Mechanism for motor control adjustment of motorized surgical instruments

Abstract

The present invention discloses a surgical instrument, which includes an end effector, a shaft and a housing. The end effector includes an RFID tag configured to store end effector information. The shaft includes a first RFID scanner and a second RFID tag configured to store shaft information. The first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attachment configuration. The housing includes a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attachment configuration; a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive input indicating end effector information from the first RFID scanner, receive input indicating shaft information from the second RFID scanner, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application, which claims priority under Section 119(e) of Title 35 of the United States Code to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 868,457, entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS,” filed on June 28, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this document. Background Art

[0003] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments and staple cartridges thereof designed for cutting and stapling tissue. In various embodiments, RFID technology may be used to identify components of surgical instruments, such as staple cartridges. Examples of surgical systems using RFID technology may be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,959,050, entitled “ELECTRICALLY SELF-POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL RELEASE,” published on June 14, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0053743, entitled “ERROR DETECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES,” published on February 26, 2015, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the invention

[0004] In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed, which includes an end effector, a shaft and a housing. The end effector includes an anvil; a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge including staples, the staples being deployable toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to store end effector information. The shaft includes a distal portion that can selectively transform between a first attachment configuration and a first separation configuration with the end effector; a first RFID scanner near the distal portion; a proximal portion; and a second RFID tag configured to store shaft information. The first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attachment configuration. The housing is selectively transformable between a second attachment configuration and a second separation configuration with the proximal portion of the shaft. The housing includes a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attachment configuration; a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to suture and cut the tissue; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive input indicative of end effector information from a first RFID scanner, receive input indicative of shaft information from a second RFID scanner, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0005] In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed, the surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a housing assembly. The end effector comprises an anvil; a staple cartridge comprising staples that can be deployed toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first RFID tag configured to store end effector information. The housing assembly comprises a shaft that can selectively transform between an attached configuration and a detached configuration with the end effector; an RFID scanner configured to detect the RFID tag in the attached configuration; a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to suture and cut the tissue; and a configured control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive input indicating the end effector information from the RFID scanner and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information.

[0006] In various embodiments, the surgical instrument includes an end effector, a shaft and a housing. The end effector includes a suturing head assembly; an anvil capable of moving a closing distance relative to the suturing head assembly to transform the end effector from an open configuration to a closed configuration; and a first RFID tag configured to store end effector information. In the closed configuration, tissue is grasped between the anvil and the suturing head assembly. The shaft includes a distal portion capable of selectively transforming between a first attachment configuration and a first separation configuration with the end effector; a first RFID scanner near the distal portion; a proximal portion; and a second RFID tag configured to store shaft information. The first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attachment configuration. The housing can selectively transform between the second attachment configuration and the second separation configuration with the proximal portion of the shaft. The housing includes a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attachment configuration; a motor configured to generate a closing motion to move the anvil a closing distance; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive input indicative of end effector information from a first RFID scanner, receive input indicative of shaft information from a second RFID scanner, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information and the shaft information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The features of the various aspects are particularly described in the appended claims. However, the various aspects (relating to surgical organizations and methods) and further objects and advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 Depicted is a perspective view of an exemplary circular stapler according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a circular stapler with the battery pack removed from the housing assembly and the anvil removed from the stapling head assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of a suturing head assembly of a circular stapler.

[0011] Figure 4 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 3 Another perspective view of the anvil.

[0012] Figure 5 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 3An exploded perspective view of the suture head assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a circular stapler of FIG. 1 , wherein the various portions of the shaft assembly are shown separated from each other.

[0014] Figure 7 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 6 Detailed perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly of the housing assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 7 Detailed perspective view of an anvil lockout assembly of an anvil actuation assembly of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the anvil lockout assembly is in an unlocked position.

[0016] Fig. 9 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 7 A detailed side elevation view of an anvil actuation assembly of Figure 8 The anvil locking assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0017] Fig.10 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 7 Another detailed side elevation view of the anvil actuation assembly of Figure 8 The anvil locking assembly is in the locked position.

[0018] Fig.11 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 8 Detailed perspective view of an alternative configuration of the anvil lockout assembly.

[0019] Fig.12 Depicted are a stapling head assembly and an anvil coupled to a trocar of the stapling head assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.13 Depicted is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of an anvil in an improperly seated orientation with a stapling head assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig.14 Depicted is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an anvil in an improperly seated orientation with a stapling head assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig.15 A control system for a surgical stapling instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0023] Fig.16A logic flow diagram depicting a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure depicts a control program or logic configuration for operating a surgical stapling instrument.

[0024] Fig.17 A logic flow diagram of a process in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted, depicting a control program or logic configuration for properly orienting an anvil of a surgical stapling instrument relative to a stapling head assembly.

[0025] Fig.18 Depicted is a surgical instrument that can be selectively assembled from any one of a plurality of different end effectors, any one of a plurality of different shafts, and a housing assembly in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.19 Depicted is a schematic diagram of an assembled surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 20 A logical flow diagram depicting the process for adjusting Fig.19 A control program or logic configuration for at least one operating parameter of a motor of a surgical instrument.

[0028] Fig.21 Depicts a graph showing the firing rate according to two different firing algorithms. Fig.19 The firing load of the surgical instrument.

[0029] Fig. 22 Depicts graphs showing Fig.19 Adjustment of various closing and firing thresholds of surgical instruments.

[0030] Fig.23 A logic flow diagram of a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for operating a surgical stapling instrument.

[0031] Fig.24 Depicted are partial elevation views of a surgical instrument and three motor assemblies for use with the surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.25 A logic flow diagram depicting a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is provided, the logic flow diagram depicting a method for adjusting Fig.24 A control program or logic configuration for the operating parameters of a motor of a surgical instrument.

[0033] Fig.26is a graph depicting the relationship between motor torque on the Y-axis and motor speed on the X-axis for three different motors according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 27 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Fig.24 Control systems for surgical instruments.

[0035] Fig.28 Describes at least one aspect of the present disclosure Fig.25 A table or database of various control algorithms for surgical instruments.

[0036] Fig.29 A partial perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Fig.30 According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.29 Control circuits for surgical instruments.

[0038] Fig.31 A logic flow diagram of a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, the logic flow diagram depicting a method for operating Fig.29 The control program or logic configuration of the surgical instrument.

[0039] Fig.32 A control circuit of a battery pack according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Fig.33 According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.29 Compatibility of surgical instruments with multiple different battery packs.

[0041] Fig.34 A graph showing the performance of a battery pack when powered by different battery packs according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.29 Various motor torque / speed / current relationships for surgical instruments.

[0042] Fig.35 A bar graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the bar graph showing Fig.29 Various energy densities of different battery packs used with surgical instruments.

[0043] Fig.36 A bar graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the bar graph showing Fig.29 Comparison of the actual energy density and rated energy density of different battery packs used with surgical instruments.

[0044] Fig.37A bar graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the bar graph showing Fig.29 The nominal voltages of different battery packs used with surgical instruments.

[0045] Fig.38 A graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the graph showing Fig.29 Discharge curves of different battery packs used with surgical instruments.

[0046] Fig.39 A graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the graph showing Fig.29 Discharge curve of lithium-ion batteries used with surgical instruments.

[0047] Fig.40 A graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the graph showing Fig.29 The different discharge curves of lithium-ion batteries used with surgical instruments at different temperatures.

[0048] Fig.41 A graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the graph showing Fig.29 The different discharge curves of different discharge rates of CR123 batteries used with surgical instruments.

[0049] Fig.42 Various operational differences between non-smart batteries, smart batteries, and adaptive surgical instruments in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0050] Fig.43 A graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the graph showing Fig.42 The output current capabilities of different battery packs when used together with adaptive surgical instruments.

[0051] Fig.44 A graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the graph showing Fig.42 The output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with adaptive surgical instruments.

[0052] Fig.45 A graph is shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the graph showing Fig.42 The output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with adaptive surgical instruments.

[0053] Fig.46 According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.42 A battery for use with an adaptive surgical instrument.

[0054] Fig.47 A logic flow diagram of a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, the logic flow diagram depicting a method for operating Fig.42 A control program or logic configuration for an adaptive surgical instrument.

[0055] Fig.48 A logic flow diagram of a process in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown that depicts a control program or logic configuration for verifying the authenticity and / or compatibility of a surgical instrument component of a surgical instrument. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0057] Attorney Docket No. END9145USNP1 / 190235-1M entitled “METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLECARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT”;

[0058] Attorney Docket No. END9146USNP1 / 190236, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM”;

[0059] Attorney Docket No. END9148USNP1 / 190238, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR”;

[0060] Attorney Docket No. END9123USNP1 / 190239 entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTIONPROTOCOL”;

[0061] Attorney Docket No. END9124USNP1 / 190240 titled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTIONPROTOCOL”;

[0062] Attorney Docket No. END9125USNP1 / 190241 titled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR ANINCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE”;

[0063] Attorney Docket No. END9126USNP1 / 190242, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG”; and

[0064] · Attorney Docket No. END9127USNP1 / 190243 entitled “PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM”.

[0065] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0066] Attorney Docket No. END9119USNP1 / 190245-1M, entitled “METHOD OF USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY”;

[0067] Attorney Docket No. END9120USNP1 / 190246, entitled “MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLINGHEAD ASSEMBLY”;

[0068] Attorney Docket No. END9121USNP1 / 190247, entitled “MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT”;

[0069] Attorney Docket No. END9122USNP1 / 190248, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY”;

[0070] Attorney Docket No. END9131USNP1 / 190249, entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS”;

[0071] Attorney Docket No. END9132USNP1 / 190250, entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS”;

[0072] Attorney Docket No. END9149USNP1 / 190251, entitled “RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”;

[0073] Attorney Docket No. END9150USNP1 / 190252, entitled “RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”;

[0074] Attorney Docket No. END9151USNP1 / 190253, entitled “SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION”;

[0075] Attorney Docket No. END9152USNP1 / 190254, entitled “SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION”; and

[0076] Attorney Docket No. END9153USNP1 / 190255 titled “SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL”

[0077] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on May 1, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0078] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,129, entitled “SURGICAL SUTURING SYSTEMS”;

[0079] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,139, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING CONTROL SYSTEMS”;

[0080] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,177, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS”;

[0081] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,128, entitled “MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS”;

[0082] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,192, entitled “SURGICAL DISSECTORS”; and

[0083] · U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,134, entitled “SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER.”

[0084] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on August 24, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0085] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,129, entitled “SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT CONFIGURED TO MANIPULATE TISSUEUSING MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER”;

[0086] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,155, entitled “SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CAPTURE WIDTH WHICH IS LARGER THAN TROCAR DIAMETER”;

[0087] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,168, entitled “SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NON-CIRCULAR NEEDLE”;

[0088] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,180, entitled “ELECTRICAL POWER OUTPUT CONTROL BASED ON MECHANICAL FORCES”;

[0089] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,193, entitled “REACTIVE ALGORITHM FOR SURGICAL SYSTEM”;

[0090] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,099, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM”;

[0091] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,112, entitled “CONTROL SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR A MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENT”;

[0092] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,119, entitled “ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAMS FOR A SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF CARTRIDGE”;

[0093] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,097, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS”;

[0094] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,109, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS”;

[0095] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,114, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING FEEDBACK MECHANISMS”;

[0096] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,117, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING LOCKOUT MECHANISMS”;

[0097] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,095, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A LOCKABLE END EFFECTORSOCKET”;

[0098] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,121, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM”;

[0099] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,151, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATION AND ROTATION COMPENSATION”;

[0100] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,154, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A BIASED SHIFTING MECHANISM”;

[0101] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,226, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE THAT PROVIDES FOR HIGH ARTICULATION ANGLES”;

[0102] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,062, entitled “SURGICAL DISSECTORS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES”;

[0103] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,098, entitled “SURGICAL DISSECTORS CONFIGURED TO APPLY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY”;

[0104] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,237, entitled “SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER CONFIGURED TO STORE CLIPS IN A STOREDSTATE”;

[0105] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,245, entitled “SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN EMPTY CLIP CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT”;

[0106] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,249, entitled “SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN AUTOMATIC CLIP FEEDING SYSTEM”;

[0107] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,253, entitled “SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE FIRING CONTROL”; and

[0108] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,257, entitled “SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE CONTROL INRESPONSE TO A STRAIN GAUGE CIRCUIT.”

[0109] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on October 26, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0110] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,130, entitled “CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING INTERCHANGEABLE CLIP RELOADS”;

[0111] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,066, entitled “CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOVABLE CLIP MAGAZINE”;

[0112] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,078, entitled “CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A ROTATABLE CLIP MAGAZINE”;

[0113] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,087, entitled “CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING CLIP ADVANCING SYSTEMS”;

[0114] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,094, entitled “CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A CLIP CRIMPING SYSTEM”;

[0115] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,128, entitled “CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A RECIPROCATING CLIP ADVANCING MEMBER”;

[0116] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,168, entitled “CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOTOR CONTROLLER”;

[0117] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,164, entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A SURGICAL TOOL AND A SURGICAL HUB”; and

[0118] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,303, entitled “METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATING MULTI-CLIP APPLIER.”

[0119] The applicant of the present patent application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 4, 2018, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0120] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,385, entitled “METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY”;

[0121] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,395, entitled “METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION”;

[0122] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,403, entitled “METHOD OF CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB”;

[0123] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,407, entitled “METHOD OF ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL”;

[0124] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,416, entitled “METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS”;

[0125] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,423, entitled “METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS”;

[0126] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,427, entitled “METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLESENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES”;

[0127] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,433, entitled “METHOD OF SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM APATIENT, ADJUSTING THE PUMP SPEED BASED ON THE SENSED INFORMATION, AND COMMUNICATING THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE HUB”;

[0128] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,447, entitled “METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB”;

[0129] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,453, entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES”;

[0130] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,458, entitled “METHOD FOR SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE”;

[0131] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,465, entitled “METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND INTERACTION”;

[0132] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,478, entitled “METHOD FOR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR SURGICAL NETWORK OR SURGICAL NETWORK CONNECTED DEVICE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING FUNCTION BASED ON ASENSED SITUATION OR USAGE”;

[0133] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,490, entitled “METHOD FOR FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION”; and

[0134] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,491, entitled “METHOD FOR CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.”

[0135] Before describing in detail various aspects of the surgical devices and systems, it should be noted that the application or use of the illustrative examples is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components shown in the drawings and detailed description. The illustrative examples may be implemented alone or in combination with other aspects, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or performed in various ways. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions used herein are selected for the convenience of the reader to describe the illustrative examples and are not for limiting purposes. Moreover, it should be understood that one or more of the aspects, expressions of aspects and / or examples described below may be combined with any one or more of the other aspects, expressions of aspects and / or examples described below.

[0136] Various surgical systems and instruments (e.g., surgical stapling instruments, surgical clip appliers, surgical suturing instruments) are described in conjunction with the present disclosure. The surgical system and / or instrument includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system that includes one or more RFID scanners and one or more RFID tags, as discussed in more detail below. Examples of surgical systems using RFID technology are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,959,050 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0053743, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0137] Radio frequency identification (RFID) is used in a variety of industries to track and identify objects. RFID relies on radio waves to transmit digitally stored information from an RFID tag to an RFID reader or receiver that is configured to receive the information. RFID technology uses RFID tags (sometimes called chips) that contain electronically stored information and RFID readers that are used to identify and communicate with the RFID tags. There are two different types of RFID systems - active RFID systems and passive RFID systems. Active RFID systems include RFID tags that include an on-board power source to broadcast their signals. Active RFID tags may include a battery within the RFID tag, allowing the active RFID tag to function independently of the RFID reader. Therefore, the RFID tags in an active RFID system do not have to wait to receive a signal from the RFID reader before sending information. Instead, the active RFID tags are free to continuously send out signals or beacons. Many commercially available active RFID systems typically operate at one of two main frequency ranges (433 MHz and 915 MHz), but any suitable frequency range can be used. Typically, an RFID tag must be within a specific distance or frequency range in order to be recognized by its corresponding RFID reader.

[0138] Passive RFID systems include RFID tags that do not include an on-board power source, but receive the energy required for operation from an RFID reader. In contrast to active RFID tags, RFID tags in passive RFID systems do not actively send out signals until they are prompted. Instead, passive RFID tags wait to receive information from an RFID reader before sending out a signal. Many commercially available passive RFID systems typically operate in three frequency ranges - low frequency ("LF"), high frequency ("HF") and near field communication ("NFC") and ultra-high frequency ("UHF"). The LF bandwidth is 125 to 134 KHz and includes longer wavelengths with a short read range of about one to ten centimeters. The HF and NFC bandwidths are 13.56 MHz and include medium wavelengths with a typical read range of one centimeter to one meter. The UHF bandwidth is 865 to 960 MHz and includes a short high-energy wavelength of one meter that is converted to a long read range. As described above, any suitable frequency can be used.

[0139] There are a variety of RFID systems including RFID tags of different sizes. However, some are more suitable for the technical field of tracking of extremely small objects. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. is a major manufacturer in the field of RFID technology. The ultra-small size UHF RFID tags manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. are generally no more than 1.0 to 13 mm and realize the communication between the RFID tag and the RFID reader at a distance of several centimeters or more. Due to its compact nature, Hitachi RFID tags are suitable for extremely small products that need to be identified. Each Hitachi RFID tag includes an antenna, an IC chip connected to the antenna, and a sealing material that seals the IC chip and the antenna. Since the Hitachi RFID tag combines the antenna and the IC chip in a single unit, the Hitachi RFID tag is convenient enough and can be easily attached to any small object using, for example, an adhesive or tape.

[0140] The Hitachi RFID tag includes a square stainless steel plate and a metal antenna. The antenna includes an LC resonant circuit or any other suitable circuit and is electrically connected to the board. After the board and the antenna are connected to each other, a sealing material is used to seal the antenna and the board together in a single unit. The sealing material is mainly composed of epoxy resin, carbon and silicon dioxide to enhance the heat resistance of the Hitachi RFID tag. That is, the heat resistance of the RFID tag basically depends on the heat resistance of the sealing material. The sealing material has high heat resistance to withstand temperatures as high as 250 to 300°C in a short period of time (such as a few seconds), and has heat resistance to temperatures as high as 150°C in a longer period of time. Therefore, the Hitachi RFID tag has higher heat resistance than conventional RFID tags and can operate normally even at high temperatures. Additional information related to the Hitachi RFID tag can be found in U.S. Patent 9,171,244, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0141] Figure 1 to Figure 2 Depicted is an exemplary surgical circular suturing instrument 10 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which may be capable of including an RFID system and a control system thereof. The suturing instrument 10 can be used to provide an end-to-end anastomosis between two parts of an anatomical cavity (such as a portion of a patient's digestive tract). The instrument 10 of this example includes a housing assembly 100, a shaft assembly 200, a suturing head assembly 300, and an anvil 400. The housing assembly 100 includes a shell 110 that defines an obliquely oriented pistol grip 112. Although the housing assembly 100 is depicted in the form of a handle, this is not restrictive. In various cases, the housing assembly 100 can be, for example, a component of a robotic system.

[0142] Housing assembly 100 also includes a window 114 that allows viewing of a movable indicator needle. In some versions, a series of hash marks, colored areas, and / or other fixed indicators are positioned adjacent to window 114 to provide visual context for the indicator needle, thereby facilitating an operator's assessment of the position of the needle within window 114. The movement of the indicator needle corresponds to the closing movement of anvil 400 relative to stapling head assembly 300. The hash marks, colored areas, and / or other fixed indicators can define an optimal anvil closure zone for firing instrument 10. Thus, when the indicator needle is in the optimal anvil closure zone, the user can fire instrument 10. Various suitable alternative features and configurations for housing assembly 10 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0143] The device 10 of the present example also includes a power source which may be in the form of a battery pack 120. The battery pack 120 is operable to power a motor 160 ( Fig.15 ) provides power. In various aspects, the battery pack 120 can be removed from the housing assembly 100. Specifically, as Figure 1 to Figure 2As shown, the battery pack 120 can be inserted into the socket 116 defined by the housing 110. Once the battery pack 120 is fully inserted into the socket 116, the latch 122 of the battery pack 120 can resiliently engage the internal features of the housing 110 to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement. In order to remove the battery pack 120, the operator can press the latch 122 inwardly to disengage the latch 122 from the internal features of the housing 110, and then pull the battery pack 120 toward the proximal side from the socket 116. It should be understood that the battery pack 120 and the housing assembly 100 can have complementary electrical contacts, pins and sockets, and / or other features that provide a path for electrical communication from the battery pack 120 to the electric components in the housing assembly 100 when the battery pack 120 is inserted in the socket 116. It should also be understood that in some versions, the battery pack 120 is integrally integrated into the housing assembly 100 so that the battery pack 120 cannot be removed from the housing assembly 100.

[0144] The shaft assembly 200 extends distally from the housing assembly 100 and includes a preformed bend. In some versions, the preformed bend is configured to facilitate positioning of the suture head assembly 300 within the colon of the patient. With reference to the teachings herein, various suitable bend angles and radii that can be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some other versions, the shaft assembly 200 is straight, so that the shaft assembly 200 lacks a preformed bend. Various exemplary components that may be incorporated into the shaft assembly 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0145] The suturing head assembly 300 is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly 200. Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, anvil 400 is configured to be removably coupled to shaft assembly 200 adjacent to suturing head assembly 300. Anvil 400 and suturing head assembly 300 are configured to cooperate to manipulate tissue in three ways, including clamping tissue, cutting tissue, and suturing tissue. Knob 130 at the proximal end of housing assembly 100 can be rotated relative to housing 110 to provide precise clamping of tissue between anvil 400 and suturing head assembly 300. When safety trigger 140 of housing assembly 100 pivots away from firing trigger 150 of housing assembly 100, firing trigger 150 can be actuated to provide cutting and suturing of tissue.

[0146] In the following discussion of anvil 400, the terms "distal" and "proximal" and variations thereof will be used relative to the orientation of anvil 400 when anvil 400 is coupled to shaft assembly 200 of instrument 10. Thus, proximal features of anvil 400 will be closer to an operator of instrument 10; whereas distal features of anvil 400 will be farther from an operator of instrument 10.

[0147] See also Figure 4, the anvil 400 of this example includes a head 420 and a handle 410. The head 410 includes a proximal surface 412 that defines a plurality of nail forming recesses 414. The nail forming recesses 414 are arranged in two concentric annular arrays. In some other versions, the nail forming recesses 414 are arranged in three or more concentric annular arrays. The nail forming recesses 414 are configured to deform the nail when the nail is driven into the nail forming recesses 414. For example, as is known in the art, each nail forming recess 414 can deform a generally "U"-shaped nail into a "B"-shaped shape. As shown in Figure 4 As most clearly seen in FIG. 4 , the proximal surface 412 terminates at an inner edge 416 that defines an outer boundary of an annular recess 418 surrounding the stem 420 .

[0148] The handle 420 defines a bore 422 and includes a pair of pivoting latch members 430 positioned in the bore 422. The latch members 430 are positioned within the bore 422 such that their distal ends are positioned at the proximal ends of a transverse opening 424 formed through the sidewall of the handle 420.

[0149] The transverse opening 424 thus provides clearance for the distal end 434 of the latch member 430 to deflect radially outward from the longitudinal axis defined by the handle 420. However, the latch members 430 are configured to resiliently bias their distal ends radially inward toward the longitudinal axis defined by the handle 420. The latch members 430 thus serve as a retaining fixture. This allows the anvil 400 to be removably fixed to the trocar 330 of the suture head assembly 300. However, it should be understood that the latch member 430 is merely optional. Any other suitable component, feature, or technique may be used to removably fix the anvil 400 to the trocar 330.

[0150] In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, anvil 400 may be further constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Patent 5,205,459, U.S. Patent 5,271,544, U.S. Patent 5,275,322, U.S. Patent 5,285,945, U.S. Patent 5,292,053, U.S. Patent 5,333,773, U.S. Patent 5,350,104, U.S. Patent 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Patent 8,910,847, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0151] See also Figure 3, the suturing head assembly 300 of the present example is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 200 and includes a tubular housing 310 that houses a slidable staple drive member. A cylindrical inner core member 312 extends distally within the tubular housing 310. The tubular housing 310 is securely fixed to the outer sheath 210 of the shaft assembly 200, so that the tubular housing 310 serves as a mechanical ground for the suturing head assembly 300.

[0152] The trocar 330 is coaxially positioned within the inner core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. The trocar 330 is operable to translate distally and proximally relative to the tubular housing 310 in response to the rotation of the knob 130 relative to the housing 110 of the housing assembly 100. The trocar 330 includes a shaft 332 and a head 334. The head 334 includes a pointed end 336 and a proximal surface 338 extending inwardly. Therefore, the shaft 332 provides a reduced outer diameter adjacent to the head 334, wherein the surface 338 provides a transition between the reduced outer diameter of the shaft 332 and the outer diameter of the head 334. Although the end 336 is pointed in this example, the end 336 is not sharp. Therefore, the end 336 will not easily cause trauma to the tissue due to accidental contact with the tissue. The distal portion of the head 334 and the shaft 332 is configured to be inserted into the hole 422 of the anvil 420. Thus, anvil (400) is secured to trocar (330) via the snap-fit ​​engagement formed by latch member (430).

[0153] like Figure 5 As shown, the staple drive member 350 is operable to actuate longitudinally within the tubular housing 310 in response to actuation of the motor 160. The staple drive member 350 includes two concentric annular arrays of staple drivers 352 presented distally. The staple drivers 352 are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the staple forming recesses 414 described above. Therefore, each staple driver 352 is configured to be able to drive a corresponding staple into a corresponding staple forming recess 414 when the stapling head assembly 300 is actuated. It should be understood that the arrangement of the staple drivers 352 can be modified similarly to the arrangement of the staple forming recesses 414 described above. The staple drive member 350 also defines a hole 354, which is configured to be able to coaxially receive the core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. The annular array of bolts 356 protrudes distally from the surface presented distally around the hole 354.

[0154] The cylindrical knife member 340 is coaxially positioned within the nail driving member 350. The knife member 340 includes a sharp circular cutting edge 342 presented distally. The size of the knife member 340 is designed so that the knife member 340 defines an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter defined by the inner annular array of nail drivers 352. The knife member 340 also defines an opening configured to coaxially receive the core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. The openings 346 of the annular array formed in the knife member 340 are configured to be complementary to the bolts 356 of the annular array of nail driving member 350, so that the knife member 340 is securely fixed to the nail driving member 350 via the bolts 356 and the openings 346. Other suitable structural relationships between the knife member 340 and the nail driving member 350 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0155] The platform member 320 is securely fixed to the tubular housing 310. The platform member 320 includes a platform surface 322 presenting distally of two concentric annular arrays of staple openings 324. The staple openings 324 are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the staple drivers 352 and staple forming recesses 414 described above. Therefore, each staple opening 324 is configured to provide a path for the corresponding staple driver 352 to drive the corresponding staple through the platform member 320 and into the corresponding staple forming recess 414 when the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. It should be understood that the arrangement of the staple openings 322 can be modified similarly to the arrangement of the staple forming recesses 414 described above. It should also be understood that various structures and techniques can be used to accommodate the staples in the suture head assembly 300 before the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. Such structures and techniques for accommodating the staples in the suture head assembly 300 can prevent the staples from accidentally falling through the staple openings 324 before the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. Various suitable forms that such structures and techniques may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0156] like Figure 6 As best seen in FIG. 34 , the platform member 320 defines an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter defined by the knife member 340. Thus, the platform member 320 is configured to allow the knife member 340 to translate distally to a point where the cutting edge 342 is away from the platform surface 322.

[0157] In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, suturing head assembly 300 may be further constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Patent 5,205,459, U.S. Patent 5,271,544, U.S. Patent 5,275,322, U.S. Patent 5,285,945, U.S. Patent 5,292,053, U.S. Patent 5,333,773, U.S. Patent 5,350,104, U.S. Patent 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Patent 8,910,847, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0158] Figure 6 Various components of shaft assembly 200 are shown coupling components of stapling head assembly 300 with components of housing assembly 100. Specifically, and as described above, shaft assembly 200 includes outer sheath 210 extending between housing assembly 100 and tubular housing 310. In this example, outer sheath 210 is rigid and includes preformed curved sections as described above.

[0159] The shaft assembly 200 also includes a trocar actuation rod 220 and a trocar actuation band assembly 230. The distal end of the trocar actuation band assembly 230 is fixedly secured to the proximal end of the trocar shaft 332. The proximal end of the trocar actuation band assembly 230 is fixedly secured to the distal end of the trocar actuation rod 220. It should therefore be understood that the trocar 330 will translate longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210 in response to the translation of the trocar actuation band assembly 230 and the trocar actuation rod 220 relative to the outer sheath 210. The trocar actuation band assembly 230 is configured to bend so that the trocar actuation band assembly 230 can follow a preformed curve in the shaft assembly 200 as the trocar actuation band assembly 230 translates longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210. However, trocar actuation band assembly 230 has sufficient column strength and tensile strength to transmit distal and proximal forces from trocar actuation rod 220 to trocar shaft 332. Trocar actuation rod 220 is rigid. Clamp 222 is securely secured to trocar actuation rod 220 and is configured to cooperate with complementary features within housing assembly 100 to prevent trocar actuation rod 220 from rotating within housing assembly 100 while still allowing trocar actuation rod 220 to translate longitudinally within housing assembly 100. Trocar actuation rod 220 also includes coarse helical threads 224 and fine helical threads 226.

[0160] The shaft assembly 200 also includes a suturing head assembly driver 240 slidably received within the outer sheath 210. The distal end of the suturing head assembly driver 240 is securely fixed to the proximal end of the staple drive member 350. The proximal end of the suturing head assembly driver 240 is fixed to the drive bracket 250 via a pin 242. It should be understood that the staple drive member 350 will translate longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210 in response to the translation of the suturing head assembly driver 240 and the drive bracket 250 relative to the outer sheath 210. The suturing head assembly driver 240 is configured to bend so that when the suturing head assembly driver 240 translates longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210, the suturing head assembly driver 240 can advance along the preformed curve in the shaft assembly 200. However, the suturing head assembly driver 240 has sufficient column strength to transmit distal forces from the drive bracket 250 to the staple drive member 350.

[0161] It should be understood that shaft assembly 200 may further include one or more spacing elements within outer sheath 210. Such spacing elements may be configured to support trocar actuation band assembly 230 and / or suturing head assembly driver 240 as they translate through outer sheath 210. For example, such spacing elements may prevent trocar actuation band assembly 230 and / or suturing head assembly driver 240 from buckling as they translate through outer sheath 210. Various suitable forms that such spacing elements may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0162] In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, shaft assembly 200 may be further constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Patent 5,205,459, U.S. Patent 5,271,544, U.S. Patent 5,275,322, U.S. Patent 5,285,945, U.S. Patent 5,292,053, U.S. Patent 5,333,773, U.S. Patent 5,350,104, U.S. Patent 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Patent 8,910,847, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0163] Additional operating details of the surgical instrument 10 and other instruments suitable for use with the present disclosure are also described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20160374665, filed on June 26, 2015, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLER WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCKOUT,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0164] Instrument 1100 is similar to instrument 10 in many respects. For example, like instrument 10, instrument 1100 is a surgical instrument configured to grasp, suture and / or cut tissue. In addition, like instrument 10, instrument 1100 includes shaft assembly 1206 ( Fig.12 )、Suture head assembly 1300( Fig.12 ) and anvil 1200( Fig.12 ). In addition, the instrument 1100 includes a lockout assembly, such as an anvil lockout assembly 1170. The anvil lockout assembly 1170 is generally configured to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil once the safety trigger 1140 is actuated. Such a feature may be desirable because once the appropriate gap distance (d) is reached, the lockout of the anvil can prevent the operator from improperly changing the gap distance d. The anvil lockout assembly 1170 includes an inner lockout member 1172, an outer lockout member 1176, and an actuation member 1180. As shown in FIG. Figure 8 As best seen in the drawings, inner lockout member 1172 is disposed around a portion of knob 1130 and is securely secured thereto. Inner lockout member 1172 of the present example includes a plurality of triangular teeth 1174 extending radially outwardly from inner lockout member 1172. Teeth 1174 are configured to engage corresponding teeth 1184 of outer lockout member 1176 to prevent rotation of knob 1130, thereby preventing translation of trocar actuation rod 1122.

[0165] Various locking assemblies suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in the following patents: U.S. Patent 7,143,923, issued on December 5, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR ANUNCLOSED ANVIL"; U.S. Patent 7,044,352, issued on May 16, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OFFIRING"; U.S. Patent 7,000,818, issued on February 21, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; U.S. Patent 7,000,818, issued on January 24, 2006, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENTCARTRIDGE and U.S. Patent 6,978,921, entitled “SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM”, published on December 27, 2005, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0166] The outer locking member 1176 has a generally cylindrical shape and defines an opening 1177 that is sized to receive the inner locking member 1172. The inner diameter of the outer locking member 1176 defines a plurality of teeth 1178 that correspond to the teeth 1147 of the inner locking member 1172. The teeth 1178 are configured to engage the teeth 1174 of the inner locking member 1172 to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil 1200 by preventing further rotation of the knob 1130. The outer locking member 1176 also includes a plurality of protrusions 1179 that protrude radially outward from the outer diameter of the outer locking member 1176. The protrusions 1179 are disposed in corresponding channels 1113 within the housing 1112 to rotationally secure the outer locking member 1176 in place while still allowing at least some translation.

[0167] Although the inner and outer locking members 1172, 1176 of the present example are shown as including teeth 1174, 1178, it should be understood that in other examples, any other suitable surface treatment or geometry may be used. For example, in some examples, the locking members 1172, 1176 include corresponding knurled surfaces, ridges, splines, ridges, stopper features, or any other suitable surface treatment or geometry that can be configured to engage accordingly to prevent relative rotational movement between the locking members 1172, 1176.

[0168] The actuation member 1180 includes an elongated body 1182 extending from the outer lockout member 1176 to the safety trigger 1140. Specifically, the body 1182 includes a trigger bracket 1184 that is configured to be coupled to the safety trigger 1140. The trigger bracket 1184 includes a channel 1185 that allows the bracket 1184 to be pivotally coupled to the safety trigger 1140. Similarly, the proximal end of the body 1182 is configured to be coupled to at least one protrusion 1179 of the outer lockout member 1176. Therefore, the movement of the safety trigger 1140 is transmitted to the outer lockout member 1176 via the actuation member 1180. In other words, the outer lockout member 1176 translates longitudinally in response to the pivoting of the safety trigger 1140. The outer lockout member 1176 is generally responsive to the actuation of the safety trigger 1140 to selectively lock the anvil 1200.

[0169] Figures 9 to 11 An exemplary operating sequence of the anvil lockout assembly 1170 is shown. Fig. 9 11, anvil lockout assembly 1170 initially starts in an unlocked state. In this state, outer lockout member 1176 is positioned proximally away from inner lockout member 1172, such that inner lockout member 1172 is free to rotate relative to outer lockout member 1176. It should be understood that when inner lockout member 1172 is free to rotate, knob 1130 is similarly free to rotate, such that the longitudinal position of the anvil can be adjusted via trocar actuation rod 1122.

[0170] Once the operator has rotated knob 1130 to adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil to achieve the proper gap distance d, it may be desirable to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil. Fig.10 Anvil lockout assembly 1170 is shown in a locked state. To advance anvil lockout assembly 1170 to the locked state, the operator can pivot safety trigger 1140 proximally. Proximal movement of safety trigger 1140 causes safety trigger 1140 to drive actuation member 1180 distally.

[0171] The distal movement of the actuation member 1180 causes a corresponding movement of the outer locking member 1176. As the outer locking member 1176 moves distally, the teeth 1178 of the outer locking member 1176 will begin to engage the teeth 1174 of the inner locking member 1176. Once the teeth 1178 of the outer locking member 1176 are fully engaged with the teeth 1174 of the inner locking member 1176, the outer locking member 1176 will prevent relative rotational movement of the inner locking member 1172 via the protrusion 1179 and the housing 1112. Since the inner locking member 1172 is firmly fixed to the knob 1130, rotational movement of the knob 1130 will also be prevented. With the knob 1130 locked in place, further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil will be prevented. With further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil prevented, the operator can then actuate the firing trigger 1142 to initiate a suturing sequence.

[0172] In some examples, it may be desirable to use an actuation mechanism 1190 (such as a solenoid) to drive the outer locking member 1176. Fig.11 As shown, the actuation mechanism 1190 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the actuation member 1180 and is securely fixed to the actuation member 1180. To accommodate the actuation mechanism 1190, the actuation member 1180 can be shortened or otherwise modified to intersect the actuation mechanism 1190. The actuation mechanism 1190 includes a plurality of wires 1192 that can be connected to a circuit board, a switch, and / or a sensor. In various examples, the wires 1192 are connected to the control circuit 1210 ( Fig.15 ). In various examples, the actuation mechanism 1190 can be actuated using a safety trigger 1140 that employs a configuration similar to the safety trigger 1040 of the instrument 100. For example, actuation of the safety trigger 1140 can complete a circuit that activates the actuation mechanism 1190, thereby driving the lockout member 1176 longitudinally into engagement with the lockout member 1172.

[0173] In operation, actuation mechanism (1190) generally provides the same functionality as safety trigger (1140), except that actuation mechanism (1190) eliminates the necessity for actuation member (1180) to extend the entire distance to safety trigger (1140). Although actuation mechanism (1190) is shown and described herein as comprising a solenoid, it will be appreciated that any other suitable actuator as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein may be used.

[0174] Main references Figure 12 to Figure 14A different problem with circular staplers is that their anvil can be removed from their stapling head assembly and must be introduced separately and in different ways to the surgical site from different entry points. Therefore, unlike other stapling instruments, circular staplers have the risk of anvil-nail head assembly mismatch and / or anvil-nail cartridge mismatch. In addition, in order to be properly assembled or coupled, the anvil and stapling head assembly must be properly oriented relative to each other at the surgical site in a specific orientation. Fig.13 Improper orientation of the anvil and corresponding stapling head assembly as shown may result in the staple forming pockets 414 ( Fig.12 ) and the nail opening 324 ( Figure 3 ) between the anvil and the corresponding suturing head assembly, thereby causing improper staple formation. In addition, improper orientation of the anvil and the corresponding suturing head assembly can cause improper seating of the anvil relative to the suturing head assembly. An improperly seated or partially seated anvil can be unseated or separated from the suturing head assembly due to externally applied loads from tissue captured between the anvil and the suturing head assembly during closure.

[0175] In order to solve the above problems, the surgical instrument 1100 includes an anvil 1200 equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 1201, which can be identified or detected by an RFID scanner 1202 on a stapling head assembly 1300 of the surgical instrument 1100. Similarly, the staple cartridge 1320 includes an RFID tag 1203 that can also be identified or detected by the RFID scanner 1202. The RFID tag 1201 stores information about the anvil 1200, and the RFID tag 1203 stores information about the staple cartridge 1320. As described below, this information can be checked and compared for authentication and / or compatibility.

[0176] Identification mechanism described herein can be an active system or a passive system. In various embodiments, a combination of an active identification system and a passive identification system is used. Passive systems can include, for example, bar codes, quick response (QR) codes and / or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Passive systems do not include an internal power source, and passive systems described herein require a reader and / or a scanner to send a first signal, such as an inquiry signal.

[0177] Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) systems transmit information by using radio frequencies. Such passive RFID systems include RFID scanners and RFID tags that have no internal power source. The RFID tags are powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from the RFID scanner. Each RFID tag includes a chip, such as a microchip, that stores information about replaceable parts and / or surgical instruments with which the replaceable parts are compatible. Although the chip may contain only an identification number, in various cases, the chip may store additional information, such as manufacturing data, delivery data, and / or maintenance history. Each RFID tag includes a radio antenna that allows the RFID tag to communicate with the RFID scanner. The radio antenna extends the range in which the RFID tag can receive signals from the RFID scanner and transmit response signals back to the RFID scanner. In a passive RFID system, an RFID scanner, which also includes its own antenna, transmits radio signals that activate RFID tags located within a predetermined range. The RFID scanner is configured to receive response signals that are "bounced back" from the RFID tag, thereby allowing the RFID scanner to capture identification information representing the replaceable part. In various cases, the one or more response signals include the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various cases, the one or more response signals include a modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various cases, the RFID scanner is also capable of writing or encoding information directly onto the RFID tag. In any case, the RFID scanner is capable of transmitting information about replaceable components to a controller, such as a control system of a surgical instrument and / or a remote surgical system or hub. The RFID scanner is configured to be able to read multiple RFID tags simultaneously when the RFID tag is activated by a radio signal. In addition, in some cases, the RFID scanner is capable of updating or rewriting the information stored on the RFID tag within the signal range of the RFID scanner. These updates can be transmitted to the RFID scanner from a surgical hub or any suitable server, for example. Various surgical hubs are described in U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 209,395, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION," filed on December 4, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0178] Active radio frequency identification (RFID) systems also include RFID tags and RFID scanners. However, RFID tags in active RFID systems include internal power sources. Active RFID systems utilize battery-powered RFID tags that are configured to continuously broadcast their own signals. One type of active RFID tag is generally referred to as a "beacon." Such beacon RFID tags do not wait to receive a first signal from an RFID scanner. Instead, the beacon RFID tag continuously transmits its stored information. For example, a beacon can send its information at intervals of every 3 to 5 seconds. Another type of active RFID tag includes a transponder. In such a system, the RFID scanner first transmits a signal. The RFID transponder tag then sends the signal back to the RFID scanner along with relevant information. Such RFID transponder tag systems are effective because they extend battery life when, for example, the RFID tag is out of range of the RFID scanner. In various cases, active RFID tags include on-board sensors to track environmental parameters. For example, the on-board sensor can track humidity levels, temperature, and / or other data that may be relevant.

[0179] In operation, anvil 1200 is coupled or attached to stapling head assembly 1300, such as Fig.12 RFID scanner 1202 is able to detect or identify RFID tag 1201 when RFID tag 1201 is at or below an attachment threshold distance defined by a radius (R) extending around a perimeter of RFID scanner 1202. When anvil 1200 is coupled or attached to stapling head assembly 1300, the attachment distance is the distance between RFID tag 1201 and RFID scanner 1203.

[0180] In addition to the above, RFID tag 1303 is positioned below platform member 320 of stapling head assembly 1300 and may also be detected by RFID scanner 1202. As described in more detail below, the signal strength between RFID scanner 1202 and one or both of RFID tags 1201, 1203 may be used to determine whether anvil 1200 is properly oriented and / or fully seated relative to stapling head assembly 1300.

[0181] See also Fig.12 , anvil 1200 is similar in many respects to anvil 400. For example, like anvil 400, anvil 1200 includes a head 410, a staple forming recess 414, and a handle 1420. Fig.12In the example of the embodiment, the RFID tag 1201 is supported by the handle 1420 near the hole 422 on its outer surface. In at least one example, a recess or a depression is defined in the handle 1420, and the RFID tag 1201 is positioned in the recess or the depression. The RFID tag 1201 can be held in place in the recess or the depression using any suitable technique such as a friction fit or a biocompatible adhesive.

[0182] As described in more detail above, anvil 1200 is coupled or assembled with stapling head assembly 1300 by advancing anvil 1200 toward trocar 330 so that trocar 330 is received through hole 422, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 The proximal surface 338 of the head 334 of the trocar 330 and the latch shelf 436 of the handle 1420 have complementary positions and configurations such that the latch shelf 436 engages the proximal surface 338 when the handle 1420 of the anvil 1200 is fully seated on the trocar 330 of the stapling head assembly 1300, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 Thus, anvil 1200 is secured to trocar 330 via a snap-fit ​​engagement formed by latch member 430. Fig.14 In the example shown, the RFID tag 1201 is in a first longitudinal position that is distal or slightly distal to a second longitudinal position of the pointed tip 226 of the head 334 of the trocar 330 .

[0183] In at least one example, the RFID tag 1201 is positioned at a first longitudinal position on the handle 1420 that corresponds to or substantially corresponds to a second longitudinal position of the distal end 336 of the head 334 of the cannula needle 330 when the anvil 1200 is properly oriented and fully seated relative to the stapling head assembly 1300. In other words, the distal end 336 of the head 334 of the cannula needle 330 is laterally aligned or at least substantially aligned with the RFID tag 1201 when received in its final seated position in the handle 1420. In at least one example, the RFID tag 1201 is positioned on the handle 1420 and at a position distal to the hole 422 and proximal to the lateral opening 424 and / or proximal to the latch member 430 ( Figure 3 to Figure 4 ).

[0184] See also Fig.12, the RFID scanner 1202 is located on the outer surface of a cylindrical inner core member 1312, which extends distally within the tubular housing 1310 of the suturing head assembly 1300. The tubular housing 1310 is securely secured to the outer sheath 210 of the shaft assembly 1206 such that the tubular housing 1310 serves as a mechanical ground for the suturing head assembly 1300. The RFID scanner 1202 is supported by the inner core member 1312 near its distal end on its outer surface. In at least one example, a recess or pit is defined in the inner core member 1312, and the RFID scanner 1202 is positioned in the recess or pit. The RFID scanner 1202 may be held in place in the recess or pit using any suitable technique such as a friction fit or a biocompatible adhesive. Alternatively, the RFID scanner 1202 may be positioned on the inner surface of the cylindrical inner core member 1312. Fig.12 In the example of the embodiment, the RFID scanner 1202 is located at the distal portion of the inner core member 1312 below the platform member 320 of the nail magazine 1320. In various examples, the RFID tag 1201 and the RFID tag 1203 are insulated from the handle 1420 and the inner core member 1312, respectively, using any suitable insulating material.

[0185] In various examples, RFID tag 1201 and RFID tag 1203 are identifiable or detectable by RFID scanner 1202 in a closed configuration of instrument 1100 , in which tissue is captured between anvil 1200 and stapling head assembly 1300 .

[0186] Fig.15 A logic diagram of a control system 1211 of a surgical instrument or tool according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The control system 1211 includes a control circuit 1210, which may be integrated with the RFID scanner 1202 or may be coupled to the RFID scanner 1202 in the housing assembly 100, but located separately from the RFID scanner. The control circuit 1210 may be configured to receive input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating information about the staple cartridge 1320 stored in the RFID tag 1203 and / or information about the anvil 1200 stored in the RFID tag 1201.

[0187] In various examples, RFID tag 1203 stores identification information of staple cartridge 1320 and RFID tag 1201 stores identification information of anvil 1200. In such examples, control circuit 1210 receives input from RFID scanner 1202 indicating identification information of staple cartridge 1320 and based on the input verifies the identity of staple cartridge 1320. In addition, control circuit 1210 receives input from RFID scanner 1202 indicating identification information of anvil 1200 and based on the input verifies the identity of anvil 1200.

[0188] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 includes a microcontroller 1213 having a processor 1214 and a storage medium such as a memory 1212. The memory 1212 stores program instructions for performing various processes such as identity authentication. The program instructions, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to verify the identity of the staple cartridge 1320 and the identity of the anvil 1200 by comparing the identification information received from the RFID tags 1201, 1203 with the identification information stored in the memory 1212 in the form of, for example, an identity database or table.

[0189] In at least one example, control circuit 1210 can be configured to check the compatibility of anvil 1200 with staple cartridge 1320 of stapling head assembly 1300 based on input from RFID scanner 1202. Processor 1214 can check the identity information of anvil 1200 and staple cartridge 1320 against a compatibility database or table stored in memory 1212, for example.

[0190] In various examples, the memory 1212 includes local memory of the device 1100. In other examples, the identity database or table and / or the compatibility database or table can be downloaded from a remote server. In various aspects, the device 1100 can pass the information received from the RFID tags 1201, 1203 to the remote server storing the database or table to remotely perform the identity and / or compatibility check.

[0191] Fig.16 12 is a logic flow diagram of process 1220 that depicts a control program or logic configuration for operating a surgical stapling instrument, such as instrument 1100. In at least one example, process 1220 is performed by control circuit 1210 ( Fig.151220. The process 1220 may be performed by a control circuit 1210 that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform the process 1220. In some examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of the process 1220. Although the process 1220 is described as being performed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that the process 1220 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0192] like Fig.16 As shown, process 1220 includes detecting identification information of staple cartridge 1320 at 1231. In at least one example, control circuit 1210 receives input from RFID scanner 1202 indicating identification information of staple cartridge 1320 stored in RFID tag 1203. If authentication of the staple cartridge ID is unsuccessful or the staple cartridge ID is not detected, control circuit 1210 causes indicator 1209 to warn at 1241 that staple cartridge 1320 is not attached and / or that staple cartridge authentication has failed.

[0193] In various cases, indicator 1209 may include, for example, one or more visual feedback systems, such as a display screen, a backlight, and / or an LED. In some cases, indicator 1209 may include, for example, one or more audio feedback systems, such as a speaker and / or a buzzer. In some cases, indicator 1209 may include, for example, one or more tactile feedback systems. In some cases, indicator 1209 may include, for example, a combination of visual, audio, and / or tactile feedback systems.

[0194] Process 1220 also includes verifying compatibility of staple cartridge 1320 and instrument 1100 at 1232. In at least one example, control circuit 1210 checks identification information of staple cartridge 1320 against a staple cartridge-instrument compatibility database or table that may be stored, for example, in memory 1212. If compatibility is verified at 1232, control circuit 1210 causes indicator 1209 to alert the user at 1242 that staple cartridge 1320 is compatible with instrument 1100. At this stage, control circuit 1210 may also cause indicator 1209 to alert the user at 1246 regarding the color and / or size of the attached staple cartridge 1320.

[0195] Process 1220 also includes verifying the cartridge firing state at 1233. The staple cartridge is typically disposed of after firing. To ensure that a previously fired staple cartridge is not accidentally reused without a staple, the RFID tag 1201 of the previously fired staple cartridge 1320 stores the previously fired state. In at least one example, after the firing sequence is completed, the control circuit 1210 causes the RFID scanner 1202 to change the firing state of the staple cartridge 1320 from an unfired state to a previously fired state. In addition, if the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating that the attached staple cartridge 1320 has been previously fired, the control circuit 1210 may cause the indicator 1209 to alert the user to this situation at 1243.

[0196] Process 1220 also includes detecting identification information of anvil 1200 at 1234. In at least one example, control circuit 1210 receives input from RFID scanner 1202 indicating identification information of anvil 1200 stored in RFID tag 1201. If authentication of the anvil ID is unsuccessful or if the anvil ID is not received, control circuit 1210 can cause indicator 1209 to warn at 1244 that the anvil is not attached and / or anvil authentication has failed.

[0197] Still see Fig.16 If proper anvil identification is detected at 1234, process 1220 further checks the compatibility of anvil 1200 and staple cartridge 13020 at 1235. If anvil 1200 and staple cartridge 13020 are not compatible, process 1220 alerts the user of the mismatch at 1245. However, if anvil 1200 and staple cartridge 13020 are compatible, control circuit 1210 allows closure of drive assembly 136 at 1236 ( Fig.15 ) continues with anvil closure at 1237. During anvil closure, control circuit 1210 continues to monitor RFID scanner 1202 to ensure that anvil 1200 remains attached or coupled to stapling head assembly 1300 throughout the closure process. If RFID scanner 1202 loses the signal from RFID tag 1201 during closure, control circuit 1210 causes closure drive assembly 136 to pause the closure and alert the user at 1244 that anvil 1200 is not attached or at least not detected. Otherwise, anvil closure continues until a closed configuration between anvil 1200 and stapling head assembly 1300 is achieved at 1238 by reaching a predetermined zone or threshold at 1238. When at or above a predetermined zone or threshold, control circuit 1210 allows firing drive assembly 1136 to begin a firing sequence at 1239 to staple and cut tissue captured between anvil 1200 and staple cartridge 1320 in the closed configuration.

[0198] Process 1220 also includes evaluating or detecting the orientation and / or seating of the anvil relative to stapling head assembly 1300 at 1247. Fig.12 As shown, when the latch shelf 436 engages the proximal surface 338, the handle 1420 of the anvil 1200 is fully seated on the trocar 330 of the stapling head assembly 1300. At this time, the RFID tag 1201 reaches or crosses the attachment threshold distance and is therefore detected by the RFID scanner 1202. The detection of the RFID tag 1201 by the RFID scanner 1202 indicates the full seating of the anvil 1200 relative to the stapling head assembly 1300. In at least one example, receiving input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating the detection of the RFID tag 1201 causes the control circuit 1210 to determine that the anvil 1200 is fully seated relative to the stapling head assembly 1300.

[0199] See also Fig.12 and Fig.15 In various examples, in addition to RFID scanner 1202, RFID scanner 1204 is also used to detect RFID tag 1201 and / or RFID tag 1203. RFID scanner 1204 can be positioned within suture head assembly 1300. Fig.12 In the example shown, RFID scanner 1204 is supported by tubular housing 1310. In addition to receiving input from RFID scanner 1202, control circuit 1210 can also be configured to receive input from RFID scanner 1204. In at least one example, RFID scanner 1204 is configured to detect RFID tag 1203, while RFID scanner 1202 can be configured to detect RFID tag 1201.

[0200] With respect to anvil orientation, control circuit 1210 is configured to be able to determine whether attached anvil 1200 is properly oriented relative to stapling head assembly 1300 by detecting and measuring the strength of a signal transmitted by RFID tag 1201 using RFID scanner 1202 and / or RFID scanner 1204. In the proper orientation of anvil 1200, RFID scanner 1202 detects a signal from RFID tag 1201 and measures a unique first signal strength corresponding to a distance d1 between RFID tag 1201 and RFID scanner 1202. Similarly, RFID scanner 1204 detects a signal from RFID tag 1201 and measures a unique second signal strength corresponding to a distance d2 between RFID tag 1201 and RFID scanner 1204. Control circuit 1210 may be configured to be able to evaluate the proper orientation of anvil 1200 based on the first signal strength and / or the second signal strength.

[0201] Fig.13An improper orientation of anvil 1200 is depicted, wherein handle 1420 is at an angle α away from the proper orientation with stapling head assembly 1300. The misalignment between anvil 1200 and stapling head assembly 1300 causes distances d1, d2 to differ from their values ​​when properly oriented, thereby causing the first signal strength and the second signal strength to differ from their values ​​when properly oriented. Fig.13 In the example of FIG. 1 , misalignment between anvil 1200 and stapling head assembly 1300 increases the value of distance d1 and decreases the value of distance d2. Thus, compared to their values ​​when properly oriented, Fig.13 Misalignment at will reduce the first signal strength and increase the second signal strength.

[0202] Thus, by monitoring the strength of the signal transmitted by RFID tag 1201, control circuit 1210 is able to assess whether anvil 1200 is properly oriented relative to 1300. In various cases, memory 1212 stores a database or table of signal strength values ​​or ranges representing proper orientations of anvil 1200. In such cases, control circuit 1210 may check the signal strength values ​​collected by RFID scanner 1202 and / or RFID scanner 1204 against the values ​​or ranges in the database or table to assess whether anvil 1200 is properly oriented.

[0203] In various examples, as described above, after determining that anvil 1200 is fully seated, the proper orientation of anvil 1200 relative to stapling head assembly 1300 is checked by control circuit 1210. In other examples, the proper orientation of anvil 1200 relative to stapling head assembly 1300 is checked by control circuit 1210 in a closed or at least partially closed configuration of instrument 1100. In some examples, the proper orientation of anvil 1200 relative to stapling head assembly 1300 is continuously checked by control circuit 1210 after RFID tag 1201 is detected by RFID scanner 1202 and / or RFID scanner 1204.

[0204] Fig.17 A logic flow diagram of process 1250 is depicted, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for properly orienting the anvil of a surgical stapling instrument relative to a stapling head assembly. In at least one example, process 1250 is performed by control circuit 1210 ( Fig.151250. The process 1250 may be performed by a control circuit 1210 that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform the process 1250. In some examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of the process 1250. Although the process 1250 is described as being performed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that the process 1250 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0205] See also Fig.15 and Fig.17 , the control circuit 1210 is configured to be able to detect an improper orientation of the anvil 1200 relative to the stapling head assembly 1300 at 1251, as described above. In addition, the control circuit 1210 may use the indicator 1209 to alert the user at 1252 of the improper orientation. In addition, the control circuit 1210 may suggest the direction and / or rotation of the anvil 1200 to achieve the proper orientation through the indicator 1209 at 1253. The control circuit 1210 may continue to check whether the proper orientation is achieved based on the input from the RFID scanner 1201 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 at 1254. When the control circuit 1210 detects the proper orientation, the control circuit 1210 may further cause the indicator 1209 to alert the user at 1255 that the anvil 1200 is now properly aligned with the stapling head assembly 1300.

[0206] As described in more detail above, the instrument 1100 includes an anvil lockout assembly 1170. The anvil lockout assembly 1170 is generally configured to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil once the safety trigger 1140 is actuated. In various examples, the anvil lockout assembly 1170 includes an outer lockout member 1176 that selectively locks the actuation of the anvil 1200, typically in response to the safety trigger 1140. In other examples, the control circuit 1210 is configured to drive the outer lockout member 1176 using an actuation mechanism 1190 (such as a solenoid). In either case, the anvil lockout assembly 1170 is configured to be able to transition between an unlocked state and a locked state, wherein: (i) in the unlocked state, the lockout assembly 1170 is configured to allow the anvil 1200 to translate, and (ii) in the locked state, the lockout assembly 1170 is configured to prevent the anvil 1200 from translating. In various examples, based on the indication from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 that the input of the RFID tag 1201 is detected, the control circuit 1210 uses the indicator 1209 to alert the user that it is safe to transition the latch assembly 1170 to the unlocked state. In other examples, based on the indication from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 that the input of the RFID tag 1201 is detected, the control circuit 1210 uses the actuation mechanism 1190 to transition the latch assembly 1170 to the unlocked state.

[0207] In addition to the above, in some examples, control circuit 1210 detects detachment of anvil 1200 from stapling head assembly 1300 based on a loss of input from RFID scanner 1202 and / or RFID scanner 1204 or an input from RFID scanner 1202 and / or RFID scanner 1204 indicating a loss of a signal transmitted by RFID tag 1201. In response, control circuit 1210 may cause indicator 1209 to alert a user of the detachment of anvil 1200 and, optionally, provide instructions related to reattaching anvil 1200 to stapling head assembly 1300. Additionally or alternatively, control circuit 1210 may cause actuation mechanism 1190 to transition lockout assembly 1170 to a locked state until control circuit 1210 detects reattachment of anvil 1200 based on input from RFID scanner 1202 and / or RFID scanner 1204 indicating, for example, redetection of a signal from RFID tag 1201.

[0208] See also Fig.15, motors 160, 1160 are respectively connected to motor drivers 161 and 1161, which are configured to control the operation of motors 160 and 1160, including the flow of electrical energy from a power source (e.g., battery pack 120) to motors 160 and 1160. In various examples, processor 1214 is connected to motors 160, 1160 via motor drivers 1160, 1161. In various forms, motor 160 and / or motor 1160 can be a brushed direct current (DC) motor with a gearbox and a mechanical linkage to achieve tissue processing of a surgical end effector. In one aspect, motor drivers 1160, 1161 can be in the form of A3941 available from Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Other motor drivers can be easily replaced for use with control system 11211.

[0209] In various forms, the motor 160, 1160 may be a brushed DC drive motor having a maximum rotational speed of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor 160, 1160 may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor driver 161, 1161 may include, for example, an H-bridge driver including a field effect transistor (FET). The motor 160, 1160 may be powered by a power source. The power source may include a battery, which may include a plurality of battery cells connected in series and which may be used as a power source to power a surgical instrument or tool. In some cases, the battery cells of the power source may be replaceable and / or rechargeable. In at least one example, the battery cell may be a lithium-ion battery that can be coupled to and separated from the power source.

[0210] In various aspects, the motor driver according to the present disclosure may be a full-bridge controller for use with an external N-channel power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) specifically designed for inductive loads (such as brushed DC motors). The motor driver may include a unique charge pump regulator that provides full (>10V) gate drive for battery voltages as low as 7V and allows the A3941 to operate at a reduced gate drive as low as 5.5V. A bootstrap capacitor may be used to provide the above-mentioned battery supply voltage required for the N-channel MOSFET. The internal charge pump of the high-side driver allows DC (100% duty cycle) operation. The full bridge may be driven in fast decay mode or slow decay mode using diodes or synchronous rectification. In slow decay mode, current recirculation may pass through the high-side FET or the low-side FET. The power FET is protected from breakdown by a resistor-adjustable dead time. Comprehensive diagnostics provide indications of undervoltage, overtemperature, and power bridge faults, and may be configured to protect the power MOSFET under most short circuit conditions. Other motor drivers may be easily replaced for use in the tracking system 480 including the absolute positioning system.

[0211] In various aspects, one or more of the motors of the present disclosure may include a rotatable shaft that can be operably interfaced with a gear assembly that is mounted to mesh with a set of drive teeth or a rack of drive teeth on a displacement member, such as a firing drive assembly 1163 or a closing drive assembly 163. The sensor element can be operably connected to the gear assembly so that a single rotation of the position sensor element corresponds to some linear longitudinal translation of the displacement member. The arrangement of the transmission and the sensor can be connected to a linear actuator via a rack and pinion arrangement, or to a rotary actuator via a spur gear or other connection. The power source supplies power to the absolute positioning system, and the output indicator can display the output of the absolute positioning system. The displacement member represents a longitudinally movable drive member that includes a rack of drive teeth formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of a gear reducer assembly. The displacement member represents a longitudinally movable closing member, a firing member, a firing rod, an I-beam, or a combination thereof.

[0212] In some examples, such as Fig.15As shown, the transition of anvil 1200 to the closed configuration with stapling head assembly 1300 is driven by motor 1160. In such examples, as described above, if control circuit 1210 detects proper orientation, full seating, and / or proper identity of anvil 1200 based on input from RFID scanner 1202 and / or RFID scanner 1204, control circuit 1210 allows motor 1160 to drive the closure of anvil 1200. Thus, detection of a failure to establish one or more of proper orientation, full seating, and / or proper identity of anvil 1200 may cause control circuit 1210 to prevent motor 1160 from initiating and / or completing the closure of anvil 1200.

[0213] In certain examples, if the staple cartridge-anvil compatibility is confirmed based on the information stored in the RFID tags 1201, 1203 as reported by the RFID scanners 1202, 1204, the control circuit 1210 allows the motor 160 to drive the firing of staples and the advancement of the cylindrical knife member 340. Conversely, if the staple cartridge-anvil compatibility cannot be established based on the information stored in the RFID tags 1201, 1203 as reported by the RFID scanners 1202, 1204, the control circuit 1210 is configured to prevent the motor 160 from driving the firing of staples and the advancement of the cylindrical knife member 340.

[0214] In various examples, the antennas of one or more of the RFID tags 1201, 1203 and the RFID scanners 1202, 1204 may be supplemented with a booster antenna that engages when connected. In various examples, the antennas of active RFID tags on the surgical instrument 1100, such as RFID tag 1201 and RFID tag 1203, may be cut in a planned manner during normal operation of the surgical instrument 1100. Loss of signals from such RFID tags may indicate completion of the surgical task.

[0215] In various aspects, an RFID tag can be positioned along the path of the cylindrical knife member 340. For example, the RFID tag can transmit a signal through its antenna to the RFID scanner 1202. When the antenna is severed by the knife member 340, the signal is lost. The loss of signal can confirm the advancement of the knife member 340.

[0216] In one example, the RFID tag is positioned on a breakable washer of the anvil 1200. In such an example, the breakable washer is broken by the knife member 340 toward the end of the full distal range of motion of the knife member 340. The knife member 340 cuts the antenna of the RFID tag while breaking the breakable washer. When the antenna is cut, for example, the signal transmitted from the RFID tag to the RFID scanner 1202 is lost. The RFID scanner 1202 can be connected to the control circuit 1210 and can report the signal loss to the control circuit 1210. The signal loss is interpreted by the control circuit 1210 as indicating the completion of the firing sequence of the surgical instrument 1100.

[0217] In various aspects, as described in more detail above, a surgical instrument (such as instrument 1100) includes an anvil 1200 that can move toward a stapling head assembly 1300 to capture tissue therebetween in a closed configuration. The tissue is then sutured and cut in a firing sequence of the surgical instrument 1100. The instrument 1100 also includes an RFID tag (such as RFID tag 1201) and an RFID scanner (such as RFID scanner 1202 configured to read and / or write to RFID tag 1201). RFID tag 1201 and RFID scanner 1202 define an RFID system that control circuit 1210 can employ to determine characteristics of the tissue based on RF signal backscatter from the tissue.

[0218] The position of RFID tag 1201 and RFID scanner 1202 relative to the tissue grasped between anvil 1200 and stapling head assembly 1300 can be selected to achieve optimal measurement of RF signal backscatter. In at least one example, RFID tag 1201 and RFID scanner 1202 can be positioned on opposite sides of the tissue.

[0219] RF signals from the backscattered data can be collected and associated with known tissue characteristics to allow tissue analysis. In various aspects, the spectral characteristics of the backscattered data can be analyzed to determine various characteristics of the tissue. In at least one example, the backscattered data is used to identify boundary features within the tissue. In at least one example, the backscattered data can be used to assess the thickness of the tissue grasped between the anvil 1200 and the suture head assembly 1300.

[0220] Fig.18A surgical instrument 2200 is depicted that can be selectively assembled from any one of a plurality of different end effectors (such as end effectors 2210, 2210'), any one of a plurality of different shafts (such as shafts 2230, 2230', 2230", 2230'", and a housing assembly 2240. The components of the surgical instrument 2200 are selected based on various factors including the type of surgical procedure, the type of tissue, and / or the patient's anatomy.

[0221] In various embodiments, the end effector of surgical instrument 2200 is a circular stapler end effector of different sizes. Fig.18 In the example of , 25 mm and 31 mm circular stapler end effectors are depicted. However, this is not limiting, and other suitable end effectors can be easily used with surgical instrument 2200. Fig.18 In the example shown, shafts 2230 , 2230 ′, 2230 ″, 2230 ′″ have profiles that differ in length and / or curvature. However, this is not limiting, and shafts having other suitable shaft profiles may be readily used with surgical instrument 2200 .

[0222] In addition to the above, the shafts 2230, 2230', 2230", 2230'" respectively include RFID tags 2203, 2203', 2203", 2203'" storing shaft information, as described in more detail below. In addition, the end effectors 2210, 2210' respectively include RFID tags 2201, 2201' storing end effector information, as described in more detail below.

[0223] Fig.19 A schematic diagram of an exemplary surgical instrument 2200 assembled by an end effector 2210, a shaft 2230, and a housing assembly 2240 is depicted. For clarity, various components and / or connections between components of the end effector 2210, the shaft 2230, and the housing assembly 2240 are removed. The surgical instrument 2200 is similar to the surgical instruments 100, 1100 in many respects. For example, the end effector 2210 has a stapling head assembly 2300 similar to the stapling head assembly 300, 1300 in many respects and an anvil 2400 similar to the anvil 400, 1200 in many respects.

[0224] In operation, as described in more detail above with respect to surgical instruments 100, 1100, anvil 2400 is coupled to stapling head assembly 2300. Anvil 2400 is then retracted from the starting position toward stapling head assembly 2300 by a certain closing stroke or distance "d" to transition stapling head assembly 2300 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, tissue is gripped between anvil 2400 and stapling head assembly 2300. In addition, stapling head assembly 2300 includes a staple cartridge that accommodates staples, which are deployed from the staple cartridge toward anvil 2400 in the closed configuration. These staples are deployed through the gripped tissue and are formed by staple forming pockets 414 of anvil 2400. In addition, knife member 340 is translated distally to a point at which cutting edge 342 is distal to platform surface 322 of stapling head assembly 2300 to cut tissue.

[0225] In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, stapling head assembly 2300 and anvil 2400 may be further constructed and operated in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Patent 5,205,459, U.S. Patent 5,271,544, U.S. Patent 5,275,322, U.S. Patent 5,285,945, U.S. Patent 5,292,053, U.S. Patent 5,333,773, U.S. Patent 5,350,104, U.S. Patent 5,533,661 and / or U.S. Patent 8,910,847, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0226] Still see Fig.19 , the housing assembly 2240 includes one or more motors 2160 and one or more motor drivers 2161, which are similar in many respects to the motors 160, 1160 and the motor drivers 161, 1161. In various examples, the control circuit 1210 is configured to control the motor driver 2161 so that the motor 2160 moves the anvil 2400 toward the stapling head assembly 2300 by a certain closing stroke or distance "d", thereby converting the end effector 2210 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The control circuit 1210 is further configured to control the motor driver 2161 so that the motor 2160 applies a load to the end effector 2210 during the firing motion, thereby deploying the nail into the tissue grasped by the end effector 1210 in the closed configuration, and cutting the grasped tissue by advancing the knife member 340 distally through the tissue. In at least one example, the knife member 340 is advanced toward the breakable gasket of the anvil 2400. In such examples, the breakable washer is broken by the knife member 340 toward the end of the full distal range of motion of the knife member 340.

[0227] In order for the surgical instrument 2200 to properly staple and cut tissue, the operating parameters of the motor 2160 need to be adjusted to produce a closing distance and / or firing load that is appropriate for the selected end effector 2210 and / or shaft 2230 of the surgical instrument 2200. For example, a longer and / or curved shaft requires a different closing distance than a shorter shaft. Similarly, a larger staple cartridge generally requires a higher firing load than a smaller staple cartridge. To address this issue, the end effectors of the surgical instrument 2200 are equipped with RFID tags 2201 that store end effector information and can be detected by an RFID scanner 2202. Additionally, in some cases, the shafts of the surgical instrument 2200 are also equipped with RFID tags 2203 that store shaft information and can be detected by an RFID scanner 2204. As shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, according to process 2250, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive input indicating end actuator information from the RFID scanner 2202 at 2252, receive input indicating axis information from the RFID scanner 2204 at 2254, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor 2160 at 2256 to produce a closing distance and / or firing load based on the end actuator information and the axis information.

[0228] In at least one example, process 2250 is performed by control circuit 1210 ( Fig.15 2250 is performed by a control circuit 1210 that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform process 2250. In some examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 2250. Although process 2250 is described as being performed by control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 2250 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0229] exist Fig.19In the example shown, the RFID tag 2201 and the corresponding RFID scanner 2202 are arranged so that the RFID tag 2201 is within the detection range of the RFID scanner 2202 when the end effector 2210 is in an assembled configuration with the shaft 2230. In addition, the RFID tag 2203 and the corresponding RFID scanner 2204 are arranged so that the RFID tag 2203 is within the detection range of the RFID scanner 2204 when the shaft 2230 is in an assembled configuration with the housing assembly 2240. Therefore, the RFID scanner 2202 is positioned at the distal portion of the shaft 2230, and the RFID tag 2203 is positioned at the proximal portion of the shaft 2230. In at least one example, one or both of the RFID tag 2201 and the RFID scanner 2202 are positioned at the interface between the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230. In addition or alternatively, one or both of the RFID tag 2203 and the RFID scanner 2204 are positioned at the interface between the shaft 2230 and the housing assembly 2240.

[0230] In addition to the above, the end effector information stored in the RFID tag 2201 can be read by the RFID scanner 2202 in the assembled configuration and can be transmitted to the control circuit 1210. In addition, the shaft information stored in the RFID tag 2203 can be read by the RFID scanner 2204 and can be transmitted to the control circuit 1210. In various aspects, the end effector information can include identification information, manufacturer information, staple cartridge size, type and / or color, anvil type and / or one or more suitable adjustment values ​​for the default closing distance and / or firing load. Similarly, the shaft information can include identification information, manufacturer information, shaft profile and / or one or more suitable adjustment values ​​for the default closing distance and / or firing load.

[0231] See also Fig.21 , the graph 2260 represents the relationship between the firing load (pounds) on the Y-axis and the firing time (seconds) on the X-axis. Fig.21 A default, unadjusted firing algorithm 2263 and an adjusted firing algorithm 2263 are depicted. The graph 2260 also depicts a default maximum firing load threshold 2261 (e.g., 400 pounds) and a final maximum firing load threshold 2262 (e.g., 485 pounds) of the firing load applied by the motor 2160 to the end effector 2210 of the surgical instrument 2200. The default maximum firing load threshold 2261 is adjusted to the final maximum firing load threshold 2262 based on the end effector information of the end effector 2210 stored in the RFID tag 2201 and read by the RFID scanner 2202 of the surgical instrument 2200. Fig.21In the example of FIG. 1 , the end effector information indicates a staple cartridge having a larger size (e.g., 31 mm) than the default staple cartridge (e.g., 25 mm). The default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm) is associated with a default firing algorithm 2263 and a default maximum firing load threshold 2261. At the same time, the larger staple cartridge size (e.g., 31 mm) is associated with a final firing algorithm 2264 and a final maximum firing load threshold 2262.

[0232] The end effector information stored in the RFID tag 2201 may include the size of the staple cartridge and / or a firing load adjustment value based on the cartridge size (e.g., 85 pounds). In the case of the size of the staple cartridge, the control circuit 1210 may use a database or lookup table of the staple cartridge size and the corresponding firing load adjustment value to find the appropriate firing load adjustment value.

[0233] In addition, input from the RFID scanner 2201 indicating end effector information causes the control circuit 1210 to adjust the default maximum firing load threshold 2261 (e.g., 400 pounds) to the final maximum firing load threshold 2262 (e.g., 485 pounds) and maintain the firing algorithm 2264 below the final maximum firing load threshold 2262, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 shown.

[0234] exist Fig.21 In the example of , the control circuit 1210 adjusts or introduces a minimum waiting time "t" before causing the motor 2160 to apply the firing algorithm 2263 to the end effector 2210. In various cases, the minimum waiting time "t" is the time period between the completion of the closing sequence of the end effector of the surgical instrument 2200 (wherein the tissue is grasped by the end effector in the closed configuration) and the beginning of the firing sequence of the end effector (wherein the grasped tissue is stapled and cut). The minimum waiting time "t" allows tissue creep, where the grasped tissue adapts to a lower average pressure, thereby reducing the maximum firing load required to complete the firing sequence of the end effector 2210 to a value at or below the final maximum firing load threshold 2262. In the default firing algorithm 2263, since there is no minimum waiting time "t", the firing algorithm 2263 must interrupt the time period from time t3 to time t4 at 2267 to prevent the firing load from exceeding the final maximum firing load threshold 2262. In contrast, the firing algorithm 2264 continues throughout the time period between t3 and t4, as shown in FIG. Fig.21 Shown

[0235] Still see Fig.21, another factor that may affect the minimum waiting time "t" is the user-selected forming height of the staples deployed from the stapling head assembly 2300. The control circuit 1210 may prompt the user to select the desired forming height of the staples through the indicator 1209. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 may present a plurality of forming height options for selection to the user. In addition or alternatively, the control circuit 1210 may recommend an optimal forming height based on the tissue treated by the surgical instrument 2200. In any case, the user-selected forming height may cause the control circuit 1210 to further adjust the minimum waiting time "t". In at least one example, the memory 1212 stores the forming heights and corresponding waiting time adjustments in a database or lookup table. The control circuit 1210 may adjust the minimum waiting time "t" by identifying the waiting time adjustment associated with the user-selected forming height and then adjusting the minimum waiting time "t" according to the identified waiting time adjustment.

[0236] Generally speaking, more formed staples are associated with greater firing loads and require a greater minimum waiting time "t" than less formed staples. Fig.21 In the example of , the user-selected forming height 2265 is associated with a firing load "F2" and is greater than the minimum forming height 2266 associated with a minimum firing load "F1". The minimum firing loads "F1" and "F2" represent the firing loads at which the nail legs begin to flex. Therefore, Fig.21 The example wait time "t" is the result of a nail magazine size that is larger (31 mm) than the default (25 mm) and a selected forming height 2265.

[0237] See also Fig. 22, the curve graph 2270 shows the adjustment of the default maximum firing load threshold 2272 (e.g., 400 pounds) of the surgical instrument 2200. These adjustments are based on the end effector information 2271 and the shaft information 2273 received by the control circuit 1210 from the RFID scanners 2202 and 2204, as described in more detail above. The shaft information 2273 identifies the long curved shaft 2230 and provides a corresponding first adjustment value 2274 (e.g., 35 pounds) to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272. Similarly, the end effector information 2271 identifies the end effector 2210 with a nail magazine having a size of 31 mm and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2276 (e.g., 85 pounds) to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272. The adjustment values ​​2274, 2276 are added to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272 to obtain a final maximum firing load threshold 2278. As described above, the adjustment values ​​2274, 2276 may be part of the end actuator information 2271 and the axis information 2273, respectively, or may be determined by the control circuit 1210 based on a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on identification information of the end actuator 2210 and the axis 2230).

[0238] In at least one example, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with a curved elongated shaft 2230 and an end effector 2210' having a default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm). In such an example, the end effector information generates a zero adjustment value, and the shaft information generates a first adjustment value 2274 that modifies the default maximum firing load threshold 2272 to a final maximum firing load threshold 2279, as shown in the graph 2270. In other examples, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with various combinations of end effectors and shafts that generate different adjustment values ​​for modifying the default maximum firing load threshold 2272.

[0239] See also Fig. 22 , the graph 2280 shows the adjustment made to the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282 of the surgical instrument 2200. The minimum closing stroke or distance of the surgical instrument 2200 is the minimum allowed or recommended closing stroke or distance that brings the end effector (such as the end effector 2210) of the surgical instrument 2200 to a closed configuration suitable for deploying staples into tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge of the end effector. The adjustment to the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282 is based on the end effector information 2271 and the axis information 2273 received by the control circuit 1210 from the RFID scanners 2202, 2204, as described in more detail above.

[0240] The shaft information 2273 identifies the long curved shaft 2230 and provides a corresponding first adjustment value 2284 to the default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282. The additional length and curvature of the shaft 2230 compared to the default shaft results in a minimum closure stroke or distance 2289 that is longer than the default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282. Similarly, the end effector information 2271 identifies the end effector 2210 having a staple cartridge having a size of 31 mm and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2286 to the default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282. The adjustment values ​​2284, 2286 are added to the default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282 to obtain a final default minimum closure stroke or distance 2288. As described above, the adjustment values ​​2284, 2286 may be part of the end actuator information 2271 and the axis information 2273, respectively, or may be determined by the control circuit 1210 based on a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on identification information of the end actuator 2210 and the axis 2230).

[0241] In at least one example, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with a curved long shaft 2230 and an end effector 2210' having a default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm). In such an example, the end effector information generates a zero adjustment value and the shaft information generates a first adjustment value 2284 that modifies the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282 to a final minimum closing stroke or distance 2289, as shown in the graph 2280. In other examples, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with various combinations of end effectors and shafts that generate different adjustment values ​​for modifying the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282.

[0242] In addition to the above, the end effector information 2271 and the axis information 2273 can cause the control circuit 1210 to adjust the default closing range 2281 of the user-selectable closing stroke or distance of the surgical instrument 2200. The closing range of the surgical instrument 2200 is a range of allowed or recommended closing strokes or distances that brings the end effector (such as end effector 2210) of the surgical instrument 2200 to a closed configuration suitable for deploying staples into tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge of the end effector. In at least one example, the closing range of the surgical instrument 2200 can be in the form of a visual guide presented to the user by the indicator 1209.

[0243] In various examples, the closing range of the surgical instrument 2200 is defined by the control circuit 1210 based on the end effector information and / or the axis information received from the RFID scanners 2203, 2204. The graph 2280 depicts, for example, a default closing range 2281, an adjusted closing range 2283, and an adjusted closing range 2285. The adjusted closing range 2283 is defined by the control circuit 1210 in response to the axis information transmitted from the RFID scanner 2204. The adjusted closing range 2285 is defined by the control circuit 1210 in response to the end effector information transmitted from the RFID scanner 2202 and the axis information transmitted from the RFID scanner 2204. In other words, the adjusted closing range 2285 is defined by the cumulative effect of the end effector information and the axis information.

[0244] In various aspects, the transmitted axis information may include the adjusted closed range 2283. Alternatively, the transmitted axis information may include upper and lower limit adjustment values ​​of the default closed range 2281. Alternatively, the transmitted axis information may include axis identification information. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 may determine the adjusted closed range 2283 according to a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the axis identification information).

[0245] In various aspects, the transmitted end effector information may include the adjusted closure range. Alternatively, the transmitted end effector information may include upper and lower limit adjustment values ​​of the default closure range 2281. Alternatively, the transmitted end effector information may include end effector identification information. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 may determine the adjusted closure range based on a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the end effector identification information).

[0246] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can determine the adjusted closed range 2285 based on a database or lookup table (e.g., based on the shaft identification information and the end effector identification information) stored in the memory 1212. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can determine the adjusted closed range 2285 based on the cumulative effect of the upper and lower limit adjustment values ​​of the default closed range 2281 provided by the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0247] Still see Fig. 22 , the graph 2290 shows the relationship between the firing speed (m / s) on the Y axis and the time (sec) on the X axis. In the example of the graph 2290, the firing speed represents the speed of the firing member that can be moved longitudinally, and the firing member that can be moved longitudinally is connected to the motor 2160 ( Fig.19), and is configured to enable deployment of staples from stapling head assembly 2300 toward anvil 2400 and advancement of knife member 340, as described in more detail above. In other examples, the firing speed can be the rotational speed of motor 2160.

[0248] The graph 2290 shows adjustments made to the default maximum threshold 2292 for the firing speed of the surgical instrument 2200, which are based on the end effector information and shaft information received by the control circuit 1210 from the RFID scanners 2202, 2204, as described in more detail above. The shaft information identifies the long curved shaft 2230 and provides a corresponding first adjustment value 2294 to the default maximum threshold 2292. Similarly, the end effector information identifies the end effector 2210 having a staple cartridge having a size of 31 mm and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2296 to the default maximum threshold 2292.

[0249] In the example of the graph 2290, the adjustment values ​​2294, 2296 are combined at 2295 to reduce the default maximum threshold 2292 to a final maximum threshold 2298 for the firing speed of the surgical instrument 2200. The adjustment values ​​2294, 2296 may be part of the end effector information and the shaft information, respectively, or may be determined by the control circuit 1210 from a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on identification information of the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230).

[0250] In at least one example, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with a curved elongated shaft 2230 and an end effector 2210' having a default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm). In such an example, the end effector information generates a zero adjustment value and the shaft information generates an adjustment value 2294 that modifies the default maximum threshold 2282 to a final maximum threshold 2297, as shown in the graph 2290. In other examples, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with various combinations of end effectors and shafts that generate different adjustment values ​​for modifying the default maximum threshold 2292 of the firing speed.

[0251] In addition to the above, the graph 2290 depicts three firing speed curves 2307, 2301, 2302 representing three different firing algorithms. The firing speed curve 2307 represents a first firing algorithm that fails to comply with the default maximum threshold 2292 of the firing speed due to failure to account for the inertia of the firing member. The firing speed curve 2301 represents a second firing algorithm that fails to comply with the statically adjusted maximum threshold 2298 due to failure to account for the inertia of the firing member. The firing speed curve 2302 represents a third firing algorithm that dynamically modifies the statically adjusted final maximum threshold 2298 by an adjustment value 2304 to achieve a dynamically and statically adjusted final maximum threshold 2299. The adjustment value 2304 is based on the slope 2305 of the speed curve 2302.

[0252] In at least one example, Fig.23 As shown, process 2310 depicts a control program or logic configuration for operating surgical instrument 2200 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In at least one example, process 2310 is performed by control circuit 1210 ( Fig.15 2310 is performed by a control circuit 1210 that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform process 2310. In some examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 2310. Although process 2310 is described as being performed by control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 2310 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0253] In addition to the above, the process 2310 includes receiving input indicating end effector information from the RFID scanner 2202 at 2312, receiving input indicating axis information from the RFID scanner 2204 at 2314, and statically adjusting the default maximum threshold 2292 for the firing speed of the surgical instrument 2200 to a final maximum threshold 2298 based on the end effector information and the axis information at 2316. Additionally, in some cases, the process 2310 also includes dynamically adjusting the final maximum threshold 2298 for the firing speed to a new final maximum threshold 2299 based on the slope 2305 of the firing speed curve 2302 at 2318 to account for firing member inertia, as shown in the example of the graph 2290.

[0254] Main references Fig.24, three motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000" are interchangeably used with surgical instrument 5002. Motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000" include motors 5001, 5001', 5001" and gearboxes 5003, 5003', 5003". Even with similar design parameters, motors 5001, 5001', 5001" have different outputs based on winding technology, wire quality, internal component quality and / or magnetic field density. In addition, gearboxes 5003, 5003', 5003" associated with motors 5001, 5001', 5001" also have variable losses and efficiencies based on their materials, lubrication, tolerance stack-ups and manufacturing methods. The impact of these variations is that motor assemblies (such as motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000") may have significantly different efficiencies and outputs for the same applied voltage and current even if produced by a single supplier. In various aspects, surgical instrument 5002 addresses these variations by employing, for example, an RFID system 5004 ( Fig. 27 ) in order to retrieve information associated with motor assembly 5000 that can help surgical instrument 5002 account for motor assembly variations. In various aspects, detection of a motor assembly, such as motor assembly 5000, is only accomplished when surgical instrument 5002 is in an assembled configuration with motor assembly 5000, as described in greater detail below.

[0255] Fig.26 Graph 5009 is a graph having three lines 5011, 5011', 5011" which represent the relationship between the motor torque (NM) on the Y-axis and the motor speed (RPM) on the X-axis of the motors 5001, 5001', 5001", respectively. The lines 5011, 5011', 5011" illustrate the variations that exist between interchangeable motors. The lines 5011, 5011', 5011" intersect the Y-axis at different points representing the motor stall torque 5015 and intersect the X-axis at different points representing the no-load speed 5017. Graph 5009 also shows the speed of the motor at maximum suitable power. In various aspects, as described in more detail below, the control circuit 1210 can use information extracted from the relationship represented by lines 5011, 5011', 5011" to adjust one or more operating parameters of the motor, select a control algorithm, and / or adjust a default control algorithm to ensure delivery of a predictable output from the motor assembly 5000, 5000', 5000".

[0256] Still see Fig.24, surgical instrument 5002 includes a housing assembly 5006 having a motor assembly compartment 5007, which is configured to interchangeably receive motor assemblies (such as motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000") and to be releasably connected to these motor assemblies. For the sake of brevity, the following description of the interaction between surgical instrument 5002 and the motor assembly will focus on motor assembly 5000. However, the following description is equally applicable to other suitable motor assemblies, such as motor assembly 5000'. Although housing assembly 5006 is depicted in the form of a handle, this is not limiting. In various embodiments, housing assembly 100 can be, for example, a component of a robotic system.

[0257] Surgical instrument 5002 is similar in many respects to other surgical instruments described elsewhere herein, such as surgical instruments 100, 1100. For example, surgical instrument 5002 includes a shaft 5008 extending distally from housing assembly 5006 and an end effector 5019 extending distally from shaft 5008. Various end effectors suitable for use with surgical instrument 5002, such as a circular stapler end effector including anvil 400 and stapling head assembly 300, are described elsewhere in this disclosure and / or in other disclosures incorporated by reference into this disclosure.

[0258] The motor assembly 5000 is movable relative to the housing assembly 5006 between an assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration with the housing assembly 500. Various suitable electrical connectors may be used to connect the power source 5014 in the housing assembly 5006 to the motor assembly 5000 to power the motor 5001 in the assembled configuration. In addition, various suitable mechanical connectors may be used to operably transmit the motion generated by the motor 5001 from the gear box 5003 to the end effector to process tissue grasped by the end effector.

[0259] U.S. Patent No. 9,504,520, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MODULAR MOTOR,” issued on November 29, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes several mechanical and electrical connectors suitable for use with a surgical instrument 5002 and a motor assembly 5000. In at least one example, the motor assembly 5000 includes a body 5010, a base 5011, and, for example, a pair of pogo pins configured to deliver power to a motor 5001 housed within the body 5010. The pogo pins may engage a plurality of wires in a housing assembly 5006 that are coupled to a power source 5014. In various aspects, the motor assembly 5000 is secured or retained within or at least partially within a motor assembly compartment 5007 of the housing assembly 5006 by a latch member, clamp, clamp, hold-down member, or the like. When the motor assembly 5000 is inserted into the motor assembly compartment 5007, the mechanical and electrical connectors of the motor assembly 5000 are connected through the electromechanical interface 5023 ( Fig. 27 ) are connected to corresponding structures within the housing assembly 5006 to form an assembled configuration.

[0260] See also Fig. 27 , the RFID system 5004 includes an RFID scanner 5022 and an RFID tag 5021 that can be detected by the RFID scanner in an assembled configuration. In various aspects, the RFID scanner 5022 is configured to be able to read and / or write to the RFID tag 5021 in an assembled configuration. Fig. 27 In the example shown, the RFID scanner 5022 has a detection range defined by the distance “d.” When the motor assembly 5000 and the housing assembly 5006 are in an assembled configuration, the RFID tag 5021 is at or within the detection range defined by the distance “d.”

[0261] Still see Fig. 27 , the RFID scanner 5022 is coupled to the control circuit 1210, which includes a microcontroller having a processor 1214 and a storage medium (such as a memory 1212), as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The RFID tag 5021 stores information indicative of the motor assembly 5000, which is read by the RFID scanner 5022 when the motor assembly 5000 is held in the assembled configuration by the motor assembly compartment 5007.

[0262] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 receives input indicating motor component information from the RFID scanner 5022 and adjusts one or more operating parameters of the motor 5001 based on the motor component information. The control circuit 1210 can employ the motor driver 5018 to perform the parameter adjustment. Fig. 27 In the example shown, the motor driver 5018 is positioned within the housing assembly 5006 and interfaces with the motor 5001 in the assembled configuration via the electromechanical interface 5023. In other examples, the motor driver 5018 is part of the motor assembly 5000 and is configured to interface with the control circuit 1210 via the electromechanical interface 5023.

[0263] See also Fig.28 , the processor 1214 of the control circuit 1210 can be configured to select a control algorithm for the surgical instrument 5002 based on the motor assembly information retrieved from the RFID tag 5021 by the RFID scanner 5022. The control algorithm can be stored in the memory 1214 in the form of, for example, a database or lookup table 5030. Alternatively or in addition, the motor assembly information of the motor assembly can include a control algorithm recommended for use with the motor assembly.

[0264] In various examples, the motor assembly information of the motor assembly 5000 includes, for example, one or more of identification information, manufacturer information, and specific tolerances of, for example, the motor 5001 and / or the gearbox 5003. The motor assembly information may include a model number, batch number, manufacturing date, and / or any other relevant information.

[0265] exist Fig.28 In the example shown, each row represents a control algorithm associated with a motor assembly, and the processor 1214 can select a control algorithm based on the retrieved motor assembly information. The values ​​in the outer left column are based on the indicated motor assemblies MA1 to MA2 from the RFID scanner 5022. n In at least one example, the values ​​in the outer left column may be motor assembly identification numbers or model numbers. The middle column includes information related to motor assemblies MA1 to MA2. n The values ​​of motor speed, inertia / dynamic braking, stroke length, current limit / force limit associated with each motor assembly in the right column represent the appropriate voltage and discharge values ​​of the power source 5014, which is configured to be able to power the motor assemblies MA1 to MA2 when connected to the surgical instrument 5002. n powered by.

[0266] Still see Figure 5 In various aspects, the control circuit 1210 is configured to employ the RFID system 5004 to retrieve motor assembly information identifying the motor assembly coupled to the surgical instrument 5002. The control circuit 1210 then determines the appropriate voltage and discharge value for the power source 5014 from the lookup table 5030 based on the retrieved motor assembly information.

[0267] In various aspects, the control circuit 1210 employs a formula or calibration factor to adjust, for example, an operating parameter of the motor assembly 5000. The formula or calibration factor may be stored by the RFID tag 5021 and received by the control circuit 1210 via input from the RFID scanner 5022. Alternatively, the formula or calibration factor may be retrieved from a storage medium, such as the memory 1212, based on identification information of a memory component associated with such formula or calibration factor.

[0268] See also Fig.25 , the logic flow diagram of process 5050 depicts a control program or logic configuration for adjusting operating parameters of, for example, motor 5001 of surgical instrument 5002. In at least one example, process 5050 is performed by control circuit 1210 ( Fig. 27 ) is executed by a control circuit that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform process 5050. In some examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 5050. Although process 5050 is described as being performed by control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 5050 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0269] In various aspects, the process 5050 includes reading the internal component identification information from the RFID tag 5021 by, for example, an RFID scanner 5022 at 5051. In at least one example, the internal component is the motor assembly 5000, the motor 5001, the gearbox 5003, or the power source 5014. The process 5050 further determines whether the algorithm adjustment parameters are included with the internal component identification information at 5052. If so, the process 5050 adjusts the control algorithm associated with the internal component according to the received algorithm adjustment parameters at 5053. If the algorithm adjustment parameters are included, the process 5050 uses the internal component identification information to retrieve the algorithm adjustment parameters at 5054, or selects a control algorithm suitable for the internal component based on the internal component identification information and a database or lookup table of corresponding algorithm adjustment parameters or control algorithms.

[0270] Many surgical instruments utilize batteries to provide the power required to operate the surgical instrument. Such batteries may include, for example, primary / non-rechargeable batteries (such as alkaline batteries or lithium batteries) or secondary / rechargeable batteries (such as nickel metal hydride batteries or lithium ion batteries). Different types of batteries may have different materials, chemistries, sizes, electrical characteristics (e.g., nominal voltage, discharge rate, etc.), discharge efficiency, and cost. The type of battery used in a given surgical instrument is typically selected based on a variety of factors such as disposable versus rechargeable, size, output characteristics, and cost, among others.

[0271] As battery technology continues to advance, different battery chemistries continue to evolve with different capacities, output characteristics, etc. It is now conceivable that different battery packs with different capabilities and manufactured by different manufacturers may be used with a given surgical instrument at different times throughout the life of the given surgical instrument. In such cases, it is desirable for a given surgical instrument to be able to distinguish between different batteries in order to optimize the performance of the surgical instrument.

[0272] It is also now contemplated that a given battery may be utilized to power different surgical instruments at different times throughout the useful life of a given battery, wherein the power requirements of the different surgical instruments may vary. Therefore, in order to match the capabilities of a battery to the power requirements of a given surgical instrument, it is desirable that the battery be able to distinguish between different surgical instruments and be able to adjust the electrical characteristics of the battery as needed.

[0273] Fig.29 A partial perspective view of a surgical instrument 3000 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Surgical instrument 3000 is similar to surgical circular stapling instrument 10 described above and includes a housing assembly 3002, a shaft assembly 3004, a stapling head assembly (not shown), and an anvil (not shown), wherein housing assembly 3002 is similar or identical to housing assembly 100, shaft assembly 3004 is similar or identical to shaft assembly 200, stapling head assembly (not shown) is similar or identical to stapling head assembly 300, and anvil (not shown) is similar or identical to anvil 400. Fig.29 As shown, the surgical instrument 3000 is also configured to receive a battery 3006. In some aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 also includes a battery 3006. Fig.29 Although not shown for clarity, the surgical instrument also includes an electric motor 3008 similar or identical to motor 160 (see Fig.30). The electric motor 3008 can be coupled to the battery 3006 and is configured to move the anvil toward the staple head assembly to grasp tissue between the anvil and the staple head assembly and to fire the staples of the staple head assembly into the grasped tissue. Although the surgical instrument 3000 is shown as a circular stapler, it should be understood that according to other aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 can be a linear stapler or other electric surgical instrument. In various aspects, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is similar to the surgical instrument 2200 in many aspects and can be composed of Fig.18 One or more of the interchangeable components of the surgical instrument 2200 are shown assembled.

[0274] The battery 3006 can be any suitable type of battery and can include any suitable number of cells. For example, according to various aspects, the battery 3006 can include a lithium battery (such as a lithium manganese oxide (Li-MnO2) or a CR123 battery), a lithium ion battery (such as a 15270 battery), an alkaline battery (such as a manganese oxide (MnO2) battery), a nickel metal hydride battery, etc. In at least one aspect, the battery 3006 is in the form of a battery pack including a plurality of cells. For the sake of brevity, the battery 3006 will be referred to as the battery pack 3006 hereinafter. The battery pack 3006 is similar to the battery pack 120, but differs in that the battery pack 3006 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 3010 located within the battery pack 3006. The RFID tag 3010 stores information related to the battery pack 3006 and such information may include, for example, a battery identification number, the manufacturer / brand of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, the chemistry / type of the batteries in the battery pack 3006 (lithium, lithium ion, etc.), whether the type of batteries in the battery pack 3006 is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the capacity of the battery pack 3006, the nominal voltage of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, the current consumption characteristics of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, other output characteristics of the battery pack 3006, etc. The size of the RFID tag 3010 is very compact (e.g., 13 square millimeters or less), thereby allowing the RFID tag 3010 to be incorporated into the battery pack 3006 without unduly increasing the overall size of the battery pack 3006. According to various aspects, the RFID tag 3010 may be similar to the small RFID tag described in U.S. Patent No. 9,171,244.

[0275] The surgical instrument 3000 differs from the surgical circular stapling instrument 10 in that the surgical instrument 3000 also includes an RFID scanner 3012. The RFID scanner 3012 is positioned within the housing assembly 3002 and is configured to read information stored at the RFID tag 3010, wherein the stored information is associated with the battery pack 3006. The RFID scanner 3012 is also configured to transmit data indicating the read information to the control circuit 3014 of the surgical instrument 3000 (see Fig.30 ) for processing. The RFID tag 3010 and the RFID scanner 3012 cooperate to collectively allow the surgical instrument 3000 to identify the battery pack 3006 and determine whether the battery pack 3006 is suitable for use with the surgical instrument 3000.

[0276] like Fig.29 As shown, the RFID scanner 3012 is positioned at the battery interface 3013 of the housing assembly 3002. The RFID tag 3010 is configured to be detectable by the RFID scanner 3012 in an assembled or at least partially assembled configuration of the battery 3006 and the housing assembly 3002. The method eliminates the need for a separate scanning step by bundling the detection of the RFID tag 3010 by the RFID scanner 3012 to the assembly of the battery 3006 and the housing assembly 3002. It also ensures that the battery 3006 detected is the battery that is ultimately assembled with the housing assembly 3002. In various aspects, the detection range of the RFID scanner 3012 is limited so that it can only detect the corresponding RFID tag 3010 in the assembled or at least partially assembled configuration of the battery 3006 and the housing assembly 3002.

[0277] Similarly, RFID tag 3032 is positioned at battery interface 3013 of housing assembly 3002. RFID tag 3032 is configured to be detectable by RFID scanner 3034 in an assembled or at least partially assembled configuration of battery 3006 and housing assembly 3002. In various aspects, the detection range of RFID scanner 3034 is limited such that it can only detect the corresponding RFID tag 3032 in an assembled or at least partially assembled configuration of battery 3006 and housing assembly 3002.

[0278] In various aspects, such as Fig.29 As shown, RFID scanner 3034 and RFID tag 3010 are configured to be aligned with RFID tag 3032 and RFID scanner 3012, respectively, in the assembled configuration. Once the alignment is achieved, RFID tag 3010 is brought within the detection range of RFID scanner 3012, and RFID tag 3032 is brought within the detection range of RFID scanner 3034.

[0279] Fig.30A control circuit 3014 of a surgical instrument 3000 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The control circuit 3014 is communicatively connected to the RFID scanner 3012 and is similar to the control circuit 1210 in that the control circuit 3014 includes a processor 3016 and a storage medium (such as a memory 3018). The memory 3018 stores program instructions for performing various processes such as determining whether the battery pack 3006 is suitable for use with the surgical instrument 3000 (e.g., battery compatibility verification). The program instructions, when executed by the processor 3016, cause the processor 3016 to verify the compatibility of the battery pack 3006 with the surgical instrument 3000 by comparing information received from the RFID tag 3010 with information stored in the memory 3018. The information stored at the memory 3018 may be in the form of, for example, a compatibility database or lookup table that includes information about identification information of batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000, output characteristics of batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000, and the like. According to various aspects, the control circuit 3014 can be communicatively connected to the surgical instrument 3000 and / or other processors and / or memories of the surgical hub system, and the functions of the control circuit 3014 can be implemented using the surgical instrument 3000 and / or other processors and / or memories of the surgical hub system. The surgical hub system is described in U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 209,395, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION," filed on December 4, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0280] Fig.31 A logic flow diagram of a process 3020 is shown that depicts a control program or logic configuration for operating a surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the process 3020 is performed by a control circuit 3014. In some examples, a set of computer executable instructions stored in a memory 3018 of the control circuit 3014 may cause a processor 3016 of the control circuit 3014 to perform the discrete operations of the process 3020. Although the process 3020 is described in the context of being performed by the control circuit 3014, it should be understood that the process 3020 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0281] like Fig.31As shown, process 3020 includes detecting battery information of RFID tag 3010 via RFID scanner 3012 at 3022. In various aspects, RFID scanner 3012 can perform this detection whenever battery pack 3006 is brought into close proximity with surgical instrument 3000. In other cases, RFID scanner 3012 performs this detection after battery pack 3006 is inserted into housing assembly 3002 of surgical instrument 3000. RFID scanner 3012 then transmits data indicating the detected battery information of RFID tag 3010 to control circuit 3014 at 3024. Communication of data can be achieved by wired communication or wireless communication. Processor 3016 of control circuit 3014 then checks / compares the transmitted data against a battery / surgical instrument compatibility database or lookup table that can be stored in memory 3018 of control circuit 3014 at 3026. If the check / comparison 3026 produces a match 3029, the processor 3016 determines at 3028 that the battery pack 3006 is suitable for use with the surgical instrument 3000, and a visual or audible indicator (such as a light emitting diode or a speaker) may alert the user of the surgical instrument 3000 of the compatibility. However, if the check / comparison 3026 does not produce a match 3029, the processor 3016 determines at 3030 that the battery pack 3006 is not suitable for use with the surgical instrument 3000, and a visual or audible indicator (such as a light emitting diode or a speaker) may alert the user of the surgical instrument 3000 of the incompatibility. Additionally, in at least one aspect, when the processor 3016 determines that the battery pack 3006 is not compatible with the surgical instrument 3000, the processor 3016 may transmit a signal or instruction that operates to cause one or more functions of the surgical instrument 3000 to be electrically locked out (e.g., by preventing power from being applied to the electric motor 3008 of the surgical instrument 3000). Although process 3020 is described in the context of a given battery pack 3006, it should be understood that the above process 3020 may be repeated any number of times for any number of different battery packs.

[0282] return Fig.29In at least one aspect, surgical instrument 3000 further includes an RFID tag 3032 positioned within housing assembly 3002, and battery pack 3006 further includes an RFID scanner 3034 positioned within battery pack 3006. RFID tag 3032 is similar to RFID tag 3010 and stores information related to surgical instrument 3000. Such information may include, for example, a surgical instrument identification number, the manufacturer / brand of the surgical instrument, the type of surgical instrument (circular stapler, linear stapler, grasper, etc.), the type of motor in the surgical device (brushed, brushless), the performance capabilities of the surgical instrument, a control algorithm resident at the surgical instrument, etc. RFID scanner 3034 is similar to RFID scanner 3012 and is configured to read information stored at RFID tag 3032, wherein the stored information is related to surgical instrument 3000, and transmit data indicative of the read information to control circuitry 3040 of battery pack 3006 (see Fig.32 ) for processing. The RFID tag 3032 and the RFID scanner 3034 together allow the battery pack 3006 to identify the surgical instrument 3000 and verify that the surgical instrument 3000 is suitable for use with the battery pack 3006.

[0283] Fig.32 A control circuit 3040 of a battery pack 3006 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The control circuit 3040 is communicatively connected to the RFID scanner 3034 and is similar to the control circuit 3014 in that the control circuit 3040 includes a processor 3042 and a storage medium (such as a memory 3044). The memory 3044 stores program instructions for performing various processes such as determining whether the surgical instrument 3000 is suitable for use with the battery pack 3006 (e.g., surgical instrument compatibility verification). The program instructions, when executed by the processor 3042, cause the processor 3044 to verify the compatibility of the surgical instrument 3000 with the battery pack 3006 by comparing information received from the RFID tag 3032 with information stored in the memory 3044. The information stored in the memory 3044 may be in the form of, for example, a compatibility database or lookup table that includes information about identification information of various surgical instruments, power requirements of various surgical instruments, performance parameters of various surgical instruments, etc. The process performed by the control circuit 3040 to verify the compatibility of the surgical instrument 3000 and the battery pack 3006 is similar to the process 3020 used by the control circuit 3014 to verify the compatibility of the battery pack 3006 and the surgical instrument 3000. For example, when the processor 3042 determines that the surgical instrument 3000 is not compatible with the battery pack 3006, the processor 3042 may transmit a signal or instruction that operates to electrically lock out the battery pack 3006 and prevent the battery pack 3006 from providing power to the surgical instrument 3000.

[0284] In view of the above aspects, it should be understood that a plurality of different batteries may be compatible with surgical instrument 3000. In other words, surgical instrument 3000 may be compatible with a plurality of different batteries. When surgical instrument 3000 includes RFID scanner 3012 and RFID tag 3032 and various batteries include RFID tags and RFID scanners having functions similar to or the same as those of RFID tag 3010 and RFID scanner 3034, surgical instrument 3000 may identify a plurality of different batteries and determine the compatibility of each of those batteries with surgical instrument 3000. Similarly, when battery pack 3006 includes RFID tag 3010 and RFID scanner 3034 and various surgical instruments include RFID tags and RFID scanners having functions similar to or the same as those of RFID tag 3032 and RFID scanner 3032, battery pack 3006 may identify a plurality of different surgical instruments and determine the compatibility of each of those surgical instruments with battery pack 3006.

[0285] Fig.33 Compatibility of a surgical instrument 3000 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure with a plurality of different battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c is shown. Battery pack 3006a includes an RFID tag 3010a and an RFID scanner 3034a positioned therein, battery pack 3006b includes an RFID tag 3010b and an RFID scanner 3034b positioned therein, and battery pack 3006c includes an RFID tag 3010c and an RFID scanner 3034c positioned therein. According to various aspects, battery pack 3006a includes CR123 / lithium batteries, battery pack 3006b includes 15270 / lithium ion batteries, and battery pack 3006c includes batteries other than lithium batteries or lithium ion batteries. When any of the battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c is in proximity to or received by a surgical instrument 3000 as described above, the corresponding RFID tag / RFID scanner pair allows (1) the surgical instrument 3000 to identify the applicable battery pack 3006a, 3006b, 3006c and determine whether the applicable battery pack 3006a, 3006b, 3006c is compatible / suitable for use with the surgical instrument 3000, and (2) any of the battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c to identify the surgical instrument 3000 and determine whether the surgical instrument 3000 is compatible / suitable for use with the applicable battery pack 3006a, 3006b, 3006c.

[0286] Different batteries may have different chemistries, different capacities, different output characteristics, different operating capabilities, etc., and different surgical instruments may have different power requirements. Fig.34 A graph 3050 is shown that illustrates various motor torque / speed / current relationships for a surgical instrument 3000 when powered by different battery packs in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3050, units of speed (or current) are shown along vertical axis 3052 and units of torque are shown along horizontal axis 3054. Solid line 3056 represents the torque-speed relationship for a lithium-ion / 15270 battery, where the left end of solid line 3056 represents the no-load speed and the right end of solid line 3056 represents the stall torque. Solid line 3058 represents the torque-speed relationship for a lithium / CR-123 battery, where the left end of solid line 3058 represents the no-load speed and the right end of solid line 3058 represents the stall torque. In general, torque is inversely proportional to the speed of the output shaft of the electric motor 3008 of the surgical instrument 3000. In other words, the greater the speed, the lower the torque (or the greater the torque, the lower the speed).

[0287] Dashed line 3060 represents the current consumed from a lithium ion / 15270 battery, where the left end of dashed line 3060 represents the no-load current and the right end of dashed line 3060 represents the stall current. Dashed line 3062 represents the current consumed from a lithium / CR-123 battery, where the left end of dashed line 3062 represents the no-load current and the right end of dashed line 3062 represents the stall current. For both batteries, the no-load current is greater than zero because a certain amount of current is required to overcome the internal friction of the electric motor 3008. Generally speaking, when an external load is applied, the current consumed from the corresponding battery increases to produce the torque required to match it (torque is proportional to the applied current) and reduce the speed of the electric motor 3008. As the external load increases further, the speed of the electric motor 3008 decreases further, eventually reaching a stall. In view of the above, it should be understood that the motor torque / speed / current relationship can change significantly based on the specific battery pack used to power the surgical instrument 3000.

[0288] Fig.35A bar graph 3070 is shown showing various energy densities of different battery packs that can be used with surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The respective energy densities represent the amount of energy stored in the different battery packs per unit mass. With respect to graph 3070, Watt-hours per kilogram of mass (Wh / Kg) are shown along vertical axis 3072 and the different battery packs are shown along horizontal axis 3074. Bar 3076 representing the energy density of a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery is shown as approximately 80Wh / Kg, bar 3078 representing the energy density of a lithium ion rechargeable battery is shown as approximately 160Wh / Kg, bar 3080 representing the energy density of an alkaline manganese oxide (MnO2) battery is shown as approximately 205Wh / Kg, and bar 3082 representing the energy density of a primary / disposable lithium battery is shown as approximately 400Wh / Kg. In view of the above, it should be understood that the energy density of various battery packs that may be used with surgical instrument 3000 may vary significantly.

[0289] Fig.36A bar graph 3090 is shown showing actual energy density compared to the rated energy density for different battery packs that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3090, Watt-hours per kilogram of mass (Wh / Kg) are shown along the vertical axis 3092 and the different battery packs are shown along the horizontal axis 3094. For each different type of battery, the actual energy density is less than the rated energy density. In some cases such as nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries or lithium ion rechargeable batteries, the actual energy density is only about 15% to 20% less than the rated energy density. For primary / disposable lithium batteries, the actual energy density is about 30% less than the rated energy density. For alkaline manganese oxide (MnO2) batteries, the actual energy density is about 75% less than the rated energy density. More specifically, for a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, a bar 3096 representing a rated energy density is shown as approximately 75Wh / Kg and a bar 3098 representing an actual energy density is shown as approximately 60Wh / Kg. For a primary / disposable lithium ion battery, a bar 3100 representing a rated energy density is shown as approximately 140Wh / Kg and a bar 3102 representing an actual energy density is shown as approximately 120Wh / Kg. For an alkaline manganese oxide (MnO2) battery, a bar 3104 representing a rated energy density is shown as approximately 210Wh / Kg and a bar 3106 representing an actual energy density is shown as approximately 50Wh / Kg. For a primary / disposable lithium battery, a bar 3108 representing a rated energy density is shown as approximately 250Wh / Kg and a bar 3110 representing an actual energy density is shown as approximately 170Wh / Kg. In view of the above, it should be understood that the calculated / rated energy density of a given battery that may be used with the surgical instrument 3000 may vary significantly.

[0290] Fig.37A bar graph 3111 is shown that illustrates the nominal voltages of different battery packs that may be used with the surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to the graph 3111, the units of cell voltage (V) are shown along the vertical axis 3112 and the different battery packs are shown along the horizontal axis 3114. With respect to a primary / disposable lithium battery, a bar 3116 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown as approximately 3.0 volts. With respect to a silver oxide battery, a bar 3118 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown as approximately 1.6 volts. With respect to an alkaline manganese oxide (MnO2) battery, a bar 3120 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown as approximately 1.5 volts. With respect to a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, a bar 3122 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown as approximately 1.3 volts. With respect to a lithium ion rechargeable battery, a bar 3124 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown as approximately 3.8 volts. In view of the above, it should be understood that the nominal voltages of different battery cells that may be used with the surgical instrument 3000 may vary significantly.

[0291] Different brands of batteries, which may be manufactured by different companies, may have different capacities (e.g., amp-hours) for a given discharge rate (e.g., current / hour). For example, different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries may have different capacities for a given discharge rate. The different capacities of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries for given discharge rates are set forth in Table B1 below, where the corresponding discharge currents will discharge the corresponding batteries in one hour.

[0292] Table B1

[0293]

[0294]

[0295] As shown in Table B1, the capacity of the battery can change based on the discharge current. For example, for Autec batteries, the capacity is shown in Table B1 as 0.616 amp-hours at a discharge current of 100 mA, 0.688 amp-hours at a discharge current of 700 mA, 0.439 amp-hours at a discharge current of 1500 mA, and 0.625 amp-hours at a discharge current of 2200 mA. Also as shown in Table B1, at a discharge current of 700 mA, the capacity of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries can vary from a low of 0.688 amp-hours for Autec batteries to a high of 1.260 amp-hours for Panasonic batteries. At a discharge current of 1500 mA, the capacity of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries can vary from a low of 0.439 amp-hours for the Autek brand to a high of 0.801 amp-hours for the PowPower brand. At a discharge current of 2200 mA, the capacity of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries can vary from a low of 0.543 amp-hours for the Maxell brand to a high of 0.817 amp-hours for the PowPower brand. In view of the above, it should be understood that the capacity of different batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly based on both the manufacturer / brand of the battery and the discharge current of the battery.

[0296] Fig.38 A graph 3130 is shown that illustrates discharge curves for different CR123A / CR17335 batteries that may be used with the surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3130, units of voltage (volts) are shown along vertical axis 3132, units of energy charge in ampere-hours (ampere-hours) are shown along horizontal axis 3134, and corresponding discharge curves for different brands of batteries are labeled with the two-letter codes listed in Table B1 (e.g., AU, DC, EI, MX, PS, PW, PP, SY, TE). The corresponding discharge curves correspond to different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries listed in Table B1 and are based on a discharge current of 1500 mA. As shown in FIG. Fig.38As shown, each brand of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries may have its own characteristic nominal voltage and its own characteristic discharge curve. In other words, each brand of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries may provide different voltages for different amounts of time. For example, the Autech battery (Au) is shown as providing 0.3 amp-hours of energy charge before its voltage drops to 2.0 volts, while the PowPower battery (PP) is shown as providing approximately 0.8 amp-hours of energy charge before its voltage drops to 2.0 volts. In view of the above, it should be understood that the energy charge provided by different batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

[0297] Fig.39 A graph 3140 is shown that illustrates a discharge curve 3142 of a lithium-ion battery that may be used with surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3140, units of voltage (volts) are shown along vertical axis 3144 and units of capacity (Ah) are shown along horizontal axis 3146. Fig.39 As shown, the nominal voltage of the lithium-ion battery is approximately 4.3 volts, and the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least approximately 3.75 volts until the lithium-ion battery has released approximately 5.0 Ah of its capacity, whereupon the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery drops significantly until the lithium-ion battery has fully released approximately 5.5 Ah of its capacity.

[0298] The discharge rate of a given battery can vary with temperature, sometimes significantly. Fig.40 A graph 3150 is shown that illustrates different discharge curves for different temperatures of a lithium-ion battery that may be used with surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3150, units of voltage (volts) are shown along vertical axis 3152, units of capacity (Ah) are shown along horizontal axis 3154, and the discharge current is 1100 mA, which is equal to the C / 5 rate for the lithium-ion battery. The C rate is a measure of the rate at which a battery is discharged relative to its maximum capacity. As shown in FIG. Fig.40As shown, for the discharge curve 3156 representing the discharge curve of the lithium-ion battery at -40°C, the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.0 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged a capacity of about 2.0 Ah, and then provides a voltage slightly lower than 3.0 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged a capacity of about 3.5 Ah, and then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to drop significantly thereafter. For the discharge curve 3158 representing the discharge curve of the lithium-ion battery at -30°C, the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.0 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged a capacity of about 4.1 Ah, and then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to drop significantly thereafter. For the discharge curve 3160 representing the discharge curve of the lithium-ion battery at 20°C, the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.8 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged a capacity of about 4.8 Ah, and then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to drop significantly thereafter. For discharge curve 3162 representing the discharge curve of the lithium ion battery at 60° C., the lithium ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.80 volts until the lithium ion battery has discharged approximately 4.5 Ah of capacity, and then the voltage provided by the lithium ion battery begins to drop significantly thereafter. In view of the above, it should be understood that the discharge rate of a given lithium ion battery does not change linearly with temperature, and that too cold or too hot temperatures can negatively impact the performance of the lithium ion battery.

[0299] The energy capacity of a given battery may vary based on the battery discharge rate. Fig.41 A graph 3170 is shown that illustrates different discharge curves for different discharge rates of a CR123 battery that may be used with surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3170, units of voltage (volts) are shown along vertical axis 3172, units of power in watt-hours (Wh) are shown along horizontal axis 3174, and the CR123 battery is a Panasonic lithium battery. As shown in discharge curve 3176, for a discharge current of 3.0 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 1.2 Wh. As shown in discharge curve 3178, for a discharge current of 2.0 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 2.3 Wh. As shown in discharge curve 3180, for a discharge current of 1.0 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 3.2 Wh. As shown in discharge curve 3182, for a discharge current of 0.5 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 3.7 Wh. As shown in discharge curve 3184, for a discharge current of 0.2 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 4.1 Wh. As shown in discharge curve 3186, for a discharge current of 0.1 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 4.25 Wh. In view of the above, it should be understood that, in general, the lower the discharge current, the greater the energy capacity of the CR123 battery. In other words, in general, the higher the discharge current, the lower the energy capacity of the CR123 battery.

[0300] Fig.42 Various operational differences between a non-smart battery 3190, a smart battery 3192, and an adaptive surgical instrument 3194 are shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In various aspects, the battery pack 3006 can be configured as a non-smart battery 3190. In the case of the non-smart battery 3190, an RFID tag of the non-smart battery 3190 is energized at 3196 when the non-smart battery 3190 is brought into proximity with or received by a surgical instrument (e.g., surgical instrument 3000), and the non-smart battery 3190 then transmits battery identification information to an RFID scanner of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can then utilize the battery identification information as described above to verify the compatibility of the non-smart battery 3190 with the surgical instrument.

[0301] In various aspects, the battery pack 3006 can be configured as a smart battery 3192. The smart battery 3192 is configured to be able to read the identification information of the surgical instrument at 3198, determine / verify at 3200 whether the identified surgical instrument is suitable for use with the smart battery 3192, adjust the output characteristics of the smart battery 3192 as needed to achieve appropriate performance of the identified surgical instrument at 3202, energize the output of the smart battery 3192 at 3204, and then provide the expected battery identification information to the identified surgical instrument at 3206 so that the identified surgical instrument is aware that it is being powered by a known compatible battery. In this way, newer and smarter batteries that are not necessarily identified in the compatibility database / lookup table of the identified surgical instrument can still be allowed to power the identified surgical instrument. As described in more detail below, the smart battery 3192 can emulate the performance of a known compatible battery.

[0302] In various aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 can be configured as an adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the case of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is powered on at 3208, reads battery identification information provided by a battery (such as a smart battery 3192 or a non-smart battery 3190) when the battery is brought into proximity with or received by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 at 3210, determines / verifies whether the identified battery is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 at 3212, and then adjusts the operation (e.g., motor operation, operational control parameters, etc.) of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 based on the received battery identification information at 3214. For example, in various aspects, the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can vary depending on whether the identified battery is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the chemical composition of the identified battery (e.g., nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, alkaline manganese oxide, lithium, etc.), and / or the output capacity of the identified battery. In this way, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can utilize a much wider variety of different batteries than would otherwise be possible.

[0303] For a given battery pack, the relationship between the voltage potential of the battery pack and the current drawn from the battery pack is given by the formula V=IR, where V is the voltage of the battery pack, I is the current drawn from the battery pack, and R is the resistance of the load connected to the battery pack. Because different battery packs can have different voltage potentials and different internal resistances, the current drawn from the battery pack when powering a given surgical instrument can vary from battery pack to battery pack. Voltage and current values ​​for various resistances for two different battery packs, one of which includes four CR123A batteries and one of which includes four 15270 batteries, are shown in Table B2 below.

[0304] Table B2

[0305] Battery Resistance Voltage Current CR123A 1.5 ohm 7.5 volts 5.0 amps 15270 1.68 ohm 15.0 volts 8.9 amps

[0306] Fig.43 A graph 3220 is shown illustrating output current capabilities of different battery packs when used with adaptive surgical instrument 3194 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3220, units of current I (amperes) are shown along vertical axis 3222 and units of time are shown along horizontal axis 3224. Fig.43As shown, the current output 3226 from a standard CR-123 battery pack (e.g., 4 cells) may average approximately 5.0 amps between times X and Y, and the current output 3228 from a standard 15270 battery may average approximately 8.9 amps between times X and Z. By utilizing the RFID capabilities described above, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may cause the current drawn from the standard 15270 battery pack at 3230 to mimic the current that would be drawn from a standard CR-123 battery pack. In various aspects, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may achieve this by adjusting the speed control algorithm of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 to reduce the speed of the electric motor 3008, increasing the resistance seen by the 15270 battery pack using a voltage divider, etc. to cause the 15270 battery pack to adjust its current output to effectively mimic the current output of a standard CR-123 battery pack. For example, according to various aspects, a processor of a control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may transmit instructions that operate to adjust the speed control algorithm of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 or operate by using, for example, a voltage divider. Since surgical instrument 3000 can be configured as adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the control circuit of adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can be similar or identical to control circuit 1210 and / or control circuit 3014. In the case where the 15270 battery pack is a smart battery pack (e.g., smart battery 3192), adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can transmit instructions to the smart battery pack to operate the same as a CR-123 battery pack.

[0307] Fig.44 A graph 3240 is shown illustrating output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with adaptive surgical instrument 3194 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3240, units of voltage (volts) are shown along vertical axis 3242 and units of capacity in ampere-hours (ampere-hours) are shown along horizontal axis 3244. Fig.44As shown, the voltage output 3246 from a standard CR-123 battery pack discharged at a rate of 1.25 amps per hour may average about 7.0 volts during the time the standard CR-123 battery pack has been discharged from about 0.05 amp-hours to about 0.4 amp-hours, and the voltage output 3248 from a standard 15270 battery pack may average about 14.0 volts during the time the standard 15270 battery pack has been discharged from about 0.08 amp-hours to about 0.5 amp-hours. By utilizing the RFID capability described above, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may cause the voltage provided by the standard 15270 battery pack to mimic the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack at 3250. In various aspects, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can achieve this by adjusting the speed control algorithm of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 to reduce the speed of the electric motor 3008, increase the resistance seen by the 15270 battery pack, etc. so that the 15270 battery pack adjusts its voltage output to effectively simulate the voltage output of a standard CR-123 battery pack. In the case where the 15270 battery pack is a smart battery pack (e.g., smart battery 3192), the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can transmit instructions to the smart battery pack to operate like a CR-123 battery pack. In at least one example, a voltage divider can be used to adjust the voltage output of the battery pack.

[0308] Fig.45 A graph 3260 is shown that illustrates the output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with adaptive surgical instrument 3194 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. With respect to graph 3260, units of voltage (volts) are shown along vertical axis 3262 and units of power in watt-hours (watt-hours) are shown along horizontal axis 3264. Graph 3260 is similar to graph 3240, but differs in that units of power are shown along horizontal axis 3264. Fig.45 As shown, the voltage output 3266 from the standard CR-123 battery pack may average approximately 7.15 volts during the time when the standard CR-123 battery pack has provided approximately 0.25 watt-hours of power to the time when the standard CR-123 battery pack has provided approximately 3.2 watt-hours of power. During this time period, the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack is both predictable and stable. Therefore, when the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 utilizes the above-mentioned RFID capability to cause the voltage 3268 provided by the standard 15270 battery pack to simulate the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack at 3261. It can be seen that the "adjusted" voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack is also both predictable and stable during the above-mentioned time period.

[0309] The dimensions of many surgical instruments continue to become smaller and smaller. Despite the reduction in size, many surgical instruments must also accommodate increased loads, higher performance requirements, and higher overstress conditions. In the case of surgical instruments that include radio frequency identification (RFID) technology such as radio frequency identification tags and / or radio frequency identification scanners, in order to meet the requirements of reduced size, the form factors of RFID tags and / or RFID scanners and associated electronic devices continue to become smaller and smaller. These smaller systems may not have the memory overhead, processing power, or capacity (range, power, etc.) required to complete all the tasks that the user wants from the identification system of the surgical instrument. Therefore, in order to provide additional capabilities such as encryption, authentication of multiple components, compatibility verification of multiple components, reprocessing tracking, etc., in various aspects, it may be desirable to utilize encryption / decryption keys external to the surgical instrument and printed or secondary storage data locations to help expand the capabilities and capacity of these smaller, less capable systems.

[0310] return Fig.42 It should be understood that the above-described functionality of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 depends on the RFID tag 3010 of the battery pack 3006 being able to transmit the battery identification information to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and the RFID scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 being able to read the battery identification information provided by the RFID tag 3010 of the battery pack 3006. In certain circumstances, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006. For example, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006 in the event that the RFID tag 3010 of the battery pack 3006 has experienced a failure (e.g., a failure of the integrated circuit chip of the RFID tag 3010, a failure of the electrical connection between the integrated circuit chip of the RFID tag 3010 and the antenna, etc.) such that the RFID tag 3010 fails to transmit the battery identification information. Similarly, in the event that the RFID scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 has experienced a failure (e.g., failure of a wire in the circuit of the RFID scanner 3012, failure of a communication board of the RFID scanner 3012, etc.) such that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to capture, process and / or transmit the battery identification information provided by the battery pack 3006, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006. For such situations, it is desirable to have a secondary / alternative way of determining the compatibility of a given battery pack with a given adaptive surgical instrument.

[0311] Fig.46 According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, Fig.42A battery 3300 for use with an adaptive surgical instrument 3194 of the present invention. Battery 3300 can be any suitable type of battery and can include any suitable number of cells. For the sake of brevity, battery 3300 will be referred to as battery pack 3300 hereinafter. Battery pack 3300 is similar to battery pack 3006 in that battery pack 3300 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 3302, but is different in that battery pack 3300 also includes a quick response (QR) code 3304 and / or a product code 3306 located on an outer surface of battery pack 3300. RFID tag 3302 can be similar or identical to RFID tag 3010.

[0312] The QR code 3304 is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the battery pack 3300. Such information may include, for example, a battery identification number, the manufacturer / brand of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, the chemistry / type of the batteries in the battery pack 3300 (lithium, lithium-ion, etc.), whether the type of batteries in the battery pack 3300 is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the capacity of the battery pack 3300, the nominal voltage of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, the current consumption characteristics of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, other output characteristics of the battery pack 3300, etc. In various aspects, a smartphone, tablet computer, etc. equipped with a camera and a QR code scanner application can be used to read the QR code 3304 from the battery pack 3300.

[0313] Product code 3306 may include any sequence of numbers, letters, symbols, etc. that uniquely identifies battery pack 3300. In some aspects, product code 3306 may be used to assist adaptive surgical instrument 3194 in determining whether battery pack 3300 is suitable for use with adaptive surgical instrument 3194.

[0314] Fig.47 3320, which depicts a control program or logic configuration for operating the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In at least one example, the process 3320 is performed by the control circuit 1210 ( Fig.15) is executed by a control circuit that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform process 3320. In some examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 3320. Although process 3320 is described as being performed by control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 3320 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0315] Process 3320 includes means / methods for determining whether a given battery pack, such as battery pack 3300, is suitable for use with adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For the sake of brevity, process 3320 will be described in the context of its suitability for use with battery pack 3300. Alternative means / methods may be utilized in the following situations: (1) battery pack 3300 is unable to transmit battery identification information to adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or RFID scanner 3012 of adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to read battery identification information provided by RFID tag 3302 of battery pack 3300, and (2) adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to determine / verify compatibility of battery pack 3300 with adaptive surgical instrument 3194.

[0316] like Fig.47As shown, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is powered on at 3322 and then attempts to read the battery identification information provided by the battery pack 3300 at 3324 when the battery pack 3300 is brought into proximity with or received by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the event that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is able to read the battery identification information at 3324, the control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuitry 3014 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or another control circuit) determines / verifies at 3326 whether the identified battery is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and then adjusts the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operational control parameters, etc.) at 3328 based on the received battery identification information, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, in various aspects, the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can be altered depending on whether the identified battery is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the chemistry of the identified battery (e.g., nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, alkaline manganese oxide, lithium, etc.), and / or the output capability of the identified battery. In this way, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can utilize a much wider variety of different batteries than would otherwise be possible. In at least one aspect, in addition to storing information in the form of a compatibility database or lookup table, the memory 3018 of the control circuit 3014 can also store information in the form of an authentication database.

[0317] However, in the event that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to read the battery identification information at 3324 (e.g., due to a failure of the RFID tag 3302 of the battery pack 3300 and / or a failure of the RFID scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194), the battery identification information may be read by the indicator 1209 ( Fig.19 ) provides an indication (such as a visual indication or an audible indication) that notifies the user that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 failed to read the battery identification information at 3324. The user or another party can then enter the QR code 3304 and / or product code 3306 of the battery pack 3300 into the server at 3330. In at least one aspect, the smart phone, tablet computer, etc. used to capture the QR code 3304 can transmit the QR code 3304 to the server via a wired or wireless connection. The transmission of the QR code 3304 to the server can be an encrypted communication, just like the communication between the battery pack 3300 and the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. The server can be any suitable server, such as a server of a surgical hub system. An example of a surgical hub system is described in U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 209,395, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION," filed on December 4, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0318] The server is configured to compare the battery identification information provided by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 with the database / table to determine the authenticity of the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 at 3332. In the event that the server determines that the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 has been authenticated, the server may generate a temporary override token at 3334, transmit the temporary override token to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 via a wired or wireless connection, wherein the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuit 3014 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or another control circuit) utilizes the temporary override token as a substitute for the unread battery identification information. The transmission of the temporary override token to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may be an encrypted communication. The temporary override token is effectively used to override a lockout of the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 that may occur when the battery pack 3300 is not authenticated by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In at least one aspect, the lockout operation is initiated and / or performed by the control circuit 3014. In the event that the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 is not authenticated, an indication (such as a visual indication or an audible indication) may be provided via the indicator 1209 that notifies the user that the battery pack 3300 was not authenticated.

[0319] With the temporary override token in place, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may then determine / verify at 3326 whether the identified battery pack 3300 is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, as described above. However, if the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot verify that the identified battery pack 3300 is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 for any reason, an indication may be provided, such as a visual indication or an audible indication, that notifies the user that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 has failed to verify the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In such an instance, the user or another party may then cause the QR code 3304 and / or product code 3306 of the battery pack 3300 to be entered into the server at 3336. The server is further configured to compare the battery identification information provided by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 to a database / table to determine at 3338 whether the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the event that the server determines that the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the server may generate another temporary override token at 3340, which is transmitted to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, wherein the control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuitry 3014 and / or another control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194) utilizes the temporary override token as a substitute for the unverified compatibility determination. The transmission of the another temporary override token to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may be an encrypted communication. Another temporary override token is effective to override a lockout of the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 that may occur when compatibility of the battery pack 3300 is not verified by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. The adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may then adjust the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operational control parameters, etc.) as described above at 3328.

[0320] although Fig.47The description of process 3320 is limited to (1) determining the authenticity of battery pack 3300 and (2) determining / verifying the compatibility of battery pack 3300 and adaptive surgical instrument 3194, but the basic logic of process 3320 can also be used to determine the compatibility of any number of components and / or subsystems that can be used with adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For example, by providing the above-mentioned RFID capabilities for a given nail magazine and a given anvil, adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can receive nail magazine identification information from the RFID tag of a given nail magazine and receive anvil identification information from the RFID tag of a given anvil. In at least one aspect, the shaft assembly of adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is configured to receive an anvil, and adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is configured to receive a nail magazine. In the event that the staple cartridge identification information and the anvil identification information are encrypted, the control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuitry 3014 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or another control circuitry) may utilize the common private key to decrypt the received staple cartridge identification information and the received anvil identification information and then determine / verify the compatibility of a given staple cartridge with a given anvil and the compatibility of a given staple cartridge and a given anvil with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the event that it is determined that the staple cartridge is not compatible with the anvil, the server and / or another system may provide an indication of the source of the incompatibility issue via, for example, indicator 1209 and provide details regarding how to correct the incompatibility issue.

[0321] Additionally, the basic logic of process 3320, along with the QR code, product code, and one or more servers described above, may be utilized to determine the authenticity / compatibility of any number of components and / or subsystems when the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to receive / read applicable identification information. For example, in addition to determining the authenticity of the battery pack 3300 and the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 when the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to receive / read applicable identification information (e.g., due to failure of RFID tags and / or RFID scanners), the same basic process utilizing QR codes, product codes, and one or more servers may be used to determine the authenticity of anvils and staple cartridges and the compatibility of a given anvil with a given cartridge and the compatibility of a given anvil and a given cartridge with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the event that the server determines that the staple cartridge is not compatible with the anvil, the server and / or another system may provide an indication of the source of the incompatibility issue and provide details on how to correct the incompatibility issue.

[0322] Additionally, since many of the components and subsystems that may be used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 are presented in the form of packaging, if an applicable QR code and / or product code is included on the packaging, the basic logic of process 3320, in conjunction with the QR code, product code, and one or more servers as described above, may be utilized to determine the authenticity / compatibility of any number of components and / or subsystems presumably located within the packaging.

[0323] Fig.48 A logic flow diagram of process 3400 is shown that depicts a control program or logic configuration for verifying the authenticity and / or compatibility of surgical instrument components of a surgical instrument (such as surgical instruments 2200, 3194). In at least one example, process 3400 is performed by control circuit 1210 ( Fig.15 ) is executed by a control circuit that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform process 3400. In some examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 3400. Although process 3320 is described as being performed by control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 3400 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, may be performed by circuits that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0324] In various examples, the control circuit 1210, for example, may employ process 3400 to verify the authenticity and / or compatibility of a surgical instrument and a battery pack that can be releasably coupled to the surgical instrument between an assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. In other examples, the control circuit 1210, for example, may employ process 3400 to verify the authenticity and / or compatibility of an anvil and a staple cartridge of a surgical instrument.

[0325] like Fig.48 As shown, process 3400 includes receiving an indication of a surgical instrument (such as surgical instrument 2200 ( Fig.19 )) of a first surgical instrument component. The first identification information may be stored in a first RFID tag of the first surgical instrument component. Process 3400 includes receiving a second input indicating a second identification information of a second surgical instrument component of the surgical instrument at 3404. The second identification information may be stored in a second RFID tag of the second surgical instrument component. Fig.19 As shown, for example, the control circuit 1210 may be coupled to one or more RFID scanners configured to read the stored identification information.

[0326] The process 3400 also includes receiving a third input of third identification information of a package of a first surgical instrument component of the surgical instrument at 3406. In the first example, the package includes an RFID tag storing the third identification information. In the second example, the package includes a CR code with the third identification information. In the third example, the package includes a product number with the third identification information. The third identification information is an encrypted cluster of the first identification information and the second identification information, and can be retrieved by the control circuit 1210 via an RFID scanner in the first example or any suitable smart phone, tablet computer, etc. equipped with a camera in the second and third examples.

[0327] In various cases, process 3400 also includes decrypting the encryption of the third identification information at 3408, and determining the authenticity of the first surgical instrument component and the second surgical instrument component by comparing the first identification information and the second identification information to the decrypted third identification information at 3410. In some cases, memory 1212 may store a decryption key that processor 1214 may utilize to decrypt the encryption of the third identification information.

[0328] In addition, in some examples, process 3400 may include determining compatibility of the first surgical component and the second surgical component based on the first identification information and the second identification information at 3412. In at least one example, memory 1212 stores a compatibility database or lookup table that processor 1214 can utilize to evaluate compatibility of the first surgical instrument component and the second surgical instrument component. In some examples, the first identification information identifies the surgical instrument itself and may be stored in memory 1212 of control circuit 1210, where processor 1214 may retrieve the first identification information. In some examples, the second surgical instrument component is a battery pack, such as battery pack 120. In at least one example, the first surgical instrument component is an anvil, such as anvil 2400, and the second surgical instrument component is a staple cartridge, such as a staple cartridge of stapling head assembly 2300. The present disclosure contemplates other examples of first surgical instrument components and second surgical instrument components suitable for use with process 3400.

[0329] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following examples:

[0330] Example set 1

[0331] ·Example 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing; an axis assembly extending distally from the housing; a suturing head assembly located at a distal end of the axis assembly; an anvil capable of being coupled to the suturing head assembly; and an anvil adjustment assembly. The suturing head assembly comprises a distal surface. The suturing head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the distal surface. The suturing head assembly comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner. The anvil is capable of translating relative to the suturing head assembly toward a closed configuration. The anvil comprises an RFID tag. The anvil adjustment assembly comprises a translating member. The translating member is operable to translate relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis, thereby adjusting the longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the distal surface of the suturing head assembly. The RFID tag is detectable by the RFID scanner at or below an attachment threshold distance.

[0332] • Example 2 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the RFID tag is capable of storing information about the anvil.

[0333] • Embodiment 3 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the anvil comprises a head and a handle extending from the head. The handle supports the RFID tag.

[0334] • Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 3, wherein the handle includes a recess sized to receive the RFID tag.

[0335] • Embodiment 5 - A surgical instrument according to Embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the RFID tag is insulated from the handle.

[0336] • Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the RFID tag is detectable by the RFID scanner in the closed configuration.

[0337] • Embodiment 7 - The surgical instrument of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the stapling head assembly comprises an inner core member. The inner core member supports the RFID scanner.

[0338] • Example 8 - The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising a control circuit configured to detect the proper seating orientation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly based on input from the RFID scanner.

[0339] ·Example 9 - According to any one of Examples 1 to 8, the surgical instrument also includes a control circuit configured to check the compatibility of the anvil with the staple cartridge of the stapling head assembly based on input from the RFID scanner indicating information about the anvil.

[0340] • Example 10 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising a control circuit configured to detect the closed configuration based on input from the RFID scanner.

[0341] Example 11 - The surgical instrument according to Example 10 further comprises an indicator coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to enable the indicator to emit an alert indicating the closed configuration.

[0342] Embodiment 12 - According to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, the surgical instrument further comprises a locking assembly. The locking assembly is configured to be able to transition between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the locking assembly is configured to allow translation of the translation member. In the second state, the locking assembly is configured to prevent translation of the translation member.

[0343] • Example 13 - The surgical instrument according to Example 12 further includes a control circuit configured to select between the first state and the second state based on input from the RFID scanner.

[0344] • Example 14 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, further comprising a control circuit configured to detect separation of the anvil from the stapling head assembly based on a loss of a signal between the RFID scanner and the RFID tag.

[0345] ·Example 15-A surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly; a stapling head assembly located at the distal end of the shaft assembly; and an anvil capable of being coupled to the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly comprises a staple cartridge and an RFID scanner. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge platform. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive staples from the staple cartridge through the cartridge platform. The staple cartridge comprises a first RFID tag. The first RFID tag is capable of storing information about the staple cartridge. The RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag of the staple cartridge held at the stapling head assembly. The anvil is capable of translating toward a closed configuration relative to the stapling head assembly. The anvil comprises a second RFID tag. The second RFID tag is capable of storing information about the anvil. The RFID scanner is configured to detect the second RFID tag in the closed configuration.

[0346] Embodiment 16 - The surgical instrument according to embodiment 15 further comprises a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the compatibility between the anvil and the nail magazine based on the information stored in the first RFID tag and the information stored in the second RFID tag.

[0347] Embodiment 17 - The surgical instrument according to embodiment 15 or 16 further comprises a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the firing state of the staple cartridge based on the information stored in the first RFID tag.

[0348] ·Example 18 - According to any one of Examples 15 to 17, the surgical instrument also includes a control circuit configured to detect the proper seating orientation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly based on the signals transmitted from the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag to the RFID scanner.

[0349] ·Example 19-A surgical instrument comprising a housing; an axis assembly extending distally from the housing; a suturing head assembly located at the distal end of the axis assembly; an anvil capable of being coupled to the suturing head assembly; and an RFID system. The suturing head assembly comprises a distal surface. The suturing head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the distal surface. The anvil is capable of translating relative to the suturing head assembly toward a closed configuration to capture tissue therebetween. The RFID system comprises an RFID scanner and an RFID tag capable of storing information about the anvil. The RFID tag is configured to transmit an RF signal indicating the information to the RFID scanner in the closed configuration. The surgical instrument further comprises a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to determine a characteristic of the tissue based on backscattering of an RF signal from the tissue.

[0350] Example 20 - A surgical instrument according to Example 19, wherein the characteristic is tissue thickness.

[0351] Example Set 2

[0352] ·Example 1-A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a shaft, and a housing. The end effector includes an anvil; a staple cartridge including staples that can be deployed toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to store end effector information. The shaft includes a distal portion that can selectively transition between a first attachment configuration and a first detachment configuration with the end effector; a first RFID scanner near the distal portion; a proximal portion; and a second RFID tag that is configured to store shaft information. The first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attachment configuration. The housing can selectively transition between a second attachment configuration and a second detachment configuration with the proximal portion of the shaft. The housing includes a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attachment configuration; a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to staple and cut the tissue; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive input indicating the end effector information from the first RFID scanner, receive input indicating the shaft information from the second RFID scanner, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0353] Embodiment 2 - The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the end effector information indicates a staple cartridge size. The shaft information indicates a shaft shape.

[0354] • Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a final maximum load threshold of the load applied by the motor to the end actuator based on the nail magazine size and the shaft profile.

[0355] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the final maximum load threshold by adjusting the default maximum load threshold to a first adjustment value based on the size of the nail magazine and a second adjustment value based on the shaft shape.

[0356] • Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the control circuit is configured to delay activation of the motor for a predetermined period of time based on the size of the nail magazine.

[0357] ·Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive input from a user and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on at least two of the user input, the end actuator information and the axis information.

[0358] Example 7 - A surgical instrument according to Example 6, wherein the input from the user includes a user-selected forming height.

[0359] ·Example 8-A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing assembly. The end effector includes an anvil; a staple cartridge including staples that can be deployed toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first RFID tag configured to store end effector information. The housing assembly includes a shaft that can selectively transition between an attached configuration and a detached configuration with the end effector; an RFID scanner configured to detect the RFID tag in the attached configuration; a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to suture and cut the tissue; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive input indicating the end effector information from the RFID scanner and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information.

[0360] Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, wherein the end actuator information indicates the size of the nail magazine.

[0361] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 9, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a final maximum load threshold of the load applied by the motor to the end actuator based on the size of the nail magazine.

[0362] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 10, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the final maximum load threshold by adjusting the default maximum load threshold by an adjustment value based on the size of the nail magazine.

[0363] • Example 12 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the control circuit is configured to delay activation of the motor for a predetermined period of time based on the size of the nail magazine.

[0364] • Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive input from a user and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the user input and the end effector information.

[0365] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 13, wherein the input from the user includes a user-selected forming height.

[0366] ·Example 15-A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a shaft and a housing. The end effector comprises a suturing head assembly; an anvil capable of moving a closing distance relative to the suturing head assembly to transform the end effector from an open configuration to a closed configuration; and a first RFID tag configured to store end effector information. In the closed configuration, tissue is grasped between the anvil and the suturing head assembly. The shaft comprises a distal portion capable of selectively transforming between a first attachment configuration and a first separation configuration with the end effector; a first RFID scanner near the distal portion; a proximal portion; and a second RFID tag configured to store shaft information. The first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attachment configuration. The housing is capable of selectively transforming between a second attachment configuration and a second separation configuration with the proximal portion of the shaft. The housing includes a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attachment configuration; a motor configured to generate a closing motion to move the anvil the closing distance; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive input indicating the end effector information from the first RFID scanner, receive input indicating the shaft information from the second RFID scanner, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0367] Example 16 - The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the end effector information indicates a staple cartridge size. The shaft information indicates a shaft shape.

[0368] Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to Example 16, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a final minimum threshold value of the closing distance based on the staple cartridge size and the shaft profile.

[0369] Example 18 - A surgical instrument according to Example 17, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the final minimum threshold value of the closing distance by adjusting the default minimum threshold value of the closing distance based on a first adjustment value of the nail magazine size and a second adjustment value based on the shaft shape.

[0370] • Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust the user-selectable closing distance range of the anvil based on the end actuator information and the axis information.

[0371] Example Set 3

[0372] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing assembly including a battery interface configured to releasably retain a battery; a radio frequency identification scanner positioned at the battery interface; and a control circuit. The radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive information from the battery. The control circuit is configured to determine compatibility of the battery with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the battery.

[0373] • Example 2—A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the housing assembly is configured to receive the battery in an assembled configuration.

[0374] • Example 3 - The surgical instrument of Example 2, wherein the RFID scanner is further configured to receive the information from the RFID tag of the battery in the assembled configuration.

[0375] Embodiment 4 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 2, further comprising the battery. The battery comprises an RFID tag that is within the detection range of the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration.

[0376] Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 4, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of the following: a battery identification number, the manufacturer of the battery, the chemical composition of the battery, whether the battery is rechargeable, the capacity of the battery, the nominal voltage of the battery, the current consumption characteristics of the battery, and the output characteristics of the battery.

[0377] • Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0378] • Example 7 - A surgical instrument according to Example 6, wherein the memory stores at least one of the following: a compatibility database and a lookup table.

[0379] • Embodiment 8 - The surgical instrument of any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, further comprising an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly. The control circuit is further configured to electronically lock out operation of the electric motor.

[0380] Example 9 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing assembly including a battery interface; a radio frequency identification tag positioned at the battery interface; an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly; a battery electrically connectable to the electric motor; and a control circuit. The battery comprises a radio frequency identification scanner. The radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive information from the radio frequency identification tag of the surgical instrument in an assembled configuration with the housing assembly. The control circuit is configured to determine compatibility of the surgical instrument with the battery based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tag.

[0381] Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 9, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of the following: a surgical instrument identification number, a manufacturer of the surgical instrument, a type of surgical instrument, a type of electric motor, performance capabilities of the surgical instrument, and a control algorithm resident at the surgical instrument.

[0382] • Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to the RFID scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0383] • Example 12 - A surgical instrument according to Example 11, wherein the memory stores at least one of the following: a compatibility database and a lookup table.

[0384] Example 13 - The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a second RFID tag positioned within the battery, a second RFID scanner positioned at the battery interface, and a second control circuit. The second RFID scanner is configured to receive information from the second RFID tag in the assembled configuration. The second control circuit is configured to determine compatibility of the battery with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the second RFID tag.

[0385] Embodiment 14 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing assembly; a radio frequency identification scanner positioned within the housing assembly; and a control circuit. The housing assembly is configured to receive a first battery and receive a second battery after the first battery has been removed from the housing assembly. The output characteristics of the second battery are different from the output characteristics of the first battery. The control circuit is configured to adjust the operation of the surgical instrument so that the second battery mimics the output characteristics of the first battery.

[0386] Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 14, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes a voltage of the first battery.

[0387] • Example 16 - A surgical instrument according to Example 14 or 15, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes a current consumed from the first battery.

[0388] • Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to at least one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes an output capacity of the first battery.

[0389] • Example 18 - A surgical instrument according to at least one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes the power provided by the first battery.

[0390] • Example 19 - A surgical instrument according to at least one of Examples 14 to 18, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to receive first information from the first battery and second information from the second battery.

[0391] • Example 20 - A surgical instrument according to at least one of Examples 14 to 19, wherein the control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0392] Example Set 4

[0393] ·Example 1—A surgical instrument comprising an end effector operable to process tissue; a shaft extending proximally from the end effector; and a housing assembly extending proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor assembly compartment comprising a motor assembly interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly is movable relative to the motor assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. The motor assembly comprises a motor configured to drive the end effector to process the tissue; and an RFID tag detectable by the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. The RFID tag stores motor assembly information.

[0394] • Example 2 - The surgical instrument of Example 1 further comprising a control circuit configured to receive input from the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration, the input being indicative of the motor assembly information.

[0395] • Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 2, wherein the control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the motor assembly information.

[0396] • Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the control circuit is further configured to select a control algorithm for the surgical instrument based on the motor assembly information.

[0397] • Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to Example 4, wherein the control circuit is further configured to be able to select the control algorithm from control algorithms each associated with different motor assembly information.

[0398] • Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine the motor setting based on the motor assembly information.

[0399] • Example 7 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the motor assembly includes a gear box operably coupled to the motor.

[0400] Example 8 - A surgical instrument according to Example 7, wherein the motor assembly information includes gearbox information and motor information.

[0401] • Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising a power source coupled to the motor assembly in the assembled configuration.

[0402] • Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to Example 9, wherein the power source is configured to generate a power output to enable the motor to drive the end effector to process the tissue.

[0403] Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 10, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine the value of the power output based on the motor assembly information.

[0404] ·Example 12—A surgical instrument comprising an end effector operable to process tissue; a shaft extending proximally from the end effector; and a housing assembly extending proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor assembly compartment comprising a motor assembly interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly is movable relative to the motor assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and the unassembled configuration. The motor assembly comprises a motor configured to drive the end effector to process the tissue; and an RFID tag positioned at or within a detection range of the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. The RFID tag stores motor assembly information.

[0405] • Example 13 - The surgical instrument according to Example 12 further includes a control circuit configured to receive input from the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration, the input indicating the motor assembly information.

[0406] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to Example 13, wherein the control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the motor assembly information.

[0407] Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 13 or 14, wherein the control circuit is further configured to select a control algorithm for the surgical instrument based on the motor assembly information.

[0408] • Example 16 - A surgical instrument according to Example 15, wherein the control circuit is further configured to be able to select the control algorithm from control algorithms each associated with different motor assembly information.

[0409] • Example 17 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine the motor setting based on the motor assembly information.

[0410] Example 5

[0411] Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing assembly; a shaft assembly coupled to the housing assembly; at least one RFID scanner configured to receive information from an RFID tag corresponding to a component that can be coupled to the surgical instrument; and a control circuit configured to determine the authenticity of each component based on the information received from the RFID tag.

[0412] Embodiment 2 - The surgical instrument of embodiment 1, wherein the information includes first identification information of a first one of the components and second identification information of a second one of the components. The at least one RFID scanner is configured to receive third identification information from an RFID tag of a packaging of the first component, and wherein the third identification information is encrypted.

[0413] Example 3 - A surgical instrument according to Example 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to be able to decrypt the third identification information and determine the authenticity of the first component and the second component by comparing the first identification information and the second identification information with the decrypted third identification information.

[0414] Example 4 - A surgical instrument according to Example 3 or 4, wherein the control circuit uses a private key to decrypt the third identification information.

[0415] • Example 5 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the components include a battery, an anvil, and a staple cartridge.

[0416] Example 6 - A surgical instrument according to Example 5, wherein the housing assembly is configured to receive the battery.

[0417] Example 7 - A surgical instrument according to Example 5 or 6, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to receive the nail magazine.

[0418] • Example 8 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to the at least one radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0419] • Example 9 - A surgical instrument according to Example 8, wherein the memory stores at least one of the following: a certification database, a compatibility database, and a lookup table.

[0420] • Example 10 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the control circuit is further configured to electronically lock out operation of the surgical instrument based on a determination that any of the components lacks authenticity.

[0421] • Example 11 - A surgical instrument according to Example 10, wherein the control circuit is further configured to be able to override the lock of the surgical instrument based on a temporary override token received from a server.

[0422] • Example 12 - A surgical instrument according to Example 11, wherein the temporary override token is based on at least one of: a quick response code associated with any one of the components and a product code associated with any one of the components.

[0423] • Example 13 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine for each component whether the component is compatible with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tag.

[0424] Example 14 - A surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine whether one of the components is compatible with another of the components based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tag.

[0425] • Example 15 - A surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the control circuit is further configured to be able to override the lockout of the surgical instrument based on a temporary override token received from a server.

[0426] Example 16 - A surgical assembly comprising a surgical instrument including first identification information; a battery pack capable of being coupled to the surgical instrument; and a control circuit. The battery pack is configured to be capable of transferring energy to the surgical instrument in an assembled configuration with the surgical instrument. The battery pack includes a battery RFID tag storing second identification information. The control circuit is configured to be capable of receiving input indicating encrypted third identification information stored in an RFID tag of a packaging of the surgical instrument, decrypting the third identification information, and determining the authenticity of the surgical instrument and the battery pack by comparing the first identification information and the second identification information to the decrypted third identification information.

[0427] Example 17 - A surgical assembly according to Example 16, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine compatibility of the battery pack with the surgical instrument based on the first identification information and the second identification information.

[0428] • Example 18 - The surgical assembly of Example 16 or 17, wherein the control circuit comprises a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor. The memory stores at least one of: a compatibility database and a lookup table.

[0429] Example 19 - A surgical assembly comprising a surgical instrument component and a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument component comprises an RFID tag storing first identification information of the surgical instrument component. The surgical instrument component is capable of being releasably coupled to the surgical instrument between an assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. The surgical instrument comprises an RFID scanner configured to read the first identification information; and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to detect incompatibility of the surgical instrument component with the surgical instrument based on the first identification information, retrieve second identification information of the surgical instrument component, retrieve a temporary override token based on the second identification information, and employ the temporary override token to bypass the incompatibility detection.

[0430] Example 20 - A surgical assembly according to Example 19, wherein the second identification information is a serial number of the surgical instrument component.

[0431] Example 21 - A surgical assembly according to Example 19 or 20, wherein the QR code includes the second identification information.

[0432] Although multiple forms have been illustrated and described, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, many modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations and equivalents to these forms can be realized, and those skilled in the art will think of many modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations and equivalents to these forms. In addition, alternatively, the structure of each element associated with the described form can be described as a device for providing the function performed by the element. In addition, in the case of disclosing materials for certain parts, other materials can also be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned specific embodiments and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations and variations within the scope of the forms disclosed by the present invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications and equivalents.

[0433] The above specific embodiments have been described in various forms of devices and / or methods using block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples. As long as such block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation in such block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by a variety of hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein can be implemented equivalently in integrated circuits as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as any combination thereof, in whole or in part, and according to the present disclosure, designing circuit systems and / or writing software and / or hardware codes will be within the technical scope of those skilled in the art. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as one or more program products in a variety of forms, and the illustrative forms of the subject matter described herein are applicable, regardless of the specific type of signal-bearing medium used to actually distribute.

[0434] Instructions for programming logic to perform various disclosed aspects may be stored in a memory in the system, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a cache, a flash memory, or other memory. In addition, the instructions may be distributed via a network or by other computer-readable media. Therefore, a machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form, but is not limited to a floppy disk, an optical disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), and a magneto-optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic card or an optical card, a flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage device used when transmitting information on the Internet via an electrical signal, an optical signal, an acoustic signal, or other form of propagation signal (e.g., a carrier wave, an infrared signal, a digital signal, etc.). Therefore, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form.

[0435] As used in any aspect of this document, the term "control circuitry" may refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more separate instruction processing cores, a processing unit, a processor, a microcontroller, a microcontroller unit, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a programmable logic array (PLA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmware that stores instructions executed by the programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. The control circuitry may be implemented collectively or individually as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, such as an integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a smart phone, etc. Thus, as used herein, "control circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, electronic circuitry having at least one discrete circuit, electronic circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electronic circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electronic circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program to at least partially implement the methods and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program to at least partially implement the methods and / or devices described herein), electronic circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forming a random access memory), and / or electronic circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or an optoelectronic device). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in analog or digital form, or some combination thereof.

[0436] As used in any aspect of this document, the term "logic" may refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) in a memory device.

[0437] As used in any aspect of this document, the terms "component," "system," "module" and the like may refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0438] As used in any aspect herein, an "algorithm" refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, wherein the "steps" refer to manipulations of physical quantities and / or logical states which may (but need not) take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. References to such signals are often made to bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, and the like. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to such quantities and / or states.

[0439] The network may include a packet switching network. The communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the selected packet switching network communication protocol. An exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol that may allow communication using a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may comply with or be compatible with the Ethernet standard entitled "IEEE802.3Standard" issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008 and / or a higher version of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standard issued by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the frame relay communication protocol. The frame relay communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standard issued by the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard entitled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" released by the ATM Forum in August 2001 and / or later versions of the standard. Of course, different and / or later developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are also contemplated herein.

[0440] In various aspects, the microcontroller of the control circuit according to the present disclosure can be any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those known under the trade name ARM Cortex produced by Texas Instruments. In one aspect, the microcontroller 461 can be a LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from, for example, Texas Instruments, which includes 256KB of single-cycle flash or other non-volatile memory (up to 40MHz) on-chip memory, a pre-fetch buffer for improving performance above 40MHz, 32KB of single-cycle SRAM, a CPU loaded with Internal ROM for software, 2KB electrical EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analog, one or more 12-bit ADC with 12 analog input channels, details of which can be found in the product data sheet.

[0441] Unless otherwise expressly indicated in the above disclosure, it is understood that discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," and "displaying" in the above disclosure refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories and transforms it into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0442] One or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to be able to", "configurable to be able to", "operable / operably", "suitable / adaptable to", "able to", "conformable / conform to", etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context indicates otherwise, "configured to be able to" may generally cover components in an active state and / or components in an inactive state and / or components in a standby state.

[0443] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein relative to a clinician manipulating the housing portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion positioned away from the clinician. It should also be understood that for brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0444] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, the terms used herein, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such intent will be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claims. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"); this also applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0445] In addition, even if a specific number of claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should generally be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a bare recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). In addition, in those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that, generally, unless the context indicates otherwise, transitional words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms in the detailed description, claims, or drawings should be understood to include the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0446] For the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described therein may generally be performed in any order. In addition, although various operational flow charts are presented in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than the order shown, or the various operations may be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise dictates, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other altered orderings. In addition, unless the context otherwise dictates, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants.

[0447] It is worth mentioning that any reference to "one aspect", "an aspect", "an example", or "an example" means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the aspect are included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases "in one aspect", "in an aspect", "in an example", or "in an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. In addition, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0448] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication or other public material referred to in this specification and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent herewith. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof that is allegedly incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with existing definitions, statements or other public material set forth herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing public material.

[0449] In summary, many of the benefits resulting from the use of the concepts described herein have been described. For purposes of illustration and description, one or more of the above specific embodiments have been provided. These specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed by the invention. The invention may be modified or varied in accordance with the above teachings. The one or more forms selected and described are intended to illustrate the principles and practical applications so that one of ordinary skill in the art can utilize various forms and various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. The claims submitted herewith are intended to define the full scope.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument comprising: An end effector, the end effector comprising: Anvil; a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to store end effector information; A shaft, the shaft comprising: a distal portion selectively transitionable with the end effector between a first attached configuration and a first detached configuration; a first RFID scanner proximate the distal portion, wherein the first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attached configuration; proximal portion; and a second RFID tag configured to store shaft information; and a housing selectively transitionable with the proximal portion of the shaft between a second attached configuration and a second detached configuration, wherein the housing comprises: a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attached configuration; one or more motors configured to generate a closing movement of the anvil toward the staple cartridge and to apply a load to the end effector to staple and cut the tissue; and A control circuit configured to: receiving input from the first RFID scanner indicative of the end effector information; receiving input indicative of the shaft information from the second RFID scanner; and adjusting at least one operating parameter of one of the one or more motors based on the end effector information and the axis information, wherein the end effector information indicates a staple cartridge size, and Wherein, the control circuit is configured to delay activation of one of the one or more motors for a predetermined period of time between completion of a closing sequence of the end actuator and initiation of a firing sequence of the end actuator based on the staple cartridge size.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit is configured to determine a final maximum load threshold of the load applied by the motor to the end effector based on the staple cartridge size and the shaft profile.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein: The control circuit is configured to determine the final maximum load threshold by adjusting a default maximum load threshold by a first adjustment value based on the size of the staple cartridge and a second adjustment value based on the shaft profile.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit is configured to: receive input from a user; and The at least one operating parameter of the motor is adjusted based on at least two of the user input, the end effector information, and the shaft information.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein: The input from the user includes a user-selected forming height.

6. A surgical instrument comprising: An end effector, the end effector comprising: Anvil; a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first RFID tag configured to store end effector information; A housing component, the housing component comprising: a shaft selectively transitionable with the end effector between an attached configuration and a detached configuration; an RFID scanner configured to detect the RFID tag in the attached configuration; one or more motors configured to generate a closing movement of the anvil toward the staple cartridge and to apply a load to the end effector to staple and cut the tissue; and A control circuit configured to: receiving input from the RFID scanner indicative of the end effector information; and adjusting at least one operating parameter of one of the one or more motors based on the end effector information, wherein the end effector information indicates a staple cartridge size, and Wherein, the control circuit is configured to delay activation of one of the one or more motors for a predetermined period of time between completion of a closing sequence of the end actuator and initiation of a firing sequence of the end actuator based on the staple cartridge size.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein: The control circuit is configured to determine a final maximum load threshold of the load applied by the motor to the end effector based on the staple cartridge size.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein: The control circuit is configured to determine the final maximum load threshold by adjusting a default maximum load threshold by an adjustment value based on the size of the staple cartridge.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 6, wherein: The control circuit is configured to: receive input from a user; and The at least one operating parameter of the motor is adjusted based on the user input and the end effector information.

10. The surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein: The input from the user includes a user-selected forming height.

11. A surgical instrument comprising: An end effector, the end effector comprising: Suture the head assembly; an anvil movable a closing distance relative to the stapling head assembly to transition the end effector from an open configuration to a closed configuration in which tissue is grasped between the anvil and the stapling head assembly; and a first RFID tag configured to store end effector information; A shaft, the shaft comprising: a distal portion selectively transitionable with the end effector between a first attached configuration and a first detached configuration; a first RFID scanner proximate the distal portion, wherein the first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attached configuration; proximal portion; and a second RFID tag configured to store shaft information; and a housing selectively transitionable with the proximal portion of the shaft between a second attached configuration and a second detached configuration, wherein the housing comprises: a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attached configuration; one or more motors configured to generate a closing motion to move the anvil the closing distance; and A control circuit configured to: receiving input from the first RFID scanner indicative of the end effector information; receiving input indicative of the shaft information from the second RFID scanner; and adjusting at least one operating parameter of one of the one or more motors based on the end effector information and the axis information, wherein the end effector information indicates a staple cartridge size, and Wherein, the control circuit is configured to delay activation of one of the one or more motors for a predetermined period of time between completion of a closing sequence of the end actuator and initiation of a firing sequence of the end actuator based on the staple cartridge size.

12. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein: The control circuit is configured to determine a final minimum threshold value of the closure distance based on the staple cartridge size and the shaft profile.

13. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein: The control circuit is configured to determine the final minimum threshold of the closing distance by adjusting the default minimum threshold of the closing distance by a first adjustment value based on the size of the staple cartridge and a second adjustment value based on the shaft profile.

14. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein: The control circuit is configured to adjust a user-selectable closing distance range of the anvil based on the end effector information and the axis information.

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