Systems and methods for operating a surgical device

Abstract

A method for operating a surgical device includes determining whether a switch has transitioned from a first state corresponding to a first operating mode to a second state corresponding to a second operating mode; when it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the first state to the second state: maintaining the first operating mode for a predetermined time; in the event that the switch remains in the second state throughout the predetermined time, switching to the second operating mode upon expiration of the predetermined time; and when the switch returns to the first state during the predetermined time, maintaining the first operating mode upon expiration of the predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to surgical instruments, and more specifically, to ultrasonic surgical instruments and methods of operating thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Ultrasonic surgical instruments utilize ultrasonic energy (i.e., ultrasonic vibration) to treat tissue. More specifically, ultrasonic surgical instruments use mechanical vibrational energy transmitted at ultrasonic frequencies to coagulate, cauterize, fuse, seal, cut, dry, and / or electrocauterize tissue to achieve hemostasis.

[0003] Ultrasonic surgical instruments typically employ transducers coupled to the handle of the instrument and configured to generate ultrasonic energy for transmission along a waveguide to an end effector designed to treat tissue with ultrasonic energy. The transducer may be driven by an onboard ultrasound generator, for example, located on or inside the handle of the ultrasonic surgical instrument, or remotely positioned, for example as a set-top box connected to the ultrasonic surgical instrument via a surgical cable. The end effector of the ultrasonic surgical instrument may include a blade that receives ultrasonic energy from the waveguide to apply it to tissue, and a clamping member configured to hold tissue between the blade and a clamping member to facilitate treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] As used herein, the term "far side" refers to the portion described as being farther from the user, while the term "proximal side" refers to the portion described as being closer to the user. Furthermore, to the extent consistent, any or all aspects described herein may be used in conjunction with any or all other aspects described herein.

[0005] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a method for operating a surgical device is provided, comprising determining whether a switch has transitioned from a first state corresponding to a first operating mode to a second state corresponding to a second operating mode. If it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the method comprises maintaining the first operating mode for a predetermined time. If the switch remains in the second state for the entire predetermined time, the method comprises switching to the second operating mode after the predetermined time has elapsed. If the switch returns to the first state during the predetermined time, the method comprises maintaining the first operating mode after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0006] In one aspect of this disclosure, the method may additionally include providing the user with an instruction to initiate a second state.

[0007] In another aspect of this disclosure, the indication may include tactile alarms, audio alarms, and / or visual alarms.

[0008] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first operating mode may include a low power level, and the second operating mode may include a high power level.

[0009] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a method for operating a surgical device is provided, comprising determining whether a switch has transitioned from an off state through a first state corresponding to a first operating mode to a second state corresponding to a second operating mode within a first predetermined time. If it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the off state through the first state to the second state within the first predetermined time, the method comprises outputting a second operating mode and determining whether the switch has transitioned back from the second state to the first state within a second predetermined time. If it is determined that the switch has transitioned back from the second state to the first state within the second predetermined time, the method comprises switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode after the second predetermined time has expired. If it is determined that the switch has not transitioned back from the second state to the first state within the second predetermined time, the method comprises maintaining the second operating mode after the second predetermined time has expired.

[0010] In one aspect of this disclosure, the method may additionally include providing the user with an instruction to initiate a second state.

[0011] In another aspect of this disclosure, the indication may include tactile alarms, audio alarms, and / or visual alarms.

[0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first operating mode may include a low power level, and the second operating mode may include a high power level.

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, the method may further include determining whether the switch has transitioned from a second state to a first state. If it is determined that the switch has not yet transitioned back to the first state, the method further includes maintaining the second operating mode. If it is determined that the switch has transitioned back to the first state, the method further includes determining the previous duration of the first operating mode, switching from the second operating mode to the first operating mode, and adjusting the first operating mode based on a second predetermined time.

[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, the method may additionally include providing the user with an instruction to initiate a second operating mode.

[0015] In another aspect of this disclosure, the indication may include at least one of an audio alarm or a visual alarm.

[0016] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first operating mode may include a low power level, and the second operating mode may include a high power level. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of the ultrasonic surgical instruments provided in this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged side longitudinal cross-sectional view of the proximal portion of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A block diagram of the controller for the generator of an ultrasonic surgical instrument;

[0021] Figure 4 To plot the ultrasonic blade velocity versus time in the first and second modes according to this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for operating an ultrasonic surgical device according to this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method for operating an ultrasonic surgical device according to this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for operating an ultrasonic surgical device according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] refer to Figure 1 and 2 The ultrasonic surgical instrument provided according to this disclosure is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 includes a handle assembly 100 and an elongated assembly 200 extending distally from the handle assembly 100. The handle assembly 100 includes a housing 110 defining a main body portion 112 and a handle-fixing portion 114. The handle assembly 100 further includes an activation button 120 and a clamping trigger 130.

[0026] The main body portion 112 of the housing 110 is configured to support an ultrasonic transducer and generator assembly (“TAG”) 300, which includes a generator assembly 310 and an ultrasonic transducer assembly 320. The TAG 300 may be permanently engaged with or removable from the main body portion 112 of the housing 110. The generator assembly 310 includes a housing 312 configured to house the internal electronics of the generator assembly 310 and a bracket 314 configured to rotatably support the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320. Alternatively, the generator assembly 310 may be remotely configured and coupled to an ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 via a surgical cable. The TAG 300 is described in more detail below.

[0027] The fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110 defines a compartment 116 configured to receive the battery assembly 400. Figure 2 The device includes a door 118 configured to enclose compartment 116. An electrical connection assembly 140 is disposed within the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100, and when the TAG 300 is supported on or within the main body portion 112 of the housing 110 and the battery assembly 400 is disposed within compartment 116 of the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110, the electrical connection assembly is used to electrically connect the activation button 120, the generator assembly 310 of the TAG 300, and the battery assembly 400 to each other, thereby enabling the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to be activated in response to pressing the activation button 120. More specifically, when the activation button 120 is activated in an appropriate manner, depending on the manner in which the activation button 120 is activated, the basic dual-mode switch assembly of the activation button 120 is activated in a first mode or a second mode, such as a "low" power mode or a "high" power mode, to power the TAG 300 from the battery. The activation button 120 can be moved in the same direction from the off position to the "low" power mode, then to the "high" power mode, or in any other suitable manner between them. The "low" and "high" power modes can be activated via separate switches. Those skilled in the art can apply the methods described herein to systems with separate switches for the "low" and "high" power modes.

[0028] In embodiments where the generator assembly 310 is located away from the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, the configuration of the battery assembly 400 and the fixed handle portion 114 for receiving the battery assembly 400 is not required, because the generator assembly 310 can be powered by a standard wall socket or other power source.

[0029] Still referencing Figure 1 and Figure 2The elongated assembly 200 of the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 includes an outer drive sleeve 210, an inner support sleeve 220 disposed within the outer drive sleeve 210, a waveguide 230 extending through the inner support sleeve 220, a drive assembly 250, a rotary knob 270, and an end effector 280 including a blade 282 and a clamp 284. The proximal portion of the outer drive sleeve 210 is operatively coupled via the drive assembly 250 to a clamp trigger 130 of the handle assembly 100, while the distal portion of the outer drive sleeve 210 is operatively coupled to the clamp 284. Thus, the clamp trigger 130 can be selectively actuated to move the outer drive sleeve 210 about the inner support sleeve 220 to a position that pivots the clamp 284 relative to the blade 282 of the end effector 280 from a spaced-apart position to an approach position for clamping tissue between the clamp 284 and the blade 282. The drive assembly 250 provides a force limiting feature, thereby limiting the clamping pressure applied to the tissue to a specific clamping pressure or restricting it to a specific clamping pressure range. The rotary knob 270 can be rotated in either direction to allow the elongated assembly 200 to rotate relative to the handle assembly 100 in either direction.

[0030] Waveguide 230 extends through inner support sleeve 220. Waveguide 230 defines body 232 and blade 282 extending distally from body 232. Blade 282 serves as the blade of end effector 280. Waveguide 230 further includes proximal threaded convex connector 236 configured for threaded engagement within threaded concave receiver 325e of the nose portion 325b of ultrasonic transducer assembly 320, such that ultrasonic vibrations generated by ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 are transmitted along waveguide 230 to blade 282 for treating tissue clamped between blade 282 and clamp 284 or positioned adjacent to blade 282.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 The ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 includes a piezoelectric stack 322, an ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324, a bolt 328, a proximal nut 329, first and second electrode assemblies 330, a contact assembly 332, and a housing 340. The bolt 328 secures the piezoelectric stack 322 between the ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324 and the proximal nut 329. The first and second electrode assemblies 330 are positioned between the piezoelectric elements 323 of the piezoelectric stack 322 and connected to the contact assembly 332. The contact assembly 332 enables the transmission of drive and / or data signals through the housing 340, for example, between the piezoelectric stack 322 and the generator assembly 310. The housing 340, together with the ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324, houses the piezoelectric stack 322, portions of the ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324, the bolt 328, the proximal nut 329, the first and second electrode assemblies 330, and portions of the contact assembly 332.

[0032] The ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 further includes a rotary knob 350 mounted on or formed together with the housing 340 at the proximal end of the housing 340. Figure 1 The knob 350 can be accessed from the outside of the handle assembly 100 and is configured for manual rotation to rotate the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 relative to the generator assembly 310 and the housing 110.

[0033] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The generator assembly 310 includes a plurality of annular contacts 364, 366, 368 surrounding the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 and configured to slidably contact corresponding sliding contacts 334, 336, 338 of the contact assembly 332 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320. Therefore, the annular contacts 364, 366, 368 and the corresponding sliding contacts 334, 336, 338 define a sliding annular contact assembly that enables the transmission of drive and / or data signals between the generator assembly 310 and the piezoelectric stack 322 of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320, regardless of the rotational orientation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 relative to the generator assembly 310. More specifically, regarding drive signal communication, the first electrode assembly 330 includes at least one electrode disposed between the piezoelectric element 323 of the piezoelectric stack 322 and an electrode connector that connects the at least one electrode to a sliding contact 334, which in turn is configured to contact an annular contact 364. The second electrode assembly 330 includes at least one other electrode disposed between the piezoelectric element 323 of the piezoelectric stack 322 and an electrode connector that connects the at least one other electrode to a sliding contact 336, which in turn is configured to contact an annular contact 366. Thus, a drive signal voltage can be applied from the generator assembly 310 across the piezoelectric element 323 of the piezoelectric stack 322 via the electrodes. The piezoelectric stack 322 then converts the applied voltage into mechanical energy in the form of ultrasonic vibration, which is transmitted to the ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324.

[0034] Regarding data signal communication, a controller 190, located within the generator assembly 310 (or the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320), communicates with the ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324 (and / or other parts of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320). More specifically, the controller 190 may be a microprocessor chip or other suitable chip with a sensing circuitry system to detect various states, parameters, characteristics, etc., of the piezoelectric stack 322, the ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324, and / or other parts of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320. The controller 190 may be configured to sense, for example, the frequency, amplitude, impedance, and / or temperature of the ultrasonic amplitude transformer 324 (or other parts of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320); the number of times the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 has been activated; the duration of activation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320; etc. The controller 190 may additionally or alternatively include a memory storing information related to the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320, such as model number, serial number, manufacturing date, calibration and / or testing information, manufacturer settings, etc. In embodiments where the controller 190 includes a sensor circuitry system, the memory may also store sensed data.

[0035] The controller 190 includes an associated electrical connector coupled to an annular contact 368, which is configured to contact the lip contact 338 of the contact assembly 332 to enable the transmission of data signals between the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 and the ultrasonic generator assembly 310.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a block diagram of controller 190. Controller 190 includes a processor 192, a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., storage device 191), and / or memory 193. In various embodiments, processor 192 may be another type of processor, such as, but not limited to, a digital signal processor, microprocessor, ASIC, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), and / or graphics processing unit (GPU) 195.

[0037] Memory 193 may be volatile memory, such as RAM, or non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, disk media, etc. Memory 193 stores appropriate instructions executed by processor 192, for example, for determining the mode of surgical instruments and accessing storage device 191 of controller 190. Storage device 191 of controller 190 stores one or more algorithms configured to control the delivery of ultrasonic surgical energy. Although described as part of generator assembly 310, it is also contemplated that controller 190 is remote from generator assembly 310, for example, on a remote server, and accessible from generator assembly 310 via wired or wireless connections. In embodiments where controller 190 is remote, it is contemplated that controller 190 may be accessible by and connected to multiple generator assemblies 310.

[0038] In various embodiments, the memory 193 may be separate from the controller 190 and may communicate with the processor 192 via a communication bus on the circuit board and / or via a communication cable such as a serial ATA cable or other types of cable. In various embodiments, the controller 190 may include a network interface 194 for communicating with other computers or servers.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 4 , showing Figure 1 and 2 The velocity versus time graphs of instruments 10 and 210. Ultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer assembly 320 are transmitted along waveguide 230 to blade 282 for treating tissue clamped between blade 282 and clamp 284 or positioned near blade 282 (for treatment of unclamped tissue). In aspects of this disclosure, in a first operating mode (e.g., a "low" power mode), the velocity of blade 282 is a low velocity 394. In aspects of this disclosure, the "low" power mode may consist of various power levels in the form of the velocity of blade 282. In aspects of this disclosure, in a second operating mode (e.g., a "high" power mode), the velocity of blade 282 is a high velocity 392, higher than the velocity in the "low" power mode. In aspects of this disclosure, the "high" power mode may consist of various power levels in the form of the velocity of blade 282, higher than the "low" power mode.

[0040] For example, during a surgical procedure, when activated in either a "low" power mode or a "high" power mode, the blade 282 initially has a high speed of 390, for instance, during the initial period. If the clinician activates the activation button 120 in a second state corresponding to a second operating mode (e.g., a "high" power mode), the speed of the blade 282 will remain high 392 after the initial period. Conversely, if the clinician activates the activation button 120 in a first state corresponding to a first operating mode (e.g., a "low" power mode), the speed of the blade 282 will decrease to low 394 after the initial period. Of course, the clinician can switch the activation button 120 between the first and second states during use.

[0041] Now for reference Figure 5 This illustrates the use of ultrasonic surgical instruments, such as ultrasonic surgical instrument 10. Figure 1 A flowchart of a computer-implemented method 410 for tissue treatment, wherein the ultrasound surgical instrument includes, for example, an activation button 120. Figure 1The associated switch is configured to be activated in two or more modes, such as a "low" power mode and a "high" power mode. More specifically, method 410 is applicable to situations where a clinician switches the switch between first and second states corresponding to first and second operating modes during activation.

[0042] Initially, the switch is activated in a first state corresponding to the first operating mode. In step 412, the controller, such as controller 190 ( Figure 2 ), determine, for example, with activation button 120 ( Figure 1 Whether the associated switch has transitioned from a first state to a second state. In various aspects of this disclosure, the first state corresponds to a first operating mode that may include a "low" power mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the second state corresponds to a second operating mode that may include a "high" power mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the "high" power mode may consist of various power levels in the form of the speed of the activated blade 282, which are higher than the "low" power mode.

[0043] If the controller determines that the switch has not yet transitioned from the first state to the second state, the method returns to the beginning. In step 414, if the controller determines that the switch has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the controller maintains the first operating mode for a predetermined time period. In various aspects of this disclosure, the device, for example, device 10 ( Figure 1 It can provide the user with an indication that the switch has been switched from a first state to a second state. The indication may include tactile alarms (e.g., vibration), audio alarms (e.g., one or more audio tones), and / or visual alarms (e.g., indicator lights / LEDs and / or text-based notifications).

[0044] Next, in step 416, the controller determines whether the switch remains in the second state for the entire predetermined time period (e.g., 400 milliseconds). If yes in step 416, then in step 418 the controller switches to the second operating mode after the predetermined time period expires. In aspects of this disclosure, devices such as device 10 ( Figure 1 The system may provide the user with an indication that the operating mode has been switched to a second operating mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the indication may include audio alarms (e.g., one or more audio tones) and / or visual alarms (e.g., indicator lights / LEDs and / or text-based notifications).

[0045] If 416 is negative, it means that the switch returns to the first state during the predetermined time period. In step 420, the controller maintains the first operating mode after the predetermined time period expires.

[0046] In use, for example, clinicians can activate button 120 ( Figure 1This transitions the base switch from a first state (e.g., corresponding to a "low" power mode) to a second state (e.g., corresponding to a "high" power mode). However, the actual change in operating mode (e.g., from "low" power mode to "high" power mode) has not yet occurred. Instead, the operating mode is maintained for a predetermined time period, and the clinician is provided with audio and / or other indications to inform them that the switch has transitioned to a different state. The predetermined time period is long enough, for example, at least 300 ms, at least 400 ms, or at least 500 ms in the embodiments, to allow the clinician to switch the switch back to the "low" power mode if they do not intend to transition to the second state corresponding to the "high" power mode, while the operating mode has never left the first state of "low" power mode. On the other hand, if the clinician does intend to switch to the second state corresponding to the "high" power mode, as recognized by the clinician, the switch is maintained in the second state despite the indication, then the operating mode switches to the "high" power mode when the predetermined time period expires.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 6 This illustrates the use of ultrasonic surgical instruments, such as ultrasonic surgical instrument 10. Figure 1 Another flowchart of a computer-implemented method 500 for tissue treatment, wherein the ultrasound surgical instrument includes a switch, such as a basic activation button 120. Figure 1 The device is configured to be activated in two or more modes, such as a "low" power mode and a "high" power mode. More specifically, method 500 is applicable to situations where a clinician transitions the activation button from a closed state to a second state via a first state (where the first and second states correspond to the first and second operating modes during activation).

[0048] Initially, in step 502, the controller, for example, controller 190 ( Figure 2 ) Determine, for example, the corresponding activation button 120 ( Figure 1 Whether the switch of ) has transitioned from the off state to the second state within a first predetermined time period. In various aspects of this disclosure, the first state corresponds to a first operating mode that may include a "low" power mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the second state corresponds to a second operating mode that may include a "high" power mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the "high" power mode may be provided by blade 282 ( Figure 1 The speed form consists of various power levels, which are higher than the "low" power mode.

[0049] In step 504, if the controller determines that the switch has transitioned from the off state to the second state within a first predetermined time period, then the controller will activate the second operating mode after the first predetermined time period. In various aspects of this disclosure, device 10 ( Figure 1It can provide the user with an indication that a second operating mode has been activated, for example, via an audio alarm (e.g., one or more audio tones) and / or a visual alarm (e.g., an indicator light / LED and / or a text-based notification).

[0050] Next, in step 506, the controller determines whether the switch has transitioned from the second state to the first state within a second predetermined time period immediately following the first predetermined time period. If yes, in step 506 the controller switches to the first operating mode after the second predetermined time period expires in step 508. In various aspects of this disclosure, the device 10 may provide the user with an indication that the operating mode has been switched to the first operating mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the indication may include an audio alarm (e.g., one or more audio tones) and / or a visual alarm (e.g., an indicator light / LED and / or a text-based notification).

[0051] If 506 is negative and the switch remains in the second state, then in step 510 the controller maintains the second operating mode after the second predetermined time expires.

[0052] In use, for example, a clinician can activate button 120 within a first predetermined time period. Figure 1 And thus the base switch is transitioned from an off state to a second state (e.g., corresponding to a "low" power mode) via a first state (e.g., corresponding to a "high" power mode). Regardless of the specific state expected, the "high" operating power mode is activated after a first predetermined time period because, in the embodiment, the speed of the blade 282 is high for the initial activation period in either the "low" or "high" power mode (see...). Figure 4 The system also provides audio and / or other instructions to the clinician to inform them that the switch has been switched to the second state. The "high" operating power mode is activated within a second predetermined time period immediately following the first predetermined time period. The second predetermined time period is long enough, for example, at least 300 ms, at least 400 ms, or at least 500 ms in the embodiments, that the clinician can switch the switch back to the first state corresponding to the "low" power mode if the clinician does not intend to switch to the second state corresponding to the "high" power mode. If this is done, the operating mode switches to the second or "low" power mode after the second predetermined time period expires, and thus, it is as if the "low" power mode had been activated from the beginning. On the other hand, if the clinician does intend to switch to the second state corresponding to the "high" power mode, as the clinician recognizes, and keeps the switch in the second state for the second predetermined time period despite the indication, then the operating mode remains in the "high" power mode when the second predetermined time period expires.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 7The use of ultrasonic surgical instruments, such as ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, is shown. Figure 1 A flowchart of a computer-implemented method 600 for performing treatment, wherein the ultrasound surgical instrument includes, for example, an activation button 120 (…). Figure 1 The associated switch is configured to be activated in two or more modes, such as a "low" power mode and a "high" power mode. More specifically, method 600 is suitable for situations where a clinician switches the switch between first and second states corresponding to first and second operating modes during activation.

[0054] Initially, the switch is activated in a first state corresponding to the first operating mode. In step 612, the controller, such as controller 190 ( Figure 2 ), determine, for example, with activation button 120 ( Figure 1 Whether the associated switch has transitioned from a first state to a second state. In various aspects of this disclosure, the first state corresponds to a first operating mode that may include a "low" power mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the second state corresponds to a second operating mode that may include a "high" power mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the "high" power mode may consist of various power levels in the form of the speed of the activated blade 282, which are higher than the "low" power mode.

[0055] If the controller determines that the switch has not yet transitioned from the first state to the second state, the method returns to the beginning. In step 614, if the controller determines that the switch has transitioned from the first state to the second state, the controller maintains the first operating mode for a predetermined time period. In various aspects of this disclosure, the device, for example, device 10 ( Figure 1 It can provide the user with an indication that the switch has been switched from a first state to a second state. The indication may include tactile alarms (e.g., vibration), audio alarms (e.g., one or more audio tones), and / or visual alarms (e.g., indicator lights / LEDs and / or text-based notifications).

[0056] Next, in step 616, the controller determines whether the switch remains in the second state for the entire predetermined time period (e.g., 400 milliseconds). If yes in step 616, then in step 618 the controller switches to the second operating mode after the predetermined time period expires. In aspects of this disclosure, devices such as device 10 ( Figure 1 The system may provide the user with an indication that the operating mode has been switched to a second operating mode. In various aspects of this disclosure, the indication may include audio alarms (e.g., one or more audio tones) and / or visual alarms (e.g., indicator lights / LEDs and / or text-based notifications).

[0057] Next, in step 622, the controller determines whether the switch has transitioned from the second state to the first state. If no, it means the switch remains in the second state, and in step 628 the controller maintains the second mode. If yes, it means the switch has transitioned to the first state, and in step 624 the controller determines the previous duration of the first operating mode. Next, in step 626 the controller switches to the first operating mode and adjusts the first operating mode based on the determined duration.

[0058] If 616 is negative, it means that the switch returns to the first state during the predetermined time period. In step 620, the controller maintains the first operating mode after the predetermined time period expires.

[0059] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above and illustrated in the drawings, it is not intended that this disclosure be limited thereto, but rather that its scope be as broad as permitted in the art, and that the specification be understood in the same manner. Therefore, the foregoing description and accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting, but merely as illustrative of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will contemplate other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical apparatus comprising a controller including a processor and a storage device, the storage device storing instructions to be executed by the processor, the instructions causing the controller to perform the following steps, the steps including: Determine whether the switch has transitioned from a first state corresponding to a first operating mode to a second state corresponding to a second operating mode; If it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the first state to the second state: Maintain the first operating mode for the predetermined time; If the switch remains in the second state throughout the predetermined time, it switches to the second operating mode after the predetermined time expires. and If the switch returns to the first state during the predetermined time, the first operating mode is maintained after the predetermined time expires.

2. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steps to be performed by the controller further include providing an instruction to the user to initiate the second state.

3. The surgical device of claim 2, wherein the indication comprises at least one of a tactile alarm, an audio alarm, or a visual alarm.

4. The surgical device of claim 1, wherein the first operating mode comprises a low power level and the second operating mode comprises a high power level.

5. A surgical apparatus comprising a controller including a processor and a storage device, the storage device storing instructions to be executed by the processor, the instructions causing the controller to perform the following steps, the steps including: Determine whether the switch has changed from the closed state to the second state corresponding to the second operating mode within a first predetermined time. If it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the off state to the second state from the first state within the first predetermined time: Output the second operation mode; and Determine whether the switch has transitioned from the second state back to the first state within a second predetermined time; If it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the second state back to the first state within the second predetermined time: After the second predetermined time expires, switch from the second operation mode to the first operation mode; and If it is determined that the switch has not yet transitioned from the second state back to the first state within the second predetermined time: The second operating mode will be maintained after the second predetermined time expires.

6. The surgical apparatus of claim 5, wherein the step to be performed by the controller includes providing an instruction to the user to initiate the second state.

7. The surgical device of claim 6, wherein the indication comprises at least one of a tactile alarm, an audio alarm, or a visual alarm.

8. The surgical device of claim 5, wherein the first operating mode comprises a low power level and the second operating mode comprises a high power level.

9. The surgical apparatus of claim 5, wherein the steps to be performed by the controller further include: Determine whether the switch has transitioned from the second state to the first state; If it is determined that the switch has not yet transitioned from the second state back to the first state: Maintain the second operating mode; and If it is determined that the switch has transitioned from the second state back to the first state: Determine the previous duration of the first operating mode; Switch from the second operating mode to the first operating mode; and The first operating mode is adjusted based on the second predetermined time.

10. The surgical apparatus of claim 9, wherein the step to be performed by the controller includes providing an instruction to the user to activate the second operating mode.

11. The surgical device of claim 10, wherein the indication comprises at least one of an audio alarm or a visual alarm.

12. The surgical device of claim 10, wherein the first operating mode comprises a low power level and the second operating mode comprises a high power level.

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