Surgical system with radio frequency identification tags for updating parameters of a motor assembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a surgical instrument, which includes an end effector that can be operated to process tissue; a shaft that extends proximally from the end effector; and a housing assembly that extends proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor assembly compartment that includes a motor assembly interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly is capable of moving relative to the motor assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration. The motor assembly includes a motor configured to drive the end effector to process the tissue; and a radio frequency identification tag that can be detected by the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. The radio frequency identification tag stores motor assembly information.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application that claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 868,457, filed Jun. 28, 2019, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various embodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments and staple cartridges thereof that are designed to cut and staple tissue. Examples of surgical systems that use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to identify components of surgical instruments, such as staple cartridges, can be found in U.S. Patent 7,959,050, entitled "ELECTRICALLY SELF-POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL RELEASE", published Jun. 14, 2011, and U.S. Patent Application 2015 / 0053743, entitled "ERROR DETECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES", published Feb. 26, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed that includes an end effector that is operable to manipulate tissue; a shaft that extends proximally from the end effector; and a housing assembly that extends proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor assembly compartment that includes a motor assembly that is interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly is movable relative to the motor assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration. The motor assembly includes a motor that is configured to drive the end effector to manipulate the tissue; and an RFID tag that is detectable by the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration. The RFID tag stores motor assembly information.

[0005] In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed that includes an end effector that is operable to manipulate tissue; a shaft that extends proximally from the end effector; and a housing assembly that extends proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor assembly compartment that includes a motor assembly interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly is movable relative to the motor assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration. The motor assembly includes a motor configured to drive the end effector to manipulate the tissue; and an RFID tag that, in the assembled configuration, is positioned at or within a detection range of the RFID scanner. The RFID tag stores motor assembly information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The features of various aspects are particularly described in the appended claims. However, various aspects (relating to surgical tissue and methods) and their further objects and advantages may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary circular stapler in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0008] Figure 2 A perspective view of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted Figure 1 wherein the battery pack is removed from the housing assembly and the anvil is removed from the staple head assembly.

[0009] Figure 3 A perspective view of a staple head assembly of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted Figure 1 of the circular stapler.

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view of another anvil of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted Figure 3 of the circular stapler.

[0011] Figure 5 A perspective view of a staple head assembly of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted Figure 3 of the circular stapler.

[0012] Figure 6 A perspective view of a staple head assembly of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted Figure 1 of the circular stapler, wherein the parts of the shaft assembly are shown separated from each other.

[0013] Figure 7 A perspective view of a circular stapler in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted Figure 6Detailed perspective view of the anvil actuation assembly of the outer housing assembly.

[0014] Figure 8 Depicts an Figure 7 Detailed perspective view of the anvil locking assembly of the anvil actuation assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the anvil locking assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0015] Figure 9 Depicts an Figure 7 Detailed side elevation view of the anvil actuation assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 8 the anvil locking assembly is in the unlocked position.

[0016] Figure 10 Depicts an Figure 7 Another detailed side elevation view of the anvil actuation assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 8 the anvil locking assembly is in the locked position.

[0017] Figure 11 Depicts an Figure 8 Detailed perspective view of an alternative configuration of the anvil locking assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 12 Depicts a suture head assembly and an anvil according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the anvil being coupled to the trocar of the suture head assembly.

[0019] Figure 13 Depicts a partial transverse cross-sectional view of an anvil in a misaligned orientation with respect to a suture head assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 14 Depicts a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an anvil in a misaligned orientation with respect to a suture head assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 15 Depicts a control system for a surgical stapling instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 16 Depicts a logic flow diagram of a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the logic flow diagram depicting a control program or logic configuration for operating a surgical stapling instrument.

[0023] Figure 17 Depicts a logic flow diagram of a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the logic flow diagram depicting a control program or logic configuration for properly orienting the anvil of a surgical stapling instrument with respect to a suture head assembly.

[0024] Figure 18Depicts a surgical instrument that can be selectively assembled by any one of a plurality of different end effectors, any one of a plurality of different shafts, and a housing assembly according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 19 Depicts a schematic diagram of an assembled surgical instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 20 Depicts a logical flow chart of a process that depicts a control program or logical configuration for adjusting at least one operating parameter of a motor of a surgical instrument. Figure 19 of a surgical instrument.

[0027] Figure 21 Depicts a graph that shows the firing load of a surgical instrument according to two different firing algorithms. Figure 19 of a surgical instrument.

[0028] Figure 22 Depicts graphs that show the adjustment of various closing and firing thresholds of a surgical instrument. Figure 19 of a surgical instrument.

[0029] Figure 23 Depicts a logical flow chart of a process according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure that depicts a control program or logical configuration for operating a surgical stapling instrument.

[0030] Figure 24 Depicts a partial front view of a surgical instrument and three motor assemblies used with the surgical instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0031] [[ID= / / 33]] Figure 25 Depicts a logical flow chart of a process that depicts a control program or logical configuration for adjusting the operating parameters of a motor of a surgical instrument. Figure 24 of a surgical instrument.

[0032] Figure 26 Is a graph according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure that depicts the relationship between motor torque on the Y-axis and motor speed on the X-axis for three different motors.

[0033] Figure 27 Depicts a control system of a surgical instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 24 of a surgical instrument.

[0034] Figure 28 Depicts a table or database of various control algorithms of a surgical instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 25 of a surgical instrument.

[0035] Figure 29 A partial perspective view of a surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 30 A surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown Figure 29 of the control circuit of the surgical instrument.

[0037] Figure 31 A logical flow diagram of a process in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, which depicts a control program or logical configuration for operating Figure 29 the surgical instrument.

[0038] Figure 32 A control circuit of a battery pack in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 33 A surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown Figure 29 for compatibility with multiple different battery packs.

[0040] Figure 34 A graph in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, which shows various motor torque / speed / current relationships of the surgical instrument when powered by different battery packs Figure 29 thereof.

[0041] Figure 35 A bar graph in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, which shows various energy densities of different battery packs that can be used with Figure 29 the surgical instrument.

[0042] Figure 36 A bar graph in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, which shows a comparison of the actual energy density and the rated energy density of different battery packs that can be used with Figure 29 the surgical instrument.

[0043] Figure 37 A bar graph in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, which shows the nominal voltages of different battery packs that can be used with Figure 29 the surgical instrument.

[0044] Figure 38 A graph in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, which shows the discharge curves of different battery packs that can be used with Figure 29 the surgical instrument.

[0045] Figure 39 A graph in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown, which shows the discharge curves of different battery packs that can be used with Figure 29Discharge curves of a lithium-ion battery for use with a surgical instrument.

[0046] Figure 40 A graph is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows different discharge curves at different temperatures of a lithium-ion battery that can be used with Figure 29 a surgical instrument.

[0047] Figure 41 A graph is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows different discharge curves at different discharge rates of a CR123 battery that can be used with Figure 29 a surgical instrument.

[0048] Figure 42 Shows various operational differences between a non-intelligent battery, an intelligent battery, and an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 43 A graph is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows the output current capabilities of different battery packs when used with Figure 42 an adaptive surgical instrument.

[0050] Figure 44 A graph is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows the output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with Figure 42 an adaptive surgical instrument.

[0051] Figure 45 A graph is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows the output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with Figure 42 an adaptive surgical instrument.

[0052] Figure 46 Shows a battery for use with an adaptive surgical instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 42 an adaptive surgical instrument.

[0053] Figure 47 A logical flow diagram of a process is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which logical flow diagram depicts a control program or logical configuration for operating Figure 42 an adaptive surgical instrument.

[0054] Figure 48 A logical flow diagram of a process is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which logical flow diagram depicts a control program or logical configuration for verifying the authenticity and / or compatibility of surgical instrument components of a surgical instrument. Detailed Description

[0055] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on the same date as the present application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties:

[0056] · Attorney Docket No. END9145USNP1 / 190235-1M; titled "METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"

[0057] · Attorney Docket No. END9146USNP1 / 190236; titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM"

[0058] · Attorney Docket No. END9147USNP1 / 190237; titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE COMPONENT"

[0059] · Attorney Docket No. END9148USNP1 / 190238; titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR"

[0060] · Attorney Docket No. END9123USNP1 / 190239; titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL"

[0061] · Attorney Docket No. END9124USNP / 190240; titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL"

[0062] · Attorney Docket No. END9125USNP / 190241; titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE"

[0063] · Attorney Docket No. END9126USNP / 190242 for “SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG”; and

[0064] · Attorney Docket No. END9127USNP / 190243 for “PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM”.

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

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

[0067] · Attorney Docket No. END9120USNP1 / 190246 for “MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY”;

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

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

[0070] · Attorney Docket No. END9132USNP1 / 190250 for “SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS”;

[0071] · Attorney Docket No. END9149USNP1 / 190251 for "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

[0072] · Attorney Docket No. END9150USNP1 / 190252 for "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

[0073] · Attorney Docket No. END9151USNP1 / 190253 for "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION";

[0074] · Attorney Docket No. END9152USNP1 / 190254 for "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION"; and

[0075] · Attorney Docket No. END9153USNP1 / 190255 for "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTINGCONTROL".

[0076] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on May 1, 2018 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0077] · U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,129 for "SURGICAL SUTURING SYSTEMS";

[0078] · U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,139 for "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING CONTROL SYSTEMS";

[0079] · U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,177 for "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS";

[0080] · U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,128 for "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

[0081] · U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,192, entitled “SURGICAL DISSECTORS”; and

[0082] · U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 665,134, entitled “SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER”.

[0083] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, the entire texts of which are incorporated herein by reference and were filed on August 24, 2018:

[0084] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,129, entitled “SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT CONFIGURED TO MANIPULATE TISSUE USING MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER”;

[0085] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,155, entitled “SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CAPTURE WIDTH WHICH IS LARGER THAN TROCAR DIAMETER”;

[0086] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,168, entitled “SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NON-CIRCULAR NEEDLE”;

[0087] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,180, entitled “ELECTRICAL POWER OUTPUT CONTROL BASED ON MECHANICAL FORCES”;

[0088] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,193, entitled “REACTIVE ALGORITHM FOR SURGICAL SYSTEM”;

[0089] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,099, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM”;

[0090] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,112, entitled "CONTROL SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR A MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT";

[0091] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,119, entitled "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAMS FOR A SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF CARTRIDGE";

[0092] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,097, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS";

[0093] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,109, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS";

[0094] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,114, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING FEEDBACK MECHANISMS";

[0095] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,117, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING LOCKOUT MECHANISMS";

[0096] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,095, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A LOCKABLE END EFFECTOR SOCKET";

[0097] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,121, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM";

[0098] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,151, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATION AND ROTATION COMPENSATION";

[0099] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,154, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A BIASED SHIFTING MECHANISM";

[0100] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,226, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE THAT PROVIDES FOR HIGH ARTICULATION ANGLES";

[0101] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,062, entitled "SURGICAL DISSECTORS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES";

[0102] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,098, entitled "SURGICAL DISSECTORS CONFIGURED TO APPLY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY";

[0103] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,237, entitled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER CONFIGURED TO STORE CLIPS IN A STORED STATE";

[0104] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,245, entitled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN EMPTY CLIP CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

[0105] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,249, entitled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN AUTOMATIC CLIP FEEDING SYSTEM";

[0106] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,253, entitled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE FIRING CONTROL"; and

[0107] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 112,257, entitled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE CONTROL IN RESPONSE TO A STRAIN GAUGE CIRCUIT".

[0108] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, the entire texts of which are incorporated herein by reference as of October 26, 2018:

[0109] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,130, entitled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING INTERCHANGEABLE CLIP RELOADS";

[0110] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,066, entitled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOVABLE CLIP MAGAZINE";

[0111] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,078, entitled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A ROTATABLE CLIP MAGAZINE";

[0112] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,087, entitled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING CLIP ADVANCING SYSTEMS";

[0113] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,094, entitled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A CLIP CRIMPING SYSTEM";

[0114] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,128, entitled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A RECIPROCATING CLIP ADVANCING MEMBER";

[0115] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,168, entitled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOTOR CONTROLLER";

[0116] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,164, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A SURGICAL TOOL AND A SURGICAL HUB"; and

[0117] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 172,303, entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATING MULTI-CLIP APPLIER".

[0118] The applicant of this patent application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 4, 2018, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference:

[0119] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,385, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, STORAGE AND DISPLAY";

[0120] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,395, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION";

[0121] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,403, entitled "METHOD OF CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB";

[0122] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,407, entitled "METHOD OF ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION, DETECTION, AND CONTROL";

[0123] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,416, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION, PROCESSING, DISPLAY, AND CLOUD ANALYTICS";

[0124] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,423 with the title "METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS";

[0125] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,427 with the title "METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES";

[0126] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,433 with the title "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";

[0127] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,447 with the title "METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB";

[0128] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,453 with the title "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES";

[0129] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,458 with the title "METHOD FOR SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE";

[0130] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,465 with the title "METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND INTERACTION";

[0131] · 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";

[0132] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,490, titled "METHOD FOR FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION"; and

[0133] · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,491, titled "METHOD FOR CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS".

[0134] Before detailing various aspects of surgical devices and systems, it should be noted that the application or use of the exemplary examples is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components shown in the drawings and the specific embodiments. The exemplary examples can be implemented alone, or in combination with other aspects, variations, and modifications, and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, the terms and expressions used herein are chosen for the convenience of the reader to describe the exemplary examples and are not for restrictive purposes. Moreover, it should be understood that one or more of the aspects described below, the expressions of the aspects and / or examples can be combined with any one or more of the expressions of the other aspects, aspects, and / or examples described below.

[0135] 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 system and / or instrument includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system that includes one or more radio frequency identification scanners and one or more radio frequency identification tags, as will be discussed in more detail below. Examples of surgical systems using radio frequency identification technology are disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,959,050 and U.S. Patent Application 2015 / 0053743, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0136] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is used in a variety of industries to track and identify objects. RFID relies on radio waves to transfer digital stored information from an RFID tag to an RFID reader or receiver, which is configured to be able to receive the information. RFID technology uses RFID tags (sometimes called chips) containing 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 on-board power sources to broadcast their signals. Active RFID tags can include a battery within the RFID tag, allowing the active RFID tag to function independently of the RFID reader. Thus, the RFID tags in an active RFID system do not have to wait to receive a signal from the RFID reader before sending out information. Instead, the active RFID tags freely and continuously send out signals or beacons. Many commercially available active RFID systems typically operate at one of two main frequency ranges (433 MHz and 915 MHz), but any suitable frequency range can be used. Generally, an RFID tag must be within a specific distance or frequency range in order to be recognized by its corresponding RFID reader.

[0137] Passive RFID systems include RFID tags that do not include on-board power sources but instead receive the energy required for operation from the RFID reader. In contrast to active RFID tags, the RFID tags in a passive RFID system do not actively send out signals until they receive a prompt. 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") and Near Field Communication ("NFC") and ultra-high frequency ("UHF"). The LF bandwidth is 125 to 134 KHz and includes longer wavelengths with a short read range of approximately one to ten centimeters. The HF and NFC bandwidth is 13.56 MHz and includes medium wavelengths with a typical read range of one centimeter to one meter. The UHF bandwidth is 865 to 960 MHz and includes short high-energy wavelengths of one meter that translate to a long read range. As mentioned above, any suitable frequency can be used.

[0138] There are various radio frequency identification (RFID) systems that include RFID tags of different sizes. However, some are more suitable for technical fields that require tracking of extremely small objects. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. is a major manufacturer in the field of RFID technology. The ultra-small size UHF RFID tags manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. are generally no larger than 1.0 to 13 mm and enable communication between the RFID tag and the RFID reader at a distance of several centimeters or more. Due to its compact nature, the Hitachi RFID tag is suitable for extremely small products that need to be identified. Each Hitachi RFID tag includes an antenna, an IC chip connected to the antenna, and a sealing material that seals the IC chip and the antenna. Since the Hitachi RFID tag combines the antenna and the IC chip in a single unit, the Hitachi RFID tag is convenient enough to be easily attached to any small object using, for example, an adhesive or tape.

[0139] The Hitachi RFID tag includes a square stainless steel plate and a metal antenna. The antenna includes an LC resonance 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 in a single unit using a sealing material. The sealing material is mainly composed of epoxy resin, carbon, and silica to enhance the heat resistance of the Hitachi RFID tag. That is, the heat resistance of the RFID tag basically depends on the heat resistance of the sealing material. The sealing material has a high heat resistance that can withstand temperatures up to 250 to 300 °C in a short period of time (such as a few seconds) and has heat resistance up to 150 °C in a longer period of time. Therefore, the Hitachi RFID tag has a higher heat resistance than conventional RFID tags and can still operate normally even at high temperatures. Additional information related to the Hitachi RFID tag can be found in U.S. Patent 9,171,244, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0140] Figures 1 to 2 An exemplary surgical circular stapling instrument 10 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is depicted, which may be capable of including an RFID system and its control system. The stapling instrument 10 can be used to provide an end-to-end anastomosis between two portions of an anatomical cavity (such as a part of a patient's digestive tract). The exemplary instrument 10 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 an inclined, pistol-grip portion 112. Although the housing assembly 100 is depicted in the form of a handle, this is not limiting. In various cases, the housing assembly 100 can be a component of, for example, a robotic system.

[0141] The housing assembly 100 also includes a window 114 that permits viewing of the movable indicator needle. In some configurations, a series of hash marks, colored regions, and / or other fixed indicators are positioned adjacent the window 114 to provide a visual context for the indicator needle, thereby facilitating an operator's assessment of the needle's position within the window 114. 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 regions, and / or other fixed indicators may define an optimal anvil closing zone for the firing instrument 10. Thus, when the indicator needle is within the optimal anvil closing zone, the user may fire the instrument 10. With reference to the teachings herein, various suitable alternative features and configurations for the housing assembly 100 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0142] The instrument 10 of this example also includes a power source in the form of a battery pack 120. The battery pack 120 is capable of operating to provide electrical power to a motor 160 in the pistol grip 112 ( Figure 15 ). In various aspects, the battery pack 120 is removable from the housing assembly 100. Specifically, as Figures 1 to 2 shown, the battery pack 120 may 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 may resiliently engage internal features of the housing 110 to provide a snap-fit engagement. To remove the battery pack 120, the operator may press the latch 122 inwardly to disengage the latch 122 from the internal features of the housing 110 and then pull the battery pack 120 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 electrical components within the housing assembly 100 when the battery pack 120 is inserted in the socket 116. It should also be understood that in some configurations, the battery pack 120 is integrally incorporated within the housing assembly 100 such that the battery pack 120 is not removable from the housing assembly 100.

[0143] The shaft assembly 200 extends distally from the housing assembly 100 and includes a preformed bend. In some configurations, the preformed bend is configured to facilitate positioning of the suture head assembly 300 within a patient's colon. With reference to the teachings herein, various suitable bend angles and radii that may be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some other configurations, the shaft assembly 200 is straight such that the shaft assembly 200 lacks a preformed bend. Various exemplary components that may be incorporated into the shaft assembly 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0144] The suture head assembly 300 is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly 200. As Figures 1 to 2As shown, anvil 400 is configured to be removably coupled to shaft assembly 200 adjacent to suture head assembly 300. Anvil 400 and suture head assembly 300 are configured to cooperate to manipulate tissue in three ways, including grasping tissue, cutting tissue, and suturing tissue. Knob 130 at the proximal end of housing assembly 100 is rotatable relative to housing 110 to provide precise grasping of tissue between anvil 400 and suture head assembly 300. When safety trigger 140 of housing assembly 100 pivots away from firing trigger 150 of housing assembly 100, firing trigger 150 can be actuated to provide cutting and suturing of tissue.

[0145] In the following discussion of anvil 400, when anvil 400 is coupled to shaft assembly 200 of instrument 10, the terms "distal" and "proximal" and their variations will be used relative to the orientation of anvil 400. Thus, the proximal features of anvil 400 will be closer to the operator of instrument 10; while the distal features of anvil 400 will be farther from the operator of instrument 10.

[0146] See Figure 4 , the anvil 400 of this example includes head 420 and shank 410. Head 410 includes a proximal surface 412 that defines a plurality of staple forming pits 414. Staple forming pits 414 are arranged in two concentric annular arrays. In some other configurations, staple forming pits 414 are arranged in three or more concentric annular arrays. Staple forming pits 414 are configured to deform a staple when the staple is driven into staple forming pits 414. For example, as is known in the art, each staple forming pit 414 can deform a staple of generally "U" shape into a "B" shape. As most clearly seen in Figure 4 , proximal surface 412 terminates at an inner edge 416 that defines the outer boundary of an annular recess 418 that surrounds shank 420.

[0147] Shank 420 defines a bore 422 and includes a pair of pivot latch members 430 positioned within bore 422. Latch members 430 are positioned within bore 422 such that their distal ends are positioned at the proximal end of a lateral opening 424 formed through the sidewall of shank 420.

[0148] Thus, the lateral opening 424 provides clearance for the distal end 434 of the latch member 430 to deflect radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis defined by the handle 420. However, the latch members 430 are configured to be elastically biased radially inwardly towards the longitudinal axis defined by the handle 420 at their distal ends. The latch members 430 thus serve as retaining clamps. This allows the anvil 400 to be removably fixed to the trocar 330 of the suture head assembly 300. However, it should be understood that the latch members 430 are merely optional. Any other suitable components, features or techniques may be used to removably fix the anvil 400 to the trocar 330.

[0149] In addition to or in lieu of the above, the anvil 400 may further be constructed and operative in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. patents: U.S. Patent No. 5,205,459, U.S. Patent No. 5,271,544, U.S. Patent No. 5,275,322, U.S. Patent No. 5,285,945, U.S. Patent No. 5,292,053, U.S. Patent No. 5,333,773, U.S. Patent No. 5,350,104, U.S. Patent No. 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 of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0150] See Figure 3 , in the suture head assembly 300 of this example, is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 200 and includes a tubular housing 310 that houses a slidable staple driving member. A cylindrical inner core member 312 extends distally within the tubular housing 310. The tubular housing 310 is fixedly secured 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.

[0151] The trocar 330 is coaxially positioned within the inner core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. The trocar 330 is operative 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 outer housing assembly 100. The trocar 330 includes a shaft 332 and a head 334. The head 334 includes a pointed tip 336 and a proximally extending surface 338. Thus, the shaft 332 provides a reduced outer diameter adjacent the head 334, where the surface 338 provides a transition between the reduced outer diameter of the shaft 332 and the outer diameter of the head 334. Although the tip 336 is pointed in this example, the tip 336 is not sharp. Thus, the tip 336 will not readily traumatize tissue due to accidental contact with the tissue. The head 334 and the distal portion of the shaft 332 are configured for insertion into the aperture 422 of the anvil 420. Thus, the anvil 400 is fixed to the trocar 330 via a snap-fit engagement formed by the latch members 430.

[0152] As Figure 5 shown, the staple driving member 350 is operable to longitudinally actuate within the tubular housing 310 in response to actuation of the motor 160. The staple driving member 350 includes two distally presented concentric annular arrays of staple drivers 352. The staple drivers 352 are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the above-described staple forming pits 414. Accordingly, each staple driver 352 is configured to drive a corresponding staple into a corresponding staple forming pit 414 when the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. It should be understood that the arrangement of the staple drivers 352 may be modified similarly to the arrangement of the staple forming pits 414 described above. The staple driving member 350 further defines a bore 354 that is configured to coaxially receive the core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. An annular array of bolts 356 projects distally from a distally presented surface surrounding the bore 354.

[0153] The cylindrical knife member 340 is coaxially positioned within the staple driving member 350. The knife member 340 includes a distally presented sharp, circular cutting edge 342. The knife member 340 is sized such that it defines an outer diameter that is less than the diameter defined by the inner annular array of staple drivers 352. The knife member 340 further defines an opening that is configured to coaxially receive the core member 312 of the tubular housing 310. An annular array of openings 346 formed in the knife member 340 is configured to be complementary to the bolts 356 of the annular array of the staple driving member 350 such that the knife member 340 is securely fixed to the staple driving member 350 via the bolts 356 and the openings 346. Other suitable structural relationships between the knife member 340 and the staple driving member 350 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0154] The platform member 320 is fixedly secured to the tubular housing 310. The platform member 320 includes a distal presented platform surface 322 that defines staple openings 324 that define two concentric annular arrays. The staple openings 324 are arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the above-described staple drivers 352 and staple forming pits 414. Accordingly, 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 pit 414 when the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. It should be understood that the arrangement of the staple openings 322 may be modified similar to the arrangement of the staple forming pits 414 described above. It should also be understood that various structures and techniques may be used to hold the staples within the suture head assembly 300 before the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. Such structures and techniques for holding the staples within the suture head assembly 300 may prevent the staples from inadvertently falling through the staple openings 324 before the suture head assembly 300 is actuated. With reference to the teachings herein, the various suitable forms that such structures and techniques may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0155] As Figure 6 most clearly seen, the platform member 320 defines an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter defined by the blade member 340. Accordingly, the platform member 320 is configured to allow the blade member 340 to translate distally to a point where the cutting edge 342 is remote from the platform surface 322.

[0156] In addition to or in lieu of the above, the suture head assembly 300 may further be constructed and operative in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. patents: U.S. Patent No. 5,205,459, U.S. Patent No. 5,271,544, U.S. Patent No. 5,275,322, U.S. Patent No. 5,285,945, U.S. Patent No. 5,292,053, U.S. Patent No. 5,333,773, U.S. Patent No. 5,350,104, U.S. Patent No. 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Patent No. 8,910,847, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. With reference to the teachings herein, other suitable configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0157] Figure 6 Various components of the shaft assembly 200 that couple components of the suture head assembly 300 to components of the housing assembly 100 are shown. Specifically 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 this example, the outer sheath 210 is rigid and includes a preformed bend section as described above.

[0158] The shaft assembly 200 further includes a trocar actuating lever 220 and a trocar actuating belt assembly 230. The distal end of the trocar actuating belt assembly 230 is fixedly secured to the proximal end of the trocar shaft 332. The proximal end of the trocar actuating belt assembly 230 is fixedly secured to the distal end of the trocar actuating lever 220. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the trocar 330 will translate longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210 in response to translation of the trocar actuating belt assembly 230 and the trocar actuating lever 220 relative to the outer sheath 210. The trocar actuating belt assembly 230 is configured to be bendable such that the trocar actuating belt assembly 230 can advance along a preformed curve in the shaft assembly 200 when the trocar actuating belt assembly 230 translates longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210. However, the trocar actuating belt assembly 230 has sufficient column strength and tensile strength to transfer distal and proximal forces from the trocar actuating lever 220 to the trocar shaft 332. The trocar actuating lever 220 is rigid. A clamp 222 is fixedly secured to the trocar actuating lever 220 and is configured to cooperate with complementary features within the housing assembly 100 to prevent rotation of the trocar actuating lever 220 within the housing assembly 100 while still allowing longitudinal translation of the trocar actuating lever 220 within the housing assembly 100. The trocar actuating lever 220 further includes a coarse helical thread 224 and a fine helical thread 226.

[0159] The shaft assembly 200 further includes a suture head assembly driver 240 slidably received within the outer sheath 210. The distal end of the suture head assembly driver 240 is fixedly secured to the proximal end of the staple driving member 350. The proximal end of the suture head assembly driver 240 is secured to the drive carriage 250 via a pin 242. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the staple driving member 350 will translate longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210 in response to translation of the suture head assembly driver 240 and the drive carriage 250 relative to the outer sheath 210. The suture head assembly driver 240 is configured to be bendable such that the suture head assembly driver 240 can advance along a preformed curve in the shaft assembly 200 when the suture head assembly driver 240 translates longitudinally relative to the outer sheath 210. However, the suture head assembly driver 240 has sufficient column strength to transfer distal force from the drive carriage 250 to the staple driving member 350.

[0160] It should be understood that the shaft assembly 200 may also include one or more spacer elements within the outer sheath 210. Such spacer elements may be configured to support the trocar drive belt assembly 230 and / or the suture head assembly driver 240 as the trocar actuation belt assembly 230 and / or the suture head assembly driver 240 translate through the outer sheath 210. For example, such spacer elements may prevent the trocar actuation belt assembly 230 and / or the suture head assembly driver 240 from buckling as the trocar actuation belt assembly 230 and / or the suture head assembly driver 240 translate through the outer sheath 210. Various suitable forms that such spacer elements may take will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0161] In addition to or in lieu of the above, the shaft assembly 200 may further be constructed and operative in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. patents: U.S. Patent No. 5,205,459, U.S. Patent No. 5,271,544, U.S. Patent No. 5,275,322, U.S. Patent No. 5,285,945, U.S. Patent No. 5,292,053, U.S. Patent No. 5,333,773, U.S. Patent No. 5,350,104, U.S. Patent No. 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Patent No. 8,910,847, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0162] Additional operating details of the surgical instrument 10 and other instruments suitable for use with the present disclosure are also described in U.S. Patent Publication 20160374665, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLER WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCKOUT," filed on June 26, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0163] The instrument 1100 is similar to the instrument 10 in many respects. For example, like the instrument 10, the instrument 1100 is a surgical instrument configured to grasp, suture, and / or cut tissue. Additionally, like the instrument 10, the instrument 1100 includes a shaft assembly 1206( Figure 12 ), a suture head assembly 1300( Figure 12 ) and an anvil 1200( Figure 12)。In addition, the instrument 1100 includes a locking assembly, such as an anvil locking assembly 1170. The anvil locking assembly 1170 is generally configured to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil once the safety trigger 1140 is actuated. Such a feature may be desirable because once the appropriate gap distance (d) is reached, locking of the anvil can prevent the operator from improperly changing the gap distance d. The anvil locking assembly 1170 includes an inner locking member 1172, an outer locking member 1176, and an actuating member 1180. As Figure 8 most clearly seen, the inner locking member 1172 is disposed about a portion of the knob 1130 and is fixedly secured thereto. The inner locking member 1172 of the present example includes a plurality of triangular teeth 1174 extending radially outward from the inner locking member 1172. The teeth 1174 are configured to engage corresponding teeth 1184 of the outer locking member 1176 to prevent rotation of the knob 1130, thereby preventing translation of the trocar actuating rod 1122.

[0164] Various locking assemblies suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 7,143,923, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL," published December 5, 2006; U.S. Patent No. 7,044,352, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING," published May 16, 2006; U.S. Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS," published February 21, 2006; U.S. Patent No. 6,988,649, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT," published January 24, 2006; and U.S. Patent No. 6,978,921, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM," published December 27, 2005, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0165] The outer locking member 1176 has a generally cylindrical shape and defines an opening 1177 sized to receive the inner locking member 1172. The inner diameter of the outer locking member 1176 defines a plurality of teeth 1178 that correspond to the teeth 1147 of the inner locking member 1172. The teeth 1178 are configured to engage the teeth 1174 of the inner locking member 1172 to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil 1200 by preventing further rotation of the knob 1130. The outer locking member 1176 also includes a plurality of protrusions 1179 that project radially outward from the outer diameter of the outer locking member 1176. The protrusions 1179 are disposed in corresponding channels 1113 within the housing 1112 to rotationally fix the outer locking member 1176 in place while still allowing at least some translation.

[0166] Although the inner locking member 1172 and the outer locking member 1176 of the present example are shown as including teeth 1174, 1178, it should be understood that in other examples, any other suitable surface treatment or geometry may be used. For example, in some examples, the locking members 1172, 1176 include corresponding knurled surfaces, ridges, splines, ridges, stop features, or any other suitable surface treatment or geometry that can be configured to engage correspondingly to prevent relative rotational movement between the locking members 1172, 1176.

[0167] The actuating member 1180 includes an elongated body 1182 that extends from the outer locking member 1176 to the safety trigger 1140. Specifically, the body 1182 includes a trigger bracket 1184 that is configured to couple with the safety trigger 1140. The trigger bracket 1184 includes a channel 1185 that allows the bracket 1184 to pivotally couple to the safety trigger 1140. Similarly, the proximal end of the body 1182 is configured to couple with at least one protrusion 1179 of the outer locking member 1176. Thus, movement of the safety trigger 1140 is transmitted to the outer locking member 1176 via the actuating member 1180. In other words, the outer locking member 1176 translates longitudinally in response to pivoting of the safety trigger 1140. The outer locking member 1176 generally responds to the safety trigger 1140 to selectively lock the actuation of the anvil 1200.

[0168] Figures 9 to 11 An exemplary operating sequence of the anvil locking assembly 1170 is shown. As from Figure 9As can be seen, the anvil locking assembly 1170 initially starts in an unlocked state. In this state, the outer locking member 1176 is positioned proximally away from the inner locking member 1172 such that the inner locking member 1172 can 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 similarly rotates freely such that the longitudinal position of the anvil can be adjusted via the trocar actuator rod 1122.

[0169] Once the operator has rotated the knob 1130 to adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil to achieve an appropriate gap distance d, it may be desirable to prevent further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil. Figure 10 The anvil locking assembly 1170 is shown in the locked state. To advance the anvil locking assembly 1170 to the locked state, the operator can pivot the safety trigger 1140 proximally. The proximal movement of the safety trigger 1140 causes the safety trigger 1140 to drive the actuator member 1180 distally.

[0170] The distal movement of the actuator member 1180 causes a corresponding movement of the outer locking member 1176. When the outer locking member 1176 moves distally, the teeth 1178 of the outer locking member 1176 will begin to engage the teeth 1174 of the inner locking member 1176. Once the teeth 1178 of the outer locking member 1176 are fully engaged with the teeth 1174 of the inner locking member 1176, the outer locking member 1176 will prevent relative rotational movement of the inner locking member 1172 via the protrusion 1179 and the housing 1112. Since the inner locking member 1172 is rigidly fixed to the knob 1130, rotational movement of the knob 1130 will also be prevented. With the knob 1130 locked in place, further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil will be prevented. In the case where further adjustment of the longitudinal position of the anvil is prevented, the operator can then actuate the firing trigger 1142 to initiate the suturing sequence.

[0171] In some examples, it may be desirable to use an actuation mechanism 1190 (such as a solenoid) to drive the outer locking member 1176. As Figure 11 shown, the actuation mechanism 1190 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the actuator member 1180 and is rigidly fixed to the actuator member 1180. To accommodate the actuation mechanism 1190, the actuator member 1180 can be shortened or otherwise modified to intersect with the actuation mechanism 1190. The actuation mechanism 1190 includes a plurality of wires 1192 that can be connected to a circuit board, a switch, and / or a sensor. In various examples, the wires 1192 are connected to a control circuit 1210( Figure 15)。In various examples, the actuation mechanism 1190 can be actuated using a safety trigger 1140 that employs a configuration similar to that of the safety trigger 1040 of the instrument 100. For example, actuation of the safety trigger 1140 can complete a circuit that activates the actuation mechanism 1190, thereby driving the locking member 1176 longitudinally into engagement with the locking member 1172.

[0172] In operation, the actuation mechanism 1190 generally provides the same function as the safety trigger 1140, except that the actuation mechanism 1190 eliminates the need for an 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 should be understood that any other suitable actuator that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used in reference to the teachings herein.

[0173] See primarily Figures 12 to 14 , a different problem with circular staplers is that their anvil can be removed from their staple head assembly and must be introduced into the surgical site separately and in a different manner from different entry points. Thus, unlike other stapling instruments, there is a risk of anvil-staple head assembly mismatch and / or anvil-staple cartridge mismatch with circular staplers. In addition, for proper assembly or coupling, the anvil and the staple head assembly must be properly oriented relative to each other in a specific orientation at the surgical site. As Figure 13 shown, improper orientation of the anvil and the corresponding staple head assembly can result in misalignment between the staple forming pits 414 ( Figure 12 ) of the anvil and the staple openings 324 ( Figure 3 ) of the staple cartridge 1320, which can result in improper staple forming. Additionally, improper orientation of the anvil and the corresponding staple head assembly can result in improper seating of the anvil relative to the staple head assembly. An improperly seated or partially seated anvil can become unseated or separated from the staple head assembly due to an externally applied load from the tissue captured between the anvil and the staple head assembly during closure.

[0174] To address the above problems, the surgical instrument 1100 includes an anvil 1200 equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 1201 that can be identified or detected by an RFID scanner 1202 on the staple head assembly 1300 of the surgical instrument 1100. Similarly, the staple cartridge 1320 includes an RFID tag 1203 that can also be identified or detected by the RFID scanner 1202. The RFID tag 1201 stores information about the anvil 1200, and the RFID tag 1203 stores information about the staple cartridge 1320. As described below, this information can be examined and compared for authentication and / or compatibility.

[0175] The identification mechanisms described herein can be active systems or passive systems. In various embodiments, a combination of active and passive identification systems is 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 send a first signal, such as an interrogation signal.

[0176] Passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems communicate information by using radio frequencies. Such passive RFID systems include RFID scanners and RFID tags without an internal power source. The RFID tags are powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from the RFID scanners. Each RFID tag includes a chip, such as a microchip, that stores information about the replaceable component and / or the surgical instrument with which the replaceable component can be compatible. Although the chip may contain only an identification number, in various cases, the chip can store additional information, such as manufacturing data, distribution 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 within which the RFID tag can receive signals from the RFID scanner and transmit response signals back to the RFID scanner. In a passive RFID system, the RFID scanner, which also includes its own antenna, transmits radio signals that activate the RFID tags located within a predetermined range. The RFID scanner is configured to be able to receive response signals that "bounce back" from the RFID tags, thereby allowing the RFID scanner to capture identification information representative of the replaceable component. In various cases, the one or more response signals include the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various cases, the one or more response signals include a modified signal from the interrogation signal. In various cases, the RFID scanner is also able to write information directly onto or encode information into the RFID tag. In any case, the RFID scanner is able to transfer information about the replaceable component to a controller, such as the control system of a surgical instrument and / or a remote surgical system or hub. The RFID scanner is configured to be able to read multiple RFID tags simultaneously when the RFID tags are activated by radio signals. Additionally, in certain cases, the RFID scanner is able to update or rewrite the information stored on the RFID tags within the signal range of the RFID scanner. These updates can be transferred, for example, from a surgical hub or any suitable server to the RFID scanner. Various surgical hubs are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 209,395, filed on December 4, 2018, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0177] An active radio frequency identification (RFID) system also includes an RFID tag and an RFID scanner. However, the RFID tag in an active RFID system includes an internal power source. The active RFID system utilizes 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 the RFID scanner. Instead, the beacon RFID tags continuously transmit their stored information. For example, a beacon can emit its information at intervals of every 3 to 5 seconds. Another type of active RFID tag includes a transponder. In such systems, the RFID scanner first transmits a signal. Then the RFID transponder tag sends the signal back to the RFID scanner along with associated information. Such RFID transponder tag systems are effective because they extend battery life when, for example, the RFID tag is outside the range of the RFID scanner. In various cases, the active RFID tag includes on-board sensors to track environmental parameters. For example, the on-board sensors can track humidity levels, temperature, and / or other potentially relevant data.

[0178] In operation, the anvil 1200 is coupled or attached to the suture head assembly 1300, as Figure 12 shown. The RFID scanner 1202 is able to detect or identify the RFID tag 1201 when the RFID tag 1201 is at or below an attachment threshold distance defined by a radius (R) of a perimeter extending around the RFID scanner 1202. When the anvil 1200 is coupled or attached to the suture head assembly 1300, the attachment distance is the distance between the RFID tag 1201 and the RFID scanner 1203.

[0179] In addition to the above, the RFID tag 1303 is positioned below the platform member 320 of the suture head assembly 1300 and can also be detected by the RFID scanner 1202. As described in more detail below, the signal strength between the RFID scanner 1202 and one or both of the RFID tags 1201, 1203 can be used to determine whether the anvil 1200 is properly oriented and / or fully seated relative to the suture head assembly 1300.

[0180] See Figure 12 , the anvil 1200 is similar to the anvil 400 in many respects. For example, like the anvil 400, the anvil 1200 includes a head 410, a staple-forming pit 414, and a shank 1420. In Figure 12In the example, the radio frequency identification tag 1201 is supported by the handle 1420 near the hole 422 on its outer surface. In at least one example, a recess or pit is defined in the handle 1420, and the radio frequency identification tag 1201 is positioned in the recess or pit. Any suitable technique such as a friction fit or a biocompatible adhesive can be used to hold the radio frequency identification tag 1201 in place in the recess or pit.

[0181] As described in more detail above, the anvil 1200 is coupled or assembled to the suture head assembly 1300 by advancing the anvil 1200 toward the trocar 330 such that the trocar 330 is received through the hole 422, as Figure 12 shown. The proximal surface 338 of the head 334 of the trocar 330 and the latch shelf 436 of the handle 1420 have complementary positions and configurations such that the latch shelf 436 engages the proximal surface 338 when the handle 1420 of the anvil 1200 is fully seated on the trocar 330 of the suture head assembly 1300, as Figure 14 shown. Thus, the anvil 1200 is fixed to the trocar 330 via a snap-fit engagement formed by the latch member 430. In Figure 14 the example shown, the radio frequency identification tag 1201 is in a first longitudinal position that is distal or slightly distal to the second longitudinal position of the tip end 226 of the head 334 of the trocar 330.

[0182] In at least one example, the radio frequency identification tag 1201 is positioned at a first longitudinal position on the handle 1420 that corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the second longitudinal position of the end 336 of the head 334 of the trocar 330 when the anvil 1200 is properly oriented and fully seated relative to the suture head assembly 1300. In other words, the end 336 of the head 334 of the trocar 330 is laterally aligned or at least substantially aligned with the radio frequency identification tag 1201 when in its final seated position received in the handle 1420. In at least one example, the radio frequency identification tag 1201 is positioned on the handle 1420 and at a position distal to the hole 422 and proximal to the lateral opening 424 and / or proximal to the latch member 430 ( Figures 3 to 4 ).

[0183] See Figure 12, a radio frequency identification scanner 1202 is located on an outer surface of a cylindrical inner core member 1312 that extends distally within a tubular housing 1310 of a suture head assembly 1300. The tubular housing 1310 is fixedly secured to an outer sheath 210 of a shaft assembly 1206 such that the tubular housing 1310 serves as a mechanical ground for the suture head assembly 1300. The radio frequency identification scanner 1202 is supported by the inner core member 1312 near its distal end on its outer surface. In at least one example, a recess or pit is defined in the inner core member 1312 and the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 is positioned within the recess or pit. Any suitable technique such as a friction fit or a biocompatible adhesive can be used to hold the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 in place within the recess or pit. Alternatively, the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 can be positioned on an inner surface of the cylindrical inner core member 1312. In Figure 12 an example, the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 is located at a distal portion of the inner core member 1312 below a platform member 320 of a cartridge 1320. In various examples, any suitable insulating material is used to insulate the radio frequency identification tag 1201 and the radio frequency identification tag 1203 from the handle 1420 and the inner core member 1312, respectively.

[0184] In various examples, the radio frequency identification tag 1201 and the radio frequency identification tag 1203 are capable of being identified or detected by the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 in a closed configuration of the instrument 1100 in which tissue is captured between an anvil 1200 and the suture head assembly 1300.

[0185] Figure 15 A logic diagram of a control system 1211 for a surgical instrument or tool in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The control system 1211 includes a control circuit 1210 that, for example, can be integrated with the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 or can be coupled to the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 in a housing assembly 100 but is positioned separately from the radio frequency identification scanner. The control circuit 1210 can be configured to be capable of receiving an input from the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 that indicates information about the cartridge 1320 stored in the radio frequency identification tag 1203 and / or information about the anvil 1200 stored in the radio frequency identification tag 1201.

[0186] In various examples, the radio frequency identification tag 1203 stores identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 and the radio frequency identification tag 1201 stores identification information of the anvil 1200. In such examples, the control circuit 1210 receives an input indicating the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 from the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 and verifies the identity of the staple cartridge 1320 based on this input. In addition, the control circuit 1210 receives an input indicating the identification information of the anvil 1200 from the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 and verifies the identity of the anvil 1200 based on this input.

[0187] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 includes a microcontroller 1213 that has a processor 1214 and a storage medium (such as a memory 1212). The memory 1212 stores program instructions for performing various processes (such as authentication). When executed by the processor 1214, the program instructions cause the processor 1214 to verify the identity of the staple cartridge 1320 and the identity of the anvil 1200 by comparing the identification information received from the radio frequency identification tags 1201, 1203 with the identification information stored in the memory 1212 in the form of, for example, an identity database or table.

[0188] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to be able to check the compatibility of the anvil 1200 with the staple cartridge 1320 of the suture head assembly 1300 based on an input from the radio frequency identification scanner 1202. The processor 1214 can check the identity information of the anvil 1200 and the staple cartridge 1320 against, for example, a compatibility database or table stored in the memory 1212.

[0189] In various examples, the memory 1212 includes the 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 transfer the information received from the radio frequency identification tags 1201, 1203 to a remote server storing the database or table for remotely performing identity and / or compatibility checks.

[0190] Figure 16 is a logic flow diagram of a process 1220 that depicts a control program or logic configuration for operating a surgical suturing instrument (such as the instrument 1100). In at least one example, the process 1220 is performed by the control circuit 1210 ( Figure 15)Execute. The control circuit includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 that stores a set of computer-executable instructions. When executed by the processor 1214, the set of computer-executable instructions causes the processor 1214 to execute process 1220. In some examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to execute discrete portions of process 1220. Although process 1220 is described as being executed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 1220 and other processes or portions thereof described herein may be executed by circuitry that may include various hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0191] As Figure 16 shown, process 1220 includes detecting the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 at 1231. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 that indicates the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 stored in the radio frequency identification tag 1203. If the authentication of the staple cartridge ID is unsuccessful or the staple cartridge ID is not detected, the control circuit 1210 causes the indicator 1209 to alert at 1241 that the staple cartridge 1320 is not attached and / or the staple cartridge authentication has failed.

[0192] In various cases, the indicator 1209 may include, for example, one or more visual feedback systems, such as a display screen, a backlight, and / or an LED. In some cases, the indicator 1209 may include, for example, one or more audio feedback systems, such as a speaker and / or a buzzer. In some cases, the indicator 1209 may include, for example, one or more tactile feedback systems. In some cases, the indicator 1209 may include, for example, a combination of visual, audio, and / or tactile feedback systems.

[0193] Process 1220 also includes verifying the compatibility of the staple cartridge 1320 and the instrument 1100 at 1232. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 checks the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 against a staple cartridge-instrument compatibility database or table that may be stored, for example, in the memory 1212. If the compatibility is verified at 1232, the control circuit 1210 causes the indicator 1209 to alert at 1242 that the staple cartridge 1320 is compatible with the instrument 1100. At this stage, the control circuit 1210 may also cause the indicator 1209 to alert the user at 1246 regarding the color and / or size of the attached staple cartridge 1320.

[0194] Procedure 1220 also includes verifying the cartridge firing status at 1233. The cartridge is typically disposed of after firing. To ensure that a previously fired cartridge is not accidentally reused without nails, the radio frequency identification tag 1201 of the previously fired cartridge 1320 stores the previously fired status. In at least one example, after the firing sequence is complete, the control circuit 1210 causes the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 to change the firing status of the cartridge 1320 from the unfired status to the previously fired status. Additionally, if the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 indicating that the attached cartridge 1320 has been previously fired, the control circuit 1210 can cause the indicator 1209 to alert the user of this situation at 1243.

[0195] Procedure 1220 also includes detecting the identification information of the anvil 1200 at 1234. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 that indicates the identification information of the anvil 1200 stored in the radio frequency identification tag 1201. If the authentication of the anvil ID is unsuccessful or if the anvil ID is not received, the control circuit 1210 can cause the indicator 1209 to alert that the anvil is not attached and / or the anvil authentication has failed at 1244.

[0196] Still referring to Figure 16 , if appropriate anvil identification is detected at 1234, procedure 1220 further checks the compatibility of the anvil 1200 and the cartridge 13020 at 1235. If the anvil 1200 and the cartridge 13020 are not compatible, procedure 1220 alerts the user of the mismatch at 1245. However, if the anvil 1200 and the cartridge 13020 are compatible, the control circuit 1210 allows the closing drive assembly 136 ( Figure 15 ) to continue with anvil closing at 1237. During anvil closing, the control circuit 1210 continues to monitor the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 to ensure that the anvil 1200 remains attached or coupled to the suture head assembly 1300 throughout the closing process. If the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 loses the signal from the radio frequency identification tag 1201 during closing, the control circuit 1210 causes the closing drive assembly 136 to pause the closing and alerts the user at 1244 that the anvil 1200 is not attached or at least not detected. Otherwise, anvil closing continues until a closed configuration between the anvil 1200 and the suture head assembly 1300 is achieved at 1238 by reaching a predetermined zone or threshold at 1238. When at or exceeding the predetermined zone or threshold, the control circuit 1210 allows the firing drive assembly 1136 to start the firing sequence at 1239 to suture and cut the tissue captured between the anvil 1200 and the cartridge 1320 in the closed configuration.

[0197] Procedure 1220 also includes evaluating or detecting, at 1247, the orientation and / or seating of the anvil relative to the suture head assembly 1300. As Figure 12 shown, when the latch shelf 436 engages the proximal surface 338, the handle 1420 of the anvil 1200 is fully seated on the trocar 330 of the suture head assembly 1300. At this time, the RFID tag 1201 reaches or crosses the attachment threshold distance and is thus detected by the RFID scanner 1202. Detection of the RFID tag 1201 by the RFID scanner 1202 indicates full seating of the anvil 1200 relative to the suture head assembly 1300. In at least one example, receiving an input indicating detection of the RFID tag 1201 from the RFID scanner 1202 causes the control circuit 1210 to determine that the anvil 1200 is fully seated relative to the suture head assembly 1300.

[0198] See Figure 12 and Figure 15 In various examples, in addition to the RFID scanner 1202, an RFID scanner 1204 is also employed to detect the RFID tag 1201 and / or the RFID tag 1203. The RFID scanner 1204 may be positioned within the suture head assembly 1300. In the example shown in Figure 12 the RFID scanner 1204 is supported by the tubular housing 1310. In addition to receiving an input from the RFID scanner 1202, the control circuit 1210 may also be configured to be able to receive an input from the RFID scanner 1204. In at least one example, the RFID scanner 1204 is configured to be able to detect the RFID tag 1203, while the RFID scanner 1202 may be configured to be able to detect the RFID tag 1201.

[0199] As for the anvil orientation, the control circuit 1210 is configured to be able to determine whether the attached anvil 1200 is properly oriented relative to the suture head assembly 1300 by detecting and measuring the strength of the signal transmitted by the RFID tag 1201 using the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204. In the proper orientation of the anvil 1200, the RFID scanner 1202 detects the signal from the RFID tag 120- and measures a unique first signal strength corresponding to the distance d1 between the RFID tag 1201 and the RFID scanner 1202. Similarly, 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 may be configured to be able to evaluate the proper orientation of the anvil 1200 based on the first signal strength and / or the second signal strength.

[0200] Figure 13depicts a misorientation of the anvil 1200, where the shank 1420 is at an angle α away from the proper orientation with respect to the suture head assembly 1300. The misalignment between the anvil 1200 and the suture head assembly 1300 causes the distances d1 and d2 to be different from their values in the proper orientation, thereby causing the first signal strength and the second signal strength to be different from their values in the proper orientation. In Figure 13 the example of Figure 13 the misalignment between the anvil 1200 and the suture head assembly 1300 increases the value of the distance d1 and decreases the value of the distance d2. Accordingly, compared to their values in the proper orientation,

[0201] the misalignment at

[0202]

[0203] Figure 17 Figure 15 depicts a logic flow diagram of a process 1250 that depicts a control program or logic configuration for properly orienting the anvil of a surgical suturing instrument with respect to the suture head assembly. In at least one example, the process 1250 is performed by the control circuit 1210 ( Figure 15)Execute. The control circuit includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 that stores a set of computer-executable instructions. When executed by the processor 1214, the set of computer-executable instructions causes the processor 1214 to execute process 1250. In some examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to execute discrete portions of process 1250. Although process 1250 is described as being executed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 1250 and other processes or portions thereof described herein may be executed by circuitry that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0204] See Figure 15 and Figure 17 , the control circuit 1210 is configured to be able to detect an improper orientation of the anvil 1200 relative to the suture head assembly 1300 at 1251, as described above. In addition, the control circuit 1210 may employ an indicator 1209 to alert the user of the improper orientation at 1252. Additionally, the control circuit 1210 may suggest the direction and / or degree of rotation of the anvil 1200 at 1253 through the indicator 1209 to achieve proper orientation. The control circuit 1210 may continue to check at 1254 whether proper orientation is achieved based on inputs from the radio frequency identification scanner 1201 and / or the radio frequency identification scanner 1204. When the control circuit 1210 detects proper orientation, the control circuit 1210 may further cause the indicator 1209 to alert the user at 1255 that the anvil 1200 is now properly aligned with the suture head assembly 1300.

[0205] As described in more detail above, the instrument 1100 includes an anvil latching assembly 1170. The anvil latching 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 latching assembly 1170 includes an outer latching member 1176 that generally selectively locks the actuation of the anvil 1200 in response to the safety trigger 1140. In other examples, the control circuit 1210 is configured to be able to drive the outer latching member 1176 using an actuation mechanism 1190 (such as a solenoid). In either case, the anvil latching assembly 1170 is configured to be able to transition between an unlocked state and a locked state, where: (i) in the unlocked state, the latching assembly 1170 is configured to allow the anvil 1200 to translate, and (ii) in the locked state, the latching assembly 1170 is configured to prevent the anvil 1200 from translating. In various examples, based on an input indicating detection of the RFID tag 1201 from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204, the control circuit 1210 uses the indicator 1209 to alert the user that the latching assembly 1170 can be safely transitioned to the unlocked state. In other examples, based on an input indicating detection of the RFID tag 1201 from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204, the control circuit 1210 uses the actuation mechanism 1190 to transition the latching assembly 1170 to the unlocked state.

[0206] In addition to the above, in certain examples, based on the loss of input from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204 or an input indicating loss of the signal transmitted by the RFID tag 1201 from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204, the control circuit 1210 detects the separation of the anvil 1200 from the suture head assembly 1300. In response, the control circuit 1210 can cause the indicator 1209 to alert the user of the separation of the anvil 1200 and, optionally, provide instructions related to reattaching the anvil 1200 to the suture head assembly 1300. In addition or alternatively, the control circuit 1210 can cause the actuation mechanism 1190 to transition the latching assembly 1170 to the locked state until the control circuit 1210 detects the reattachment of the anvil 1200 based on an input indicating, for example, redetection of the signal from the RFID tag 1201 from the RFID scanner 1202 and / or the RFID scanner 1204.

[0207] See Figure 15, motors 160 and 1160 are respectively coupled to motor drivers 161 and 1161, which are configured to control the operations of motors 160 and 1160, including the flow of electrical energy from a power source (e.g., battery pack 120) to motors 160 and 1160. In various examples, processor 1214 is coupled to motors 160 and 1160 through motor drivers 1160 and 1161. In various forms, motor 160 and / or motor 1160 can be a brushed direct current (DC) motor with a gearbox and mechanical linkage to effect tissue handling of a surgical end effector. In one aspect, motor drivers 1160 and 1161 can be in the form of A3941 available from Allegro Microsystems, Inc. Other motor drivers can be easily replaced for use with control system 11211.

[0208] In various forms, motors 160 and 1160 can be brushed DC drive motors with a maximum rotational speed of approximately 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, motors 160 and 1160 can include brushless motors, cordless motors, synchronous motors, stepper motors, or any other suitable electric motor. Motor drivers 161 and 1161 can include, for example, an H-bridge driver including field effect transistors (FETs). Motors 160 and 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 and usable as a power source to power a surgical instrument or tool. In some cases, the battery cells of the power source can be replaceable and / or rechargeable. In at least one example, the battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, which can be coupled to the power source and can be separated from the power source.

[0209] 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 a full (>10V) gate drive for battery voltages as low as 7V and allows the A3941 to operate with a reduced gate drive as low as 5.5V. A bootstrap capacitor can be employed to provide the above battery supply voltage required for the N-channel MOSFET. The internal charge pump of the high-side drive device allows for DC (100% duty cycle) operation. A diode or synchronous rectification can be used to drive the full bridge in either a fast decay mode or a slow decay mode. In the slow decay mode, current recirculation can occur through either the high-side FET or the low-side FET. Power FETs are protected from breakdown by resistor-adjustable dead time. Comprehensive diagnostics provide indications of under-voltage, over-heat, and power bridge faults and can be configured to protect the power MOSFET under most short-circuit conditions. Other motor drivers can be easily replaced for use in a tracking system 480 that includes an absolute positioning system.

[0210] In various aspects, one or more motors of the present disclosure can include a rotatable shaft operatively interfaced with a gear assembly that is mounted to engage in meshing engagement with a set of drive teeth or a rack of drive teeth on a displacement member, such as a firing drive assembly 1163 or a closing drive assembly 163. A sensor element can be operatively 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 the gearing and the sensor can be connected to a linear actuator via a rack and pinion arrangement or to a rotary actuator via spur gears or other connections. A power source supplies power to the absolute positioning system, and an output indicator can display the output of the absolute positioning system. The displacement member represents a longitudinally movable drive member that includes a rack of drive teeth formed thereon for engaging in meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear of a gear reduction assembly. The displacement member represents a longitudinally movable closing member, firing member, firing rod, I-beam, or a combination thereof.

[0211] In certain examples, such as Figure 15As shown, the transition of the anvil 1200 to a closed configuration with the suture head assembly 1300 is driven by a motor 1160. In such examples, as described above, if the control circuit 1210 detects the proper orientation, full seating, and / or proper identity of the anvil 1200 based on inputs from the RFID scanners 1202 and / or 1204, then the control circuit 1210 allows the motor 1160 to drive the closing of the anvil 1200. Thus, detection of a failure to establish one or more of the proper orientation, full seating, and / or proper identity of the anvil 1200 causes the control circuit 1210 to prevent the motor 1160 from starting and / or completing the closing of the anvil 1200.

[0212] In some examples, if cartridge-anvil compatibility is confirmed based on information stored in the RFID tags 1201, 1203 as reported by the RFID scanners 1202, 1204, then the control circuit 1210 allows the motor 160 to drive staple firing and advancement of the cylindrical knife member 340. Conversely, if cartridge-anvil compatibility cannot be established based on information stored in the RFID tags 1201, 1203 as reported by the RFID scanners 1202, 1204, then the control circuit 1210 is configured to prevent the motor 160 from driving staple firing and advancement of the cylindrical knife member 340.

[0213] In various examples, the antennas of one or more of the RFID tags 1201, 1203 and the RFID scanners 1202, 1204 can be supplemented with gain antennas that engage upon connection. In various examples, the antennas of active RFID tags (such as RFID tag 1201 and RFID tag 1203) on the surgical instrument 1100 can be cut in a planned manner during normal operation of the surgical instrument 1100. A lost signal from such RFID tags can indicate completion of a surgical task.

[0214] In various aspects, the RFID tag can be positioned along the path of the cylindrical knife member 340. For example, the RFID tag can transmit a signal to the RFID scanner 1202 through its antenna. When the antenna is cut by the knife member 340, the signal is lost. The lost signal can confirm advancement of the knife member 340.

[0215] In one example, a radio frequency identification tag is positioned on a frangible washer of an anvil 1200. In such examples, the frangible washer is severed by a knife member 340 toward the end of the full distal range of motion of the knife member 340. The knife member 340 cuts an antenna of the radio frequency identification tag while severing the frangible washer. When the antenna is cut, a signal transmitted, for example, from the radio frequency identification tag to a radio frequency identification scanner 1202 is lost. The radio frequency identification scanner 1202 may be coupled to a control circuit 1210 and may report the loss of the signal to the control circuit 1210. The control circuit 1210 interprets the loss of the signal as indicating completion of a firing sequence of the surgical instrument 1100.

[0216] In various aspects, as described in more detail above, a surgical instrument (such as instrument 1100) includes an anvil 1200 that is movable toward a suture head assembly 1300 to capture tissue therebetween in a closed configuration. Tissue is then sutured and cut during a firing sequence of the surgical instrument 1100. The instrument 1100 also includes a radio frequency identification tag (such as radio frequency identification tag 1201) and a radio frequency identification scanner (such as radio frequency identification scanner 1202 configured to be able to read and / or write to the radio frequency identification tag 1201). The radio frequency identification tag 1201 and the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 define a radio frequency identification system that a control circuit 1210 may employ to determine characteristics of tissue based on RF signal backscatter from the tissue.

[0217] The positions of the radio frequency identification tag 1201 and the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 relative to the tissue grasped between the anvil 1200 and the suture head assembly 1300 may be selected to achieve an optimal measurement of RF signal backscatter. In at least one example, the radio frequency identification tag 1201 and the radio frequency identification scanner 1202 may be positioned on opposite sides of the tissue.

[0218] RF signals from the backscatter data may be collected and correlated with known tissue characteristics to permit tissue analysis. In various aspects, spectral characteristics of the backscatter data may be analyzed to determine various characteristics of the tissue. In at least one example, the backscatter data is used to identify boundary features within the tissue. In at least one example, the backscatter data may be used to evaluate the thickness of the tissue grasped between the anvil 1200 and the suture head assembly 1300.

[0219] Figure 18Depicts a surgical instrument 2200 that can be selectively assembled with any one of a plurality of different end effectors (such as end effectors 2210, 2210'), a plurality of different shafts (such as shafts 2230, 2230', 2230", 2230''') and a housing assembly 2240. The components of the surgical instrument 2200 are selected based on various factors including the type of surgical procedure, the type of tissue, and / or the patient's anatomy.

[0220] In various cases, the end effector of the surgical instrument 2200 is a circular stapler end effector of different sizes. In Figure 18 the example, 25 mm and 31 mm circular stapler end effectors are depicted. However, this is not restrictive, and other suitable end effectors can be readily used with the surgical instrument 2200. In Figure 18 the example shown, the shafts 2230, 2230', 2230", 2230''' have profiles with different lengths and / or curvatures. However, this is not restrictive, and shafts with other suitable shaft profiles can be readily used with the surgical instrument 2200.

[0221] In addition to the above, the shafts 2230, 2230', 2230", 2230''' respectively include radio frequency identification tags 2203, 2203', 2203", 2203''' that store shaft information, as described in more detail below. Additionally, the end effectors 2210, 2210' respectively include radio frequency identification tags 2201, 2201' that store end effector information, as described in more detail below.

[0222] Figure 19 Depicts a schematic view of an exemplary surgical instrument 2200 assembled with an end effector 2210, a shaft 2230, and a housing assembly 2240. For clarity, various components of the end effector 2210, the shaft 2230, and the housing assembly 2240 and / or the connections between the components are removed. The surgical instrument 2200 is similar to the surgical instruments 100, 1100 in many respects. For example, the end effector 2210 has a staple head assembly 2300 that is similar to the staple head assemblies 300, 1300 in many respects and an anvil 2400 that is similar to the anvils 400, 1200 in many respects.

[0223] In operation, as described in more detail above with respect to surgical instruments 100, 1100, anvil 2400 is coupled to suture head assembly 2300. The anvil 2400 then retracts from an initial position toward the suture head assembly 2300 a closing stroke or distance “d” to transition the suture head assembly 2300 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, tissue is grasped between the anvil 2400 and the suture head assembly 2300. Additionally, the suture head assembly 2300 includes a cartridge that houses staples, and in the closed configuration, these staples are deployed from the cartridge toward the anvil 2400. The staples are deployed through the grasped tissue and are formed by staple forming pits 414 of the anvil 2400. Additionally, knife member 340 is translated distally to a point where cutting edge 342 is distal of the platform surface 322 of the suture head assembly 2300 to cut tissue.

[0224] In addition to or in lieu of the above, suture head assembly 2300 and anvil 2400 may be further constructed and operated in accordance with at least some of the teachings of the following U.S. patents: U.S. Patent 5,205,459, U.S. Patent 5,271,544, U.S. Patent 5,275,322, U.S. Patent 5,285,945, U.S. Patent 5,292,053, U.S. Patent 5,333,773, U.S. Patent 5,350,104, U.S. Patent 5,533,661, and / or U.S. Patent 8,910,847, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0225] Still referring to Figure 19 , housing assembly 2240 includes one or more motors 2160 and one or more motor drivers 2161, which are similar in many respects to motors 160, 1160 and motor drivers 161, 1161. In various examples, control circuit 1210 is configured to be able to control motor driver 2161 to cause motor 2160 to move the anvil 2400 toward the suture head assembly 2300 a closing stroke or distance “d” to transition the end effector 2210 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Control circuit 1210 is further configured to be able to control motor driver 2161 to cause motor 2160 to apply a load to the end effector 2210 during 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 advancing knife member 340 distally through the tissue. In at least one example, knife member 340 is advanced toward a frangible washer of the anvil 2400. In such examples, the frangible washer is fractured by knife member 340 toward the end of the full distal range of motion of knife member 340.

[0226] To properly suture and cut tissue with the surgical instrument 2200, the operating parameters of the motor 2160 need to be adjusted to produce a closing distance and / or firing load suitable for the selected end effector 2210 and / or shaft 2230 of the surgical instrument 2200. For example, a longer and / or curved shaft requires a different closing distance than a shorter shaft. Similarly, a larger staple cartridge generally requires a higher firing load than a smaller staple cartridge. To address this issue, the end effector of the surgical instrument 2200 is equipped with radio frequency identification tags 2201 that store end effector information and are detectable by a radio frequency identification scanner 2202. Additionally, in some cases, the shaft of the surgical instrument 2200 is also equipped with radio frequency identification tags 2203 that store shaft information and are detectable by a radio frequency identification scanner 2204. As Figure 20 shown, according to process 2250, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to be capable of receiving an input indicating end effector information from the radio frequency identification scanner 2202 at 2252, receiving an input indicating shaft information from the radio frequency identification scanner 2204 at 2254, and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the motor 2160 at 2256 to produce a closing distance and / or firing load based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0227] In at least one example, 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 process 2250. In some examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 can cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 2250. Although process 2250 is described as being performed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 2250 and other processes or portions thereof described herein can be performed by circuitry that can include a variety of hardware and / or software components and can be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0228] In Figure 19In the example shown, the radio frequency identification tag 2201 and the corresponding radio frequency identification scanner 2202 are arranged such that the radio frequency identification tag 2201 is within the detection range of the radio frequency identification scanner 2202 when the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230 are in an assembled configuration. Additionally, the radio frequency identification tag 2203 and the corresponding radio frequency identification scanner 2204 are arranged such that the radio frequency identification tag 2203 is within the detection range of the radio frequency identification scanner 2204 when the shaft 2230 and the housing assembly 2240 are in an assembled configuration. Thus, the radio frequency identification scanner 2202 is positioned at the distal portion of the shaft 2230, while the radio frequency identification tag 2203 is positioned at the proximal portion of the shaft 2230. In at least one example, one or both of the radio frequency identification tag 2201 and the radio frequency identification scanner 2202 are positioned at the interface between the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the radio frequency identification tag 2203 and the radio frequency identification scanner 2204 are positioned at the interface between the shaft 2230 and the housing assembly 2240.

[0229] In addition to the above, the end effector information stored in the radio frequency identification tag 2201 can be read by the radio frequency identification scanner 2202 in the assembled configuration and can be transmitted to the control circuit 1210. Additionally, the shaft information stored in the radio frequency identification tag 2203 can be read by the radio frequency identification scanner 2204 and can be transmitted to the control circuit 1210. In various aspects, the end effector information can include identification information, manufacturer information, staple cartridge size, type, and / or color, anvil type, and / or one or more suitable adjustment values for default closing distance and / or firing load. Similarly, the shaft information can include identification information, manufacturer information, shaft profile, and / or one or more suitable adjustment values for default closing distance and / or firing load.

[0230] See Figure 21 , graph 2260 depicts the relationship between the firing load (pounds) on the Y-axis and the firing time (seconds) on the X-axis. The curve Figure 21 depicts the default, unadjusted firing algorithm 2263 and the adjusted firing algorithm 2263. Graph 2260 also depicts the default maximum firing load threshold 2261 (e.g., 400 pounds) and the final maximum firing load threshold 2262 (e.g., 485 pounds) of the firing load applied by the motor 2160 to the end effector 2210 of the surgical instrument 2200. The default maximum firing load threshold 2261 is adjusted to the final maximum firing load threshold 2262 based on the end effector information of the end effector 2210 stored in the radio frequency identification tag 2201 and read by the radio frequency identification scanner 2202 of the surgical instrument 2200. In Figure 21In the example shown in FIG2 , the end effector information indicates a staple cartridge having a larger size (e.g., 31 mm) than the default staple cartridge (e.g., 25 mm). The default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm) is associated with a default firing algorithm 2263 and a default maximum firing load threshold 2261. Meanwhile, the larger staple cartridge size (e.g., 31 mm) is associated with a final firing algorithm 2264 and a final maximum firing load threshold 2262.

[0231] The end effector information stored in the RFID tag 2201 may include the size of the staple cartridge and / or a firing load adjustment value based on the cartridge size (e.g., 85 pounds). In the case of the staple cartridge size, the control circuit 1210 may use a database or lookup table of staple cartridge sizes and corresponding firing load adjustment values to find the appropriate firing load adjustment value.

[0232] In addition, input from the RFID scanner 2201 indicating end effector information causes the control circuit 1210 to adjust the default maximum firing load threshold 2261 (e.g., 400 lbs) to the final maximum firing load threshold 2262 (e.g., 485 lbs) and maintain the firing algorithm 2264 below the final maximum firing load threshold 2262, as shown in FIG. Figure 20 shown.

[0233] exist Figure 21 In the example of FIG, the control circuit 1210 adjusts or introduces a minimum wait time “t” before causing the motor 2160 to apply the firing algorithm 2263 to the end effector 2210. In various cases, the minimum wait time “t” is the time period between the completion of the closing sequence of the end effector of the surgical instrument 2200 (wherein tissue is grasped by the end effector in a closed configuration) and the start of the firing sequence of the end effector (wherein the grasped tissue is stapled and cut). The minimum wait time “t” allows for tissue creep, where the grasped tissue adapts to a lower average pressure, thereby reducing the maximum firing load required to complete the firing sequence of the end effector 2210 to a value at or below the final maximum firing load threshold 2262. In the default firing algorithm 2263, since there is no minimum wait time “t”, the firing algorithm 2263 must interrupt the time period from time t3 to time t4 at 2267 to prevent the firing load from exceeding the final maximum firing load threshold 2262. In contrast, the firing algorithm 2264 continues throughout the time period between t3 and t4, as shown in FIG. Figure 21 shown

[0234] Still see Figure 21, Another factor that can affect the minimum waiting time "t" is the user-selected forming height of the staples deployed from the stapling head assembly 2300. The control circuit 1210 can prompt the user to select the desired forming height of the staples via the indicator 1209. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can present the user with multiple forming height options to choose from. Additionally or alternatively, the control circuit 1210 can recommend an optimal forming height based on the tissue being processed by the surgical instrument 2200. In any case, the forming height selected by the user can cause the control circuit 1210 to further adjust the minimum waiting time "t". In at least one example, the memory 1212 stores the forming height and corresponding waiting time adjustment in a database or look-up table. The control circuit 1210 can adjust the minimum waiting time "t" by identifying the waiting time adjustment associated with the forming height selected by the user and then adjusting the minimum waiting time "t" according to the identified waiting time adjustment.

[0235] Generally speaking, more formed staples are associated with a greater firing load and require a greater minimum waiting time "t" than less formed staples. In Figure 21 the example, the forming height 2265 selected by the user is associated with the firing load "F2" and is greater than the minimum forming height 2266 associated with the minimum firing load "F1". The minimum firing loads "F1" and "F2" represent the firing load at which the staple legs begin to buckle. Thus, Figure 21 the waiting time "t" in the example is the result of a staple cartridge size that is larger (31 mm) than the default (25 mm) and the selected forming height 2265.

[0236] See Figure 22, Graph 2270 shows an adjustment to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272 (e.g., 400 pounds) of the surgical instrument 2200. These adjustments are based on the end effector information 2271 and shaft information 2273 received by the control circuit 1210 from the radio frequency identification scanners 2202, 2204, as described in more detail above. The shaft information 2273 identifies the long curved shaft 2230 and provides a corresponding first adjustment value 2274 (e.g., 35 pounds) to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272. Similarly, the end effector information 2271 identifies the end effector 2210 with a staple cartridge having a size of 31 mm and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2276 (e.g., 85 pounds) to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272. The adjustment values 2274, 2276 are added to the default maximum firing load threshold 2272 to obtain the final maximum firing load threshold 2278. As described above, the adjustment values 2274, 2276 can be part of the end effector information 2271 and shaft information 2273, respectively, or can be determined by the control circuit 1210 based on a database or look-up table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the identification information of the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230).

[0237] In at least one example, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with a curved long shaft 2230 and an end effector 2210' having a default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm). In such examples, the end effector information produces a zero adjustment value, and the shaft information produces a first adjustment value 2274 that modifies the default maximum firing load threshold 2272 to the final maximum firing load threshold 2279, as shown in Graph 2270. In other examples, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with various combinations of end effectors and shafts that produce different adjustment values for modifying the default maximum firing load threshold 2272.

[0238] See Figure 22 , Graph 2280 shows an adjustment to the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282 of the surgical instrument 2200. The minimum closing stroke or distance of the surgical instrument 2200 is the minimum allowable or recommended closing stroke or distance that brings the end effector (such as the end effector 2210) of the surgical instrument 2200 to a closed configuration suitable for deploying staples to tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge of the end effector. The adjustment to the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282 is based on the end effector information 2271 and shaft information 2273 received by the control circuit 1210 from the radio frequency identification scanners 2202, 2204, as described in more detail above.

[0239] The shaft information 2273 identifies the long bent shaft 2230 and provides a corresponding first adjustment value 2284 to the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282. Compared with the default shaft, the additional length and curvature of the shaft 2230 result in a longer minimum closing stroke or distance 2289 than the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282. Similarly, the end effector information 2271 identifies the end effector 2210 having a staple cartridge with a size of 31 mm and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2286 to the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282. Adding the adjustment values 2284, 2286 to the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282 gives the final default minimum closing stroke or distance 2288. As described above, the adjustment values 2284, 2286 can be part of the end effector information 2271 and the shaft information 2273, or can be determined by the control circuit 1210 based on a database or look-up table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the identification information of the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230).

[0240] In at least one example, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with a bent long shaft 2230 and an end effector 2210' having a default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm). In such examples, the end effector information produces a zero adjustment value and the shaft information produces a first adjustment value 2284 that modifies the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282 to the final minimum closing stroke or distance 2289, as shown in the graph 2280. In other examples, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with various combinations of end effectors and shafts that produce different adjustment values for modifying the default minimum closing stroke or distance 2282.

[0241] In addition to the above, the end effector information 2271 and the shaft information 2273 can cause the control circuit 1210 to adjust the default closing range 2281 of the user-selectable closing stroke or distance of the surgical instrument 2200. The closing range of the surgical instrument 2200 is the range of closing strokes or distances that are allowed or recommended and that bring the end effector (such as the end effector 2210) of the surgical instrument 2200 to a closed configuration suitable for deploying staples to tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge of the end effector. In at least one example, the closing range of the surgical instrument 2200 can be in the form of a visual guide presented to the user by the indicator 1209.

[0242] 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 radio frequency identification scanners 2203, 2204. The graph 2280 depicts, 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 communicated from the radio frequency identification scanner 2204. The adjusted closure range 2285 is defined by the control circuit 1210 in response to end effector information communicated from the radio frequency identification scanner 2202 and shaft information communicated from the radio frequency identification 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.

[0243] In various aspects, the communicated shaft information may include the adjusted closure range 2283. Alternatively, the communicated shaft information may include upper and lower adjustment values of the default closure range 2281. Alternatively, the communicated shaft information may include shaft identification information. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 may determine the adjusted closure range 2283 based on a database or look-up table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the shaft identification information).

[0244] In various aspects, the communicated end effector information may include the adjusted closure range. Alternatively, the communicated end effector information may include upper and lower adjustment values of the default closure range 2281. Alternatively, the communicated end effector information may include end effector identification information. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 may determine the adjusted closure range based on a database or look-up table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the end effector identification information).

[0245] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 may determine the adjusted closure range 2285 based on a database or look-up table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the shaft identification information and the end effector identification information). In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 may determine the adjusted closure range 2285 based on the cumulative effect of the upper and lower adjustment values of the default closure range 2281 provided by the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0246] Still referring to Figure 22 , the graph 2290 shows the relationship between the firing speed (meters per second) on the Y-axis and the time (seconds) on the X-axis. In the example of the graph 2290, the firing speed 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 the staple from the staple head assembly 2300 toward the anvil 2400 and advancement of the knife member 340, as described in more detail above. In other examples, the firing speed can be the rotational speed of the motor 2160.

[0247] Graph 2290 shows adjustments made to the default maximum threshold 2292 for the 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 more detail above. The shaft information identifies the long bendable 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 with a staple cartridge sized 31 mm and provides a corresponding second adjustment value 2296 to the default maximum threshold 2292.

[0248] In the example of Graph 2290, the adjustment values 2294, 2296 are combined at 2295 to reduce the default maximum threshold 2292 to a final maximum threshold 2298 for the firing speed of the surgical instrument 2200. The adjustment values 2294, 2296 can be part of the end effector information and shaft information, respectively, or can be determined by the control circuit 1210 based on a database or look-up table stored in the memory 1212 (e.g., based on the identification information of the end effector 2210 and the shaft 2230).

[0249] In at least one example, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with a bendable long shaft 2230 and an end effector 2210' having a default staple cartridge size (e.g., 25 mm). In such examples, the end effector information produces a zero adjustment value and the shaft information produces an adjustment value 2294 that modifies the default maximum threshold 2282 to a final maximum threshold 2297, as shown in Graph 2290. In other examples, the surgical instrument 2200 can be assembled with various combinations of end effectors and shafts that produce different adjustment values for modifying the default maximum threshold 2292 for the firing speed.

[0250] In addition to the above, graph 2290 depicts three firing speed curves 2307, 2301, 2302 representing three different firing algorithms. Firing speed curve 2307 represents a first firing algorithm that fails to comply with the default maximum threshold 2292 of the firing speed due to failure to account for the inertia of the firing member. Firing speed curve 2301 represents a second firing algorithm that fails to comply with the statically adjusted maximum threshold 2298 due to failure to account for the inertia of the firing member. Firing speed curve 2302 represents a third firing algorithm that dynamically modifies the statically adjusted final maximum threshold 2298 by an adjustment value 2304 to achieve a dynamically and statically adjusted final maximum threshold 2299. The adjustment value 2304 is based on the slope 2305 of speed curve 2302.

[0251] In at least one example, as Figure 23 shown, process 2310 depicts 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 storing a set of computer-executable instructions that, when executed by processor 1214, cause processor 1214 to execute process 2310. In certain examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in memory 1212 may cause processor 1214 to execute discrete portions of process 2310. Although process 2310 is described as being executed by control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 2310 and other processes or portions thereof described herein may be executed by circuitry that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0252] In addition to the above, process 2310 includes receiving an input indicating end effector information at 2312 from radio frequency identification scanner 2202, receiving an input indicating shaft information at 2314 from radio frequency identification scanner 2204, and statically adjusting the default maximum threshold 2292 of the firing speed of surgical instrument 2200 to a final maximum threshold 2298 based on the end effector information and the shaft information at 2316. Additionally, in certain cases, process 2310 further includes dynamically adjusting the final maximum threshold 2298 of the firing speed to a new final maximum threshold 2299 at 2318 based on the slope 2305 of firing speed curve 2302 to account for the inertia of the firing member, as shown in the example of graph 2290.

[0253] Primarily referring to Figure 24, three motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000'' are interchangeably usable with a surgical instrument 5002. The motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000'' respectively include motors 5001, 5001', 5001'' and gearboxes 5003, 5003', 5003''. Even with similar design parameters, the motors 5001, 5001', 5001'' have outputs that differ based on winding technology, wire quality, internal component quality, and / or magnetic field 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-up, and manufacturing methods. The effect of these variations is that motor assemblies (such as motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000'') may have significantly different efficiencies and outputs for the same applied voltage and current even when produced by a single vendor. In various aspects, the surgical instrument 5002 addresses these variations by employing, for example, a radio frequency identification system 5004 ( Figure 27 ) configured to detect and communicate with the motor assembly 5000 in order to retrieve information associated with the motor assembly 5000 that can assist the surgical instrument 5002 in addressing motor assembly variations. In various aspects, detection of the motor assembly (such as motor assembly 5000) is only achieved when the surgical instrument 5002 and the motor assembly 5000 are in an assembled configuration, as described in more detail below.

[0254] Figure 26 is a graph 5009 having three lines 5011, 5011', 5011'' that respectively represent the relationship between motor torque (NM) on the Y-axis and motor speed (RPM) on the X-axis for motors 5001, 5001', 5001''. The lines 5011, 5011', 5011'' demonstrate the variations that exist between the 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 shows the speed of the motor at maximum appropriate power. In various aspects, as described in more detail below, the control circuit 1210 can use the information extracted from the relationships represented by the lines 5011, 5011', 5011'' to adjust one or more operating parameters of the motor, select a control algorithm, and / or adjust a default control algorithm to ensure a predictable output from the motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000''.

[0255] Still referring to Figure 24, the surgical instrument 5002 includes a housing assembly 5006 having a motor assembly compartment 5007 that is configured to interchangeably receive motor assemblies (such as motor assemblies 5000, 5000', 5000") and releasably couple with these motor assemblies. For simplicity, the following description of the interaction between the surgical instrument 5002 and the motor assembly will focus on the motor assembly 5000. However, the following description equally applies to other suitable motor assemblies, such as the motor assembly 5000'. Although the housing assembly 5006 is depicted in the form of a handle, this is not restrictive. In various cases, the housing assembly 100 can be, for example, a component of a robotic system.

[0256] The surgical instrument 5002 is in many respects similar to other surgical instruments described elsewhere herein, such as the surgical instruments 100, 1100. For example, the surgical instrument 5002 includes a shaft 5008 that extends distally from the housing assembly 5006 and an end effector 5019 that extends distally from the shaft 5008. Various end effectors suitable for use with the surgical instrument 5002 (such as a circular stapler end effector including an anvil 400 and a suture head assembly 300) are described elsewhere in this disclosure and / or in other disclosures incorporated herein by reference.

[0257] The motor assembly 5000 is capable of moving relative to the housing assembly 5006 between an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration with the housing assembly 500. Various suitable electrical connectors can be employed to connect a power source 5014 in the housing assembly 5006 to the motor assembly 5000 to power the motor 5001 in the assembled configuration. Additionally, various suitable mechanical connectors can be employed to operably transfer the motion generated by the motor 5001 from the gearbox 5003 to the end effector to manipulate the tissue grasped by the end effector.

[0258] U.S. Patent 9,504,520, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MODULAR MOTOR," published on November 29, 2016 (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), describes several mechanical and electrical connectors suitable for use with a surgical instrument 5002 and a motor assembly 5000. In at least one example, the motor assembly 5000 includes a body 5010, a base 5011, and, for example, a pair of pogo pins configured to deliver electrical power to a motor 5001 housed within the body 5010. The pogo pins can engage a plurality of wires in a housing assembly 5006, and the plurality of wires are coupled to a power source 5014. In various aspects, the motor assembly 5000 is fixed or held within a motor assembly compartment 5007 of the housing assembly 5006 or at least partially fixed or held within the motor assembly compartment by a latch member, a clamp, a fixture, a depressurizing member, etc. 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 electromechanical interface 5023( Figure 27 ) to form an assembled configuration.

[0259] See Figure 27 , a radio frequency identification system 5004 includes a radio frequency identification scanner 5022 and a radio frequency identification tag 5021 that can be detected by the radio frequency identification scanner in the assembled configuration. In various aspects, the radio frequency identification scanner 5022 is configured to be able to read and / or write to the radio frequency identification tag 5021 in the assembled configuration. In Figure 2 the example shown, the radio frequency identification scanner 5022 has a detection range defined by a distance "d". When the motor assembly 5000 and the housing assembly 5006 are in the assembled configuration, the radio frequency identification tag 5021 is within or in the detection range defined by the distance "d".

[0260] Still referring to ​ , the radio frequency identification scanner 5022 is coupled to a control circuit 1210, which includes a microcontroller having a processor 1214 and a storage medium (such as a memory 1212), as described in more detail elsewhere herein. The radio frequency identification tag 5021 stores information indicating the motor assembly 5000, and this information is read by the radio frequency identification scanner 5022 when the motor assembly 5000 is held in the assembled configuration by the motor assembly compartment 5007.

[0261] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 receives an input indicating motor assembly information from the radio frequency identification 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​ In the example shown, the motor driver 5018 is positioned within the housing assembly 5006 and interfaces with the motor 5001 in an assembled configuration via the electromechanical interface 5023. In other examples, the motor driver 5018 is part of the motor assembly 5000 and is configured to interface with the control circuit 1210 via the electromechanical interface 5023.

[0262] See ​ , 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 by the radio frequency identification scanner 5022 from the radio frequency identification tag 5021. The control algorithm can be stored in the memory 1214 in the form of, for example, a database or a look-up table 5030. Alternatively or in addition, the motor assembly information of the motor assembly can include a control algorithm recommended for use with the motor assembly.

[0263] In various examples, the motor assembly information of the motor assembly 5000 includes, for example, identification information, manufacturer information, and one or more of specific tolerances of, for example, the motor 5001 and / or the gearbox 5003. The motor assembly information can include model number, lot number, manufacturing date, and / or any other relevant information.

[0264] In ​ the example shown, each row represents a control algorithm associated with the motor assembly, and the processor 1214 can select the control algorithm based on the retrieved motor assembly information. The values in the outer left column are based on an input of motor assembly information from the radio frequency identification scanner 5022 indicating motor assemblies MA1 to MA n . In at least one example, the values in the outer left column can be motor assembly identification numbers or model numbers. The middle column includes values of motor speed, inertia / dynamic braking, stroke length, current limit / force limit associated with each of the motor assemblies MA1 to MA n . The values in the outer right column represent the appropriate voltage and discharge values of the power source 5014, which is configured to power the motor assemblies MA1 to MA n when connected to the surgical instrument 5002.

[0265] Still referring to ​ , in various aspects, the control circuit 1210 is configured to employ the radio frequency identification system 5004 to retrieve motor assembly information identifying the motor assembly connected to the surgical instrument 5002. The control circuit 1210 then determines the appropriate voltage and discharge values of the power source 5014 based on the retrieved motor assembly information according to the look-up table 5030.

[0266] 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 may be stored by the radio frequency identification tag 5021 and received by the control circuit 1210 via an input from the radio frequency identification scanner 5022. Alternatively, the formula or calibration factor may be retrieved from a storage medium, such as the memory 1212, based on identification information of a memory component associated with such formula or calibration factor.

[0267] See ​ , the logic flow diagram of process 5050 depicts a control program or logic configuration for adjusting an operating parameter of, for example, the motor 5001 of the surgical instrument 5002. In at least one example, process 5050 is performed by the control circuit 1210 ( ​ ), which includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 storing a set of computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 1214, cause the processor 1214 to perform process 5050. In some examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to perform discrete portions of process 5050. Although process 5050 is described as being performed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 5050 and other processes or portions thereof described herein may be performed by circuitry that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0268] In various aspects, process 5050 includes reading internal component identification information from the radio frequency identification tag 5021, such as by the radio frequency identification scanner 5022, at 5051. In at least one example, the internal component is the motor assembly 5000, the motor 5001, the gearbox 5003, or the power source 5014. Process 5050 further determines at 5052 whether algorithm adjustment parameters are included with the internal component identification information. If so, process 5050 adjusts the control algorithm associated with the internal component according to the received algorithm adjustment parameters at 5053. If algorithm adjustment parameters are included, process 5050 retrieves the algorithm adjustment parameters using the internal component identification information at 5054, or selects a control algorithm applicable to the internal component based on a database or look-up table of internal component identification information and corresponding algorithm adjustment parameters or control algorithms.

[0269] Many surgical instruments utilize a battery to provide the electrical power required to operate the surgical instrument. Such batteries can include, for example, primary / non-rechargeable batteries (such as alkaline or lithium batteries) or secondary / rechargeable batteries (such as nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries). Different types of batteries can have different materials, chemical compositions, sizes, electrical characteristics (e.g., nominal voltage, discharge rate, etc.), discharge efficiencies, and costs. The type of battery used in a given surgical instrument is typically selected based on a variety of factors such as disposable versus rechargeable, size, output characteristics, and cost, among others.

[0270] As battery technology continues to advance, different battery chemistries with different capacities, output characteristics, etc. continue to evolve. It is now contemplated that over the entire service life of a given surgical instrument, different battery packs with different capabilities and manufactured by different manufacturers can be used with the given surgical instrument at different times. In such cases, in order to optimize the performance of the surgical instrument, it is desirable for the given surgical instrument to be able to distinguish between different batteries.

[0271] It is also now contemplated that over the entire service life of a given battery, the given battery can be used to power different surgical instruments at different times, where the power requirements of the different surgical instruments can vary. Accordingly, in order to match the capabilities 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 be able to adjust the electrical characteristics of the battery as needed.

[0272] ​ A partial perspective view of a surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. Surgical instrument 3000 is similar to the surgical circular stapling instrument 10 described above and includes a housing assembly 3002, a shaft assembly 3004, a stapling head assembly (not shown), and an anvil (not shown), where housing assembly 3002 is similar or identical to housing assembly 100, shaft assembly 3004 is similar or identical to shaft assembly 200, the stapling head assembly (not shown) is similar or identical to stapling head assembly 300, and the anvil (not shown) is similar or identical to anvil 400. As ​ shown, surgical instrument 3000 is also configured to be able to receive a battery 3006. In some aspects, surgical instrument 3000 also includes a battery 3006. Although not shown for clarity in ​ the figures, the surgical instrument also includes an electric motor 3008 that is similar or identical to motor 160 (see ​)。The electric motor 3008 can be coupled to the battery 3006 and is configured to move the anvil towards the staple head assembly to grip tissue between the anvil and the staple head assembly and drive staples from the staple head assembly into the gripped tissue. Although the surgical instrument 3000 is shown as a circular stapler, it should be understood that, in other aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 can be a linear stapler or other powered surgical instrument. In various aspects, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is similar to the surgical instrument 2200 in many respects and can be assembled from one or more of the interchangeable components of the ​ surgical instrument 2200 shown.

[0273] The battery 3006 can be any suitable type of battery and can include any suitable number of cells. For example, in various aspects, the battery 3006 can include a lithium battery (such as a lithium manganese oxide (Li-MnO2) or CR123 battery), a lithium-ion battery (such as a 15270 battery), an alkaline battery (such as a manganese dioxide (MnO2) battery), a nickel metal hydride battery, etc. In at least one aspect, the battery 3006 is in the form of a battery pack including multiple cells. For the sake of 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 located 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, the manufacturer / brand of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, the chemical composition / type of the batteries in the battery pack 3006 (lithium, lithium-ion, etc.), whether the type of the batteries in the battery pack 3006 is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the capacity of the battery pack 3006, the nominal voltage of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, the current consumption characteristics of the batteries in the battery pack 3006, other output characteristics of the battery pack 3006, etc. The 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. In various aspects, the RFID tag 3010 can be similar to the small RFID tag described in U.S. Patent 9,171,244.

[0274] The surgical instrument 3000 differs from the surgical circular stapling instrument 10 in that the surgical instrument 3000 further includes an RFID scanner 3012. The RFID scanner 3012 is positioned within the housing assembly 3002 and is configured to be able to read the information stored at the RFID tag 3010, where the stored information is related to the battery pack 3006. The RFID scanner 3012 is also configured to be able to transfer data indicating the read information to the control circuit 3014 of the surgical instrument 3000 (see​ ) for processing. The RFID tag 3010 and the RFID scanner 3012 cooperate to jointly allow the surgical instrument 3000 to identify the battery pack 3006 and determine whether the battery pack 3006 is suitable for use with the surgical instrument 3000.

[0275] As ​ shown, the RFID scanner 3012 is positioned at the battery interface 3013 of the housing assembly 3002. The RFID tag 3010 is configured to be detectable by the RFID scanner 3012 in the assembled or at least partially assembled configuration of the battery 3006 with the housing assembly 3002. This method eliminates the need for a separate scanning step by tying the detection of the RFID tag 3010 by the RFID scanner 3012 to the assembly of the battery 3006 with the housing assembly 3002. It also ensures that the detected battery 3006 is the battery that will ultimately be 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 with the housing assembly 3002.

[0276] 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 detectable by the RFID scanner 3034 in the assembled or at least partially assembled configuration of the battery 3006 with 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 with the housing assembly 3002.

[0277] In various aspects, as ​ shown, the RFID scanner 3034 and the RFID tag 3010 are configured to be alignable with the RFID tag 3032 and the RFID scanner 3012, respectively, in the assembled configuration. Once this alignment is achieved, it brings the RFID tag 3010 within the detection range of the RFID scanner 3012 and brings the RFID tag 3032 within the detection range of the RFID scanner 3034.

[0278] ​Shown is a control circuit 3014 of a surgical instrument 3000 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The control circuit 3014 is communicatively coupled to a radio frequency identification 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 a battery pack 3006 is suitable 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 a radio frequency identification tag 3010 with information stored in the memory 3018. The information stored at the memory 3018 may be in the form of, for example, a compatibility database or a look-up table that includes information such as identification information of batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000, output characteristics of batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000, and the like. In accordance with various aspects, the control circuit 3014 is communicatively coupled to other processors and / or memories of the surgical instrument 3000 and / or a surgical hub system, and the functions of the control circuit 3014 may be implemented using 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, filed on December 4, 2018, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION", the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0279] ​ Shown is a logical flow diagram of a process 3020 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which depicts a control program or logical configuration for operating the surgical instrument 3000. In at least one example, the process 3020 is performed by the control circuit 3014. In certain examples, a set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 3018 of the control circuit 3014 may 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 performed by the control circuit 3014, it should be understood that the process 3020 and other processes or portions thereof described herein may be performed by circuitry that may include various hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0280] As ​As shown, process 3020 includes detecting battery information of radio frequency identification tag 3010 via radio frequency identification scanner 3012 at 3022. In various aspects, radio frequency identification scanner 3012 can perform this detection whenever battery pack 3006 is brought adjacent to surgical instrument 3000. In other cases, after battery pack 3006 is inserted into housing assembly 3002 of surgical instrument 3000, radio frequency identification scanner 3012 performs this detection. Then radio frequency identification scanner 3012 transmits data indicative of the detected battery information of radio frequency identification tag 3010 to control circuit 3014 at 3024. Communication of the data can be achieved by wired communication or wireless communication. Then processor 3016 of control circuit 3014 checks / compares the transmitted data against a battery / surgical instrument compatibility database or look-up table that may be stored in memory 3018 of control circuit 3014 at 3026. If the check / comparison 3026 results in a match 3029, then processor 3016 determines at 3028 that battery pack 3006 is suitable for use with surgical instrument 3000, and a visual or audible indicator (such as a light emitting diode or a speaker) can alert the user of surgical instrument 3000 of this compatibility. However, if the check / comparison 3026 does not result in a match 3029, then processor 3016 determines at 3030 that battery pack 3006 is not suitable for use with surgical instrument 3000, and a visual or audible indicator (such as a light emitting diode or a speaker) can alert the user of surgical instrument 3000 of this incompatibility. Additionally, in at least one aspect, when processor 3016 determines that battery pack 3006 is incompatible with surgical instrument 3000, processor 3016 can transmit a signal or instruction that operates to electrically lock out one or more functions of surgical instrument 3000 (e.g., by preventing power from being applied to electric motor 3008 of surgical instrument 3000). Although process 3020 is described in the context of a given battery pack 3006, it should be understood that the above process 3020 can be repeated any number of times for any number of different battery packs.

[0281] Return ​, in at least one aspect, the surgical instrument 3000 further includes a radio frequency identification tag 3032 positioned within the housing assembly 3002, and the battery pack 3006 further includes a radio frequency identification scanner 3034 positioned within the battery pack 3006. The radio frequency identification tag 3032 is similar to the radio frequency identification tag 3010 and stores information related to the surgical instrument 3000. Such information may include, for example, the surgical instrument identification number, the manufacturer / brand of the surgical instrument, the type of the surgical instrument (round stapler, linear stapler, grasper, etc.), the type of the motor in the surgical device (brushed, brushless), the performance capabilities of the surgical instrument, the control algorithms residing at the surgical instrument, etc. The radio frequency identification scanner 3034 is similar to the radio frequency identification scanner 3012 and is configured to be able to read the information stored at the radio frequency identification tag 3032, wherein the stored information is related to the surgical instrument 3000, and transmit data indicating the read information to the control circuit 3040 of the battery pack 3006 (see ​ ) for processing. The radio frequency identification tag 3032 and the radio frequency identification scanner 3034 together allow the battery pack 3006 to be able to identify the surgical instrument 3000 and verify that the surgical instrument 3000 is suitable for use with the battery pack  3006.

[0282] ​ Shows the control circuit 3040 of the battery pack 3006 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The control circuit 3040 is communicatively coupled to the radio frequency identification scanner 3034 and is similar to the control circuit 3014 in that the control circuit 3040 includes a processor 3042 and a storage medium (such as a memory 3044). The memory 3044 stores program instructions for performing various processes such as determining whether the surgical instrument 3000 is suitable for use with the battery pack 3006 (e.g., surgical instrument compatibility verification). 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 the information received from the radio frequency identification tag 3032 with the information stored in the memory 3044. The information stored in the memory 3044 may be in the form of, for example, a compatibility database or a look-up table that includes information about the identification information of various surgical instruments, the power requirements of various surgical instruments, the performance parameters of various surgical instruments, etc. The process executed 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 used 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 incompatible with the battery pack 3006, the processor 3042 may transmit a signal or an instruction that operates to electrically lock the battery pack 3006 and prevent the battery pack 3006 from powering the surgical instrument 3000.

[0283] In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that multiple different batteries may be compatible with the surgical instrument 3000. Stated another way, the surgical instrument 3000 may be compatible with multiple different batteries. When the surgical instrument 3000 includes a radio frequency identification scanner 3012 and a radio frequency identification tag 3032 and the various batteries include radio frequency identification tags and radio frequency identification scanners having functions similar or identical to those of the radio frequency identification tag 3010 and the radio frequency identification scanner 3034, the surgical instrument 3000 may identify multiple different batteries and determine the compatibility of each of those batteries with the surgical instrument 3000. Similarly, when the battery pack 3006 includes a radio frequency identification tag 3010 and a radio frequency identification scanner 3034 and the various surgical instruments include radio frequency identification tags and radio frequency identification scanners having functions similar or identical to those of the radio frequency identification tag 3032 and the radio frequency identification scanner 3032, the battery pack 3006 may identify multiple different surgical instruments and determine the compatibility of each of those surgical instruments with the battery pack 3006.

[0284] ​ The compatibility of a surgical instrument 3000 with multiple different battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The battery pack 3006a includes a radio frequency identification tag 3010a and a radio frequency identification scanner 3034a positioned therein, the battery pack 3006b includes a radio frequency identification tag 3010b and a radio frequency identification scanner 3034b positioned therein, and the battery pack 3006c includes a radio frequency identification tag 3010c and a radio frequency identification scanner 3034c positioned therein. In accordance with various aspects, the battery pack 3006a includes a CR123 / lithium battery, the battery pack 3006b includes a 15270 / lithium ion battery, and the battery pack 3006c includes a battery other than a lithium battery or a lithium ion battery. When any of the battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c approaches or is received by the surgical instrument 3000 as described above, the corresponding radio frequency identification tag / radio frequency identification scanner pair allows (1) the surgical instrument 3000 to be able to identify the applicable battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c and determine whether the applicable battery packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c are 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 packs 3006a, 3006b, 3006c.

[0285] Different batteries may have different chemical compositions, different capacities, different output characteristics, different operating capabilities, etc., and different surgical instruments may have different power requirements.​ FIG. 3050 shows a graph according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows various motor torque / speed / current relationships of the surgical instrument 3000 when powered by different battery packs. With respect to the graph 3050, the units of speed (or current) are shown along the vertical axis 3052 and the units of torque are shown along the horizontal axis 3054. The solid line 3056 represents the torque-speed relationship of the 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 of the 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 speaking, the torque is inversely proportional to the speed of the output shaft of the electric motor 3008 of the surgical instrument 3000. In other words, the greater the speed, the lower the torque (or the greater the torque, the lower the speed).

[0286] The dashed line 3060 represents the current consumed 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 consumed 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 of these batteries, the no-load current is greater than zero because a certain amount of current is required to overcome the internal friction of the electric motor 3008. Generally speaking, when an external load is applied, the current consumed from the corresponding battery increases to generate the required torque to match it (the torque is proportional to the applied current), and the speed of the electric motor 3008 decreases. As the external load further increases, the speed of the electric motor 3008 further decreases until it finally stalls. In view of the above, it should be understood that the motor torque / speed / current relationship can vary significantly based on the specific battery pack used to power the surgical instrument 3000.

[0287] ​A bar graph 3070 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which shows the various energy densities of different battery packs that can be used with a surgical instrument 3000. The corresponding energy density represents the amount of energy stored per unit mass in different battery packs. In terms of graph 3070, watt-hours per kilogram (Wh / Kg) is shown along the vertical axis 3072 and different battery packs are shown along the horizontal axis 3074. A bar 3076 representing the energy density of a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery is shown as being approximately 80 Wh / Kg, a bar 3078 representing the energy density of a lithium-ion rechargeable battery is shown as being approximately 160 Wh / Kg, a bar 3080 representing the energy density of an alkaline manganese dioxide (MnO2) battery is shown as being approximately 205 Wh / Kg, and a bar 3082 representing the energy density of a primary / disposable lithium battery is shown as being approximately 400 Wh / Kg. In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that the energy densities of the various battery packs that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

[0288] ​A bar graph 3090 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which shows a comparison of the actual energy density versus the rated energy density of different battery packs that can be used with a surgical instrument 3000. With respect to 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, such as nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, the actual energy density is only about 15% to 20% less than the rated energy density. For primary / disposable lithium batteries, the actual energy density is about 30% less than the rated energy density. For alkaline manganese dioxide (MnO2) batteries, the actual energy density is about 75% less than the rated energy density. More specifically, for nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries, the bar 3096 representing the rated energy density is shown as being about 75 Wh / Kg and the bar 3098 representing the actual energy density is shown as being about 60 Wh / Kg. For primary / disposable lithium-ion batteries, the bar 3100 representing the rated energy density is shown as being about 140 Wh / Kg and the bar 3102 representing the actual energy density is shown as being about 120 Wh / Kg. For alkaline manganese dioxide (MnO2) batteries, the bar 3104 representing the rated energy density is shown as being about 210 Wh / Kg and the bar 3106 representing the actual energy density is shown as being about 50 Wh / Kg. For primary / disposable lithium batteries, the bar 3108 representing the rated energy density is shown as being about 250 Wh / Kg and the bar 3110 representing the actual energy density is shown as being about 170 Wh / Kg. In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that the calculated / rated energy density of a given battery that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

[0289] ​A bar graph 3111 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure that shows the nominal voltages of different battery packs that can be used with a surgical instrument 3000. With respect to graph 3111, the unit of cell voltage (V) is shown along the vertical axis 3112 and the different battery packs are shown along the horizontal axis 3114. With respect to a primary / disposable lithium battery, the bar 3116 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown to be approximately 3.0 volts. With respect to a silver oxide battery, the bar 3118 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown to be approximately 1.6 volts. With respect to an alkaline manganese dioxide (MnO2) battery, the bar 3120 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown to be approximately 1.5 volts. With respect to a nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery, the bar 3122 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown to be approximately 1.3 volts. With respect to a lithium ion rechargeable battery, the bar 3124 representing the nominal cell voltage is shown to be approximately 3.8 volts. In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that the nominal voltages of different battery cells that can be used with a surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly.

[0290] Different brands of batteries that 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 of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries for a given discharge rate are set forth in Table B1 below, where the corresponding discharge current will discharge the corresponding battery in one hour.

[0291] ​

[0292]

[0293]

[0294] As shown in Table B1, the capacity of the battery can vary based on the discharge current. For example, in the case of an Autec battery, the capacity is shown in Table B1 as 0.616 ampere-hours at a 100 mA discharge current, 0.688 ampere-hours at a 700 mA discharge current, 0.439 ampere-hours at a 1500 mA discharge current, and 0.625 ampere-hours at a 2200 mA discharge current. Also as shown in Table B1, at a 700 mA discharge current, the capacity of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries can vary from a low of 0.688 ampere-hours for an Autec battery to a high of 1.260 ampere-hours for a Panasonic battery. At a 1500 mA discharge current, the capacity of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries can vary from a low of 0.439 ampere-hours for the Autec brand to a high of 0.801 ampere-hours for the PowPower brand. At a 2200 mA discharge current, the capacity of different brands of CR-123A / CR17335 batteries can vary from a low of 0.543 ampere-hours for Maxell to a high of 0.817 ampere-hours for the PowPower brand. Given the foregoing, it should be understood that the capacity of different batteries that can be used with the surgical instrument 3000 can vary significantly based on both the manufacturer / brand of the battery and the discharge current of the battery.

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

[0296] ​ FIG. 3140 is a graph showing, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a discharge curve 3142 of a lithium-ion battery that may be used with the surgical instrument 3000. With respect to FIG. 3140, the unit of voltage (volts) is shown along the vertical axis 3144 and the unit of capacity (Ah) is shown along the horizontal axis 3146. As ​ shown, the nominal voltage of the lithium-ion battery is approximately 4.3 volts, and the lithium-ion battery provides at least approximately 3.75 volts until the lithium-ion battery has released approximately 5.0 Ah of its capacity, whereupon the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery then drops significantly until the lithium-ion battery has fully released approximately 5.5 Ah of its capacity.

[0297] The discharge rate of a given battery may vary with temperature, sometimes significantly. ​ FIG. 3150 is a graph showing, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, different discharge curves at different temperatures of a lithium-ion battery that may be used with the surgical instrument 3000. With respect to FIG. 3150, the unit of voltage (volts) is shown along the vertical axis 3152, the unit of capacity (Ah) is shown along the horizontal axis 3154, and the discharge current is 1100 mA, which is equal to the C / 5 rate of the lithium-ion battery. The C rate is a measure of the rate at which a battery discharges relative to its maximum capacity. As ​As shown, for discharge curve 3156 representing the discharge curve of a lithium-ion battery at -40°C, the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.0 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged approximately 2.0 Ah of capacity, then provides a voltage slightly lower than 3.0 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged approximately 3.5 Ah of capacity, and then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly thereafter. For discharge curve 3158 representing the discharge curve of a lithium-ion battery at -30°C, the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.0 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged approximately 4.1 Ah of capacity, and then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly thereafter. For discharge curve 3160 representing the discharge curve of a lithium-ion battery at 20°C, the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.8 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged approximately 4.8 Ah of capacity, and then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly thereafter. For discharge curve 3162 representing the discharge curve of a lithium-ion battery at 60°C, the lithium-ion battery provides a voltage of at least 3.80 volts until the lithium-ion battery has discharged approximately 4.5 Ah of capacity, and then the voltage provided by the lithium-ion battery begins to decrease significantly thereafter. In view of the above, it should be understood that the discharge rate of a given lithium-ion battery does not change linearly with temperature, and temperatures that are too cold or too hot can have a negative impact on the performance of the lithium-ion battery.

[0298] The energy capacity of a given battery can change based on the battery discharge rate. ​ Graph 3170 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows different discharge curves of different discharge rates of a CR123 battery that can be used with surgical instrument 3000. With respect to graph 3170, the unit of voltage (volts) is shown along vertical axis 3172, the unit of power in watt-hours (Wh) is shown along horizontal axis 3174, and the CR123 battery is a Panasonic lithium battery. As shown by discharge curve 3176, for a discharge current of 3.0 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 1.2 Wh. As shown by discharge curve 3178, for a discharge current of 2.0 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 2.3 Wh. As shown by discharge curve 3180, for a discharge current of 1.0 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 3.2 Wh. As shown by discharge curve 3182, for a discharge current of 0.5 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 3.7 Wh. As shown by discharge curve 3184, for a discharge current of 0.2 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 4.1 Wh. As shown by discharge curve 3186, for a discharge current of 0.1 amperes, the energy capacity of the battery is approximately 4.25 Wh. In view of the above, it should be understood that generally, the lower the discharge current, the greater the energy capacity of the CR123 battery. In other words, generally, the higher the discharge current, the lower the energy capacity of the CR123 battery.

[0299] ​ Illustrates various operational differences between a non-intelligent battery 3190, an intelligent battery 3192, and an adaptive surgical instrument 3194 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In various aspects, the battery pack 3006 can be configured to function as a non-intelligent battery 3190. With respect to the non-intelligent battery 3190, at 3196, when the non-intelligent battery 3190 is brought close to or received by a surgical instrument (e.g., surgical instrument 3000), the radio frequency identification tag of the non-intelligent battery 3190 is powered on, and then the non-intelligent battery 3190 transmits battery identification information to the radio frequency identification scanner of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can then use the battery identification information as described above to verify the compatibility of the non-intelligent battery 3190 with the surgical instrument.

[0300] In various aspects, the battery pack 3006 can be configured to function as an intelligent battery 3192. The intelligent battery 3192 is configured to be able to read the identification information of the surgical instrument at 3198, determine / verify at 3200 whether the identified surgical instrument is suitable for use with the intelligent battery 3192, adjust the output characteristics of the intelligent battery 3192 as needed at 3202 to achieve proper performance of the identified surgical instrument, power on the output of the intelligent battery 3192 at 3204, and then provide the expected battery identification information to the identified surgical instrument at 3206 so that the identified surgical instrument is aware that it is being powered by a known compatible battery. In this way, it is still possible to allow updated and more intelligent batteries that are not necessarily identified in the compatibility database / lookup table of the identified surgical instrument to power the identified surgical instrument. As described in more detail below, the intelligent battery 3192 can simulate the performance of a known compatible battery.

[0301] In various aspects, the surgical instrument 3000 can be configured to function as an adaptive surgical instrument 3194. With respect to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is powered on at 3208, reads battery identification information provided by a battery (such as a smart battery 3192 or a non-smart battery 3190) at 3210 when the battery is brought close to or received by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, determines / verifies at 3212 whether the identified battery is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, and then adjusts the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operation control parameters, etc.) at 3214 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 chemical composition of the identified battery (e.g., nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, alkaline manganese oxide, lithium, etc.), and / or the output capacity of the identified battery. In this way, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can utilize a much broader variety of different batteries than might otherwise be possible.

[0302] For a given battery pack, the relationship between the voltage potential of the battery pack and the current drawn from the battery pack is given by the formula V = IR, where V is the voltage of the battery pack, I is the current drawn from the battery pack, and R is the resistance of the load connected to the battery pack. Since different battery packs can have different voltage potentials and different internal resistances, the current drawn from a battery pack when powering a given surgical instrument can vary depending on the battery pack. The voltage and current values for various resistances for two different battery packs (one including four CR123A batteries and one including four 15270 batteries) are shown in Table B2 below.

[0303] ​

[0304] ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 15270 ​ ​ ​

[0305] ​ A graph 3220 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows the output current capabilities of different battery packs when used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. With respect to the 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. As ​As shown, the current output 3226 from a standard CR-123 battery pack (e.g., 4 batteries) can average approximately 5.0 amperes between times X and Y, and the current output 3228 from a standard 15270 battery can average approximately 8.9 amperes between times X and Z. By utilizing the above radio frequency identification capabilities, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can cause the current consumed from the standard 15270 battery pack to simulate at 3230 the current that would be consumed from a standard CR-123 battery pack. 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, using a voltage divider to increase the resistance seen by the 15270 battery pack, etc. so that the 15270 battery pack adjusts its current output to effectively simulate the current output of a standard CR-123 battery pack. For example, according to various aspects, the processor of the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can transmit instructions that operate to adjust the speed control algorithm of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 or operate by using, for example, a voltage divider. Since the surgical instrument 3000 can be configured to be an adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can be similar or identical to the control circuit 1210 and / or the control circuit 3014. In the case where the 15270 battery pack is an intelligent battery pack (e.g., intelligent battery 3192), the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can transmit instructions to the intelligent battery pack to operate in the same manner as a CR-123 battery pack.

[0306] ​ Graph 3240 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows the output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. With respect to graph 3240, the unit of voltage (volts) is shown along the vertical axis 3242 and the unit of capacity in ampere-hours (ampere-hours) is shown along the horizontal axis 3244. As ​As shown, the voltage output 3246 from a standard CR-123 battery pack discharged at a rate of 1.25 amperes per hour can average about 7.0 volts during the time the standard CR-123 battery pack has been discharged from about 0.05 ampere-hour to about 0.4 ampere-hour, 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 has been discharged from about 0.08 ampere-hour to about 0.5 ampere-hour. By utilizing the above radio frequency identification capabilities, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can cause the voltage provided by the standard 15270 battery pack to simulate the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack at 3250. In various aspects, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can achieve this by adjusting the speed control algorithm of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 to reduce the speed of the electric motor 3008, increasing the resistance seen by the 15270 battery pack, etc. so that the 15270 battery pack adjusts its voltage output to effectively simulate the voltage output of the standard CR-123 battery pack. In the case where the 15270 battery pack is an intelligent battery pack (e.g., intelligent battery 3192), the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can transmit instructions to the intelligent battery pack to operate in the same manner as the 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] ​ A graph 3260 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which graph shows the output voltage capabilities of different battery packs when used with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. With respect to graph 3260, the unit of voltage (volts) is shown along the vertical axis 3262 and the unit of power in watt-hours (watt-hours) is shown along the horizontal axis 3264. Graph 3260 is similar to graph 3240, except that the unit of power is shown along the horizontal axis 3264. As ​ shown, the voltage output 3266 from a standard CR-123 battery pack can average about 7.15 volts during the time the standard CR-123 battery pack has provided about 0.25 watt-hour of power to the time the standard CR-123 battery pack has provided about 3.2 watt-hours of power. During this time period, the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack is both predictable and stable. Thus, when the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 utilizes the above radio frequency identification capabilities to cause the voltage 3268 provided by the standard 15270 battery pack to simulate the voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack at 3261. It can be seen that the "adjusted" voltage provided by the standard CR-123 battery pack is also both predictable and stable during the above time period.

[0308] The dimensional sizes of many surgical instruments continue to become smaller and smaller. Despite the size reduction, many surgical instruments must also accommodate increased loads, higher performance requirements, and higher overstress conditions. In the case of surgical instruments incorporating radio frequency identification (RFID) technology such as RFID tags and / or RFID scanners, in order to meet the requirements of size reduction, the form factors of the RFID tags and / or RFID scanners and associated electronics are constantly becoming smaller and smaller. These smaller systems may not have the memory overhead, processing power, or capacity (range, power, etc.) required to complete all the tasks desired by the user 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 may be desirable to utilize encryption / decryption keys external to the surgical instrument and the printed or secondary storage data locations to help extend the capabilities and capacities of these smaller, less capable systems.

[0309] Return ​ , it should be understood that the above functions of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 depend on the RFID tag 3010 of the battery pack 3006 being able to transmit 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 cases, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006. For example, in the case where the RFID tag 3010 of the battery pack 3006 has experienced a failure (e.g., failure of the integrated circuit chip of the RFID tag 3010, failure of the electrical connection between the integrated circuit chip and the antenna of the RFID tag 3010, etc.) such that the RFID tag 3010 fails to transmit the battery identification information, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006. Similarly, in the case where the RFID scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 has experienced a failure (e.g., failure of a wire in the circuit of the RFID scanner 3012, failure of the communication board of the RFID scanner 3012, etc.) such that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot capture, process, and / or transmit the battery identification information provided by the battery pack 3006, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot determine the compatibility of the battery pack 3006. In such cases, it is desirable to have an auxiliary / alternative way to determine the compatibility of a given battery pack with a given adaptive surgical instrument.

[0310] ​ illustrates, in accordance with at least aspects of the present disclosure, in connection with ​A battery 3300 for use with an adaptive surgical instrument 3194. The battery 3300 can be any suitable type of battery and can include any suitable number of cells. For the sake of 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 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 to or the same as the RFID tag 3010.

[0311] The QR code 3304 is a machine-readable optical tag that contains information about the battery pack 3300. Such information can include, for example, a battery identification number, the manufacturer / brand of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, the chemical composition / type of the batteries in the battery pack 3300 (lithium, lithium-ion, etc.), whether the type of batteries in the battery pack 3300 is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the capacity of the battery pack 3300, the nominal voltage of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, the current consumption characteristics of the batteries in the battery pack 3300, other output characteristics of the battery pack 3300, etc. In various aspects, a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc. equipped with a camera and a QR code scanner application can be used to read the QR code 3304 from the battery pack 3300.

[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 suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194.

[0313] ​ A logical flow diagram of a process 3320 is shown in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, which depicts a control program or logical configuration for operating the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In at least one example, the process 3320 is performed by a control circuit 1210( ​)Execute, the control circuit includes a processor 1214 and a memory 1212 that stores a set of computer-executable instructions. When executed by the processor 1214, the set of computer-executable instructions causes the processor 1214 to execute process 3320. In some examples, the set of computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1212 may cause the processor 1214 to execute discrete portions of process 3320. Although process 3320 is described as being executed by the control circuit 1210, this is for simplicity only, and it should be understood that process 3320 and other processes or portions thereof described herein may be executed by circuitry that may include a variety of hardware and / or software components and may be located in or associated with various suitable systems, such as combinational logic circuits or sequential logic circuits.

[0314] Process 3320 includes means / methods for determining whether a given battery pack, such as battery pack 3300, is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For simplicity, process 3320 will be described in the context of its suitability with battery pack 3300. Alternative means / methods may be utilized in the following situations: (1) the battery pack 3300 cannot transmit battery identification information to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, and / or the radio frequency identification scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot read the battery identification information provided by the radio frequency identification tag 3302 of the battery pack 3300, and (2) the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot determine / verify the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194.

[0315] As ​As shown, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is powered on at 3322 and then attempts to read the battery identification information provided by the battery pack 3300 at 3324 when the battery pack 3300 is brought close to or received by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the case where the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is able to read the battery identification information at 3324, the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuit 3014 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or another control circuit) determines / verifies at 3326 whether the identified battery is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and then adjusts the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operation control parameters, etc.) at 3328 based on the received battery identification information, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, in various aspects, the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 may vary according to whether the identified battery is rechargeable or non-rechargeable, the chemical composition of the identified battery (e.g., nickel metal hydride, lithium ion, alkaline manganese oxide, lithium, etc.), and / or the output capacity of the identified battery. In this way, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can utilize a much broader variety of different batteries than might otherwise be possible. In at least one aspect, in addition to storing information in the form of a compatibility database or look-up table, the memory 3018 of the control circuit 3014 may also store information in the form of an authentication database.

[0316] However, in the case where the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to read the battery identification information at 3324 (e.g., due to the failure of the radio frequency identification tag 3302 of the battery pack 3300 and / or the failure of the radio frequency identification scanner 3012 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194), an indication (such as a visual indication or an audible indication) may be provided by the indicator 1209 ( ​ ) that notifies the user that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 has failed to read the battery identification information at 3324. Then the user or another party may input the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 of the battery pack 3300 at 3330 into the server. In at least one aspect, a smart phone, tablet computer, etc. used to capture the QR code 3304 may transmit the QR code 3304 to the server via a wired or wireless connection. The transmission of the QR code 3304 to the server may be an encrypted communication, just as the communication between the battery pack 3300 and the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. The server may be any suitable server, such as the 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, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION", filed on December 4, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0317] The server is configured to be able to compare the battery identification information provided by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 with a database / table to determine the authenticity of the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 at 3332. In the case where the server determines that the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or the product code 3306 has been authenticated, the server can generate a temporary override token at 3334 and transmit the temporary override token to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 via a wired or wireless connection, wherein the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuit 3014 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or another control circuit) uses 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 communication. The temporary override token is effectively used to override the lockout of the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 that can occur when the battery pack 3300 is not authenticated by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In at least one aspect, the lockout operation is initiated and / or performed by the control circuit 3014. In the case where 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) can be provided via the indicator 1209, and the indication notifies the user of the failure to authenticate the battery pack 3300.

[0318] With the temporary override token in place, the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can then determine / verify at 3326 whether the identified battery pack 3300 is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, as described above. However, if the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is unable to verify the compatibility of the identified battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 for any reason, an indication, such as a visual indication or an audible indication, can be provided that notifies the user that the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 has failed to verify the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In such cases, the user or another party can then enter the QR code 3304 and / or product code 3306 of the battery pack 3300 at 3336 into the server. The server is further configured to be able to compare the battery identification information provided by the QR code 3304 and / or product code 3306 with a database / table to determine at 3338 whether the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or product code 3306 is suitable for use with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the case where the server determines that the battery pack 3300 identified by the QR code 3304 and / or product code 3306 is compatible with the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, the server can generate another temporary override token at 3340, which is transmitted to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194, where the control circuit of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., the control circuit 3014 of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or another control circuit) uses the temporary override token as an alternative to the un-verified compatibility determination. The transmission of the another temporary override token to the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can be an encrypted communication. The another temporary override token is effectively used to override the lockout of the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 that can occur when the compatibility of the battery pack 3300 has not been verified by the adaptive surgical instrument 3194. The adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can then adjust the operation of the adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., motor operation, operation control parameters, etc.) at 3328 as described above.

[0319] Although ​The description of process 3320 is limited to (1) determining the authenticity of battery pack 3300 and (2) determining / verifying the compatibility of battery pack 3300 and adaptive surgical instrument 3194. However, the basic logic of process 3320 can also be used to determine the compatibility of any number of components and / or subsystems that can be used with adaptive surgical instrument 3194. For example, by providing the above-described radio frequency identification capabilities for a given cartridge and a given anvil, adaptive surgical instrument 3194 can receive cartridge identification information from the radio frequency identification tag of the given cartridge and anvil identification information from the radio frequency identification tag of the given anvil. In at least one aspect, the shaft assembly of adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is configured to receive the anvil, and adaptive surgical instrument 3194 is configured to receive the cartridge. In the case where the cartridge identification information and the anvil identification information are encrypted, the control circuit of adaptive surgical instrument 3194 (e.g., control circuit 3014 of adaptive surgical instrument 3194 and / or another control circuit) can use a common 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 adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the case where it is determined 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 problem and provide details regarding how to correct the incompatibility problem.

[0320] In addition, when adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot receive / read the applicable identification information, the basic logic of 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. For example, in addition to determining the authenticity of battery pack 3300 and the compatibility of battery pack 3300 with adaptive surgical instrument 3194 when adaptive surgical instrument 3194 cannot receive / read the applicable identification information (e.g., due to failure of the radio frequency identification tags s and / or radio frequency identification scanners), the same basic process using the QR code, product code, and one or more servers can be used to determine the authenticity of the anvil and the cartridge and the compatibility of the given anvil with the given cartridge and the compatibility of the given anvil and the given cartridge with adaptive surgical instrument 3194. In the case where 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 problem and provide details regarding how to correct the incompatibility problem.

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

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

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

[0324] As ​ shown, process 3400 includes receiving, at 3402, a first input indicative of first identification information of a first surgical instrument component of a surgical instrument (such as surgical instrument 2200( ​ )). The first identification information may be stored in a first radio frequency identification tag of the first surgical instrument component. Process 3400 includes receiving, at 3404, a second input indicative of second identification information of a second surgical instrument component of the surgical instrument. The second identification information may be stored in a second radio frequency identification tag of the second surgical instrument component. As ​ shown, for example, control circuit 1210 may be coupled to one or more radio frequency identification scanners configured to be able to read the stored identification information.

[0325] The process 3400 also includes a third input at 3406 that receives third identification information indicative of a package of a first surgical instrument component of a surgical instrument. In a first example, the package includes a radio frequency identification tag that stores the third identification information. In a second example, the package includes a CR code having the third identification information. In a third example, the package includes a product number having the third identification information. The third identification information is an encrypted cluster of the first identification information and the second identification information and can be retrieved by the control circuit 1210 via a radio frequency identification scanner in the first example or any suitable smart phone, tablet computer, etc. equipped with a camera in the second and third examples.

[0326] In various cases, the process 3400 also includes decrypting the encryption of the third identification information at 3408 and determining the authenticity of the first surgical instrument component and the second surgical instrument component at 3410 by comparing the first identification information and the second identification information with the decrypted third identification information. In some cases, the memory 1212 may store a decryption key, and the processor 1214 may utilize the decryption key to decrypt the encryption of the third identification information.

[0327] In addition, in some examples, the process 3400 may include determining the compatibility of the first surgical component and the second surgical component at 3412 based on the first identification information and the second identification information. In at least one example, the memory 1212 stores a compatibility database or look-up table, and the processor 1214 may utilize the compatibility database or look-up table to evaluate the compatibility of the first surgical instrument component and the second surgical instrument component. In some examples, the first identification information identifies the surgical instrument itself and may be stored in the memory 1212 of the control circuit 1210, where the processor 1214 may retrieve the first identification information. In some 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 suture head assembly 2300. The present disclosure contemplates other examples of the first surgical instrument component and the second surgical instrument component suitable for use with the process 3400.

[0328] Aspects of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the following examples:

[0329] ​

[0330] · Example 1 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including a housing; a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing; a suture head assembly located at the distal end of the shaft assembly; an anvil capable of being coupled to the suture head assembly; and an anvil adjustment assembly. The suture head assembly includes a distal surface. The suture head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the distal surface. The suture head assembly includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner. The anvil is translatable relative to the suture head assembly toward a closed configuration. The anvil includes an RFID tag. The anvil adjustment assembly includes 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 suture head assembly. The RFID tag is detectable by the RFID scanner at or below an attachment threshold distance.

[0331] · Example 2 - The surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the RFID tag is capable of storing information about the anvil.

[0332] · Example 3 - The surgical instrument according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the anvil includes a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank supports the RFID tag.

[0333] · Example 4 - The surgical instrument according to Example 3, wherein the shank includes a recess sized to receive the RFID tag.

[0334] · Example 5 - The surgical instrument according to Example 3 or 4, wherein the RFID tag is insulated from the shank.

[0335] · Example 6 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the RFID tag is detectable by the RFID scanner in the closed configuration.

[0336] · Example 7 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the suture head assembly includes a core member. The core member supports the RFID scanner.

[0337] · Example 8 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, the surgical instrument further including a control circuit configured to detect an appropriate seating orientation of the anvil relative to the suture head assembly based on an input from the RFID scanner.

[0338] · Example 9 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, the surgical instrument further including a control circuit configured to check compatibility of the anvil with a staple cartridge of the suture head assembly based on an input from the RFID scanner indicating information about the anvil.

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

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

[0341] · Example 12 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, the surgical instrument further comprising a latching assembly. The latching assembly is configured to transition between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the latching assembly is configured to allow translation of the translation member. In the second state, the latching assembly is configured to prevent translation of the translation member.

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

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

[0344] · Example 15 - A surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly; a suture head assembly located at a distal end of the shaft assembly; and an anvil that can be coupled to the suture head assembly. The suture head assembly includes a cartridge and an RFID scanner. The cartridge includes a cartridge platform. The suture head assembly is operable to drive staples from the cartridge through the cartridge platform. The cartridge includes a first RFID tag. The first RFID tag is capable of storing information about the cartridge. The RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag of the cartridge held at the suture head assembly. The anvil is translatable relative to the suture head assembly toward a closed configuration. The anvil includes a second RFID tag. The second RFID tag is capable of storing information about the anvil. The RFID scanner is configured to detect the second RFID tag in the closed configuration.

[0345] · Example 16 - The surgical instrument according to Example 15, the surgical instrument further comprising a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to determine the 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 according to Example 15 or 16, the surgical instrument further comprising a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to determine the firing state of the cartridge based on the information stored in the first RFID tag.

[0347] · Example 18 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 15 to 17, the surgical instrument further comprising a control circuit configured to detect the proper seating orientation of the anvil relative to the suture 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, the surgical instrument comprising a housing; a shaft assembly extending distally from the housing; a suture head assembly located at the distal end of the shaft assembly; an anvil capable of being coupled to the suture head assembly; and an RFID system. The suture head assembly includes a distal surface. The suture head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the distal surface. The anvil is translatable relative to the suture head assembly toward a closed configuration to capture tissue therebetween. The RFID system includes an RFID scanner and an RFID tag capable of storing 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 the characteristics of the tissue based on RF signal backscattering from the tissue.

[0349] · Example 20 - The surgical instrument according to Example 19, wherein the characteristic is tissue thickness.

[0350] ​

[0351] · Example 1 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including an end effector, a shaft, and a housing. The end effector includes an anvil; a cartridge including staples that can be deployed toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag configured to store end effector information. The shaft includes a distal portion that can be selectively transitioned between a first attached configuration and a first detached configuration with the end effector; a first RFID scanner near the distal portion; a proximal portion; and a second RFID tag configured to store shaft information. The first RFID scanner is configured to detect the first RFID tag in the first attached configuration. The housing can be selectively transitioned between a second attached configuration and a second detached configuration with the proximal portion of the shaft. The housing includes a second RFID scanner configured to detect the second RFID tag in the second attached configuration; a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to suture and cut the tissue; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive an input indicating the end effector information from the first RFID scanner, receive an input indicating the shaft information from the second RFID scanner, and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0352] · Example 2 - The surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the end effector information indicates the cartridge size. The shaft information indicates the shaft profile.

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

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

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

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

[0357] · Example 7 - The surgical instrument according to Example 6, wherein the input from the user includes a forming height selected by the user.

[0358] · Example 8 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including an end effector and a housing assembly. The end effector includes an anvil; a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge including staples that can be deployed toward the anvil and through tissue grasped between the anvil and the staple cartridge; a cutting member configured to cut the tissue; and a first radio frequency identification tag configured to store end effector information. The housing assembly includes a shaft that can be selectively transitioned between an attached configuration and a detached configuration with the end effector; a radio frequency identification scanner configured to detect the radio frequency identification tag in the attached configuration; a motor configured to apply a load to the end effector to suture and cut the tissue; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive an input indicating the end effector information from the radio frequency identification scanner and adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the end effector information.

[0359] · Example 9 - The surgical instrument according to Example 8, wherein the end effector information indicates staple cartridge size.

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

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

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

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

[0364] · Example 14 - The surgical instrument according to Example 13, wherein the input from the user includes a forming height selected by the user.

[0365] · Example 15 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including an end effector, a shaft, and a housing. The end effector includes a suture head assembly; an anvil that is movable relative to the suture head assembly a closing distance to transition the end effector from an open configuration to a closed configuration; and a first radio frequency identification tag configured to store end effector information. In the closed configuration, tissue is grasped between the anvil and the suture head assembly. The shaft includes a distal portion that is selectively transitionable with the end effector between a first attached configuration and a first detached configuration; a first radio frequency identification scanner near the distal portion; a proximal portion; and a second radio frequency identification tag configured to store shaft information. The first radio frequency identification scanner is configured to detect the first radio frequency identification 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 includes a second radio frequency identification scanner configured to detect the second radio frequency identification tag in the second attached configuration; a motor configured to generate a closing motion to move the anvil the closing distance; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive an input indicative of the end effector information from the first radio frequency identification scanner, receive an input indicative of the shaft information from the second radio frequency identification 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 according to Example 15, wherein the end effector information indicates a cartridge size. The shaft information indicates a shaft profile.

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

[0368] · Example 18 - The surgical instrument according to Example 17, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine the final minimum threshold for the closing distance by adjusting a default minimum threshold for the closing distance by 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 according to Example 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to adjust a user-selectable closing distance range of the anvil based on the end effector information and the shaft information.

[0370] ​

[0371] · Example 1 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including a housing assembly, the housing assembly including a battery interface configured to releasably hold 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 the compatibility of the battery with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the battery.

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

[0373] · Example 3 - The surgical instrument according to Example 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] · Example 4 - The surgical instrument according to Example 2, the surgical instrument further including the battery. The battery includes a radio frequency identification tag within the detection range of the radio frequency identification scanner in the assembled configuration.

[0375] · Example 5 - The surgical instrument according to Example 4, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of the following: a battery identification number, a manufacturer of the battery, a chemical composition 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] · Example 6 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0377] · Example 7 - The surgical instrument according to Example 6, wherein the memory stores at least one of the following: a compatibility database and a look-up table.

[0378] · Example 8 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, the surgical instrument further including an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly. The control circuit is further configured to electronically lock the operation of the electric motor.

[0379] · Example 9 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including a housing assembly, the housing assembly including a battery interface; a radio frequency identification tag positioned at the battery interface; an electric motor positioned within the housing assembly; a battery electrically connectable to the electric motor; and a control circuit. The battery 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 in an assembled configuration with the housing assembly. The control circuit is configured to determine the compatibility of the surgical instrument and the battery based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tag.

[0380] · Example 10 - The surgical instrument according to Example 9, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores at least one of the following: a surgical instrument identification number, a manufacturer of the surgical instrument, a type of the surgical instrument, a type of the electric motor, a performance capability of the surgical instrument, and a control algorithm resident at the surgical instrument.

[0381] · Example 11 - The surgical instrument according to Example 9 or 10, wherein the control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to the radio frequency identification scanner and a memory electrically connected to the processor.

[0382] · Example 12 - The surgical instrument according to Example 11, wherein the memory stores at least one of the following: a compatibility database and a look-up table.

[0383] · Example 13 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein the surgical instrument further includes a second radio frequency identification tag positioned within the battery, a second radio frequency identification scanner positioned 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 the compatibility of the battery and the surgical instrument based on the information received from the second radio frequency identification tag.

[0384] · Example 14 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including 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 to receive a second battery after the first battery has been removed from the housing assembly. Output characteristics of the second battery are different from output characteristics of the first battery. The control circuit is configured to adjust an operation of the surgical instrument so that the second battery mimics the output characteristics of the first battery.

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

[0386] · Example 16 - The surgical instrument according to Example 14 or 15, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes the current consumed from the first battery.

[0387] · Example 17 - The surgical instrument according to at least one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes the output capacity of the first battery.

[0388] · Example 18 - The surgical instrument according to at least one of Examples 14 to 17, wherein at least one of the output characteristics of the first battery includes the power provided by the first battery.

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

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

[0391] ​

[0392] · Example 1 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument includes an end effector that can be operated to process tissue; a shaft that extends proximally from the end effector; and a housing assembly that extends proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor assembly compartment that includes a motor assembly that can be interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration. The motor assembly can move between the assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration relative to the motor assembly compartment. The motor assembly includes a motor configured to be able to drive the end effector to process the tissue; and a radio frequency identification tag that can be detected by the radio frequency identification scanner in the assembled configuration. The radio frequency identification tag stores motor assembly information.

[0393] · Example 2 - The surgical instrument according to Example 1, the surgical instrument further includes a control circuit configured to be able to receive an input from the radio frequency identification scanner in the assembled configuration, the input indicating the motor assembly information.

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

[0395] · Example 4 - The surgical instrument according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the control circuit is further configured to be able to select a control algorithm for the surgical instrument based on the motor assembly information.

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

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

[0398] · Example 7 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the motor assembly includes a gearbox operably coupled to the motor.

[0399] · Example 8 - The surgical instrument according to Example 7, wherein the motor assembly information includes gearbox information and motor information.

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

[0401] · Example 10 - The surgical instrument according to Example 9, wherein the power source is configured to be able to generate a power output to drive the motor to drive the end effector to process the tissue.

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

[0403] · Example 12 - A surgical instrument, the surgical instrument includes an end effector that is operable to process tissue; a shaft that extends proximally from the end effector; and a housing assembly that extends proximally from the shaft. The housing assembly includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner and a motor assembly compartment that includes a motor assembly interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in the assembled configuration. The motor assembly is movable relative to the motor assembly compartment between the assembled configuration and the unassembled configuration. The motor assembly includes a motor configured to be able to drive the end effector to process the tissue; and a radio frequency identification tag that, in the assembled configuration, is positioned at or within a detection range of the RFID scanner. The radio frequency identification tag stores motor assembly information.

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

[0405] · Example 14 - The surgical instrument according to Example 13, wherein the control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the motor assembly information.

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

[0407] · Example 16 - The surgical instrument according to 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 according to any one of Examples 13 to 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 RFID scanner configured to receive information from RFID tags corresponding to components that can be coupled to the surgical instrument; and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine the authenticity of each component based on the information received from the RFID tags.

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

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

[0413] · Example 4 - The surgical instrument according to Example 3 or 4, wherein the control circuit decrypts the third identification information using a private key.

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

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

[0416] · Example 7 - The surgical instrument according to Example 5 or 6, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to receive the staple cartridge.

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

[0418] · Example 9 - The surgical instrument according to Example 8, wherein the memory stores at least one of the following: an authentication database, a compatibility database, and a look-up table.

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

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

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

[0422] · Example 13 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine whether a component is compatible with the surgical instrument based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tags.

[0423] · Example 14 - The surgical instrument according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine whether one component is compatible with another component among the components based on the information received from the radio frequency identification tags.

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

[0425] · Example 16 - A surgical assembly, the surgical assembly including a surgical instrument including first identification information; a battery pack that can be coupled to the surgical instrument; and a control circuit. The battery pack is configured to transfer energy to the surgical instrument in an assembled configuration with the surgical instrument. The battery pack includes a battery radio frequency identification tag storing second identification information. The control circuit is configured to receive an input indicating encrypted third identification information stored in a radio frequency identification tag of the packaging of the surgical instrument, decrypt the third identification information, and determine the authenticity of the surgical instrument and the battery pack by comparing the first identification information and the second identification information with the decrypted third identification information.

[0426] · Example 17 - The surgical assembly according to Example 16, wherein the control circuit is further configured to determine the 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 assembly according to Example 16 or 17, wherein the control circuit includes a processor and a memory electrically connected to the processor. The memory stores at least one of the following: a compatibility database and a lookup table.

[0428] · Example 19 - A surgical assembly, the surgical assembly including a surgical instrument component and a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument component includes a radio frequency identification tag storing first identification information of the surgical instrument component. The surgical instrument component can be releasably coupled to the surgical instrument between an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration. The surgical instrument includes a radio frequency identification scanner configured to read the first identification information; and a control circuit coupled to the radio frequency identification scanner. The control circuit is configured to detect an incompatibility between the surgical instrument component and 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 use the temporary override token to bypass the incompatibility detection.

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

[0430] · Example 21 - The surgical assembly according to Example 19 or 20, wherein the QR code includes the second identification information.

[0431] Although a number of forms have been illustrated and described, it is not the applicant's intention 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 the disclosure, and many of these will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Additionally, alternatively, the structure of each element associated with the described forms can be described as a means for providing the function performed by the element. Also, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials can also be used. Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing detailed description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations that fall within the scope of the forms disclosed by the present invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0432] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various forms of apparatus and / or methods by use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or examples. As long as 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 jointly, by a variety of 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 implemented equivalently, in whole or in part, 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 virtually any combination thereof in an integrated circuit, and that designing the circuitry and / or writing the code for the software and / or hardware will be within the skill of those in the art in light of the present disclosure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as one or more program products in a variety of forms, and that the illustrative forms of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually effect the distribution.

[0433] Instructions for programming logic to perform the various disclosed aspects can be stored in a memory within the system, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other memories. Additionally, the instructions can be distributed via a network or by other computer-readable media. Thus, machine-readable media can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form, but are not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible, machine-readable storage devices used to transmit information over the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Thus, non-transitory computer-readable media includes any type of tangible machine-readable media suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form.

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

[0435] As used in any aspect of this disclosure, the term "logic" may refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to be capable of performing any one of the foregoing operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction set, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, or instruction set and / or data hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) in a memory device.

[0436] As used in any aspect of this disclosure, the terms "component", "system", "module", etc. may refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0437] As used in any aspect of this disclosure, an "algorithm" refers to an ordered sequence of steps that results in a desired outcome, where a "step" refers to the manipulation of physical quantities and / or logical states, which may (but need not) take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. These signals are often referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc. These and similar terms may be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0438] The network may include a packet-switched network. The communication devices may be capable of communicating with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. An exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol that may be capable of allowing communication using Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard titled "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 may be capable of communicating with each other using an X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the standards published by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be capable of communicating with each other using a Frame Relay communication protocol. The Frame Relay communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the standards published by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers may be capable of communicating with each other using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard titled "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 equally 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 from Texas Instruments under the trade name ARM Cortex. In one aspect, the microcontroller 461 can be, for example, the LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments, which includes 256KB of single-cycle flash or other non-volatile memory (up to 40MHz) on-chip memory, a prefetch buffer for improving performance above 40MHz, 32KB of single-cycle SRAM, a Stellaris Internal ROM for software, 2KB electrical EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analogs, one or more 12-bit ADCs with 12 analog input channels, details of which can be found in the product datasheet.

[0440] Unless otherwise expressly indicated in the above disclosure, it is understood that discussions in the above disclosure using terms such as "process," "compute," "calculate," "determine," and "display" refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories and transform them into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0441] One or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to be able to," "configurable to be able to," "operable / operably," "suitable / adaptable to," "able to," "conformable / conform to," etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context indicates otherwise, "configured to be able to" may generally encompass components in an active state and / or components in an inactive state and / or components in a standby state.

[0442] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein relative to a clinician manipulating the housing portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion positioned away from the clinician. It should also be understood that for the sake of brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0443] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, generally speaking, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (for example, the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art should also understand that if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intention will be expressly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, there is no such intention. For example, for the sake of understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to a claim containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (for example, "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"); this also applies to the use of the definite article for introducing claim recitations.

[0444] In addition, even if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is expressly recited, those skilled in the art should recognize that such recitation should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the recited number (for example, in the absence of other modifiers, a bare recitation of "two recitations" generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Moreover, in those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally speaking, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but not be limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally speaking, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (for example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but not be limited to, a system having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art should also understand that, generally, unless the context otherwise indicates, conjunctive words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the detailed description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to cover the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0445] For the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations recited therein can generally be performed in any order. Additionally, although various operation flowcharts are presented in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations can be performed in other orders different from the shown order, or the various operations can be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise requires, examples of such alternative orderings can include overlapping, interleaving, interrupting, reordering, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other modified orderings. Moreover, unless the context otherwise requires, terms such as "responsive to", "associated with", or other past-tense adjectives generally are not intended to exclude such variations.

[0446] It is worth noting that any reference to "an aspect", "one aspect", "an example", "one example" means that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the phrases "in an aspect", "in one aspect", "in an example", "in one example" that appear in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Additionally, the specific feature, structure, or characteristic can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0447] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other publicly available material mentioned in this specification and / or listed in any application data sheet is hereby incorporated by reference herein, provided that the incorporated material is not inconsistent herewith. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures expressly set forth herein supersede any conflicting material incorporated by reference herein. Any material or portion thereof that is purported to be incorporated by reference herein but conflicts with the existing definitions, statements, or other publicly available material set forth herein will be incorporated only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with the existing publicly available material.

[0448] Broadly speaking, many beneficial effects resulting from the adoption of the concepts described herein have been described. For purposes of illustration and description, one or more forms of the above-described specific embodiments have been provided. These specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise form disclosed in the present invention. Modifications or variations to the present invention can be made in accordance with the above teachings. The one or more forms selected and described are for purposes of illustrating the principles and practical applications so that those of ordinary skill in the art can utilize the various forms and various modifications suitable for the particular use contemplated. The appended claims, submitted herewith, are intended to define the full scope.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising: An end effector that can be operated to process tissue; A shaft that extends proximally from the end effector; And A housing assembly that extends proximally from the shaft, the housing assembly comprising: A radio frequency identification scanner; and A motor assembly compartment that includes a motor assembly interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration, wherein the motor assembly is capable of moving between the assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration relative to the motor assembly compartment, and wherein the motor assembly comprises: A motor configured to drive the end effector to process the tissue; and A radio frequency identification tag that can be detected by the radio frequency identification scanner in the assembled configuration, wherein the radio frequency identification tag stores motor assembly information, and A battery that can distinguish different surgical instruments and can adjust the electrical characteristics of the battery as needed.

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit configured to receive an input from the radio frequency identification scanner in the assembled configuration, the input indicating the motor assembly information.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the motor assembly information.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to select a control algorithm for the surgical instrument based on the motor assembly information.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to select the control algorithm from control algorithms each associated with different motor assembly information.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to determine a motor setting based on the motor assembly information.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The motor assembly includes a gearbox operably coupled to the motor.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 7, wherein, The motor assembly information includes: Gearbox information; and Motor information.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, further comprising a power source coupled to the motor assembly in the assembled configuration.

10. The surgical instrument according to claim 9, wherein, The power source is configured to generate a power output to cause the motor to drive the end effector to process the tissue.

11. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to determine the value of the power output based on the motor assembly information.

12. A surgical instrument, comprising: An end effector that can be operated to process tissue; A shaft that extends proximally from the end effector; And A housing assembly that extends proximally from the shaft, the housing assembly comprising: A radio frequency identification scanner; and A motor assembly compartment that includes a motor assembly interchangeably held by the motor assembly compartment in an assembled configuration, wherein the motor assembly is capable of moving between the assembled configuration and an unassembled configuration relative to the motor assembly compartment, and wherein the motor assembly comprises: A motor configured to drive the end effector to process the tissue; and A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, in the assembled configuration, the RFID tag is positioned at or within the detection range of the RFID scanner, wherein the RFID tag stores motor assembly information, and A battery that can distinguish different surgical instruments and can adjust the electrical characteristics of the battery as needed.

13. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, further comprising a control circuit configured to receive an input from the RFID scanner in the assembled configuration, the input indicating the motor assembly information.

14. The surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to adjust at least one operating parameter of the motor based on the motor assembly information.

15. The surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to select a control algorithm for the surgical instrument based on the motor assembly information.

16. The surgical instrument according to claim 15, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to select the control algorithm from control algorithms each associated with different motor assembly information.

17. The surgical instrument according to claim 13, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to determine a motor setting based on the motor assembly information.

18. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein, The motor assembly includes a gearbox operably coupled to the motor.

19. The surgical instrument according to claim 18, wherein, The motor assembly information includes: Gearbox information; and Motor information.

20. The surgical instrument according to claim 13, further comprising a power source operably coupled to the motor assembly in the assembled configuration.

21. The surgical instrument according to claim 20, wherein, The power source is configured to generate a power output to drive the motor to drive the end effector to process the tissue.

22. The surgical instrument according to claim 21, wherein, The control circuit is further configured to determine the value of the power output based on the motor assembly information.

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