sensor.
(15) The control circuit of embodiment 14, wherein the moisture detection sensor is configured to detect an autoclave cycle, the autoclave cycle corresponding to appropriate sterilization of the surgical instrument.

(16) a primary processor;
A safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor;
A segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments comprising a storage verification segment configured to indicate when the surgical instrument was properly stored A surgical instrument control circuit comprising: a segmentation circuit.
17. The control circuit of embodiment 16, wherein the storage verification segment comprises at least one sensor configured to detect improper storage of the surgical instrument.
(18) The at least one sensor includes a fall prevention sensor, and the safety processor detects at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the fall prevention sensor detects that the surgical instrument has fallen. Embodiment 18. The control circuit of embodiment 17, configured to prevent one operation.
(19) The control circuit according to embodiment 18, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an impact sensor.
(20) The control circuit according to embodiment 18, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an accelerometer.

Claims (20)

A primary processor;
A safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor;
A segmentation circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments configured to indicate when the surgical instrument has been properly stored and sterilized A surgical instrument control circuit comprising a segmentation circuit comprising a segment.   The control circuit of claim 1, wherein the storage verification segment comprises at least one sensor configured to detect one or more inappropriate storage or sterilization parameters.   The at least one sensor includes a fall prevention sensor, and the safety processor performs an operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the fall prevention sensor detects that the surgical instrument has fallen. The control circuit of claim 2, configured to prevent.   The control circuit according to claim 3, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an impact sensor.   The control circuit according to claim 3, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an accelerometer.   At least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, and the safety processor is configured to prevent operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the temperature sensor detects a temperature that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The control circuit according to claim 2.   The control circuit according to claim 6, wherein the temperature sensor includes a bimetal temperature piece.   The at least one sensor includes a moisture detection sensor, and the safety processor is configured to control operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the moisture detection sensor detects moisture. The control circuit according to claim 2.   9. The moisture detection sensor is configured to detect an autoclave cycle, and the safety processor is configured to prevent operation of the surgical instrument unless the autoclave cycle is detected. The control circuit described.   9. The control circuit of claim 8, wherein the safety processor is configured to prevent operation of the at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when moisture is detected during gradual circuit activation. A primary processor;
A safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor;
A segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments comprising a sterilization verification segment configured to indicate when the surgical instrument was properly sterilized A surgical instrument control circuit comprising: a segmentation circuit.   The control circuit of claim 11, wherein the sterilization verification segment comprises at least one sensor configured to detect sterilization of the surgical instrument.   13. The control circuit of claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor, and proper sterilization of the surgical instrument corresponds to a temperature between a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value.   The control circuit according to claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor includes a moisture detection sensor.   15. The control circuit of claim 14, wherein the moisture detection sensor is configured to detect an autoclave cycle, the autoclave cycle corresponding to proper sterilization of the surgical instrument. A primary processor;
A safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor;
A segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor, the plurality of circuit segments comprising a storage verification segment configured to indicate when the surgical instrument was properly stored A surgical instrument control circuit comprising: a segmentation circuit.   The control circuit of claim 16, wherein the storage verification segment comprises at least one sensor configured to detect improper storage of the surgical instrument.   The at least one sensor includes a fall prevention sensor, and the safety processor performs an operation of at least one of the plurality of circuit segments when the fall prevention sensor detects that the surgical instrument has fallen. The control circuit of claim 17, configured to prevent.   The control circuit according to claim 18, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an impact sensor.   The control circuit according to claim 18, wherein the fall prevention sensor includes an accelerometer.

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