WO2019186500A2 - Méthode de compression de tissu à l'intérieur d'un dispositif d'agrafage et d'affichage simultané de l'emplacement du tissu dans les mâchoires - Google Patents

Méthode de compression de tissu à l'intérieur d'un dispositif d'agrafage et d'affichage simultané de l'emplacement du tissu dans les mâchoires Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019186500A2
WO2019186500A2 PCT/IB2019/052624 IB2019052624W WO2019186500A2 WO 2019186500 A2 WO2019186500 A2 WO 2019186500A2 IB 2019052624 W IB2019052624 W IB 2019052624W WO 2019186500 A2 WO2019186500 A2 WO 2019186500A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
surgical
tissue
titled
patent application
end effector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2019/052624
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jason L. Harris
Frederick E. Shelton Iv
Chad E. ECKERT
Jordan B. Wong
David C. Yates
Tamara S. Widenhouse
Chester O. Baxter, Iii
Original Assignee
Ethicon Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US16/209,423 external-priority patent/US11969142B2/en
Application filed by Ethicon Llc filed Critical Ethicon Llc
Priority to JP2020552846A priority Critical patent/JP7451420B2/ja
Priority to BR112020019898-6A priority patent/BR112020019898A2/pt
Priority to CN201980018743.2A priority patent/CN112533547A/zh
Publication of WO2019186500A2 publication Critical patent/WO2019186500A2/fr

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Definitions

  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a surgical system being used to perform a surgical procedure in an operating room, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a surgical hub enclosure, and of a combo generator module slidably receivable in a drawer of the surgical hub enclosure, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a combo generator module with bipolar, ultrasonic, and monopolar contacts and a smoke evacuation component, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates individual power bus attachments for a plurality of lateral docking ports of a lateral modular housing configured to receive a plurality of modules, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a vertical modular housing configured to receive a plurality of modules, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a surgical data network comprising a modular communication hub configured to connect modular devices located in one or more operating theaters of a healthcare facility, or any room in a healthcare facility specially equipped for surgical operations, to the cloud, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a computer-implemented interactive surgical system, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a surgical hub comprising a plurality of modules coupled to the modular control tower, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a control circuit configured to control aspects of the surgical instrument or tool, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a combinational logic circuit configured to control aspects of the surgical instrument or tool, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a surgical instrument or tool comprising a plurality of motors which can be activated to perform various functions, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a robotic surgical instrument configured to operate a surgical tool described herein, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of a surgical instrument programmed to control the distal translation of a displacement member, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a surgical instrument configured to control various functions, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 22 is a comparison of a stapling method utilizing controlled tissue compression versus a stapling method without controlled tissue compression.
  • FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a tissue contact circuit showing the completion of the circuit upon contact with tissue a pair of spaced apart contact plates.
  • FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument that has an interchangeable shaft assembly operably coupled thereto, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 26 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 25, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 28 is an exploded view of an end effector of the surgical instrument of FIG. 25, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 32 depicts an example end-effector of a medical device surrounding tissue in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 34 depicts example forces exerted by an end-effector of a medical device compressing tissue in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 36 depicts an example tissue compression sensor system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 40 is also an example circuit diagram in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 41 is graph depicting an example frequency modulation in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument with an articulable, interchangeable shaft.
  • FIGS. 46 to 50 are graphs plotting gap size over time (FIG. 46), firing current over time (FIG. 47), tissue compression over time (FIG. 48), anvil strain over time (FIG. 49), and trigger force over time (FIG. 50).
  • FIG. 51 is a graph plotting tissue displacement as a function of tissue compression for normal tissues.
  • FIG. 57 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process for determining and displaying the thickness of a tissue section clamped between an anvil and a staple cartridge of an end effector.
  • FIG. 58 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process for determining and displaying the thickness of a tissue section clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge of the end effector.
  • FIG. 64 illustrates one embodiment of an end effector comprising a plurality of sensors.
  • FIG. 67 illustrates one embodiment of a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of sensors formed integrally therein.
  • FIG. 75 illustrates one aspect of a segmented flexible circuit configured to fixedly attach to a jaw member of an end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 79 illustrates the end effector shown in FIG. 78 with the jaw member clamping tissue between the jaw member and the staple cartridge, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 81 is a diagram of a position sensor comprising a magnetic rotary absolute positioning system, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 83 is a first graph of two closure force (FTC) plots depicting the force applied to a closure member to close on thick and thin tissue during a closure phase and a second graph of two firing force (FTF) plots depicting the force applied to a firing member to fire through thick and thin tissue during a firing phase.
  • FTC closure force
  • FTF firing force
  • FIG. 86 is a logic flow diagram depicting a process of a control program or a logic configuration for determining the velocity of a closure member, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 87 is a timeline depicting situational awareness of a surgical hub, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 88 illustrates a block diagram of a surgical system configured to control a surgical function, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 90 is a logic flow diagram depicting a situational awareness based algorithm for controlling a surgical function, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 91 is a logic flow diagram depicting an algorithm for controlling a surgical function, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 92 illustrates a portion of patient tissue comprising a tumor as well as surgical margins defined with respect to the tumor, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 94 illustrates a block diagram of a surgical system configured to determine the appropriateness of a surgical instrument based on device parameters and sensed parameters, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 96 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for controlling a surgical instrument according to the integrity of the clamped tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 99 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for controlling a surgical instrument according to the physiological type of the clamped tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 101B illustrates a side elevational view of an end effector grasping a vessel, wherein the end effector is closed, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 102 illustrates a first graph and a second graph depicting end effector force to close and closure velocity, respectively, verse time for illustrative firings of a surgical instrument grasping parenchyma, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 103 illustrates a third graph and a fourth graph depicting end effector force to close and closure velocity, respectively, verse time for illustrative firings of a surgical instrument grasping a vessel, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 104 illustrates a fifth graph depicting end effector force to close and closure velocity verse time for an illustrative firing of a surgical instrument, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 106 illustrates a fifth graph depicting end effector force to close and closure velocity verse time for an illustrative firing of a surgical instrument, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 108 illustrates a first graph depicting various tissue closure thresholds for controlling end effector closure, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 110 is a logic flow diagram depicting a process of a control program or a logic configuration for adjusting a closure rate algorithm, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. I l l illustrates a perspective view of an end effector of a curved surgical stapling and cutting instrument including predetermined zones, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 112 illustrates a straightened partial cross-sectional of the end effector of the curved surgical stapling and cutting instrument of FIG. I l l with tissue grasped by the end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 113 illustrates a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument including predetermined zones, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 114 illustrates a straightened partial cross-sectional of the end effector of the curved surgical stapling and cutting instrument of FIG. I l l with a tissue disposed between jaws of the end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 115 illustrates a straightened partial cross-sectional of the end effector of the curved surgical stapling and cutting instrument of FIG. I l l with a tissue disposed between jaws of the end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 116 illustrates a straightened partial cross-sectional of the end effector of the curved surgical stapling and cutting instrument of FIG. I l l with a tissue disposed between jaws of the end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 119 illustrates the tissue of FIG. 116 being grasped by the end effector of FIG. I l l, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 120 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process depicting a control program or a logic configuration for identifying irregularities in tissue distribution within an end effector of a surgical instrument, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 121 is a graph representing tissue impedance measurements at the three predetermined of the end effector of FIG. I l l over time, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 127-129 illustrate a process of aligning an anvil trocar of a circular stapler to a staple overlap portion of a linear staple line created by a double-stapling technique, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, where:
  • FIG. 127 illustrates an anvil trocar of a circular stapler that is not aligned with a staple overlap portion of a linear staple line created by a double-stapling technique
  • FIG. 128 illustrates an anvil trocar of a circular stapler that is aligned with the center of the staple overlap portion of the linear staple line created by a double-stapling technique
  • FIGS. 130 and 131 illustrate a before image and an after image of a centering tool, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, where:
  • FIG. 130 illustrates an image of a projected cut path of an anvil trocar and circular knife before alignment with the target alignment ring circumscribing the image of the linear staple line over the image of the staple overlap portion presented on a surgical hub display;
  • FIG. 131 illustrates an image of a projected cut path of an anvil trocar and circular knife after alignment with the target alignment ring circumscribing the image of the linear staple line over the image of the staple overlap portion presented on a surgical hub display.
  • FIGS. 132-134 illustrate a process of aligning an anvil trocar of a circular stapler to a center of a linear staple line, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, where:
  • FIG. 132 illustrates the anvil trocar out of alignment with the center of the linear staple line
  • FIG. 134 illustrates a centering tool displayed on a surgical hub display of a linear staple line, where the anvil trocar is not aligned with the staple overlap portion of the double staple line as shown in FIG. 132.
  • FIG. 135 is an image of a standard reticle field view of a linear staple line transection of a surgical as viewed through a laparoscope displayed on the surgical hub display, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 136 is an image of a laser-assisted reticle field of view of the surgical site shown in FIG. 135 before the anvil trocar and circular knife of the circular stapler are aligned to the center of the linear staple line, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 137 is an image of a laser-assisted reticle field of view of the surgical site shown in FIG. 136 after the anvil trocar and circular knife of the circular stapler are aligned to the center of the linear staple line, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 138 illustrates a partial perspective view of a circular stapler showing a circular stapler trocar including a staple cartridge, which has four predetermined zones, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 139 illustrates a partial perspective view of a circular stapler showing a circular stapler trocar including a staple cartridge, which has eight predetermined zones, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 141 illustrates, on the left, a tissue including previously deployed staples properly disposed onto the staple cartridge of FIG. 138, and on the right, a tissue including previously deployed staples properly disposed onto the staple cartridge of FIG. 138, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 142 illustrates two tissues including previously deployed staples properly disposed onto the staple cartridge of FIG. 139, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 143 illustrates two tissues including previously deployed staples improperly disposed onto the staple cartridge of FIG. 139, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 144 is a graph depicting a tissue impedance signature of the properly disposed tissues of FIG. 142, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 145 is a graph depicting a tissue impedance signature of the improperly disposed tissues of FIG. 143, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 146 illustrates a tissue including previously deployed staples properly disposed onto the staple cartridge of FIG. 139, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 147 illustrates a tissue including previously deployed staples improperly disposed onto the staple cartridge of FIG. 139, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 148 is a graph depicting a tissue impedance signature of the properly disposed tissue of FIG. 146, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 149 is a graph depicting a tissue impedance signature of the improperly disposed tissue of FIG. 147, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 150 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process depicting a control program or a logic configuration for properly positioning a previously-stapled tissue within an end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 152 illustrates the end effector of FIG. 151 with a blood vessel (B V) extending between the jaws of the end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 153 illustrates the end effector of FIG. 151 in a closed configuration without tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 154 illustrates the end effector of FIG. 151 with tissue grasped between the jaws of the end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 155 illustrates an end effector extending from a shaft of a surgical instrument in an open configuration, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 156 illustrates the end effector of FIG. 151 in a closed configuration without tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 157 illustrates the end effector of FIG. 151 with tissue grasped between the jaws of the end effector, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 158 illustrates a tumor surrounded by healthy tissue, and a clear margin defined in the healthy tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 159 is a graph illustrating of a physiological parameter of tissue plotted against distance from a tumor, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 160 is a logic flow diagram of a process depicting a control program or a logic configuration for assessing proximity of an end effector of a surgical instrument to cancerous tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 161 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process depicting a control program or a logic configuration for assessing proximity of an end effector to cancerous tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 162 illustrates an end effector of a surgical instrument, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 163 illustrates a control system of a surgical instrument, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 168 illustrates a partial view of an end effector of a surgical instrument, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 169 is a graph illustrating sensor signals representing a physiological parameter of tissue plotted against time, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 170 is a logic flow diagram of a process depicting a control program or a logic configuration for providing instructions for navigating an end effector with respect to cancerous tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 171 is a logic flow diagram of a process depicting a control program or a logic configuration for providing instructions for navigating an end effector with respect to cancerous tissue, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 172 is a graph illustrating sensor signals representing a physiological parameter of tissue plotted against time, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 173 illustrates a glucose sensor, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 174 illustrates an expanded view of the glucose sensor of FIG. 173.
  • FIG. 175 is a graph illustrating Current plotted against Potential, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 176 is a graph illustrating Net Current plotted against Glucose level, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 178 illustrates a block diagram of an active sensor assembly, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 180 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge including hydrophobic areas, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 181 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge including a pair of data elements, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 182 illustrates a block diagram of a sensor assembly for detecting and/or receiving data from data elements associated with a cartridge, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 183 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for resolving data identification conflicts, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 184 illustrates a block diagram of a circuit including a variable output sensor, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 186 illustrates an end effector comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 187 illustrates a perspective view of an end effector, with the anvil in an open position, including a plurality of light sources arranged between the proximal end and the distal end of the staple cartridge on either side of the cartridge deck, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • ARTICULATION DRIVE THAT PROVIDES FOR HIGH ARTICULATION ANGLES
  • the imaging device 124 includes at least one image sensor and one or more optical components.
  • Suitable image sensors include, but are not limited to, Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensors and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.
  • CCD Charge-Coupled Device
  • CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
  • the optical components of the imaging device 124 may include one or more illumination sources and/or one or more lenses.
  • the one or more illumination sources may be directed to illuminate portions of the surgical field.
  • the one or more image sensors may receive light reflected or refracted from the surgical field, including light reflected or refracted from tissue and/or surgical instruments.
  • the one or more illumination sources may be configured to radiate electromagnetic energy in the visible spectrum as well as the invisible spectrum.
  • the visible spectrum sometimes referred to as the optical spectrum or luminous spectrum, is that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to (i.e., can be detected by) the human eye and may be referred to as visible light or simply light.
  • a typical human eye will respond to wavelengths in air that are from about 380 nm to about 750 nm.
  • the invisible spectrum is that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that lies below and above the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths below about 380 nm and above about 750 nm).
  • the invisible spectrum is not detectable by the human eye. Wavelengths greater than about 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum, and they become invisible infrared (IR), microwave, and radio electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths less than about 380 nm are shorter than the violet spectrum, and they become invisible ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma ray electromagnetic radiation.
  • the imaging device 124 is configured for use in a minimally invasive procedure.
  • imaging devices suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but not limited to, an arthroscope, angioscope, bronchoscope, choledochoscope, colonoscope, cytoscope, duodenoscope, enteroscope, esophagogastro-duodenoscope (gastroscope), endoscope, laryngoscope, nasopharyngo-neproscope, sigmoidoscope, thoracoscope, and ureteroscope.
  • a“surgical theater,” i.e., an operating or treatment room necessitate the highest possible sterility of all medical devices and equipment.
  • Part of that sterilization process is the need to sterilize anything that comes in contact with the patient or penetrates the sterile field, including the imaging device 124 and its attachments and components.
  • the sterile field may be considered a specified area, such as within a tray or on a sterile towel, that is considered free of microorganisms, or the sterile field may be considered an area, immediately around a patient, who has been prepared for a surgical procedure.
  • the sterile field may include the scrubbed team members, who are properly attired, and all furniture and fixtures in the area.
  • the visualization system 108 includes one or more imaging sensors, one or more image- processing units, one or more storage arrays, and one or more displays that are strategically arranged with respect to the sterile field, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the visualization system 108 includes an interface for HL7, PACS, and EMR.
  • Various components of the visualization system 108 are described under the heading“Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module” in U. S . Provisional Patent Application Serial No . 62/611,341, titled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM, filed December 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the hub 106 may cause the visualization system 108 to display a snapshot of a surgical site, as recorded by an imaging device 124, on a non-sterile display 107 or 109, while maintaining a live feed of the surgical site on the primary display 119.
  • the snapshot on the non-sterile display 107 or 109 can permit a non-sterile operator to perform a diagnostic step relevant to the surgical procedure, for example.
  • the hub 106 is also configured to route a diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 111 to the primary display 119 within the sterile field, where it can be viewed by a sterile operator at the operating table.
  • the input can be in the form of a modification to the snapshot displayed on the non-sterile display 107 or 109, which can be routed to the primary display 119 by the hub 106.
  • a surgical instrument 112 is being used in the surgical procedure as part of the surgical system 102.
  • the hub 106 is also configured to coordinate information flow to a display of the surgical instrument 112.
  • a diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 111 can be routed by the hub 106 to the surgical instrument display 115 within the sterile field, where it can be viewed by the operator of the surgical instrument 112.
  • Example surgical instruments that are suitable for use with the surgical system 102 are described under the heading“Surgical Instrument Hardware” and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/611,341, titled INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM, filed December 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, for example.
  • a hub 106 is depicted in communication with a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112.
  • the hub 106 includes a hub display 135, an imaging module 138, a generator module 140, a communication module 130, a processor module 132, and a storage array 134.
  • the hub 106 further includes a smoke evacuation module 126 and/or a suction/irrigation module 128.
  • the surgical hub for use in a surgical procedure that involves energy application to tissue at a surgical site.
  • the surgical hub includes a hub enclosure and a combo generator module slidably receivable in a docking station of the hub enclosure.
  • the docking station includes data and power contacts.
  • the combo generator module includes two or more of an ultrasonic energy generator component, a bipolar RF energy generator component, and a monopolar RF energy generator component that are housed in a single unit.
  • the combo generator module also includes a smoke evacuation component, at least one energy delivery cable for connecting the combo generator module to a surgical instrument, at least one smoke evacuation component configured to evacuate smoke, fluid, and/or particulates generated by the application of therapeutic energy to the tissue, and a fluid line extending from the remote surgical site to the smoke evacuation component.
  • the fluid line is a first fluid line and a second fluid line extends from the remote surgical site to a suction and irrigation module slidably received in the hub enclosure.
  • the hub enclosure comprises a fluid interface.
  • Certain surgical procedures may require the application of more than one energy type to the tissue.
  • One energy type may be more beneficial for cutting the tissue, while another different energy type may be more beneficial for sealing the tissue.
  • a bipolar generator can be used to seal the tissue while an ultrasonic generator can be used to cut the sealed tissue.
  • a hub modular enclosure 136 is configured to accommodate different generators, and facilitate an interactive communication therebetween.
  • One of the advantages of the hub modular enclosure 136 is enabling the quick removal and/or replacement of various modules.
  • the modular surgical enclosure includes a first energy -generator module, configured to generate a first energy for application to the tissue, and a first docking station comprising a first docking port that includes first data and power contacts, wherein the first energy -generator module is slidably movable into an electrical engagement with the power and data contacts and wherein the first energy -generator module is slidably movable out of the electrical engagement with the first power and data contacts.
  • the modular surgical enclosure also includes a second energy -generator module configured to generate a second energy, different than the first energy, for application to the tissue, and a second docking station comprising a second docking port that includes second data and power contacts, wherein the second energy- generator module is slidably movable into an electrical engagement with the power and data contacts, and wherein the second energy -generator module is slidably movable out of the electrical engagement with the second power and data contacts.
  • the modular surgical enclosure also includes a communication bus between the first docking port and the second docking port, configured to facilitate communication between the first energy -generator module and the second energy -generator module.
  • FIGS. 3-7 aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a hub modular enclosure 136 that allows the modular integration of a generator module 140, a smoke evacuation module 126, and a suction/irrigation module 128.
  • the hub modular enclosure 136 further facilitates interactive communication between the modules 140,
  • the generator module 140 can be a generator module with integrated monopolar, bipolar, and ultrasonic components supported in a single housing unit 139 slidably insertable into the hub modular enclosure 136. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the generator module 140 can be configured to connect to a monopolar device 146, a bipolar device 147, and an ultrasonic device 148. Alternatively, the generator module 140 may comprise a series of monopolar, bipolar, and/or ultrasonic generator modules that interact through the hub modular enclosure 136.
  • the hub modular enclosure 136 can be configured to facilitate the insertion of multiple generators and interactive communication between the generators docked into the hub modular enclosure 136 so that the generators would act as a single generator.
  • the hub modular enclosure 136 comprises a modular power and communication backplane 149 with external and wireless communication headers to enable the removable attachment of the modules 140, 126, 128 and interactive communication therebetween.
  • the hub modular enclosure 136 includes docking stations, or drawers, 151, herein also referred to as drawers, which are configured to slidably receive the modules 140, 126, 128.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of a surgical hub enclosure 136, and a combo generator module 145 slidably receivable in a docking station 151 of the surgical hub enclosure 136.
  • a docking port 152 with power and data contacts on a rear side of the combo generator module 145 is configured to engage a corresponding docking port 150 with power and data contacts of a corresponding docking station 151 of the hub modular enclosure 136 as the combo generator module 145 is slid into position within the corresponding docking station 151 of the hub module enclosure 136.
  • the combo generator module 145 includes a bipolar, ultrasonic, and monopolar module and a smoke evacuation module integrated together into a single housing unit 139, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • the smoke evacuation module 126 includes a fluid line 154 that conveys captured/collected smoke and/or fluid away from a surgical site and to, for example, the smoke evacuation module 126.
  • Vacuum suction originating from the smoke evacuation module 126 can draw the smoke into an opening of a utility conduit at the surgical site.
  • the utility conduit, coupled to the fluid line, can be in the form of a flexible tube terminating at the smoke evacuation module 126.
  • the utility conduit and the fluid line define a fluid path extending toward the smoke evacuation module 126 that is received in the hub enclosure 136.
  • the suction/irrigation module 128 is coupled to a surgical tool comprising an aspiration fluid line and a suction fluid line.
  • the aspiration and suction fluid lines are in the form of flexible tubes extending from the surgical site toward the suction/irrigation module 128.
  • One or more drive systems can be configured to cause irrigation and aspiration of fluids to and from the surgical site.
  • the surgical tool includes a shaft having an end effector at a distal end thereof and at least one energy treatment associated with the end effector, an aspiration tube, and an irrigation tube.
  • the aspiration tube can have an inlet port at a distal end thereof and the aspiration tube extends through the shaft.
  • an irrigation tube can extend through the shaft and can have an inlet port in proximity to the energy deliver implement.
  • the energy deliver implement is configured to deliver ultrasonic and/or RF energy to the surgical site and is coupled to the generator module 140 by a cable extending initially through the shaft.
  • the irrigation tube can be in fluid communication with a fluid source, and the aspiration tube can be in fluid communication with a vacuum source.
  • the fluid source and/or the vacuum source can be housed in the suction/irrigation module 128.
  • the fluid source and/or the vacuum source can be housed in the hub enclosure 136 separately from the suction/irrigation module 128.
  • a fluid interface can be configured to connect the suction/irrigation module 128 to the fluid source and/or the vacuum source.
  • the modules 140, 126, 128 and/or their corresponding docking stations on the hub modular enclosure 136 may include alignment features that are configured to align the docking ports of the modules into engagement with their counterparts in the docking stations of the hub modular enclosure 136.
  • the combo generator module 145 includes side brackets 155 that are configured to slidably engage with corresponding brackets 156 of the corresponding docking station 151 of the hub modular enclosure 136. The brackets cooperate to guide the docking port contacts of the combo generator module 145 into an electrical engagement with the docking port contacts of the hub modular enclosure 136.
  • the drawers 151 of the hub modular enclosure 136 are the same, or substantially the same size, and the modules are adjusted in size to be received in the drawers 151.
  • the side brackets 155 and/or 156 can be larger or smaller depending on the size of the module.
  • the drawers 151 are different in size and are each designed to accommodate a particular module.
  • the contacts of a particular module can be keyed for engagement with the contacts of a particular drawer to avoid inserting a module into a drawer with mismatching contacts.
  • the docking port 150 of one drawer 151 can be coupled to the docking port 150 of another drawer 151 through a communications link 157 to facilitate an interactive communication between the modules housed in the hub modular enclosure 136.
  • the docking ports 150 of the hub modular enclosure 136 may alternatively, or additionally, facilitate a wireless interactive communication between the modules housed in the hub modular enclosure 136. Any suitable wireless communication can be employed, such as for example Air Titan-Bluetooth.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates individual power bus attachments for a plurality of lateral docking ports of a lateral modular housing 160 configured to receive a plurality of modules of a surgical hub 206.
  • the lateral modular housing 160 is configured to laterally receive and interconnect the modules 161.
  • the modules 161 are slidably inserted into docking stations 162 of lateral modular housing 160, which includes a backplane for interconnecting the modules 161.
  • the modules 161 are arranged laterally in the lateral modular housing 160.
  • the modules 161 may be arranged vertically in a lateral modular housing.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a vertical modular housing 164 configured to receive a plurality of modules 165 of the surgical hub 106.
  • the modules 165 are slidably inserted into docking stations, or drawers, 167 of vertical modular housing 164, which includes a backplane for interconnecting the modules 165.
  • the drawers 167 of the vertical modular housing 164 are arranged vertically, in certain instances, a vertical modular housing 164 may include drawers that are arranged laterally.
  • the modules 165 may interact with one another through the docking ports of the vertical modular housing 164.
  • a display 177 is provided for displaying data relevant to the operation of the modules 165.
  • the vertical modular housing 164 includes a master module 178 housing a plurality of sub-modules that are slidably received in the master module 178.
  • the imaging module 138 comprises an integrated video processor and a modular light source and is adapted for use with various imaging devices.
  • the imaging device is comprised of a modular housing that can be assembled with a light source module and a camera module.
  • the housing can be a disposable housing.
  • the disposable housing is removably coupled to a reusable controller, a light source module, and a camera module.
  • the light source module and/or the camera module can be selectively chosen depending on the type of surgical procedure.
  • the camera module comprises a CCD sensor.
  • the camera module comprises a CMOS sensor.
  • the camera module is configured for scanned beam imaging.
  • the light source module can be configured to deliver a white light or a different light, depending on the surgical procedure.
  • the module imaging device of the present disclosure is configured to permit the replacement of a light source module or a camera module midstream during a surgical procedure, without having to remove the imaging device from the surgical field.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a surgical data network 201 comprising a modular communication hub 203 configured to connect modular devices located in one or more operating theaters of a healthcare facility, or any room in a healthcare facility specially equipped for surgical operations, to a cloud-based system (e.g., the cloud 204 that may include a remote server 213 coupled to a storage device 205).
  • the modular communication hub 203 comprises a network hub 207 and/or a network switch 209 in communication with a network router.
  • the modular communication hub 203 also can be coupled to a local computer system 210 to provide local computer processing and data manipulation.
  • the surgical data network 201 may be configured as passive, intelligent, or switching.
  • a passive surgical data network serves as a conduit for the data, enabling it to go from one device (or segment) to another and to the cloud computing resources.
  • An intelligent surgical data network includes additional features to enable the traffic passing through the surgical data network to be monitored and to configure each port in the network hub 207 or network switch 209.
  • An intelligent surgical data network may be referred to as a manageable hub or switch.
  • a switching hub reads the destination address of each packet and then forwards the packet to the correct port.
  • Modular devices la-ln located in the operating theater may be coupled to the modular communication hub 203.
  • the network hub 207 and/or the network switch 209 may be coupled to a network router 211 to connect the devices lain to the cloud 204 or the local computer system 210.
  • Data associated with the devices la-ln may be transferred to cloud-based computers via the router for remote data processing and manipulation.
  • Data associated with the devices lain may also be transferred to the local computer system 210 for local data processing and manipulation.
  • Modular devices 2a-2m located in the same operating theater also may be coupled to a network switch 209.
  • the network switch 209 may be coupled to the network hub 207 and/or the network router 211 to connect to the devices 2a-2m to the cloud 204.
  • Data associated with the devices 2a-2n may be transferred to the cloud 204 via the network router 211 for data processing and manipulation.
  • Data associated with the devices 2a-2m may also be transferred to the local computer system 210 for local data processing and manipulation.
  • the devices la-ln 2a-2m may include, for example, various modules such as an imaging module 138 coupled to an endoscope, a generator module 140 coupled to an energy -based surgical device, a smoke evacuation module 126, a suction/irrigation module 128, a communication module 130, a processor module 132, a storage array 134, a surgical device coupled to a display, and/or a non-contact sensor module, among other modular devices that may be connected to the modular communication hub 203 of the surgical data network 201.
  • various modules such as an imaging module 138 coupled to an endoscope, a generator module 140 coupled to an energy -based surgical device, a smoke evacuation module 126, a suction/irrigation module 128, a communication module 130, a processor module 132, a storage array 134, a surgical device coupled to a display, and/or a non-contact sensor module, among other modular devices that may be connected to the modular communication hub 203 of the surgical data network 201.
  • the surgical data network 201 may comprise a combination of network hub(s), network switch(es), and network router(s) connecting the devices la-ln/2a-2m to the cloud. Any one of or all of the devices la- ln 2a-2m coupled to the network hub or network switch may collect data in real time and transfer the data to cloud computers for data processing and manipulation. It will be appreciated that cloud computing relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle software applications.
  • the word“cloud” may be used as a metaphor for“the Internet,” although the term is not limited as such.
  • the term“cloud computing” may be used herein to refer to“a type of Internet-based computing,” where different services—such as servers, storage, and applications— are delivered to the modular communication hub 203 and/or computer system 210 located in the surgical theater (e.g., a fixed, mobile, temporary, or field operating room or space) and to devices connected to the modular communication hub 203 and/or computer system 210 through the Internet.
  • the cloud infrastructure may be maintained by a cloud service provider.
  • the cloud service provider may be the entity that coordinates the usage and control of the devices la-ln 2a-2m located in one or more operating theaters.
  • the cloud computing services can perform a large number of calculations based on the data gathered by smart surgical instruments, robots, and other computerized devices located in the operating theater.
  • the hub hardware enables multiple devices or connections to be connected to a computer that communicates with the cloud computing resources and storage.
  • the surgical data network provides improved surgical outcomes, reduced costs, and improved patient satisfaction.
  • At least some of the devices la-ln/2a-2m may be employed to view tissue states to assess leaks or perfusion of sealed tissue after a tissue sealing and cutting procedure.
  • At least some of the devices la-ln/2a-2m may be employed to identify pathology, such as the effects of diseases, using the cloud-based computing to examine data including images of samples of body tissue for diagnostic purposes. This includes localization and margin confirmation of tissue and phenotypes.
  • At least some of the devices la-ln/2a-2m may be employed to identify anatomical structures of the body using a variety of sensors integrated with imaging devices and techniques such as overlaying images captured by multiple imaging devices.
  • the data gathered by the devices la-ln/2a-2m, including image data may be transferred to the cloud 204 or the local computer system 210 or both for data processing and manipulation including image processing and manipulation.
  • the data may be analyzed to improve surgical procedure outcomes by determining if further treatment, such as the application of endoscopic intervention, emerging technologies, a targeted radiation, targeted intervention, and precise robotics to tissue-specific sites and conditions, may be pursued.
  • Such data analysis may further employ outcome analytics processing, and using standardized approaches may provide beneficial feedback to either confirm surgical treatments and the behavior of the surgeon or suggest modifications to surgical treatments and the behavior of the surgeon.
  • the operating theater devices la- In may be connected to the modular communication hub 203 over a wired channel or a wireless channel depending on the configuration of the devices la-ln to a network hub.
  • the network hub 207 may be implemented, in one aspect, as a local network broadcast device that works on the physical layer of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model.
  • the network hub provides connectivity to the devices la-ln located in the same operating theater network.
  • the network hub 207 collects data in the form of packets and sends them to the router in half duplex mode.
  • the network hub 207 does not store any media access control/Intemet Protocol (MAC/IP) to transfer the device data. Only one of the devices la-ln can send data at a time through the network hub 207.
  • MAC/IP media access control/Intemet Protocol
  • the network hub 207 has no routing tables or intelligence regarding where to send information and broadcasts all network data across each connection and to a remote server 213 (FIG. 9) over the cloud 204.
  • the network hub 207 can detect basic network errors such as collisions, but having all information broadcast to multiple ports can be a security risk and cause bottlenecks.
  • the operating theater devices 2a-2m may be connected to a network switch 209 over a wired channel or a wireless channel.
  • the network switch 209 works in the data link layer of the OSI model.
  • the network switch 209 is a multicast device for connecting the devices 2a-2m located in the same operating theater to the network.
  • the network switch 209 sends data in the form of frames to the network router 211 and works in full duplex mode. Multiple devices 2a-2m can send data at the same time through the network switch 209.
  • the network switch 209 stores and uses MAC addresses of the devices 2a-2m to transfer data.
  • the network hub 207 and/or the network switch 209 are coupled to the network router 211 for connection to the cloud 204.
  • the network router 211 works in the network layer of the OSI model.
  • the network router 211 creates a route for transmitting data packets received from the network hub 207 and/or network switch 211 to cloud-based computer resources for further processing and manipulation of the data collected by any one of or all the devices la-ln/2a-2m.
  • the network router 211 may be employed to connect two or more different networks located in different locations, such as, for example, different operating theaters of the same healthcare facility or different networks located in different operating theaters of different healthcare facilities.
  • the network router 211 sends data in the form of packets to the cloud 204 and works in full duplex mode. Multiple devices can send data at the same time.
  • the network router 211 uses IP addresses to transfer data.
  • the network hub 207 may be implemented as a USB hub, which allows multiple USB devices to be connected to a host computer.
  • the USB hub may expand a single USB port into several tiers so that there are more ports available to connect devices to the host system computer.
  • the network hub 207 may include wired or wireless capabilities to receive information over a wired channel or a wireless channel.
  • a wireless USB short-range, high-bandwidth wireless radio communication protocol may be employed for communication between the devices la-ln and devices 2a-2m located in the operating theater.
  • the operating theater devices la-ln/2a-2m may communicate to the modular communication hub 203 via Bluetooth wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short -wavelength UHF radio waves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz) from fixed and mobile devices and building personal area networks (PANs).
  • Bluetooth wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short -wavelength UHF radio waves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz) from fixed and mobile devices and building personal area networks (PANs).
  • the operating theater devices la-ln/2a-2m may communicate to the modular communication hub 203 via a number of wireless or wired communication standards or protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi (GEEE 802.11 family), WiMAX (GEEE 802.16 family), GEEE 802.20, long-term evolution (LTE), and Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, and Ethernet derivatives thereof, as well as any other wireless and wired protocols that are designated as 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond.
  • the computing module may include a plurality of communication modules.
  • a first communication module may be dedicated to shorter-range wireless communications such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a second communication module may be dedicated to longer-range wireless communications such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, Ev-DO, and others.
  • the modular communication hub 203 may serve as a central connection for one or all of the operating theater devices la-ln/2a-2m and handles a data type known as frames. Frames cany the data generated by the devices la-ln/2a- 2m. When a frame is received by the modular communication hub 203, it is amplified and transmitted to the network router 211, which transfers the data to the cloud computing resources by using a number of wireless or wired communication standards or protocols, as described herein.
  • the modular communication hub 203 can be used as a standalone device or be connected to compatible network hubs and network switches to form a larger network.
  • the modular communication hub 203 is generally easy to install, configure, and maintain, making it a good option for networking the operating theater devices la-ln/2a-2m.
  • the modular control tower 236 comprises a modular communication hub 203 coupled to a computer system 210.
  • the modular control tower 236 is coupled to an imaging module 238 that is coupled to an endoscope 239, a generator module 240 that is coupled to an energy device 241, a smoke evacuator module 226, a suction/irrigation module 228, a communication module 230, a processor module 232, a storage array 234, a smart device/instrument 235 optionally coupled to a display 237, and a non-contact sensor module 242.
  • the operating theater devices are coupled to cloud computing resources and data storage via the modular control tower 236.
  • a robot hub 222 also may be connected to the modular control tower 236 and to the cloud computing resources.
  • the devices/instruments 235, visualization systems 208, among others, may be coupled to the modular control tower 236 via wired or wireless communication standards or protocols, as described herein.
  • the modular control tower 236 may be coupled to a hub display 215 (e.g., monitor, screen) to display and overlay images received from the imaging module, device/instrument display, and/or other visualization systems 208.
  • the hub display also may display data received from devices connected to the modular control tower in conjunction with images and overlaid images.
  • the surgical hub 206 employs a non-contact sensor module 242 to measure the dimensions of the operating theater and generate a map of the surgical theater using either ultrasonic or laser-type non-contact measurement devices.
  • An ultrasound-based non-contact sensor module scans the operating theater by transmitting a burst of ultrasound and receiving the echo when it bounces off the perimeter walls of an operating theater as described under the heading “Surgical Hub Spatial Awareness Within an Operating Room” in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
  • a laser-based non-contact sensor module scans the operating theater by transmitting laser light pulses, receiving laser light pulses that bounce off the perimeter walls of the operating theater, and comparing the phase of the transmitted pulse to the received pulse to determine the size of the operating theater and to adjust Bluetooth pairing distance limits, for example.
  • the computer system 210 comprises a processor 244 and a network interface 245.
  • the processor 244 is coupled to a communication module 247, storage 248, memory 249, non-volatile memory 250, and input/output interface 251 via a system bus.
  • the system bus can be any of several types of bus structure(s) including the memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, and/or a local bus using any variety of available bus architectures including, but not limited to, 9-bit bus, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro-Charmel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), USB, Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association bus (PCMCIA), Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), or any other proprietary bus.
  • ISA Industrial Standard Architecture
  • MSA Micro-Charmel Architecture
  • EISA Extended ISA
  • IDE Intelligent Drive Electronics
  • VLB VESA Local Bus
  • PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
  • USB Universal Serial Bus
  • AGP Advanced Graphics Port
  • PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association bus
  • SCSI Small Computer Systems Interface
  • the processor 244 may be any single-core or multicore processor such as those known under the trade name ARM Cortex by Texas Instruments.
  • the processor may be an LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F Processor Core, available from Texas Instruments, for example, comprising an on-chip memory of 256 KB single-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatile memory, up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, a 32 KB single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), an internal read-only memory (ROM) loaded with
  • the system memory includes volatile memory and non-volatile memory.
  • the basic input/output system (BIOS) containing the basic routines to transfer information between elements within the computer system, such as during startup, is stored in non-volatile memory.
  • the non-volatile memory can include ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory.
  • Volatile memory includes random- access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory.
  • RAM is available in many forms such as SRAM, dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).
  • the computer system 210 also includes removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media, such as for example disk storage.
  • the disk storage includes, but is not limited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, floppy disk drive, tape drive, Jaz drive, Zip drive, LS-60 drive, flash memory card, or memory stick.
  • the disk storage can include storage media separately or in combination with other storage media including, but not limited to, an optical disc drive such as a compact disc ROM device (CD-ROM), compact disc recordable drive (CD-R Drive), compact disc rewritable drive (CD-RW Drive), or a digital versatile disc ROM drive (DVD-ROM).
  • CD-ROM compact disc ROM
  • CD-R Drive compact disc recordable drive
  • CD-RW Drive compact disc rewritable drive
  • DVD-ROM digital versatile disc ROM drive
  • a removable or non-removable interface may be employed.
  • the computer system 210 includes software that acts as an intermediary between users and the basic computer resources described in a suitable operating environment.
  • Such software includes an operating system.
  • the operating system which can be stored on the disk storage, acts to control and allocate resources of the computer system.
  • System applications take advantage of the management of resources by the operating system through program modules and program data stored either in the system memory or on the disk storage. It is to be appreciated that various components described herein can be implemented with various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.
  • a user enters commands or information into the computer system 210 through input device(s) coupled to the EO interface 251.
  • the input devices include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital video camera, web camera, and the like.
  • These and other input devices connect to the processor through the system bus via interface port(s).
  • the interface port(s) include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, and a USB.
  • the output device(s) use some of the same types of ports as input device(s).
  • a USB port may be used to provide input to the computer system and to output information from the computer system to an output device.
  • An output adapter is provided to illustrate that there are some output devices like monitors, displays, speakers, and printers, among other output devices that require special adapters.
  • the output adapters include, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and sound cards that provide a means of connection between the output device and the system bus. It should be noted that other devices and/or systems of devices, such as remote computer/ s), provide both input and output capabilities.
  • the computer system 210 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as cloud computer(s), or local computers.
  • the remote cloud computer/ s) can be a personal computer, server, router, network PC, workstation, microprocessor-based appliance, peer device, or other common network node, and the like, and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer system. For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device is illustrated with the remote computer/s).
  • the remote computer/s) is logically connected to the computer system through a network interface and then physically connected via a communication connection.
  • the network interface encompasses communication networks such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
  • LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethemet/IEEE 802.3, Token Ring/IEEE 802.5 and the like.
  • WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit-switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereon, packet-switching networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL).
  • ISDN Integrated Services Digital Networks
  • DSL Digital Subscriber Lines
  • the computer system 210 of FIG. 10, the imaging module 238 and/or visualization system 208, and/or the processor module 232 of FIGS. 9-10 may comprise an image processor, image-processing engine, media processor, or any specialized digital signal processor (DSP) used for the processing of digital images.
  • the image processor may employ parallel computing with single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) or multiple instruction, multiple data (MIMD) technologies to increase speed and efficiency.
  • SIMD single instruction, multiple data
  • MIMD multiple instruction, multiple data
  • the digital image-processing engine can perform a range of tasks.
  • the image processor may be a system on a chip with multicore processor architecture.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a functional block diagram of one aspect of a USB network hub 300 device, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the USB network hub device 300 employs a TUSB2036 integrated circuit hub by Texas Instruments.
  • the USB network hub 300 is a CMOS device that provides an upstream USB transceiver port 302 and up to three downstream USB transceiver ports 304, 306, 308 in compliance with the USB 2.0 specification.
  • the upstream USB transceiver port 302 is a differential root data port comprising a differential data minus (DM0) input paired with a differential data plus (DP0) input.
  • DM0 differential data minus
  • DP0 differential data plus
  • the three downstream USB transceiver ports 304, 306, 308 are differential data ports where each port includes differential data plus (DP1-DP3) outputs paired with differential data minus (DM1 -DM3) outputs.
  • the USB network hub 300 device is implemented with a digital state machine instead of a microcontroller, and no firmware programming is required. Fully compliant USB transceivers are integrated into the circuit for the upstream USB transceiver port 302 and all downstream U SB transceiver ports 304, 306, 308.
  • the downstream U SB transceiver ports 304, 306, 308 support both full-speed and low-speed devices by automatically setting the slew rate according to the speed of the device attached to the ports.
  • the USB network hub 300 device may be configured either in bus-powered or self-powered mode and includes a hub power logic 312 to manage power.
  • the USB network hub 300 device includes a serial interface engine 310 (SIE).
  • SIE 310 is the front end of the USB network hub 300 hardware and handles most of the protocol described in chapter 8 of the USB specification.
  • the SIE 310 typically comprehends signaling up to the transaction level.
  • the U SB network hub 300 can connect 127 functions configured in up to six logical layers (tiers) to a single computer. Further, the USB network hub 300 can connect to all peripherals using a standardized four- wire cable that provides both communication and power distribution.
  • the power configurations are bus-powered and self-powered modes.
  • the USB network hub 300 may be configured to support four modes of power management: a bus- powered hub, with either individual-port power management or ganged-port power management, and the self-powered hub, with either individual-port power management or ganged-port power management.
  • the USB network hub 300, the upstream USB transceiver port 302 is plugged into a USB host controller, and the downstream USB transceiver ports 304, 306, 308 are exposed for connecting USB compatible devices, and so forth.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates a logic diagram of a control system 470 of a surgical instrument or tool in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the system 470 comprises a control circuit.
  • the control circuit includes a microcontroller 461 comprising a processor 462 and a memory 468.
  • One or more of sensors 472, 474, 476 for example, provide real-time feedback to the processor 462.
  • a tracking system 480 is configured to determine the position of the longitudinally movable displacement member.
  • the position information is provided to the processor 462, which can be programmed or configured to determine the position of the longitudinally movable drive member as well as the position of a firing member, firing bar, and I-beam knife element. Additional motors may be provided at the tool driver interface to control I-beam firing, closure tube travel, shaft rotation, and articulation.
  • a display 473 displays a variety of operating conditions of the instruments and may include touch screen functionality for data input. Information displayed on the display 473 may be overlaid with images acquired via endoscopic imaging modules.
  • the microcontroller 461 may be any single-core or multicore processor such as those known under the trade name ARM Cortex by Texas Instruments.
  • the main microcontroller 461 may be an LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F Processor Core, available from Texas Instruments, for example, comprising an on- chip memory of 256 KB single-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatile memory, up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, a 32 KB single-cycle SRAM, and internal ROM loaded with StellarisWare® software, a 2 KB EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analogs, and/or one or more 12-bit ADCs with 12 analog input channels, details of which are available for the product datasheet.
  • the microcontroller 461 may be programmed to perform various functions such as precise control over the speed and position of the knife and articulation systems.
  • the microcontroller 461 includes a processor 462 and a memory 468.
  • the electric motor 482 may be a brushed direct current (DC) motor with a gearbox and mechanical links to an articulation or knife system.
  • a motor driver 492 may be an A3941 available from Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Other motor drivers may be readily substituted for use in the tracking system 480 comprising an absolute positioning system.
  • a detailed description of an absolute positioning system is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0296213, titled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT, which published on October 19, 2017, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the motor 482 may be controlled by the motor driver 492 and can be employed by the firing system of the surgical instrument or tool.
  • the motor 482 may be a brushed DC driving motor having a maximum rotational speed of approximately 25,000 RPM.
  • the motor 482 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor.
  • the motor driver 492 may comprise an H-bridge driver comprising field-effect transistors (FETs), for example.
  • FETs field-effect transistors
  • the motor 482 can be powered by a power assembly releasably mounted to the handle assembly or tool housing for supplying control power to the surgical instrument or tool.
  • the power assembly may comprise a battery which may include a number of battery cells connected in series that can be used as the power source to power the surgical instrument or tool.
  • the battery cells of the power assembly may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.
  • the battery cells can be lithium-ion batteries which can be couplable to and separable from the power assembly.
  • the motor driver 492 may be an A3941 available from Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
  • the A3941 492 is a full- bridge controller for use with external N-channel power metal -oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) specifically designed for inductive loads, such as brush DC motors.
  • the driver 492 comprises a unique charge pump regulator that provides full (>10 V) gate drive for battery voltages down to 7 V and allows the A3941 to operate with a reduced gate drive, down to 5.5 V.
  • a bootstrap capacitor may be employed to provide the above battery supply voltage required for N-channel MOSFETs.
  • An internal charge pump for the high-side drive allows DC (100% duty cycle) operation.
  • the tracking system 480 comprises a controlled motor drive circuit arrangement comprising a position sensor 472, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the position sensor 472 for an absolute positioning system provides a unique position signal corresponding to the location of a displacement member.
  • the displacement member represents a longitudinally movable drive member comprising a rack of drive teeth for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of a gear reducer assembly.
  • the displacement member represents the firing member, which could be adapted and configured to include a rack of drive teeth.
  • the displacement member represents a firing bar or the I-beam, each of which can be adapted and configured to include a rack of drive teeth.
  • the term displacement member is used generically to refer to any movable member of the surgical instrument or tool such as the drive member, the firing member, the firing bar, the I- beam, or any element that can be displaced.
  • the longitudinally movable drive member is coupled to the firing member, the firing bar, and the I-beam. Accordingly, the absolute positioning system can, in effect, track the linear displacement of the I-beam by tracking the linear displacement of the longitudinally movable drive member.
  • the displacement member may be coupled to any position sensor 472 suitable for measuring linear displacement.
  • the longitudinally movable drive member, the firing member, the firing bar, or the I-beam, or combinations thereof may be coupled to any suitable linear displacement sensor.
  • Linear displacement sensors may include contact or non-contact displacement sensors.
  • Linear displacement sensors may comprise linear variable differential transformers (LVDT), differential variable reluctance transducers (DVRT), a slide potentiometer, a magnetic sensing system comprising a movable magnet and a series of linearly arranged Flail effect sensors, a magnetic sensing system comprising a fixed magnet and a series of movable, linearly arranged Flail effect sensors, an optical sensing system comprising a movable light source and a series of linearly arranged photo diodes or photo detectors, an optical sensing system comprising a fixed light source and a series of movable linearly, arranged photo diodes or photo detectors, or any combination thereof.
  • LVDT linear variable differential transformers
  • DVRT differential variable reluctance transducers
  • a slide potentiometer a magnetic sensing system comprising a movable magnet and a series of linearly arranged Flail effect sensors
  • a magnetic sensing system comprising
  • the electric motor 482 can include a rotatable shaft that operably interfaces with a gear assembly that is mounted in meshing engagement with a set, or rack, of drive teeth on the displacement member.
  • a sensor element may be operably coupled to a gear assembly such that a single revolution of the position sensor 472 element corresponds to some linear longitudinal translation of the displacement member.
  • An arrangement of gearing and sensors can be connected to the linear actuator, via a rack and pinion arrangement, or a rotary actuator, via a spur gear or other connection.
  • a power source supplies power to the absolute positioning system and an output indicator may display the output of the absolute positioning system.
  • the displacement member represents the longitudinally movable drive member comprising a rack of drive teeth formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of the gear reducer assembly.
  • the displacement member represents the longitudinally movable firing member, firing bar, I- beam, or combinations thereof.
  • a single revolution of the sensor element associated with the position sensor 472 is equivalent to a longitudinal linear displacement dl of the of the displacement member, where dl is the longitudinal linear distance that the displacement member moves from point“a” to point“b” after a single revolution of the sensor element coupled to the displacement member.
  • the sensor arrangement may be connected via a gear reduction that results in the position sensor 472 completing one or more revolutions for the full stroke of the displacement member.
  • the position sensor 472 may complete multiple revolutions for the full stroke of the displacement member.
  • a series of switches may be employed alone or in combination with a gear reduction to provide a unique position signal for more than one revolution of the position sensor 472.
  • the state of the switches are fed back to the microcontroller 461 that applies logic to determine a unique position signal corresponding to the longitudinal linear displacement dl + d2 + ... dn of the displacement member.
  • the output of the position sensor 472 is provided to the microcontroller 461.
  • the position sensor 472 of the sensor arrangement may comprise a magnetic sensor, an analog rotary sensor like a potentiometer, or an array of analog Hall-effect elements, which output a unique combination of position signals or values.
  • the position sensor 472 may comprise any number of magnetic sensing elements, such as, for example, magnetic sensors classified according to whether they measure the total magnetic field or the vector components of the magnetic field.
  • magnetic sensing elements such as, for example, magnetic sensors classified according to whether they measure the total magnetic field or the vector components of the magnetic field.
  • the techniques used to produce both types of magnetic sensors encompass many aspects of physics and electronics.
  • the technologies used for magnetic field sensing include search coil, fluxgate, optically pumped, nuclear precession, SQUID, Hall-effect, anisotropic magnetoresistance, giant magneto resistance, magnetic tunnel junctions, giant magnetoimpedance, magnetostrictive/piezoelectric composites, magnetodiode, magnetotransistor, fiber-optic, magneto-optic, and microelectromechanical systems-based magnetic sensors, among others.
  • the position sensor 472 for the tracking system 480 comprising an absolute positioning system comprises a magnetic rotary absolute positioning system.
  • the position sensor 472 may be implemented as an
  • the position sensor 472 is interfaced with the microcontroller 461 to provide an absolute positioning system.
  • the position sensor 472 is a low-voltage and low-power component and includes four Hall -effect elements in an area of the position sensor 472 that is located above a magnet.
  • a high-resolution ADC and a smart power management controller are also provided on the chip.
  • a coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) processor also known as the digit-by -digit method and Voider’ s algorithm, is provided to implement a simple and efficient algorithm to calculate hyperbolic and trigonometric functions that require only addition, subtraction, bitshift, and table lookup operations.
  • CORDIC coordinate rotation digital computer
  • the angle position, alarm bits, and magnetic field information are transmitted over a standard serial communication interface, such as a serial peripheral interface (SPI) interface, to the microcontroller 461.
  • SPI serial peripheral interface
  • the position sensor 472 provides 12 or 14 bits of resolution.
  • the position sensor 472 may be an AS5055 chip provided in a small QFN 16-pin 4x4x0.85mm package.
  • the tracking system 480 comprising an absolute positioning system may comprise and/or be programmed to implement a feedback controller, such as a PID, state feedback, and adaptive controller.
  • a power source converts the signal from the feedback controller into a physical input to the system: in this case the voltage.
  • Other examples include a PWM of the voltage, current, and force.
  • Other sensor(s) may be provided to measure physical parameters of the physical system in addition to the position measured by the position sensor 472.
  • the other sensor(s) can include sensor arrangements such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 9,345,481, titled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, which issued on May 24, 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety; U.S.
  • Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552 titled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, which published on September 18, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/628,175, titled TECHNIQUES FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF MOTOR VELOCITY OF A SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT, filed June 20, 2017, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • an absolute positioning system is coupled to a digital data acquisition system where the output of the absolute positioning system will have a finite resolution and sampling frequency.
  • the absolute positioning system may comprise a compare-and-combine circuit to combine a computed response with a measured response using algorithms, such as a weighted average and a theoretical control loop, that drive the computed response towards the measured response.
  • the computed response of the physical system takes into account properties like mass, inertial, viscous friction, inductance resistance, etc., to predict what the states and outputs of the physical system will be by knowing the input.
  • the absolute positioning system provides an absolute position of the displacement member upon power-up of the instrument, without retracting or advancing the displacement member to a reset (zero or home) position as may be required with conventional rotary encoders that merely count the number of steps forwards or backwards that the motor 482 has taken to infer the position of a device actuator, drive bar, knife, or the like.
  • a sensor 474 such as, for example, a strain gauge or a micro-strain gauge, is configured to measure one or more parameters of the end effector, such as, for example, the amplitude of the strain exerted on the anvil during a clamping operation, which can be indicative of the closure forces applied to the anvil.
  • the measured strain is converted to a digital signal and provided to the processor 462.
  • a sensor 476 such as, for example, a load sensor, can measure the closure force applied by the closure drive system to the anvil.
  • the sensor 476 such as, for example, a load sensor, can measure the firing force applied to an I-beam in a firing stroke of the surgical instrument or tool.
  • the I-beam is configured to engage a wedge sled, which is configured to upwardly cam staple drivers to force out staples into deforming contact with an anvil.
  • the I-beam also includes a sharpened cutting edge that can be used to sever tissue as the I-beam is advanced distally by the firing bar.
  • a current sensor 478 can be employed to measure the current drawn by the motor 482.
  • the force required to advance the firing member can correspond to the current drawn by the motor 482, for example.
  • the measured force is converted to a digital signal and provided to the processor 462.
  • the strain gauge sensor 474 can be used to measure the force applied to the tissue by the end effector.
  • a strain gauge can be coupled to the end effector to measure the force on the tissue being treated by the end effector.
  • a system for measuring forces applied to the tissue grasped by the end effector comprises a strain gauge sensor 474, such as, for example, a micro-strain gauge, that is configured to measure one or more parameters of the end effector, for example.
  • the strain gauge sensor 474 can measure the amplitude or magnitude of the strain exerted on a jaw member of an end effector during a clamping operation, which can be indicative of the tissue compression. The measured strain is converted to a digital signal and provided to a processor 462 of the microcontroller 461.
  • a load sensor 476 can measure the force used to operate the knife element, for example, to cut the tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge.
  • a magnetic field sensor can be employed to measure the thickness of the captured tissue. The measurement of the magnetic field sensor also may be converted to a digital signal and provided to the processor 462.
  • a memory 468 may store a technique, an equation, and/or a lookup table which can be employed by the microcontroller 461 in the assessment.
  • control system 470 of the surgical instrument or tool also may comprise wired or wireless communication circuits to communicate with the modular communication hub as shown in FIGS. 8-11.
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a control circuit 500 configured to control aspects of the surgical instrument or tool, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the control circuit 500 can be configured to implement various processes described herein.
  • the control circuit 500 may comprise a microcontroller comprising one or more processors 502 (e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller) coupled to at least one memory circuit 504.
  • the memory circuit 504 stores machine-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 502, cause the processor 502 to execute machine instructions to implement various processes described herein.
  • the processor 502 may be any one of a number of singlecore or multicore processors known in the art.
  • the memory circuit 504 may comprise volatile and non-volatile storage media.
  • the processor 502 may include an instruction processing unit 506 and an arithmetic unit 508.
  • the instruction processing unit may be configured to receive instructions from the memory circuit 504 of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates a combinational logic circuit 510 configured to control aspects of the surgical instrument or tool, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the combinational logic circuit 510 can be configured to implement various processes described herein.
  • the combinational logic circuit 510 may comprise a finite state machine comprising a combinational logic 512 configured to receive data associated with the surgical instrument or tool at an input 514, process the data by the combinational logic 512, and provide an output 516.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates a sequential logic circuit 520 configured to control aspects of the surgical instrument or tool, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the sequential logic circuit 520 or the combinational logic 522 can be configured to implement various processes described herein.
  • the sequential logic circuit 520 may comprise a finite state machine.
  • the sequential logic circuit 520 may comprise a combinational logic 522, at least one memory circuit 524, and a clock 529, for example.
  • the at least one memory circuit 524 can store a current state of the finite state machine.
  • the sequential logic circuit 520 may be synchronous or asynchronous.
  • the combinational logic 522 is configured to receive data associated with the surgical instrument or tool from an input 526, process the data by the combinational logic 522, and provide an output 528.
  • the circuit may comprise a combination of a processor (e.g., processor 502, FIG. 13) and a finite state machine to implement various processes herein.
  • the finite state machine may comprise a combination of a combinational logic circuit (e.g., combinational logic circuit 510, FIG. 14) and the sequential logic circuit 520.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates a surgical instrument or tool comprising a plurality of motors which can be activated to perform various functions.
  • a first motor can be activated to perform a first function
  • a second motor can be activated to perform a second function
  • a third motor can be activated to perform a third function
  • a fourth motor can be activated to perform a fourth function, and so on.
  • the plurality of motors of robotic surgical instrument 600 can be individually activated to cause firing, closure, and/or articulation motions in the end effector. The firing, closure, and/or articulation motions can be transmitted to the end effector through a shaft assembly, for example.
  • the surgical instrument system or tool may include a firing motor 602.
  • the firing motor 602 may be operably coupled to a firing motor drive assembly 604 which can be configured to transmit firing motions, generated by the motor 602 to the end effector, in particular to displace the I-beam element.
  • the firing motions generated by the motor 602 may cause the staples to be deployed from the staple cartridge into tissue captured by the end effector and/or the cutting edge of the I-beam element to be advanced to cut the captured tissue, for example.
  • the I-beam element may be retracted by reversing the direction of the motor 602.
  • the surgical instrument or tool may include one or more articulation motors 606a, 606b, for example.
  • the motors 606a, 606b may be operably coupled to respective articulation motor drive assemblies 608a, 608b, which can be configured to transmit articulation motions generated by the motors 606a, 606b to the end effector.
  • the articulation motions may cause the end effector to articulate relative to the shaft, for example.
  • the surgical instrument or tool may include a plurality of motors which may be configured to perform various independent functions.
  • the plurality of motors of the surgical instrument or tool can be individually or separately activated to perform one or more functions while the other motors remain inactive.
  • the articulation motors 606a, 606b can be activated to cause the end effector to be articulated while the firing motor 602 remains inactive.
  • the firing motor 602 can be activated to fire the plurality of staples, and/or to advance the cutting edge, while the articulation motor 606 remains inactive.
  • the closure motor 603 may be activated simultaneously with the firing motor 602 to cause the closure tube and the I-beam element to advance distally as described in more detail hereinbelow.
  • the surgical instrument or tool may include a common control module 610 which can be employed with a plurality of motors of the surgical instrument or tool.
  • the common control module 610 may accommodate one of the plurality of motors at a time.
  • the common control module 610 can be coup lab le to and separable from the plurality of motors of the robotic surgical instrument individually.
  • a plurality of the motors of the surgical instrument or tool may share one or more common control modules such as the common control module 610.
  • a plurality of motors of the surgical instrument or tool can be individually and selectively engaged with the common control module 610.
  • the common control module 610 can be selectively switched from interfacing with one of a plurality of motors of the surgical instrument or tool to interfacing with another one of the plurality of motors of the surgical instrument or tool.
  • the common control module 610 can be selectively switched between operable engagement with the articulation motors 606a, 606b and operable engagement with either the firing motor 602 or the closure motor 603.
  • a switch 614 can be moved or transitioned between a plurality of positions and/or states.
  • the switch 614 may electrically couple the common control module 610 to the firing motor 602; in a second position 617, the switch 614 may electrically couple the common control module 610 to the closure motor 603; in a third position 618a, the switch 614 may electrically couple the common control module 610 to the first articulation motor 606a; and in a fourth position 618b, the switch 614 may electrically couple the common control module 610 to the second articulation motor 606b, for example.
  • separate common control modules 610 can be electrically coupled to the firing motor 602, the closure motor 603, and the articulations motor 606a, 606b at the same time.
  • the switch 614 may be a mechanical switch, an electromechanical switch, a solid-state switch, or any suitable switching mechanism.
  • Each of the motors 602, 603, 606a, 606b may comprise a torque sensor to measure the output torque on the shaft of the motor.
  • the force on an end effector may be sensed in any conventional manner, such as by force sensors on the outer sides of the jaws or by a torque sensor for the motor actuating the jaws.
  • the common control module 610 may comprise a motor driver 626 which may comprise one or more Fl-Bridge FETs.
  • the motor driver 626 may modulate the power transmitted from a power source 628 to a motor coupled to the common control module 610 based on input from a microcontroller 620 (the “controller”), for example.
  • the microcontroller 620 can be employed to determine the current drawn by the motor, for example, while the motor is coupled to the common control module 610, as described above.
  • the power source 628 can be employed to supply power to the microcontroller 620, for example.
  • the power source 628 may comprise a battery (or“battery pack” or“power pack”), such as a lithium-ion battery, for example.
  • the battery pack may be configured to be releasably mounted to a handle for supplying power to the surgical instrument 600.
  • a number of battery cells connected in series may be used as the power source 628.
  • the power source 628 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable, for example.
  • the processor 622 may be any single-core or multicore processor such as those known under the trade name ARM Cortex by Texas Instruments.
  • the microcontroller 620 may be an LM
  • LM4F230F15QR is an ARM Cortex-M4F Processor Core comprising an on-chip memory of 256 KB single-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatile memory, up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, a 32 KB single-cycle SRAM, an internal ROM loaded with StellarisWare® software, a 2 KB EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analogs, one or more 12-bit ADCs with 12 analog input channels, among other features that are readily available for the product datasheet.
  • Other microcontrollers may be readily substituted for use with the module 4410. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be limited in this context.
  • the memory 624 may include program instructions for controlling each of the motors of the surgical instrument 600 that are couplable to the common control module 610.
  • the memory 624 may include program instructions for controlling the firing motor 602, the closure motor 603, and the articulation motors 606a, 606b.
  • Such program instructions may cause the processor 622 to control the firing, closure, and articulation functions in accordance with inputs from algorithms or control programs of the surgical instrument or tool.
  • one or more mechanisms and/or sensors such as, for example, sensors 630 can be employed to alert the processor 622 to the program instructions that should be used in a particular setting.
  • the sensors 630 may alert the processor 622 to use the program instructions associated with firing, closing, and articulating the end effector.
  • the sensors 630 may comprise position sensors which can be employed to sense the position of the switch 614, for example.
  • the processor 622 may use the program instructions associated with firing the I-beam of the end effector upon detecting, through the sensors 630 for example, that the switch 614 is in the first position 616; the processor 622 may use the program instructions associated with closing the anvil upon detecting, through the sensors 630 for example, that the switch 614 is in the second position 617; and the processor 622 may use the program instructions associated with articulating the end effector upon detecting, through the sensors 630 for example, that the switch 614 is in the third or fourth position 618a, 618b.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a robotic surgical instrument 700 configured to operate a surgical tool described herein, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the robotic surgical instrument 700 may be programmed or configured to control distaFproximal translation of a displacement member, distaFproximal displacement of a closure tube, shaft rotation, and articulation, either with single or multiple articulation drive links.
  • the surgical instrument 700 may be programmed or configured to individually control a firing member, a closure member, a shaft member, and/or one or more articulation members.
  • the surgical instrument 700 comprises a control circuit 710 configured to control motor-driven firing members, closure members, shaft members, and/or one or more articulation members.
  • the robotic surgical instrument 700 comprises a control circuit 710 configured to control an anvil 716 and an I-beam 714 (including a sharp cutting edge) portion of an end effector 702, a removable staple cartridge 718, a shaft 740, and one or more articulation members 742a, 742b via a plurality of motors 704a-704e.
  • a position sensor 734 may be configured to provide position feedback of the I-beam 714 to the control circuit 710.
  • Other sensors 738 may be configured to provide feedback to the control circuit 710.
  • a timer/counter 731 provides timing and counting information to the control circuit 710.
  • An energy source 712 may be provided to operate the motors 704a-704e, and a current sensor 736 provides motor current feedback to the control circuit 710.
  • the motors 704a-704e can be operated individually by the control circuit 710 in an open-loop or closed-loop feedback control.
  • control circuit 710 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other suitable processors for executing instructions that cause the processor or processors to perform one or more tasks.
  • a timer/counter 731 provides an output signal, such as the elapsed time or a digital count, to the control circuit 710 to correlate the position of the I-beam 714 as determined by the position sensor 734 with the output of the timer/counter 731 such that the control circuit 710 can determine the position of the I-beam 714 at a specific time (t) relative to a starting position or the time (t) when the I-beam 714 is at a specific position relative to a starting position.
  • the timer/counter 731 may be configured to measure elapsed time, count external events, or time external events.
  • control circuit 710 may be programmed to control functions of the end effector 702 based on one or more tissue conditions.
  • the control circuit 710 may be programmed to sense tissue conditions, such as thickness, either directly or indirectly, as described herein.
  • the control circuit 710 may be programmed to select a firing control program or closure control program based on tissue conditions.
  • a firing control program may describe the distal motion of the displacement member. Different firing control programs may be selected to better treat different tissue conditions. For example, when thicker tissue is present, the control circuit 710 may be programmed to translate the displacement member at a lower velocity and/or with lower power. When thinner tissue is present, the control circuit 710 may be programmed to translate the displacement member at a higher velocity and/or with higher power.
  • a closure control program may control the closure force applied to the tissue by the anvil 716. Other control programs control the rotation of the shaft 740 and the articulation members 742a, 742b.
  • the motors 704a-704e may be brushless DC electric motors, and the respective motor drive signals may comprise a PWM signal provided to one or more stator windings of the motors 704a-704e. Also, in some examples, the motor controllers 708a-708e may be omitted and the control circuit 710 may generate the motor drive signals directly.
  • control circuit 710 may initially operate each of the motors 704a-704e in an open-loop configuration for a first open-loop portion of a stroke of the displacement member. Based on the response of the robotic surgical instrument 700 during the open-loop portion of the stroke, the control circuit 710 may select a firing control program in a closed-loop configuration.
  • the response of the instrument may include a translation distance of the displacement member during the open-loop portion, a time elapsed during the open-loop portion, the energy provided to one of the motors 704a-704e during the open-loop portion, a sum of pulse widths of a motor drive signal, etc.
  • the control circuit 710 may implement the selected firing control program for a second portion of the displacement member stroke. For example, during a closed-loop portion of the stroke, the control circuit 710 may modulate one of the motors 704a-704e based on translation data describing a position of the displacement member in a closed-loop manner to translate the displacement member at a constant velocity.
  • the position sensor 734 may be or include any type of sensor that is capable of generating position data that indicate a position of the I-beam 714.
  • the position sensor 734 may include an encoder configured to provide a series of pulses to the control circuit 710 as the I-beam 714 translates distally and proximally.
  • the control circuit 710 may track the pulses to determine the position of the I-beam 714.
  • Other suitable position sensors may be used, including, for example, a proximity sensor.
  • Other types of position sensors may provide other signals indicating motion of the I-beam 714.
  • the position sensor 734 may be omitted.
  • the motor 704a may be coupled to the knife gear assembly, which includes a knife gear reduction set that includes a first knife drive gear and a second knife drive gear.
  • a torque sensor 744a provides a firing force feedback signal to the control circuit 710.
  • the firing force signal represents the force required to fire or displace the I-beam 714.
  • a position sensor 734 may be configured to provide the position of the I-beam 714 along the firing stroke or the position of the firing member as a feedback signal to the control circuit 710.
  • the end effector 702 may include additional sensors 738 configured to provide feedback signals to the control circuit 710. When ready to use, the control circuit 710 may provide a firing signal to the motor control 708a.
  • the motor 704a may drive the firing member distally along the longitudinal axis of the end effector 702 from a proximal stroke start position to a stroke end position distal to the stroke start position.
  • an I-beam 714 With a cutting element positioned at a distal end, advances distally to cut tissue located between the staple cartridge 718 and the anvil 716.
  • control circuit 710 is configured to drive a closure member such as the anvil 716 portion of the end effector 702.
  • the control circuit 710 provides a motor set point to a motor control 708b, which provides a drive signal to the motor 704b.
  • the output shaft of the motor 704b is coupled to a torque sensor 744b.
  • the torque sensor 744b is coupled to a transmission 706b which is coupled to the anvil 716.
  • the transmission 706b comprises movable mechanical elements such as rotating elements and a closure member to control the movement of the anvil 716 from the open and closed positions.
  • the motor 704b is coupled to a closure gear assembly, which includes a closure reduction gear set that is supported in meshing engagement with the closure spur gear.
  • the torque sensor 744b provides a closure force feedback signal to the control circuit 710.
  • the closure force feedback signal represents the closure force applied to the anvil 716.
  • the position sensor 734 may be configured to provide the position of the closure member as a feedback signal to the control circuit 710. Additional sensors 738 in the end effector 702 may provide the closure force feedback signal to the control circuit 710.
  • the pivotable anvil 716 is positioned opposite the staple cartridge 718.
  • the control circuit 710 may provide a closure signal to the motor control 708b.
  • the motor 704b advances a closure member to grasp tissue between the anvil 716 and the staple cartridge 718.
  • the motor 704c is coupled to the rotational transmission assembly, which includes a tube gear segment that is formed on (or attached to) the proximal end of the proximal closure tube for operable engagement by a rotational gear assembly that is operably supported on the tool mounting plate.
  • the torque sensor 744c provides a rotation force feedback signal to the control circuit 710.
  • the rotation force feedback signal represents the rotation force applied to the shaft 740.
  • the position sensor 734 may be configured to provide the position of the closure member as a feedback signal to the control circuit 710. Additional sensors 738 such as a shaft encoder may provide the rotational position of the shaft 740 to the control circuit 710.
  • control circuit 710 is configured to articulate the end effector 702.
  • the control circuit 710 provides a motor set point to a motor control 708d, which provides a drive signal to the motor 704d.
  • the output shaft of the motor 704d is coupled to a torque sensor 744d.
  • the torque sensor 744d is coupled to a transmission 706d which is coupled to an articulation member 742a.
  • the transmission 706d comprises movable mechanical elements such as articulation elements to control the articulation of the end effector 702 ⁇ 65°.
  • the motor 704d is coupled to an articulation nut, which is rotatably journaled on the proximal end portion of the distal spine portion and is rotatably driven thereon by an articulation gear assembly.
  • the torque sensor 744d provides an articulation force feedback signal to the control circuit 710.
  • the articulation force feedback signal represents the articulation force applied to the end effector 702.
  • Sensors 738 such as an articulation encoder, may provide the articulation position of the end effector 702 to the control circuit 710.
  • the articulation function of the robotic surgical system 700 may comprise two articulation members, or links, 742a, 742b. These articulation members 742a, 742b are driven by separate disks on the robot interface (the rack) which are driven by the two motors 708d, 708e.
  • each of articulation links 742a, 742b can be antagonistically driven with respect to the other link in order to provide a resistive holding motion and a load to the head when it is not moving and to provide an articulation motion as the head is articulated.
  • the articulation members 742a, 742b attach to the head at a fixed radius as the head is rotated. Accordingly, the mechanical advantage of the push-and-pull link changes as the head is rotated. This change in the mechanical advantage may be more pronounced with other articulation link drive systems.
  • the one or more motors 704a-704e may comprise a brushed DC motor with a gearbox and mechanical links to a firing member, closure member, or articulation member.
  • Another example includes electric motors 704a-704e that operate the movable mechanical elements such as the displacement member, articulation links, closure tube, and shaft.
  • An outside influence is an unmeasured, unpredictable influence of things like tissue, surrounding bodies, and friction on the physical system. Such outside influence can be referred to as drag, which acts in opposition to one of electric motors 704a-704e.
  • the outside influence, such as drag may cause the operation of the physical system to deviate from a desired operation of the physical system.
  • the position sensor 734 may be implemented as an absolute positioning system.
  • the position sensor 734 may comprise a magnetic rotary absolute positioning system implemented as an AS5055EQFT single-chip magnetic rotary position sensor available from Austria Microsystems, AG.
  • the position sensor 734 may interface with the control circuit 710 to provide an absolute positioning system.
  • the position may include multiple Hall- effect elements located above a magnet and coupled to a CORDIC processor, also known as the digit-by -digit method and Voider’ s algorithm, that is provided to implement a simple and efficient algorithm to calculate hyperbolic and trigonometric functions that require only addition, subtraction, bitshift, and table lookup operations.
  • CORDIC processor also known as the digit-by -digit method and Voider’ s algorithm
  • the control circuit 710 may be in communication with one or more sensors 738.
  • the sensors 738 may be positioned on the end effector 702 and adapted to operate with the robotic surgical instrument 700 to measure the various derived parameters such as the gap distance versus time, tissue compression versus time, and anvil strain versus time.
  • the sensors 738 may comprise a magnetic sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a strain gauge, a load cell, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a torque sensor, an inductive sensor such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor for measuring one or more parameters of the end effector 702.
  • the sensors 738 may include one or more sensors.
  • the sensors 738 may be located on the staple cartridge 718 deck to determine tissue location using segmented electrodes.
  • the torque sensors 744a-744e may be configured to sense force such as firing force, closure force, and/or articulation force, among others. Accordingly, the control circuit 710 can sense (1) the closure load experienced by the distal closure tube and its position, (2) the firing member at the rack and its position, (3) what portion of the staple cartridge 718 has tissue on it, and (4) the load and position on both articulation rods.
  • the one or more sensors 738 may comprise a strain gauge, such as a micro-strain gauge, configured to measure the magnitude of the strain in the anvil 716 during a clamped condition.
  • the strain gauge provides an electrical signal whose amplitude varies with the magnitude of the strain.
  • the sensors 738 may comprise a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure generated by the presence of compressed tissue between the anvil 716 and the staple cartridge 718.
  • the sensors 738 may be configured to detect impedance of a tissue section located between the anvil 716 and the staple cartridge 718 that is indicative of the thickness and/or fullness of tissue located therebetween.
  • the sensors 738 may be implemented as one or more limit switches, electromechanical devices, solid-state switches, Hall-effect devices, magneto-resistive (MR) devices, giant magneto-resistive (GMR) devices, magnetometers, among others.
  • the sensors 738 may be implemented as solid-state switches that operate under the influence of light, such as optical sensors, IR sensors, ultraviolet sensors, among others.
  • the switches may be solid-state devices such as transistors (e.g., FET, junction FET, MOSFET, bipolar, and the like).
  • the sensors 738 may include electrical conductorless switches, ultrasonic switches, accelerometers, and inertial sensors, among others.
  • the sensors 738 may be configured to measure forces exerted on the anvil 716 by the closure drive system.
  • one or more sensors 738 can be at an interaction point between the closure tube and the anvil 716 to detect the closure forces applied by the closure tube to the anvil 716.
  • the forces exerted on the anvil 716 can be representative of the tissue compression experienced by the tissue section captured between the anvil 716 and the staple cartridge 718.
  • the one or more sensors 738 can be positioned at various interaction points along the closure drive system to detect the closure forces applied to the anvil 716 by the closure drive system.
  • the one or more sensors 738 may be sampled in real time during a clamping operation by the processor of the control circuit 710.
  • the control circuit 710 receives real-time sample measurements to provide and analyze time-based information and assess, in real time, closure forces applied to the anvil 716.
  • a current sensor 736 can be employed to measure the current drawn by each of the motors 704a- 704e.
  • the force required to advance any of the movable mechanical elements such as the I-beam 714 corresponds to the current drawn by one of the motors 704a-704e.
  • the force is converted to a digital signal and provided to the control circuit 710.
  • the control circuit 710 can be configured to simulate the response of the actual system of the instrument in the software of the controller.
  • a displacement member can be actuated to move an I-beam 714 in the end effector 702 at or near a target velocity.
  • the robotic surgical instrument 700 can include a feedback controller, which can be one of any feedback controllers, including, but not limited to a PID, a state feedback, a linear-quadratic (LQR), and/or an adaptive controller, for example.
  • the robotic surgical instrument 700 can include a power source to convert the signal from the feedback controller into a physical input such as case voltage, PWM voltage, frequency modulated voltage, current, torque, and/or force, for example. Additional details are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/636,829, titled CLOSED LOOP VELOCITY CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR ROBOTIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, filed June 29, 2017, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a block diagram of a surgical instrument 750 programmed to control the distal translation of a displacement member, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the surgical instrument 750 is programmed to control the distal translation of a displacement member such as the I-beam 764.
  • the surgical instrument 750 comprises an end effector 752 that may comprise an anvil 766, an I-beam 764 (including a sharp cutting edge), and a removable staple cartridge 768.
  • the control circuit 760 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other suitable processors for executing instructions that cause the processor or processors to control the displacement member, e.g., the I-beam 764, in the manner described.
  • a timer/counter 781 provides an output signal, such as the elapsed time or a digital count, to the control circuit 760 to correlate the position of the I-beam 764 as determined by the position sensor 784 with the output of the timer/counter 781 such that the control circuit 760 can determine the position of the I-beam 764 at a specific time (t) relative to a starting position.
  • the timer/counter 781 may be configured to measure elapsed time, count external events, or time external events.
  • the control circuit 760 may generate a motor set point signal 772.
  • the motor set point signal 772 may be provided to a motor controller 758.
  • the motor controller 758 may comprise one or more circuits configured to provide a motor drive signal 774 to the motor 754 to drive the motor 754 as described herein.
  • the motor 754 may be a brushed DC electric motor.
  • the velocity of the motor 754 may be proportional to the motor drive signal 774.
  • the motor 754 may be a brushless DC electric motor and the motor drive signal 774 may comprise a PWM signal provided to one or more stator windings of the motor 754.
  • the motor controller 758 may be omitted, and the control circuit 760 may generate the motor drive signal 774 directly.
  • the motor 754 may receive power from an energy source 762.
  • the energy source 762 may be or include a battery, a super capacitor, or any other suitable energy source.
  • the motor 754 may be mechanically coupled to the I- beam 764 via a transmission 756.
  • the transmission 756 may include one or more gears or other linkage components to couple the motor 754 to the I-beam 764.
  • a position sensor 784 may sense a position of the I-beam 764.
  • the position sensor 784 may be or include any type of sensor that is capable of generating position data that indicate a position of the I-beam 764.
  • the position sensor 784 may include an encoder configured to provide a series of pulses to the control circuit 760 as the I-beam 764 translates distally and proximally.
  • the control circuit 760 may track the pulses to determine the position of the I-beam 764.
  • Other suitable position sensors may be used, including, for example, a proximity sensor. Other types of position sensors may provide other signals indicating motion of the I-beam 764.
  • the position sensor 784 may be omitted. Where the motor 754 is a stepper motor, the control circuit 760 may track the position of the I-beam 764 by aggregating the number and direction of steps that the motor 754 has been instructed to execute.
  • the position sensor 784 may be located in the end effector 752 or at any other portion of the instrument.
  • the control circuit 760 may be in communication with one or more sensors 788.
  • the sensors 788 may be positioned on the end effector 752 and adapted to operate with the surgical instrument 750 to measure the various derived parameters such as gap distance versus time, tissue compression versus time, and anvil strain versus time.
  • the sensors 788 may comprise a magnetic sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an inductive sensor such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor for measuring one or more parameters of the end effector 752.
  • the sensors 788 may include one or more sensors.
  • the one or more sensors 788 may comprise a strain gauge, such as a micro-strain gauge, configured to measure the magnitude of the strain in the anvil 766 during a clamped condition.
  • the strain gauge provides an electrical signal whose amplitude varies with the magnitude of the strain.
  • the sensors 788 may comprise a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure generated by the presence of compressed tissue between the anvil 766 and the staple cartridge 768.
  • the sensors 788 may be configured to detect impedance of a tissue section located between the anvil 766 and the staple cartridge 768 that is indicative of the thickness and/or fullness of tissue located therebetween.
  • the sensors 788 may be is configured to measure forces exerted on the anvil 766 by a closure drive system.
  • one or more sensors 788 can be at an interaction point between a closure tube and the anvil 766 to detect the closure forces applied by a closure tube to the anvil 766.
  • the forces exerted on the anvil 766 can be representative of the tissue compression experienced by the tissue section captured between the anvil 766 and the staple cartridge 768.
  • the one or more sensors 788 can be positioned at various interaction points along the closure drive system to detect the closure forces applied to the anvil 766 by the closure drive system.
  • the one or more sensors 788 may be sampled in real time during a clamping operation by a processor of the control circuit 760.
  • the control circuit 760 receives real-time sample measurements to provide and analyze time-based information and assess, in real time, closure forces applied to the anvil 766.
  • a current sensor 786 can be employed to measure the current drawn by the motor 754.
  • the force required to advance the I-beam 764 corresponds to the current drawn by the motor 754.
  • the force is converted to a digital signal and provided to the control circuit 760.
  • the control circuit 760 can be configured to simulate the response of the actual system of the instrument in the software of the controller.
  • a displacement member can be actuated to move an I-beam 764 in the end effector 752 at or near a target velocity.
  • the surgical instrument 750 can include a feedback controller, which can be one of any feedback controllers, including, but not limited to a PID, a state feedback, LQR, and/or an adaptive controller, for example.
  • the surgical instrument 750 can include a power source to convert the signal from the feedback controller into a physical input such as case voltage, PWM voltage, frequency modulated voltage, current, torque, and/or force, for example.
  • the actual drive system of the surgical instrument 750 is configured to drive the displacement member, cutting member, or I-beam 764, by a brushed DC motor with gearbox and mechanical links to an articulation and/or knife system.
  • a brushed DC motor with gearbox and mechanical links to an articulation and/or knife system.
  • the electric motor 754 that operates the displacement member and the articulation driver, for example, of an interchangeable shaft assembly.
  • An outside influence is an unmeasured, unpredictable influence of things like tissue, surrounding bodies and friction on the physical system. Such outside influence can be referred to as drag which acts in opposition to the electric motor 754.
  • the outside influence, such as drag may cause the operation of the physical system to deviate from a desired operation of the physical system.
  • a surgical instrument 750 comprising an end effector 752 with motor- driven surgical stapling and cutting implements.
  • a motor 754 may drive a displacement member distally and proximally along a longitudinal axis of the end effector 752.
  • the end effector 752 may comprise a pivotable anvil 766 and, when configured for use, a staple cartridge 768 positioned opposite the anvil 766.
  • a clinician may grasp tissue between the anvil 766 and the staple cartridge 768, as described herein.
  • the clinician may provide a firing signal, for example by depressing a trigger of the instrument 750.
  • the motor 754 may drive the displacement member distally along the longitudinal axis of the end effector 752 from a proximal stroke begin position to a stroke end position distal of the stroke begin position.
  • an I-beam 764 with a cutting element positioned at a distal end may cut the tissue between the staple cartridge 768 and the anvil 766.
  • the surgical instrument 750 may comprise a control circuit 760 programmed to control the distal translation of the displacement member, such as the I-beam 764, for example, based on one or more tissue conditions.
  • the control circuit 760 may be programmed to sense tissue conditions, such as thickness, either directly or indirectly, as described herein.
  • the control circuit 760 may be programmed to select a firing control program based on tissue conditions.
  • a firing control program may describe the distal motion of the displacement member. Different firing control programs may be selected to better treat different tissue conditions. For example, when thicker tissue is present, the control circuit 760 may be programmed to translate the displacement member at a lower velocity and/or with lower power. When thinner tissue is present, the control circuit 760 may be programmed to translate the displacement member at a higher velocity and/or with higher power.
  • the control circuit 760 may initially operate the motor 754 in an open loop configuration for a first open loop portion of a stroke of the displacement member. Based on a response of the instrument 750 during the open loop portion of the stroke, the control circuit 760 may select a firing control program.
  • the response of the instrument may include, a translation distance of the displacement member during the open loop portion, a time elapsed during the open loop portion, energy provided to the motor 754 during the open loop portion, a sum of pulse widths of a motor drive signal, etc.
  • the control circuit 760 may implement the selected firing control program for a second portion of the displacement member stroke.
  • control circuit 760 may modulate the motor 754 based on translation data describing a position of the displacement member in a closed loop manner to translate the displacement member at a constant velocity. Additional details are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/720,852, titled SYSTEM AND METFIODS FOR CONTROLLING A DISPLAY OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, filed September 29, 2017, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a surgical instrument 790 configured to control various functions, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the surgical instrument 790 is programmed to control distal translation of a displacement member such as the I-beam 764.
  • the surgical instrument 790 comprises an end effector 792 that may comprise an anvil 766, an I-beam 764, and a removable staple cartridge 768 which may be interchanged with an RF cartridge 796 (shown in dashed line).
  • the position sensor 784 may be implemented as an absolute positioning system comprising a magnetic rotary absolute positioning system implemented as an AS5055EQFT single-chip magnetic rotary position sensor available from Austria Microsystems, AG.
  • the position sensor 784 may interface with the control circuit 760 to provide an absolute positioning system.
  • the position may include multiple Hall-effect elements located above a magnet and coupled to a CORDIC processor, also known as the digit-by-digit method and Volder’s algorithm, that is provided to implement a simple and efficient algorithm to calculate hyperbolic and trigonometric functions that require only addition, subtraction, bitshift, and table lookup operations.
  • CORDIC processor also known as the digit-by-digit method and Volder’s algorithm
  • the I-beam 764 may be implemented as a knife member comprising a knife body that operably supports a tissue cutting blade thereon and may further include anvil engagement tabs or features and channel engagement features or a foot.
  • the staple cartridge 768 may be implemented as a standard (mechanical) surgical fastener cartridge.
  • the RF cartridge 796 may be implemented as an RF cartridge.
  • the position, movement, displacement, and/or translation of a linear displacement member, such as the I-beam 764 can be measured by an absolute positioning system, sensor arrangement, and position sensor represented as position sensor 784. Because the I-beam 764 is coupled to the longitudinally movable drive member, the position of the I-beam 764 can be determined by measuring the position of the longitudinally movable drive member employing the position sensor 784. Accordingly, in the following description, the position, displacement, and/or translation of the I-beam 764 can be achieved by the position sensor 784 as described herein.
  • a control circuit 760 may be programmed to control the translation of the displacement member, such as the I-beam 764, as described herein.
  • the control circuit 760 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other suitable processors for executing instructions that cause the processor or processors to control the displacement member, e.g., the I-beam 764, in the manner described.
  • a timer/counter 781 provides an output signal, such as the elapsed time or a digital count, to the control circuit 760 to correlate the position of the I-beam 764 as determined by the position sensor 784 with the output of the timer/counter 781 such that the control circuit 760 can determine the position of the I-beam 764 at a specific time (t) relative to a starting position.
  • the timer/counter 781 may be configured to measure elapsed time, count external events, or time external events.
  • the control circuit 760 may generate a motor set point signal 772.
  • the motor set point signal 772 may be provided to a motor controller 758.
  • the motor controller 758 may comprise one or more circuits configured to provide a motor drive signal 774 to the motor 754 to drive the motor 754 as described herein.
  • the motor 754 may be a brushed DC electric motor.
  • the velocity of the motor 754 may be proportional to the motor drive signal 774.
  • the motor 754 may be a brushless DC electric motor and the motor drive signal 774 may comprise a PWM signal provided to one or more stator windings of the motor 754.
  • the motor controller 758 may be omitted, and the control circuit 760 may generate the motor drive signal 774 directly.
  • the motor 754 may receive power from an energy source 762.
  • the energy source 762 may be or include a battery, a super capacitor, or any other suitable energy source.
  • the motor 754 may be mechanically coupled to the I- beam 764 via a transmission 756.
  • the transmission 756 may include one or more gears or other linkage components to couple the motor 754 to the I-beam 764.
  • a position sensor 784 may sense a position of the I-beam 764.
  • the position sensor 784 may be or include any type of sensor that is capable of generating position data that indicate a position of the I-beam 764.
  • the position sensor 784 may include an encoder configured to provide a series of pulses to the control circuit 760 as the I-beam 764 translates distally and proximally.
  • the control circuit 760 may track the pulses to determine the position of the I-beam 764.
  • Other suitable position sensors may be used, including, for example, a proximity sensor. Other types of position sensors may provide other signals indicating motion of the I-beam 764.
  • the position sensor 784 may be omitted. Where the motor 754 is a stepper motor, the control circuit 760 may track the position of the I-beam 764 by aggregating the number and direction of steps that the motor has been instructed to execute.
  • the position sensor 784 may be located in the end effector 792 or at any other portion of the instrument.
  • the sensors 788 may be is configured to measure forces exerted on the anvil 766 by the closure drive system.
  • one or more sensors 788 can be at an interaction point between a closure tube and the anvil 766 to detect the closure forces applied by a closure tube to the anvil 766.
  • the forces exerted on the anvil 766 can be representative of the tissue compression experienced by the tissue section captured between the anvil 766 and the staple cartridge 768.
  • the one or more sensors 788 can be positioned at various interaction points along the closure drive system to detect the closure forces applied to the anvil 766 by the closure drive system.
  • the one or more sensors 788 may be sampled in real time during a clamping operation by a processor portion of the control circuit 760.
  • the control circuit 760 receives realtime sample measurements to provide and analyze time-based information and assess, in real time, closure forces applied to the anvil 766.
  • a current sensor 786 can be employed to measure the current drawn by the motor 754.
  • the force required to advance the I-beam 764 corresponds to the current drawn by the motor 754.
  • the force is converted to a digital signal and provided to the control circuit 760.
  • An RF energy source 794 is coupled to the end effector 792 and is applied to the RF cartridge 796 when the RF cartridge 796 is loaded in the end effector 792 in place of the staple cartridge 768.
  • the control circuit 760 controls the delivery of the RF energy to the RF cartridge 796.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates a stroke length graph 20740 showing how a control system can modify the stroke length of a closure tube assembly based on the articulation angle Q.
  • Such modifying of the stroke length includes shortening the stroke length to a compensated stroke length (e.g., defined along the y-axis) as the articulation angle Q increases (e.g., defined along the x-axis).
  • the compensated stroke length defines a length of travel of the closure tube assembly in the distal direction to close the jaws of an end effector, which is dependent upon the articulation angle Q and prevents overtravel of the closure tube assembly causing damage to the surgical device.
  • the stroke length of the closure tube assembly to close the jaws is approximately .250 inches when the end effector is not articulated, and the compensated stroke length is approximately .242 inches when the articulation angle Q is approximately 60 degrees.
  • Such measurements are provided as examples only and can include any of a variety of angles and corresponding stroke lengths and compensated stroke lengths without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
  • the relationship between the articulation angles Q and compensated stroke lengths is non-linear and the rate at which the compensated stroke length shortens increases as the articulation angle increases.
  • the decrease in compensated stroke lengths between 45 degrees and 60 degrees articulation is greater than the decrease in compensated stroke lengths between zero degrees and 15 degrees articulation.
  • the control system is adjusting the stroke length based on the articulation angle Q to prevent damage to the surgical device (e.g., jamming the distal end of the closure tube assembly in a distal position), the distal closure tube is still allowed to advance during articulation, thereby potentially at least partly closing the jaws.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a closure tube assembly positioning graph 20750 showing one aspect in which a control system modifies a longitudinal position of a closure tube assembly based on the articulation angle Q.
  • modifying of the longitudinal position of the closure tube assembly includes proximally retracting the closure tube assembly by a compensation distance (e.g., defined along the y-axis) as the end effector articulates and based on the articulation angle Q (e.g., defined along the x-axis).
  • the compensation distance that the closure tube assembly is proximally retracted prevents distal advancement of the distal closure tube thereby maintaining the jaws in the open position during articulation.
  • the closure tube assembly can travel the stroke length starting form the proximally retracted position to close the jaws upon activation of the closure assembly.
  • the compensation distance when the end effector is not articulated is zero and the compensation distance when the articulation angle Q is approximately 60 degrees is approximately .008 inches.
  • the closure tube assembly is retracted by a .008 inch compensation distance during articulation.
  • the closure tube assembly can advance the stoke length starting from this retracted position.
  • Such measurements are provided for example purposes only and can include any of a variety of angles and corresponding compensation distances without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
  • the relationship between the articulation angle Q and the compensation distance is non-linear and the rate at which the compensation distance lengthens increases as the articulation angle Q increases. For example, the increase in compensation distance between 45 degrees and 60 degrees is greater than the increase in compensation distance between zero degrees and 15 degrees.
  • FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating the power applied to tissue during compression at a constant anvil closure rate (i.e.; without controlled tissue compression (CTC)) vs. the power applied to tissue during compression with a variable anvil closure rate (i.e.; with CTC).
  • CTC controlled tissue compression
  • the closure rate may be adjusted to control tissue compression so that the power imparted into the tissue remains constant over a portion of the compression.
  • the peak power imparted into the tissue according to FIG. 22 is much lower when a variable anvil closure rate is utilized.
  • the force exerted by the surgical device (or a parameter related to or proportional to the force) may be calculated.
  • the power may be limited such that the force exerted through the surgical device, e.g., through the jaws of a linear stapler, do not exceed a yield force or pressure that results in splaying of the jaws such that the tissue gap is not within an acceptable range along the entire stapling length when in the fully closed position.
  • the jaws should be parallel or close enough to parallel that the tissue gap remains within the acceptable or target range for all staple positions along the entire length of the jaws.
  • the limitation of the exerted power avoids, or at least minimizes, trauma or damage to tissue.
  • the total energy exerted in the method without CTC is the same as the total energy exerted in the method with CTC, i.e., the areas under the power curves of FIG. 22 are the same or substantially the same.
  • the difference in the power profiles utilized is, however, substantial, as the peak power is much lower in the example with CTC as compared to the example without CTC.
  • the limiting of power is achieved in the example with CTC by slowing the closing rate, as illustrated by line 20760. It is noted that the compression time B' is longer than the closing time B.
  • a device and method that provides a constant closure rate i.e.; without CTC
  • the device and method that provide for a constant closure rate may achieve the compressive force at the desired tissue gap in a shorter time period as compared with a device and method using a variable closure rate, this results in the spike in power applied to the tissue, as shown in FIG. 22.
  • the example aspect illustrated with CTC begins slowing the rate of closure to limit the amount of power applied to the tissue below a certain level. By limiting the power applied to the tissue, tissue trauma may be minimized with respect to the system and method that does not use CTC.
  • FIG. 22 and additional exemplifications are further described in U.S. Patent No. 8,499,992, filed June 1, 2012, titled DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPRESSION OF TISSUE, which issued August 6, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • a control system can include a plurality of predefined force thresholds that assist the control system in determining a position of an E-beam and/or articulation angle of a firing shaft and appropriately controlling at least one motor based on such determination.
  • the force thresholds can change depending on a length of travel of the firing bar configured to translate the firing shaft, and such force thresholds can be compared to a measured torsional force of the one or more motors in communication with the control system. Comparison of the measured torsional forces against the force thresholds can provide a dependable way for the control system to determine a location of the E-beam and/or articulation of the end effector.
  • control system can appropriately control the one or more motors (e.g., reduce or stop torsional loads) to ensure proper firing of the firing assembly and articulation of the end effector, as well as prevent against damage to the system, as will be described in greater detail below.
  • motors e.g., reduce or stop torsional loads
  • FIG. 23 illustrates a force and displacement graph 20800 including measured forces in section A that are related to measured displacements in section B.
  • Both section A and B have an x-axis defining time (e.g., seconds).
  • the y-axis of section B defines a travel displacement (e.g., in millimeters) of a firing rod and the y-axis of section A defines a force applied to the firing bar to thereby advance the firing shaft.
  • travel of the firing bar within a first articulation range 20902 e.g., a first approximately 12 mm of travel
  • a first articulation range 20902 causes the end effector to articulate.
  • the end effector is fully articulated to the right and is mechanically unable to articulate further.
  • the control system can sense an articulation force peak 20802 that exceeds a predefined articulation threshold 20804, as shown in section A.
  • the control system can include more than one predefined articulation threshold 20804 for sensing more than one max articulation direction (e.g., left articulation and right articulation).
  • the control system can reduce or stop actuation of the motor thereby protecting at least the motor from damage.
  • a shifting mechanism within the surgical stapler can cause further distal travel of the firing bar to cause distal travel of the firing shaft. For example, as shown in section B, travel between approximately 12mm and 70mm of travel displacement can cause the E-beam to advance along a firing stroke 20904 and cut tissue captured between the jaws, however, other lengths of travel are within the scope of this disclosure. In this example, a maximum firing stroke position 20906 of the E-beam occurs at 70mm travel.
  • the control system can include a motor threshold 20808 and an end of knife travel threshold 20810 that branches off from the motor threshold 20808 and decreases (e.g., non-linearly) as the E-beam approaches the maximum firing stroke position 20906.
  • the control system can be configured to monitor the sensed motor torsional force during at least the last part of distal travel 20907 (e.g., last 10 percent of the firing stroke 904) of the E-beam before reaching the maximum firing stroke position 20906. While monitoring along such last part of distal travel 20907, the control system can cause the motor to reduce torsional forces to thereby reduce the load on the E-beam. This can protect damage to the surgical stapler, including the E-beam, by reducing loads on the E-beam as the E-beam approaches the maximum firing stroke position 20906 thereby reducing impact of the E-beam against the distal end of the cartridge or jaw.
  • such impact can cause a knife travel force peak 20806, which can exceed the knife travel threshold 20810 but not the motor threshold 20808 thereby not damaging the motor.
  • the control system can stop actuation of the motor after the knife travel force peak 20806 exceeds the knife travel threshold 20810 and before the knife travel force peak 20806 exceeds the motor threshold 20808 thereby protecting the motor from damage.
  • the increasing reduction in the knife travel threshold 20810 prevents the control system from preliminarily thinking that the E-beam has reached the maximum firing stroke position 20906.
  • control system can sense torsional forces on the motor controlling travel of the firing bar and compare such sensed torsional forces against a plurality of thresholds to determine a position of the E-beam or angle of articulation of the end effector and thereby appropriately control the motor to prevent damage to the motor, as well as confirm positioning of the firing bar and/or E-beam.
  • tissue contact or pressure sensors determine when the jaw members initially come into contact with the tissue“T”. This enables a surgeon to determine the initial thickness of the tissue“T” and/or the thickness of the tissue“T” prior to clamping.
  • contact of the jaw members with tissue“T” closes a sensing circuit“SC” that is otherwise open, by establishing contacting with a pair of opposed plates“PI, P2” provided on the jaw members.
  • the contact sensors may also include sensitive force transducers that determine the amount of force being applied to the sensor, which may be assumed to be the same amount of force being applied to the tissue“T”. Such force being applied to the tissue, may then be translated into an amount of tissue compression.
  • the force sensors measure the amount of compression a tissue is under and provide a surgeon with information about the force applied to the tissue“T”. Excessive tissue compression may have a negative impact on the tissue“T” being operated on. For example, excessive compression of tissue“T” may result in tissue necrosis and, in certain procedures, staple line failure. Information regarding the pressure being applied to tissue “T” enables a surgeon to better determine that excessive pressure is not being applied to tissue“T”.
  • any of the contact sensors disclosed herein may include, and are not limited to, electrical contacts placed on an inner surface of a jaw which, when in contact with tissue, close a sensing circuit that is otherwise open.
  • the contact sensors may also include sensitive force transducers that detect when the tissue being clamped first resists compression.
  • Force transducers may include, and are not limited to, piezoelectric elements, piezoresistive elements, metal film or semiconductor strain gauges, inductive pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, and potentio metric pressure transducers that use bourbon tubes, capsules or bellows to drive a wiper arm on a resistive element.
  • any one of the aforementioned surgical instruments may include one or more piezoelectric elements to detect a change in pressure occurring on the jaw members.
  • Piezoelectric elements are bi-directional transducers which convert stress into an electrical potential. Elements may consist of metallized quartz or ceramics. In operation, when stress is applied to the crystals there is a change in the charge distribution of the material resulting in a generation of voltage across the material. Piezoelectric elements may be used to indicate when any one or both of the jaw members makes contact with the tissue“T” and the amount of pressure exerted on the tissue“T” after contact is established.
  • one or more semiconductor strain gauges may be used in a similar manner as the metallic strain gauge described above, although the mode of transduction differs.
  • the piezoresistive effect when a crystal lattice structure of the semiconductor strain gauge is deformed, as a result of an applied stress, the resistance of the material changes. This phenomenon is referred to as the piezoresistive effect.
  • any one of the aforementioned surgical instruments may include or be provided with one or more capacitive pressure transducers to transduce pressure or force into motion of capacitive elements relative to each other altering an overall capacitance.
  • any one of the aforementioned surgical instruments may include or be provided with one or more mechanical pressure transducers to transduce pressure or force into motion.
  • a motion of a mechanical element is used to deflect a pointer or dial on a gauge. This movement of the pointer or dial may be representative of the pressure or force applied to the tissue“T”.
  • mechanical elements include and are not limited to bourbon tubes, capsules or bellows.
  • mechanical elements may be coupled with other measuring and/or sensing elements, such as a potentiometer pressure transducer.
  • the mechanical element is coupled with a wiper on the variable resistor.
  • pressure or force may be transduced into mechanical motion which deflects the wiper on the potentiometer thus changing the resistance to reflect the applied pressure or force.
  • the combination of the above aspects provides the surgeon with feedback information and/or real-time information regarding the condition of the operative site and/or target tissue“T”.
  • information regarding the initial thickness of the tissue“T” may guide the surgeon in selecting an appropriate staple size
  • information regarding the clamped thickness of the tissue“T” may let the surgeon know if the selected staple will form properly
  • information relating to the initial thickness and clamped thickness of the tissue“T” may be used to determine the amount of compression or strain on the tissue“T”
  • information relating to the strain on the tissue“T” may be used this strain to avoid compressing tissue to excessive strain values and/or stapling into tissue that has undergone excessive strain.
  • force sensors may be used to provide the surgeon with the amount of pressure applied to the tissue. The surgeon may use this information to avoid applying excessive pressure on the tissue“T” or stapling into tissue“T” which has experienced excessive strain.
  • FIG. 24 and additional exemplifications are further described in U.S. Patent No. 8,181,839, filed June 27, 2011, titled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT EMPLOYING SENSORS, which issued May 5, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • proximal and distal are relative to a clinician manipulating the handle of the surgical instrument where“proximal” refers to the portion closer to the clinician and“distal” refers to the portion located further from the clinician.
  • spatial terms“vertical,”“horizontal,”“up,” and“down” used with respect to the drawings are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute, because surgical instruments can used in many orientations and positions.
  • Example devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Such devices and methods, however, can be used in other surgical procedures and applications including open surgical procedures, for example.
  • the surgical instruments can be inserted into a through a natural orifice or through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue.
  • the working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into the body or through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced.
  • FIGS. 25 to 28 depict a motor-driven surgical instrument 150010 for cutting and fastening that may or may not be reused.
  • the surgical instrument 150010 includes a housing 150012 that comprises a handle assembly 150014 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated, and actuated by the clinician.
  • the housing 150012 is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 that has an end effector 150300 operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures.
  • various forms of interchangeable shaft assemblies may be effectively employed in connection with robotically controlled surgical systems.
  • housing may encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system that houses or otherwise operably supports at least one drive system configured to generate and apply at least one control motion that could be used to actuate interchangeable shaft assemblies.
  • frame may refer to a portion of a handheld surgical instrument.
  • the term“frame” also may represent a portion of a robotically controlled surgical instrument and/or a portion of the robotic system that may be used to operably control a surgical instrument.
  • Interchangeable shaft assemblies may be employed with various robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535, titled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the housing 150012 may be employed with a variety of interchangeable shaft assemblies, including assemblies configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy, and/or motion to end effector arrangements adapted for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue.
  • a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end effector of a shaft assembly.
  • the handle assembly 150014 may comprise a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments 150016,
  • the handle housing segments 150016, 150018 cooperate to form a pistol grip portion 150019 that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician.
  • the handle assembly 150014 operably supports a plurality of drive systems configured to generate and apply control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto.
  • a display may be provided below a cover 150045.
  • FIG. 26 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the surgical instrument 150010 of FIG. 25, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the handle assembly 150014 may include a frame 150020 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems.
  • the frame 150020 can operably support a“first” or closure drive system 150030, which can apply closing and opening motions to the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200.
  • the closure drive system 150030 may include an actuator such as a closure trigger 150032 pivotally supported by the frame 150020.
  • the closure trigger 150032 is pivotally coupled to the handle assembly 150014 by a pivot pin 150033 to enable the closure trigger 150032 to be manipulated by a clinician.
  • the closure trigger 150032 can pivot from a starting or“unactuated” position to an“actuated” position and more particularly to a fully compressed or fully actuated position.
  • the handle assembly 150014 and the frame 150020 may operably support a firing drive system 150080 configured to apply firing motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly attached thereto.
  • the firing drive system 150080 may employ an electric motor 150082 located in the pistol grip portion 150019 of the handle assembly 150014.
  • the electric motor 150082 may be a DC brushed motor having a maximum rotational speed of approximately 25,000 RPM, for example. In other arrangements, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor.
  • the electric motor 150082 may be powered by a power source 150090 that may comprise a removable power pack 150092.
  • the removable power pack 150092 may comprise a proximal housing portion 150094 configured to attach to a distal housing portion 150096.
  • the proximal housing portion 150094 and the distal housing portion 150096 are configured to operably support a plurality of batteries 150098 therein.
  • Batteries 150098 may each comprise, for example, a Lithium Ion (LI) or other suitable battery.
  • the distal housing portion 150096 is configured for removable operable attachment to a control circuit board 150100, which is operably coupled to the electric motor 150082. Several batteries 150098 connected in series may power the surgical instrument 150010.
  • the power source 150090 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.
  • a display 150043 which is located below the cover 150045, is electrically coupled to the control circuit board 150100. The cover 150045 may be removed to expose the display 150043.
  • the electric motor 150082 can include a rotatable shaft (not shown) that operably interfaces with a gear reducer assembly 150084 mounted in meshing engagement with a set, or rack, of drive teeth 150122 on a longitudinally movable drive member 150120.
  • the longitudinally movable drive member 150120 has a rack of drive teeth 150122 formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear 150086 of the gear reducer assembly 150084.
  • a voltage polarity provided by the power source 150090 can operate the electric motor 150082 in a clockwise direction wherein the voltage polarity applied to the electric motor by the battery can be reversed in order to operate the electric motor 150082 in a counter-clockwise direction.
  • the longitudinally movable drive member 150120 When the electric motor 150082 is rotated in one direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 150120 will be axially driven in the distal direction“DD.” When the electric motor 150082 is driven in the opposite rotary direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 150120 will be axially driven in a proximal direction“PD.”
  • the handle assembly 150014 can include a switch that can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 150082 by the power source 150090.
  • the handle assembly 150014 may include a sensor configured to detect the position of the longitudinally movable drive member 150120 and/or the direction in which the longitudinally movable drive member 150120 is being moved.
  • Actuation of the electric motor 150082 can be controlled by a firing trigger 150130 that is pivotally supported on the handle assembly 150014.
  • the firing trigger 150130 may be pivoted between an unactuated position and an actuated position.
  • the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 includes an end effector 150300 comprising an elongated channel 150302 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 150304 therein.
  • the end effector 150300 may include an anvil 150306 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 150302.
  • the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 may include an articulation joint 150270. Construction and operation of the end effector 150300 and the articulation joint 150270 are set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
  • FIG. 27 is another exploded assembly view of portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 may include a firing member 150220 supported for axial travel within the spine 150210.
  • the firing member 150220 includes an intermediate firing shaft 150222 configured to attach to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 150280.
  • the firing member 150220 may be referred to as a“second shaft” or a“second shaft assembly”.
  • the intermediate firing shaft 150222 may include a longitudinal slot 150223 in a distal end configured to receive a tab 150284 on the proximal end 150282 of the knife bar 150280.
  • the longitudinal slot 150223 and the proximal end 150282 may be configured to permit relative movement there between and can comprise a slip joint 150286.
  • the slip joint 150286 can permit the intermediate firing shaft 150222 of the firing member 150220 to articulate the end effector 150300 about the articulation joint 150270 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar 150280.
  • the intermediate firing shaft 150222 can be advanced distally until a proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 150223 contacts the tab 150284 to advance the knife bar 150280 and fire the staple cartridge positioned within the channel 150302.
  • the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 can include a clutch assembly 150400 configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver 150230 to the firing member 150220.
  • the clutch assembly 150400 includes a lock collar, or lock sleeve 150402, positioned around the firing member 150220 wherein the lock sleeve 150402 can be rotated between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 150402 couples the articulation driver 150230 to the firing member 150220 and a disengaged position in which the articulation driver 150230 is not operably coupled to the firing member 150220.
  • nozzle 150201 may be employed to operably engage and disengage the articulation drive system with the firing drive system in the various manners described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.
  • the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 can comprise a slip ring assembly 150600 which can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the end effector 150300 and/or communicate signals to and/or from the end effector 150300, for example.
  • the slip ring assembly 150600 can comprise a proximal connector flange 150604 and a distal connector flange 150601 positioned within a slot defined in the nozzle portions 150202, 150203.
  • the proximal connector flange 150604 can comprise a first face and the distal connector flange 150601 can comprise a second face positioned adjacent to and movable relative to the first face.
  • the distal connector flange 150601 can rotate relative to the proximal connector flange 150604 about the shaft axis SA-SA (FIG. 25).
  • the proximal connector flange 150604 can comprise a plurality of concentric, or at least substantially concentric, conductors 150602 defined in the first face thereof.
  • a connector 150607 can be mounted on the proximal side of the distal connector flange 150601 and may have a plurality of contacts wherein each contact corresponds to and is in electrical contact with one of the conductors 150602. Such an arrangement permits relative rotation between the proximal connector flange 150604 and the distal connector flange 150601 while maintaining electrical contact there between.
  • the proximal connector flange 150604 can include an electrical connector 150606 that can place the conductors 150602 in signal communication with a shaft circuit board, for example.
  • a wiring harness comprising a plurality of conductors can extend between the electrical connector 150606 and the shaft circuit board.
  • the electrical connector 150606 may extend proximally through a connector opening defined in the chassis mounting flange.
  • slip ring assembly 150600 is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further details regarding slip ring assembly 150600 may be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.
  • the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 can include a proximal portion fixably mounted to the handle assembly 150014 and a distal portion that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis.
  • the rotatable distal shaft portion can be rotated relative to the proximal portion about the slip ring assembly 150600.
  • the distal connector flange 150601 of the slip ring assembly 150600 can be positioned within the rotatable distal shaft portion.
  • FIG. 28 is an exploded view of one aspect of an end effector 150300 of the surgical instrument 150010 of FIG. 25, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the end effector 150300 may include the anvil 150306 and the surgical staple cartridge 150304.
  • the anvil 150306 may be coupled to an elongated channel 150302.
  • Apertures 150199 can be defined in the elongated channel 150302 to receive pins 150152 extending from the anvil 150306 to allow the anvil 150306 to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to the elongated channel 150302 and surgical staple cartridge 150304.
  • a firing bar 150172 is configured to longitudinally translate into the end effector 150300.
  • the firing bar 150172 may be constructed from one solid section, or may include a laminate material comprising a stack of steel plates.
  • the firing bar 150172 comprises an I-beam 150178 and a cutting edge 150182 at a distal end thereof.
  • a distally projecting end of the firing bar 150172 can be attached to the I-beam 150178 to assist in spacing the anvil 150306 from a surgical staple cartridge 150304 positioned in the elongated channel 150302 when the anvil 150306 is in a closed position.
  • the I-beam 150178 may include a sharpened cutting edge 150182 to sever tissue as the I-beam 150178 is advanced distally by the firing bar 150172. In operation, the I-beam 150178 may, or fire, the surgical staple cartridge 150304.
  • the surgical staple cartridge 150304 can include a molded cartridge body 150194 that holds a plurality of staples 150191 resting upon staple drivers 150192 within respective upwardly open staple cavities 150195.
  • a wedge sled 150190 is driven distally by the I-beam 150178, sliding upon a cartridge tray 150196 of the surgical staple cartridge 150304.
  • the wedge sled 150190 upwardly cams the staple drivers 150192 to force out the staples 150191 into deforming contact with the anvil 150306 while the cutting edge 150182 of the I-beam 150178 severs clamped tissue.
  • the bottom foot 150186 of the I-beam 150178 can engage a groove running along the bottom surface of elongated channel 150302 along the length of slot 150189, the middle pins 150184 can engage the top surfaces of cartridge tray 150196 along the length of longitudinal slot 150197, and the upper pins 150180 can engage the anvil 150306.
  • the I- beam 150178 can space, or limit the relative movement between, the anvil 150306 and the surgical staple cartridge 150304 as the firing bar 150172 is advanced distally to fire the staples from the surgical staple cartridge 150304 and/or incise the tissue captured between the anvil 150306 and the surgical staple cartridge 150304.
  • the firing bar 150172 and the I-beam 150178 can be retracted proximally allowing the anvil 150306 to be opened to release the two stapled and severed tissue portions.
  • FIGS. 29A and 29B is a block diagram of a control circuit 150700 of the surgical instrument 150010 of FIG. 25 spanning two drawing sheets, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • a handle assembly 150702 may include a motor 150714 which can be controlled by a motor driver 150715 and can be employed by the firing system of the surgical instrument 150010.
  • the motor 150714 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotational speed of approximately 25,000 RPM.
  • the motor 150714 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor.
  • the motor driver 150715 may comprise an Fl-Bridge driver comprising field-effect transistors (FETs) 150719, for example.
  • the motor 150714 can be powered by the power assembly 150706 releasably mounted to the handle assembly 150200 for supplying control power to the surgical instrument 150010.
  • the power assembly 150706 may comprise a battery which may include a number of battery cells connected in series that can be used as the power source to power the surgical instrument 150010. In certain circumstances, the battery cells of the power assembly 150706 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable. In at least one example, the battery cells can be Lithium-Ion batteries which can be separably couplable to the power assembly 150706.
  • the shaft assembly 150704 may include a shaft assembly controller 150722 which can communicate with a safety controller and power management controller 150716 through an interface while the shaft assembly 150704 and the power assembly 150706 are coupled to the handle assembly 150702.
  • the interface may comprise a first interface portion 150725 which may include one or more electric connectors for coupling engagement with corresponding shaft assembly electric connectors and a second interface portion 150727 which may include one or more electric connectors for coupling engagement with corresponding power assembly electric connectors to permit electrical communication between the shaft assembly controller 150722 and the power management controller 150716 while the shaft assembly 150704 and the power assembly 150706 are coupled to the handle assembly 150702.
  • One or more communication signals can be transmitted through the interface to communicate one or more of the power requirements of the attached interchangeable shaft assembly 150704 to the power management controller 150716.
  • the power management controller may modulate the power output of the battery of the power assembly 150706, as described below in greater detail, in accordance with the power requirements of the attached shaft assembly 150704.
  • the connectors may comprise switches which can be activated after mechanical coupling engagement of the handle assembly 150702 to the shaft assembly 150704 and/or to the power assembly 150706 to allow electrical communication between the shaft assembly controller 150722 and the power management controller 150716.
  • the interface can facilitate transmission of the one or more communication signals between the power management controller 150716 and the shaft assembly controller 150722 by routing such communication signals through a main controller 150717 residing in the handle assembly 150702, for example.
  • the interface can facilitate a direct line of communication between the power management controller 150716 and the shaft assembly controller 150722 through the handle assembly 150702 while the shaft assembly 150704 and the power assembly 150706 are coupled to the handle assembly 150702.
  • the main controller 150717 may be any single core or multicore processor such as those known under the trade name ARM Cortex by Texas Instruments.
  • the main controller 150717 may be an LM4F230F15QR ARM Cortex-M4F Processor Core, available from Texas Instruments, for example, comprising on-chip memory of 256 KB single-cycle flash memory, or other non-volatile memory, up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, a 32 KB single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read-only memory (ROM) loaded with StellarisWare® software, 2 KB electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more quadrature encoder inputs (QEI) analog, one or more 12-bit Analog-to -Digital Converters (ADC) with 12 analog input channels, details of which are available for the product datasheet.
  • the safety controller may be a safety controller platform comprising two controller-based families such as TMS570 and RM4x known under the trade name Hercules ARM Cortex R4, also by Texas Instruments.
  • the safety controller may be configured specifically for IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 safety critical applications, among others, to provide advanced integrated safety features while delivering scalable performance, connectivity, and memory options.
  • the power assembly 150706 may include a power management circuit which may comprise the power management controller 150716, a power modulator 150738, and a current sense circuit 150736.
  • the power management circuit can be configured to modulate power output of the battery based on the power requirements of the shaft assembly 150704 while the shaft assembly 150704 and the power assembly 150706 are coupled to the handle assembly 150702.
  • the surgical instrument 150010 may comprise an output device 150742 which may include devices for providing a sensory feedback to a user. Such devices may comprise, for example, visual feedback devices (e.g., an LCD display screen, LED indicators), audio feedback devices (e.g., a speaker, a buzzer) or tactile feedback devices (e.g., haptic actuators).
  • the output device 150742 may comprise a display 150743 which may be included in the handle assembly 150702.
  • the shaft assembly controller 150722 and/or the power management controller 150716 can provide feedback to a user of the surgical instrument 150010 through the output device 150742.
  • the interface can be configured to connect the shaft assembly controller 150722 and/or the power management controller 150716 to the output device 150742.
  • the output device 150742 can instead be integrated with the power assembly 150706. In such circumstances, communication between the output device 150742 and the shaft assembly controller 150722 may be accomplished through the interface while the shaft assembly 150704 is coupled to the handle assembly 150702.
  • the control circuit 150700 comprises circuit segments configured to control operations of the powered surgical instrument 150010.
  • a safety controller segment (Segment 1) comprises a safety controller and the main controller 150717 segment (Segment 2).
  • the safety controller and/or the main controller 150717 are configured to interact with one or more additional circuit segments such as an acceleration segment, a display segment, a shaft segment, an encoder segment, a motor segment, and a power segment.
  • Each of the circuit segments may be coupled to the safety controller and/or the main controller 150717.
  • the main controller 150717 is also coupled to a flash memory.
  • the main controller 150717 also comprises a serial communication interface.
  • the main controller 150717 comprises a plurality of inputs coupled to, for example, one or more circuit segments, a battery, and/or a plurality of switches.
  • the segmented circuit may be implemented by any suitable circuit, such as, for example, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) within the powered surgical instrument 150010.
  • PCBA printed circuit board assembly
  • processor includes any microprocessor, processors, controller, controllers, or other basic computing device that incorporates the functions of a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) on an integrated circuit or at most a few integrated circuits.
  • the main controller 150717 is a multipurpose, programmable device that accepts digital data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory, and provides results as output. It is an example of sequential digital logic, as it has internal memory.
  • the control circuit 150700 can be configured to implement one or more of the processes described herein.
  • the acceleration segment (Segment 3) comprises an accelerometer.
  • the accelerometer is configured to detect movement or acceleration of the powered surgical instrument 150010. Input from the accelerometer may be used to transition to and from a sleep mode, identify an orientation of the powered surgical instrument, and/or identify when the surgical instrument has been dropped.
  • the acceleration segment is coupled to the safety controller and/or the main controller 150717.
  • the display segment (Segment 4) comprises a display connector coupled to the main controller 150717.
  • the display connector couples the main controller 150717 to a display through one or more integrated circuit drivers of the display.
  • the integrated circuit drivers of the display may be integrated with the display and/or may be located separately from the display.
  • the display may comprise 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.
  • the display segment is coupled to the safety controller.
  • the shaft segment (Segment 5) comprises controls for an interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 (FIGS. 25 and 27) coupled to the surgical instrument 150010 (FIGS. 25 to 28) and/or one or more controls for an end effector 150300 coupled to the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200.
  • the shaft segment comprises a shaft connector configured to couple the main controller 150717 to a shaft PCBA.
  • the shaft PCBA comprises a low -power microcontroller with a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), an articulation switch, a shaft release Flail effect switch, and a shaft PCBA EEPROM.
  • the shaft PCBA EEPROM comprises one or more parameters, routines, and/or programs specific to the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 and/or the shaft PCBA.
  • the shaft PCBA may be coupled to the interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 and/or integral with the surgical instrument 150010.
  • the shaft segment comprises a second shaft EEPROM.
  • the second shaft EEPROM comprises a plurality of algorithms, routines, parameters, and/or other data corresponding to one or more shaft assemblies 150200 and/or end effectors 150300 that may be interfaced with the powered surgical instrument 150010.
  • the position encoder segment (Segment 6) comprises one or more magnetic angle rotary position encoders.
  • the one or more magnetic angle rotary position encoders are configured to identify the rotational position of the motor 150714, an interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 (FIGS. 25 and 27), and/or an end effector 150300 of the surgical instrument 150010 (FIGS. 25 to 28).
  • the magnetic angle rotary position encoders may be coupled to the safety controller and/or the main controller 150717.
  • the motor circuit segment (Segment 7) comprises a motor 150714 configured to control movements of the powered surgical instrument 150010 (FIGS. 25 to 28).
  • the motor 150714 is coupled to the main microcontroller processor 150717 by an Fl-bridge driver comprising one or more Fl-bridge field-effect transistors (FETs) and a motor controller.
  • the H-bridge driver is also coupled to the safety controller.
  • a motor current sensor is coupled in series with the motor to measure the current draw of the motor.
  • the motor current sensor is in signal communication with the main controller 150717 and/or the safety controller.
  • the motor 150714 is coupled to a motor
  • EMI electromagnetic interference
  • the motor controller controls a first motor flag and a second motor flag to indicate the status and position of the motor 150714 to the main controller 150717.
  • the main controller 150717 provides a pulse-width modulation (PWM) high signal, a PWM low signal, a direction signal, a synchronize signal, and a motor reset signal to the motor controller through a buffer.
  • PWM pulse-width modulation
  • the power segment is configured to provide a segment voltage to each of the circuit segments.
  • the power segment (Segment 8) comprises a battery coupled to the safety controller, the main controller 150717, and additional circuit segments.
  • the battery is coupled to the segmented circuit by a battery connector and a current sensor.
  • the current sensor is configured to measure the total current draw of the segmented circuit.
  • one or more voltage converters are configured to provide predetermined voltage values to one or more circuit segments.
  • the segmented circuit may comprise 3.3V voltage converters and/or 5V voltage converters.
  • a boost converter is configured to provide a boost voltage up to a predetermined amount, such as, for example, up to 13 V.
  • the boost converter is configured to provide additional voltage and/or current during power intensive operations and prevent brownout or low -power conditions.
  • a plurality of switches are coupled to the safety controller and/or the main controller 150717.
  • the switches may be configured to control operations of the surgical instrument 150010 (FIGS. 25 to 28), of the segmented circuit, and/or indicate a status of the surgical instrument 150010.
  • a bail-out door switch and Flail effect switch for bailout are configured to indicate the status of a bail-out door.
  • a plurality of articulation switches such as, for example, a left side articulation left switch, a left side articulation right switch, a left side articulation center switch, a right side articulation left switch, a right side articulation right switch, and a right side articulation center switch are configured to control articulation of an interchangeable shaft assembly 150200 (FIGS.
  • a left side reverse switch and a right side reverse switch are coupled to the main controller 150717.
  • the left side switches comprising the left side articulation left switch, the left side articulation right switch, the left side articulation center switch, and the left side reverse switch are coupled to the main controller 150717 by a left flex connector.
  • the right side switches comprising the right side articulation left switch, the right side articulation right switch, the right side articulation center switch, and the right side reverse switch are coupled to the main controller 150717 by a right flex connector.
  • a firing switch, a clamp release switch, and a shaft engaged switch are coupled to the main controller 150717.
  • any suitable mechanical, electromechanical, or solid state switches may be employed to implement the plurality of switches, in any combination.
  • the switches may be limit switches operated by the motion of components associated with the surgical instrument 150010 (FIGS. 25 to 28) or the presence of an object.
  • Such switches may be employed to control various functions associated with the surgical instrument 150010.
  • a limit switch is an electromechanical device that consists of an actuator mechanically linked to a set of contacts. When an object comes into contact with the actuator, the device operates the contacts to make or break an electrical connection.
  • Limit switches are used in a variety of applications and environments because of their ruggedness, ease of installation, and reliability of operation. They can determine the presence or absence, passing, positioning, and end of travel of an object.
  • the switches may be solid state switches that operate under the influence of a magnetic field such as Flail-effect devices, magneto -resistive (MR) devices, giant magneto-resistive (GMR) devices, magnetometers, among others.
  • the switches may be solid state switches that operate under the influence of light, such as optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, among others.
  • the switches may be solid state devices such as transistors (e.g., FET, Junction-FET, metal-oxide semiconductor-FET (MOSFET), bipolar, and the like).
  • Other switches may include wireless switches, ultrasonic switches, accelerometers, inertial sensors, among others.
  • FIG. 30 is another block diagram of the control circuit 150700 of the surgical instrument of FIG. 25 illustrating interfaces between the handle assembly 150702 and the power assembly 150706 and between the handle assembly 150702 and the interchangeable shaft assembly 150704, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the handle assembly 150702 may comprise a main controller 150717, a shaft assembly connector 150726 and a power assembly connector 150730.
  • the power assembly 150706 may include a power assembly connector 150732, a power management circuit 150734 that may comprise the power management controller 150716, a power modulator 150738, and a current sense circuit 150736.
  • the shaft assembly connectors 150730, 150732 form an interface 150727.
  • the power management circuit 150734 can be configured to modulate power output of the battery 150707 based on the power requirements of the interchangeable shaft assembly 150704 while the interchangeable shaft assembly 150704 and the power assembly 150706 are coupled to the handle assembly 150702.
  • the power management controller 150716 can be programmed to control the power modulator 150738 of the power output of the power assembly 150706 and the current sense circuit 150736 can be employed to monitor power output of the power assembly 150706 to provide feedback to the power management controller 150716 about the power output of the battery 150707 so that the power management controller 150716 may adjust the power output of the power assembly 150706 to maintain a desired output.
  • the shaft assembly 150704 comprises a shaft processor 150720 coupled to a non-volatile memory 150721 and shaft assembly connector 150728 to electrically couple the shaft assembly 150704 to the handle assembly 150702.
  • the shaft assembly connectors 150726, 150728 form interface 150725.
  • the main controller 150717, the shaft processor 150720, and/or the power management controller 150716 can be configured to implement one or more of the processes described herein.
  • the surgical instrument 150010 may comprise an output device 150742 to a sensory feedback to a user.
  • Such devices may comprise visual feedback devices (e.g., an LCD display screen, LED indicators), audio feedback devices (e.g., a speaker, a buzzer), or tactile feedback devices (e.g., haptic actuators).
  • the output device 150742 may comprise a display 150743 that may be included in the handle assembly 150702.
  • the shaft assembly controller 150722 and/or the power management controller 150716 can provide feedback to a user of the surgical instrument 150010 through the output device 150742.
  • the interface 150727 can be configured to connect the shaft assembly controller 150722 and/or the power management controller 150716 to the output device 150742.
  • the output device 150742 can be integrated with the power assembly 150706. Communication between the output device 150742 and the shaft assembly controller 150722 may be accomplished through the interface 150725 while the interchangeable shaft assembly 150704 is coupled to the handle assembly 150702. Having described a control circuit 150700 (FIGS. 29A and 29B and 6) for controlling the operation of the surgical instrument 150010 (FIGS. 25 to 28), the disclosure now turns to various configurations of the surgical instrument 150010 (FIGS. 25 to 28) and control circuit 150700.
  • a surgical stapler 151000 may include a handle component 151002, a shaft component 151004, and an end-effector component 151006.
  • the surgical stapler 151000 is similarly constructed and equipped as the motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 150010 described in connection with FIG. 25. Accordingly, for conciseness and clarity the details of operation and construction will not be repeated here.
  • the end-effector 151006 may be used to compress, cut, or staple tissue.
  • an end-effector 151030 may be positioned by a physician to surround tissue 151032 prior to compression, cutting, or stapling. As shown in FIG. 32, no compression may be applied to the tissue while preparing to use the end-effector. Referring now to FIG.
  • the physician may use the end-effector 151030 to compress the tissue 151032.
  • the tissue 151032 may be compressed to its maximum threshold, as shown in FIG. 33.
  • various forces may be applied to the tissue 151032 by the end-effector 151030.
  • vertical forces FI and F2 may be applied by the anvil 151034 and the channel frame 151036 of the end-effector 151030 as tissue 151032 is compressed between the two.
  • various diagonal and/or lateral forces also may be applied to the tissue 151032 when compressed by the end-effector 151030.
  • force F3 may be applied.
  • it may be desirable to sense or calculate the various forms of compression being applied to the tissue by the end-effector.
  • knowledge of vertical or lateral compression may allow the end-effector to more precisely or accurately apply a staple operation or may inform the operator of the surgical stapler such that the surgical stapler can be used more properly or safely.
  • the compression through tissue 151032 may be determined from an impedance of tissue 151032.
  • the impedance Z of tissue 151032 may increase or decrease.
  • the impedance Z of the tissue 151032 may be determined at various levels of compression. For example, impedance Z may be calculated by dividing the applied voltage V by the current I.
  • an RF electrode 151038 may be positioned on the end-effector 151030 (e.g., on a staple cartridge, knife, or channel frame of the end-effector 151030).
  • an electrical contact 151040 may be positioned on the anvil 151034 of the end-effector 151030.
  • the electrical contact may be positioned on the channel frame of the end-effector.
  • an electrical contact 151044 may be positioned on an opposite end of the anvil 151034 of the end-effector 151030 as the RF electrode 151038 is positioned.
  • an impedance Z of the tissue 151032 changes.
  • the lateral tissue compression 151046 caused by the end-effector 151030 may be measured as a function of the impedance Z of the tissue 151032.
  • electrical contact 151050 may be positioned on the anvil 151034 and electrical contact 151052 may be positioned on an opposite end of the end-effector 151030 at channel frame 151036.
  • RF electrode 151048 may be positioned laterally to the central to the end-effector 151030.
  • a frequency generator 151222 may receive power or current from a power source 151221 and may supply one or more RF signals to one or more RF electrodes 151224.
  • the one or more RF electrodes may be positioned at various locations or components on an end-effector or surgical stapler, such as a staple cartridge or channel frame.
  • One or more electrical contacts such as electrical contacts 151226 or 151228 may be positioned on a channel frame or an anvil of an end-effector.
  • one or more filters such as filters 151230 or 151232 may be communicatively coupled to the electrical contacts 151226 or 151228.
  • the filters 151230 and 151232 may filter one or more RF signals supplied by the frequency generator 151222 before joining a single return path 151234.
  • a voltage V and a current I associated with the one or more RF signals may be used to calculate an impedance Z associated with a tissue that may be compressed and/or communicatively coupled between the one or more RF electrodes 151224 and the electrical contacts 151226 or 151228.
  • various components of the tissue compression sensor system described herein may be located in a handle 151236 of a surgical stapler.
  • frequency generator 151222 may be located in the handle 151236 and receives power from power source 151221.
  • current II and current 12 may be measured on a return path corresponding to electrical contacts 151228 and 151226.
  • impedances Z1 and Z2 may be calculated.
  • Z1 may correspond to an impedance of a tissue compressed and/or communicatively coupled between one or more of RF electrodes 151224 and electrical contact 151228.
  • a power source at a handle 151252 of a surgical stapler may provide power to a frequency generator 151254.
  • the frequency generator 151254 may generate one or more RF signals.
  • the one or more RF signals may be multiplexed or overlaid at a multiplexer 151256, which may be in a shaft 151258 of the surgical stapler. In this way, two or more RF signals may be overlaid (or, e.g., nested or modulated together) and transmitted to the end-effector.
  • the one or more RF signals may energize one or more RF electrodes 151260 at an end-effector 151262 (e.g., positioned in a staple cartridge) of the surgical stapler.
  • a tissue (not shown) may be compressed and/or communicatively coupled between the one or more of RF electrodes 151260 and one or more electrical contacts.
  • the tissue may be compressed and/or communicatively coupled between the one or more RF electrodes 151260 and the electrical contact 151264 positioned in a channel frame of the end-effector 151262 or the electrical contact 151266 positioned in an anvil of the end-effector 151262.
  • a filter 151268 may be communicatively coupled to the electrical contact 151264 and a filter 151270 may be communicatively coupled to the electrical contact 151266.
  • a voltage V and a current I associated with the one or more RF signals may be used to calculate an impedance Z associated with a tissue that may be compressed between the staple cartridge (and communicatively coupled to one or more RF electrodes 151260) and the channel frame or anvil (and communicatively coupled to one or more of electrical contacts 151264 or 151266).
  • various components of the tissue compression sensor system described herein may be located in a shaft 151258 of the surgical stapler.
  • an impedance calculator 151272, a controller 151274, a non-volatile memory 151276, and a communication channel 151278 may be located in the shaft 151258.
  • the frequency generator 151254, impedance calculator 151272, controller 151274, non-volatile memory 151276, and communication channel 151278 may be positioned on a circuit board in the shaft 151258.
  • the two or more RF signals may be returned on a common path via the electrical contacts. Further, the two or more RF signals may be filtered prior to the joining of the RF signals on the common path to differentiate separate tissue impedances represented by the two or more RF signals.
  • Current II and current 12 may be measured on a return path corresponding to electrical contacts 151264 and 151266. Using a voltage V applied between the supply and return paths, impedances Z1 and Z2 may be calculated.
  • Z1 may correspond to an impedance of a tissue compressed and/or communicatively coupled between one or more of RF electrodes 151260 and electrical contact 151264.
  • Z2 may correspond to an impedance of the tissue compressed and/or communicatively coupled between one or more of RF electrodes 151260 and electrical contact 151266.
  • the impedances Z1 and Z2 may be calculated by the impedance calculator 151272.
  • the impedances Z1 and Z2 may be used to calculate various compression levels of the tissue.
  • the frequency graph 151290 shows a frequency modulation to nest two RF signals.
  • the two RF signals may be nested before reaching RF electrodes at an end-effector as described above.
  • an RF signal with Frequency 1 and an RF signal with Frequency 2 may be nested together.
  • the resulting nested RF signal is shown in frequency graph 151300.
  • the compound signal shown in frequency graph 151300 includes the two RF signals of frequency graph 151290 compounded.
  • a frequency graph 151400 is shown.
  • Frequency graph 151400 shows the RF signals with Frequencies 1 and 2 after being filtered (by, e.g., filters 151268 and 151270). The resulting RF signals can be used to make separate impedance calculations or measurements on a return path, as described above.
  • Frequency 1 may be 150kHz and Frequency 2 may be 300kHz.
  • a viable impedance measurement range may be 100kHz - 20 MHz.
  • other sophisticated techniques such as correlation, quadrature detection, etc., may be used to separate the RF signals.
  • a single energized electrode on a staple cartridge or an isolated knife of an end-effector may be used to make multiple tissue compression measurements simultaneously. If two or more RF signals are overlaid or multiplexed (or nested or modulated), they may be transmitted down a single power side of the end-effector and may return on either the channel frame or the anvil of the end-effector. If a filter were built into the anvil and channel contacts before they join a common return path, the tissue impedance represented by both paths could be differentiated. This may provide a measure of vertical tissue vs lateral tissue compression. This approach also may provide proximal and distal tissue compression depending on placement of the filters and location of the metallic return paths. A frequency generator and signal processor may be located on one or more chips on a circuit board or a sub board (which may already exist in a surgical stapler).
  • the present disclosure provides an instrument 150010 (described in connection with FIGS. 25-30) configured with various sensing systems. Accordingly, for conciseness and clarity the details of operation and construction will not be repeated here.
  • the sensing system includes a viscoelasticity/rate of change sensing system to monitor knife acceleration, rate of change of impedance, and rate of change of tissue contact.
  • the rate of change of knife acceleration can be used as a measure of for tissue type.
  • the rate of change of impedance can be measures with a pulse sensor ad can be employed as a measure for compressibility.
  • the rate of change of tissue contact can be measured with a sensor based on knife firing rate to measure tissue flow.
  • the rate of change of a sensed parameter or stated otherwise, how much time is necessary for a tissue parameter to reach an asymptotic steady state value, is a separate measurement in itself and may be more valuable than the sensed parameter it was derived from.
  • the present disclosure provides a novel technique for employing the derivate of the measure such as the rate of change of the tissue parameter.
  • Rate of change measures of impedance may be combined with strain measurements in the anvil to relate force and compression applied to the tissue grasped between the jaw members of the end effector such as the anvil and the staple cartridge.
  • the rate of change measure can be employed by the endosurgical device to determine the tissue type and not merely the tissue compression.
  • stomach and lung tissue sometimes have similar thicknesses, and even similar compressive properties when the lung tissue is calcified, an instrument may be able to distinguish these tissue types by employing a combination of measurements such as gap, compression, force applied, tissue contact area, and rate of change of compression or rate of change of gap. If any of these measurements were used alone, it may be difficult for the endosurgical device to distinguish one tissue type form another. Rate of change of compression also may be helpful to enable the device to determine if the tissue is“normal” or if some abnormality exists. Measuring not only how much time has passed but the variation of the sensor signals and determining the derivative of the signal would provide another measurement to enable the endosurgical device to measure the signal.
  • Rate of change information also may be employed in determining when a steady state has been achieved to signal the next step in a process. For example, after clamping the tissue between the jaw members of the end effector such as the anvil and the staple cartridge, when tissue compression reaches a steady state (e.g., about 15 seconds), an indicator or trigger to start firing the device can be enabled.
  • a steady state e.g., about 15 seconds
  • a surgical instrument such as the stapler illustrated in FIG. 25, can include a variety of sensors for measuring operational parameters, such as jaw gap size or distance, firing current, tissue compression, the amount of the jaw that is covered by tissue, anvil strain, and trigger force, to name a few. These sensed measurements are important for automatic control of the surgical instrument and for providing feedback to the clinician.
  • FIGS. 30-49 may be employed to measure the various derived parameters such as gap distance versus time, tissue compression versus time, and anvil strain versus time. Motor current may be monitored employing a current sensor in series with the battery 2308.
  • FIG. 44 a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 151310 is depicted that may or may not be reused.
  • the motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 151310 is similarly constructed and equipped as the motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 150010 described in connection with FIGS. 25- 30.
  • the instrument 151310 includes a housing 151312 that comprises a handle assembly 151314 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated and actuated by the clinician.
  • the housing 151312 is configured for operable attachment to an interchangeable shaft assembly 151500 that has a surgical end effector 151600 operably coupled thereto that is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. Since the motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 151310 is similarly constructed and equipped as the motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument 150010 described in connection with FIGS. 25-30, for conciseness and clarity the details of operation and construction will not be repeated here.
  • the housing 151312 depicted in FIG. 44 is shown in connection with an interchangeable shaft assembly 151500 that includes an end effector 151600 that comprises a surgical cutting and fastening device that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 151304 therein.
  • the housing 151312 may be configured for use in connection with interchangeable shaft assemblies that include end effectors that are adapted to support different sizes and types of staple cartridges, have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types, etc.
  • housing 151312 also may be effectively employed with a variety of other interchangeable shaft assemblies including those assemblies that are configured to apply other motions and forms of energy such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy and/or motion to end effector arrangements adapted for use in connection with various surgical applications and procedures.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the end effectors, shaft assemblies, handles, surgical instruments, and/or surgical instrument systems can utilize any suitable fastener, or fasteners, to fasten tissue.
  • a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted into and/or attached to the end effector of a shaft assembly.
  • FIG. 44 illustrates the surgical instrument 151310 with an interchangeable shaft assembly 151500 operably coupled thereto.
  • the handle housing forms a pistol grip portion 151319 that can be gripped and manipulated by the clinician.
  • the handle assembly 151314 operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein that are configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable shaft assembly that is operably attached thereto.
  • Trigger 151332 is operably associated with the pistol grip for controlling various of these control motions.
  • the interchangeable shaft assembly 151500 includes a surgical end effector 151600 that comprises an elongated channel 151302 that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 151304 therein.
  • the end effector 151600 may further include an anvil 151306 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 151302.
  • derived parameters can be even more useful for controlling a surgical instrument, such as the instrument illustrated in FIG. 44, than the sensed parameter/ s) upon which the derived parameter is based.
  • Non-limiting examples of derived parameters include the rate of change of a sensed parameter (e.g., jaw gap distance) and how much time elapses before a tissue parameter reaches an asymptotic steady state value (e.g., 15 seconds).
  • Derived parameters, such as rate of change are particularly useful because they dramatically improve measurement accuracy and also provide information not otherwise evident directly from sensed parameters.
  • impedance (i.e., tissue compression) rate of change can be combined with strain in the anvil to relate compression and force, which enables the microcontroller to determine the tissue type and not merely the amount of tissue compression.
  • tissue compression i.e., tissue compression
  • any derived parameters can be combined with one or more sensed parameters to provide more accurate information about tissue types (e.g., stomach vs. lung), tissue health (calcified vs. normal), and operational status of the surgical device (e.g., clamping complete).
  • tissue types e.g., stomach vs. lung
  • tissue health calcified vs. normal
  • operational status of the surgical device e.g., clamping complete.
  • Different tissues have unique viscoelastic properties and unique rates of change, making these and other parameters discussed herein useful indicia for monitoring and automatically adjusting a surgical procedure.
  • FIG. 46 is an illustrative graph showing gap distance over time, where the gap is the space between the jaws being occupied by clamped tissue.
  • the vertical (y) axis is distance and the horizontal (x) axis is time.
  • the gap distance 151340 is the distance between the anvil 151306 and the elongated channel 151302 of the end effector. In the open jaw position, at time zero, the gap 151340 between the anvil 151306 and the elongated member is at its maximum distance. The width of the gap 151340 decreases as the anvil 151306 closes, such as during tissue clamping.
  • the gap distance rate of change can vary because tissue has non-uniform resiliency.
  • tissue types may initially show rapid compression, resulting in a faster rate of change.
  • the viscoelastic properties of the tissue can cause the rate of change to decrease until the tissue cannot be compressed further, at which point the gap distance will remain substantially constant.
  • the gap decreases over time as the tissue is squeezed between the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304 of the end effector 151340.
  • a magnetic field sensor such as, for example, a magnetic field sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an inductive sensor such as, for example, an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor
  • an inductive sensor such as, for example, an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor
  • FIG. 47 is an illustrative graph showing firing current of the end effector jaws.
  • the vertical (y) axis is current and the horizontal (x) axis is time.
  • the surgical instrument and/or the microcontroller as shown and described in connection with FIG. 25, thereof can include a current sensor that detects the current utilized during various operations, such as clamping, cutting, and/or stapling tissue. For example, when tissue resistance increases, the instrument’s electric motor can require more current to clamp, cut, and/or staple the tissue. Similarly, if resistance is lower, the electric motor can require less current to clamp, cut, and/or staple the tissue. As a result, firing current can be used as an approximation of tissue resistance.
  • the sensed current can be used alone or more preferably in conjunction with other measurements to provide feedback about the target tissue.
  • firing current initially is high at time zero but decreases over time.
  • current may increase over time if the motor draws more current to overcome increasing mechanical load.
  • the rate of change of firing current is can be used as an indicator that the tissue is transitioning from one state to another state. Accordingly, firing current and, in particular, the rate of change of firing current can be used to monitor device operation.
  • the firing current decreases over time as the knife cuts through the tissue. The rate of change of firing current can vary if the tissue being cut provides more or less resistance due to tissue properties or sharpness of the knife 151305 (FIG. 45).
  • a current sensor may be may be employed to measure the firing current over time while the knife 151305 is firing as represented graphically in FIG. 47.
  • the motor current may be monitored employing a current sensor.
  • the current sensors may be adapted and configured to measure the motor firing current“i” over time“t” as represented graphically in FIG. 47.
  • FIG. 48 is an illustrative graph of impedance over time.
  • the vertical (y) axis is impedance and the horizontal (x) axis is time.
  • impedance is low but increases over time as tissue pressure increases under manipulation (e.g., clamping and stapling).
  • the rate of change varies over time as because as the tissue between the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304 of the end effector 151340 is severed by the knife or is sealed using RF energy between electrodes located between the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304 of the end effector 151340.
  • the electrical impedance increases and reaches infinity when the tissue is completely severed by the knife.
  • the electrical impedance of the tissue increases as energy is delivered through the tissue between the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304 of the end effector 151340.
  • the electrical impedance increase as the energy through the tissue dries out the tissue by vaporizing moistures in the tissue.
  • the impedance increases to a very high value or infinity when the tissue is severed.
  • different tissues can have unique compression properties, such as rate of compression, that distinguish tissues.
  • the tissue impedance can be measured by driving a sub -therapeutic RF current through the tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members 9014, 9016.
  • One or more electrodes can be positioned on either or both the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304.
  • the tissue compression / impedance of the tissue between the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304 can be measured over time as represented graphically in FIG. 48. The sensors described in connection with FIGS.
  • a magnetic field sensor such as, for example, a magnetic field sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an inductive sensor such as, for example, an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor
  • the sensors may be adapted and configured to measure tissue impedance“Z” over time“t” as represented graphically in FIG. 48.
  • FIG. 49 is an illustrative graph of anvil 151306 (FIGS. 44, 45) strain over time.
  • the vertical (y) axis is strain and the horizontal (x) axis is time.
  • anvil 151306 strain initially is high but decreases as the tissue reaches a steady state and exerts less pressure on the anvil 151306.
  • the rate of change of anvil 151306 strain can be measured by a pressure sensor or strain gauge positioned on either or both the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304 (FIGS. 44, 45) to measure the pressure or strain applied to the tissue grasped between the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304.
  • the anvil 151306 strain can be measured over time as represented graphically in FIG. 49.
  • FIG. 50 is an illustrative graph of trigger force over time.
  • the vertical (y) axis is trigger force and the horizontal (x) axis is time.
  • trigger force is progressive, to provide the clinician tactile feedback.
  • trigger 151320 (FIG. 44) pressure may be at its lowest and trigger pressure may increase until completion of an operation (e.g., clamping, cutting, or stapling).
  • the rate of change trigger force can be measured by a pressure sensor or strain gauge positioned on the trigger 151302 of the handle 151319 of the instrument 151310 (FIG. 44) to measure the force required to drive the knife 151305 (FIG. 45) through the tissue grasped between the anvil 151306 and the staple cartridge 151304.
  • the trigger 151332 force can be measured over time as represented graphically in FIG. 50.
  • stomach and lung tissue can be differentiated even though these tissue can have similar thicknesses, and can have similar compressive properties if the lung tissue is calcified.
  • Stomach and lung tissues can be distinguished by analyzing jaw gap distance, tissue compression, force applied, tissue contact area, compression rate of change, and jaw gap rate of change.
  • FIG. 51 shows a graph of tissue pressure“P” versus tissue displacement for various tissues.
  • the vertical (y) axis is tissue pressure and the horizontal (x) axis is tissue displacement.
  • tissue pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, such as 50-100 pounds per square inch (psi)
  • psi pounds per square inch
  • the amount of tissue displacement as well as the rate of tissue displacement before reaching the threshold can be used to differentiate tissues.
  • blood vessel tissue reaches the predetermined pressure threshold with less tissue displacement and with a faster rate of change than colon, lung, or stomach tissue.
  • rate of change tissue pressure over displacement
  • the rate of change for blood vessel tissue is nearly asymptotic at a threshold of 50-100 psi
  • the rate of change for colon, lung, and stomach is not asymptotic at a threshold of 50-100 psi.
  • any pressure threshold can be used such as, for example, between 1 and 1000 psi, more preferably between 10 and 500 psi, and more preferably still between 50 and 100 psi.
  • multiple thresholds or progressive thresholds can be used to provide further resolution of tissue types that have similar viscoelastic properties.
  • Compression rate of change also can enable the microcontroller to determine if the tissue is“normal” or if some abnormality exists, such as calcification. For example, referring to FIG. 52, compression of calcified lung tissue follows a different curve than compression of normal lung tissue. Tissue displacement and rate of change of tissue displacement therefore can be used to diagnose and/or differentiate calcified lung tissue from normal lung tissue.
  • certain sensed measurements may benefit from additional sensory input. For example, in the case of jaw gap, knowing how much of the jaw is covered with tissue can make the gap measurement more useful and accurate. If a small portion of the jaw is covered in tissue, tissue compression may appear to be less than if the entire jaw is covered in tissue. Thus, the amount of jaw coverage can be taken into account by the microcontroller when analyzing tissue compression and other sensed parameters.
  • elapsed time also can be an important parameter. Measuring how much time has passed, together with sensed parameters, and derivative parameters (e.g., rate of change) provides further useful information. For example, if jaw gap rate of change remains constant after a set period of time (e.g., 5 seconds), then the parameter may have reached its asymptotic value.
  • a set period of time e.g. 5 seconds
  • Rate of change information also is useful in determining when a steady state has been achieved, thus signaling a next step in a process. For example, during clamping, when tissue compression reaches a steady state— e.g., no significant rate of change occurs after a set period of time—the microcontroller can send a signal to the display alerting the clinician to start the next step in the operation, such as staple firing. Alternatively, the microcontroller can be programmed to automatically start the next stage of operation (e.g., staple firing) once a steady state is reached.
  • a steady state e.g., no significant rate of change occurs after a set period of time
  • the microcontroller can send a signal to the display alerting the clinician to start the next step in the operation, such as staple firing.
  • the microcontroller can be programmed to automatically start the next stage of operation (e.g., staple firing) once a steady state is reached.
  • impedance rate of change can be combined with strain in the anvil to relate force and compression.
  • the rate of change would allow the device to determine the tissue type rather than merely measure the compression value.
  • stomach and lung sometimes have similar thicknesses, and even similar compressive properties if the lung is calcified.
  • FIG. 53 illustrates one embodiment of an end effector 152000 comprising a first sensor 152008a and a second sensor 152008b.
  • the end effector 152000 is similar to the end effector 150300 described above.
  • the end effector 152000 comprises a first jaw member, or anvil, 152002 pivotally coupled to a second jaw member 152004.
  • the second jaw member 152004 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 152006 therein.
  • the staple cartridge 152006 comprises a plurality of staples (not shown).
  • the plurality of staples is deployable from the staple cartridge 152006 during a surgical operation.
  • the end effector 152000 comprises a first sensor 152008a.
  • the first sensor 152008a is configured to measure one or more parameters of the end effector 152000.
  • the first sensor 152008a is configured to measure the gap 152010 between the anvil 152002 and the second jaw member 152004.
  • the first sensor 152008a may comprise, for example, a Hall effect sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated by a magnet 152012 embedded in the second jaw member 152004 and/or the staple cartridge 152006.
  • the first sensor 152008a is configured to measure one or more forces exerted on the anvil 152002 by the second jaw member 152004 and/or tissue clamped between the anvil 152002 and the second jaw member 152004.
  • the end effector 152000 comprises a second sensor 152008b.
  • the second sensor 152008b is configured to measure one or more parameters of the end effector 152000.
  • the second sensor 152008b may comprise a strain gauge configured to measure the magnitude of the strain in the anvil 152002 during a clamped condition.
  • the strain gauge provides an electrical signal whose amplitude varies with the magnitude of the strain.
  • the first sensor 152008a and/or the second sensor 152008b may comprise, for example, a magnetic sensor such as, for example, a Hall effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, an inductive sensor such as, for example, an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor for measuring one or more parameters of the end effector 152000.
  • the first sensor 152008a and the second sensor 152008b may be arranged in a series configuration and/or a parallel configuration. In a series configuration, the second sensor 152008b may be configured to directly affect the output of the first sensor 152008a. In a parallel configuration, the second sensor 152008b may be configured to indirectly affect the output of the first sensor 152008a.
  • the one or more parameters measured by the first sensor 152008a are related to the one or more parameters measured by the second sensor 152008b.
  • the first sensor 152008a is configured to measure the gap 152010 between the anvil 152002 and the second jaw member 152004.
  • the gap 152010 is representative of the thickness and/or compressibility of a tissue section clamped between the anvil 152002 and the staple cartridge 152006.
  • the first sensor 152008a may comprise, for example, a Hall effect sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnet 152012 coupled to the second jaw member 152004 and/or the staple cartridge 152006.
  • Measuring at a single location accurately describes the compressed tissue thickness for a calibrated full bit of tissue, but may provide inaccurate results when a partial bite of tissue is placed between the anvil 152002 and the second jaw member 152004.
  • a partial bite of tissue either a proximal partial bite or a distal partial bite, changes the clamping geometry of the anvil 152002.
  • the amplitude of the strain of the anvil 152002 is used to modify the output of the first sensor 152008a, for example, a Hall effect sensor, to accurately represent a proximal or distal positioned partial bite's true compressed tissue thickness.
  • the first sensor 152008a and the second sensor 152008b may be measured in real-time during a clamping operation. Real-time measurement allows time based information to be analyzed, for example, by a primary processor (e.g., processor 462 (FIG. 12), for example), and used to select one or more algorithms and/or look-up tables to recognize tissue characteristics and clamping positioning to dynamically adjust tissue thickness measurements.
  • a primary processor e.g., processor 462 (FIG. 12), for example
  • the first sensor 152008a and the second sensor 152008b may be located in different environments, such as, for example, the first sensor 152008a being located within a patient at a treatment site and the second sensor 152008b being located externally to the patient.
  • the second sensor 152008b may be configured to calibrate and/or modify the output of the first sensor 152008a.
  • the first sensor 152008a and/or the second sensor 152008b may comprise, for example, an environmental sensor.
  • Environmental sensors may comprise, for example, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, and/or any other suitable environmental sensor.
  • FIG. 54 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152020 for adjusting the measurement of a first sensor 152008a based on input from a second sensor 152008b.
  • a first signal 152022a is captured by the first sensor 152008a.
  • the first signal 152022a may be conditioned based on one or more predetermined parameters, such as, for example, a smoothing function, a look-up table, and/or any other suitable conditioning parameters.
  • a second signal 152022b is captured by the second sensor 152008b.
  • the second signal 152022b may be conditioned based on one or more predetermined conditioning parameters.
  • the first signal 152022a and the second signal 152022b are provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the processor adjusts the measurement of the first sensor 152008a, as represented by the first signal 152022a, based on the second signal 152022b from the second sensor.
  • the first sensor 152008a comprises a Flail effect sensor and the second sensor 152008b comprises a strain gauge.
  • the distance measurement of the first sensor 152008a is adjusted by the amplitude of the strain measured by the second sensor 152008b to determine the fullness of the bite of tissue in the end effector 152000.
  • the adjusted measurement is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • FIG. 55 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152030 for determining a look-up table for a first sensor 152008a based on the input from a second sensor 152008b.
  • the first sensor 152008a captures a signal 152022a indicative of one or more parameters of the end effector 152000.
  • the first signal 152022a may be conditioned based on one or more predetermined parameters, such as, for example, a smoothing function, a look-up table, and/or any other suitable conditioning parameters.
  • a second signal 152022b is captured by the second sensor 152008b.
  • the second signal 152022b may be conditioned based on one or more predetermined conditioning parameters.
  • the first signal 152022a and the second signal 152022b are provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the processor selects a look-up table from one or more available look-up tables 152034a, 152034b based on the value of the second signal.
  • the selected look-up table is used to convert the first signal into a thickness measurement of the tissue located between the anvil 152002 and the staple cartridge 152006.
  • the adjusted measurement is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • FIG. 56 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152040 for calibrating a first sensor 152008a in response to an input from a second sensor 152008b.
  • the first sensor 152008a is configured to capture a signal 152022a indicative of one or more parameters of the end effector 152000.
  • the first signal 152022a may be conditioned based on one or more predetermined parameters, such as, for example, a smoothing function, a look-up table, and/or any other suitable conditioning parameters.
  • a second signal 152022b is captured by the second sensor 152008b.
  • the second signal 152022b may be conditioned based on one or more predetermined conditioning parameters.
  • the first signal 152022a and the second signal 152022b are provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor calibrates 152042 the first signal 152022a in response to the second signal 152022b.
  • the first signal 152022a is calibrated 152042 to reflect the fullness of the bite of tissue in the end effector 152000.
  • the calibrated signal is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • FIG. 57 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152050 for determining and displaying the thickness of a tissue section clamped between the anvil 152002 and the staple cartridge 152006 of the end effector 152000.
  • the process 152050 comprises obtaining a Flail effect voltage 152052, for example, through a Flail effect sensor located at the distal tip of the anvil 152002.
  • the Flail effect voltage 152052 is provided to an analog to digital convertor 152054 and converted into a digital signal.
  • the digital signal is provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor calibrates 152056 the curve input of the Flail effect voltage 152052 signal.
  • a strain gauge 152058 such as, for example, a micro-strain gauge, is configured to measure one or more parameters of the end effector 152000, such as, for example, the amplitude of the strain exerted on the anvil 152002 during a clamping operation.
  • the measured strain is converted 152060 to a digital signal and provided to the processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor uses one or more algorithms and/or lookup tables to adjust the Flail effect voltage 152052 in response to the strain measured by the strain gauge 152058 to reflect the true thickness and fullness of the bite of tissue clamped by the anvil 152002 and the staple cartridge 152006.
  • the adjusted thickness is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • the surgical instrument can further comprise a load cell or sensor 152082.
  • the load sensor 152082 can be located, for instance, in the shaft assembly 150200, described above, or in the housing 150012, also described above.
  • FIG. 58 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152070 for determining and displaying the thickness of a tissue section clamped between the anvil 152002 and the staple cartridge 152006 of the end effector 152000.
  • the process comprises obtaining a Flail effect voltage 152072, for example, through a Flail effect sensor located at the distal tip of the anvil 152002.
  • the Flail effect voltage 152072 is provided to an analog to digital convertor 152074 and converted into a digital signal.
  • the digital signal is provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor calibrates 152076 the curve input of the Flail effect voltage 152072 signal.
  • a strain gauge 152078 such as, for example, a micro-strain gauge, is configured to measure one or more parameters of the end effector 152000, such as, for example, the amplitude of the strain exerted on the anvil 152002 during a clamping operation.
  • the measured strain is converted 152080 to a digital signal and provided to the processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the load sensor 152082 measures the clamping force of the anvil 152002 against the staple cartridge 152006.
  • the measured clamping force is converted 152084 to a digital signal and provided to the processor, such as for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor uses one or more algorithms and/or lookup tables to adjust the Hall effect voltage 152072 in response to the strain measured by the strain gauge 152078 and the clamping force measured by the load sensor 152082 to reflect the true thickness and fullness of the bite of tissue clamped by the anvil 152002 and the staple cartridge 152006.
  • the adjusted thickness is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • FIG. 59 is a graph 152090 illustrating an adjusted Hall effect thickness measurement 152092 compared to an unmodified Hall effect thickness measurement 152094.
  • the unmodified Hall effect thickness measurement 152094 indicates a thicker tissue measurement, as the single sensor is unable to compensate for partial distaFproximal bites that result in incorrect thickness measurements.
  • the adjusted thickness measurement 152092 is generated by, for example, the process 152050 illustrated in FIG. 57.
  • the adjusted Hall effect thickness measurement 152092 is calibrated based on input from one or more additional sensors, such as, for example, a strain gauge.
  • the adjusted Hall effect thickness 152092 reflects the true thickness of the tissue located between an anvil 152002 and a staple cartridge 152006.
  • FIG. 60 illustrates one embodiment of an end effector 152100 comprising a first sensor 152108a and a second sensor 152108b.
  • the end effector 152100 is similar to the end effector 152000 illustrated in FIG. 53.
  • the end effector 152100 comprises a first jaw member, or anvil, 152102 pivotally coupled to a second jaw member 152104.
  • the second jaw member 152104 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 152106 therein.
  • the end effector 152100 comprises a first sensor 152108a coupled to the anvil 152102.
  • the first sensor 152108a is configured to measure one or more parameters of the end effector 152100, such as, for example, the gap 152110 between the anvil 152102 and the staple cartridge 152106.
  • the gap 152110 may correspond to, for example, a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil 152102 and the staple cartridge 152106.
  • the first sensor 152108a may comprise any suitable sensor for measuring one or more parameters of the end effector.
  • the first sensor 152108a may comprise a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor.
  • the end effector 152100 comprises a second sensor 152108b.
  • the second sensor 152108b is coupled to second jaw member 152104 and/or the staple cartridge 152106.
  • the second sensor 152108b is configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152100.
  • the second sensor 152108b is configured to detect one or more instrument conditions such as, for example, a color of the staple cartridge 152106 coupled to the second jaw member 152104, a length of the staple cartridge 152106, a clamping condition of the end effector 152100, the number of uses/number of remaining uses of the end effector 152100 and/or the staple cartridge 152106, and/or any other suitable instrument condition.
  • the second sensor 152108b may comprise any suitable sensor for detecting one or more instrument conditions, such as, for example, a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor.
  • a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor.
  • the first sensor 152158 is configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152150, such as, for example, the gap 152110 between the anvil 152152 and the staple cartridge 152156.
  • the gap 152110 may correspond to, for example, a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil 152152 and the staple cartridge 152156.
  • the first sensor 152158 may comprise any suitable sensor for measuring one or more parameters of the end effector.
  • the first sensor 152158 may comprise a magnetic sensor, such as a Flail effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor.
  • FIG. 62 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152170 for adjusting a measurement of a first sensor 152158 in response to a plurality of secondary sensors 152160a, 152160b.
  • a Flail effect voltage is obtained 152172, for example, by a Flail effect sensor.
  • the Flail effect voltage is converted 152174 by an analog to digital convertor.
  • the converted Flail effect voltage signal is calibrated 152176.
  • the calibrated curve represents the thickness of a tissue section located between the anvil 152152 and the staple cartridge 152156.
  • a plurality of secondary measurements are obtained 152178a, 152178b by a plurality of secondary sensors, such as, for example, a plurality of strain gauges.
  • the input of the strain gauges is converted 152180a, 152180b into one or more digital signals, for example, by a plurality of electronic md train conversion circuits.
  • the calibrated Flail effect voltage and the plurality of secondary measurements are provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor utilizes the secondary measurements to adjust 152182 the Flail effect voltage, for example, by applying an algorithm and/or utilizing one or more look-up tables.
  • the adjusted Flail effect voltage represents the true thickness and fullness of the bite of tissue clamped by the anvil 152152 and the staple cartridge 152156.
  • the adjusted thickness is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • FIG. 63 illustrates one embodiment of a circuit 152190 configured to convert signals from the first sensor 152158 and the plurality of secondary sensors 152160a, 152160b into digital signals receivable by a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the circuit 152190 comprises an analog-to -digital convertor 152194.
  • the analog-to-digital convertor 152194 comprises a 4-channel, 18-bit analog to digital convertor.
  • the analog-to-digital convertor 152194 may comprise any suitable number of channels and/orbits to convert one or more inputs from analog to digital signals.
  • the circuit 152190 comprises one or more level shifting resistors 152196 configured to receive an input from the first sensor 152158, such as, for example, a Flail effect sensor.
  • the level shifting resistors 152196 adjust the input from the first sensor, shifting the value to a higher or lower voltage depending on the input.
  • the level shifting resistors 152196 provide the level-shifted input from the first sensor 152158 to the analog-to-digital convertor.
  • the switch 152198 is configured to calibrate one or more of the input signals, such as, for example, an input from a Flail effect sensor.
  • the switch 152198 may be engaged to provide one or more level shifting signals to adjust the input of one or more of the sensors, such as, for example, to calibrate the input of a Flail effect sensor. In some embodiments, the adjustment is not necessary, and the switch 152198 is left in the open position to decouple the level shifting resistors.
  • the switch 152198 is coupled to the analog-to-digital convertor 152194.
  • the analog-to-digital convertor 152194 provides an output to one or more processors, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor calculates one or more parameters of the end effector 152150 based on the input from the analog-to-digital convertor 152194. For example, in one embodiment, the primary processor calculates a thickness of tissue located between the anvil 152152 and the staple cartridge 152156 based on input from one or more sensors 152158, 152160a, 152160b.
  • FIG. 64 illustrates one embodiment of an end effector 152200 comprising a plurality of sensors 152208a- 152208d.
  • the end effector 152200 comprises an anvil 152202 pivotally coupled to a second jaw member 152204.
  • the second jaw member 152204 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 152206 therein.
  • the anvil 152202 comprises a plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d thereon.
  • the plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d is configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152200, such as, for example, the anvil 152202.
  • the plurality of sensors 152208a- 152208d may comprise one or more identical sensors and/or different sensors.
  • the plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d may comprise, for example, magnetic sensors, such as a Flail effect sensor, strain gauges, pressure sensors, inductive sensors, such as an eddy current sensor, resistive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, and/or any other suitable sensors or combination thereof.
  • the plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d may comprise a plurality of strain gauges.
  • the plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d allows a robust tissue thickness sensing process to be implemented. By detecting various parameters along the length of the anvil 152202, the plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d allow a surgical instrument, such as, for example, the surgical instrument 150010, to calculate the tissue thickness in the jaws regardless of the bite, for example, a partial or full bite.
  • the plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d comprises a plurality of strain gauges. The plurality of strain gauges is configured to measure the strain at various points on the anvil 152202.
  • the amplitude and/or the slope of the strain at each of the various points on the anvil 152202 can be used to determine the thickness of tissue in between the anvil 152202 and the staple cartridge 152206.
  • the plurality of strain gauges may be configured to optimize maximum amplitude and/or slope differences based on clamping dynamics to determine thickness, tissue placement, and/or material properties of the tissue.
  • Time based monitoring of the plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d during clamping allows a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor, to utilize algorithms and look-up tables to recognize tissue characteristics and clamping positions and dynamically adjust the end effector 152200 and/or tissue clamped between the anvil 152202 and the staple cartridge 152206.
  • FIG. 65 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152220 for determining one or more tissue properties based on a plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d.
  • a plurality of sensors 152208a-152208d generate 152222a-152222d a plurality of signals indicative of one or more parameters of the end effector 152200.
  • the plurality of generated signals is converted 152224a-152224d to digital signals and provided to a processor.
  • a plurality of electronic md train (micro -strain) conversion circuits convert 152224a-152224d the strain gauge signals to digital signals.
  • the digital signals are provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor determines 152226 one or more tissue characteristics based on the plurality of signals.
  • the processor may determine the one or more tissue characteristics by applying an algorithm and/or a look-up table.
  • the one or more tissue characteristics are displayed 152026 to an operator, for example, by a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • FIG. 66 illustrates one embodiment of an end effector 152250 comprising a plurality of sensors 152260a- 152260d coupled to a second jaw member 3254.
  • the end effector 152250 comprises an anvil 152252 pivotally coupled to a second jaw member 152254.
  • the anvil 152252 is moveable relative to the second jaw member 152254 to clamp one or more materials, such as, for example, a tissue section 152264, therebetween.
  • the second jaw member 152254 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 152256.
  • a first sensor 152258 is coupled to the anvil 152252.
  • the first sensor is configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152150, such as, for example, the gap 152110 between the anvil 152252 and the staple cartridge 152256.
  • the gap 152110 may correspond to, for example, a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil 152252 and the staple cartridge 152256.
  • the first sensor 152258 may comprise any suitable sensor for measuring one or more parameters of the end effector.
  • the first sensor 152258 may comprise a magnetic sensor, such as a Flail effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor.
  • a plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d is coupled to the second jaw member 152254.
  • the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d may be formed integrally with the second jaw member 152254 and/or the staple cartridge 152256.
  • the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d is disposed on an outer row of the staple cartridge 152256 (see FIG. 67).
  • the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d are configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152250 and/or a tissue section 152264 clamped between the anvil 152252 and the staple cartridge 152256.
  • the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d may comprise any suitable sensors for detecting one or more parameters of the end effector 152250 and/or the tissue section 152264, such as, for example, magnetic sensors, such as a Hall effect sensor, strain gauges, pressure sensors, inductive sensors, such as an eddy current sensor, resistive sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, and/or any other suitable sensors or combination thereof.
  • the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d may comprise identical sensors and/or different sensors.
  • the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d comprises dual purpose sensors and tissue stabilizing elements.
  • the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d comprise electrodes and/or sensing geometries configured to create a stabilized tissue condition when the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d are engaged with a tissue section 152264, such as, for example, during a clamping operation.
  • one or more of the plurality of secondary sensors 152260a-152260d may be replaced with non-sensing tissue stabilizing elements.
  • the secondary sensors 152260a-152260d create a stabilized tissue condition by controlling tissue flow, staple formation, and/or other tissue conditions during a clamping, stapling, and/or other treatment process.
  • one or more of the plurality of sensors 152272a-152272h comprise dual purpose sensor and tissue stabilizing elements having electrodes and/or sensing geometries configured to provide tissue stabilization.
  • the plurality of sensors 152272a-152272h may be replaced with and/or co-populated with a plurality of tissue stabilizing elements. Tissue stabilization may be provided by, for example, controlling tissue flow and/or staple formation during a clamping and/or stapling process.
  • the plurality of sensors 152272a-152272h provide signals to one or more circuits of the surgical instrument 150010 to enhance feedback of stapling performance and/or tissue thickness sensing.
  • FIG. 68 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152280 for determining one or more parameters of a tissue section 152264 clamped within an end effector, such as, for example, the end effector 152250 illustrated in FIG. 66.
  • a first sensor 152258 is configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152250 and/or a tissue section 152264 located between the anvil 152252 and the staple cartridge 152256.
  • a first signal is generated 152282 by the first sensors 152258.
  • the first signal is indicative of the one or more parameters detected by the first sensor 152258.
  • One or more secondary sensors 152260 are configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152250 and/or the tissue section 152264.
  • the secondary sensors 152260 may be configured to detect the same parameters, additional parameters, or different parameters as the first sensor 152258.
  • Secondary signals 152284 are generated by the secondary sensors 152260.
  • the secondary signals 152284 are indicative of the one or more parameters detected by the secondary sensors 152260.
  • the first signal and the secondary signals are provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the processor adjusts 152286 the first signal generated by the first sensor 152258 based on input generated by the secondary sensors 152260.
  • the adjusted signal may be indicative of, for example, the true thickness of a tissue section 152264 and the fullness of the bite.
  • the adjusted signal is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010. [0496] FIG.
  • FIG. 69 illustrates one embodiment of an end effector 152300 comprising a plurality of redundant sensors 152308a, 152308b.
  • the end effector 152300 comprises a first jaw member, or anvil, 152302 pivotally coupled to a second jaw member 152304.
  • the second jaw member 152304 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 152306 therein.
  • the anvil 152302 is moveable with respect to the staple cartridge 152306 to grasp a material, such as, for example, a tissue section, between the anvil 152302 and the staple cartridge 152306.
  • a plurality of sensors 152308a, 152308b is coupled to the anvil.
  • the plurality of sensors 152308a, 152308b comprise redundant sensors.
  • the redundant sensors are configured to detect the same properties of the end effector 152300 and/or a tissue section located between the anvil 152302 and the staple cartridge 152306.
  • the redundant sensors may comprise, for example, Hall effect sensors configured to detect the gap 152310 between the anvil 152302 and the staple cartridge 152306.
  • the redundant sensors provide signals representative of one or more parameters allowing a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor, to evaluate the multiple inputs and determine the most reliable input.
  • the redundant sensors are used to reduce noise, false signals, and/or drift.
  • Each of the redundant sensors may be measured in real-time during clamping, allowing time-based information to be analyzed and algorithms and/or look-up tables to recognize tissue characteristics and clamping positioning dynamically.
  • the input of one or more of the redundant sensors may be adjusted and/or selected to identify the true tissue thickness and bite of a tissue section located between the anvil 152302 and the staple cartridge 152306.
  • FIG. 70 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152320 for selecting the most reliable output from a plurality of redundant sensors, such as, for example, the plurality of sensors 152308a, 152308b illustrated in FIG. 69.
  • a first signal is generated by a first sensor 152308a.
  • the first signal is converted 152322a by an analog-to -digital convertor.
  • One or more additional signals are generated by one or more redundant sensors 152308b.
  • the one or more additional signals are converted 152322b by an analog-to-digital convertor.
  • the converted signals are provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor evaluates 152324 the redundant inputs to determine the most reliable output.
  • the most reliable output may be selected based on one or more parameters, such as, for example, algorithms, look-up tables, input from additional sensors, and/or instrument conditions.
  • the processor may adjust the output based on one or more additional sensors to reflect, for example, the true thickness and bite of a tissue section located between the anvil 152302 and the staple cartridge 152306.
  • the adjusted most reliable output is displayed 152026 to an operator by, for example, a display embedded in the surgical instrument 150010.
  • FIG. 71 illustrates one embodiment of an end effector 152350 comprising a sensor 152358 comprising a specific sampling rate to limit or eliminate false signals.
  • the end effector 152350 comprises a first jaw member, or anvil, 152352 pivotably coupled to a second jaw member 152354.
  • the second jaw member 152354 is configured to receive a staple cartridge 152356 therein.
  • the staple cartridge 152356 contains a plurality of staples that may be delivered to a tissue section located between the anvil 152352 and the staple cartridge 152356.
  • a sensor 152358 is coupled to the anvil 152352.
  • the sensor 152358 is configured to detect one or more parameters of the end effector 152350, such as, for example, the gap 152364 between the anvil 152352 and the staple cartridge 152356.
  • the gap 152364 may correspond to the thickness of a material, such as, for example, a tissue section, and/or the fullness of a bite of material located between the anvil 152352 and the staple cartridge 152356.
  • the sensor 152358 may comprise any suitable sensor for detecting one or more parameters of the end effector 152350, such as, for example, a magnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor.
  • a magnetic sensor such as a Hall effect sensor, a strain gauge, a pressure sensor, an inductive sensor, such as an eddy current sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, and/or any other suitable sensor.
  • the sensor 152358 comprises a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field generated by an electromagnetic source 152360 coupled to the second jaw member 152354 and/or the staple cartridge 152356.
  • the electromagnetic source 152360 generates a magnetic field detected by the sensor 152358.
  • the strength of the detected magnetic field may correspond to, for example, the thickness and/or fullness of a bite of tissue located between the anvil 152352 and the staple cartridge 152356.
  • the electromagnetic source 152360 generates a signal at a known frequency, such as, for example, 1 MHz.
  • the signal generated by the electromagnetic source 152360 may be adjustable based on, for example, the type of staple cartridge 152356 installed in the second jaw member 152354, one or more additional sensor, an algorithm, and/or one or more parameters.
  • the electromagnetic source 152360 generates a signal at a frequency of 1 MHz.
  • the signal is detected by the sensor 152358.
  • the sensor 152358 generates a signal indicative of the detected magnetic field which is provided to the signal processor 152362.
  • the signal is processed by the signal processor 152362 at a frequency of 1 MHz to eliminate false signals.
  • the processed signal is provided to a processor, such as, for example, the primary processor.
  • the primary processor correlates the received signal to one or more parameters of the end effector 152350, such as, for example, the gap 152364 between the anvil 152352 and the staple cartridge 152356.
  • FIG. 72 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a process 152370 for generating a thickness measurement for a tissue section located between an anvil and a staple cartridge of an end effector, such as, for example, the end effector 152350 illustrated in FIG. 71.
  • a signal is generated 152372 by a modulated electromagnetic source 152360.
  • the generated signal may comprise, for example, a 1 MHz signal.
  • a magnetic sensor 152358 is configured to detect 152374 the signal generated by the electromagnetic source 152360.
  • the magnetic sensor 152358 generates a signal indicative of the detected magnetic field and provides the signal to a signal processor 152362.
  • the signal processor 152362 processes 152376 the signal to remove noise, false signals, and/or to boost the signal.
  • the processed signal is provided to an analog-to-digital convertor for conversion 152378 to a digital signal.
  • the digital signal may be calibrated 152380, for example, by application of a calibration curve input algorithm and/or look-up table.
  • the signal processing 152376, conversion 152378, and calibration 152380 may be performed by one or more circuits.
  • the calibrated signal is displayed 152026 to a user by, for example, a display formed integrally with the surgical instrument 150010.
  • the sensor 152408 can be operable to detect a property of the staple cartridge 152406 and thereby identify the staple cartridge 152406 type.
  • FIG. 74 illustrates an example where the sensor 152408 is an optical emitter and detector 152410.
  • the body of the staple cartridge 152406 can be different colors, such that the color identifies the staple cartridge 152406 type.
  • An optical emitter and detector 152410 can be operable to interrogate the color of the staple cartridge 152406 body.
  • the optical emitter and detector 152410 can detect white 152412 by receiving reflected light in the red, green, and blue spectrums in equal intensity.
  • the optical emitter and detector 152410 can detect red 152414 by receiving very little reflected light in the green and blue spectrums while receiving light in the red spectrum in greater intensity.
  • the optical emitter and detector 152410 can interrogate and identify some other symbol or marking on the staple cartridge 152406.
  • the symbol or marking can be any one of a barcode, a shape or character, a color-coded emblem, or any other suitable marking.
  • the information read by the sensor 152408 can be communicated to a microcontroller in the surgical device 150010, such as for instance a microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller 461 (FIG. 12), for example).
  • the microcontroller can be configured to communicate information about the staple cartridge 152406 to the operator of the instrument.
  • the identified staple cartridge 152406 may not be appropriate for a given application; in such case, the operator of the instrument can be informed, and/or a function of the instrument s inappropriate.
  • the microcontroller can optionally be configured to disable a function of surgical instrument can be disabled.
  • the microcontroller can be configured to inform the operator of the surgical instrument 150010 of the parameters of the identified staple cartridge 152406 type, such as for instance the length of the staple cartridge 152406, or information about the staples, such as the height and length.
  • FIG. 75 illustrates one aspect of a segmented flexible circuit 153430 configured to fixedly attach to a jaw member 153434 of an end effector.
  • the segmented flexible circuit 153430 comprises a distal segment 153432a and lateral segments 153432b, 153432c that include individually addressable sensors to provide local tissue presence detection.
  • the segments 153432a, 153432b, 153432c are individually addressable to detect tissue and to measure tissue parameters based on individual sensors located within each of the segments 153432a, 153432b, 153432c.
  • the segments 153432a, 153432b, 153432c of the segmented flexible circuit 153430 are mounted to the jaw member 153434 and are electrically coupled to an energy source such as an electrical circuit via electrical conductive elements 153436.
  • a Flail effect sensor 153438 or any suitable magnetic sensor, is located on a distal end of the jaw member 153434.
  • the Flail effect sensor 153438 operates in conjunction with a magnet to provide a measurement of an aperture defined by the jaw member 153434, which otherwise may be referred to as a tissue gap, as shown with particularity in FIG. 77.
  • the segmented flexible circuit 153430 may be employed to measure tissue thickness, force, displacement, compression, tissue impedance, and tissue location within an end effector.
  • FIG. 76 illustrates one aspect of a segmented flexible circuit 153440 configured to mount to a jaw member 153444 of an end effector.
  • the segmented flexible circuit 153440 comprises a distal segment 153442a and lateral segments 153442b, 153442c that include individually addressable sensors for tissue control.
  • the segments 153442a, 153442b, 153442c are individually addressable to treat tissue and to read individual sensors located within each of the segments 153442a, 153442b, 153442c.
  • the segments 153442a, 153442b, 153442c of the segmented flexible circuit 153440 are mounted to the jaw member 153444 and are electrically coupled to an energy source, via electrical conductive elements 153446.
  • a Hall effect sensor 153448 is provided on a distal end of the jaw member 153444.
  • the Hall effect sensor 153448 operates in conjunction with a magnet to provide a measurement of an aperture defined by the jaw member 153444 of the end effector or tissue gap as shown with particularity in FIG. 77.
  • a plurality of lateral asymmetric temperature sensors 153450a, 153450b are mounted on or formally integrally with the segmented flexible circuit 153440 to provide tissue temperature feedback to the control circuit.
  • the segmented flexible circuit 153440 may be employed to measure tissue thickness, force, displacement, compression, tissue impedance, and tissue location within an end effector.
  • FIG. 77 illustrates one aspect of an end effector 153460 configured to measure a tissue gap G T .
  • the end effector 153460 comprises a jaw member 153462 and a jaw member 153444.
  • the flexible circuit 153440 as described in FIG. 76 is mounted to the jaw member 153444.
  • the flexible circuit 153440 comprises a Hall effect sensor 153448 that operates with a magnet 153464 mounted to the jaw member 153462 to measure the tissue gap G T . This technique can be employed to measure the aperture defined between the jaw member 153444 and the jaw member 153462.
  • the jaw member 153462 may be a staple cartridge.
  • FIG. 78 illustrates one aspect of an end effector 153470 comprising a segmented flexible circuit 153468.
  • the end effector 153470 comprises a jaw member 153472 and a staple cartridge 153474.
  • the segmented flexible circuit 153468 is mounted to the jaw member 153472.
  • Each of the sensors disposed within the segments 1-5 are configured to detect the presence of tissue positioned between the jaw member 153472 and the staple cartridge 153474 and represent tissue zones 1-5.
  • the end effector 153470 is shown in an open position ready to receive or grasp tissue between the jaw member 153472 and the staple cartridge 153474.
  • the segmented flexible circuit 153468 may be employed to measure tissue thickness, force, displacement, compression, tissue impedance, and tissue location within the end effector 153470.
  • FIG. 79 illustrates the end effector 153470 shown in FIG. 78 with the jaw member 153472 clamping tissue 153476 between the jaw members 153472, e.g., the anvil and the staple cartridge.
  • the tissue 153476 is positioned between segments 1-3 and represents tissue zones 1-3. Accordingly, tissue 153476 is detected by the sensors in segments 1-3 and the absence of tissue (empty) is detected in section 153469 by segments 4-5.
  • the information regarding the presence and absence of tissue 153476 positioned within certain segments 1-3 and 4-5, respectively, is communicated to a control circuit as described herein via interface circuits, for example.
  • the control circuit is configured to detect tissue located in segments 1-3.
  • the segments 1-5 may contain any suitable temperature, force/pressure, and/or Hall effect magnetic sensors to measure tissue parameters of tissue located within certain segments 1-5 and electrodes to deliver energy to tissue located in certain segments 1-5.
  • the segmented flexible circuit 153468 may be employed to measure tissue thickness, force, displacement, compression, tissue impedance, and tissue location within the end effector 153470.
  • FIG. 80 is a diagram of an absolute positioning system 153100 that can be used with a surgical instrument or system in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • the absolute positioning system 153100 comprises a controlled motor drive circuit arrangement comprising a sensor arrangement 153102, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the sensor arrangement 153102 for an absolute positioning system 153100 provides a unique position signal corresponding to the location of a displacement member 153111.
  • the displacement member 153111 represents the longitudinally movable drive member coupled to the cutting instrument or knife (e.g., a cutting instrument, an I-beam, and/or I-beam 153514 (FIG. 82)).
  • the displacement member 153111 represents a firing member coupled to the cutting instrument or knife, which could be adapted and configured to include a rack of drive teeth.
  • the displacement member 153111 represents a firing bar or an I-beam, each of which can be adapted and configured to include a rack of drive teeth.
  • the term displacement member is used generically to refer to any movable member of a surgical instrument or system as described herein, such as a drive member, firing member, firing bar, cutting instrument, knife, and/or I-beam, or any element that can be displaced.
  • the absolute positioning system 153100 can, in effect, track the displacement of the cutting instrument I-beam 153514 (FIG. 82) by tracking the displacement of a longitudinally movable drive member.
  • the displacement member 153111 may be coupled to any sensor suitable for measuring displacement.
  • a longitudinally movable drive member, firing member, the firing bar, or I-beam, or combinations thereof may be coupled to any suitable displacement sensor.
  • Displacement sensors may include contact or non-contact displacement sensors.
  • Displacement sensors may comprise linear variable differential transformers (LVDT), differential variable reluctance transducers (DVRT), a slide potentiometer, a magnetic sensing system comprising a movable magnet and a series of linearly arranged Hall effect sensors, a magnetic sensing system comprising a fixed magnet and a series of movable linearly arranged Hall effect sensors, an optical sensing system comprising a movable light source and a series of linearly arranged photo diodes or photo detectors, or an optical sensing system comprising a fixed light source and a series of movable linearly arranged photo diodes or photo detectors, or any combination thereof.
  • LVDT linear variable differential transformers
  • DVRT differential variable reluctance transducers
  • a slide potentiometer a magnetic sensing system comprising a movable magnet and a series of linearly arranged Hall effect sensors
  • a magnetic sensing system comprising a fixed magnet and
  • An electric motor 153120 can include a rotatable shaft 153116 that operably interfaces with a gear assembly 153114 that is mounted in meshing engagement with a set, or rack, of drive teeth on the displacement member 153111.
  • a sensor element 153126 may be operably coupled to the gear assembly 153114 such that a single revolution of the sensor element 153126 corresponds to some linear longitudinal translation of the displacement member 153111.
  • An arrangement of gearing and sensors 153118 can be connected to the linear actuator via a rack and pinion arrangement or a rotary actuator via a spur gear or other connection.
  • a power source 153129 supplies power to the absolute positioning system 153100 and an output indicator 153128 may display the output of the absolute positioning system 153100.
  • a single revolution of the sensor element 153126 associated with the position sensor 153112 is equivalent to a longitudinal displacement di of the of the displacement member 153111, where di is the longitudinal distance that the displacement member 153111 moves from point“a” to point“b” after a single revolution of the sensor element 153126 coupled to the displacement member 153111.
  • the sensor arrangement 153102 may be connected via a gear reduction that results in the position sensor 153112 completing one or more revolutions for the full stroke of the displacement member 153111.
  • the position sensor 153112 may complete multiple revolutions for the full stroke of the displacement member 153111.
  • a series of switches 153122a-153122n may be employed alone or in combination with gear reduction to provide a unique position signal for more than one revolution of the position sensor 153112.
  • the state of the switches 153122a-153122n are fed back to a controller 153110 that applies logic to determine a unique position signal corresponding to the longitudinal displacement d, + d 2 + ... d n of the displacement member 153111.
  • the output 153124 of the position sensor 153112 is provided to the controller 153110.
  • the position sensor 153112 of the sensor arrangement 153102 may comprise a magnetic sensor, an analog rotary sensor like a potentiometer, an array of analog Hall-effect elements, which output a unique combination of position signals or values.
  • the controller 153110 may be contained within a master controller or may be contained within a tool mounting portion housing of a surgical instrument or system in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • the absolute positioning system 153100 provides an absolute position of the displacement member 153111 upon power up of the surgical instrument or system without retracting or advancing the displacement member 153111 to a reset (zero or home) position as may be required with conventional rotary encoders that merely count the number of steps forwards or backwards that the motor 153120 has taken to infer the position of a device actuator, drive bar, knife, and the like.
  • the controller 153110 may be programmed to perform various functions such as precise control over the speed and position of the knife and articulation systems.
  • the controller 153110 includes a processor 153108 and a memory 153106.
  • the electric motor 153120 may be a brushed DC motor with a gearbox and mechanical links to an articulation or knife system.
  • a motor driver 153110 may be an A3941 available from Allegro
  • the controller 153110 may be programmed to provide precise control over the speed and position of the displacement member 153111 and articulation systems.
  • the controller 153110 may be configured to compute a response in the software of the controller 153110.
  • the computed response is compared to a measured response of the actual system to obtain an“observed” response, which is used for actual feedback decisions.
  • the observed response is a favorable, tuned, value that balances the smooth, continuous nature of the simulated response with the measured response, which can detect outside influences on the system.
  • the absolute positioning system 153100 may comprise and/or be programmed to implement a feedback controller, such as a PID, state feedback, and adaptive controller.
  • a power source 153129 converts the signal from the feedback controller into a physical input to the system, in this case voltage.
  • Other examples include pulse width modulation (PWM) of the voltage, current, and force.
  • Other sensor(s) 153118 may be provided to measure physical parameters of the physical system in addition to position measured by the position sensor 153112.
  • absolute positioning system 153100 is coupled to a digital data acquisition system where the output of the absolute positioning system 153100 will have finite resolution and sampling frequency.
  • the absolute positioning system 153100 may comprise a compare and combine circuit to combine a computed response with a measured response using algorithms such as weighted average and theoretical control loop that drives the computed response towards the measured response.
  • the computed response of the physical system takes into account properties like mass, inertial, viscous friction, inductance resistance, etc., to predict what the states and outputs of the physical system will be by knowing the input.
  • the motor driver 153110 may be an A3941 available from Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
  • the A3941 driver 153110 is a full-bridge controller for use with external N-channel power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) specifically designed for inductive loads, such as brush DC motors.
  • MOSFETs power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors
  • the driver 153110 comprises a unique charge pump regulator provides full (> 10 V) gate drive for battery voltages down to 7 V and allows the A3941 to operate with a reduced gate drive, down to 5.5 V.
  • a bootstrap capacitor may be employed to provide the above-battery supply voltage required for N-channel MOSFETs.
  • An internal charge pump for the high-side drive allows DC (100% duty cycle) operation.
  • the full bridge can be driven in fast or slow decay modes using diode or synchronous rectification. In the slow decay mode, current recirculation can be through the high-side or the lowside FETs.
  • the power FETs are protected from shoot-through by resistor adjustable dead time.
  • Integrated diagnostics provide indication of undervoltage, overtemperature, and power bridge faults, and can be configured to protect the power MOSFETs under most short circuit conditions.
  • Other motor drivers may be readily substituted for use in the absolute positioning system 153100.
  • FIG. 81 is a diagram of a position sensor 153200 for an absolute positioning system 153100’ comprising a magnetic rotary absolute positioning system, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the absolute positioning system 153100’ is similar in many respects to the absolute positioning system 153100.
  • the position sensor 153200 may be implemented as an AS5055EQFT single-chip magnetic rotary position sensor available from Austria Microsystems, AG.
  • the position sensor 153200 is interfaced with the controller 153110 to provide the absolute positioning system 153100’.
  • the position sensor 153200 is a low-voltage and low-power component and includes four Hall-effect elements 153228A, 153228B, 153228C, 153228D in an area 153230 of the position sensor 153200 that is located above a magnet positioned on a rotating element associated with a displacement member such as, for example, a knife drive gear and/or a closure drive gear such that the displacement of a firing member and/or a closure member can be precisely tracked.
  • a high-resolution ADC 153232 and a smart power management controller 153238 are also provided on the chip.
  • a CORDIC processor 153236 for Coordinate Rotation Digital Computer, also known as the digit-by -digit method and Volder's algorithm, is provided to implement a simple and efficient algorithm to calculate hyperbolic and trigonometric functions that require only addition, subtraction, bitshift, and table lookup operations.
  • the angle position, alarm bits, and magnetic field information are transmitted over a standard serial communication interface such as an SPI interface 153234 to the controller 153110.
  • the position sensor 153200 provides 12 or 14 bits of resolution.
  • the position sensor 153200 may be an AS5055 chip provided in a small QFN 16-pin 4x4x0.85mm package.
  • the Hall-effect elements 153228A, 153228B, 153228C, 153228D are located directly above the rotating magnet.
  • the Hall-effect is a well-known effect and for expediency will not be described in detail herein, however, generally, the Hall-effect produces a voltage difference (the Hall voltage) across an electrical conductor transverse to an electric current in the conductor and a magnetic field perpendicular to the current.
  • a Hall coefficient is defined as the ratio of the induced electric field to the product of the current density and the applied magnetic field. It is a characteristic of the material from which the conductor is made, since its value depends on the type, number, and properties of the charge carriers that constitute the current.
  • the Hall-effect elements 153228A, 153228B, 153228C, 153228D are capable producing a voltage signal that is indicative of the absolute position of the magnet in terms of the angle over a single revolution of the magnet.
  • This value of the angle, which is unique position signal, is calculated by the CORDIC processor 153236 is stored onboard the AS5055 position sensor 153200 in a register or memory.
  • the value of the angle that is indicative of the position of the magnet over one revolution is provided to the controller 153110 in a variety of techniques, e.g., upon power up or upon request by the controller 153110.
  • the AS5055 position sensor 153200 requires only a few external components to operate when connected to the controller 153110. Six wires are needed for a simple application using a single power supply: two wires for power and four wires 153240 for the SPI interface 153234 with the controller 153110. A seventh connection can be added in order to send an interrupt to the controller 153110 to inform that a new valid angle can be read.
  • the AS5055 position sensor 153200 Upon power-up, the AS5055 position sensor 153200 performs a full power-up sequence including one angle measurement. The completion of this cycle is indicated as an INT output 153242, and the angle value is stored in an internal register. Once this output is set, the AS5055 position sensor 153200 suspends to sleep mode.
  • the controller 153110 can respond to the INT request at the INT output 153242 by reading the angle value from the AS5055 position sensor 153200 over the SPI interface 153234. Once the angle value is read by the controller 153110, the INT output 153242 is cleared again. Sending a“read angle” command by the SPI interface 153234 by the controller 153110 to the position sensor 153200 also automatically powers up the chip and starts another angle measurement. As soon as the controller 153110 has completed reading of the angle value, the INT output 153242 is cleared and a new result is stored in the angle register. The completion of the angle measurement is again indicated by setting the INT output 153242 and a corresponding flag in the status register.
  • the angle jitter can be reduced by averaging of several angle samples in the controller 153110. For example, an averaging of four samples reduces the jitter by 6dB (50%).
  • FIG. 82 is a section view of an end effector 153502 showing an I-beam 153514 firing stroke relative to tissue 153526 grasped within the end effector 153502, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the end effector 153502 is configured to operate with any of the surgical instruments or systems in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • the end effector 153502 comprises an anvil 153516 and an elongated channel 153503 with a staple cartridge 153518 positioned in the elongated channel 153503.
  • a firing bar 153520 is translatable distally and proximally along a longitudinal axis 153515 of the end effector 153502.
  • An I-beam 153514 comprising a cutting edge 153509 is illustrated at a distal portion of the firing bar 153520.
  • a wedge sled 153513 is positioned in the staple cartridge 153518.
  • the cutting edge 153509 contacts and may cut tissue 153526 positioned between the anvil 153516 and the staple cartridge 153518.
  • the I-beam 153514 contacts the wedge sled 153513 and pushes it distally, causing the wedge sled 153513 to contact staple drivers 153511.
  • the staple drivers 153511 may be driven up into staples 153505, causing the staples 153505 to advance through tissue and into pockets 153507 defined in the anvil 153516, which shape the staples 153505.
  • An example I-beam 153514 firing stroke is illustrated by a chart 153529 aligned with the end effector 153502.
  • Example tissue 153526 is also shown aligned with the end effector 153502.
  • the firing member stroke may comprise a stroke begin position 153527 and a stroke end position 153528.
  • the I-beam 153514 may be advanced distally from the stroke begin position 153527 to the stroke end position 153528.
  • the I-beam 153514 is shown at one example location of a stroke begin position 153527.
  • the I-beam 153514 firing member stroke chart 153529 illustrates five firing member stroke regions 153517, 153519, 153521, 153523, 153525.
  • the I-beam 153514 may begin to advance distally.
  • the I- beam 153514 may contact the wedge sled 153513 and begin to move it distally. While in the first region, however, the cutting edge 153509 may not contact tissue and the wedge sled 153513 may not contact a staple driver 153511. After static friction is overcome, the force to drive the I-beam 153514 in the first region 153517 may be substantially constant.
  • tissue in the portion of the end effector 153502 corresponding to the fourth firing region 153523 may be less compressed than tissue closer to the pivot point of the anvil 153516, requiring less force to cut.
  • the cutting edge 153509 and wedge sled 153513 may reach the end of the tissue 153526 while in the fourth region 153523.
  • the tissue 153526 may be completely severed.
  • the wedge sled 153513 may contact one or more staple drivers 153511 at or near the end of the tissue.
  • the controller 153110 may be configured to predict the speed of the I-beam 153514 based on various parameters of the power supplied to the electric motor 153120, such as voltage and/or current, for example, and/or other operating parameters of the electric motor 153120 or external influences.
  • the controller 153110 may be configured to predict the current speed of the I-beam 153514 based on the previous values of the current and/or voltage supplied to the electric motor 153120, and/or previous states of the system like velocity, acceleration, and/or position.
  • the controller 153110 may be configured to sense the speed of the I-beam 153514 utilizing the absolute positioning sensor system described herein.
  • the I-beam 153514 force may be determined using various techniques.
  • the I-beam 153514 force may be determined by measuring the motor 153120 current, where the motor 153120 current is based on the load experienced by the I-beam 153514 as it advances distally.
  • the I-beam 153514 force may be determined by positioning a strain gauge on the drive member, the firing member, I-beam 153514, the firing bar, and/or on a proximal end of the cutting edge 153509.
  • the force on the I-beam 153514 is less than the nominal force.
  • the difference between the actual and expected positions of the I-beam 153514 is proportional to the deviation of the force on the I-beam 153514 from the nominal force.
  • FIG. 83 is a graph 153600 depicting two closure force (FTC) plots 153606, 153608 depicting the force applied to a closure member to close on thick and thin tissue during a closure phase and a graph 153601 depicting two firing force (FTF) plots 153622, 153624 depicting the force applied to a firing member to fire through thick and thin tissue during a firing phase.
  • FTC closure force
  • FTF firing force
  • the graph 153600 depicts an example of the force applied to thick and thin tissue during a closure stroke to close the end effector 153502 relative to tissue grasped between the anvil 153516 and the staple cartridge 153518, where the closure force is plotted as a function of time.
  • the closure force plots 153606, 153608 are plotted on two axes.
  • a vertical axis 153602 indicates the closure force (FTC) the end effector 153502 in Newtons (N).
  • a horizontal axis 153604 indicates time in seconds and labeled to to t 33 for clarity of description.
  • the first closure force plot 153606 is an example of the force applied to thick tissue during a closure stroke to close the end effector 153502 relative to tissue grasped between the anvil 153516 and the staple cartridge 153518 and a second plot 153608 is an example of the force applied to thin tissue during a closure stroke to close the end effector 153502 relative to tissue grasped between the anvil 153516 and the staple cartridge 153518.
  • the first and second closure force plots 153606, 153608 are divided into three phases, a close stroke (CLOSE), a waiting period (WAIT), and a firing stroke (FIRE).
  • the closure force 153616 increases from 0 up to a maximum force F 3 from time t 0 to t 3 .
  • the relative difference between the maximum forces Fi and F 3 is due to the difference in closure force necessary for thick tissue relative to thin tissue, where greater force is required to close the anvil onto thick tissue versus thin tissue.
  • the first and second closure force plots 153606, 153608 indicate that the closure force in the end effector 153502 increases during an initial clamping time period ending at a time (t, ).
  • the closure force reaches a maximum force (Fi, F 3 ) at the time (t, ).
  • the initial clamping time period can be about one second, for example.
  • a waiting period can be applied prior to initiating a firing stroke. The waiting period allows fluid egress from tissue compressed by the end effector 153502, which reduces the thickness of the compressed tissue yielding a smaller gap between the anvil 153516 and the staple cartridge 153518 and a reduced closure force at the end of the waiting period.
  • first closure force plot 153606 there is a nominal drop in closure force 153612 from Fi to F 2 during the waiting period between t 4 to t .
  • the closure force 153618 drops nominally from F 3 to F 4 during the waiting period between t, to t .
  • a waiting period (t, to t ) selected from a range of about 10 seconds to about 20 seconds is typically employed.
  • a period of time of about 15 seconds is employed.
  • the waiting period is followed by the firing stroke, which typically lasts a period of time selected from a range of about 3 seconds, for example, to about 5 seconds, for example.
  • FIG. 83 also depicts a graph 153601 of first and second firing force plots 153622, 153624 that plot the force applied to advance the I-beam 153514 during the firing stroke of a surgical instrument or system in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • the firing force plots 153622, 153624 are plotted on two axes.
  • a vertical axis 153626 indicates the firing force, in Newtons (N), applied to advance the I-beam 153514 during the firing stroke.
  • the I-beam 153514 is configured to advance a knife or cutting element and motivate drivers to deploy staples during the firing stroke.
  • a horizontal axis 153605 indicates the time in seconds on the same time scale as the horizontal axis 153604 of the upper graph 153600.
  • the closure tube force drops precipitously from time t to about time F. which represents the moment the I-beam 153514 couples into the anvil 153516 and begins to take load and the closure force decreases as the firing force increases as shown by the first and second firing force plots 153622, 153624.
  • the I-beam 153514 is advanced from the stroke begin position at time f t to the stroke end positions between t 8 and t 9 for the firing force plot 153624 for thin tissue and at t n for the firing force plot 153622 for thick tissue.
  • the closure assembly surrenders control of the staple cartridge 153518 and the anvil 153516 to the firing assembly, which causes the firing force to increase and the closure force to decrease.
  • a first segment 153628 indicates the firing force as it increases from 0 at t to a peak force Fi’ just prior to F.
  • the first segment 153628 is the firing force during the initial phase of the firing stroke where the I-beam 153514 advances distally from the top of the closure ramp until the I-beam 153514 contacts tissue.
  • a second segment 153630 indicates the firing force during a second phase of the firing stroke where the I-beam 153514 is advancing distally deploying staples and cutting the tissue. During the second phase of the firing stroke the firing force drops from Fi’ to F 2 ’ at about t, 2 .
  • a third segment 153632 indicates the firing force during the third and final phase of the firing stroke where the I-beam 153514 leaves the tissue and advances to the end of stroke in a tissue free zone.
  • the firing force drops to from F 2 ’ to zero (0) at about t, ; where the I-beam 153514 reaches the end of stroke.
  • the firing force rises dramatically as the I-beam 153514 enters a tissue zone, decrease steadily in the tissue zone during the stapling and cutting operation, and drops dramatically as the I- beam 153514 exits the tissue zone and enters a tissue free zone at the end of stroke.
  • the thin tissue firing force plot 153624 follows a similar pattern as the thick tissue firing force plot 153622.
  • the firing force 153634 increases dramatically from 0 to F 3 ’ at about T.
  • the firing force 153636 drops steadily from F 3 ’ to F 4 ’ at about t 8 .
  • the firing force 153638 drops dramatically from F’ 4 to 0 between t 8 and t 9 .
  • the closure tube may be advanced distally while the firing member such as the I-beam 153514 is advancing distally.
  • the closure tube is represented as a transmission element that applies a closure force to the anvil 153516.
  • a control circuit applies motor set points to the motor control which applies a motor control signal to the motor to drive the transmission element and advance the closure tube distally to apply a closing force to the anvil 153516.
  • a torque sensor coupled to an output shaft of the motor can be used to measure the force applied to the closure tube.
  • the closure force can be measured with a strain gauge, load cell, or other suitable force sensor.
  • FIG. 84 is a diagram of a control system 153950 configured to provide progressive closure of a closure member (e.g., a closure tube) when the firing member (e.g., I-beam 153514) advances distally and couples into a clamp arm (e.g., anvil 153516) to lower the closure force load on the closure member at a desired rate and decrease the firing force load on the firing member, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the control system 153950 may be implemented as a nested PID feedback controller.
  • a PID controller is a control loop feedback mechanism (controller) to continuously calculate an error value as the difference between a desired set point and a measured process variable and applies a correction based on proportional, integral, and derivative terms (sometimes denoted P, I, and D respectively).
  • the nested PID controller feedback control system 153950 includes a primary controller 153952, in a primary (outer) feedback loop 153954 and a secondary controller 153955 in a secondary (inner) feedback loop 153956.
  • the primary controller 153952 may be a PID controller 153972 as shown in FIG. 84
  • the secondary controller 153955 also may be a PID controller 153972 as shown in FIG. 85.
  • the primary controller 153952 controls a primary process 153958 and the secondary controller 153955 controls a secondary process 153960.
  • the output 153966 of the primary process 153958 (OUTPUT) is subtracted from a primary set point SP 3 by a first summer 153962.
  • the first summer 153962 produces a single sum output signal which is applied to the primary controller 153952.
  • the output of the primary controller 153952 is the secondary set point SP 2 .
  • the output 153968 of the secondary process 153960 is subtracted from the secondary set point SP 2 by a second summer 153964.
  • control system 153950 may be configured such that the primary set point SP, is a desired closure force value and the primary controller 153952 is configured to receive the closure force from the torque sensor coupled to the output of the closure motor and determine a set point SP 2 motor velocity for the closure motor.
  • the closure force may be measured with strain gauges, load cells, or other suitable force sensors.
  • the closure motor velocity set point SP 2 is compared to the actual velocity of the closure tube, which is determined by the secondary controller 153955.
  • the actual velocity of the closure tube may be measured by comparing the displacement of the closure tube with the position sensor and measuring elapsed time with the timer/counter.
  • the output 153968 of the secondary process 153960 is the actual velocity of the closure tube.
  • This closure tube velocity output 153968 is provided to the primary process 153958 which determines the force acting on the closure tube and is fed back to the adder 153962, which subtracts the measured closure force from the primary set point SPi.
  • the primary set point SPi may be an upper threshold or a lower threshold.
  • the primary controller 153952 controls the velocity and direction of the closure tube motor as described herein.
  • the secondary controller 153955 controls the velocity of the closure motor based on the actual velocity of closure tube measured by the secondary process 153960 and the secondary set point SP 2 , which is based on a comparison of the actual firing force and the firing force upper and lower thresholds.
  • FIG. 85 illustrates a PID feedback control system 153970, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • the primary controller 153952 or the secondary controller 153955, or both, may be implemented as a PID controller 153972.
  • the PID controller 153972 may comprise a proportional element 153974 (P), an integral element 153976 (I), and a derivative element 153978 (D).
  • P proportional element
  • I integral element
  • D derivative element 153978
  • the outputs of the P, I, D elements 153974, 153976, 153978 are summed by a summer 153986, which provides the control variable u(t) to the process 153980.
  • the output of the process 153980 is the process variable y(t).
  • the summer 153984 calculates the difference between a desired set point r(t) and a measured process variable y(t).
  • the PID controller 153972 continuously calculates an error value e(t) (e.g., difference between closure force threshold and measured closure force) as the difference between a desired set point r(t) (e.g., closure force threshold) and a measured process variable y(t) (e.g., velocity and direction of closure tube) and applies a correction based on the proportional, integral, and derivative terms calculated by the proportional element 153974 (P), integral element 153976 (I), and derivative element 153978 (D), respectively.
  • the PID controller 153972 attempts to minimize the error e(t) over time by adjustment of the control variable u(t) (e.g., velocity and direction of the closure tube).
  • the“P” element 153974 accounts for present values of the error. For example, if the error is large and positive, the control output will also be large and positive. In accordance with the present disclosure, the error term e(t) is the different between the desired closure force and the measured closure force of the closure tube.
  • The“I” element 153976 accounts for past values of the error. For example, if the current output is not sufficiently strong, the integral of the error will accumulate over time, and the controller will respond by applying a stronger action.
  • The“D” element 153978 accounts for possible future trends of the error, based on its current rate of change.
  • the large positive control output succeeds in bringing the error closer to zero, it also puts the process on a path to large negative error in the near future.
  • the derivative turns negative and the D module reduces the strength of the action to prevent this overshoot.
  • the adaptive closure member velocity control algorithm described herein may measure at least two of the following parameters: firing member stroke location, firing member load, displacement of cutting element, velocity of cutting element, closure tube stroke location, closure tube load, among others.
  • FIG. 86 is a logic flow diagram depicting a process 153990 of a control program or a logic configuration for determining the velocity of a closure member, in accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure.
  • a control circuit of a surgical instrument or system in accordance with the present disclosure is configured to determine 153992 the actual closure force of a closure member.
  • the control circuit compares 153994 the actual closure force to a threshold closure force and determines 153996 a set point velocity to displace the closure member based on the comparison.
  • the control circuit controls 153998 the actual velocity of the closure member based on the set point velocity.
  • the control circuit comprises a proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) feedback control system 153950, 153970.
  • PID proportional, integral, and derivative
  • the 153970 comprises a primary PID feedback loop 153954 and a secondary PID feedback loop 153956.
  • the primary feedback loop 153954 determines a first error between the actual closure force of the closure member and a threshold closure force SPi and sets the closure member velocity set point SP 2 based on the first error.
  • the secondary feedback loop 153956 determines a second error between the actual velocity of the closure member and the set point velocity of the closure member an sets the closure member velocity based on the second error.
  • the threshold closure force SPi comprises an upper threshold and a lower threshold.
  • the set point velocity SP 2 is configured to advance the closure member distally when the actual closure force is less than the lower threshold and the set point velocity is configured to retract the closure member proximally when the actual closure force is greater than the lower threshold.
  • the set point velocity is configured to hold the closure member in place when the actual closure force is between the upper and lower thresholds.
  • the control system further comprises a force sensor (e.g., any of sensors 472, 474, 476 (FIG. 12), for example) coupled to the control circuit.
  • the force sensor is configured measure the closure force.
  • the force sensor comprises a torque sensor coupled to an output shaft of a motor coupled to the closure member.
  • the force sensor comprises a strain gauge coupled to the closure member.
  • the force sensor comprises a load cell coupled to the closure member.
  • the control system comprises a position sensor coupled to the closure member, wherein the position sensor is configured to measure the position of the closure member.
  • control system comprises a first motor configured to couple to the closure member and the control circuit is configured to advance the closure member during at least a portion of a firing stroke.
  • Parts of this disclosure may be presented in terms of instructions that operate on data stored in a computer memory.
  • An algorithm refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a“step” refers to a manipulation of physical quantities which may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. These signals may be referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.
  • electrical circuitry includes electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer or processor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,
  • ASICs Application Specific Integrated Circuits
  • FPGAs Field Programmable Gate Arrays
  • DSPs digital signal processors
  • PLDs Programmable Logic Devices
  • circuits registers and/or software components, e.g., programs, subroutines, logic and/or combinations of hardware and software components.
  • Logic gates or other integrated formats.
  • Some aspects disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
  • a signal bearing medium examples include the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.).
  • a signal bearing medium examples include the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic
  • Situational awareness is the ability of some aspects of a surgical system to determine or infer information related to a surgical procedure from data received from databases and/or instruments.
  • the information can include the type of procedure being undertaken, the type of tissue being operated on, or the body cavity that is the subject of the procedure.
  • the surgical system can, for example, improve the manner in which it controls the modular devices (e.g. a robotic arm and/or robotic surgical tool) that are connected to it and provide contextualized information or suggestions to the surgeon during the course of the surgical procedure.
  • a timeline 5200 depicting situational awareness of a hub such as the surgical hub 106 or 206, for example.
  • the timeline 5200 is an illustrative surgical procedure and the contextual information that the surgical hub 106, 206 can derive from the data received from the data sources at each step in the surgical procedure.
  • the timeline 5200 depicts the typical steps that would be taken by the nurses, surgeons, and other medical personnel during the course of a lung segmentectomy procedure, beginning with setting up the operating theater and ending with transferring the patient to a post-operative recovery room.
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 106, 206 receives data from the data sources throughout the course of the surgical procedure, including data generated each time medical personnel utilize a modular device that is paired with the surgical hub 106, 206.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can receive this data from the paired modular devices and other data sources and continually derive inferences (i.e., contextual information) about the ongoing procedure as new data is received, such as which step of the procedure is being performed at any given time.
  • the situational awareness system of the surgical hub 106, 206 is able to, for example, record data pertaining to the procedure for generating reports, verify the steps being taken by the medical personnel, provide data or prompts (e.g., via a display screen) that may be pertinent for the particular procedural step, adjust modular devices based on the context (e.g., activate monitors, adjust the field of view (FOV) of the medical imaging device, or change the energy level of an ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electro surgical instrument), and take any other such action described above.
  • record data pertaining to the procedure for generating reports verify the steps being taken by the medical personnel, provide data or prompts (e.g., via a display screen) that may be pertinent for the particular procedural step, adjust modular devices based on the context (e.g., activate monitors, adjust the field of view (FOV) of the medical imaging device, or change the energy level of an ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electro surgical instrument), and take any other such action described above.
  • FOV field of view
  • the hospital staff members retrieve the patient’s EMR from the hospital’s EMR database. Based on select patient data in the EMR, the surgical hub 106, 206 determines that the procedure to be performed is a thoracic procedure.
  • Second step 5204 the staff members scan the incoming medical supplies for the procedure.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 cross-references the scanned supplies with a list of supplies that are utilized in various types of procedures and confirms that the mix of supplies corresponds to a thoracic procedure. Further, the surgical hub 106, 206 is also able to determine that the procedure is not a wedge procedure (because the incoming supplies either lack certain supplies that are necessary for a thoracic wedge procedure or do not otherwise correspond to a thoracic wedge procedure).
  • Third step 5206 the medical personnel scan the patient band via a scanner that is communicably connected to the surgical hub 106, 206.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can then confirm the patient’s identity based on the scanned data.
  • auxiliary equipment can vary according to the type of surgical procedure and the techniques to be used by the surgeon, but in this illustrative case they include a smoke evacuator, insufflator, and medical imaging device.
  • the auxiliary equipment that are modular devices can automatically pair with the surgical hub 106, 206 that is located within a particular vicinity of the modular devices as part of their initialization process.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can then derive contextual information about the surgical procedure by detecting the types of modular devices that pair with it during this preoperative or initialization phase.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 determines that the surgical procedure is a VATS procedure based on this particular combination of paired modular devices. Based on the combination of the data from the patient’s EMR, the list of medical supplies to be used in the procedure, and the type of modular devices that connect to the hub, the surgical hub 106, 206 can generally infer the specific procedure that the surgical team will be performing. Once the surgical hub 106, 206 knows what specific procedure is being performed, the surgical hub 106, 206 can then retrieve the steps of that procedure from a memory or from the cloud and then cross- reference the data it subsequently receives from the connected data sources (e.g., modular devices and patient monitoring devices) to infer what step of the surgical procedure the surgical team is performing.
  • the connected data sources e.g., modular devices and patient monitoring devices
  • the staff members attach the EKG electrodes and other patient monitoring devices to the patient.
  • the EKG electrodes and other patient monitoring devices are able to pair with the surgical hub 106, 206.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 begins receiving data from the patient monitoring devices, the surgical hub 106, 206 thus confirms that the patient is in the operating theater.
  • Sixth step 5212 the medical personnel induce anesthesia in the patient.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer that the patient is under anesthesia based on data from the modular devices and/or patient monitoring devices, including EKG data, blood pressure data, ventilator data, or combinations thereof, for example.
  • the pre-operative portion of the lung segmentectomy procedure is completed and the operative portion begins.
  • the patient’s lung that is being operated on is collapsed (while ventilation is switched to the contralateral lung).
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer from the ventilator data that the patient’s lung has been collapsed, for example.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer that the operative portion of the procedure has commenced as it can compare the detection of the patient’s lung collapsing to the expected steps of the procedure (which can be accessed or retrieved previously) and thereby determine that collapsing the lung is the first operative step in this particular procedure.
  • the medical imaging device e.g., a scope
  • receives the medical imaging device data i.e., video or image data
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can determine that the laparoscopic portion of the surgical procedure has commenced. Further, the surgical hub 106, 206 can determine that the particular procedure being performed is a segmentectomy, as opposed to a lobectomy (note that a wedge procedure has already been discounted by the surgical hub 106, 206 based on data received at the second step 5204 of the procedure).
  • the data from the medical imaging device 124 (FIG.
  • one technique for performing a VATS lobectomy places the camera in the lower anterior comer of the patient’s chest cavity above the diaphragm, whereas one technique for performing a VATS segmentectomy places the camera in an anterior intercostal position relative to the segmental fissure.
  • the surgical team begins the dissection step of the procedure.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer that the surgeon is in the process of dissecting to mobilize the patient’s lung because it receives data from the RF or ultrasonic generator indicating that an energy instrument is being fired.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can cross-reference the received data with the retrieved steps of the surgical procedure to determine that an energy instrument being fired at this point in the process (i.e., after the completion of the previously discussed steps of the procedure) corresponds to the dissection step.
  • the energy instrument can be an energy tool mounted to a robotic arm of a robotic surgical system.
  • Tenth step 5220 the surgical team proceeds to the ligation step of the procedure.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer that the surgeon is ligating arteries and veins because it receives data from the surgical stapling and cutting instrument indicating that the instrument is being fired. Similarly to the prior step, the surgical hub 106, 206 can derive this inference by cross-referencing the receipt of data from the surgical stapling and cutting instrument with the retrieved steps in the process.
  • the surgical instrument can be a surgical tool mounted to a robotic arm of a robotic surgical system.
  • the segmentectomy portion of the procedure is performed.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer that the surgeon is transecting the parenchyma based on data from the surgical stapling and cutting instrument, including data from its cartridge.
  • the cartridge data can correspond to the size or type of staple being fired by the instrument, for example.
  • the cartridge data can thus indicate the type of tissue being stapled and/or transected.
  • the type of staple being fired is utilized for parenchyma (or other similar tissue types), which allows the surgical hub 106, 206 to infer that the segmentectomy portion of the procedure is being performed.
  • Twelfth step 5224 the node dissection step is then performed.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer that the surgical team is dissecting the node and performing a leak test based on data received from the generator indicating that an RF or ultrasonic instrument is being fired.
  • an RF or ultrasonic instrument being utilized after parenchyma was transected corresponds to the node dissection step, which allows the surgical hub 106, 206 to make this inference.
  • surgeons regularly switch back and forth between surgical stapling/cutting instruments and surgical energy (i.e., RF or ultrasonic) instruments depending upon the particular step in the procedure because different instruments are better adapted for particular tasks.
  • the particular sequence in which the stapling/cutting instruments and surgical energy instruments are used can indicate what step of the procedure the surgeon is performing.
  • robotic tools can be utilized for one or more steps in a surgical procedure and/or handheld surgical instruments can be utilized for one or more steps in the surgical procedure.
  • the surgeon(s) can alternate between robotic tools and handheld surgical instruments and/or can use the devices concurrently, for example.
  • the patient’s anesthesia is reversed.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can infer that the patient is emerging from the anesthesia based on the ventilator data (i.e., the patient’s breathing rate begins increasing), for example.
  • the fourteenth step 5228 is that the medical personnel remove the various patient monitoring devices from the patient.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can thus infer that the patient is being transferred to a recovery room when the hub loses EKG, BP, and other data from the patient monitoring devices.
  • the surgical hub 106, 206 can determine or infer when each step of a given surgical procedure is taking place according to data received from the various data sources that are communicably coupled to the surgical hub 106, 206.
  • a force detected, via one or more than one sensor, at the jaws of an end effector may be of a magnitude that prohibits one or more than one subsequent/further functionality of the end effector from being performed.
  • a metallic object may be detected, via one or more than one sensor, as within the jaws of the end effector that prohibits one or more than one subsequent/further functionality of the end effector from being performed.
  • the surgical instrument 23002 may comprise one or more than one sensor 23008 and parameters detected by the one or more than one sensor 23008 of the surgical instrument 23002 may be transmitted/communicated (e.g., wirelessly) to a control circuit 23010 of the surgical hub 23004.
  • the surgical hub 23004 may be configured to determine whether a surgical function (e.g., dissect, clamp, coagulate, staple, cut, rotate, articulate, etc.) associated with a component (e.g., end effector, shaft, etc.) of the surgical instrument 23002 may be performed safely based on the parameters detected by the one or more than one sensor 23008 of the surgical instrument 23002.
  • the surgical hub 23004 may be configured to transmit/communicate a result(s) (i.e., a warning associated with the surgical function, a reason the surgical function is prevented, etc.) associated with that determination to the user interface 23006.
  • various user interfaces disclosed herein may comprise a selectable user interface feature (e.g., override element 23012) to proceed with the surgical function despite any warnings and/or reasons supporting prevention.
  • a selectable user interface feature e.g., override element 23012
  • such a user interface feature may not be displayed (e.g., performing the surgical function may endanger the patient).
  • a surgical system 23100 may comprise a control circuit (23112, 23122, 23132 and/or 23142, e.g., in phantom to show optional location(s)), a user interface (23118, 23128, 23138, 23148 and/or 23158, e.g., in phantom to show optional locations), and a surgical instrument 23102 including, for example, a handle assembly 23110, a shaft assembly 23120, and an end effector assembly 23130.
  • a control circuit (23112, 23122, 23132 and/or 23142, e.g., in phantom to show optional location(s)
  • a user interface 23118, 23128, 23138, 23148 and/or 23158, e.g., in phantom to show optional locations
  • a surgical instrument 23102 including, for example, a handle assembly 23110, a shaft assembly 23120, and an end effector assembly 23130.
  • Situational awareness refers to the ability of a surgical system, e.g., 23100, to determine or infer information related to a surgical procedure from data received from databases (e.g., historical data associated with a surgical procedure, e.g., 23149 and/or 23150) and/or surgical instruments (e.g., sensor data during a surgical procedure).
  • databases e.g., historical data associated with a surgical procedure, e.g., 23149 and/or 23150
  • surgical instruments e.g., sensor data during a surgical procedure.
  • the determined or inferred information can include the type of procedure being undertaken, the type of tissue being operated on, the body cavity that is the subject of the procedure, etc.
  • a situationally aware surgical hub 23140 is paired (e.g., wirelessly) with a surgical instrument 23102 being utilized to perform a surgical procedure.
  • the surgical instrument 23102 may comprise an end effector assembly 23130, including a first jaw, a second jaw pivotably coupled to the first jaw, and a sensor 23134 configured to detect a parameter associated with a function (e.g., dissect, clamp, coagulate, cut, staple, etc.) of the end effector assembly 23130 and to transmit the detected parameter to a control circuit 23142 of the surgical hub 23140.
  • a function e.g., dissect, clamp, coagulate, cut, staple, etc.
  • the surgical instrument 23102 may further comprise a shaft assembly 23120 including a sensor 23124 configured to detect a parameter associated with a function (e.g., rotation, articulation, etc.) of the shaft assembly 23120 and to transmit the detected parameter to the control circuit 23142 of the surgical hub 23140.
  • a sensor as referenced herein and in other disclosed aspects, may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to detect a plurality of parameters associated with a plurality of end effector assembly and/or shaft assembly functions.
  • the surgical hub control circuit 23142 may be configured to receive detected parameters (e.g., sensor data) from such sensors 23134 and/or 23124 throughout the course of the surgical procedure.
  • a detected parameter can be received each time an associated end effector assembly 23130 function (e.g., dissection, clamping, coagulation, cutting, stapling, etc.) and/or an associated shaft assembly 23120 function (e.g., rotating, articulating, etc.) is performed.
  • the surgical hub control circuit 23142 may be further configured to receive data from an internal database (e.g., a surgical hub database 23149) and/or an external database (e.g., from a cloud database 23150) throughout the course of the surgical procedure.
  • the data received from the internal and/or external databases may comprise procedural data (e.g., steps to perform the surgical procedure) and/or historical data (e.g., data indicating expected parameters based on historical data associated with the surgical procedure).
  • the procedural data may comprise current/recognized standard-of-care procedures for the surgical procedure and the historical data may comprise preferred/ideal parameters and/or preferred/ideal parameter ranges based on historical data associated with the surgical procedure (e.g., system-defined constraints).
  • the surgical hub control circuit 23142 may be configured to continually derive inferences (e.g., contextual information) about the ongoing surgical procedure.
  • the situationally aware surgical hub may be configured to, for example, record data pertaining to the surgical procedure for generating reports, verify the steps being taken by the surgeon to perform the surgical procedure, provide data or prompts (e.g., via a user interface associated with the surgical hub and/or the surgical instrument, e.g., 23148, 23158, 23118, 23128, and/or 23138) that may be pertinent for a particular procedural step, control a surgical instrument function, etc.
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may (e.g., after an initial surgical function of the end effector assembly 23130 or the shaft assembly 23120 is performed) infer a next surgical function to be performed based on procedural data received from an internal database 23149 and/or an external database 23150.
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may evaluate detected parameters (e.g., received from sensors 23134 and/or 23124 in response to the initial surgical function) based on historical data received from the internal database 23149 and/or the external database 23150 (e.g., preferred/ideal parameters).
  • detected parameters e.g., received from sensors 23134 and/or 23124 in response to the initial surgical function
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may permit the next surgical function to be performed and/or not prevent/control the next surgical function from being performed.
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may proactively prevent the next surgical function from being performed.
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may receive a communication (e.g., from a component, e.g., 23130 and/or 23120, of the surgical instrument 23102) that a particular surgical function is being attempted/requested/actuated.
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may compare that particular surgical function to an inferred next surgical function to ensure that current/recognized standard-of-care procedures are being adhered to. If so, the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may then evaluate detected parameters (e.g., as described) before permitting that particular surgical function to proceed (as described).
  • the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may prevent that particular surgical function from being performed or prevent that particular surgical function from being performed until an override is received (e.g., via a user interface 23, 158, 23148, 23138, 23128 and/or 23118, see, e.g., FIG. 88, selectable user interface element 23012). In such an aspect, if the override is received, the situationally aware surgical hub 23140 may then evaluate detected parameters before permitting that particular surgical function to proceed (as described).
  • a situationally aware surgical instrument 23102 may be utilized to perform a surgical procedure.
  • the surgical instrument 23102 may comprise a handle assembly 23110, a shaft assembly 23120, and an end effector assembly 23130.
  • the end effector assembly 23130 may include a first jaw, a second jaw pivotably coupled to the first jaw, and a sensor 23134 configured to detect a parameter associated with a function (e.g., dissect, clamp, coagulate, cut, staple, etc.) of the end effector assembly 23130 and to transmit the detected parameter to a control circuit (23112, 23122, 23132 and/or 23142, e.g., in phantom to show optional location(s)).
  • a control circuit (23112, 23122, 23132 and/or 23142, e.g., in phantom to show optional location(s)
  • the detected parameter may be transmitted to a control circuit 23132 of the end effector assembly 23130.
  • the end effector assembly control circuit 23132 may be configured to receive detected parameters (e.g., sensor data) from the sensor 23134 throughout the course of the surgical procedure.
  • detected parameter can be received each time an associated end effector assembly 23130 function (e.g., dissection, clamping, coagulation, cutting, stapling, etc.) is performed.
  • the end effector assembly 23130 may be further configured to receive data from an internal database (e.g., end effector memory 23136) and/or an external database (e.g., from a cloud database 23150 via a surgical hub 23140, from a surgical hub database 23149, etc.) throughout the course of the surgical procedure.
  • the data received from the internal and/or external databases may comprise staple cartridge data (e.g., sizes and/or types of staples associated with a staple cartridge positioned in the end effector assembly) and/or historical data (e.g., data indicating expected tissues and/or types of tissues to be stapled with those sizes and/or types of staples based on historical data).
  • the received data may comprise preferred/ideal parameters and/or preferred/ideal parameter ranges associated with those sizes and/or types of staples or those expected tissues and/or tissue types, based on historical data (e.g., system-defined constraints).
  • the end effector control circuit 23132 may be configured to continually derive inferences (e.g., contextual information) about the ongoing surgical procedure.
  • the sensor 23134 of the end effector assembly 23130 may transmit the detected parameter to a control circuit (e.g., 23112 and/or 23122) associated with another surgical instrument 23102 component, for example, the handle assembly 23110 and/or the shaft assembly 23120.
  • the situationally aware surgical instrument 23102 may be configured to, for example, alert its user of a discrepancy (e.g., via a user interface 23138 of the end effector assembly 23130, via a user interface (e.g., 23128 and/or 23118) of another surgical instrument 23102 component, for example, the shaft assembly 23120 and/or the handle assembly 23110, and/or via a user interface 23148 and/or 23158 associated with a surgical hub 23140 coupled to the surgical instrument 23102).
  • the discrepancy may include that a detected parameter exceeds a preferred/ideal parameter and/or a preferred/ideal parameter range associated with those sizes and/or types of staples or those expected tissues and/or tissue types.
  • the situationally aware surgical instrument 23102 may be configured to control a surgical instrument 23102 function based on the discrepancy. In accordance with at least one aspect, the situationally aware surgical instrument 23102 may prevent a surgical function based on a discrepancy.
  • various aspects of the present disclosure pertain to a surgical instrument performing a function (e.g., clamping), detecting a parameter associated with that function, using situational awareness aspects to assess, via a control circuit, whether that detected parameter is below or exceeds a predefined parameter (e.g., considered ideal/preferred) or is below or exceeds a predefined range (e.g., considered normal) for that parameter, and performing an action (i.e., stop a function(s), alert the user, inform the user of possible causes, etc.) in response to the detected parameter being outside the predefined parameter and/or predefined parameter/range.
  • a function e.g., clamping
  • situational awareness aspects to assess, via a control circuit, whether that detected parameter is below or exceeds a predefined parameter (e.g., considered ideal/preferred) or is below or exceeds a predefined range (e.g., considered normal) for that parameter
  • an action i.e., stop a function(s), alert the user, inform the user of possible
  • a control circuit receives a detected parameters) associated with a surgical function performed by a surgical instrument 23202 and retrieves situational awareness data from an internal and/or external database 23204. The control circuit then evaluates the detected parameter/ s) in view of the situational awareness data 23206 and performs an action based on the evaluation 23208.
  • a force detected (e.g., via one or more than one sensor) at the jaws of an end effector assembly may be of a magnitude that prohibits one or more than one subsequent/further functionality of the end effector assembly from being performed.
  • the force may be detected via sensors 474, 476, and/or 478.
  • sensor 474 may be a strain gauge coupled to the end effector wherein the strain gauge is configured to measure the magnitude/amplitude of strain on a jaw(s) of the end effector, which is indicative of closure forces being applied to the jaw(s).
  • sensor 476 may be a load sensor configured to measure a closure force applied to the jaws by a closure drive system.
  • sensor 478 may be a current sensor configured to measure a current drawn by the motor, which correlates to a closure force applied to the jaws.
  • the force may be detected via sensors 744a and/or 744b.
  • sensor 744a and/or 744b may be a torque sensor configured to provide a firing force feedback signal representing the closure force being applied to the jaws by a closure drive system.
  • a load sensor 152082 (e.g., positioned in the shaft assembly or the handle assembly) may be configured to detect a load, after attachment of the shaft assembly to the handle assembly.
  • the detected load may exceed a predefined load and/or a predefined load range.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument e.g., integrated in a component of the surgical instrument 23132, 23122, and/or 23112 or a coupled surgical hub 23142
  • the control circuit may be configured to record a unique identifier associated with the shaft assembly 23120 and/or the end effector assembly 23130 and designate that unique identifier as prohibited from further use and/or attachment to the handle assembly 23110.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument may be configured to assess a force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., via one or more than one sensor as described) and determine to prevent a firing function/cycle of the end effector assembly.
  • the control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on historical data), that the force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., detected before a firing function/cycle commences) exceeds a predefined force and/or a predefined force range.
  • control circuit may be configured to prevent the firing function/cycle from commencing. Further, in such an aspect, referring again to FIG. 89, the control circuit may be configured to alert the user (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128, and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) that the firing function/cycle cannot be performed and/or inform the user of possible causes (e.g., so that the user can attempt to reduce the force detected/sensed at the jaws). According to various aspects, the control circuit may be configured to permit the firing function/cycle to commence if the force detected/ sensed at the jaws is reduced to the predefined force and/or within the predefined force range.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument may assess a force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., via one or more than one sensor, e.g., a load sensor, a torque sensor, etc., as described) and initially determine to permit a firing function/cycle of the end effector assembly.
  • the control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on historical data), that a force-to-fire (e.g., detected during the firing function/cycle) exceeds a predefined force-to-fire and/or a predefined force-to-fire range.
  • the control circuit may be configured to stop the firing function/cycle (e.g., prevent the firing function/cycle from continuing). Further, in such an aspect, referring again to FIG.
  • control circuit may be configured to provide an alert to the surgeon (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128, and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) regarding the exceeded force-to-fire or force-to-fire range.
  • control circuit may be further configured to receive an override command (e.g., via the user interface(s), see, e.g., FIG. 88, selectable user interface element 23012) to permit the firing function/cycle to continue.
  • control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on historical data), that a second force-to-fire (e.g., detected during the continued firing function/cycle) exceeds a second predefined force-to-fire and/or a second predefined force-to-fire range (e.g., higher thresholds).
  • control circuit may be configured to again stop the firing function/cycle, alert the surgeon, and/or receive an override command as described.
  • control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on procedural and/or historical data), that the force detected/sensed within the shaft assembly exceeds a predefined shaft force and/or a predefined shaft force range.
  • the shaft assembly may comprise a specialty shaft assembly configured for use with a particular tissue type in a particular surgical procedure.
  • control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on procedural and/or historical data), that the force detected/sensed within the specialty shaft assembly is too high (e.g., exceeds the predefined shaft force and/or the predefined shaft force range associated with the specialty shaft assembly) and/or that the force detected/sensed at the jaws is not a predefined force and/or within an predefined range (e.g., an expected force historically associated with the surgical procedure being performed).
  • the control circuit may be configured to stop a firing function/cycle (e.g., prevent the firing function/cycle from commencing and/or continuing). Further, in such an aspect, referring again to FIG.
  • the control circuit may be configured to provide an alert to the surgeon (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128, and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) regarding the exceeded shaft force and/or shaft force range.
  • the alert may inform the surgeon to consider detaching the specialty shaft assembly, e.g., 23120, from the handle assembly 23110 and attaching another shaft assembly (e.g., a regular reload configured for the forces detected/sensed and the tissue being encountered) to the handle assembly 23110.
  • the control circuit may be configured to permit the firing function/cycle to commence and/or continue when an appropriate shaft assembly is attached.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument may assess a force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., via one or more than one sensor as described) during a surgical procedure.
  • the control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on procedural and/or historical data), that a tissue creep wait time is below a predefined creep wait time and/or predefined creep wait time range associated with a particular thickness and a particular tissue being clamped during the surgical procedure. Stated differently, in light of FIG.
  • an initial force-to -close may have decayed and reached creep stability at a lower force-to-close quicker than expected.
  • the control circuit may be configured to stop a firing function/cycle (e.g., prevent the firing function/cycle from commencing and/or continuing).
  • the control circuit may be configured to provide an alert to the surgeon (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128 and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) regarding the abbreviated creep wait time.
  • the alert may inform the surgeon to consider detaching the end effector assembly, e.g., 23130 from the handle assembly and attaching another end effector assembly (e.g., an end effector assembly configured to treat tissue having the detected creep wait time) to the handle assembly 23110.
  • the control circuit may be configured to permit the firing function/cycle to commence and/or continue when an appropriate end effector assembly is attached.
  • sensor 472 may be a position sensor configured to measure linear displacement wherein a single rotation of a sensor element corresponds to a specific linear displacement of the articulation member.
  • the positon may be detected/sensed by position sensor 734 located in the end effector.
  • position sensor 734 may be a proximity sensor or a sensor configured to provide a series of pulses trackable by the control circuit to determine a positon of the articulation member.
  • the control circuit may cross-reference the force detected/ sensed at the jaws and/or the position detected/sensed for the articulation member with the surgical procedure being performed.
  • the control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on procedural and/or historical data), that the position detected/sensed for the articulation member indicates that the articulation member has advanced (e.g., within the shaft assembly) beyond a predetermined advancement position and/or a predetermined advancement position range.
  • the predetermined advancement position and/or the predetermined advancement position range may be correlated to the force-to-close detected/sensed at the jaws.
  • the control circuit may be configured to stop a firing function/cycle (e.g., prevent the firing function/cycle from commencing and/or continuing). Further, in such an aspect, referring again to FIG.
  • the control circuit may be configured to provide an alert to the surgeon (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128 and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) regarding the exceeded advancement position and/or advancement position range.
  • the alert may inform the surgeon to consider retracting the articulation member to the predetermined advancement position and/or within the predetermined advancement position range.
  • the predetermined advancement position and/or predetermined advancement position range may have historically realized desired and/or successful firing functions/cycles for the corresponding force-to close.
  • the control circuit may be configured to permit the firing function/cycle to commence and/or continue when an appropriate advancement position is achieved.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument may assess a force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., via one or more than one sensor as described) during a surgical procedure.
  • the control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on procedural and/or historical data), that a force-to-close is above a predefined force-to-close and/or predefined force-to- close range associated with a particular tissue being clamped during the surgical procedure. Stated differently, in light of FIGS.
  • the detected/sensed force-to-close is higher than expected to permit a firing function/cycle to proceed.
  • the control circuit may be configured to stop a firing function/cycle (e.g., prevent the firing function/cycle from commencing and/or continuing).
  • the control circuit may be configured to provide an alert to the surgeon (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128, and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) regarding the elevated force-to-close.
  • the alert may inform the surgeon to consider adjusting a firing motor speed.
  • the alert may suggest that the surgeon adjust the firing motor speed down to avoid tearing the stiff tissue.
  • the downward adjustment may be based on historical data associated with the surgical procedure being performed.
  • the alert may suggest that the surgeon adjust the firing motor speed up to ensure that the tissue is properly clamped.
  • the upward adjustment may be based on historical data associated with the surgical procedure being performed.
  • the control circuit may be configured to permit the firing function/cycle to commence and/or continue when an appropriate firing motor speed is set.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument may assess a force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., via one or more than one sensor as described) during a surgical procedure.
  • the control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on procedural and/or historical data), that a cyclic force on the firing system is above a predefined cyclic force and/or predefined cyclic force range during the surgical procedure.
  • the control circuit may be configured to stop a firing function/cycle (e.g., prevent the firing function/cycle from commencing and/or continuing advancement). Further, in such an aspect, referring again to FIG. 89, the control circuit may be configured to provide an alert to the surgeon (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128, and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) regarding the elevated cyclic force and possible motor failure.
  • control circuit may be further configured to receive an override command (e.g., via the user interface, see, e.g., FIG. 88, selectable user interface element 23012) to permit the firing function/cycle to continue.
  • the control circuit may continue to monitor whether the cyclic force on the firing system is above the predefined cyclic force and/or predefined cyclic force range during the surgical procedure.
  • the control circuit may be configured to again stop the firing function/cycle, alert the surgeon, and/or receive an override command as described.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument may assess a force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., via one or more than one sensor as described).
  • the control circuit may further assess a force/torque to articulate the end effector assembly 23130.
  • the articulation force/torque may be detected via one or more than one sensor (e.g., a force sensor associated with an articulation member, a torque sensor associated with the articulation member, a current sensor associated with a motor configured to drive the articulation member, etc.).
  • a force sensor associated with an articulation member e.g., a force sensor associated with an articulation member, a torque sensor associated with the articulation member, a current sensor associated with a motor configured to drive the articulation member, etc.
  • the articulation force/torque may be detected/sensed by torque sensors 744d and/or 744e coupled to an articulation drive system.
  • the articulation force/torque may be correlated to a current drawn by motors 704d and/or 704e as measured by sensor 736.
  • control circuit may cross-reference the force detected/sensed at the jaws and/or the articulation force/toque detected for the articulation member with the surgical procedure being performed.
  • the control circuit may determine, using situational awareness (e.g., based on procedural and/or historical data), that the articulation force/torque detected for the articulation member exceeds a predefined articulation force/torque and/or a predefined articulation force/torque range.
  • the predefined articulation force/torque and/or the predefined articulation force/torque range may be correlated to the force detected/sensed at the jaws.
  • the control circuit may be configured to stop articulations of the end effector assembly (e.g., to prevent articulations from continuing). Further, in such an aspect, referring again to FIG. 89, the control circuit may be configured to provide an alert to the surgeon (e.g., via a user interface of a component of the surgical instrument 23138, 23128, and/or 23118 and/or a user interface associated with a surgical hub 23148 and/or 23158) regarding the exceeded articulation force/torque and/or articulation force/torque range. According to various aspects, the control circuit may be further configured to receive an override command (e.g., via the user interface, see, e.g.
  • control circuit may continue to monitor whether the articulation force/torque is above the predefined articulation force/torque and/or the predefined articulation force/torque range during the surgical procedure.
  • control circuit may be configured to again stop the articulating, alert the surgeon, and/or receive an override command as described.
  • a control circuit associated with the surgical instrument may assess a force detected/sensed at the jaws (e.g., via one or more than one sensor as described).
  • the control circuit may further assess a force/torque to rotate the shaft assembly 23120 (e.g., shaft member).
  • the rotation force/torque may be detected via one or more than one sensor (e.g., a force sensor associated with a rotation/shaft member, a torque sensor associated with the rotation/shaft member, a current sensor associated with a motor configured to rotate the rotation/shaft member, etc.).
  • a force sensor associated with a rotation/shaft member e.g., a force sensor associated with a rotation/shaft member, a torque sensor associated with the rotation/shaft member, a current sensor associated with a motor configured to rotate the rotation/shaft member, etc.
  • the rotation force/torque may be detected/sensed by torque sensor 744c coupled to a rotation/shaft member drive system.
  • the rotation force/torque may be correlated to a current drawn by motor 704c as measured by sensor 736.

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PCT/IB2019/052624 2018-03-30 2019-03-29 Méthode de compression de tissu à l'intérieur d'un dispositif d'agrafage et d'affichage simultané de l'emplacement du tissu dans les mâchoires WO2019186500A2 (fr)

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JP2020552846A JP7451420B2 (ja) 2018-03-30 2019-03-29 ステープル留め装置内で組織を圧縮し、同時にジョー内の組織の位置を表示する外科システム
BR112020019898-6A BR112020019898A2 (pt) 2018-03-30 2019-03-29 Método de comprimir tecido no interior de um dispositivo de grampeamento e exibir simultaneamente a localização do tecido dentro das garras
CN201980018743.2A CN112533547A (zh) 2018-03-30 2019-03-29 压缩缝合装置内的组织并同时显示组织在钳口内的位置的方法

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US62/773,741 2018-11-30
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US62/773,742 2018-11-30
US16/209,423 2018-12-04
US16/209,423 US11969142B2 (en) 2017-12-28 2018-12-04 Method of compressing tissue within a stapling device and simultaneously displaying the location of the tissue within the jaws

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