Sealed electrical connection between surgical loading unit and adapter

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to sealed electrical connections between a surgical loading unit and an adapter, and provides a surgical stapling device that includes a housing assembly and an elongate shaft assembly. The elongate shaft assembly is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The elongate shaft assembly includes an adapter assembly and a loading unit. The adapter assembly extends distally to a distal tip housing. The distal tip housing supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extends distally to an end effector that supports one or more sensors therein. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit electrical connector assembly is positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically couple the one or more sensors to the housing assembly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 037,274, filed June 10, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling apparatuses, and more particularly, to structures and methods for establishing a sealed electrical connection between a surgical loading unit and an adapter of a powered surgical stapling apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] When joining various body structures, fasteners have traditionally been used in place of sutures. Surgical stapling apparatuses for applying these fasteners are commonly designed to simultaneously cut and seal tissue to reduce the time and risks involved in a surgical procedure. Surgical stapling apparatuses that clamp, cut, and / or staple tissue are well known in the art. Such surgical stapling apparatuses include an end effector having two elongate jaw members for capturing or clamping tissue. These end effectors can be provided in the form of an elongate loading unit that is removably attachable to a housing assembly by an adapter to enable a drive assembly of the housing assembly to operate the end effector intracorporeally, e.g., in a laparoscopic manner. In particular, one of the two jaw members of the end effector typically carries a staple cartridge that houses a plurality of rows of staples positioned in a line, while the other of the two jaw members has an anvil for forming the staples as they are driven from the staple cartridge. In linear surgical stapling apparatuses, for example, the stapling operation is effected by a cam bar, a drive sled, or other similar mechanism having a cam member that travels longitudinally through a channel defined in the staple cartridge and acts on a staple pusher in the channel to sequentially eject the rows of linear staples from the staple cartridge. A knife is movably positioned between the rows of linear staples such that, when the surgical stapling apparatus is positioned around tissue and actuated, the tissue is engaged and / or simultaneously or nearly simultaneously cut. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect, a surgical stapling device includes a housing assembly and an elongate shaft assembly. The elongate shaft assembly is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The elongate shaft assembly includes an adapter assembly and a loading unit. The adapter assembly extends distally to a distal tip housing. The distal tip housing supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extends distally to an end effector that supports one or more sensors therein. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit electrical connector assembly is positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically couple the one or more sensors to the housing assembly.

[0006] In aspects, the one or more sensors can be configured to measure data including a thickness of tissue clamped by the end effector, a clamping force of the end effector, or a firing force of the end effector.

[0007] In aspects, the adapter electrical connector assembly can include an adapter connector housing that rotatably supports a firing bar therethrough. The adapter electrical connector assembly can include an electronic ring assembly supported on the adapter connector housing. The adapter connector housing can include a connector shaft that supports the electronic ring assembly thereon. The connector shaft can define a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of annular grooves disposed between the annular ribs. The plurality of annular grooves and the plurality of annular ribs can be positioned to support a plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. The plurality of contact rings can be electrically coupled to a flexible cable supported by a channel defined within the adapter connector housing. The loading unit electrical connector assembly can include a loading unit connector housing that supports a plurality of spring contacts positioned to contact the plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. The plurality of spring contacts can be electrically coupled to the one or more sensors.

[0008] In aspects, the adapter electrical connector assembly and the loading unit electrical connector assembly can be sealed within the elongate shaft assembly when electrically coupled together.

[0009] According to yet another aspect, a surgical stapling device includes a housing assembly, an adapter assembly, and a loading unit. The adapter assembly is removably secured to the housing assembly and supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively electrically connectable to the adapter assembly by relative translational and rotational movement between the loading unit and the adapter assembly. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly. The loading unit electrical connector assembly is positioned to receive the adapter electrical connector assembly to electrically couple the adapter assembly and the loading unit together in response to the translational and rotational movement.

[0010] In aspects, the loading unit can extend to the end effector. The end effector can support one or more sensors disposed in electrical communication with the adapter electrical connector assembly when the loading unit and adapter assembly are coupled together.

[0011] In various aspects, the loading unit can define a lug channel positioned to receive a lug of the adapter assembly. The lug channel can have a longitudinal extension portion that enables translational movement of the lug therethrough and a transverse portion that enables rotational movement of the lug therethrough.

[0012] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description given below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary surgical stapling device in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 1B is Figure 1A is a perspective view of an elongated shaft assembly of the surgical stapling device of

[0016] Figure 2 is Figure 1B is a perspective view of the elongated shaft assembly of

[0017] Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a proximal end portion of the loading unit and a distal end portion of the adapter, the proximal end portion of the loading unit and the distal end portion of the adapter being shown partially removed and / or in phantom for purposes of clarity;

[0018] Figure 4 is a partially separated enlarged perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of the firing bar and the distal end portion of the adapter;

[0019] Figure 5 is Figure 4 is a partially separated enlarged perspective view of a portion of the electrical connector assembly of

[0020] Figure 6 and 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end portion of the adapter, portions of which being shown removed and / or in phantom for purposes of clarity;

[0021] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a proximal end portion of the loading unit, parts of which are removed and / or shown in phantom lines for the sake of clarity;

[0022] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the electrical connection assembly of the loading unit, parts of which are shown in phantom lines for the sake of clarity;

[0023] Figure 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electrical connection assembly of Figure 9 and a proximal end portion of the outer tube of the loading unit;

[0024] Figures 11 to 15 are enlarged progressive sectional views of the elongated shaft assembly taken along the respective section lines 11-11, 12-12, 13-13, 14-14 and 15-15 shown in Figure 1B ;

[0025] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a proximal end portion of another loading unit of the elongated shaft assembly of Figure 1B and a distal end portion of another adapter of the elongated shaft assembly of Figure 1B ;

[0026] Figure 17 is a partially sectional enlarged perspective view of a distal end portion of the adapter of Figure 16 ;

[0027] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a distal end portion of the adapter of Figure 16 ;

[0028] Figure 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of the adapter of Figure 16 , parts of which are shown in phantom lines for the sake of clarity;

[0029] Figure 20 is another perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 19 ;

[0030] Figure 21 is a partially exploded enlarged perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of the loading unit of Figure 16 ;

[0031] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 21 , wherein the components are assembled;

[0032] Figures 23 to 26 is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly of Figure 27taken along the respective section lines 23-23, 24-24, 25-25 and 26-26 shown in Figure 16 enlarged progressive section views of the adapter and the loading unit of Figure 16 the loading unit and the adapter of

[0033] Figure 27 is a perspective view showing Figure 16 the loading unit and the adapter of

[0034] Figure 28 is a perspective view showing Figure 16 the loading unit and the adapter of Figure 27 as coupled together Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in

[0035] Figure 29 is a partially separated perspective view of a further proximal portion of the loading unit of the elongated shaft assembly of Figure 1B

[0036] is a front view of a proximal portion of the loading unit of Figure 30 Figure 29 is a perspective view of a portion of the adapter of

[0037] Figure 31 Figure 29 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the adapter and the loading unit of

[0038] Figure 32 is an enlarged section view of a portion of the adapter and the loading unit of Figure 31 taken along section line 32-32 shown in Figure 29

[0039] is a partially separated perspective view of a further proximal portion of the loading unit of the elongated shaft assembly of Figure 33 Figure 1B Figure 1B is a partially separated perspective view of a further distal portion of the adapter of the elongated shaft assembly of

[0040] Figure 34 is a partially separated perspective view of the electrical assembly of the adapter of Figure 33

[0041] is an enlarged perspective view showing Figure 35 the loading unit and the adapter of Figure 33 as coupled together; and

[0042] Figure 36 ​​​​is Figure 33 proximal portion of the loading unit and Figure 33 distal portion of the adapter are coupled together along Figure 35 the cross-sectional view taken along section line 36-36 shown in FIG. 1 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Aspects of the disclosed surgical stapling apparatus are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term“clinician” refers to a physician, nurse, or any other care provider and can include ancillary personnel. In addition, the term“proximal” refers to the portion of a structure that is closer to the clinician and the term“distal” refers to the portion of a structure that is further from the clinician. Further, directional terms, such as front, back, upper, lower, top, bottom, and the like, are used for description only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0044] In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail.

[0045] Further, although the surgical instruments described herein are provided in conjunction with a powered laparoscopic surgical stapling apparatus for brevity, the disclosed surgical instruments can include any powered, manual, or robotically controlled surgical instrument, such as a clip applier, a stapling device, an energy-based device (e.g., bipolar or monopolar forceps), and / or other surgical stapling apparatuses, such as a circular stapler, a transverse stapler, or an open stapler. For a detailed description of the structure and function of an exemplary surgical stapling apparatus, one or more components of which can be included or modified for use in the disclosed aspects, reference can be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 9,713,470; 8,806,973; 8,256,656; 8,157,152; 8,070,033; 7,819,896; 7,770,774; 7,334,717; 7,128,253; 5,964,394; and 5,915,616, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] Briefly, bodily fluids can be electrically conductive due to minerals, ions, etc. therein. The present disclosure details mechanical structures and methods for securing (and sealing) electrical connections against contamination by bodily fluids and saline to prevent shorting of the electronics of the disclosed surgical stapling apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure details structures and methods for efficiently (e.g., continuously) relaying information / data from one or more sensors in an end effector at a distal portion of a surgical stapling apparatus to a housing or handle assembly located at a proximal portion thereof using high speed data transmission rates and robust sensor signals (e.g., strain gauge signals) to accurately determine and / or analyze, for example, tissue thickness, clamp force, firing force, etc.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1A and 1B The surgical stapling apparatus 10 of the present disclosure includes a housing assembly 12 (which can include one or more handles that can be manually actuated to fire the surgical stapling apparatus 10) and an elongate shaft assembly 14 that is removably secured to the housing assembly 12. The elongate shaft assembly 14 extends distally to the housing assembly 12 and defines a longitudinal axis "X" therealong. The elongate shaft assembly 14 includes an adapter assembly 100 having a proximal portion that is removably secured to the housing assembly 12. The elongate shaft assembly 14 further includes a loading unit 200 that is removably secured to a distal portion of the adapter assembly 100 and extends distally from the adapter assembly 100 to an end effector 300. The loading unit 200 can be disposable and / or include one or more disposable components. The end effector 300 of the loading unit 200 includes an anvil assembly 302 and a staple cartridge assembly 304 that houses a plurality of staples (not shown) in a reload or staple cartridge 306 that can be selectively replaced therefrom. The anvil assembly 302 includes an anvil 302a against which the plurality of staples are formed upon firing of the surgical stapling apparatus 10. The end effector 300 further includes one or more sensors 308 disposed in electrical communication with the housing assembly 12. The sensors 308 can include, for example, strain gauges, staple cartridge ID sensors, near field communication (NFC) antennas, etc. The sensors 308 can be disposed within one or both of the anvil assembly 302 and the staple cartridge assembly 304. The sensors 308 are configured to be in electrical communication with the housing assembly 12 with respect to data / information about the end effector 300 and / or tissue engaged thereby. For example, such data / information can relate to tissue thickness, clamp force, firing force, etc.

[0048] The housing assembly 12 of the surgical stapling device 10 includes a housing 12a configured to selectively removably receive a rechargeable battery 12b. The battery 12b is configured to power the electrical components of the surgical stapling device 10. The housing 12a supports a controller 12c (e.g., a circuit board) therein that is configured to control the various operations of the surgical stapling device 10 and includes any number of electronic components, such as a memory 12d, a processor 12e, a network interface 12f, and / or other input / output modules 12g. The controller 12c can be coupled to a local or remote display device (not shown) for outputting information and / or data, such as the status of the components of the surgical stapling device 10 and / or the tissue grasped by the end effector 300.

[0049] The surgical stapling device 10 further includes a drive mechanism 12h configured to drive the mechanical and / or electrical components within the housing 12a, such as a rotatable shaft and / or a gear assembly (not shown), in order to perform the various operations of the surgical stapling device 10. For example, the drive mechanism 12h is operable to selectively rotate and / or articulate the end effector 300 about and / or relative to the longitudinal axis “X” of the surgical stapling device 10, as indicated by arrows “A” and “B,” respectively; selectively move the anvil assembly 302 relative to the cartridge assembly 301 and / or vice versa, as indicated by arrow “C,” to selectively clamp tissue; and / or fire the surgical stapling device 10 to fasten and / or cut the clamped tissue. The battery 12b, the controller 12c, and / or the drive mechanism 12h can be operably coupled to one or more actuators 13a, 13b, and 13c, such as finger-actuated control buttons, rocker devices, and / or the like, to effectuate the various functions of the surgical stapling device 10, such as those described above.

[0050] Turning now to Figures 2 to 15 The adapter assembly 100 of the elongate shaft assembly 14 includes a housing 110 and supports a drive assembly 112 therein. The housing 110 has a proximal housing 110a and a tubular housing 110b that extends distally from the proximal housing 110a to a distal tip housing 110c. The proximal housing 110a supports an electrical assembly 110d and a plurality of drive couplings 110c that are electromechanically coupled to the drive mechanism 12h of the housing assembly 12. More particularly, the electrical assembly 110d includes an electrical port 110z and a printed circuit board assembly 110y (see FIG. 6) that are in electrical communication with one another, for example. The drive couplings 110c are configured to mechanically couple to the drive mechanism 12h of the housing assembly 12 and to the drive assembly 112 of the adapter assembly 100. Figure 2The electrical assembly 110d is configured to be electrically connected to, for example, a controller 12c of the housing assembly 12 when the adapter 100 is coupled to the housing assembly 12, while the drive coupling 110c mechanically engages a drive mechanism 12h, which may include, for example, a plurality of rotatable actuators (shown) to apply mechanical forces (e.g., rotational forces) through the drive assembly 112 of the adapter assembly 100. For example, the drive assembly 112 of the adapter assembly 100 includes a firing rod 112a that extends distally to the distal end housing 110c and is mechanically engaged with the proximal end of the loading unit 200 to apply mechanical forces (e.g., linear and / or rotational) to the end effector 300 for firing when the drive mechanism 12h of the housing assembly 12 is actuated. The distal end housing 110c includes a lug 110e (see...). Figure 6 The lugs extend radially inward from the inner surface of the distal end housing 110c and are positioned to facilitate locking engagement with the proximal end of the loading unit 200. The lugs 110e may be arranged in a diametrically opposed relationship with each other.

[0051] The adapter assembly 100 also supports an adapter electrical connector assembly 120, which is configured to be in electrical communication with an electrical assembly 110d of the proximal housing 110a. The adapter electrical connector assembly 120 includes an adapter connector housing 122 positioned to receive a firing lever 112a passing through it, such that the firing lever 112a is rotatable relative to the adapter connector housing 122. The adapter electrical connector assembly 120 also includes an electronic ring assembly 124 and a seal 126 (e.g., an annular seal or gasket such as an O-ring) attached to the adapter connector housing 122.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown in the best representation, the adapter connector housing 122 of the adapter connector assembly 120 is supported within the tubular housing 110b of the adapter assembly 100. The adapter connector housing 122 includes a proximal base 122a having a distal flange 122b recessed from the proximal base 122a, allowing the adapter connector housing 122 to be coupled to the proximal end of the distal end housing 110c of the adapter assembly 100. The adapter connector housing 122, which may be completely or partially non-conductive, also includes a connector shaft 122c extending distally from the proximal base 122a for supporting the electronic ring assembly 124 and the seal 126. The connector shaft 122c and the proximal base 122a define a flexible channel 122x along their outer surfaces (see...). Figure 7), for supporting the electronic ring assembly 124 and a central lumen 123 therethrough for rotatably housing the firing rod 112a therethrough. The connector shaft 122c includes a mounting finger 122d having a plurality of annular ribs 122e longitudinally spaced along an outer surface of the mounting finger 122d to define ring grooves 122f between adjacent annular ribs 122e for accommodating the electronic ring assembly 124. The connector shaft 122c further defines a pair of alignment notches 122g disposed in diametrically opposed relation to one another (see Figures 4 to 12 ) on an outer surface of the connector shaft 122c and distal to the plurality of annular ribs 122e to facilitate engagement with the loading unit 200 (and help maintain proper positioning of the ribs 122e to isolate the electrical contacts). The connector shaft 122c further defines an annular sealing channel 122h for mounting a seal 126 to the adapter connector housing 122 (e.g., overmolded or assembled) on the electronic ring assembly 124. The electronic ring assembly 124 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced contact rings 124a that are electrically conductive (e.g., metallic) secured within the ring grooves 122f of the mounting finger 122d (e.g., insert molded) and coupled to a connector flex assembly 124b (e.g., welded) that is supported within a flex channel 122x of the adapter connector housing 122. The connector flex assembly 124b can be in the form of a flexible electrical cable for electrically communicating data and / or power proximally from the adapter connector housing 122 and disposed in electrical communication with the electrical assembly 110d of the adapter assembly 100.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2 , 3 and 8-11, the loading unit 200 of the elongated shaft assembly 14 has a tubular shaft 202 that supports a loading unit drive assembly 205 therein that is configured to be coupled to the drive assembly 112 of the adapter assembly 100 to operate the end effector 300. A proximal portion of the tubular shaft 202 of the loading unit 200 has a pair of curved tines 204 disposed in mirror image relation to one another (e.g., diametrically opposed) and extending to a proximal end of the loading unit 200. The tines 204 of the tubular shaft 202 are accommodated within the distal tip housing 110c of the adapter assembly 100. The curved tines 204 define a pair of outer lug channels 206 for accommodating the lugs 110e (see Figure 6 ) of the adapter assembly 100 therein to secure the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 100 together. The outer lug channels 206 of the loading unit 200 include a longitudinally extending portion 206a for longitudinally accommodating the lugs 110e, as Figure 8The lateral portion is located distal to the longitudinal extension 206a for rotatably receiving the lug 110e as indicated by the center arrow “L” as Figure 8 The adapter assembly 100 includes a pair of adapter lugs 110e that are configured to be received by the loading unit 200 as indicated by the center arrow “R” to lock the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 100 together.

[0054] The loading unit 200 of the elongated shaft assembly 14 supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 between a pair of curved tines 204. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 extends distally through the tubular shaft 202 for electrical coupling to the sensors 308 supported within the end effector 300 and includes a loading unit connector housing 212 (completely or partially non-conductive) having a tubular body 212a that supports an outer rail 212b. The outer rail 212b defines a series of spring contact grooves 212c therein. The spring contact grooves 212c are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. The spring contact grooves 212c support a series of electrically conductive (e.g., metallic) spring contacts 212d. The outer rail 212b also defines a rail channel 212x therein that extends longitudinally along the outer rail 212b. The tubular body 212a defines a central passage 212e therethrough that is configured to receive the adapter electrical connector assembly 120 of the adapter assembly 100 therein and the firing rod 112a of the adapter assembly 100 therethrough. The tubular body 212a also includes a pair of tabs 212f (see Figure 9 and 12 ). The tabs 212f are positioned to engage a pair of alignment notches 122g (see Figure 4 ) defined in the connector shaft 122c of the adapter connector housing 122 to facilitate securing the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 100 together. The tubular body 212a also includes a distal tooth 212g that functions as a rotational stop for the lug 110e of the adapter assembly 100 (see Figure 8 ) and a retention feature that retains the loading unit connector housing 212 in engagement with the loading unit 200. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 also includes a seal cap 214, a loading unit flexible assembly 216 that can be in the form of a flexible cable, and a seal ring 218 (e.g., O-ring). The seal cap 214 is mounted in the rail channel 212x of the outer rail 212b and on a backside of the loading unit flexible assembly 216 and is configured to secure the spring contacts 212d within the outer rail 212b and to reinforce and seal the backside of the loading unit flexible assembly 216. The loading unit flexible assembly 216 extends distally through the loading unit 200 for electrical coupling to the sensors 308 within the end effector 300. The seal ring 218 is located in a distal portion of the central passage 212e of the tubular body 212a of the loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 to seal the central passage 212e of the tubular body 212a.

[0055] Referring to Figure 8 and 11 Figs. 15, to mechanically and electrically connect the adapter assembly 100 and the loading unit 200 together, the curved tines 204 of the tubular shaft 202 of the loading unit 200 are inserted within the distal tip housing 110c of the adapter assembly 100 such that the lugs 110e of the distal tip housing 110c are translated distally along the outer lug channel 206. The lugs 110e are advanced distally along the longitudinal extension portion 206a of the outer lug channel 206, as indicated by arrow“L” (see Figure 8 ), until in longitudinal alignment with the transverse portion 206b of the outer lug channel 206 and the tabs 212f of the tubular body 212a are in longitudinal alignment with the alignment notches 122g of the connector shaft 122c. Then, relative rotation between the adapter assembly 100 and the loading unit 200, as indicated by arrow“RR” in Figure 13 and 14 , causes the lugs 110e to rotate into the transverse portion 206b of the outer lug channel 206, as indicated by arrow“R” in Figure 8 , and the tabs 212f to rotate into the alignment notches 122g. In this position, the adapter assembly 100 and the loading unit 200 are mechanically locked together and electrically coupled together via contact between the adapter electrical connector assembly 120 and the loading unit electrical connector assembly 210, as indicated in Figure 15 , such that an electrical circuit is formed by the sensors 308 in the end effector 300 through the elongate shaft assembly 14 and to the housing assembly 12 (e.g., its controller 12c, battery 12b, etc.). In this position, the adapter electrical connector assembly 120 and the loading unit electrical assembly 210 are sealed by the seal ring 218 and the seal 126.

[0056] Once the electrical circuit is created, the surgical stapling device 10 can be used to perform a surgical procedure whereby the electrical circuit can determine and / or analyze data / information related to tissue thickness, clamping force, firing force, etc. to help facilitate the efficiency and effectiveness of the surgical procedure. The loading unit 200 can be detached and removed from the adapter assembly 100 as needed, e.g., to dispose of and / or replace the loading unit 200 with another loading unit 200. The adapter assembly 100 is likewise removable and replaceable relative to the loading unit 200 and / or the housing assembly 12.

[0057] Turning now to Figures 16 to 28According to another aspect, the adapter assembly 400 and the loading unit 500 can also be removably electromechanically coupled together similar to the adapter 100 and the loading unit 200. The adapter assembly 400 includes an adapter electrical connector assembly 410, and the loading unit 500 includes a loading unit electrical connector assembly 510. The adapter electrical connector assembly 410 of the adapter assembly 400 is coupled to the electrical assembly 110d at a proximal end portion of the adapter assembly 400, and the loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 is coupled to the sensor 308 supported in the end effector 300. The adapter assembly 400 supports a firing rod 402 and defines a lug slot 404 therein for receiving a lug 502 extending radially outward from a proximal end portion of the loading unit 500. The adapter assembly 400 also includes a seal ring 415 supported around the firing rod 402 proximate the adapter electrical connector assembly 410.

[0058] As shown in Figure 19 and 20 , the adapter electrical connector assembly 410 includes a connector housing 412 and a peripheral seal 414 fixed to (e.g., overmolded onto) the connector housing 412. The adapter electrical connector assembly 410 also includes a plurality of spring contacts 416 that are electrically conductive, supported in the connector housing 412, and longitudinally spaced apart from one another. The spring contacts 416 are coupled to (e.g., welded onto) a flexible electrical cable 418.

[0059] Referring to Figure 21 and 22 , the loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 includes a connector housing 512 having a tubular body 512a. The tubular body 512 defines a snap-fit hole 512b through a sidewall of the tubular body 512a. The tubular body 512 also defines a cable channel 512c along an outer surface of the tubular body 512a. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 also includes a seal 514 (e.g., an O-ring), an electrical coupler 516 having the seal 514 mounted thereon, and a flexible electrical cable 518. The electrical coupler 516 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart pinch rings 516a, each of which is electrically conductive, and a pair of snap-fit arms 516b elastically mounted thereon. The snap-fit arms 516b are configured to snap-fit into the snap-fit hole 512b of the tubular body 512 to secure the electrical coupler 516 to the tubular body 512, as shown in Figure 22 .

[0060] Referring to Figures 23 to 28To electromechanically couple the loading unit 500 to the adapter assembly 400, the loading unit 500 is axially inserted into the adapter assembly 400 and rotated similar to the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 400, as described above, such that the loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 and the adapter electrical connector assembly 410 are electrically coupled together.

[0061] Turning now to Figures 29 to 32 According to yet another aspect, the loading unit electrical connector assembly 600 can be electrically coupled to the adapter electrical connector assembly 700. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 600 includes a plurality of sheet metal contacts 610, each of which is electrically conductive, angularly spaced about a tubular body 602 of the loading unit electrical connector assembly 600, and a seal 604 supported on the tubular body 602. The sheet metal contacts 610 can be angularly and / or longitudinally spaced from one another. In some aspects, the sheet metal contacts 610 can be disposed in a helical arrangement about the tubular body 602. The adapter electrical connector assembly 700 includes a plurality of annular contact rings 702, each of which is electrically conductive. The annular contact rings 702 are longitudinally spaced along an inner surface of a tubular body 701 of the adapter electrical connector assembly 700. The adapter electrical connector assembly 700 also includes a seal 704 supported therein.

[0062] Referring to Figures 33 to 36 According to yet another aspect, the loading unit electrical connector assembly 800 can be electrically coupled to the adapter electrical connector assembly 900. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 800 includes a tubular body 802 supporting a plurality of contact rings 804, each of which is electrically conductive at longitudinally spaced locations, and a seal 806. The adapter electrical connector assembly 900 includes a tubular body 902 defining a cutout 904 extending longitudinally along a sidewall 902a of the tubular body 902. The adapter electrical connector assembly 900 also includes a seal 906 and a contact insert assembly 908 receivable within the cutout 907 of the tubular body 902. The contact insert assembly 908 includes an elongate leg 908a and a plurality of arcuate contacts 908b, each of which is electrically conductive, longitudinally spaced along the elongate leg 908a, and receivable within the tubular body 902 when the elongate leg 908a is positioned in the cutout 904 of the tubular body 902.

[0063] Further, aspects disclosed herein can also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and procedures commonly referred to as "Telesurgery." Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the clinician and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instruments. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. can be used for this purpose and can be designed into the robotic surgical system to assist the clinician during a surgical or therapeutic procedure. Such robotic systems can include remotely manipulatable systems, automated flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulated surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

[0064] Robotic surgical systems can be used with one or more control consoles located proximate to the operating room or positioned in a remote location. In this case, one team of clinicians can prepare a patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein, while another clinician (or another team of clinicians) remotely controls the instruments through the robotic surgical system. It can be appreciated that a highly skilled clinician can perform multiple procedures in multiple locations without leaving his / her remote control console, which is economically advantageous and beneficial to the patient or series of patients. For detailed descriptions of exemplary medical workstations and / or components thereof, reference can be made to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0116416 and PCT Application Publication No. WO 2016 / 025132, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] Further, the disclosed electronic structures (e.g., electronic assemblies and / or controllers) can include any suitable electrical components for operating the disclosed surgical stapling apparatuses or components thereof. Such electrical components can include, for example, one or more controllers and / or circuitry, which can include or be coupled to one or more printed circuit boards. As used herein, the term “controller” includes the terms “processor,” “digital processing apparatus,” and the like, and is used to mean a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU). CPUs are electronic circuits that execute instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logical, control and input / output (I / O) operations specified by instructions, and include, by way of non-limiting example, server computers. In some aspects, the controller includes an operating system configured to execute executable instructions. The operating system is, for example, software including programs and data that manages the disclosed surgical stapling apparatus’s hardware and provides services for execution of applications that are used with the disclosed surgical stapling apparatus. Those skilled in the art will recognize that suitable server operating systems include, by way of non-limiting example, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Linux, Mac OS X Windows and , as non-limiting examples. In certain aspects, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.

[0066] In some aspects, the term “controller” can be used to indicate a device that controls the transfer of data from a computer or computing device to a peripheral device or separate device, and / or a mechanical device and / or electromechanical device (e.g., levers, knobs, etc.) that mechanically operates and / or actuates a peripheral device or separate device.

[0067] In aspects, the controller includes a storage device and / or memory device. The storage device and / or memory device is one or more physical devices for temporarily or permanently storing data or programs. In some aspects, the controller includes volatile memory and requires power to maintain stored information. In aspects, the controller includes non-volatile memory and retains stored information when not powered. In some aspects, the non-volatile memory includes flash memory. In certain aspects, the non-volatile memory includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In some aspects, the non-volatile memory includes ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM). In aspects, the non-volatile memory includes phase change random access memory (PRAM). In certain aspects, the controller is a storage device including, but not limited to, CD-ROM, DVD, flash memory devices, disk drives, tape drives, optical drives, and cloud computing-based storage. In aspects, the storage device and / or memory device is a combination of, for example, the devices disclosed herein.

[0068] In some aspects, the controller comprises a display to transmit visual information to a user. In various aspects, the display is a cathode ray tube (CRT). In various aspects, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). In certain aspects, the display is a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In aspects, the display is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. In certain aspects, the OLED display is a passive-matrix OLED (PMOLED) or an active-matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In aspects, the display is a plasma display. In certain aspects, the display is a video projector. In various aspects, the display is an interactive display that can detect user interactions / gestures / responses, etc. (e.g., with a touchscreen or sensors such as cameras, 3D sensors, LiDAR, radar, etc.). In some aspects, the display is a combination of, for example, the devices disclosed herein.

[0069] The controller can comprise or be coupled to a server and / or a network. As used herein, the term“server” includes“computer server,”“central server,”“host server,” and like terms to mean a computer or device on a network that manages a surgical stapling apparatus, components thereof, and / or resources thereof. As used herein, the term“network” can include any network technology, including, for example, cellular data networks, wired networks, fiber-optic networks, satellite networks, and / or IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac wireless networks.

[0070] In various aspects, the controller can be coupled to a mesh network. As used herein, a“mesh network” is a network topology in which each node relays data for the network. All mesh nodes cooperate in the distribution of data in the network. It can be applied to wired networks and wireless networks. A wireless mesh network can be considered a type of“wireless ad hoc” network. Wireless mesh networks are therefore closely related to Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). Although MANETs are not limited to a specific mesh network topology, wireless ad hoc networks or MANETs can employ any form of network topology. Mesh networks can relay messages using flooding techniques or routing techniques. With routing, messages propagate along a path by hopping from node to node until they reach their destination. To ensure that all of its paths are available, the network must allow for continuous connectivity and must reconfigure itself around broken paths using self-healing algorithms such as shortest path bridging. Self-healing allows routing-based networks to operate when nodes fail or connections become unreliable. As a result, networks are generally quite reliable because there is often more than one path between a source and a destination in the network. This concept can also be applied to wired networks and software interactions. A mesh network in which nodes are all connected to each other is a fully connected network.

[0071] In some aspects, the controller can include one or more modules. As used herein, the term“module” and like terms are used to represent a stand-alone hardware component of the central server that, in turn, includes software modules. In software, a module is a part of a program. Programs are comprised of one or more independently developed modules that are combined until the program is linked. A single module can contain one or more routines or program portions that perform particular tasks.

[0072] As used herein, the controller includes software modules for managing various aspects and functions of the disclosed surgical stapling apparatus or components thereof.

[0073] The disclosed surgical stapling apparatus can also utilize one or more controllers to receive various information and transform the received information to generate an output. The controller can include any type of computing device, computing circuit, or any type of processor or processing circuit capable of executing a series of instructions stored in memory. The controller can include multiple processors and / or multi-core central processing units (CPUs) and can include any type of processor, such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The controller can also include memory for storing data and / or instructions, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more methods and / or algorithms.

[0074] Any of the methods, programs, algorithms, or code described herein can be translatable or expressed in a programming language or computer program. As used herein, the terms“programming language” and“computer program,” each include any language used to specify instructions for a computer, and include, but are not limited to, the following languages and their derivatives: assembler, Basic, Batch file, BCPL, C, C+, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, machine code, operating system command language, Pascal, Perl, PL1, scripting languages, Visual Basic, meta-languages that specify programming themselves, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or higher generation computer languages. Databases and other data schemas, and any other meta-languages are also included. No distinction is made between languages that are interpreted, compiled, or use both compilation and interpretation. No distinction is made between compiled and source versions of a program. Thus, a reference to a program is a reference to any and all such states in which a programming language can exist, in multiple states (as source, compiled, object, or linked, for example). A reference to a program can encompass the actual instructions and / or the objects of those instructions.

[0075] It is understood that the securing of any component of the disclosed devices can be accomplished using known securing techniques (e.g., welding, crimping, gluing, fastening, etc.). Moreover, any disclosed structure can include any suitable electrically conductive material (e.g., metal), semi-conductive material (e.g., silicone), and / or non-conductive / insulative material (e.g., plastic).

[0076] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects, and that the descriptions, disclosures, and drawings should be construed only as exemplifying the particular aspects. Thus, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact aspects described and that various other changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, it is contemplated that elements and features combining with one exemplary aspect can be combined with the elements and features of another exemplary aspect without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Indeed, any combination of any of the disclosed elements and features is within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described.

Claims

1. A surgical suturing device comprising: Housing assembly; as well as An elongated shaft assembly, selectively attachable to the housing assembly, the elongated shaft assembly comprising: An adapter assembly extending distally to a distal end housing, the distal end housing supporting an adapter electrical connector assembly therein; as well as A loading unit, selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extending distally to an end effector supporting at least one of the sensors, the loading unit supporting a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein, the loading unit electrical connector assembly being positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically connect the at least one sensor to the housing assembly. The adapter electrical connector assembly includes an adapter connector housing that rotatably supports a firing rod passing through it. The adapter electrical connector assembly includes an electronic ring assembly supported on the adapter connector housing. The adapter connector housing includes a connector shaft supporting the electronic ring assembly thereon. The connector shaft defines a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of annular grooves disposed between the annular ribs, the plurality of annular grooves and the plurality of annular ribs being positioned to support a plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly.

2. The surgical suturing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure data including the thickness of the tissue held by the end effector, the clamping force of the end effector, or the firing force of the end effector.

3. The surgical suturing device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of contact rings are electrically connected to a flexible cable, the flexible cable being supported by a channel defined within the adapter connector housing.

4. The surgical suturing device of claim 1, wherein the loading unit electrical connector assembly includes a loading unit connector housing that supports and positions a plurality of spring contacts of the plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly.

5. The surgical suturing device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of spring contacts are electrically connected to the at least one sensor.

6. The surgical suturing device of claim 1, wherein the adapter electrical connector assembly and the loading unit electrical connector assembly are sealed within the elongated shaft assembly when electrically connected together.

7. A surgical suturing device comprising: Housing assembly; An adapter assembly that is removably secured to the housing assembly and supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein; as well as A loading unit, capable of selectively electrical connection to the adapter assembly via relative translational and rotational movements between the loading unit and the adapter assembly, the loading unit supporting a loading unit electrical connector assembly positioned to receive the adapter electrical connector assembly, such that the adapter assembly and the loading unit are electrically connected together in response to the translational and rotational movements. The adapter electrical connector assembly includes an electronic ring assembly supported on the adapter connector housing. The adapter connector housing includes a connector shaft supporting the electronic ring assembly thereon. The connector shaft defines a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of annular grooves disposed between the annular ribs, the plurality of annular grooves and the plurality of annular ribs being positioned to support a plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly.

8. The surgical suturing device of claim 7, wherein the loading unit extends to the end effector, and when the loading unit and the adapter assembly are coupled together, the end effector supports at least one sensor configured to be electrically connected to the adapter electrical connector assembly.

9. The surgical suturing device of claim 8, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure data including the thickness of tissue held by the end effector, the clamping force of the end effector, or the firing force of the end effector.

10. The surgical suturing device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of contact rings are electrically connected to a flexible cable, the flexible cable being supported by a channel defined within the adapter connector housing.

11. The surgical suturing device of claim 9, wherein the loading unit electrical connector assembly includes a loading unit connector housing that supports and positions a plurality of spring contacts of the plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly.

12. The surgical suturing device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of spring contacts are electrically connected to the at least one sensor.

13. The surgical suturing device of claim 7, wherein the loading unit defines a lug channel positioned to receive a lug of the adapter assembly, the lug channel having a longitudinally extending portion and a transverse portion, the longitudinally extending portion enabling the lug to translate through it, and the transverse portion enabling the lug to rotate through it.

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