Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100076474 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and handle connected to the shaft. The end effector may comprise a cutting instrument that, when actuated, longitudinally traverses the end effector to cut tissue clamped in the end effector. The handle may comprise an electric motor for actuating the cutting instrument and a motor control circuit for controlling the motor. The motor control circuit may comprise a power source connected to the motor for electrically powering the motor and a current control circuit, connected to the power source, for varying the current supplied to the motor from the power source. The current control circuit may vary the current supplied to the motor, and consequently, the output torque supplied by the motor, such that the motor has at least (i) a first, low power operational mode for a first portion of a cutting stroke cycle of the cutting instrument, and (ii) a second, high power operational mode for a second portion the cutting stroke cycle of the cutting instrument. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076475 | MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings. | 03-25-2010 |
20110006103 | MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL FASTENER DEVICE WITH CUTTING MEMBER REVERSING MECHANISM - A surgical fastener apparatus including a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners. An electrically activated reverse mechanism for moving the elongated member from a distal most position within the end effector to a proximal position, the electrically activated reverse mechanism moves the elongated member proximally after the elongated member has moved to the distal most position by moving the trigger to the open position, and wherein after activation of the reverse mechanism proximal movement of the elongated member can be stopped by returning the trigger to its closed position. | 01-13-2011 |
20110024479 | Driven Surgical Stapler Improvements - A surgical fastener apparatus including a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners. An electrically activated reverse mechanism for moving the elongated member from a distal most position within the end effector to a proximal position, the electrically activated reverse mechanism moves the elongated member proximally after the elongated member has moved to the distal most position by moving the trigger to the open position, and wherein after activation of the reverse mechanism proximal movement of the elongated member can be stopped by returning the trigger to its closed position. | 02-03-2011 |
20110125177 | MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings. | 05-26-2011 |
20110155781 | SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT THAT ANALYZES TISSUE THICKNESS - A surgical instrument with a tissue-clamping end effector, where actuation of the instrument is locked out when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within a specified thickness range. The end effector may comprise a tissue thickness module that senses the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a control circuit in communication with the tissue thickness module. The control circuit prevents actuation of a working portion of the end effector when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within the specified thickness range. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155785 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY - A motor-driven surgical instrument having a control assembly for controlling a switch of the instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise a motor control circuit, a drive member, and a slider. The drive member comprises a first shoulder at a first position and a second shoulder at a second position. A first portion of the slider interfaces the drive member such that the slider is moveable in a direction of movement of the drive member when either the first shoulder or the second shoulder of the drive member engages the first portion of the slider. A second portion of the slider actuates a switch of the motor control circuit when the drive member moves the slider to a first position relative to the first switch. In various embodiments, the switches of the control circuit are not embodied as a part of an IC. | 06-30-2011 |
20110163147 | TEST DEVICE FOR A SURGICAL TOOL - In various embodiments, a surgical test device for a surgical tool, such as a severing and/or sealing tool (e.g., a surgical stapler), is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical tool can be configured to supply at least one actuation motion to an end effector. The actuation motion(s) may cause a cutting member to move within and/or sealing members (e.g., staples) to eject from the end effector. Further, in at least one embodiment, the surgical test device can be releasably engaged to a portion of the surgical tool, such as the end effector. Additionally, the surgical test device can be configured to permit the surgical tool to supply the actuation motion(s) while preventing the tool from performing its intended surgical function. Accordingly, the surgical tool may be test fired without wasting a sealing member cartridge, while preventing inappropriate use of the tool when the test device is attached thereto. | 07-07-2011 |
20110295269 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized and configured for operation in connection with a robotic system. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings. | 12-01-2011 |
20120071866 | POWER CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND BATTERIES - Various embodiments are directed to battery unit for use with surgical instruments. The battery units may comprise a plurality of cells and include a translatable discharge drain. When attached to the surgical instrument, the discharge drain may electrically connect an anode of the battery unit to a cathode of the battery unit, for example, via a resistive element in order to drain the battery unit. | 03-22-2012 |
20120080477 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A POWER CONTROL CIRCUIT - Various embodiments are directed to a powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue. The instrument may comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member may be coupled to move relative to the first jaw member from an open position, where the jaw members are apart from one another, to a closed position. The end effector may also comprise a firing bar positioned to fire by translating within the end effector when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. Additionally, the surgical instrument may comprise a drive device, a clamping trigger and a control circuit. The drive device may be mechanically coupled to the firing bar. The clamping trigger may be mechanically coupled to the end effector such that actuation of the clamping trigger causes the second jaw member to pivot towards the first jaw member. The control circuit may comprise a firing switch, a clamp switch, a latching device and an end-of-stroke sensor. The firing switch may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power supply for powering the drive device and in electrical communication with the drive device. The clamp switch may be in mechanical communication with the clamping trigger. The latching device may be in electrical communication with the clamp switch, the power supply and the drive device. The end-of-stroke switch may be in electrical communication with the latching device. Additionally, the firing switch may be electrically connected to, upon actuation, connect the power supply to the drive device via a first connection comprising the latching device and the firing switch. Further, the end-of-stroke switch may be electrically connected to, upon sensing an end of a stroke of the firing bar, cause a change in a state of the latching device to break the first connection between the power supply and the drive device. | 04-05-2012 |
20120239012 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY - A motor-driven surgical instrument having a control assembly for controlling a switch of the instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise a motor control circuit, a drive member, and a slider. The drive member comprises a first shoulder at a first position and a second shoulder at a second position. A first portion of the slider interfaces the drive member such that the slider is moveable in a direction of movement of the drive member when either the first shoulder or the second shoulder of the drive member engages the first portion of the slider. A second portion of the slider actuates a switch of the motor control circuit when the drive member moves the slider to a first position relative to the first switch. In various embodiments, the switches of the control circuit are not embodied as a part of an IC. | 09-20-2012 |
20120265230 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and handle connected to the shaft. The end effector may comprise a cutting instrument that, when actuated, longitudinally traverses the end effector to cut tissue clamped in the end effector. The handle may comprise an electric motor for actuating the cutting instrument and a motor control circuit for controlling the motor. The motor control circuit may comprise a power source connected to the motor for electrically powering the motor and a current control circuit, connected to the power source, for varying the current supplied to the motor from the power source. The current control circuit may vary the current supplied to the motor, and consequently, the output torque supplied by the motor, such that the motor has at least (i) a first, low power operational mode for a first portion of a cutting stroke cycle of the cutting instrument, and (ii) a second, high power operational mode for a second portion the cutting stroke cycle of the cutting instrument. | 10-18-2012 |
20130056518 | STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES STORED THEREIN - A surgical stapling instrument can comprise an end effector configured to receive a staple cartridge, a shaft including a plurality of staple cartridges positioned therein, and a staple cartridge driver configured to sequentially advance the staple cartridges from the shaft into the end effector. In various embodiments, the staple cartridges can comprise different configurations which can be arranged within the shaft such that they are supplied in a specific predetermined order. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056520 | CONTINUOUS STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A surgical stapling instrument can comprise a jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge, a firing member configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge, and a system for supplying a continuous number of staple cartridges to the jaw. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056521 | STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING RESETTABLE STAPLE DRIVERS - A surgical stapling instrument can comprise a jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge, a plurality of staple drivers positioned within the jaw configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge, and a firing member configured to engage the staple drivers as the firing member is advanced from an unfired position to a fired position. As the firing member is advanced from its unfired position, the firing member can lift the staple drivers upwardly within a cartridge body of the staple cartridge. When the firing member is returned to its unfired position, the firing member can lower the staple drivers downwardly within the cartridge body thereby resetting the staple drivers prior to a new staple cartridge being positioned within the jaw. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056522 | FIRING MEMBER DISPLACEMENT SYSTEM FOR A STAPLING INSTRUMENT - A surgical stapling instrument can comprise a jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge, a firing member configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge, and a system for supplying a continuous number of staple cartridges to the jaw. The surgical stapling instrument can further comprise a system for displacing the firing member into a position in which a staple cartridge can be slid relative to the firing member. In at least one such embodiment, the surgical stapling instrument can comprise a shaft and a plurality of staple cartridges positioned within the shaft, wherein the firing member can be dropped downwardly within the shaft such that one or more staple cartridges can be slid by the firing member. | 03-07-2013 |
20130062393 | RESISTIVE HEATED SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH PHASE CHANGE SEALANT - An apparatus for endosurgical use includes an instrument having an end effector and a staple cartridge insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes staples, staple apertures, a resistive member, and a medical fluid. When coupled to a power source, the medical fluid is vaporized by the resistive member and expelled out the staple apertures onto the stapled tissue. The power source may be contained within the instrument. In one configuration, a resistive strip with strip contacts may electrically couple to a conductor in the end effector. The medical fluid may also be divided into a plurality of sealant pads corresponding to the staple apertures, and the medical fluid may be a depolymerizable cyanoacrylate, a sprayable thermoplastic urethane, or any vaporizable medicament or pharmaceutical. The staple drivers may include one or more apertures to permit the medical fluid to pass through or around the staple drivers. | 03-14-2013 |
20130068815 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH FILLED STAPLE - An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may comprise a handle. The distal end may comprise a cutter and a stapler. The apparatus may further comprise a staple for use with the stapler. The staple may comprise an inner channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the staple. The apparatus may further comprise an agent contained in the inner channel, which may be used to coagulate a surgical site where surgical instrument is used. The agent may facilitate coagulation of the fluids at a surgical site once the staples are anchored to the surgical site. | 03-21-2013 |
20130175317 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor. | 07-11-2013 |
20130175322 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor. | 07-11-2013 |
20130184718 | POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM - In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft. | 07-18-2013 |
20130193189 | ROBOTICALLY-CONTROLLED MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN END EFFECTOR - A surgical tool configured for operation in connection with a robotic system. The surgical tool includes a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to the first jaw member from a closed position to an open position in response to at least one axial motion. In addition, the surgical tool includes a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion and a motion conversion assembly operably coupled to the motor and the second jaw member, wherein the motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to the at least one axial motion. | 08-01-2013 |
20130248576 | MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL FASTENER DEVICE WITH CUTTING MEMBER REVERSING MECHANISM - A surgical fastener apparatus including a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners. An electrically activated reverse mechanism for moving the elongated member from a distal most position within the end effector to a proximal position, the electrically activated reverse mechanism moves the elongated member proximally after the elongated member has moved to the distal most position by moving the trigger to the open position, and wherein after activation of the reverse mechanism proximal movement of the elongated member can be stopped by returning the trigger to its closed position. | 09-26-2013 |
20130261648 | MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY - A motor-driven surgical instrument that may comprise (i) a moveable drive member that is driven in a first direction when the electric motor operates in a first direction and that is driven in a second direction when the electric motor operates in a second direction. Movement of the drive member causes movement of the moveable component of the end effector, and (ii) a motor control circuit connected to the motor for controlling the motor. The motor control circuit may comprise a switching circuit that, upon actuation, reverses the direction of the motor from the first direction to the second direction. The switching circuit may be actuatable separately through each of: (i) actuation of a moveable actuator of the switching circuit through movement of the drive member at least in the first direction; and (ii) manual actuation by a user of the surgical instrument. | 10-03-2013 |
20130334278 | ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE - A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include a staple cartridge positioned within the end effector and a firing drive operably coupled with a trigger wherein the operation of the trigger can advance and/or retract a firing member of the firing drive relative to the end effector. The surgical instrument can further comprise an articulation drive which is selectively engageable with the firing drive. When the articulation drive is engaged with the firing drive, the operation of the firing drive can operate the articulation drive and articulate the end effector. When the articulation drive is not engaged with the firing drive, the firing drive can be operated independently of the articulation drive. | 12-19-2013 |
20140061279 | METHOD FOR TESTING A SURGICAL TOOL - In various embodiments, a surgical test device for a surgical tool, such as a severing and/or sealing tool (e.g., a surgical stapler), is provided. In at least one embodiment, the surgical tool can be configured to supply at least one actuation motion to an end effector. The actuation motion(s) may cause a cutting member to move within and/or sealing members (e.g., staples) to eject from the end effector. Further, in at least one embodiment, the surgical test device can be releasably engaged to a portion of the surgical tool, such as the end effector. Additionally, the surgical test device can be configured to permit the surgical tool to supply the actuation motion(s) while preventing the tool from performing its intended surgical function. Accordingly, the surgical tool may be test fired without wasting a sealing member cartridge, while preventing inappropriate use of the tool when the test device is attached thereto. | 03-06-2014 |
20140128850 | POWER CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND BATTERIES - Various embodiments are directed to battery unit for use with surgical instruments. The battery units may comprise a plurality of cells and include a translatable discharge drain. When attached to the surgical instrument, the discharge drain may electrically connect an anode of the battery unit to a cathode of the battery unit, for example, via a resistive element in order to drain the battery unit. | 05-08-2014 |
20140236184 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A POWER CONTROL CIRCUIT - Various embodiments are directed to a powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue. The instrument may comprise an end effector comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member may be coupled to move relative to the first jaw member from an open position, where the jaw members are apart from one another, to a closed position. The end effector may also comprise a firing bar positioned to fire by translating within the end effector when the first and second jaw members are in the closed position. Additionally, the surgical instrument may comprise a drive device, a clamping trigger and a control circuit. The drive device may be mechanically coupled to the firing bar. The clamping trigger may be mechanically coupled to the end effector such that actuation of the clamping trigger causes the second jaw member to pivot towards the first jaw member. The control circuit may comprise a firing switch, a clamp switch, a latching device and an end-of-stroke sensor. The firing switch may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power supply for powering the drive device and in electrical communication with the drive device. The clamp switch may be in mechanical communication with the clamping trigger. The latching device may be in electrical communication with the clamp switch, the power supply and the drive device. The end-of-stroke switch may be in electrical communication with the latching device. Additionally, the firing switch may be electrically connected to, upon actuation, connect the power supply to the drive device via a first connection comprising the latching device and the firing switch. Further, the end-of-stroke switch may be electrically connected to, upon sensing an end of a stroke of the firing bar, cause a change in a state of the latching device to break the first connection between the power supply and the drive device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140263537 | CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may be operated compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands on transection length of a powered surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a processor and a memory. A relationship between articulation angle of an end effector and effective transection length distal of an articulation joint is characterized. The characterization data is accessed by the processor from the memory of the surgical instrument. The articulation angle of the end effector is tracked by the processor during use of the surgical instrument. The target transection length is adjusted by the processor based on the known articulation angle and the stored characterization data. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263538 | SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include an absolute position sensor system. The absolute position sensor system includes a sensor element operatively coupled to a movable drive member of the surgical instrument. A position sensor is operably coupled to the sensor element and is configured to sense the absolute position of the sensor element. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263541 | ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK - A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include an articulation driver configured to rotate the end effector about the articulation joint and an articulation lock which can be configured to selectably resist the unintentional articulation of the end effector. In various circumstances, the actuation of the articulation driver can unlock the articulation lock. In certain circumstances, the articulation lock can comprise a first one-way lock configured to resist the movement of the articulation driver in a first direction and a second one-way lock configured to resist the movement of the articulation driver in a second direction. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263542 | ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE - A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument can further include a staple cartridge positioned within the end effector and a firing drive operably coupled with a trigger wherein the operation of the trigger can advance and/or retract a firing member of the firing drive relative to the end effector. The surgical instrument can further comprise an articulation drive which is selectively engageable with the firing drive. When the articulation drive is engaged with the firing drive, the operation of the firing drive can operate the articulation drive and articulate the end effector. When the articulation drive is not engaged with the firing drive, the firing drive can be operated independently of the articulation drive. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263551 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM - In various embodiments, a surgical end effector is disclosed. The surgical end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The staple cartridge is configured to be used to staple tissue within an optimal tissue thickness range. An anvil is movably coupled relative to the staple cartridge. A tissue thickness sensing module is located adjacent to the distal end of the staple cartridge. The tissue thickness sensing module comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to generate a tissue thickness signal indicative of a thickness of the tissue located between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The controller is in signal communication with the sensor. The controller comprises means for identifying a staple cartridge type. The staple cartridge type and the thickness measurement are used to determine if the thickness of the tissue is within the optimal tissue thickness range. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263552 | STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM - In various embodiments, a staple cartridge for use in a surgical stapler is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a staple body comprising a proximal end and a distal end. A tissue thickness sensing module is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the staple body. The tissue thickness sensing module comprises a controller and a sensor. A power key is located removably adjacent to the staple body. The controller is configured to detect the power key and to maintain the tissue thickness sensing module in a low-power state while the power key is present. When the power key is removed, the controller transitions the tissue thickness sensing module to an active state. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263564 | INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An interchangeable shaft assembly for use with a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument may include a frame that operably supports a plurality of drive systems and defines an actuation axis. The shaft assembly may comprise a first shaft that is configured to apply first actuation motions to a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto. A proximal end of the first shaft is configured to be operably releasably coupled to a first one of the drive systems supported by the frame in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263565 | DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include at least one drive system that is configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof. At least one drive system defines an actuation axis. The surgical instrument may further include at least one interchangeable shaft assembly that is configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A lockout assembly may interface with the at least one drive system for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277017 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A method and system for operating a surgical instrument. A surgical instrument can operate in an initial operating state and a secondary operating state. The secondary operating state can be one of a warned operating state or a modified operating state. After receiving feedback from the surgical instrument, an operator of the surgical instrument can decide whether to proceed to the warned operating state or the modified operating state. | 09-18-2014 |
20150038986 | SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT THAT ANALYZES TISSUE THICKNESS - A surgical instrument with a tissue-clamping end effector, where actuation of the instrument is locked out when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within a specified thickness range. The end effector may comprise a tissue thickness module that senses the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a control circuit in communication with the tissue thickness module. The control circuit prevents actuation of a working portion of the end effector when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within the specified thickness range. | 02-05-2015 |
20150272557 | MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM - A method for updating a component of a modular surgical instrument. The method can comprise comparing control modules and/or control systems of various modular components of a surgical system. For example, if corresponding control modules are different, at least one of the control modules can be updated and/or overwritten. If corresponding control modules have different effective dates, the outdated control module can be updated and/or overwritten, for example. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272569 | FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument including an end effector, a drive member movable to effectuate a motion in said end effector, a motor operable to move the drive member to effectuate the motion in the end effector and a bailout assembly operable to perform a mechanical bailout of the surgical instrument in response to a bailout error. The bailout assembly includes a bailout door, a bailout handle accessible through the bailout door. The bailout handle is operable to move the drive member to effectuate a bailout motion in the end effector. A controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to detect the bailout error. The processor is programmed to stop the motor in response to the detection of the bailout error. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272570 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS - In various instances, the surgical instrument can include a data storage protocol and/or at least one security feature. The surgical instrument can include a locking circuit, for example. In various instances, the surgical instrument can include sensors and/or magnets for detecting various characteristics of the surgical instrument, surgical operation, and/or surgical site. The surgical instrument can require a temporary access code for operating and/or can be selected for connection to an external display. A surgical system can include a first modular component, a second modular component, and a feedback system. The feedback system can include an engagement sensor, which can detect the engagement and/or degree of engagement of the first modular component and the second modular component. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272571 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION - A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a movable input, and an analog sensor configured to detect the position of the movable input, wherein the analog sensor is configured to produce an analog signal comprising analog data. The surgical instrument can further comprise a microcontroller comprising an input channel, wherein the analog sensor is in signal communication with the input channel, wherein the microcontroller is configured to compare the analog data to a reference value, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to produce a digital signal in response to the comparison. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272572 | INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure includes an elongate shaft, an end effector extending from the elongate shaft, and a control system. The end effector is articulatable relative to the elongate shaft between a home state position and an articulated position. The control system includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor to store program instructions. The processor can alert the operator when the end effector reaches the home state position from the articulated position. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272574 | POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a segmented circuit. The segmented circuit includes a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments includes a power segment. The safety processor is configured to transition the primary processor and at least one of the plurality of circuit segments from an active mode to a sleep mode and from the sleep mode to the active mode. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272578 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, the safety processor, and a segmented circuit. The segmented circuit includes a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments is configured to control one or more operations of the surgical instrument. The safety processor is configured to monitor one or more parameters of the plurality of circuit segments. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272580 | VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT - The present disclosure provides a power assembly including a housing configured to couple to a surgical instrument. The housing includes at least two electrical contacts. A power source is coupled to the at least two electrical contacts. The power source is configured to provide power to the surgical instrument and a usage cycle circuit is configured to monitor one or more conditions of the power assembly and maintain a usage cycle count. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272581 | STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments comprising a storage verification segment configured to indicate when a surgical instrument has been properly stored and sterilized. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272582 | POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument including a handle assembly and an interchangeable shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft, and an end effector extending distally from the elongate shaft. The handle assembly includes a motor configured to effectuate at least one motion in the end effector while said handle assembly is coupled to the shaft assembly. A power assembly is separably couplable to the handle assembly. The power assembly includes a power source configured to power the motor and a power management controller in communication with the power source. The power management controller is configured to receive an input signal corresponding to at least one power requirement of the shaft assembly. The power management controller is configured to modulate power output of the power source to the motor to conform the power output with the at least one power requirement of the shaft assembly. | 10-01-2015 |
20150272583 | SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM - A surgical system can include an electric motor, a sensor and a microcontroller in signal communication with the electric motor and the sensor. In various instances, the microcontroller can adjust the velocity of a firing element when the sensor detects a change in current drawn by the electric motor that exceeds a threshold amount. | 10-01-2015 |
20150277471 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT - The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a surgical instrument. The method includes connecting a power assembly to a control circuit, wherein the power assembly is configured to provide a source voltage, energizing, by the power assembly, a voltage boost convertor circuit configured to provide a set voltage greater than the source voltage, and energizing, by the voltage boost convertor, one or more voltage converters configured to provide one or more operating voltages to one or more circuit components. | 10-01-2015 |
20150280424 | POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION - The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor, and a segmented circuit. The segmented circuit includes a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments includes a power segment configured to provide a segment voltage to the primary processor, the safety processor, and each of the plurality of circuit segments. The power segment is configured to provide variable voltage protection of each segment. | 10-01-2015 |