Systems and methods for connecting devices

Abstract

An instrument assembly that can be used in surgery is disclosed. The instrument includes a connection for a working portion and a tool handle. The assembly includes a method and system for interconnecting and / or identifying the working portion and the handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A system and method for operating and connecting an instrument (eg, a rotatable instrument) and a motor or control is disclosed. Background Art

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] The surgical instrument may be used during surgery, such as within a selected area of ​​a subject's anatomy. The surgical instrument may be connected to a handle that may include a motor or similar power system. The power system may rotate or otherwise move the instrument. Thus, the instrument may provide for selected operation relative to the handle. In addition, multiple instruments may be connected to the handle. Thus, different instruments may be selected to operate in different selected ways, and identification of the instrument may be useful. Summary of the invention

[0004] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0005] The driver can power an instrument such as a burr or other cutting or driving instrument during a selected surgery. The instrument can be removably connected to the driver, such as a power tool handle. The power tool handle can include a motor and a portion that can be grasped by a user (such as a surgeon).

[0006] The tool or instrument assembly may include: a handle including a motor; and an instrument removably attached to the handle and / or motor. In addition, the instrument assembly may be connected to a console or controller. The controller may include various additional features, such as the power of the motor and the irrigation source. However, it should be understood that the power of the irrigation and motor does not have to come from a single source.

[0007] The instrument assembly may further include a connector including selected communication, power and irrigation connections. The connector may include a transmitter to transmit a field that can be coupled with a receiving antenna to provide inductive power to selected components. Additionally, the connector may include an irrigation connection that can be connected to the handle and allows the connection to be maintained during removal and reconnection of one or more instruments from the handle.

[0008] When using an instrument during surgery, a user may desire or choose to navigate the instrument. When navigating the instrument, a tracked position of at least a portion of the instrument is determined. When tracking the instrument, the navigation system may determine and illustrate the position of the instrument relative to an image of a subject or patient over a selected period of time.

[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 are perspective views of tools and apparatus according to various embodiments;

[0012] Figure 2 for Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a device component;

[0013] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Detailed cross-sectional view of the

[0014] Figure 4 A context diagram for the device component.

[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 2. The instrument assembly 20 is illustrated in FIG. The instrument assembly 20 includes a handpiece (hand-piece) 22 (also referred to as a handle portion, driver) and an instrument portion 24. The handpiece 22 may include a housing 26 that houses various additional components, including a motor 28. The motor 28 may be powered in any suitable manner, including electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically, etc.

[0018] The instrument assembly 20 is connected to an external system, which may include a control system, which may also be referred to as a console 34 or a control system. The console 34 may have various connections to the instrument assembly 20, such as including a suction tube or vacuum tube 36 from a vacuum source connected to the housing 26, an electrical connection 38 connected to the housing 26, and an irrigation tube 42. According to various embodiments, the irrigation tube 42 may be connected to the housing 26 using a selected bin member 44. The bin member 44 may be removably connected to the housing 26, as discussed elsewhere herein. In various embodiments, the bin member 44 may also include various additional connections or control portions and / or systems to help control the instrument assembly 20 directly and / or through the console 34. Various other controls may also be provided to control the instrument assembly 20, such as using a switch 46 including a foot switch. The switch 46 may be used to selectively control the instrument assembly 20, such as including the speed of the motor 28, the direction of rotation of the motor 28, and various other controls. It should be understood that the instrument portion 24 can be controlled by the motor 28 , such as by controlling the motor 28 to select, change speed and direction, etc., and this can control the instrument portion 24 .

[0019] Generally, the instrument portion 24 can be an assembly and include various parts, such as a working end or tip 50. The working end 50 can include a distal end of the instrument portion 24 that can interact with a selected subject, such as a living subject, an inanimate subject, etc. In various embodiments, the working end 50 can include a rounded end file or a resection instrument to remove a portion of a patient's anatomical structure during surgery. As discussed herein, the working end 50 can perform an operation or work at a selected worksite, such as within or on a subject.

[0020] Thus, the working end 50 can be operated by the motor 28 for speed, direction, etc. In addition, the instrument portion 24 can include an outer tubular member 54 that can extend a distance along the instrument portion 24 toward the working end 50, however, the working end 50 can be exposed. The outer tubular member 54 can define an inner sleeve through which the shaft 56 extends. The shaft 56 can be connected to the motor 28 to provide power to the working end or to provide force to the working end 50 to move the working end 50. Thus, the shaft 56 and the working end 50 can form a working instrument, such as a round head file or other suitable instrument.

[0021] The handpiece 22 may include a plurality of parts similar to those commonly included on other suitable devices, such as those sold by Medtronic, Inc., having a place of business in Minneapolis, Minnesota. M4 and / or M5 handpieces (i.e., debridement devices). For example, a turntable or member 60 can be used to rotate the orientation of the working end 50 relative to the central axis 62 and / or shaft 56 of the handpiece 22. The handpiece 22 also includes a connection assembly 66, which can include a chuck or quick-connect assembly to allow the instrument portion 24 to be connected to the handpiece 22 and / or the motor 28.

[0022] The quick connect assembly can include various features or elements, such as a bias spring 68 and a locking or connecting member 70. The connecting assembly 66 engages a hub assembly 74. The hub assembly 74 can include multiple parts, but generally includes a connection with the outer tubular member 54 of the instrument portion 24. In particular, the hub assembly 74 can be integral with the outer tubular member 54 or formed therewith as a part of the instrument portion 24. In various embodiments, the hub assembly 74 engages the handpiece 22 via the hub assembly 74. When the hub assembly 74 is engaged with the handpiece 22 via the connecting assembly 66, the instrument portion 24 can then be operated by the handpiece 22 including the motor 28.

[0023] In various embodiments, the hub assembly 74 may include an internal hub member. The internal hub member may be engaged by a locking or connecting member 70 to hold the instrument portion 24 relative to the handpiece 22. As discussed above, the operation of the quick connect assembly 66 may be similar to Operation of the M5 handle assembly.

[0024] The inner hub (which is the instrument portion 24) may be surrounded by an irrigation collar or hub portion 78. The irrigation collar or hub portion 78 may surround the inner hub and provide or form a holding volume or area 80 to hold the irrigation volume or fluid as or before the irrigation volume or fluid enters the inner hub through the irrigation channel 84. Upon delivery or passage into the inner hub, the irrigation volume of fluid may be transferred downwardly or through the shaft 56 to irrigate near the working end 50. An aspiration tube or vacuum tube 36 may be used to aspirate through the handpiece 22 and the instrument portion 24 (e.g., through the innermost cannula). Thus, constant irrigation and aspiration may be provided at the working end 50 of the instrument portion 24.

[0025] In order to deliver irrigation fluid to the inner hub, such as through an irrigation collar or hub portion 78, the cartridge member 44 may include a channel, such as an irrigation channel 84. The irrigation channel 84 may extend from the irrigation tube 42 through the cartridge member 44. The cartridge member 44 and the irrigation tube 42 may be formed or provided as a single piece. For example, the irrigation tube 42 may be permanently connected to the cartridge member 44. Before or during preparation of the handpiece 22 for surgery, the cartridge member 44 may be removably connected to the handle assembly.

[0026] According to various embodiments, for example, Figure 3, the bin member 44 can be connected to the handpiece 22 using any suitable connection. For example, the handpiece 22 can define or form a track 88. The bin member 44 may include an elongated groove or channel 90 that is complementary to the track 88. Therefore, by receiving or engaging the track 88 in the elongated groove or channel 90, the bin member 44 can slide along the track 88. Then, the bin member 44 can engage or include a locking feature that locks the bin member 44 to the handle assembly. It should be understood that any other suitable connection (such as snap fit, sliding lock, threaded connector, adhesive, etc.) can be used to connect the bin member 44 to the handpiece 22. However, regardless of the connection, the bin member 44 including the irrigation channel 84 passing therethrough can connect the irrigation tube 42 to the inner hub, as discussed elsewhere herein. In addition, the bin member 44 can usually be removed from the handpiece 22 at a selected time.

[0027] like Figure 2 As described in the embodiment of the present invention, the bin member 44 includes a flushing channel 84. In various embodiments, the bin member 44 may be formed as a solid member, and the channel 84 is formed as a hole through the bin member 44. However, in various embodiments, the flushing channel 84 and the bin member 44 may include a pipe or tube member extending from the flushing tube 42 through the bin member 44 as the flushing channel 84. Therefore, the bin member 44 may be formed as a hollow member or shell portion connected to the end of the flushing tube 42. A portion of the tube 42 extending through the bin member 44 may form or define the flushing channel 84 in the bin member 44. In any case, the bin member 44 may be connected to the flushing tube 42 as a single piece. Therefore, the bin member 44 and the conduit 42 may be disposable and / or single-use. The bin member 44 and the conduit 42 may be connected to a flushing source, such as the console 34, and connected to the handpiece 22. However, it should be understood that although the flushing source is controlled or flows through the console 34, the flushing source may be separated from the console. This may allow the bin member 44 to be provided for a selected single surgery and thereafter discarded.

[0028] Regardless, the cartridge member 44 can allow for connection or positioning of the flushing outlet 86 proximate or adjacent to a flushing inlet of the hub assembly 74. The flushing inlet can be formed as an opening or passage through a portion of the hub assembly 74, such as an outer or outer hub member 92. The outer hub member 92 forming the flushing inlet can also include a sealing portion or assembly, such as a first O-ring 94. A complementary sealing assembly or portion, such as a second O-ring 96, can also be provided on or with the cartridge member 44.

[0029] The cartridge member 44 assembled to the handpiece 22 can move in the direction of the arrow. Thus, the outlet 86 and the associated O-ring 96 can move toward or near the irrigation inlet and the associated first O-ring 94. Once the cartridge member 44 is fully positioned on the handpiece 22, the first O-ring 94 and the second O-ring 96 can substantially make and form a fluid-tight seal between the cartridge member 44 and the handpiece 22 for communication of the irrigation fluid. The irrigation fluid can flow from an irrigation supply source (such as the console 34) to the hub assembly 74 of the instrument portion 24. In this way, irrigation can be provided through the irrigation tube 42 and the instrument portion 24 by connecting the cartridge member 44 to the handpiece 22 and forming a seal between the outlet 86 of the cartridge member 44 and the irrigation inlet at the hub assembly 74.

[0030] Thus, the cartridge member 44 can be used to connect an irrigation source (such as an irrigation source from the console 34) to the instrument portion 24. Irrigation material (such as sterile water) can be passed through the instrument portion 24, such as around or through a cannula formed by the outer tubular member 54. Figure 2 , the irrigation channel 84 can be provided to the hub assembly 74 through the inlet 82 of the outer hub 92 into the reservoir 80. The hub assembly 74, including the irrigation collar or hub portion 78, can be provided around a rotating hub portion 100. The rotating hub portion 100 can be engaged by the motor 28, such as with a drive shaft, to rotate the first O-ring 94. However, it should be understood that the outer tubular member 54 of the instrument assembly 24 can be directly connected to the motor 28, such as via a drive shaft, and the rotating hub portion 100 does not need to rotate. Instead, the instrument shaft 56 can rotate within the outer tubular member 54 to drive or rotate the working end 50.

[0031] The rotating hub portion 100 may provide an internal passage 104 for delivering irrigation material (e.g., fluid) from the irrigation passage 84 of the cartridge member 44 to a zone or region proximate the working end 50. The internal passage 104 through the rotating hub portion 100 may allow access through the opening 106 of the outer tubular member 54. Thus, fluid may pass through the irrigation conduit 42, through the irrigation passage 84 in the cartridge member 44, through the irrigation inlet of the outer hub 92, and through the irrigation collar or hub portion 78 to the inner collar or hub member (i.e., the rotating hub portion 100). Selected sealing portions, such as one or more first and second O-rings 94, 96, are provided to help seal the irrigation fluid contained therein as it passes through the selected passage and into the outer tubular member 54. Irrigation may be provided to the working end 50 of the instrument portion 24 through the cartridge member 44 at a selected time from a selected source (e.g., the console 34).

[0032] The cartridge member 44 may further include additional components and features, as discussed elsewhere herein. As discussed above, the cartridge member 44 may provide a connection of an irrigation supply to the instrument portion 24 via an irrigation channel 84 in the cartridge member 44. Furthermore, the cartridge member 44, once assembled to the handpiece 22, may remain in place even though the instrument portion 24 may include multiple instruments that are intermittently and sequentially changed or switched.

[0033] For example, Figure 2 The instrument portion 24 described in the figure can be removed from the handpiece 22 and replaced with an alternative instrument. The connecting assembly 66 can be used to disconnect the instrument portion 24 and replace it with an alternative instrument. The alternative instrument can be the same as the instrument portion 24, but the instrument portion 24 is replaced after a certain working cycle. For example, the round head file at the working end 50 can be operational or have peak efficiency within a selected time period (such as five minutes, ten minutes, etc.). Therefore, the instrument portion 24 can be replaced with the same instrument to maintain the operating efficiency of the instrument portion 24. Alternatively or in addition, the instrument portion 24 can be replaced with a second or different instrument, such as a cutting or drilling instrument. In any case, the instrument portion 24 can be disconnected from the handpiece 22 and replaced with an alternative instrument.

[0034] However, alternative devices may include Figure 1 and 2 Thus, by moving the instrument portion 24 generally in the direction of the arrow, the hub assembly 74 of more than one instrument can be connected to the handpiece 22. Figure 2 , the hub assembly 74 of any instrument portion 24 can be positioned proximate to the cartridge member 44. This allows irrigation from an irrigation source, such as the console 34, to be connected to the hub assembly 74 of any hub assembly connected to the handpiece 22 through the irrigation channel 84. A sealing assembly or connection, such as including a first O-ring 94 and a second O-ring 96, can still allow a sealed connection of the irrigation channel to the instrument portion 24. Even if the instrument portion 24 is removed and replaced, the cartridge member 44 does not have to be removed from the handpiece 22 and / or is not removed therefrom. The sealing assembly can allow irrigation to be provided through the irrigation channel 84 of the cartridge member 44 without having to manipulate the connection to the hub assembly 74 separate from placing the instrument portion 24 including the hub assembly 74 on the handpiece 22.

[0035] In addition, the instrument portion 24, such as at or near the hub assembly 74, may include an identification component or portion 120. In various embodiments, the identification member may include a radio frequency identification tag or member. The ID member may include a transmitting and / or receiving antenna assembly associated with the memory system. However, it should be understood that the ID member may also include a resonant antenna without a separate memory or communication transceiver assembly. The ID member may be any suitable ID member, including those disclosed in the following: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0310218; U.S. Patent No. 9,867,674; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] The bin member 44 may include a receiving and / or transmitting antenna 124. The antenna 124 of the bin member 44, such as a transceiver, may be connected to a selected electronic component 128. The electronic component 128 may include various elements or parts or components, such as a printed circuit board 130 (PCB) on which various components (such as a processor 132 and / or a memory 134) may be mounted. The processor 132 may be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions stored on the memory 134 and accessing instructions on the memory 134, such as a general-purpose processor. The processor 132 may also include other suitable processors or only include other suitable processor systems, such as an application-specific integrated circuit, a processor including an internal memory or a read-only memory, or other suitable processor systems. Nevertheless, the processor 132 may be provided on the circuit board 130 to communicate and / or control various components as discussed herein.

[0037] For example, the transceiver 124 may be activated to activate the ID member and / or receive a signal from the ID member and transmit a signal to the PCB 130 along or in conjunction with the communication line 136. The signal from the transceiver 124 may be analyzed by the processor 132 to determine the identity of the instrument portion 24. The identity of the instrument portion 24 may be determined by the processor 132 at the electronic component 128 in the bin member 44 and / or the signal may be transmitted from the PCB 130 including the processor 132, or directly from the transceiver antenna 124 to the bin antenna assembly 140. The bin antenna assembly 140 may include various features such as a radio frequency identification tag including a selected power harvesting feature, or a component such as the NTAG I2C Explorer Kit sold by NXP Semiconductors Austria GmbH having a place of business in Gratkom, Austria. Communication between the bin antenna assembly 140 and the electronic component 128 may be via the communication line 142, such as a wired connection. However, it should be understood that the PCB 130 may be formed of a selected size and / or have such a position so that the antenna assembly 140 is mounted or secured to the PCB 130 and communication with the processor 132 may occur via traces formed on the PCB 130.

[0038] Regardless, the antenna 140 can receive signals, such as wireless signals, from the handpiece antenna 146. The handpiece antenna 146 can transmit signals that communicate with the cartridge antenna assembly 140. The cartridge antenna assembly 140 can convert at least a portion of the signals into electrical energy (e.g., with an induced electrical current) to power or assist in powering the electronic components 128.

[0039] The hand piece antenna 146 may also receive signals from the antenna assembly 140 of the cartridge member 44, such as signals from the ID member or other signals, as discussed elsewhere herein. The hand piece antenna 146 may be powered via an electrical connection 38 to the hand piece 22, such as from the console 34. In various embodiments, the electrical connection 38 may provide a signal, such as a power signal, to the hand piece antenna 146 substantially constantly, at a selected periodic rate, or based on input from a user.

[0040] The cartridge assembly 44, once connected to the handpiece 22, can help provide identification information of the instrument portion 24 to the console 34. In various embodiments, the identification information can be used to determine operating parameters of the instrument portion 24, which can control handle operation, such as motor speed, run time, etc. The identification of the instrument portion 24 can be used to help navigate or track the instrument portion 24, such as the position of the working end 50 (if navigation is to be determined for a selected period of time or surgery). For example, the geometry of the instrument portion 24 can be predetermined and saved with the ID member and / or retrieved from a database based on the identification of the instrument portion 24. Thus, the identification of the instrument portion 24 can be transmitted to the console 34 or other appropriate portion, such as a navigation processor assembly, as discussed below.

[0041] The ID member can be used to allow automatic identification of the instrument portion 24. The processor 132 can analyze the signal from the ID member to identify the instrument portion 24 and / or the console 34 or other appropriate system. In any case, the signal from the ID member can be used by the selected processor system to identify the instrument portion 24 without the need for additional user input. The antenna 124 can be intermittently excited, such as once per second, to query any components present, such as the ID member. As discussed above, the signal from the ID member can then be received and transmitted by the antenna 124. The antenna 124 can be excited at selectable intervals, such as based on a predetermined rate, wherein the handpiece antenna 146 from the handpiece 22 is used to excite the electronic component 128.

[0042] Identification (e.g., automatic identification) of the instrument portion 24 with an ID member may also be used to help identify the appropriate instrument for a selected surgery, such as identifying the selected portion of the surgery and / or the instrument used during the surgery. In selected applications, the ID member may have specific identification or information about a particular instrument called up from a database to help determine the duty cycle or life of the instrument portion 24, such as the number of sterilization cycles, etc. In addition, the ID member may have information about the duty cycle written to it, and therefore, the electronic assembly 128 may transmit a usage count when connected to the handpiece 22.

[0043] The electronic assembly 128 of the cartridge member 44 may additionally include various operational and / or communication features. For example, a display may be provided on the cartridge member 44, the display being powered by the antenna assembly 140 to harvest electrical power from a signal from the handpiece antenna 146. In various embodiments, a low power or low current transmitter, such as a light emitting diode 150, may be provided on the cartridge member 44. The user 200( Figure 4) can view LED 150 to help identify the condition of the instrument assembly 20, operating controls, etc. LED 150 can have a selected blinking rate, color, or other characteristics to provide identification of the operating condition of the instrument assembly 20 to the user 200. For example, LED 150 can illuminate or emit a steady green light to indicate that the handpiece 22 is properly connected to the console 34 and / or the instrument portion 24 is properly connected to the instrument handpiece 22. LED 150 can then change color and / or blink rate to indicate the power and / or rotation direction of the working end 50. For example, a steady yellow can indicate clockwise rotation, while a blinking yellow can indicate counterclockwise rotation. Other colors or blinking rates can be used to identify different operating conditions of the instrument assembly 20. LED 150 can also be used to indicate the status of the control system, such as the irrigation supply volume is empty or nearly empty, the vacuum or aspiration is appropriate, etc.

[0044] The processor 132 may directly control the LED 150 and / or transmit a signal to the LED 150 from the console 34. For example, the LED 150 may receive a signal from the console 34 regarding the rotation of the instrument assembly 20 relative to the console 34. Alternatively or in addition, a signal regarding the connection of the instrument assembly 20 to the console 34 may be transmitted to the processor 132, and the LED 150 may be controlled from the processor 132. Likewise, the LED 150 may be connected to the cartridge member 44, such as an outer wall thereof, and / or mounted on the PCB 130.

[0045] The cartridge member 44 may additionally include controls, such as one or more controls (including buttons or switches). The controls 154 may be used for operational control of the instrument assembly 20. For example, as discussed above, the foot switch 46 may be used to control the instrument assembly 24 via the console 34. In addition to and / or in lieu of the foot switch 46, the controls 154 may be used to control the instrument assembly 20. In various embodiments, the foot switch 46 may be omitted, and the controls 154 of the cartridge member 44 may be used to operate the instrument assembly 20.

[0046] The control 154 may be dedicated to the control of the selection of the instrument assembly and / or change based on the signal received by the control 154 and / or the console 34. For example, the control 154 can be used to change the rotation direction of the working end 54. As discussed above, the LED 150 can be used to indicate the direction control of the working end 50 based on the input from the control 154. In addition, the control 154 can be used to control the irrigation supply source through the irrigation channel 84, the suction through the suction tube or vacuum tube 36, or other suitable features or controls of the instrument assembly. In various embodiments, the control 154 may include one or more control portions of the component (e.g., such as one or more buttons), and can control one or more features of the instrument assembly to change the irrigation flow or rate, change the instrument speed, flush the instrument, and / or perform other functions.

[0047] The control 154 may be connected to the PCB 130 directly (such as a mount thereon) and / or via a connection (such as a wired connection 156). The control 154 may provide signals directly to the console 34, directly to the processor 132, or indirectly to one or both. Thus, the control 154 may be used to control various features of the instrument assembly 20. Again, the signal from the control 154 may be transmitted to the console 34 through the antenna assembly 140 and the cartridge member 44 to be transmitted to the handpiece antenna 146 of the handpiece 22. The signal from the control 154 may be transmitted through the electronic assembly 128, including initially processed thereon, and then transmitted to the console 34. The control 154 may be used to control the handpiece 22 via the console 34. In addition or alternatively thereto, the control 154 may directly control the handpiece assembly, such as by sending the electronic component 128 to the handpiece antenna 146 through the signal that has been transmitted from the antenna assembly 140. The control 154 may be used to communicate with the console 34, such as for the operation of the instrument assembly 20, and / or directly control the handpiece 22 (e.g., motor operation including speed).

[0048] It should be understood that the electronic components 128 may include additional or additional controls in addition to those discussed above. In addition, the cartridge member 44 may include connections to various other components of the handpiece 22 and / or the instrument portion 24. In any case, although the instrument assembly 24 is removably replaced by the handpiece 22, the cartridge member 44 may be effectively connected to the handpiece 22 and maintained during the selected surgery. The cartridge assembly 24 may be additionally connected to the handpiece 22, such as to the housing 26, while maintaining or including the selected size 164. The size 164 may allow the instrument assembly 20 to be operated by a single hand 202 of a human user, even if the cartridge member 44 is connected to the handpiece 22. Therefore, the instrument assembly 20 including the cartridge member 44 can be used by the user 200 for a selected surgery with a single hand 202, so that the user's second hand 204 can be freed up for other tasks.

[0049] In addition, as discussed above, the handpiece 22 can be maintained for multiple surgeries, while the cartridge member 44 can be provided as a single use. Thus, the cartridge member 44 can be delivered to the surgery in a substantially sterile manner and / or packaging to allow the various parts (such as the irrigation tube 42) to be easily connected to the handpiece 22 and the instrument assembly 24. In addition, the cartridge member 44 can allow connection of all connections from the console 34 to the handpiece 22, such as electronic connections and / or suction connections. However, it should be understood that by providing power to the cartridge member 44 from the handpiece antenna 146, without including an internal battery or other power components, the cartridge member 44 can be manufactured substantially efficiently and inexpensively.

[0050] like Figure 4 , the instrument or instrument assembly 20 can be used by a user, such as a human user 200. The user 200 can hold the handpiece 22 in a single hand 202 to manipulate and operate the instrument assembly 20. As discussed above, the hand 202 of the user 200 can contact the controls 154 to control the instrument assembly 20, such as speed, direction, start / stop, etc. The user 200 can also view indicators, such as LEDs 150. The user 200 can also connect the cartridge member 44, the instrument assembly 24, and / or other parts to the handpiece 22. However, it should be understood that a different user, such as a scrub nurse, can connect the cartridge member 44 and / or the instrument 44 to the handpiece 22.

[0051] User 200 may use instrument assembly 20 for various procedures. In various embodiments, instrument assembly 24 may be used for selected ear, nose, or throat procedures. For example, instrument assembly 24 including working end 50 may be used to remove tissue from a sinus passage of subject 210. Subject may be a human patient. However, it should be understood that the subject need not be a human or any living object. Subject may be any workpiece, such as a fuselage, a computer component, etc.

[0052] Anyway, reference Figure 4 , instrument assembly 20 may be used to perform a procedure on subject 210. The selected procedure may include viewing an image of subject 210, acquiring an image of subject 210, and / or navigating instrument portion 24 (e.g., working end 50) relative to subject 210. Figure 3 As illustrated in , a procedure may be performed by a user 200 relative to a subject 210 .

[0053] refer to Figure 4In various embodiments, the procedure using instrument assembly 20 may be a navigated procedure using navigation system 250. It should be understood that navigation is not required for use with instrument assembly 20, but navigation may be selected. In various embodiments, for example, user 200 may directly view within the nostril of subject 210 to perform the procedure. In addition, non-human subjects may have the procedure, and navigation may not be selected or necessary. In addition, images acquired using an imaging system to image through subject 210 may not be selected or necessary. The imaging system may include an endoscope or a direct viewing device.

[0054] If selected, the surgery may include a navigation system 250, which may include various components to help navigate the surgery, including a selected tracking system. The tracking system may include various components or portions such as various locators. The various locators may include an optical tracking system, which may include an optical locator 252, and / or an electromagnetic tracking system, which includes a tracking coil array (TCA) 254. Although the optical tracking system may be used with the TCA 254, it should be understood that only one tracking system, such as including the TCA 254, may be used with the navigation system 250. In addition, both the optical locator 252 and the TCA 254 may be used together or simultaneously to track one or more instruments. The instrument assembly 20 or a portion thereof may be tracked during a selected surgery, such as a surgery navigated using the navigation system 250.

[0055] The TCA 254 may include one or more conductive coils 256 positioned relative to a subject 210 on which a procedure is performed. In various embodiments, the procedure may be performed on or near a head 210h of the subject 210. As discussed in further detail herein, a subject tracking device or assembly 258 may be connected to the subject 210, such as to the head 210h of the subject 210. The tracking assembly 258 may also be referred to as a dynamic reference frame (DRF) or a patient tracker.

[0056] Continue to refer Figure 4 , navigation system 250 may include various features or elements as discussed below. Generally, navigation system 250 may be used to determine or track the position of instrument assembly 20 in a volume. The position may include both a three-dimensional X, Y, Z position and an orientation. The orientation may include one or more degrees of freedom, such as three degrees of freedom. Therefore, a total of at least six degrees of freedom may be determined for the position of instrument assembly 20.

[0057] Tracking the position of the instrument assembly 20 can help the user 200 determine the position of the instrument assembly 20 even if the instrument assembly 20 is not directly viewable by the user 200. Various surgeries can block the view of the user 200, such as performing repairs or assembling inanimate systems (such as robotic systems), assembling parts of a fuselage or automobile, etc. Various other surgeries may include surgical procedures, such as spinal surgery, neurosurgery, positioning deep brain simulation probes, or other surgical procedures performed on a living subject. In various embodiments, for example, the living subject may be a human subject 210 and the surgery may be performed on the human subject 210. However, it should be understood that the instrument assembly 20 can be tracked and / or navigated relative to any subject for any appropriate surgery. Tracking or navigating instruments used for surgery such as surgery on a human or living subject is merely exemplary.

[0058] Nonetheless, in various embodiments, as discussed elsewhere herein, the surgical navigation system 250 can incorporate various parts or systems, such as those disclosed in: U.S. Pat. Nos. RE44,385; 7,697,972; 8,644,907; and 8,842,893; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0199072, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Various components that can be used with or as part of the surgical navigation system 250 can include an imaging system 260 operable to image the subject 210, such as Imaging systems, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, computed tomography systems, etc. Subject support 262 may be used to support or hold subject 210 during imaging and / or during surgery. The same or different supports may be used for different parts of the procedure.

[0059] Image data may be acquired during the surgical procedure or acquired prior to the surgical procedure for displaying image 264 on display device 268. Figure 4 As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the instrument assembly 20 may be tracked in a trackable volume or navigation volume generated by a transmitter antenna or transmit coil array incorporated into the localizer 254. The position of the instrument assembly 20 may be tracked relative to the subject 210 in the tracking volume and then illustrated as an icon 20i using the display device 268. In various embodiments, the icon 16i may be superimposed on and / or adjacent to the image 264. As discussed herein, the navigation system 250 may incorporate a display device 268 and operate to render and display the image 38 from the image data. In addition, the determined position of the instrument assembly 20 may be performed and displayed using the display device 268 (such as the icon 16i).

[0060] refer to Figure 4, an electromagnetic (EM) locator may be operable to generate an electromagnetic field using coils 256 of a transmitting coil array (TCA) 254 incorporated into the locator 254. The TCA 254 may include one or more coil groups or arrays. In various embodiments, more than one group is included and each of the groups may include three coils, also referred to as a triplet or a triad. The coils may be powered by driving current through the coils of the coil group to generate or form an electromagnetic field. When current is driven through the coils, the generated electromagnetic field will extend away from the coils 256 and form a navigation domain or volume 270, such as covering all or a portion of the head 210h, spinal vertebrae, or other appropriate portion. The coils 256 may be powered by the console 34. However, it should be understood that, when selected, the TCA 254 may be controlled by a controller separate from the console 34.

[0061] The navigation domain or volume 270 generally defines a navigation space or patient space. As is generally understood in the art, an instrument assembly 20, such as a drill, guide wire, etc., may be tracked in the navigation domain relative to a patient or subject using an instrument tracking device 274. For example, the instrument assembly 20 may be freely moved relative to the DRF 251, such as by a user 200, and the DRF 251 is fixed relative to the subject 210. Both tracking devices 251, 270 may include tracking or sensing coils (e.g., conductive materials formed or placed in coils) that sense and are used to measure magnetic field strength, etc. Because the tracking device 270 is connected or associated with the instrument assembly 20 relative to the DRF 251, the navigation system 250 can be used to determine the position of the instrument assembly 20 relative to the DRF 251. The tracking device 270 may be selectively placed on the instrument assembly 20, such as connected to the handpiece 22 and / or closer to the instrument portion 24, similar to the tracking device 270 sold by Medtronic, Inc. M4 navigation ENT instrument. It should also be understood that the tracking device can be any suitable tracking device, such as an optical, acoustic, etc. tracking device.

[0062] The navigation volume or patient space may be registered to the patient's image space, and an icon 20i representing the instrument assembly 20 may be illustrated with the display device 268 at the navigated (e.g., determined) and tracked position, as superimposed on the image 264. Registration of the patient space to the image space and determination of the position of a tracking device (e.g., tracking device 270) relative to a DRF (e.g., DRF 251) may be performed as is generally known in the art, including as disclosed in: U.S. Pat. Nos. RE44,385; 7,697,972; 8,644,907; and 8,842,893; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0199072, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] The navigation system 250 may additionally include a navigation processor system 276. The navigation processor system 276 may include the display device 268, the locator 254, the console 34, and other components and / or connections thereto. For example, a wired connection may be provided between the console 34 (with or apart from the TCA controller) and the navigation processing unit 280. Additionally, the navigation processor system 276 may have one or more user control inputs such as a keyboard 282, and / or additional inputs such as from one or more memory systems 284 that are integrated or communicated via a communication system. According to various embodiments, the navigation processor system 276 may include those disclosed in: U.S. Pat. Nos. RE44,385; 7,697,972; 8,644,907; and 8,842,893; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0199072, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, and / or may also include the commercially available RFID reader sold by Medtronic Navigation, Inc., having a place of business in Louisville, CO. or Fusion TM Surgical navigation system.

[0064] Tracking information (including information about magnetic fields sensed using tracking devices 251, 270) may be communicated to navigation processor system 276 including navigation processor 280 via a communication system such as console 34 (which may also be a tracking device controller). Thus, the tracked position of instrument assembly 20 may be illustrated as icon 20i relative to image 264. Various other memory and processing systems may also be provided with and / or in communication with processor system 276, including memory system 284 in communication with navigation processor 280 and / or imaging processing unit 290. The image processing unit may be incorporated into imaging system 260, such as The imaging system 260 may include various parts that are movable within the gantry 294, such as a source and an x-ray detector. The imaging system 260 may also be tracked by a tracking device 296. However, it should be understood that the imaging system 260 need not be present when tracking a tracking device including an instrument tracking device 270. Furthermore, the imaging system 260 may be any suitable imaging system including MRI, CT, etc.

[0065] Information from all tracking devices may be communicated to navigation processor 280 for use in determining the position of the tracked portions relative to each other and / or for positioning instrument assembly 20 relative to image 264. Imaging system 260 may be used to acquire image data to generate or produce image 264 of subject 210. However, it should be understood that other suitable imaging systems may also be used. As discussed above, console 34 may be used to operate and power TCA 254.

[0066] Moreover, as discussed above, the icon 20i may be based on signals received and processed from the ID 120. The ID 120 associated with the instrument portion 24 may be used to determine the location of a selected or predetermined portion of the instrument assembly 20. Based on the identification of the instrument portion 24, the determined location may be incorporated into the icon 20i. Specific geometric shapes and similar features may be displayed and used to determine a specific location of a portion of the instrument portion 24 spaced apart from the tracking device 270.

[0067] Additionally, information related to the ID 120 and the instrument portion 24 may be displayed on the display device 268. The information may include end of life cycle, sterilization instructions, connection characteristics, etc. Thus, the display device 268 may be used to display information collected from the ID 120 or retrieved from a database.

[0068] Example embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure comprehensive and to fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known methods, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0069] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a specific embodiment are generally not limited to the specific embodiment, but are interchangeable when applicable and can be used in the selected embodiment (even if not specifically shown or described). The individual elements or features of a specific embodiment can also change in many ways. Such changes should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for operating a component, comprising: A handpiece, the handpiece comprising: a housing sized and shaped to be held by a hand of a user; a motor, the motor being within the housing; a first connector configured to engage an instrument assembly to perform a procedure using at least a portion of the instrument assembly; a second connector formed on the housing; a cartridge member having a cartridge connector configured to engage and retain the cartridge member relative to the handpiece, and an antenna configured to interrogate an identification member of the instrument assembly engaged with the handpiece and transmit a signal based on the interrogation; wherein the cartridge member is configured to be removably connected to the second connector to connect a circuit to the handpiece, wherein the system further comprises the instrument assembly and an irrigation tube; wherein said circuit comprises said flushing pipe; wherein the instrument assembly includes a flushing channel; wherein the bin member comprises a flushing outlet; wherein after the cartridge member is connected to the handpiece, irrigation fluid is able to flow from an irrigation source through the irrigation channel of the instrument assembly, wherein the system further comprises: The instrument assembly, wherein the instrument assembly comprises a first instrument assembly and a second instrument assembly; wherein the first instrument assembly is configured to be connected to the handpiece and to be in fluid communication with the irrigation source through the cartridge member; wherein the second instrument assembly is configured to be coupled to the handpiece and to be in fluid communication with the irrigation source through the cartridge member; wherein the first instrument assembly is configured to be removed from the handpiece when the cartridge member is connected to the handpiece, and the second instrument assembly is connected to the handpiece when the cartridge member is connected to the handpiece, Wherein the signal is configured to allow identification of the instrument component to be determined.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the bin member is fixedly connected to the flushing tube.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connector comprises a track; wherein the bin connector includes a groove; Wherein the track has an outer dimension to be received in the groove to connect the cartridge member to the handpiece.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge component further comprises a control component configured to receive input from a user to vary operation of at least one of the motor, flow rate from an irrigation source, or a combination thereof.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge component further comprises an indicator configured to provide an output to indicate current operation of at least one of the motor, flow from an irrigation source, or a combination thereof.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly includes connections to a power source, an irrigation source, and a vacuum source.

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