Surgical instrument with battery compatibility verification function

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes 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.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This Patent Application is a Non-Provisional Patent Application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 868,457, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS, filed June 28, 2019, for priority under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND

[0003] The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, and in various embodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments designed for cutting and stapling tissue and their staple cartridges. In various embodiments, RFID technology can be used to identify components of a surgical instrument, such as a staple cartridge. Examples of surgical systems using RFID technology can be found in the disclosures of U.S. Patent No. 7,959,050, entitled ELECTRICALLY SELF-POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL RELEASE, issued June 14, 201 1, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0053743, entitled ERROR DETECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES, published February 26, 2015, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. SUMMARY

[0004] In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed, comprising: a housing assembly comprising 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.

[0005] In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed, comprising: a housing assembly comprising a battery interface; a radio frequency identification tag positioned at the battery interface; an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly; a battery electrically coupled 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 when 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.

[0006] In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed, comprising a housing assembly, a radio frequency identification scanner positioned within the housing assembly, and control circuitry. The housing assembly is configured to receive a first battery and a second battery after a first battery has been removed from the housing assembly. The output characteristics of the second battery differ from those of the first battery. The control circuitry is configured to adjust the operation of the surgical instrument to cause the second battery to mimic the output characteristics of the first battery. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features of each aspect are specifically described in the appended claims. However, the aspects (related to surgical tissues and methods) and their further purposes and advantages can be best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary circular stitcher according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A perspective view of a circular stitcher, in which the battery pack is removed from the housing assembly and the anvil is removed from the stitching head assembly.

[0010] Figure 3 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A perspective view of the suture head assembly of a circular suture device.

[0011] Figure 4 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 Another perspective view of the anvil.

[0012] Figure 5 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 Exploded perspective view of the sutured head assembly.

[0013] Figure 6 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a circular stitcher, in which the parts of the shaft assembly are shown separately from each other.

[0014] Figure 7 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 6 Detailed perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly of the housing assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7 A detailed perspective view of the anvil locking assembly of the anvil actuation assembly, wherein the anvil locking assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0016] Figure 9 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7 A detailed side view of the anvil actuation assembly, in which Figure 8 The anvil locking assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0017] Figure 10 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7 Another detailed side view of the anvil actuation assembly, in which Figure 8 The anvil locking assembly is in the locked position.

[0018] Figure 11 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 8 Detailed perspective view of the alternative construction of the anvil locking assembly.

[0019] Figure 12 A suture head assembly and an anvil of a cannula connected to the suture head assembly are shown according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 13 A partial cross-sectional view of an anvil with a suture head assembly in an incorrectly positioned orientation, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, is shown.

[0021] Figure 14 A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an anvil with a suture head assembly in an incorrectly positioned orientation, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0022] Figure 15 A control system for a surgical suturing instrument according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 16 A logic flowchart illustrating a control procedure or logic configuration for operating a surgical suturing instrument is shown according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 17 A logic flowchart illustrating a control procedure or logic configuration for correctly orienting the anvil relative to a suture head assembly of a surgical suture instrument, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, is shown.

[0025] Figure 18 The present invention illustrates a surgical instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which can be selectively assembled from any one of a plurality of different end effectors, any one of a plurality of different axes, and a housing assembly.

[0026] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a surgical instrument assembled according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 20 The diagram shows the adjustment. Figure 19 A logic flowchart of the process for controlling or configuring at least one operating parameter of the motor of a surgical instrument.

[0028] Figure 21 The diagram illustrates two different firing algorithms. Figure 19 A graph showing the firing load of surgical instruments.

[0029] Figure 22 It shows Figure 19 A graph showing the adjustment of multiple closure and activation thresholds for surgical instruments.

[0030] Figure 23 A logic flowchart illustrating a control procedure or logic configuration for operating a surgical suturing instrument is shown according to at least one aspect of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 24 A partial front view is shown of a surgical instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure and three motor assemblies for use with the surgical instrument.

[0032] Figure 25 The illustration shows at least one aspect of the present disclosure for adjusting Figure 24 A logic flowchart of the process for controlling the operating parameters of the motor of a surgical instrument or configuring the logic.

[0033] Figure 26 A graph showing 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 this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 27 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 24 The control system for surgical instruments.

[0035] Figure 28 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 25 A table or database of various control algorithms for surgical instruments.

[0036] Figure 29 A partial perspective view of a surgical instrument according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 30 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 29 The control circuit of surgical instruments.

[0038] Figure 31 The illustration shows at least one aspect of the present disclosure for operation Figure 29A logical flowchart of the process of controlling or configuring the surgical instruments.

[0039] Figure 32 A control circuit for a battery pack according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 33 At least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 29 The surgical instruments are compatible with multiple different battery packs.

[0041] Figure 34 The illustration shows at least one aspect of the present disclosure when powered by different battery packs. Figure 29 A graph showing the relationship between torque, speed, and current of various motors used in surgical instruments.

[0042] Figure 35 The illustration shows at least one aspect of this disclosure that can be combined with Figure 29 A bar chart showing the various energy densities of different battery packs used in conjunction with surgical instruments.

[0043] Figure 36 The illustration shows at least one aspect of this disclosure that can be combined with Figure 29 A bar graph comparing the actual energy density of different battery packs used with surgical instruments to their rated energy density.

[0044] Figure 37 The illustration shows at least one aspect of this disclosure that can be combined with Figure 29 A bar graph showing the nominal voltages of different battery packs used with surgical instruments.

[0045] Figure 38 The illustration shows at least one aspect of this disclosure that can be combined with Figure 29 A graph showing the discharge curves of different battery packs used together with surgical instruments.

[0046] Figure 39 The illustration shows at least one aspect of this disclosure that can be combined with Figure 29 A graph showing the discharge curve of a lithium-ion battery used in surgical instruments.

[0047] Figure 40 The illustration shows at least one aspect of this disclosure that can be combined with Figure 29 A graph showing the discharge curves of lithium-ion batteries used in surgical instruments at different temperatures.

[0048] Figure 41 The illustration shows at least one aspect of this disclosure that can be combined with Figure 29 A graph showing the discharge curves of CR123 batteries at different discharge rates used with surgical instruments.

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

[0050] Figure 43 Graphs showing output current capabilities of different battery packs when used with an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 42

[0051] Graphs showing output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 44 Figure 42 Graphs showing output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 45 Figure 42 Graphs showing output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 46 Batteries for use with an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 42

[0054] Figure 47 Logic flow diagrams showing processes for configuring control programs or logic for operating an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 42

[0055] Figure 48 Logic flow diagrams showing processes for verifying authenticity and / or compatibility of surgical instrument components for surgical instruments in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on even date herewith and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

[0057] • Attorney Docket No. END9145USNP1 / 190235-1M, entitled METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

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

[0059] • Attorney Docket No. END9147USNP1 / 190237, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE COMPONENT;

[0060] • Attorney Docket No. END9148USNP1 / 190238, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR;

[0061] • Attorney Docket No. END9123USNP1 / 190239, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL;

[0062] • Attorney Docket No. END9124USNP / 190240, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL;

[0063] • Attorney Docket No. END9125USNP / 190241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE;

[0064] • Attorney Docket No. END9126USNP / 190242, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG; and

[0065] • Attorney Docket No. END9127USNP / 190243, entitled PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM.

[0066] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on even date herewith and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

[0067] • Attorney Docket No. END9119USNP1 / 190245-1M, entitled METHOD OF USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY;

[0068] • Attorney Docket No. END9120USNP1 / 190246, entitled MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY;

[0069] • Attorney Docket No. END9121USNP1 / 190247, entitled MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

[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;

[0076] • Attorney Docket No. END9153USNP1 / 190255, entitled SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL.

[0077] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on May 1, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their 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] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on August 24, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their entirety:

[0085] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,129, entitled SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT CONFIGURED TO MANIPULATE TISSUE USING MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER;

[0086] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,155, entitled SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CAPTURE WIDTH WHICH IS LARGER THAN TROCAR DIAMETER;

[0087] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,168, entitled SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NON-CIRCULAR NEEDLE;

[0088] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,180, entitled ELECTRICAL POWER OUTPUT CONTROL BASED ON MECHANICAL FORCES;

[0089] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,193, entitled REACTIVE ALGORITHM FOR SURGICAL SYSTEM;

[0090] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,099, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM;

[0091] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,1 12, entitled CONTROL SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR A MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

[0092] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,1 19, entitled ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAMS FOR A SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF CARTRIDGE;

[0093] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS;

[0094] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,109, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS;

[0095] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,1 14, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING FEEDBACK MECHANISMS;

[0096] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,1 17, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING LOCKOUT MECHANISMS;

[0097] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,095, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A LOCKABLE END EFFECTOR SOCKET;

[0098] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,121, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;

[0099] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,151, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATION AND ROTATION COMPENSATION;

[0100] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A BIASED SHIFTING MECHANISM;

[0101] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,226, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE THAT PROVIDES FOR HIGH ARTICULATION ANGLES;

[0102] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,062, entitled SURGICAL DISSECTORS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES;

[0103] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,098, entitled SURGICAL DISSECTORS CONFIGURED TO APPLY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY;

[0104] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,237, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER CONFIGURED TO STORE CLIPS IN A STORED STATE;

[0105] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,245, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN EMPTY CLIP CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

[0106] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,249, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN AUTOMATIC CLIP FEEDING SYSTEM;

[0107] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,253, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE FIRING CONTROL; and

[0108] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 1 12,257, entitled SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE CONTROL IN RESPONSE TO A STRAIN GAUGE CIRCUIT.

[0109] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on October 26, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

[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] Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. Patent Applications that were filed on December 4, 2018 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

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

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

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

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

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

[0125] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,423, titled 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, titled METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES;

[0127] • U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,433, titled METHOD OF SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM A PATIENT, 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, titled METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB;

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0135] Before the various aspects of the surgical devices and systems are described in detail, it is to be understood that the application of the illustrative examples is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components shown in the figures and described herein. The illustrative examples can be implemented or incorporated in other aspects, variations and modifications, and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have the meanings that are given to them throughout this patent document in preference to the meanings where the term or expression can convey a different meaning in other forms of art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are selected, and descriptively used, for the purpose of the illustrative examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0136] Various surgical systems and instruments (e.g., surgical stapling instruments, surgical clip appliers, surgical suturing instruments) are described in connection with the present disclosure. The surgical systems and / or instruments include a radio frequency identification (RFID) system that includes one or more RFID scanners and one or more RFID tags, as will be discussed in greater 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 by reference herein in their entireties.

[0137] Radio frequency identification (RFID) is used in various industries to track and identify objects. RFID relies on radio waves to transfer digitally stored information from an RFID tag to an RFID reader or receiver configured to receive the information. RFID technology uses RFID tags (sometimes referred to as chips, which contain electronically stored information) and RFID readers (which 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 signal. Active RFID tags can include a battery within the RFID tag that allows the active RFID tag to function independently of the RFID reader. Thus, the RFID tags in active RFID systems do not need to wait to receive a signal from the RFID reader before sending out information. Instead, the active RFID tags can freely send out signals or beacons continuously. Many commercially available active RFID systems typically operate at one of two primary frequency ranges (433 MHz and 915 MHz), but any suitable frequency range can be used. Generally, the RFID tags must be within a certain distance or frequency range in order to be identified by their corresponding RFID reader.

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

[0139] Various RFID systems exist that include RFID tags of different sizes. However, some are better suited for use in technical fields that require tracking very small objects. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in the field of RFID technology. The ultra-small size UHF RFID tags manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co. Ltd. are typically no larger than 1.0 mm to 13 mm and are capable of enabling communication between the RFID tag and an RFID reader at distances of a few centimeters or more. Due to their compact nature, the Hitachi RFID tags are suitable for use with very small products that require identification. 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. Because the Hitachi RFID tags combine the antenna and the IC chip in a single unit, the Hitachi RFID tags facilitate easy attachment to any small object using, for example, an adhesive or a tape.

[0140] The Hitachi RFID tags include 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 plate. After the plate and the antenna are connected to each other, the antenna and the plate are sealed together with a sealing material in a single unit. The sealing material is primarily composed of an epoxy resin, carbon, and silica to enhance the heat resistance capability of the Hitachi RFID tags. That is, the heat resistance of the RFID tags is substantially dependent on the heat resistance capability of the sealing material. The sealing material has a high heat resistance to withstand temperatures of up to 250 to 300 °C for a short period of time, such as a few seconds, and can tolerate heat of up to 150 °C for a longer period of time. Thus, the Hitachi RFID tags have a higher heat resistance than conventional RFID tags and can operate normally even at high temperatures. Additional information regarding the Hitachi RFID tags can be found in U.S. Patent No. 9,171,244, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0141] Figures 1-2 An exemplary surgical circular stapling instrument 10 that can be adapted to include an RFID system and control system thereof is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The stapling instrument 10 can be used to provide an end-to-end anastomosis between two portions of a dissected lumen, such as a portion of a patient's digestive tract. The instrument 10 of the present example includes a housing assembly 100, a shaft assembly 200, a stapling head assembly 300, and an anvil 400. The housing assembly 100 includes a housing 110 that defines a pistol-grip 112 in an inclined orientation. Although the housing assembly 100 is shown in the form of a handle, this is not limiting. In various instances, the housing assembly 100 can be a component of a robotic system, for example.

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

[0143] The device 10 in this example also includes a power source, which may be in the form of a battery pack 120. The battery pack 120 is capable of operating the motor 160 in the pistol grip 112. Figure 15 It provides power. In various aspects, the battery pack 120 can be removed from the housing assembly 100. Specifically, as... Figures 1-2 As shown, the battery pack 120 can be inserted into a socket 116 defined by the housing 110. Once the battery pack 120 is fully inserted into the socket 116, a latch 122 of the battery pack 120 resiliently engages an internal feature of the housing 110 to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement. To remove the battery pack 120, an operator can press the latch 122 inward to disengage the latch 122 from the internal feature of the housing 110, and then pull the battery pack 120 proximally from the socket 116. It should be understood that the battery pack 120 and the housing assembly 100 may 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 electrical components in the housing assembly 100 when the battery pack 120 is inserted into the socket 116. It should also be understood that in some configurations, the battery pack 120 is integrally integrated within the housing assembly 100 such 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 pre-formed bend. In some embodiments, the pre-formed bend is configured to facilitate positioning of the suture head assembly 300 within the patient's colon. Various suitable bend angles and radii that can be used will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. In some other embodiments, the shaft assembly 200 is straight, thus lacking the pre-formed bend. Various exemplary components that can be incorporated into the shaft assembly 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0145] The suture head assembly 300 is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly 200. For example... Figures 1-2As shown, the anvil 400 is configured to be removably coupled with the shaft assembly 200 adjacent to the stapling head assembly 300. The anvil 400 and the stapling head assembly 300 are configured to cooperate to manipulate tissue in three ways, including clamping tissue, cutting tissue, and stapling tissue. The knob 130 at the proximal end of the housing assembly 100 is rotatable relative to the housing 110 to provide precise clamping of tissue between the anvil 400 and the stapling head assembly 300. When the safety trigger 140 of the housing assembly 100 is pivoted away from the firing trigger 150 of the housing assembly 100, the firing trigger 150 can be actuated to provide cutting and stapling of tissue.

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

[0147] Reference Figure 4 The anvil 400 of the present example includes a head portion 410 and a handle portion 420. The head portion 410 includes a proximal surface 412 that defines a plurality of staple-forming pockets 414. The staple-forming pockets 414 are arranged in two concentric annular arrays. In some other versions, the staple-forming pockets 414 are arranged in three or more concentric annular arrays. The staple-forming pockets 414 are configured to deform a staple when the staple is driven into the staple-forming pockets 414. For example, as is known in the art, each staple-forming pocket 414 can deform a generally "U"-shaped staple into a "B"-shaped configuration. As best seen in FIG. 1, the proximal surface 412 of the head portion 410 defines a central opening 416 that is surrounded by a ring-shaped recess 418. The ring-shaped recess 418 is configured to receive a portion of the handle portion 420. Figure 4 As best seen in FIG. 1, the proximal surface 412 terminates at an inner edge 416 that defines an outer boundary of the ring-shaped recess 418 around the handle portion 420.

[0148] The handle portion 420 defines a bore 422 and includes a pair of pivot latches 430 positioned in the bore 422. The latches 430 are positioned within the bore 422 such that the distal ends thereof are positioned at the proximal end of lateral openings 424 formed through the sidewall of the handle portion 420.

[0149] Therefore, the transverse opening 424 provides a clearance for the distal end 434 of the latching member 430, which deflects radially outward from the longitudinal axis defined by the shank 420. However, the latching member 430 is configured to resiliently bias its distal end radially inward toward the longitudinal axis defined by the shank 420. The latching member 430 thus functions as a retaining clamp. This allows the anvil 400 to be removably secured to the cannula 330 of the suture head assembly 300. However, it should be understood that the latching member 430 is merely optional. Any other suitable component, feature, or technique may be used to removably secure the anvil 400 to the cannula 330.

[0150] In addition to or instead of the foregoing, the anvil 400 may also be constructed and operated in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 5,205,459, 5,271,544, 5,275,322, 5,285,945, 5,292,053, 5,333,773, 5,350,104, 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Patent No. 8,910,847, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

[0151] refer to Figure 3 In this example, the suture head assembly 300 is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 200 and includes a tubular housing 310 that houses a slidable pin 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, such that the tubular housing 310 serves as a mechanical ground for the suture head assembly 300.

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

[0153] like Figure 5 As shown, the nail drive member 350 is operable to be longitudinally actuated within the tubular housing 310 in response to the activation of the motor 160. The nail drive member 350 includes a concentric annular array of nail actuators 352 presented at their two distal ends. The nail actuators 352 are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the nail forming recesses 414 described above. Thus, each nail actuator 352 is configured to drive a corresponding nail into a corresponding nail forming recess 414 when the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. It should be understood that the arrangement of the nail actuators 352 may be modified similarly to the arrangement of the nail forming recesses 414 as described above. The nail drive member 350 also defines an aperture 354 configured to coaxially receive the core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. An annular array of bolts 356 protrudes distally from a surface presented distally around the aperture 354.

[0154] A cylindrical blade member 340 is coaxially positioned within a nail drive member 350. The blade member 340 includes a sharp, rounded cutting edge 342 extending distally. The blade member 340 is sized such that it defines an outer diameter smaller than the diameter defined by the inner annular array of the nail drive member 352. The blade member 340 also defines an opening configured to coaxially receive a core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. The openings 346 of the annular array formed in the blade member 340 are configured to complement the bolts 356 of the annular array of the nail drive member 350, such that the blade member 340 is securely fastened to the nail drive member 350 via the bolts 356 and the openings 346. Other suitable structural relationships between the blade member 340 and the nail drive member 350 will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

[0155] The platform member 320 is fixedly secured to the tubular housing 310. The platform member 320 includes a distally presented platform surface 322 that defines two concentric annular arrays of staple openings 324. The staple openings 324 are arranged to correspond with the arrangement of the staple drivers 352 and the staple-forming pockets 414 described above. Thus, each staple opening 324 is configured to provide a path for a corresponding staple driver 352 to drive a corresponding staple through the platform member 320 and into a corresponding staple-forming pocket 414 when the stapling head assembly 300 is actuated. It will be appreciated that the arrangement of the staple openings 322 can be modified similar to the arrangement of the staple-forming pockets 414 as described above. It will also be appreciated that various structures and techniques can be used to contain the staples within the stapling head assembly 300 prior to actuation of the stapling head assembly 300. Such structures and techniques for containing the staples within the stapling head assembly 300 can prevent the staples from inadvertently falling through the staple openings 324 prior to actuation of the stapling head assembly 300. Various suitable forms that such structures and techniques can take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0156] As Figure 6 As best seen in FIG. 1, 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 be translated distally to a point where the cutting edge 342 is distanced from the platform surface 322.

[0157] In addition to or in lieu of the above, the stapling head assembly 300 can be constructed and operated in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,459, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,544, U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,322, U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,945, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,053, U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,773, U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,104, U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,847, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0158] Figure 6 Various components of the shaft assembly 200 that couple components of the stapling head assembly 300 with components of the housing assembly 100 are shown. In particular and as described above, the shaft assembly 200 includes an outer sheath 210 that extends between the housing assembly 100 and the tubular housing 310. In the present example, the outer sheath 210 is rigid and includes a pre-formed curved segment as described above.

[0159] The shaft assembly 200 further 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 will be appreciated, therefore, that the trocar 330 translates longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210 in response to 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 such 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. The trocar actuation band assembly 230, however, has sufficient column strength and tensile strength to transmit distal and proximal forces from the trocar actuation rod 220 to the trocar shaft 332. The trocar actuation rod 220 is rigid. The clamp 222 is fixedly secured to the trocar actuation rod 220 and is configured to cooperate with complementary features within the housing assembly 100 to prevent rotation of the trocar actuation rod 220 within the housing assembly 100 while still allowing the trocar actuation rod 220 to translate longitudinally within the housing assembly 100. The trocar actuation rod 220 further includes a coarse helical thread 224 and a fine helical thread 226.

[0160] The shaft assembly 200 further includes a stapling head assembly driver 240 slidably received within the outer sheath 210. The distal end of the stapling head assembly driver 240 is fixed to the proximal end of the staple drive member 350. The proximal end of the stapling head assembly driver 240 is fixed to the drive carriage 250 via a pin 242. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the staple drive member 350 translates longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210 in response to translation of the stapling head assembly driver 240 and the drive carriage 250 relative to the outer sheath 210. The stapling head assembly driver 240 is configured to bend such that the stapling head assembly driver 240 can follow a preformed curve in the shaft assembly 200 as the stapling head assembly driver 240 translates longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210. The stapling head assembly driver 240, however, has sufficient column strength to transmit distal forces from the drive carriage 250 to the staple drive member 350.

[0161] It will be appreciated that the shaft assembly 200 can further include one or more spacer elements within the outer sheath 210. Such spacer elements can be configured to support the trocar drive belt assembly 230 and / or the stapling head assembly driver 240 as the trocar drive belt assembly 230 and / or the stapling head assembly driver 240 are translated through the outer sheath 210. For example, such spacer elements can prevent the trocar drive belt assembly 230 and / or the stapling head assembly driver 240 from being crushed as the trocar drive belt assembly 230 and / or the stapling head assembly driver 240 are translated through the outer sheath 210. Various suitable forms that such spacer elements can 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 above, the shaft assembly 200 can be constructed and operated in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,459, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,544, U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,322, U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,945, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,053, U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,773, U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,104, U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,847, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to those 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. Pat. Pub. No. 20160374665, entitled SURGICAL STAPLER WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCKOUT, filed on June 26, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0164] The instrument 1100 is similar in many respects to the instrument 10. For example, like the instrument 10, the instrument 1100 is a surgical instrument that is configured to grasp, staple, and / or cut tissue. In addition, like the instrument 10, the instrument 1100 includes a shaft assembly 1206( Figure 12 ), a stapling head assembly 1300( Figure 12 ), and an anvil 1200 Figure 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 can be desirable because once a suitable gap distance d is reached, locking out the anvil can prevent the operator from improperly varying 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 Figure 8 As best seen, the inner lockout member 1172 is disposed about a portion of the knob 1130 and is fixedly secured thereto. The inner lockout member 1172 of the present example includes a plurality of triangular teeth 1174 extending radially outwardly from the inner lockout member 1172. The teeth 1174 are configured to engage with corresponding teeth 1184 of the outer lockout member 1176 to prevent rotation of the knob 1130, and thus translation of the trocar actuation bar 1122.

[0165] Various lockout assemblies suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL, issued December 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, issued May 16, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, issued February 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, issued January 24, 2006; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, issued December 27, 2005, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

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

[0167] While the inner lock member 1172 and the outer lock member 1176 of the present example are shown as including teeth 1174, 1178, it will be appreciated that any other suitable surface treatment or geometry can be used in other examples. For example, in some examples, the lock members 1172, 1176 include corresponding knurled surfaces, lugs, key teeth, ridges, detent features, or any other suitable surface treatment or geometry that can be configured to correspondingly engage to prevent relative rotational movement between the lock members 1172, 1176.

[0168] The actuation member 1180 includes an elongate body 1182 that extends from the outer lock member 1176 to the safety trigger 1140. In particular, the body 1182 includes a trigger cradle 1184 that is configured to couple with the safety trigger 1140. The trigger cradle 1184 includes a channel 1185 that allows the cradle 1184 to be pivotably coupled to the safety trigger 1140. Similarly, the proximal end of the body 1182 is configured to couple with at least one of the protrusions 1179 of the outer lock member 1176. Thus, movement of the safety trigger 1140 is transmitted to the outer lock member 1176 via the actuation member 1180. In other words, the outer lock member 1176 longitudinally translates in response to pivoting of the safety trigger 1140. The outer lock member 1176 is generally responsive to the safety trigger 1140 to selectively lock actuation of the anvil 1200.

[0169] Figures 9-11 An example sequence of operation of the anvil lock assembly 1170 is shown. As Figure 9As can be seen, the anvil locking assembly 1170 initially begins in the unlocked state. In this state, the outer locking member 1176 is positioned proximal to the inner locking member 1172, allowing the inner locking member 1172 to rotate freely relative to the outer locking member 1176. It should be understood that when the inner locking member 1172 can rotate freely, the knob 1130 can similarly rotate freely, allowing the longitudinal position of the anvil to be adjusted via the cannula actuating rod 1122.

[0170] Once the operator rotates knob 1130 to adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil to achieve the appropriate clearance distance d, it may be desirable to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil. Figure 10 Anvil locking assembly 1170 in a locked state is shown. To advance anvil locking assembly 1170 into 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 actuating 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 the inner locking member 1172 from rotating relative to the housing 1112 via the protrusion 1179. Because the inner locking member 1172 is securely fixed to the knob 1130, rotational movement of the knob 1130 will also be prevented. With the knob 1130 locked in the appropriate position, 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 the suturing sequence.

[0172] In some examples, it may be desirable to use an actuation mechanism 1190, such as a solenoid, to drive the external locking member 1176. For example... Figure 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 with the actuation mechanism 1190. The actuation mechanism 1190 includes multiple wires 1192 that can be connected to a circuit board, switch, and / or sensor. In various examples, the wires 1192 are connected to a control circuit 1210. Figure 15). In various examples, the safety trigger 1140 can be used to actuate the actuation mechanism 1190 using a similar configuration as the safety trigger 1040 of the instrument 100. For example, actuation of the safety trigger 1140 can complete a circuit to initiate the actuation mechanism 1190, which causes the lockout member 1176 to drive longitudinally to engage with the lockout member 1172.

[0173] In operation, the actuation mechanism 1190 generally provides the same functionality as the safety trigger 1140, except that the actuation mechanism 1190 eliminates the need for the actuation member 1180 to extend the entire distance to the safety trigger 1140. Although the actuation mechanism 1190 is shown and described herein as including a solenoid, it will be appreciated that any other suitable actuator can be used in accordance with the teachings herein, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0174] Referring primarily to Figures 12-14 , a different problem with circular staplers is that their anvil can be detached from its stapling head assembly and must be introduced separately into the surgical site in a different manner and from a different access point. Thus, unlike other stapling instruments, circular staplers present the risk of anvil-stapling head assembly mismatch and / or anvil staple cartridge mismatch. Moreover, to properly assemble or couple the anvil and the stapling head assembly, they must be properly oriented relative to each other in a particular direction at the surgical site. As Figure 13 shown, improper orientation of the anvil and the corresponding stapling head assembly can result in misalignment between the staple-forming pockets 414 Figure 12 of the anvil and the staple openings 324 Figure 3 of the staple cartridge 1320, which can result in improper staple formation. Additionally, improper orientation of the anvil and the corresponding stapling head assembly can result in improper seating of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. An improperly seated or partially seated anvil can become dislodged or detached from the stapling head assembly due to the additional load from the tissue captured between the anvil and the stapling head assembly during closure.

[0175] To address the above problems, the surgical instrument 1100 includes an anvil 1200 equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 1201 that is identifiable or detectable by an RFID scanner 1202 on the stapling head assembly 1300 of the surgical instrument 1100. Likewise, the staple cartridge 1320 contains an RFID tag 1203 that is also identifiable or detectable 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, the information can be checked and compared for authentication and / or compatibility.

[0176] The identification mechanisms described herein can be active or passive systems. In various embodiments, a combination of active and passive identification systems are used. Passive systems can include, for example, barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, and / or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Passive systems do not include an internal power source, and the passive systems described herein require a reader and / or scanner to transmit a first signal, such as an interrogation signal.

[0177] Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) systems communicate information using radio frequencies. Such passive RFID systems include an RFID scanner and an RFID tag that does not have an internal power source. The RFID tag is powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from the RFID scanner. Each RFID tag includes a chip, such as a microchip, that stores information about the replaceable component and / or the surgical instruments that are compatible with the replaceable component. While the chip can contain only an identification number, in various instances, the chip can store additional information, such as manufacturing data, shipping 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 of the RFID tag that can receive a signal from the RFID scanner and transmit a response signal back to the RFID scanner. In passive RFID systems, the RFID scanner, which also includes its own antenna, transmits a radio signal that activates RFID tags positioned within a predetermined range. The RFID scanner is configured to receive the response signal that “bounces back” from the RFID tag, allowing the RFID scanner to capture identification information representative of the replaceable component. In various instances, the response signal(s) include the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various instances, the response signal(s) include a modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various instances, the RFID scanner is also able to write or encode information directly onto the RFID tag. In any instance, the RFID scanner is able to communicate information about the replaceable component 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 read multiple RFID tags at once because the RFID tags are activated by the radio signal. Additionally, in certain instances, the RFID scanner is able to update or re-write information stored on the RFID tag within the signal range with the RFID scanner. The update can be transmitted to the RFID scanner, for example, from a surgical hub or any suitable server. Various surgical hubs are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,395, titled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, filed 12 / 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 an internal power source. Active RFID systems utilize battery-powered RFID tags that are configured to continuously broadcast their own signals. One type of active RFID tag is commonly referred to as a "beacon." Such beacon RFID tags do not wait to receive a first signal from an RFID scanner. Rather, beacon RFID tags continuously transmit their stored information. For example, a beacon can emit its information at intervals of 3-5 seconds. Another type of active RFID tag includes a transponder. In such systems, an RFID scanner first transmits a signal. Then, the RFID transponder tag sends a signal back to the RFID scanner with relevant information. Such RFID transponder tag systems are efficient because they can conserve battery life when, for example, the RFID tag is out of range of the RFID scanner. In various instances, active RFID tags include on-board sensors to track environmental parameters. For example, on-board sensors can track moisture content, temperature, and / or other data that can be relevant.

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

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

[0181] Referring to Figure 12 , the anvil 1200 is similar in many respects to the anvil 400. For example, as with the anvil 400, the anvil 1200 includes a head 410, staple-forming pockets 414, and a handle 1420. In Figure 12In the example shown, the RFID tag 1201 is supported on an outer surface of the handle 1420 near the aperture 422. In at least one example, a recess or dimple is defined in the handle 1420 and the RFID tag 1201 is positioned in the recess or dimple. The RFID tag 1201 can be held in place in the recess or dimple using any suitable technique (e.g., a friction fit or a biocompatible adhesive).

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

[0183] In at least one example, when the anvil 1200 is properly oriented and fully seated relative to the stapling head assembly 1300, the RFID tag 1201 is positioned on the handle 1420 at the first longitudinal position that corresponds or substantially corresponds to the second longitudinal position of the tip 336 of the head 334 of the trocar 330. In other words, the tip 336 of the head 334 of the trocar 330 is laterally aligned or at least substantially aligned with the RFID tag 1201 when it is received in the handle 1420 at its final seated position. In at least one example, the RFID tag 1201 is positioned on the handle 1420 distally from the aperture 422 and proximally to the lateral opening 424 and / or proximally to the latching member 430 Figures 3-4 .

[0184] Referring to Figure 12The RFID scanner 1202 is positioned on an outer surface of a cylindrical inner core member 1312 that extends distally within a tubular housing 1310 of the stapling head assembly 1300. The tubular housing 1310 is fixedly secured to the outer sheath 210 of the shaft assembly 1206 such that the tubular housing 1310 serves as a mechanical ground for the stapling head assembly 1300. The RFID scanner 1202 is supported by the inner core member 1312 on its outer surface near its distal end. In at least one example, a recess or pocket is defined in the inner core member 1312 and the RFID scanner 1202 is positioned in the recess or pocket. The RFID scanner 1202 can be held in place in the recess or pocket using any suitable technique (e.g., a friction fit or a biocompatible adhesive). Alternatively, the RFID scanner 1202 can be positioned on an inner surface of the cylindrical inner core member 1312. In Figure 12 In examples, the RFID scanner 1202 is positioned at a distal portion of the inner core member 1312 beneath the deck member 320 of the staple cartridge 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, the RFID tag 1201 and the RFID tag 1203 are identifiable or detectable by the RFID scanner 1202 in the closed configuration of the instrument 1100 with tissue captured between the anvil 1200 and the stapling head assembly 1300.

[0186] Figure 15 A logic diagram of a control system 1211 of a surgical instrument or tool is shown in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the control system 1211 includes a control circuit 1210 that can be integral with the RFID scanner 1202 or can be coupled to but positioned separately from the RFID scanner 1202 in the housing assembly 100. The control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of 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, the RFID tag 1203 stores identification information for the cartridge 1320 and the RFID tag 1201 stores identification information for the anvil 1200. In such examples, the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of the identification information for the cartridge 1320 and verifies the identity of the cartridge 1320 based on the input. Further, the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of the identification information for the anvil 1200 and verifies the identity of the anvil 1200 based on the input.

[0188] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 comprises 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 verification. For example, when executed by the processor 1214, the program instructions cause the processor 1214 to verify the identity of the cartridge 1320 and the identity of the anvil 1200 by comparing the identification information received from the RFID tags 1201, 1203 to identification information stored in the memory 1212 in the form of an identity database or table.

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

[0190] In various examples, the memory 1212 comprises local memory of the instrument 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 instrument 1100 can transmit the information received from the RFID tags 1201, 1203 to a remote server storing the database or table for remotely performing identity and / or compatibility checks.

[0191] Figure 16 A logic flow diagram is shown to illustrate a process 1220 for configuring control programs or logic for operating a surgical stapling instrument, such as the instrument 1100. In at least one example, the process 1220 is performed by the control circuit 1210 Figure 15) execution, the control circuit 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 certain examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 can 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 brevity and it should be understood that the process 1220 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, can be performed by circuitry that can include a variety of hardware and / or software components, and can be located in or associated with a variety of suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuitry or sequential logic circuitry.

[0192] As shown, the process 1220 includes detecting 1231 identification information of the staple cartridge 1320. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 receives input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 stored in the RFID tag 1203. If authentication of the staple cartridge ID is unsuccessful, or no staple cartridge ID is detected, the control circuit 1210 causes the indicator 1209 to warn 1241 that the staple cartridge 1320 is not attached and / or that the staple cartridge authentication failed. Figure 16

[0193] In various instances, the indicator 1209 can include, for example, one or more visual feedback systems, such as a display screen, a backlight, and / or an LED. In certain instances, the indicator 1209 can include, for example, one or more audio feedback systems, such as a speaker and / or a buzzer. In certain instances, the indicator 1209 can include, for example, one or more haptic feedback systems. In certain instances, the indicator 1209 can include, for example, a combination of visual, audio, and / or haptic feedback systems.

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

[0195] ​The process 1220 also includes verifying 1233 the cartridge firing status. The cartridge is typically set after filling. To ensure that a previously fired cartridge is not accidentally reused without staples, the RFID tag 1201 of the previously fired cartridge 1320 stores a previously fired status. In at least one example, after completing a firing sequence, the control circuit 1210 causes the RFID scanner 1202 to change the firing status of the cartridge 1320 from a never fired status to a previously fired status. Further, if the control circuit 1210 receives input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating that the attached cartridge 1320 has been previously fired, the control circuit 1210 can cause the indicator 1209 to warn 1243 the user.

[0196] The process 1220 also includes detecting 1234 the identification information of the anvil 1200. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 receives input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating the identification information of the anvil 1200 stored in the RFID tag 1201. If the authentication of the anvil ID is unsuccessful, or if no anvil ID is received, the control circuit 1210 can cause the indicator 1209 to warn 1244 that the anvil is not attached and / or that the anvil authentication failed.

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

[0198] The process 1220 also includes evaluating or detecting 1247 the orientation and / or seating of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly 1300. As described above, the control circuit 1210 can receive input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating the orientation of the anvil 1200 relative to the stapling head assembly 1300.Figure 12 As shown, when the latching 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 point, the RFID tag 1201 reaches or crosses an attachment threshold distance and is thus detected by the RFID scanner 1202. Detection of the RFID tag 1201 by the RFID scanner 1202 indicates that the anvil 1200 is fully seated relative to the stapling head assembly 1300. In at least one example, receiving input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating 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] Reference Figure 12 And Figure 15 In various examples, an RFID scanner 1204 is employed in addition to the RFID scanner 1202 to detect the RFID tag 1201 and / or the RFID tag 1203. The RFID scanner 1204 can be positioned within the stapling head assembly 1300. In the illustrated example, the RFID scanner 1204 is supported by the tubular housing 1310. The control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive input from the RFID scanner 1204 in addition to the RFID scanner 1202. In at least one example, the RFID scanner 1204 is configured to detect the RFID tag 1203 while the RFID scanner 1202 can be configured to detect the RFID tag 1201. Figure 12 In the illustrated example, the RFID scanner 1204 is supported by the tubular housing 1310. The control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive input from the RFID scanner 1204 in addition to the RFID scanner 1202. In at least one example, the RFID scanner 1204 is configured to detect the RFID tag 1203 while the RFID scanner 1202 can be configured to detect the RFID tag 1201.

[0200] With respect to anvil orientation, the control circuit 1210 is configured to determine whether an attached anvil 1200 is properly oriented relative to the stapling head assembly 1300 by using the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 to detect and measure the strength of the signal transmitted by the RFID tag 1201. In a proper orientation of the anvil 1200, the RFID scanner 1202 detects the signal from the RFID tag 1201 and measures a unique first signal strength corresponding to the distance dl between the RFID tag 1201 and the RFID scanner 1202. Likewise, the RFID scanner 1204 detects the signal from the RFID tag 1201 and measures a unique second signal strength corresponding to the distance d2 between the RFID tag 1201 and the RFID scanner 1204. The control circuit 1210 can be configured to assess proper orientation of the anvil 1200 based on the first signal strength and / or the second signal strength.

[0201] Figure 13An incorrect orientation of the anvil 1200 is shown, with the handle portion 1420 angled at an angle a from the correct orientation of the stapling head assembly 1300. The misalignment between the anvil 1200 and the stapling head assembly 1300 causes the distances dl, d2 to be different from their values at the correct orientation, which results in the first signal strength and the second signal strength being different from their values at the correct orientation. In Figure 13 In the example of FIG. 12, the misalignment between the anvil 1200 and the stapling head assembly 1300 increases the value of the distance dl and decreases the value of the distance d2. Accordingly, Figure 13 The misalignment of the anvil 1200 and the stapling head assembly 1300 decreases the first signal strength and increases the second signal strength compared to their values at the correct orientation.

[0202] Accordingly, by monitoring the strength of the signals transmitted by the RFID tag 1201, the control circuit 1210 is able to assess whether the anvil 1200 is correctly oriented relative to the 1300. In various instances, the memory 1212 stores a database or table of signal strength values or ranges that are indicative of the correct orientation of the anvil 1200. In such instances, the control circuit 1210 can check the signal strength values collected by the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 against the values or ranges in the database or table to assess whether the anvil 1200 is correctly oriented.

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

[0204] Figure 17 A logic flow diagram of a process 1250 illustrating a control program or logic configuration for correctly orienting an anvil relative to a stapling head assembly of a surgical stapling instrument is shown. In at least one example, the process 1250 is executed by the control circuit 1210 Figure 15) execution, the control circuit 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 certain examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 can 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 brevity only and it should be understood that the process 1250 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, can be performed by circuitry that can include a variety of hardware and / or software components and can be located in or associated with a variety of suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuitry or sequential logic circuitry.

[0205] With reference to Figure 15 and Figure 17 , the control circuit 1210 is configured to detect 1251 an incorrect orientation of the anvil 1200 relative to the stapling head assembly 1300, as described above. In addition, the control circuit 1210 can employ the indicator 1209 to alert 1252 the user of the incorrect orientation. Further, the control circuit 1210 can suggest 1253 a direction and / or degree of rotation of the anvil 1200 to achieve the correct orientation through the indicator 1209. The control circuit 1210 can continue to check 1254 whether the correct orientation is achieved based on input from the RFID scanner 1201 and / or the RFID scanner 1204. When the control circuit 1210 detects the correct orientation, the control circuit 1210 can further cause the indicator 1209 to alert 1255 the user that the anvil 1200 is now properly aligned with the stapling head assembly 1300.

[0206] As described in greater 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 is generally responsive to the safety trigger 1140 to selectively lock actuation of the anvil 1200. In other examples, the control circuit 1210 is configured to drive the outer lockout member 1176 using the actuation mechanism 1190, such as a solenoid. In either case, the anvil lockout assembly 1170 is configured to transition between an unlocked state and a locked state, where: (i) in the unlocked state, the lockout assembly 1170 is configured to allow translation of the anvil 1200, and (ii) in the locked state, the lockout assembly 1170 is configured to prevent translation of the anvil 1200. In various examples, the control circuit 1210 employs the indicator 1209 to alert the user that it is safe to transition the lockout assembly 1170 to the unlocked state based on input from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 indicating detection of the RFID tag 1201. In other examples, the control circuit 1210 employs the actuation mechanism 1190 to transition the lockout assembly 1170 to the unlocked state based on input from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 indicating detection of the RFID tag 1201.

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

[0208] Reference Figure 15The motors 160, 1160 are coupled to motor drivers 161 and 1161, respectively, which are configured to control operation of the motors 160 and 1160, including the flow of electrical energy from a power source (e.g., battery pack 120) to the motors 160 and 1160. In various examples, the processor 1214 is coupled to the motors 160, 1160 through the motor drivers 1160, 1161. In various forms, the motors 160 and / or 1160 can be a brushed direct current (DC) motor with a gear box and mechanical linkage to effect tissue treatment by a surgical end effector. In one aspect, the motor drivers 1160, 1161 can be in the form of an A3941 available from Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Other motor drivers can readily be substituted for use with the control system 11211.

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

[0210] In various aspects, a motor driver according to the present disclosure can be a full-bridge controller for use with external N-channel power metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) specifically designed for inductive loads such as brushed DC motors. The motor driver can 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 with reduced gate drive as low as 5.5V. A bootstrap capacitor can be employed to provide the above-mentioned battery supply voltage required for the N-channel MOSFET. The internal charge pump of the high-side driver allows for direct current (100% duty cycle) operation. The full-bridge can be driven in either fast decay mode or slow decay mode using diodes or synchronous rectification. In slow decay mode, current recirculation can pass through either the high-side FET or the low-side FET. The power FETs are protected from being shot through by a resistor adjustable dead time. Comprehensive diagnostics provide indication of under-voltage, over-temperature, and power bridge faults, and can be configured to protect the power MOSFETs under most short circuit conditions. Other motor drivers can be readily substituted for use in the tracking system 480 including an absolute positioning system.

[0211] In various aspects, for example, one or more motors of the present disclosure can include a rotatable shaft in operable engagement with a gear assembly mounted in meshing engagement with a set of drive teeth or rack gear on a displacement member of the firing drive assembly 1163 or the closure drive assembly 163. A sensor element can be operably coupled to the gear assembly such that a single rotation of the position sensor element corresponds to some linear longitudinal translation of the displacement member. The arrangement of transmission and 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. A power source supplies power to the absolute positioning system and an output indicator can display an output of the absolute positioning system. The displacement member represents a longitudinally movable drive member that includes a rack gear of drive teeth formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of the gear reducer assembly. The displacement member represents a longitudinally movable closure member, a firing member, a firing bar, an I-beam, or combinations thereof.

[0212] In certain examples, as Figure 15As shown, transitioning the anvil 1200 to the closed configuration by the motor 1160 driven stapling head assembly 1300. In such examples, if the control circuit 1210 detects the correct orientation, full seating, and / or correct identity of the anvil 1200 based on input from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204, the control circuit 1210 permits the motor 1160 to drive closure of the anvil 1200, as described above. Accordingly, a fault detected in establishing one or more of the correct orientation, full seating, and / or correct identity of the anvil 1200 causes the control circuit 1210 to prevent the motor 1160 from initiating and / or completing closure of the 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 permits the motor 160 to drive staple firing and 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 staple firing and advancement of the cylindrical knife member 340.

[0214] In various examples, the antennas of one or both of the RFID tags 1201, 1203 and the RFID scanners 1202, 1204 can be supplemented with an augmenting antenna that engages when connected. In various examples, the antennas of active RFID tags on the surgical instrument 1100, e.g., the RFID tag 1201 and the RFID tag 1203, can be cut in a planned manner during normal operation of the surgical instrument 1100. Loss of signal from such RFID tags can signify completion of a surgical task.

[0215] In various aspects, RFID tags can be positioned along the path of the cylindrical knife member 340. For example, an 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 advancement of the knife member 340.

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

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

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

[0219] RF signals from the backscatter data can be collected and correlated to known tissue properties for tissue analysis. In various aspects, spectral features of the backscatter data can be analyzed to determine various properties of the tissue. In at least one example, the backscatter data is employed to identify boundary features within the tissue. In at least one example, the backscatter data can be used to assess the thickness of the tissue grasped between the anvil 1200 and the stapling head assembly 1300.

[0220] Figure 18A surgical instrument 2200 is shown that can be selectively assembled from any one or more of a number of different end effectors (e.g., end effectors 2210, 2210'), any one of a number of different shafts (e.g., shafts 2230, 2230', 2230", 2230"'), and a housing assembly 2240. The components of the surgical instrument 2200 are selected based on a variety of factors, including the type of surgical procedure, the type of tissue, and / or the patient anatomy.

[0221] In various instances, the end effectors of the surgical instrument 2200 are circular stapler end effectors of different sizes. In the illustrated example, 25 mm and 31 mm circular stapler end effectors are shown. However, this is not limiting, as other suitable end effectors can readily be used with the surgical instrument 2200. In the illustrated example, the end effectors 2210, 2210' are stapling head assemblies 2300 that are configured to staple and cut tissue. However, this is not limiting, as other suitable end effectors can readily be used with the surgical instrument 2200. Figure 18 Figure 18 In the illustrated example, the shafts 2230, 2230', 2230", 2230"' include different profiles in terms of length and / or curvature. However, this is not limiting, as shafts having other suitable shaft profiles can readily be used with the surgical instrument 2200.

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

[0223] Figure 19 A schematic view of an example surgical instrument 2200 assembled from an end effector 2210, a shaft 2230, and a housing assembly 2240 is shown. Various components and / or connections between the components of the end effector 2210, the shaft 2230, and the housing assembly 2240 are removed for clarity. The surgical instrument 2200 is similar in many respects to the surgical instruments 100, 1100. For example, the end effector 2210 has a stapling head assembly 2300 that is similar in many respects to the stapling head assemblies 300, 1300 and an anvil 2400 that is similar in many respects to the anvil 400, 1200.

[0224] ​In operation, the anvil 2400 is coupled to the stapling head assembly 2300 as described in greater detail above with respect to the surgical instruments 100, 1100. The anvil 2400 is then retracted a closure stroke or distance "d" from a starting position toward the stapling head assembly 2300 to transition the stapling head assembly 2300 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Tissue is grasped between the anvil 2400 and the stapling head assembly 2300 in the closed configuration. In addition, the stapling head assembly 2300 includes a staple cartridge that houses staples that are deployed from the staple cartridge toward the anvil 2400 in the closed configuration. The staples are deployed through the grasped tissue and formed by the staple-forming pockets 414 of the anvil 2400. Additionally, the knife member 340 is translated distally to a point where the cutting edge 342 is distal from the deck surface 322 of the stapling head assembly 2300 to cut the tissue.

[0225] In addition to the above or in lieu of the above, the stapling head assembly 2300 and the anvil 2400 can be constructed and operated in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,459, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,544, U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,322, U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,945, U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,053, U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,773, U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,104, U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,847, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0226] Still referring to Figure 19 , the housing assembly 2240 includes one or more motors 2160 and one or more motor drives 2161 that are similar in many respects to the motors 160, 1160 and the motor drives 161, 1161. In various examples, the control circuit 1210 is configured to control the motor drives 2161 to cause the motors 2160 to move the anvil 2400 a closure stroke or distance "d" toward the stapling head assembly 2300 to transition the end effector 2210 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The control circuit 1210 is also configured to control the motor drives 2161 to cause the motors 2160 to apply a load to the end effector 2210 in a firing motion to deploy staples into tissue grasped by the end effector 1210 in the closed configuration and to cut the grasped tissue by causing the knife member 340 to be advanced distally through the tissue. In at least one example, the knife member 340 is advanced toward a breakable collar of the anvil 2400. In such examples, the breakable collar is broken off by the knife member 340 toward the end of the entire distal range of motion of the knife member 340.

[0227] To properly staple and cut tissue with the surgical instrument 2200, the operating parameters of the motor 2160 need to be adjusted to produce a closure distance and / or a firing load appropriate for the selected end effector 2210 and / or shaft 2230 of the surgical instrument 2200. For example, longer and / or curved shafts require different closure distances than shorter shafts. Likewise, larger staple cartridges generally require higher firing loads than smaller staple cartridges. To address this issue, the end effector of the surgical instrument 2200 is equipped with an RFID tag 2201 that stores end effector information and is detectable by the RFID scanner 2202. Additionally, in certain instances, the shaft of the surgical instrument 2200 is also equipped with an RFID tag 2203 that stores shaft information and is detectable by the RFID scanner 2204. As Figure 20 shown, according to the process 2250, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive 2252 an input indicative of end effector information from the RFID scanner 2202, receive 2254 an input indicative of shaft information from the RFID scanner 2204, and adjust 2256 at least one operating parameter of the motor 2160 to produce a closure distance and / or a firing load based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

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

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

[0230] In addition to the above, in the assembly configuration, RFID scanner 2202 can read end effector information stored in RFID tag 2201 and transmit it to control circuit 1210. Furthermore, RFID scanner 2204 can read shaft information stored in RFID tag 2203 and transmit it to control circuit 1210. In various aspects, end effector information may include identification information, manufacturer information, pin cartridge size, type and / or color, anvil type, and / or a more suitable adjustment value for the default closing distance and / or firing load. Similarly, shaft information may include identification information, manufacturer information, shaft profile, and / or a more suitable adjustment value for the default closing distance and / or firing load.

[0231] refer to Figure 21 Graph 2260 shows the relationship between firing load (pounds) on the Y-axis and firing time (seconds) on the X-axis. Figure 21 The diagram illustrates the default, unadjusted firing algorithm 2263, and the adjusted firing algorithm 2263. Graph 2260 also shows a default maximum firing load threshold 2261 (e.g., 400 lbs) and a final maximum firing load threshold 2262 (e.g., 485 lbs) for 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 end effector information of the end effector 2210, which is stored in an RFID tag 2201 and read by the RFID scanner 2202 of the surgical instrument 2200. Figure 21In the example, the end effector information indicates a cartridge with a larger size (e.g., 31 mm) than the default cartridge (e.g., 25 mm). The default cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm) is associated with the default firing algorithm 2263 and the default maximum firing load threshold 2261. Meanwhile, the larger cartridge size (e.g., 31 mm) is associated with the final firing algorithm 2264 and the final maximum firing load threshold 2262.

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

[0233] Furthermore, the input of indication end effector information from the RFID scanner 2201 causes the control circuit 1210 to adjust the default maximum firing load threshold 2261 (e.g., 400) to a final maximum firing load threshold 2262 (e.g., 485 lbs), and to maintain the firing algorithm 2264 below the final maximum firing load threshold 2262, such as... Figure 20 As shown.

[0234] exist Figure 21 In the example, control circuit 1210 adjusts or introduces a minimum waiting time “t” before causing motor 2160 to apply firing algorithm 2263 to end effector 2210. In various cases, the minimum waiting time “t” is the time interval between the completion of the closed sequence of the end effector of surgical instrument 2200 (where tissue is grasped by the end effector in a closed configuration) and the start of the firing sequence of the end effector (where the grasped tissue is sutured and cut). The minimum waiting time “t” allows tissue creep, where the grasped tissue adjusts to a lower mean pressure, thereby reducing the maximum firing load required to complete the firing sequence of end effector 2210 to a value equal to or below the final maximum firing load threshold 2262. In the default firing algorithm 2263, there is no minimum waiting time “t”, and firing algorithm 2263 must be interrupted 2267 during the time interval from time t3 to time t4 to prevent the firing load from exceeding the final maximum firing load threshold 2262. In contrast, firing algorithm 2264 continues through the time interval between t3 and t4, as... Figure 21 As shown.

[0235] Still referencing Figure 21Another factor that can affect the minimum waiting time “t” is the user-selected form height of the staple deployed from the suture head assembly 2300. Control circuitry 1210 can prompt the user via indicator 1209 to select the desired form height of the staple. In at least one example, control circuitry 1210 can present the user with multiple form height options for selection. Additionally or alternatively, control circuitry 1210 can recommend an optimal form height based on the tissue processed by surgical instruments 2200. In any case, the user-selected form height can cause control circuitry 1210 to further adjust the minimum waiting time “t”. In at least one example, memory 1212 stores form heights and corresponding waiting time adjustments in a database or lookup table. Control circuitry 1210 can adjust the minimum waiting time “t” by identifying the waiting time adjustment associated with the user-selected form height, and then adjust the minimum waiting time “t” based on the identified waiting time adjustment.

[0236] Generally speaking, larger formed spikes are associated with larger firing loads and require a larger minimum waiting time "t" compared to smaller formed spikes. Figure 21 In the example, the user-selected form height 2265 is associated with the firing load "f2" and is greater than the minimum form height 2266 associated with the minimum firing load "F1". The minimum firing loads "F1" and "F2" represent the firing loads at which the pin legs begin to bend. Therefore, Figure 21 The example wait time "t" is a result that is larger (31mm) than the default (25mm) pin cartridge size and the selected form height of 2265.

[0237] refer to Figure 22curve graph 2270 shows an adjustment made to a default maximum firing load threshold 2272 (e.g., 400 lbs.) for the surgical instrument 2200. The adjustment is based on end effector information 2271 and shaft information 2273 received by the control circuit 1210 from the RFID scanners 2202, 2204, as described in greater detail above. The shaft information 2273 identifies the long curved shaft 2230 and provides a corresponding first adjustment value 2274 (e.g., 35 lbs.) to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272. Similarly, the end effector information 2271 identifies the end effector 2210 having a staple cartridge including a 31 mm size and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2276 (e.g., 85 lbs.) to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272. Adding the adjustment values 2274, 2276 to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272 results in a final maximum firing load threshold 2278. As described above, the adjustment values 2274, 2276 can be part of the end effector information 2271 and the shaft information 2273, respectively, or can be determined by the control circuit 1210 from a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212, e.g., based on the identification information of the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230.

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

[0239] Referring to Figure 22 The curve graph 2280 shows an adjustment made to a default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282 for the surgical instrument 2200. The minimum closure stroke or distance for the surgical instrument 2200 is the minimum allowed or recommended closure stroke or distance for the end effector (e.g., the end effector 2210) of the surgical instrument 2200 to reach 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 closure stroke or distance 2282 is based on end effector information 2271 and shaft information 2273 received by the control circuit 1210 from the RFID scanners 2202, 2204, as described in greater detail above.

[0240] Shaft information 2273 identifies long curved shaft 2230 and provides a corresponding first adjustment value 2284 to a default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282. The increased length and curvature of shaft 2230 produces a minimum closure stroke or distance 2289 that is longer than the default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282 as compared to a default shaft. Similarly, end effector information 2271 identifies end effector 2210 having a staple cartridge including a 31 mm size and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2286 to the default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282. Adding adjustment values 2284, 2286 to the default minimum closure stroke or distance 2282 produces a final default minimum closure stroke or distance 2288. As discussed above, adjustment values 2284, 2286 can be part of end effector information 2271 and shaft information 2273, respectively, or can be determined by control circuit 1210 from a database or lookup table stored in memory 1212, e.g., based on the identification information of end effector 2210 and shaft 2230.

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

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

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

[0244] In various aspects, the transmitted shaft information can include the adjusted closure range 2283. Alternatively, the transmitted shaft information can include an upper adjustment value and a lower adjustment value for the default closure range 2281. Alternatively, the transmitted shaft information can include shaft identification information. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can determine the adjusted closure range 2283 from a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212, for example, based on the shaft identification information.

[0245] In various aspects, the transmitted end effector information can include the adjusted closure range. Alternatively, the transmitted end effector information can include an upper adjustment value and a lower adjustment value for the default closure range 2281. Alternatively, the transmitted end effector information can include end effector identification information. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can determine the adjusted closure range from a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212, for example, based on the end effector identification information.

[0246] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can determine the adjusted closure range 2285 from a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212, for example, based on the shaft identification information and the end effector identification information. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can determine the adjusted closure range 2285 from the cumulative effect of the upper adjustment value and the lower adjustment value of the default closure range 2281 provided by the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0247] Still referring to Figure 22 The graph 2290 illustrates firing velocity (m / s) on the Y-axis versus time (seconds) on the X-axis. In the example of the graph 2290, the firing velocity represents the speed of a longitudinally movable firing member that is coupled to the motor 2160 of the surgical instrument 2200 Figure 19) and is configured to enable deployment of staples from the stapling head assembly 2300 toward the anvil 2400 and advancement of the knife member 340, as described in greater detail above. In other examples, the firing speed can be a rotational speed of the motor 2160.

[0248] The graph 2290 illustrates an adjustment made to a default maximum threshold 2292 for a firing speed of the surgical instrument 2200 based on end effector information and shaft information received by the control circuit 1210 from the RFID scanners 2202, 2204, as described in greater 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 including a 31 mm size 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 combine 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 can be part of the end effector information and the shaft information, respectively, or can be determined by the control circuit 1210 from a database or lookup table stored in the memory 1212, for example, based on the identification information of the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230.

[0250] In at least one example, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled from a curved long shaft 2230 and an end effector 2210' including a default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm). In such an example, the end effector information yields a zero adjustment value and the shaft information yields 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 from various combinations of end effectors and shafts that yield different adjustment values for modifying the default maximum threshold 2292 for the firing speed.

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

[0252] In at least one example, as Figure 23 illustrated, process 2310 illustrates a control program or logic configuration for operating surgical instrument 2200, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In at least one example, process 2310 is executed by control circuit 1210 Figure 15 ), which includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 that stores a set of computer-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 1214, causes processor 1214 to perform process 2310. In certain examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in memory 1212 can cause processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 2310. Although process 2310 is described as being executed by control circuit 1210, this is for brevity and simplicity only, and it should be understood that processes 2310 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, can be executed by circuitry that can include a variety of hardware and / or software components, and can be located in or associated with a variety of suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuitry or sequential logic circuitry.

[0253] In addition to the above, process 2310 includes receiving 2312 input indicative of end effector information from RFID scanner 2202, receiving 2314 input indicative of shaft information from RFID scanner 2204, and statically adjusting 2316 a default maximum threshold 2292 for firing velocity of surgical instrument 2200 to a final maximum threshold 2298 based on the end effector information and the shaft information. Additionally, in certain instances, process 2310 further includes dynamically adjusting 2318 the final maximum threshold 2298 for firing velocity to a new final maximum threshold 2299 based on slope 2305 of firing velocity curve 2302 to account for firing member inertia, as illustrated by the example of graph 2290.

[0254] Referring primarily to Figure 24Three motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000" are capable of being used interchangeably with the surgical instrument 5002. The motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000" include motors 5001, 5001', 5001" and gearboxes 5003, 5003', 5003", respectively. Even with similar design parameters, the motors 5001, 5001', 5001" have different outputs based on winding technology, wire quality, internal component quality, and / or magnetic density. Additionally, the gearboxes 5003, 5003', 5003" associated with the motors 5001, 5001', 5001" also have variable losses and efficiencies based on their materials, lubrication, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing methods. These variations mean that motor assemblies, such as motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000", can have significantly different efficiencies and outputs at the same applied voltage and current, even if they are produced by a single supplier. In various aspects, the surgical instrument 5002 addresses these variations by employing an RFID system 5004 Figure 27 ) configured to detect the motor assembly 5000 and communicate with the motor assembly, for example, to retrieve information associated with the motor assembly 5000 that can help the surgical instrument 5002 address motor-assembly variations. In various aspects, detection of a motor assembly, such as motor assembly 5000, is only achieved when the surgical instrument 5002 is in an assembled configuration with the motor assembly 5000, as described in greater detail below.

[0255] Figure 26 For the graph 5009 having three lines 5011, 5011', 5011" representing the relationship between motor torque (NM) on the Y-axis and motor speed (RPM) on the X-axis for the motors 5001, 5001', 5001", respectively. The lines 5011, 5011', 5011" demonstrate 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. The graph 5009 also illustrates the motor speed at maximum available power. In various aspects, as described in greater detail below, information extracted from the relationships represented by the lines 5011, 5011', 5011" can be used by the control circuit 1210 to adjust one or more operating parameters of the motor, select a control algorithm, and / or adjust a default control algorithm to ensure a predictable output is delivered from the motor assembly 5000, 5000', 5000".

[0256] Still referring to FIG. 1 Figure 24The surgical instrument 5002 includes a housing assembly 5006 having a motor assembly compartment 5007 configured to interchangeably receive and releasably couple with a motor assembly, such as the motor assembly 5000, 5000', 5000". For the sake of brevity, the following description of the interaction between the surgical instrument 5002 and the motor assembly will focus on the motor assembly 5000. Nonetheless, the following description applies equally to other suitable motor assemblies, such as the motor assembly 5000'. Although the housing assembly 5006 is illustrated in the form of a handle, this is not limiting. In various instances, the housing assembly 100 can be a component of a robotic system, for example.

[0257] The surgical instrument 5002 is similar in many respects to other surgical instruments described elsewhere herein, such as the surgical instruments 100, 1100. For example, the surgical instrument 5002 includes a shaft 5008 extending distally from the housing assembly 5006 and an end effector 5019 extending distally from the shaft 5008. Various end effectors suitable for use with the surgical instrument 5002, such as a circular stapler end effector including the anvil 400 and the stapling head assembly 300, are described elsewhere in the present disclosure and / or incorporated by reference into other disclosures of the present 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 can be employed to connect the power source 5014 in the housing assembly 5006 to the motor 5001 to power the motor 5001 in the assembled configuration. Moreover, various suitable mechanical connectors can be employed to operatively transmit motion generated by the motor 5001 from the gear box 5003 to the end effector to treat tissue grasped by the end effector.

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

[0260] Referring to Figure 27 , the RFID system 5004 includes an RFID scanner 5022 and an RFID tag 5021 that is detectable by the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. In various aspects, the RFID scanner 5022 is configured to read and / or write to the RFID tag 5021 in the assembled configuration. In the example shown, the RFID scanner 5022 includes a detection range defined by a distance “d”. When the motor assembly 5000 is in the assembled configuration with the housing assembly 5006, the RFID tag 5021 is at or within the detection range defined by the distance “d”. Figure 27

[0261] Still referring to Figure 27 , the RFID scanner 5022 is coupled to a control circuit 1210 that includes a microcontroller including a processor 1214 and a storage medium, such as a memory 1212, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The RFID tag 5021 stores information indicative of the motor assembly 5000 that is read by the RFID scanner 5022 while the motor assembly 5000 is retained in the assembled configuration by the motor-assembly compartment 5007.

[0262] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 receives input indicative of the motor-assembly information from the RFID scanner 5022 and adjusts one or more operating parameters of the motor 5001 based on the motor-assembly information. The control circuit 1210 can employ a motor driver 5018 to perform the parameter adjustment. In Figure 28 ​In the illustrated example, the motor driver 5018 is positioned within the housing assembly 5006 and interfaces with the motor 5001 through the electromechanical interface 5023 in an assembled configuration. In other examples, the motor driver 5018 is part of the motor assembly 5000 and is configured to interface with the control circuit 1210 through the electromechanical interface 5023.

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

[0264] In various examples, for example, the motor-assembly information for the motor assembly 5000 includes one or more of identification information, manufacturer information, and specific tolerances for the motor 5001 and / or the gear box 5003, for example. The motor-assembly information can include a model number, a lot number, a date of manufacture, and / or any other relevant information.

[0265] In Figure 5 the illustrated example, each row represents a control algorithm associated with a motor assembly that can be selected by the processor 1214 based on the retrieved motor-assembly information. The values in the left outer column are based on input from the RFID scanner 5022 indicating motor-assembly information for the motor assemblies MA1-MA n In at least one example, the values in the left outer column can be motor-assembly identification or model numbers. The middle column includes values for motor speed, inertia / dynamic braking, stroke length, current limit / force limit associated with each motor assembly MA1-MA n The values in the right outer column represent the appropriate voltage and discharge values for the power supply 5014 that is configured to provide power to the motor assemblies MA1-MA n when coupled to the surgical instrument 5002.

[0266] Still referring to Figure 25 , in various aspects, the control circuit 1210 is configured to employ the RFID system 5004 to retrieve motor-assembly information that identifies the motor assembly coupled to the surgical instrument 5002. The control circuit 1210 then determines the appropriate voltage and discharge values for the power supply 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 an operating parameter of, for example, the motor assembly 5000. The formula or calibration factor can be stored by the RFID tag 5021 and received by the control circuit 1210 through input from the RFID scanner 5022. Alternatively, the formula or calibration factor can be retrieved from a storage medium (e.g., the memory 1212) based on identification information of a memory assembly associated with such formula or calibration factor.

[0268] Referring to Figure 27 , a logic flow diagram of a process 5050 illustrates a control program or logic configuration for adjusting an operating parameter of, for example, a motor 5001 of a surgical instrument 5002. In at least one example, the process 5050 is executed by the control circuit 1210 Figure 29 ) that includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 that stores a set of computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform the process 5050. In certain examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 can cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of the process 5050. Although the process 5050 is described as being executed by the control circuit 1210, this is for brevity only and it should be understood that the process 5050 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, can be executed by circuitry that can include various hardware and / or software components and can be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuitry or sequential logic circuitry.

[0269] In various aspects, the process 5050 includes reading 5051 internal component identification information from an RFID tag 5021 by, for example, an RFID scanner 5022. In at least one example, the internal component is a motor assembly 5000, a motor 5001, a gear box 5003, or a power source 5014. The process 5050 further determines 5052 whether an algorithm adjustment parameter is included with the internal component identification information. If so, the process 5050 adjusts a control algorithm 5053 associated with the internal component according to the received algorithm adjustment parameter. If an algorithm adjustment parameter is included, the process 5050 uses 5054 the internal component identification information to retrieve the algorithm adjustment parameter or selects a suitable control algorithm 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 a battery to provide the electrical power required to operate the surgical instrument. Such batteries can include, for example, a primary battery / non-rechargeable battery, such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, or a secondary battery / rechargeable battery, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Different types of batteries can 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 and rechargeable, size, output characteristics, and cost, among others.

[0271] As battery technology continues to advance, different battery chemistries with different capacities, output characteristics, etc. continue to develop. It is now contemplated that different battery packs having different capabilities and manufactured by different manufacturers can be used with a given surgical instrument at different times throughout the useful life of the given surgical instrument. For such situations, to optimize the performance of the surgical instrument, it is desirable for the given surgical instrument to be able to distinguish between different batteries.

[0272] It is also now contemplated that a given battery can be used to power different surgical instruments at different times throughout the useful life of the given battery, where the power requirements of the different surgical instruments can vary. Thus, to match the capacity of the battery to the power requirements of a given surgical instrument, it is desirable for the battery to be able to distinguish between different surgical instruments and to adjust the electrical characteristics of the battery as needed.

[0273] Figure 29 A partial perspective view of a surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The surgical instrument 3000 is similar to the surgical circular stapling instrument 10 described above and includes a housing assembly 3002, which is similar or identical to the housing assembly 100, a shaft assembly 3004, which is similar or identical to the shaft assembly 200, a stapling head assembly (not shown), which is similar or identical to the stapling head assembly 300, and an anvil (not shown), which is similar or identical to the anvil 400. As shown, the surgical instrument 3000 is also configured to receive a battery 3006. In some aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 further includes the battery 3006. Although not shown in FIG. 30 for the sake of clarity, the surgical instrument further includes an electric motor 3008, which is similar or identical to the motor 160 (see FIG. 1), and a battery interface 3010, which is similar or identical to the battery interface 150 (see FIG. 1). Figure 29 Figure 30 Figure 18 ​​). The electric motor 3008 can be coupled with the battery 3006 and configured to move the anvil toward the stapling head assembly to grasp tissue between the anvil and the stapling head assembly and to fire the staples of the stapling head assembly into the grasped tissue. Although the surgical instrument 3000 is shown as a circular stapler, it will be appreciated that, according to other aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 can be a linear stapler or other electrically powered surgical instrument. In various aspects, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is similar in many respects to the surgical instrument 2200 and can be assembled from one or more of the interchangeable components of the surgical instrument 2200 as shown. Figure 30

[0274] The battery 3006 can be any suitable type of battery and can include any suitable number of batteries. For example, according to various aspects, the battery 3006 can include a lithium battery (e.g., lithium-manganese oxide (Li-Mn02) or CR123 battery), a lithium-ion battery (e.g., 15270 battery), an alkaline battery (e.g., manganese oxide (Mn02) battery, nickel-metal hydride battery), etc. In at least one aspect, the battery 3006 is in the form of a battery pack that includes a plurality of batteries. For brevity, the battery 3006 will be referred to hereinafter as the battery pack 3006. 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 positioned within the battery pack 3006. The RFID tag 3010 stores information related to the battery pack 3006, and such information can include, for example, a battery identification number for the batteries in the battery pack 3006, a manufacturer / brand, a chemistry / type of the batteries in the battery pack 3006 (lithium, lithium-ion, etc.) whether the battery type in the battery pack 3006 is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, a capacity of the battery pack 3006, a nominal voltage of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, a current drain characteristic of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, other output characteristics of the battery pack 3006, etc. The RFID tag 3010 is very compact in size (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 can be similar to the miniaturized 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 further comprises 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, where the stored information relates to the battery pack 3006. The RFID scanner 3012 is further configured to transmit data indicative of the read information to the control circuit 3014 (see FIG. 33) of the surgical instrument 3000 for processing. The RFID tag 3010 and the RFID scanner 3012 cooperate to collectively enable 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. Figure 29

[0276] As shown in FIG. 33, the RFID scanner 3012 is positioned at the battery interface 3013 of the housing assembly 3002. The RFID tag 3010 is configured to be detected by the RFID scanner 3012 in the assembled or at least partially assembled configuration of the battery 3006 and the housing assembly 3002. This approach eliminates the need for a separate scanning step by linking detection of the RFID tag 3010 by the RFID scanner 3012 with assembly of the battery 3006 and the housing assembly 3002. It also ensures that the detected battery 3006 is the one that is ultimately assembled with the housing assembly 3002. In various aspects, the detection range of the RFID scanner 3012 is limited such 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. Figure 29

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

[0278] In various aspects, as shown in FIG. 33, the RFID scanner 3034 and the RFID tag 3010 are configured to align with the RFID tag 3032 and the RFID scanner 3012, respectively, in the assembled configuration. Once achieved, the alignment brings the RFID tag 3010 within the detection range of the RFID scanner 3012 and the RFID tag 3032 within the detection range of the RFID scanner 3034. Figure 30

[0279] Figure 31 ​​​A control circuit 3014 of a surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The control circuit 3014 is communicably 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 for use with the surgical instrument 3000 (e.g., battery compatibility verification). When executed by the processor 3016, the program instructions 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 to information stored in the memory 3018. The information stored at the memory 3018 can be in the form of, for example, a compatibility database or lookup table that includes information regarding identifying information of batteries available for use with the surgical instrument 3000, output characteristics of batteries available for use with the surgical instrument 3000, and the like. According to various aspects, the control circuit 3014 is communicably connected to other processors and / or memories of the surgical instrument 3000 and / or a surgical hub system, and the described functionality of the control circuit 3014 can be implemented with the other processors and / or memories of the surgical instrument 3000 and / or a surgical hub system. The surgical hub system is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,395, titled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, filed 12 / 4 / 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0280] Figure 31 A logic flow diagram showing a process 3020 for operating a control program or logic configuration of the surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the process 3020 is executed by the control circuit 3014. In certain examples, a set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 3018 of the control circuit 3014 can cause the 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 executed by the control circuit 3014, it will be appreciated that the process 3020 and other processes described herein, or portions of them, can be executed by circuitry that can include a variety of hardware and / or software components, and can be located in or associated with a variety of suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuitry or sequential logic circuitry.

[0281] As Figure 29As shown, the process 3020 includes detecting 3022 battery information of the RFID tag 3010 via the RFID scanner 3012. In various aspects, the RFID scanner 3012 can perform the detection as soon as the battery pack 3006 is brought into proximity with the surgical instrument 3000. In other instances, the RFID scanner 3012 performs the detection after the battery pack 3006 is inserted into the housing assembly 3002 of the surgical instrument 3000. The RFID scanner 3012 thereafter communicates 3024 data indicative of the detected battery information of the RFID tag 3010 to the control circuit 3014. The communication of data can be achieved through wired communication or through wireless communication. The processor 3016 of the control circuit 3014 thereafter checks / compares 3026 the communicated data against a battery / surgical instrument compatibility database or lookup table that can be stored in the memory 3018 of the control circuit 3014. If the check / comparison 3026 results in a match 3029, the processor 3016 determines 3028 that the battery pack 3006 is compatible with the surgical instrument 3000, and the user of the surgical instrument 3000 can be alerted to the compatibility through a visual or audible indicator, such as a light emitting diode or a speaker. However, if the check / comparison 3026 does not result in a match 3029, the processor 3016 determines 3030 that the battery pack 3006 is not compatible with the surgical instrument 3000, and the user of the surgical instrument 3000 can be alerted to the incompatibility through a visual or audible indicator, such as a light emitting diode or a speaker. 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 can communicate a signal or instruction for one or more functions of the surgical instrument 3000 to be electrically locked out (e.g., by preventing power to the electric motor 3008 of the surgical instrument 3000). Although the process 3020 is described in the context of a given battery pack 3006, it will be appreciated that the above-described process 3020 can be repeated any number of times for any number of different battery packs.

[0282] Returning Figure 32In at least one aspect, the surgical instrument 3000 further includes an RFID tag 3032 positioned within the housing assembly 3002, and the battery pack 3006 further includes an RFID scanner 3034 positioned within the battery pack 3006. The RFID tag 3032 is similar to the RFID tag 3010 and stores information related to the surgical instrument 3000. Such information can include, for example, a surgical instrument identification number, a manufacturer / brand of the surgical instrument, a type of the surgical instrument (circular stapler, linear stapler, grasper, etc.), a type of motor in the surgical device (brushed, brushless), performance capabilities of the surgical instrument, control algorithms located at the surgical instrument, etc. The RFID scanner 3034 is similar to the RFID scanner 3012 and is configured to read the information stored at the RFID tag 3032, where the stored information relates to the surgical instrument 3000, and transmit data indicative of the read information to the control circuit 3040 (see Figure 32 ) of the battery pack 3006 for processing. The RFID tag 3032 and the RFID scanner 3034 collectively 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] Figure 33 The control circuit 3040 of the battery pack 3006 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The control circuit 3040 is communicably 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 for use with the battery pack 3006 (e.g., surgical instrument compatibility verification). When executed by the processor 3042, the program instructions 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 to information stored in the memory 3044. The information stored at the memory 3044 can be in the form of, for example, a compatibility database or lookup table that includes information regarding 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 with the battery pack 3006 is similar to the process 3020 utilized by the control circuit 3014 to verify the compatibility of the battery pack 3006 with 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 can transmit a signal or an instruction to electrically lock the battery pack 3006 and prevent the battery pack 3006 from providing power to the surgical instrument 3000.

[0284] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a number of different batteries can be compatible with the surgical instrument 3000. In other words, the surgical instrument 3000 can be compatible with a number of different batteries. When the surgical instrument 3000 includes the RFID scanner 3012 and the RFID tag 3032, and the various batteries include RFID tags and RFID scanners having similar or identical functionality to the functionality of the RFID tag 3010 and the RFID scanner 3034, the surgical instrument 3000 can identify a number of different batteries and determine the compatibility of each of those batteries with the surgical instrument 3000. Similarly, when the battery pack 3006 includes the RFID tag 3010 and the RFID scanner 3034, and the various surgical instruments include RFID tags and RFID scanners having similar or identical functionality to the functionality of the RFID tag 3032 and the RFID scanner 3032, the battery pack 3006 can identify a number of different surgical instruments and determine the compatibility of each of those surgical instruments with the battery pack 3006.

[0285] Figure 34 The compatibility of the surgical instrument 3000 with a number of different battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. The battery pack 3006a includes the RFID tag 3010a and the RFID scanner 3034a positioned therein, the battery pack 3006b includes the RFID tag 3010b and the RFID scanner 3034b positioned therein, and the battery pack 3006c includes the RFID tag 3010c and the RFID scanner 3034c positioned therein. In accordance with various aspects, the battery pack 3006a includes CR123 / Lithium batteries, the battery pack 3006b includes 15270 / Lithium Ion batteries, and the battery pack 3006c includes batteries other than Lithium or Lithium Ion batteries. When any of the battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c are proximate to or received by the surgical instrument 3000, the respective RFID tag / RFID scanner pair allows (1) the surgical instrument 3000 to be able 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 be able 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, as described above.

[0286] Different batteries can have different chemistries, different capacities, different output characteristics, different operating capabilities, etc., and different surgical instruments can have different power requirements. Figure 35A plot 3050 illustrating various motor torque / speed / current relationships of the surgical instrument 3000 when powered by different battery sets is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the plot 3050, units of speed (or current) are shown along the vertical axis 3052, and units of torque are shown along the horizontal axis 3054. The solid line 3056 represents the torque-speed relationship for a lithium ion / 15270 battery, where the left end of the solid line 3056 represents the no-load speed, and the right end of the solid line 3056 represents the stall torque. The solid line 3058 represents the torque-speed relationship for a lithium / CR-123 battery, where the left end of the solid line 3058 represents the no-load speed, and the right end of the solid line 3058 represents the stall torque. Generally, 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 less the torque (or the greater the torque, the lower the speed).

[0287] The dashed line 3060 represents the current drawn from the lithium ion / 15270 battery, where the left end of the dashed line 3060 represents the no-load current, and the right end of the dashed line 3060 represents the stall current. The dashed line 3062 represents the current drawn from the lithium / CR-123 battery, where the left end of the dashed line 3062 represents the no-load current, and the right end of the dashed line 3062 represents the stall current. For both batteries, the no-load current is greater than zero because it requires some amount of current to overcome the internal friction of the electric motor 3008. Generally, when an external load is applied, the current drawn from the respective battery increases to produce the torque needed to match the torque applied (torque is proportional to the current applied), and the speed of the electric motor 3008 decreases. As the external load is further increased, the speed of the electric motor 3008 is further decreased, eventually reaching stall. In view of the above, it will be appreciated that the motor torque / speed / current relationships can vary significantly based on the particular battery set used to power the surgical instrument 3000.

[0288] Figure 36A column chart 3070 illustrating various energy densities of different battery packs that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The respective energy densities represent the amount of energy stored in different battery packs per unit of mass. For the graph 3070, watt hours per kilogram of mass (Wh / Kg) is shown along the vertical axis 3072 and different battery packs are shown along the horizontal axis 3074. A column 3076 representing the energy density of a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery is shown at about 80 Wh / Kg, a column 3078 representing the energy density of a lithium ion rechargeable battery is shown at about 160 Wh / Kg, a column 3080 representing the energy density of an alkaline manganese oxide (MnO2) battery is shown at about 205 Wh / Kg, and a column 3082 representing the energy density of a primary / disposable lithium battery is shown at about 400 Wh / Kg. In light of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the energy densities of various battery packs that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

[0289] Figure 37 A column chart 3090 illustrating a comparison of the actual energy density to the rated energy density of different battery packs that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3090, watt hours per kilogram of mass (Wh / Kg) is shown along the vertical axis 3092 and 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, for example, for a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery or a lithium ion rechargeable battery, the actual energy density is only about 15-20% less than the rated energy density. For a primary / disposable lithium battery, the actual energy density is about 30% less than the rated energy density. For an alkaline manganese oxide (MnO2) battery, the actual energy density is about 75% less than the rated energy density. More specifically, for a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, a column 3096 representing the rated energy density is shown at about 75 Wh / Kg and a column 3098 representing the actual energy density is shown at about 60 Wh / Kg. For a primary / disposable lithium ion battery, a column 3100 representing the rated energy density is shown at about 140 Wh / Kg and a column 3102 representing the actual energy density is shown at about 120 Wh / Kg. For an alkaline manganese oxide (MnO2) battery, a column 3104 representing the rated energy density is shown at about 210 Wh / Kg and a column 3106 representing the actual energy density is shown at about 50 Wh / Kg. For a primary / disposable lithium battery, a column 3108 representing the rated energy density is shown at about 250 Wh / Kg and a column 3110 representing the actual energy density is shown at about 170 Wh / Kg. In light of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the calculated / rated energy density of a given battery that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

[0290] Table B1 A column chart 3111 is shown that illustrates the nominal voltages of 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 3111, battery voltage (V) units are shown along the vertical axis 3112 and different battery packs are shown along the horizontal axis 3114. For a primary / one-time use lithium battery, a column 3116 representative of the nominal battery voltage is shown to be about 3.0 volts. For a silver oxide battery, a column 3118 representative of the nominal battery voltage is shown to be about 1.6 volts. For an alkaline manganese oxide (Mn02) battery, a column 3120 representative of the nominal battery voltage is shown to be about 1.5 volts. For a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, a column 3122 representative of the nominal battery voltage is shown to be about 1.3 volts. For a lithium ion rechargeable battery, a column 3124 representative of the nominal battery voltage is shown to be about 3.8 volts. In view of the above, it will be appreciated that the nominal voltages of different battery units that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

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

[0292] Figure 38

[0293]

[0294] As shown in Table B1, the capacity of the batteries can vary based on the discharge current. For example, for the Autec battery, the capacity is shown in Table B1 as 0.616 Amp-Hrs at a 100 mA discharge current, 0.688 Amp-Hrs at a 700 mA discharge current, 0.439 Amp-Hrs at a 1500 mA discharge current, and 0.625 Amp-Hrs at a 2200 mA discharge current. 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-Hrs for the Autec battery to a high of 1.260 Amp-Hrs for the Panasonic battery. 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-Hrs for the Autec brand to a high of 0.801 Amp-Hrs 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-Hrs for the Maxell brand to a high of 0.817 Amp-Hrs for the PowPower brand. In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the capacity of different batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly based on the manufacturer / brand of the battery and the discharge current of the battery.

[0295] Figure 38 A graph 3130 showing discharge curves for different CR123A / CR17335 batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3130, voltage units (Volts) are shown along the vertical axis 3132, energy charge units of Amp-Hrs are shown along the horizontal axis 3134, and the respective discharge curves are labeled with the two-letter codes listed in Table B1 (e.g., AU, DC, EI, MX, PS, PW, PP, SY, TE) for different brands of batteries. The respective discharge curves correspond to the different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries listed in Table B1 above and are based on a discharge current of 1500 mA. As shown in the graph 3130, the discharge curves for the different brands of batteries vary significantly based on the discharge current. Figure 39As shown, each brand of CR-123A / CR17335 battery can have its own characteristic nominal voltage and its own characteristic discharge curve. In other words, each brand of CR-123A / CR17335 battery can provide a different voltage over a different amount of time. For example, the Autec battery (Au) is shown as having an energy charge of 0.3 Amp-Hrs before the voltage drops to 2.0 volts, while the PowPower battery (PP) is shown as having an energy charge of about 0.8 Amp-Hrs before the voltage drops to 2.0 volts. In view of the above, it will be appreciated that the energy charge provided by different batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

[0296] Figure 39 A graph 3140 illustrating discharge curves 3142 of lithium ion batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3140, voltage units (volts) are shown along a vertical axis 3144 and capacity units (Ah) are shown along a horizontal axis 3146. As shown, the nominal voltage of the lithium ion batteries is about 4.3 volts, the lithium ion batteries provide at least about 3.75 volts until the lithium ion batteries discharge about 5.0 Ah of capacity, and then the voltage provided by the lithium ion batteries subsequently decreases significantly until the lithium ion batteries fully discharge their about 5.5 Ah of capacity. Figure 40

[0297] The discharge rate of a given battery can vary with temperature, sometimes significantly. Figure 40 A graph 3150 illustrating different discharge curves of lithium ion batteries at different temperatures that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3150, voltage units (volts) are shown along a vertical axis 3152 and capacity units (Ah) are shown along a horizontal axis 3154, and the discharge current is 1100 mA, which is equivalent to a C / 5 rate for the lithium ion batteries. The C-rate is a measure of the rate at which a battery is discharging relative to its maximum capacity. As shown, the nominal voltage of the lithium ion batteries is about 4.3 volts, the lithium ion batteries provide at least about 3.75 volts until the lithium ion batteries discharge about 5.0 Ah of capacity, and then the voltage provided by the lithium ion batteries subsequently decreases significantly until the lithium ion batteries fully discharge their about 5.5 Ah of capacity. Figure 41 ​As 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 discharges about 2.0 Ah of capacity, then provides a voltage slightly below 3.0 volts until the lithium-ion battery discharges about 3.5 Ah of capacity, then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly. 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 discharges about 4.1 Ah of capacity, then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly. 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 discharges about 4.8 Ah of capacity, then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly. For the 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 discharges about 4.5 Ah of capacity, then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly. In light of the above, it will be appreciated that the discharge rate of a given lithium-ion battery does not vary linearly with temperature, and that too cold or too hot of a temperature can negatively impact the performance of the lithium-ion battery.

[0298] The energy capacity of a given battery can vary based on the rate at which the battery is discharged. Figure 42 A graph 3170 illustrating different discharge curves of a CR123 battery that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3170, voltage units (volts) are shown along the vertical axis 3172, power units of watt-hours (Wh) are shown along the horizontal axis 3174, and the CR123 battery is a Panasonic lithium power battery. As shown by the discharge curve 3176, for a discharge current of 3.0 amps, the energy capacity of the battery is about 1.2 Wh. As shown by the discharge curve 3178, for a discharge current of 2.0 amps, the energy capacity of the battery is about 2.3 Wh. As shown by the discharge curve 3180, for a discharge current of 1.0 amp, the energy capacity of the battery is about 3.2 Wh. As shown by the discharge curve 3182, for a discharge current of 0.5 amps, the energy capacity of the battery is about 3.7 Wh. As shown by the discharge curve 3184, for a discharge current of 0.2 amps, the energy capacity of the battery is about 4.1 Wh. As shown by the discharge curve 3186, for a discharge current of 0.1 amps, the energy capacity of the battery is about 4.25 Wh. In light of the above, it will be appreciated that, generally speaking, the lower the discharge current, the greater the energy capacity of the CR123 battery. In other words, generally speaking, the higher the discharge current, the lower the energy capacity of the CR123 battery.

[0299] Table B2Various operational differences between a dumb battery 3190, a smart battery 3192, and an adaptive surgical instrument 3194 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure are shown. In various aspects, the battery pack 3006 can be configured as a dumb battery 3190. For the dumb battery 3190, when the dumb battery 31900 is brought into proximity with or received by a surgical instrument (e.g., the surgical instrument 3000), the RFID tag of the dumb battery 3190 is energized 3196 and then the dumb battery 3190 communicates 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 dumb battery 3190 with the surgical instrument.

[0300] 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 3198 identification information of a surgical instrument, determine / verify 3200 whether the identified surgical instrument is compatible with the smart battery 3192, adjust 3202 the output characteristics of the smart battery 3192 as necessary to ensure proper performance of the identified surgical instrument, energize 3204 the output of the smart battery 3192, and then provide 3206 the expected battery identification information to the identified surgical instrument so that the identified surgical instrument recognizes that it is being powered by a known, compatible battery. In this manner, newer, more intelligent batteries that are not identified in a compatibility database / lookup table of the identified surgical instrument can still be allowed to provide power to the identified surgical instrument. As described in greater detail below, the smart battery 3192 can mimic the performance of a known, compatible battery.

[0301] In various aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 can be configured as an adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is powered on 3208, reads 3210 battery identification information provided by a battery, e.g., a smart battery 3192 or a dumb battery 3190, when the battery is brought into proximity with or received by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, determines / verifies 3212 whether the identified battery is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, and then adjusts 3214 the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operational control parameters, etc.) based on the received battery identification information. 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 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 manner, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can utilize a wider variety of different batteries than can be possible with other approaches.

[0302] For a given battery pack, the relationship between the battery pack's voltage potential and the current drawn from it is given by the formula V = IR, where V is the battery pack's voltage, I is the current drawn from it, 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 them when powering a given surgical instrument may vary depending on the battery pack. The voltage and current values ​​for two different battery packs (one consisting of four CR123A batteries, and the other of four 15270 batteries) with different resistances are shown in Table B2 below.

[0303] Battery

[0304] Resistance Voltage Current CR123A 1.5 Ohms 7.5 Volts 5.0 Amps 1.68 Ohms 15270 15.0 Volts 8.9 Amps Figure 43

[0305] Figure 43 A graph 3220 is shown, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, illustrating the output current capability of different battery packs when used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For graph 3220, the unit of current I (amperes) is shown along the vertical axis 3222, and the unit of time is shown along the horizontal axis 3224. Figure 44 As shown, the current output 3226 from a standard CR-123 battery pack (e.g., four batteries) can average approximately 5.0 amps between times X and Y, and the current output 3228 from a standard 15270 battery can average approximately 8.9 amps between times X and Z. By utilizing the aforementioned RFID capability, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can make the current drawn from the standard 15270 battery pack simulate the current drawn from the standard CR-123 battery pack by 3230. 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, by increasing the resistance seen by the 15270 battery pack, by using a voltage divider, etc., so that the 15270 battery pack adjusts its current output to effectively mimic the current output of the standard CR-123 battery pack. For example, depending on various aspects, the processor of the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can transmit instructions to adjust the speed control algorithm of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 or by using a voltage divider. When the surgical instrument 3000 can be configured as an adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can be similar to or the same as that of control circuitry 1210 and / or control circuitry 3014. 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 commands to the smart battery pack to operate as a CR-123 battery pack.

[0306] Figure 44A graph 3240 showing the output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3240, voltage units (Volts) are shown along the vertical axis 3242 and capacity units (Ah) of Amp-Hours (AmHrs) are shown along the horizontal axis 3244. As Figure 45 shown, the voltage output 3246 from a standard CR-123 battery pack discharging at a rate of 1.25 Amps per hour can average about 7.0 Volts during the time the standard CR-123 battery pack discharges from about 0.05 AmHrs to about 0.4 AmHrs, and the voltage output 3248 from a standard 15270 battery pack can average about 14.0 Volts during the time the standard 15270 battery pack discharges from about 0.08 AmHrs to about 0.5 AmHrs. By utilizing the RFID capabilities described above, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can cause the voltage analog 3250 provided by the standard 15270 battery pack to provide the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack. In various aspects, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can accomplish this by adjusting the speed control algorithm of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 to reduce the speed of the electric motor 3008, by increasing the resistance seen by the 15270 battery pack, or the like, to cause the 15270 battery pack to adjust its voltage output to effectively mimic the voltage output of the standard CR-123 battery pack. For the case where the 15270 battery pack is a smart battery pack (e.g., the smart battery 3192), the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can communicate instructions to the smart battery pack to operate as a CR-123 battery pack. In at least one example, a voltage divider can be employed to adjust the voltage output of the battery pack.

[0307] Figure 45 A graph 3260 showing the output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. For the graph 3260, voltage units (Volts) are shown along the vertical axis 3262 and power units (Ah) of Watt-Hours (Whrs) are shown along the horizontal axis 3264. The graph 3260 is similar to the graph 3240, but differs in that power units are shown along the horizontal axis 3264. As Figure 42As shown, the voltage output 3266 from the standard CR-123 battery can average about 7.15 volts during the time that the standard CR-123 battery provides about 0.25 Watt-hours of power to the time that the standard CR-123 battery provides about 3.2 Watt-hours of power. The voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery is predictable and stable during this time period. Thus, when the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 utilizes the above-described RFID capabilities, the voltage 3268 provided by the standard 15270 battery is made to emulate 3261 the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery. Thus, the "adjusted" voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery is also predictable and stable during the above-described time period.

[0308] Many surgical instruments continue to become smaller in size. Despite the size reduction, many surgical instruments must accommodate increased loads, higher performance requirements, and higher stress conditions. For surgical instruments that include radio frequency identification (RFID) technology (e.g., RFID tags and / or RFID scanners), in order to meet the requirements of size reduction, the profile of the RFID tags and / or RFID scanners and associated electronics continues to become smaller and lower. These smaller systems can not have the memory overhead, processing power, or capacity (range, power, etc.) required to accomplish all of the tasks that a user would like to accomplish from the identification system of the surgical instrument. Thus, 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 can be desirable to utilize encryption / decryption keys external to the surgical instrument as well as printed or secondary stored data locations to help extend the capabilities and capacity of these smaller systems.

[0309] Returning to Figure 46It will be appreciated 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 communicate 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 some instances, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006. For example, in instances in which the RFID tag 3010 of the battery pack 3006 is malfunctioning (e.g., an integrated circuit chip of the RFID tag 3010 is malfunctioning, an electrical connection between the integrated circuit chip and an antenna of the RFID tag 3010 is malfunctioning, etc.) such that the RFID tag 3010 is unable to communicate battery identification information, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006. Similarly, in instances in which the RFID scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is malfunctioning (e.g., a wire in the circuitry of the RFID scanner 3012 is malfunctioning, a communication board of the RFID scanner 3012 is malfunctioning, etc.) such that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to capture, process, and / or communicate 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 instances, it is desirable to have a secondary / alternative way of determining the compatibility of a given battery pack with a given adaptive surgical instrument.

[0310] Figure 42 A battery 3300 for use with an adaptive surgical instrument 3194 of the type shown in Figure 47 The battery 3300 can be any suitable type of battery, and can include any suitable number of batteries. For brevity, the battery 3300 will be referred to hereinafter as the battery pack 3300. The battery pack 3300 is similar to the battery pack 3006 in that the battery pack 3300 includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 3302, but is different in that the battery pack 3300 also includes a quick response (QR) code 3304 and / or a product code 3306 positioned on an outer surface of the battery pack 3300. The RFID tag 3302 can be similar or identical to the RFID tag 3010.

[0311] The QR code 3304 is a machine-readable optical label that contains information about the battery pack 3300. Such information can include, for example, a battery identification number for the batteries in the battery pack 3300, a manufacturer / brand, a chemistry / type of the batteries in the battery pack 3300 (lithium, lithium-ion, etc.) whether the battery pack 3300 is rechargeable or not, a capacity of the battery pack 3300, a nominal voltage of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, a current drain characteristic of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, other output characteristics of the battery pack 3300, etc. In various aspects, a smartphone, tablet, 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.

[0312] The product code 3306 can include any sequence of numbers, letters, symbols, etc. that uniquely identifies the battery pack 3300. In some aspects, the product code 3306 can be used to assist the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 in determining whether the battery pack 3300 is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194.

[0313] Figure 15 A logic flow diagram illustrating a process 3320 for operating a control program or logic configuration for the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the process 3320 is executed by the control circuit 1210 Figure 47 ) including 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 3320. In certain examples, the set of computer executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 can cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of the process 3320. Although the process 3320 is described as being executed by the control circuit 1210, this is for brevity only and it should be understood that the process 3320 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, can be executed by circuitry that can include a variety of hardware and / or software components and can be located in or associated with a variety of suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuitry or sequential logic circuitry.

[0314] Process 3320 includes a manner / method for determining whether a given battery pack (e.g., battery pack 3300) is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For brevity, process 3320 will be described in relation to its suitability for battery pack 3300. Alternative manner / methods may be used when: (1) battery pack 3300 is unable to transmit battery identification information to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or the RFID scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to read the battery identification information provided by the RFID tag 3302 of the battery pack 3300, and (2) the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to determine / verify the compatibility of battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194.

[0315] like Figure 19 As shown, when the battery pack 3300 approaches or is received by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is powered on 3322 and then attempts to read 3324 the battery identification information provided by the battery pack 3300. If the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is able to read the 3324 battery identification information, the control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., control circuitry 3014 and / or another control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194) determines / verifies 3326 whether the identified battery is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, and then adjusts 3328 the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operating control parameters, etc.) 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 vary depending on whether the identified battery is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the chemistry of the identified battery (e.g., nickel 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 wider variety of different batteries than is possible with other methods. 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.

[0316] However, in cases where the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot read the battery identification information of 3324 (e.g., due to a fault in the RFID tag 3302 of the battery pack 3300 and / or a fault in the RFID scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194), it can be done via indicator 1209 ( Figure 47) provide an indication, such as a visual indication or an audible indication, that notifies the user of a failure of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 to read 3324 the battery identification information. The user or another party can then cause the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 of the battery pack 3300 to be entered 3330 into the server. In at least one aspect, a smartphone, tablet, or the like 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 transmission, as can the transmission 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 No. 16 / 209,395, titled METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, filed 12 / 4 / 2018, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0317] The server is 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 3332 the authenticity of the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306. For cases in which the server determines that the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 is verified, the server can generate 3334 a temporary override token that is transmitted to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 via a wired or wireless connection, where the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuit 3014 and / or another control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194) 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 can be an encrypted transmission. The temporary override token effectively functions to override a lockout of the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, which can occur when the battery pack 3300 is not verified by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In at least one aspect, the lockout operation is initiated and / or performed by the control circuit 3014. For cases in which 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, that notifies the user of a failure to verify the battery pack 3300 can be provided by the indicator 1209.

[0318] With the temporary override token in place, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can then determine / verify 3326 whether the identified battery pack 3300 is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, as described above. However, if for any reason the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to verify that the identified battery pack 3300 is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, an indication, such as a visual indication or an audible indication, can be provided that notifies the user of a failure of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 to verify the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In such cases, the user or another party can then enter 3336 the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 of the battery pack 3300 into the server. The server is also configured to compare the battery identification information provided by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 to the database / table to determine 3338 whether the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For cases in which 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 can generate 3340 another temporary override token that is communicated to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, where the control circuitry of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuitry 3014 and / or another control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194) utilizes the temporary override token as a stand-in for the unverified compatibility determination. The communication of the other temporary override token to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can be an encrypted communication. The other temporary override token effectively functions to override the lock on the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, which can occur when the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 is not verified by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. The adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can then adjust 3328 the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operational control parameters, etc.) as described above.

[0319] While Figure 48The description of the process 3320, which is limited to (1) determining the authenticity of the battery pack 3300 and (2) determining / verifying the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the basic logic of the process 3320 can also be used to determine the compatibility of any number of components and / or subsystems that can be used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For example, by providing a given cartridge with the RFID capabilities described above and a given anvil, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can receive cartridge identification information from the RFID tag of the given cartridge and anvil identification information from the RFID tag of the given anvil. In at least one aspect, the shaft assembly of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is configured to receive an anvil and the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is configured to receive a cartridge. In the event that the cartridge identification information and the anvil identification information are encrypted, the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuit 3014 and / or another control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194) can utilize a universal private key to decrypt the received cartridge identification information and the received anvil identification information and then determine / verify the compatibility of the given cartridge with the given anvil and the compatibility of the given cartridge and the given anvil with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the event that the cartridge is not compatible with the anvil, for example, the server and / or another system can provide an indication of the source of the incompatibility issue and provide details on how to correct the incompatibility issue with the indicator 1209.

[0320] Additionally, the basic logic of the process 3320, as well as the QR code, the product code, and the one or more servers as described above, can be used to determine the authenticity / compatibility of any number of components and / or subsystems when the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to receive / read the applicable identification information. For example, when the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to receive / read the applicable identification information (e.g., due to a malfunction of the RFID tag and / or the RFID scanner), the same basic process of utilizing the QR code, the product code, and the one or more servers can be used to determine the authenticity of the anvil and the cartridge, as well as the compatibility of the given anvil with the given cartridge and the compatibility of the given anvil and the given cartridge with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, 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. In the event that the server determines that the cartridge is not compatible with the anvil, the server and / or another system can provide an indication of the source of the incompatibility issue and provide details on how to correct the incompatibility issue.

[0321] Additionally, as many of the components and subsystems that can be used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 are in the package, if applicable, the QR code and / or product code included on the package, the basic logic of the process 3320 and the QR code, product code, and one or more servers as described above can be used to determine the authenticity / compatibility of any number of components and / or subsystems that are assumed to be in the package.

[0322] Figure 15 A logic flow diagram illustrating a process 3400 for verifying authenticity and / or compatibility of surgical instrument components of a surgical instrument, such as the surgical instrument 2200, 3194 is shown. In at least one example, the process 3400 is executed by the control circuit 1210 Figure 48 ) including 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 3400. In certain examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 can cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of the process 3400. Although the process 3320 is described as being executed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that the process 3400 and other processes described herein, or portions thereof, can be executed by circuitry that can include a variety of hardware and / or software components, and can be located in or associated with a variety of suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuitry or sequential logic circuitry.

[0323] In various examples, for example, the control circuit 1210 can employ the process 3400 to verify authenticity and / or compatibility of a surgical instrument and a battery pack that is releasably couplable to the surgical instrument between an assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. In other examples, for example, the control circuit 1210 can employ the process 3400 to verify authenticity and / or compatibility of an anvil and a staple cartridge of a surgical instrument.

[0324] As shown in FIG. 34, for example, the control circuit 1210 can be coupled to one or more RFID scanners configured to read the stored identification information. Figure 19 As shown in FIG. 34, for example, the control circuit 1210 can be coupled to one or more RFID scanners configured to read the stored identification information. Figure 19 As shown in FIG. 34, for example, the control circuit 1210 can be coupled to one or more RFID scanners configured to read the stored identification information. Example Set 1 As shown in FIG. 34, for example, the control circuit 1210 can be coupled to one or more RFID scanners configured to read the stored identification information.

[0325] The process 3400 further includes receiving 3406 a third input indicative of third identification information of a package of a first surgical instrument component of the surgical instrument. In a first example, the package includes an RFID tag storing the third identification information. In a second example, the package includes a CR code including the third identification information. In a third example, the package includes a product number including the third identification information. The third identification information is an encrypted set 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 smartphone, tablet, etc. equipped with a camera in the second and third examples.

[0326] In various instances, the process 3400 further includes decrypting 3408 the encryption of the third identification information, and determining 3410 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. In certain instances, the memory 1212 can store a decryption key that can be utilized by the processor 1214 to decrypt the encryption of the third identification information.

[0327] Further, in certain examples, the process 3400 can include determining 3412 the compatibility of the first surgical component and the second surgical component based on the first identification information and the second identification information. In at least one example, the memory 1212 stores a compatibility database or lookup table that can be utilized by the processor 1214 to evaluate the compatibility of the first surgical instrument component and the second surgical instrument component. In certain examples, the first identification information identifies the surgical instrument itself, and can be stored in the memory 1212 of the control circuit 1210 where it can be retrieved by the processor 1214. In certain examples, the second surgical instrument component is a battery pack, such as the battery pack 120. In at least one example, the first surgical instrument component is an anvil, such as the anvil 2400, and the second surgical instrument component is a staple cartridge, such as the staple cartridge of the stapling head assembly 2300. Other examples of first surgical instrument components and second surgical instrument components suitable for use with the process 3400 are contemplated by this disclosure.

[0328] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following embodiments:

[0329] Example Set 2

[0330] • Embodiment 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, a stapling head assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly, an anvil couplable with the stapling head assembly, and an anvil adjustment assembly. The stapling head assembly comprises a distal surface. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the distal surface. The stapling head assembly comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner. The anvil is translatable relative to the stapling head assembly toward a closed configuration. The anvil comprises an RFID tag. The anvil adjustment assembly comprises a translation member. The translation member is operable to translate relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis to adjust a longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the distal surface of the stapling head assembly. The RFID tag is detectable by the RFID scanner at or below an attachment threshold distance.

[0331] • Embodiment 2 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 1, wherein the RFID tag is adapted to store information about the anvil.

[0332] • Embodiment 3 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the anvil comprises a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank supports the RFID tag.

[0333] • Embodiment 4 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 3, wherein the shank comprises a recess sized to receive the RFID tag.

[0334] • Embodiment 5 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 3 or 4, wherein the RFID tag is insulated from the shank.

[0335] • Embodiment 6 - The surgical instrument of any of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the RFID tag is detectable by the RFID scanner in the closed configuration.

[0336] • Embodiment 7 - The surgical instrument of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the stapling head assembly comprises an inner core member. The inner core member supports the RFID scanner.

[0337] • Embodiment 8 - The surgical instrument of any of Embodiments 1-7, further comprising a control circuit configured to detect a correct seating orientation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly based on input from the RFID scanner.

[0338] • Embodiment 9 - The surgical instrument of any of Embodiments 1-8, further comprising a control circuit configured to check compatibility of the anvil with a staple cartridge of the stapling head assembly based on input from the RFID scanner indicative of information about the anvil.

[0339] • Example 10 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-9, further comprising a control circuit configured to detect the closed configuration based on input from the RFID scanner.

[0340] • Example 11 - The surgical instrument of Example 10, further comprising an indicator coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to cause the indicator to emit an alert indicating the closed configuration.

[0341] • Example 12 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-11, further comprising a lockout assembly. The lockout assembly is configured to transition between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the lockout assembly is configured to allow the translation member to translate. In the second state, the lockout assembly is configured to prevent the translation member from translating.

[0342] • Example 13 - The surgical instrument of Example 12, further comprising a control circuit configured to select between the first state and the second state based on input from the RFID scanner.

[0343] • Example 14 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-13, further comprising a control circuit configured to detect disengagement of the anvil from the stapling head assembly based on loss of signal between the RFID scanner and the RFID tag.

[0344] • Example 15 - A surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly, and an anvil couplable with the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly comprises a staple cartridge and an RFID scanner. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge deck. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive staples from the staple cartridge through the cartridge deck. The staple cartridge comprises a first RFID tag. The first RFID tag is adapted to store information about the staple cartridge. The RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag of the staple cartridge held on the stapling head assembly. The anvil is translatable relative to the stapling head assembly toward a closed configuration. The anvil comprises a second RFID tag. The second RFID tag is adapted to store information about the anvil. The RFID scanner is configured to detect the second RFID tag in the closed configuration.

[0345] • Example 16 - The surgical instrument of Example 15, further comprising a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to determine compatibility between the anvil and the cartridge based on the information stored in the first RFID tag and the information stored in the second RFID tag.

[0346] • Example 17 - The surgical instrument of Example 15 or 16, further comprising a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to determine a firing status of the cartridge based on the information stored in the first RFID tag.

[0347] • Example 18 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 15-17, further comprising a control circuit configured to detect a correct seated orientation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly based on signals transmitted from the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag to the RFID scanner.

[0348] • Example 19 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing, a stapling head assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly, an anvil couplable with the stapling head assembly, and an RFID system. The stapling head assembly comprises a distal surface. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the distal surface. The anvil is translatable relative to the stapling head assembly toward a closed configuration to capture tissue therebetween. The RFID system comprises an RFID scanner and an RFID tag adapted to store information about the anvil. The RFID tag is configured to transmit an RF signal indicative of 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 property of the tissue based on RF signal backscatter from the tissue.

[0349] • Example 20 - The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the property is a tissue thickness.

[0350] Example Set 3

[0351] • Example 1 - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a shaft, and a housing. The end effector comprises an 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. The shaft comprises 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, 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 attached configuration. The housing is selectively transitionable with the proximal portion of the shaft between a second attached configuration and a second detached configuration. The housing comprises a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attached configuration, a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to staple and cut the tissue, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive an input indicative of the end effector information from the first RFID scanner, receive an input indicative of the shaft information from the second RFID scanner, and adjust at least one operational parameter of the motor based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0352] • Example 2 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the end effector information is indicative of a staple cartridge size. The shaft information is indicative of a shaft profile.

[0353] • Example 3 - The surgical instrument of Example 2, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine a final maximum load threshold for the load applied to the end effector by the motor based on the staple cartridge size and the shaft profile.

[0354] • Example 4 - The surgical instrument of Example 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the final maximum load threshold by adjusting a default maximum load threshold based on a first adjustment value based on the staple cartridge size and a second adjustment value based on the shaft profile.

[0355] • Example 5 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 2-4, wherein the control circuitry is configured to delay activation of the motor for a predetermined period of time based on the staple cartridge size.

[0356] • Example 6 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive an input from a user and adjust the at least one operational parameter of the motor based on at least two of the user input, the end effector information, and the shaft information.

[0357] • Example 7 - The surgical instrument of Example 6, wherein the input from the user comprises a user-selected form height.

[0358] • Example 8 - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a housing assembly. The end effector comprises an anvil, a cartridge comprising staples deployable toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the 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 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, a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to staple and cut the tissue, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive an input from the RFID scanner indicative of the end effector information and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information.

[0359] • Example 9 - The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the end effector information is indicative of a cartridge size.

[0360] • Example 10 - The surgical instrument of Example 9, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine a final maximum load threshold of the load applied to the end effector by the motor based on the cartridge size.

[0361] • Example 11 - The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine the final maximum load threshold by adjusting a default maximum load threshold based on an adjustment value of the cartridge size.

[0362] • Example 12 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 9-11, wherein the control circuitry is configured to delay activation of the motor based on the cartridge size for a predetermined period of time.

[0363] • Example 13 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 8-12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive an input from a user and adjust the at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the user input and the end effector information.

[0364] • Example 14 - The surgical instrument of Example 13, wherein the input from the user comprises a user-selected form height.

[0365] • Example 15 - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a shaft, and a housing. The end effector comprises a stapling head assembly, an anvil movable a closure distance relative to the stapling head assembly to transition the end effector from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and a first RFID tag configured to store end effector information. Tissue is grasped between the anvil and the stapling head assembly in the closed configuration. The shaft comprises 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, 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 attached configuration. The housing is selectively transitionable with the proximal portion of the shaft between a second attached configuration and a second detached configuration. The housing comprises a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attached configuration, a motor configured to generate a closure motion to move the anvil the closure distance, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive an input indicative of the end effector information from the first RFID scanner, receive an input indicative of 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.

[0366] • Example 16 - The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the end effector information is indicative of a cartridge size. The shaft information is indicative of a shaft profile.

[0367] • Example 17 - The surgical instrument of Example 16, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine a final minimum threshold for the closure distance based on the cartridge size and the shaft profile.

[0368] • Example 18 - The surgical instrument of Example 17, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the final minimum threshold for the closure distance by adjusting a default minimum threshold for the closure distance based on a first adjustment value based on the cartridge size and a second adjustment value based on the shaft profile.

[0369] • Example 19 - The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust a user-selectable closure distance range of the anvil based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0370] Example Set 4

[0371] • 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.

[0372] • Embodiment 2 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 1, wherein the housing assembly is configured to receive the battery in an assembled configuration.

[0373] • Embodiment 3 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 2, wherein the radio frequency identification scanner is further configured to receive the information from a radio frequency identification tag of the battery in the assembled configuration.

[0374] • Embodiment 4 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 2, further comprising the battery. The battery includes a radio frequency identification tag within a detection range of the radio frequency identification scanner in the assembled configuration.

[0375] • Embodiment 5 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 4, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of: a battery identification number, a manufacturer of the battery, a chemistry of the battery, whether the battery is rechargeable, a capacity of the battery, a nominal voltage of the battery, a current consumption characteristic of the battery, and an output characteristic of the battery.

[0376] • Embodiment 6 - The surgical instrument of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the control circuit comprises a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0377] • Embodiment 7 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 6, wherein the memory stores at least one of: a compatibility database and a lookup table.

[0378] • Embodiment 8 - The surgical instrument of any one of Embodiments 1-7, further comprising an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly. The control circuit is further configured to electronically lock operation of the electric motor.

[0379] • Embodiment 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 coupled to the electric motor, and a control circuit. The battery includes 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 when 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.

[0380] • Embodiment 10 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 9, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of: a surgical instrument identification number, a manufacturer of the surgical instrument, a type of the surgical instrument, a type of the electric motor, a performance capability of the surgical instrument, and a control algorithm located at the surgical instrument.

[0381] • Embodiment 11 - The surgical instrument of Embodiments 9 or 10, wherein the control circuit comprises a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0382] • Embodiment 12 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 11, wherein the memory stores at least one of: a compatibility database and a lookup table.

[0383] • Embodiment 13 - The surgical instrument of any of Embodiments 9-12, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a second radio frequency identification tag positioned within the battery, a second radio frequency identification scanner located at the battery interface, and a second control circuit. The second radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive information from the second radio frequency identification 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 radio frequency identification tag.

[0384] • 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 a second battery after the first battery has been removed from the housing assembly. The second battery has different output characteristics than the first battery. The control circuit is configured to adjust operation of the surgical instrument to cause the second battery to emulate the output characteristics of the first battery.

[0385] • Embodiment 15 - The surgical instrument of Embodiment 14, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes a voltage of the first battery.

[0386] • Example 16 - The surgical instrument of Example 14 or 15, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery comprises a current drawn from the first battery.

[0387] • Example 17 - The surgical instrument of at least one of Examples 14-16, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery comprises an output capacity of the first battery.

[0388] • Example 18 - The surgical instrument of at least one of Examples 14-17, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery comprises an electrical power provided by the first battery.

[0389] • Example 19 - The surgical instrument of at least one of Examples 14-18, wherein the radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive first information from the first battery and second information from the second battery.

[0390] • Example 20 - The surgical instrument of at least one of Examples 14-19, wherein the control circuit comprises a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0391] Example Set 5

[0392] • Example 1 - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector operable to treat 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 retained 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 treat the tissue and an RFID tag detectable by the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. The RFID tag stores motor assembly information.

[0393] • Example 2 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, further comprising a control circuit configured to receive an input from the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration, the input indicative of the motor assembly information.

[0394] • Example 3 - The surgical instrument of Example 2, wherein the control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operational parameter of the motor based on the motor assembly information.

[0395] • Example 4 - The surgical instrument of Examples 2 or 3, wherein the control circuit is further configured to select a control algorithm of the surgical instrument based on the motor assembly information.

[0396] • Example 5 - The surgical instrument of Example 4, wherein the control circuit is further configured to select the control algorithm from control algorithms each associated with different motor assembly information.

[0397] • Example 6 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 2-5, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine a motor setting based on the motor assembly information.

[0398] • Example 7 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the motor assembly comprises a gear box operably coupled to the motor.

[0399] • Example 8 - The surgical instrument of Example 7, wherein the motor assembly information comprises gear box information and motor information.

[0400] • Example 9 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-8, further comprising a power source coupled to the motor assembly in the assembled configuration.

[0401] • Example 10 - The surgical instrument of Example 9, wherein the power source is configured to generate a power output to cause the motor to drive the end effector to treat the tissue.

[0402] • Example 11 - The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine a value of the power output based on the motor assembly information.

[0403] • Example 12 - A surgical instrument comprising an end effector operable to treat 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 retained 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 treat 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.

[0404] • Example 13 - The surgical instrument of Example 12, further comprising a control circuit configured to receive an input from the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration, the input indicative of the motor assembly information.

[0405] • Example 14 - The surgical instrument of 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.

[0406] • Example 15 - The surgical instrument of Examples 13 or 14, wherein the control circuit is further configured to select a control algorithm of the surgical instrument based on the motor assembly information.

[0407] • Example 16 - The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the control circuit is further configured to select the control algorithm from control algorithms each associated with different motor assembly information.

[0408] • Example 17 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 13-16, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine a motor setting based on the motor assembly information.

[0409] ​

[0410] • Example 1 - A surgical instrument comprising a housing assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the housing assembly, at least one radio frequency identification scanner configured to receive information from a radio frequency identification tag corresponding to a component that is couplable to the surgical instrument, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine authenticity of the component based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tag for each component.

[0411] • Example 2 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the information includes first identification information of a first component of the component and second identification information of a second component of the component. The at least one radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive third identification information from a radio frequency identification tag of a package of the first component, and wherein the third identification information is encrypted.

[0412] • Example 3 - The surgical instrument of Example 2, wherein the control circuit is configured to decrypt the third identification information and determine authenticity of the first component and the second component by comparing the first identification information and the second identification information to the decrypted third identification information.

[0413] • Example 4 - The surgical instrument of Examples 3 or 4, wherein the control circuit employs a private key to decrypt the third identification information.

[0414] • Example 5 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the components include a battery, an anvil, and a cartridge.

[0415] • Example 6 - The surgical instrument of Example 5, wherein the housing assembly is configured to receive the battery.

[0416] • Example 7 - The surgical instrument of Examples 5 or 6, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to receive the cartridge.

[0417] • Example 8 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the control circuit comprises a processor electrically connected to the at least one radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0418] • Example 9 - The surgical instrument of Example 8, wherein the memory stores at least one of: an authentication database, a compatibility database, and a lookup table.

[0419] • Example 10 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-9, wherein the control circuit is further configured to electronically lock operation of the surgical instrument based on a determination of a lack of authenticity of any of the components.

[0420] • Example 11 - The surgical instrument of Example 10, wherein the control circuit is further configured to override the lock of the surgical instrument based on a temporary override token received from a server.

[0421] • Example 12 - The surgical instrument of Example 11, wherein the temporary override token is based on at least one of: a quick response code associated with any of the components and a product code associated with any of the components.

[0422] • Example 13 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-12, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine whether the components are compatible with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tag.

[0423] • Example 14 - The surgical instrument of any of Examples 1-13, 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.

[0424] • Example 15 - The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the control circuit is further configured to override the lock of the surgical instrument based on a temporary override token received from a server.

[0425] • Example 16 - A surgical assembly comprising a surgical instrument including first identification information, a battery pack couplable to the surgical instrument, and a control circuit. The battery pack is configured to transmit energy to the surgical instrument when 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 receive an input indicative of encrypted third identification information stored in an RFID tag of a package of the surgical instrument, decrypt the third identification information, and determine 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.

[0426] • Example 17 - The surgical assembly of 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.

[0427] • Example 18 - The surgical instrument 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.

[0428] • Example 19 - A surgical assembly comprising a surgical instrument component and a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument component includes an RFID tag storing first identification information of the surgical instrument component. The surgical instrument component is releasably couplable to the surgical instrument between an assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. The surgical instrument includes 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 incompatibility detection.

[0429] • Example 20 - The surgical assembly of Example 19, wherein the second identification information is a serial number of the surgical instrument component.

[0430] • Example 21 - The surgical assembly of Example 19 or 20, wherein a QR code includes the second identification information.

[0431] Although several forms have been illustrated and described, the applicant does not intend to limit or restrict the scope of the appended claims to such details. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents of these forms can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will recognize such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents. Furthermore, alternatively, the structure of each element associated with a described form can be described as a device for providing the function performed by said element. Additionally, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing detailed descriptions and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations falling within the scope of the forms disclosed in this invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0432] The specific embodiments described above have illustrated various forms of apparatus and / or methods using block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. Wherever such block diagrams, flowcharts, 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, flowcharts, and / or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented in an integrated circuit, wholly or partially, 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, and that designing circuit systems and / or writing software and / or hardware code according to this disclosure will be within the skill of those skilled in the art. Furthermore, 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 various forms, and that the exemplary forms of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the specific type of signal-bearing medium used for actual distribution.

[0433] Instructions for programming logic to perform various disclosed aspects can be stored within memory in the system, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other memory. Furthermore, instructions can be received via a network or by way of other computer-readable media. Thus, a machine-readable medium can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but is not limited to, soft disks, optical disks, magnetic disks, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), magnetic cards or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible, machine-readable storage now known or later developed that is appropriate for the job at hand, using electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) in the Internet. Accordingly, non-transitory computer-readable media include all tangible, machine-readable media appropriate for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0434] As used herein in any aspect, the term "control circuitry" can refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores, processing units, processors, microcontrollers, microcontroller units, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), programmable logic devices (PLD), programmable logic arrays (PLA), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. The control circuitry can be implemented, in whole or in part, as circuitry that forms a part of a larger system, such as an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a smart phone, etc. As used herein, "control circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, electronic circuitry with one or more discrete components, electronic circuitry with one or more integrated circuits, electronic circuitry with one or more application-specific integrated circuits, electronic circuitry forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by computer program instructions to implement, at least in part, the methods described herein and / or a microprocessor configured by computer program instructions to implement, at least in part, the methods described herein), electronic circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forming a random access memory), and / or electronic circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, a communications switch, or an opto-electronic device). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein can be implemented in analog or digital form, or some combination thereof.

[0435] As used in any aspect herein, the term “logic” can refer to an application program, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the aforementioned operations. Software can be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on non-transitory computer readable storage medium. Firmware can be embodied as code, instructions or instruction sets and / or data that are hard-coded (e.g., nonvolatile) in memory devices.

[0436] As used in any aspect herein, the terms “component,” “system,” “module” and the like can refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0437] As used in any aspect herein, “algorithm” refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, where a “step” refers to a manipulation of physical quantities and / or logic states, which may, but need not, take the form of electrical or magnetic signals, that may, but need not, be stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a manner that is consistent with the nature of the physical quantities and / or logic states. Commonly used in referring to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These and similar terms can be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities.

[0438] The network can include a packet-switched network. The communication devices can be capable of communicating with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. One example communication protocol can include an Ethernet communication protocol that can be capable of allowing communication using the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol can conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard entitled “IEEE 802.3 Standard” published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008 and / or later versions of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices can be capable of communicating with each other using an X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol can conform to or be compatible with standards published by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices can be capable of communicating with each other using a Frame Relay communication protocol. The Frame Relay communication protocol can conform to or be compatible with standards published by the Consultative Committee International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers can be capable of communicating with each other using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol can conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard entitled “ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0” published by the ATM Forum in August 2001 and / or later versions of this standard. Of course, different and / or later developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are likewise contemplated herein.

[0439] 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 an LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from, for example, Texas Instruments, which includes 256 KB single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory, on-chip memory of up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer for improved performance above 40 MHz, 32 KB single-cycle SRAM, an internal ROM loaded with Stellaris software, 2 KB electric EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analog, one or more 12-bit ADCs with 12 analog input channels, details of which can be found in the product data sheet.

[0440] Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above disclosure, it is appreciated that, throughout the foregoing disclosure, the use of terms such as "processing," "estimating," "computing," "determining," "displaying," or the like can refer to the action and processes of a computer system or similar electronic

[0441] One or more components can be referred to herein as "configured to," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adapted to / adaptable to," "capable of," "adapted to / adaptable to," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that "configured to" can generally encompass active- state components and / or inactive-state components and / or pending-state components unless context

[0442] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with respect to a clinician manipulating a 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 will also be understood that, for conciseness and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down," can be used herein with respect to the accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are employed in many orientations and positions, and the terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0443] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the text 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 "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, unless otherwise indicated, where a singular form of a word is used herein, that the plural form is also intended (e.g., where "a" or "an" is used, also contemplate "the" or, more generally, "at least one" or "one or more"). It will be further understood that where a term is provided herein that is followed by "and / or," that term is intended to be interpreted to mean "one or the other," or "both," and that the use of "and / or" is merely an attempt to cover both alternatives. It will be further understood that the use of "and / or" is not intended to supersede the use of "and" or "or" in the "either / or" sense. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including"), and the like, are generally intended as open-ended media, products, processes, and / or methods, not as limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the text 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 "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, unless otherwise indicated, where a singular form of a word is used herein, that the plural form is also intended (e.g., where "a" or "an" is used, also contemplate "the" or, more generally, "at least one" or "one or more"). It will be further understood that where a term is provided herein that is followed by "and / or," that term is intended to be interpreted to mean "one or the other," or "both," and that the use of "and / or" is merely an attempt to cover both alternatives. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including"), and the like, are generally intended as open-ended media, products, processes, and / or methods, not as limiting.

[0444] In addition, even where a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation is typically intended to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, is typically intended to mean at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where number or other modifiers precede terms, those skilled in the art will recognize that such modifiers are typically "open-ended," meaning that they mean "a plurality" or "more than one" or "at least one." In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "another" is typically used herein to mean "at least one," and that the term "or" is typically used herein to mean "and / or" and / or "and." In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "at least one of" followed by a list of two or more items, covers all of the individual items included in the list, and any two or more of the individual items, as well as their multiples. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" covers A and B, B and C, A and C, A, B, C, and the like. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "one or more of" followed by a list of two or more items, covers all of the individual items included in the list, and any two or more of the individual items, as well as their multiples. For example, "one or more of A, B, and C" covers A and B, B and C, A and C, A, B, C, and the like.

[0445] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations described herein can generally be performed in any order. Furthermore, although various operation flowcharts are shown in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those shown, or may be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise requires, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaving, interruption, reordering, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other altered orderings. Moreover, unless the context otherwise requires, terms such as “in response to,” “related,” or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations.

[0446] It is worth noting that any reference to "one aspect," "one aspect," "one example," or "one example" means that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with said aspect is included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases "in one aspect," "in one aspect," "in one example," and "in one example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more aspects in any suitable manner.

[0447] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other public material mentioned in this specification and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated herein by reference, provided that the incorporated material is inconsistent with this specification. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures expressly listed herein replace any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof allegedly incorporated herein by reference that conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing public materials.

[0448] In summary, many beneficial effects resulting from employing the concepts described herein have been described. For illustrative and descriptive purposes, one or more of the specific embodiments described above have been provided. These embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed in the invention. Modifications or variations may be made to the invention in accordance with the teachings above. The one or more forms chosen and described are intended to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various forms and modifications suitable for the intended particular use. The claims filed herein are intended to define the full scope.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a housing assembly comprising a battery interface configured to releasably retain a battery, the battery having a radio frequency identification tag; a radio frequency identification scanner positioned at the battery interface, wherein the radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive information from the battery via the radio frequency identification tag of the battery; and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine compatibility of the battery with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the battery, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust operation of the surgical instrument based on the information received from the battery, and wherein adjusting operation of the surgical instrument comprises adjusting motor operation; and / or adjusting operational control parameters, and wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of: a battery identification number; a manufacturer of the battery; a chemistry of the battery; whether the battery is rechargeable; a capacity of the battery; a nominal voltage of the battery; a current consumption characteristic of the battery; and an output characteristic of the battery.

2. The surgical instrument of Claim 1, wherein, the housing assembly is configured to receive the battery in an assembled configuration.

3. The surgical instrument of Claim 2, wherein, the radio frequency identification scanner is further configured to receive the information from the radio frequency identification tag of the battery in the assembled configuration.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 2, further comprising the battery, wherein the radio frequency identification tag of the battery in the assembled configuration is within a detection range of the radio frequency identification scanner.

5. The surgical instrument of Claim 1, wherein, the control circuit comprises: a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner; and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 5, wherein, the memory stores at least one of: a compatibility database; and a lookup table.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly, wherein the control circuit is further configured to electronically lock operation of the electric motor.

8. A surgical instrument, comprising: a housing assembly comprising a battery interface; a radio frequency identification tag positioned at the battery interface; an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly; a battery electrically couplable to the electric motor, wherein the battery comprises: a radio frequency identification scanner, wherein the radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive information from the radio frequency identification tag of the surgical instrument when in an assembled configuration with the housing assembly; and a control circuit, wherein 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, and wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust an output characteristic based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tag, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of: a surgical instrument identification number; a manufacturer of the surgical instrument; a type of the surgical instrument; a type of the electric motor; a performance capability of the surgical instrument; and a control algorithm located at the surgical instrument.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein, the control circuit comprises: a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner; and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

10. The surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein, the memory stores at least one of: a compatibility database; and a lookup table.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein, the surgical instrument further comprises: a second radio frequency identification tag positioned within the battery; a second radio frequency identification scanner positioned at the battery interface, wherein the second radio frequency identification scanner is configured to receive information from the second radio frequency identification tag in the assembled configuration; and a second control circuit configured to determine compatibility of the battery with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the second radio frequency identification tag.

Images