Methods and systems for variable inhalation control during surgery

Abstract

Variable aspiration control in surgical procedures. At least one example is a method of performing a surgical procedure, the method comprising: driving a motor coupled to a handpiece of a resection instrument by a surgical controller, the driving causing mechanical resection of tissue by the resection instrument; during the resection of tissue, aspirating fluid and tissue debris through a suction chamber of the resection instrument by a peristaltic pump associated with the surgical controller; and during the driving and aspiration, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump by the surgical controller in response to an interface device defined on an outer surface of the handpiece.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 105,635, filed October 26, 2020, entitled “Arthroscopic Resection Probe with Variable Aspiration Control”. That provisional application is incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in its entirety below. Background Technology

[0003] The mechanical resection handpiece of the related technology includes a valve located within the flow path between the resection device and a suction source (such as a wall suction source in an operating room). During the mechanical resection procedure, the surgeon adjusts the flow rate along the flow path within the resection device by adjusting the valve position. When a higher flow rate is needed, the surgeon opens the valve more, and when a lower flow rate is needed, the surgeon closes the valve more. In contrast, in electrosurgical ablation procedures of the related technology (e.g., plasma-based ablation), flow rate control is automatically performed by the ablation controller in response to one or more electrical parameters associated with the ablation, such as the impedance of the electrical path or the energy supplied to the active electrode for the ablation procedure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first example is a method of performing a surgical procedure, the method comprising: driving a motor coupled to a handpiece of a resection instrument by a surgical controller, the driving causing mechanical resection of tissue by the resection instrument; during the mechanical resection of the tissue, aspirating fluid and tissue debris through a suction chamber of the resection instrument by a peristaltic pump associated with the surgical controller; and during the driving and aspiration, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump by the surgical controller in response to an interface device defined on an outer surface of the handpiece.

[0005] In the exemplary first method, the handpiece may not include a valve in the suction path passing through the handpiece.

[0006] In the exemplary first method, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: reading the interface device, the interface device being a position interface device defined on the handheld device, the reading generating a position; and setting the speed of the peristaltic pump directly based on the position.

[0007] In the exemplary first method, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: receiving an actuation instruction from the interface device, the interface device being an up button defined on the handheld component; and increasing the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the actuation instruction of the up button. Adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: receiving an actuation instruction from the interface device, the interface device being a down button defined on the handheld component; and decreasing the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the actuation instruction of the down button. The up button and the down button may be selected from at least one of the following: independent and different buttons; corresponding positions of a rocker switch; and corresponding positions of a momentary rocker switch.

[0008] An exemplary first method may further include: stopping the motor of the handpiece in a rotational position via the surgical controller, such that a cutting window defined by the resection instrument is at least partially blocked; and subsequently providing electrical energy by the surgical controller to an active electrode defined on a distal end of the resection instrument, the electrical energy causing tissue ablation near the active electrode. The exemplary first method may further include, during tissue ablation, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump by the surgical controller, the adjustment being responsive to the interface device. The exemplary first method may further include: terminating the supply of electrical energy to the active electrode; and subsequently driving the motor within the handpiece by the surgical controller, the driving again causing mechanical resection of tissue by the resection instrument; and drawing fluid and tissue debris through the aspiration chamber by the peristaltic pump at a pumping speed selected based on at least one of the following: the pumping speed of a preceding mechanical tissue resection; the default pumping speed of a mechanical tissue resection.

[0009] A second exemplary method is a method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising: supplying electrical energy by a surgical controller to an active electrode defined on a distal end of a resection tool, the electrical energy causing tissue near the active electrode to ablate; during tissue ablation, aspirating fluid and tissue debris through a suction chamber of the resection tool by a peristaltic pump associated with the surgical controller; and during the supply and aspiration, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump by the surgical controller, the adjustment being responsive to an interface device defined on an outer surface of the resection tool.

[0010] In an exemplary second method, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: reading the position of the interface device, which is a position interface device defined on the cutting tool, the reading generating a position; and setting the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the position. Adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: receiving an upward actuation instruction from the interface device, which is an upward button defined on the cutting tool; and increasing the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the upward actuation instruction. Adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: receiving a downward actuation instruction from the interface device, which is in the form of a downward button defined on the cutting tool; and decreasing the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the downward actuation instruction.

[0011] An exemplary second method may further include: receiving, by the surgical controller, an indication of a selected operating mode from a plurality of operating modes, each operating mode defining a pump speed range, and each pump speed range being smaller than the entire pump speed range of the peristaltic pump; and wherein adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump includes setting the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range defined by the selected operating mode, and the adjustment being responsive to the interface device. Setting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: reading the position of the interface device, the interface device being a position interface device defined on the resection tool, the reading generating a position; and setting the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the position. Setting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: receiving an upward actuation indication of the interface device, the interface device being an upward button defined on the resection tool; and increasing the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode based on the upward actuation indication. Setting the speed of the peristaltic pump may further include: receiving a downward actuation instruction from the interface device, which is in the form of a downward button defined on the cutting tool; and, based on the downward actuation instruction, reducing the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode.

[0012] An exemplary second method may further include: terminating the supply of electrical power to the active electrode; and subsequently driving the motor within the resection instrument by the surgical controller, the driving causing mechanical resection of tissue by the resection instrument; and during the mechanical resection of tissue, aspirating fluid and tissue debris through the suction chamber of the resection instrument by a peristaltic pump associated with the surgical controller; and during the driving and the suction, adjusting the speed of the peristaltic pump by the surgical controller based on the interface device.

[0013] Another example is a first surgical system comprising: a resection controller coupled to a motor in a handheld component, the handheld component being coupled to a resection instrument defining a cutting element, the handheld component including an interface device defined on an outer surface of the handheld component; and a peristaltic pump controller coupled to a motor of a peristaltic pump, the peristaltic pump being coupled to a suction chamber of the resection instrument. The surgical system may be configured to: drive the motor within the handheld component to mechanically resect tissue by the resection instrument; aspirate fluid and tissue debris through the suction chamber of the resection instrument during the mechanical tissue resection; and regulate the speed of the peristaltic pump during the driving and aspiration processes, the regulation being responsive to the interface device.

[0014] In the exemplary first surgical system, the handpiece may not include a valve in the suction path passing through the handpiece.

[0015] In an exemplary first surgical system, when the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system can be further configured to: read the interface device, the interface device being a position interface device defined on the handheld device, the reading generating a position; and set the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the position.

[0016] In an exemplary first surgical system, when the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system may be further configured to: receive an actuation instruction from the interface device, the interface device being an up button defined on the handpiece; and increase the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the actuation instruction of the up button. When the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system may be further configured to: receive an actuation instruction from the interface device, the interface device being a down button defined on the handpiece; and decrease the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the actuation instruction of the down button. The up button and the down button may be selected from at least one of the following: independent and different buttons; corresponding positions of a rocker switch; and corresponding positions of a momentary rocker switch.

[0017] An exemplary first surgical system may further include an electrosurgical controller coupled to an active electrode defined on the resection instrument. The surgical system may be further configured to: stop the motor of the handpiece in a rotational position such that the cutting element blocks the cutting window defined by the resection instrument; and subsequently supply electrical energy to the active electrode to ablate tissue near the active electrode. The surgical system may be further configured to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump during tissue ablation, the adjustment being responsive to the interface device. The surgical system may be further configured to: terminate the supply of electrical energy to the active electrode; and subsequently drive the motor within the handpiece, the drive again causing mechanical resection of tissue by the resection instrument; and aspirate fluid and tissue debris through the aspiration chamber at a pump rate selected based on at least one of the following: the pump rate of the immediately preceding mechanical resection; the default pump rate of the mechanical resection of tissue.

[0018] Another example is a second surgical system comprising: an electrosurgical controller coupled to an active electrode disposed on a distal end of a resection tool; and a peristaltic pump controller including a motor and a peristaltic pump coupled to a suction chamber of the resection tool. The surgical system may be configured to: supply electrical energy to the active electrode to ablate tissue near the active electrode; ablate the tissue and aspirate fluid and tissue debris through the suction chamber; and, during the supply and aspiration, regulate the speed of the peristaltic pump, the regulation being responsive to an interface device defined on the outer surface of the resection tool.

[0019] In an exemplary second surgical system, when the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system may be further configured to: read the position of the interface device, the interface device being a position interface device defined on the resection tool, the reading generating a position; and set the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the position.

[0020] In an exemplary second surgical system, when the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system may be further configured to: receive an upward actuation instruction from an interface device, the interface device being an upward button defined on the resection tool; and increase the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the upward actuation instruction. The exemplary second surgical system may be further configured to: receive a downward actuation instruction from an interface device, the interface device being in the form of a downward button defined on the resection tool; and decrease the speed of the peristaltic pump based on the downward actuation instruction.

[0021] The exemplary second surgical system may be further configured to: receive an instruction from a plurality of operating modes for a selected operating mode, each operating mode defining a pump speed range, and each pump speed range being smaller than the entire pump speed range of the peristaltic pump; and adjust the speed by setting the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode, the adjustment being based on the interface device. When the surgical system sets the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system may be further configured to: read the position of the interface device, the interface device being a position interface device defined on the resection tool, the reading generating a position; and based on the position, set the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode. When the surgical system sets the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system may be further configured to: receive an upward actuation instruction from the interface device, the interface device being an upward button defined on the resection tool; and increase the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode. When the surgical system sets the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system can be further configured to: receive a downward actuation instruction from an interface device, the interface device being a downward button defined on the resection tool; and reduce the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode.

[0022] An exemplary second surgical system may further include a resection controller coupled to a motor in a handheld component of the resection tool, the handheld component being coupled to a cutting element defined by a resection instrument of the resection tool, the resection instrument being coupled to the handheld component. The surgical system may be further configured to: terminate the supply of electrical power to the active electrode; and subsequently drive the motor within the handheld component, the drive causing mechanical resection of tissue by the resection instrument; and during mechanical tissue resection, aspirate fluid and tissue debris through the aspiration chamber of the resection instrument; and adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump during the drive and the aspiration, the adjustment being based on the interface device.

[0023] Another example is a surgical controller comprising: a resection motor driver coupled to a motor terminal in a connector of the surgical controller, the resection motor driver being configured to drive a motor in a handheld device; an electrosurgical generator coupled to a terminal in a connector of the surgical controller; a pump motor driver coupled to a motor of a peristaltic pump, the rotor of which is accessible on an outer surface of the surgical controller; and a processing device coupled to an interface terminal in a connector of the resection motor driver, the electrosurgical generator, the pump motor driver, and the surgical controller. The processing device may be configured to: command the resection motor driver to drive the motor in the handheld device to resect tissue; command the electrosurgical generator to supply electrical energy to an active electrode to ablate tissue near the active electrode; read a value indicating actuation of the interface device by means of the interface terminal; and adjust a speed setpoint provided to the pump motor driver in response to the value indicating actuation.

[0024] In an exemplary surgical controller, the processing device may be further configured to: receive indications of an operating mode from a plurality of operating modes, each operating mode defining a pump speed range, and each pump speed range being smaller than the entire pump speed range of the peristaltic pump; and wherein, when the processing system adjusts the speed setpoint, the processing system is further configured to adjust the speed setpoint within the pump speed range defined by the operating mode. Attached Figure Description

[0025] For a detailed description of the example implementation, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A surgical system according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of the distal end of an example resection instrument according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the distal end of a resection instrument according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the handheld device of the related technology;

[0030] Figure 5A A handheld device according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0031] Figure 5B A handheld device according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0032] Figure 5C A handheld device according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0033] Figure 5D A handheld device according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A block diagram of a surgical system according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0035] Figure 7 A block diagram of a surgical system according to at least some embodiments is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 A surgical system 100 according to at least some embodiments is shown; and

[0037] Figure 9 A block diagram of a processing apparatus according to at least some embodiments is shown.

[0038] definition

[0039] Various terms are used to refer to specific system components. Different companies may use different names to refer to a component—this document is not intended to distinguish between components with different names but the same function. In the following discussion and claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as "including but not limited to...". Furthermore, the terms "coupled" or "linked" are intended to indicate indirect or direct connections. Thus, if a first device is coupled to a second device, the connection can be either a direct connection or an indirect connection via other devices and links.

[0040] "Position interface device" should mean an interface device whose position or orientation indicates the setpoint speed of a peristaltic pump. For example, a position interface device may be a slider whose position along the longitudinal axis of a handpiece indicates the setpoint speed; or a knob that includes a visual indication of the knob's relative rotational position and thus a visual indication of the setpoint speed.

[0041] "Non-position interface device" should be understood to mean an interface device whose implicit setpoint speed of peristaltic pump cannot be determined from the appearance of the device. For example, capacitive touch sensors, Boolean interactive devices (such as up and down buttons, momentary rocker switches), and knobs without position indication are non-limiting examples of non-position interface devices.

[0042] "Processing device" shall mean, individually or in combination, a single circuit component, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller with control software, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) with control software, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor with control software, a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configured to read inputs and drive outputs in response to inputs. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The following discussion relates to various embodiments of the invention. While one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the disclosed embodiments should not be construed as or otherwise used to limit the scope of this disclosure, including the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is merely an example of that embodiment and is not intended to imply that the scope of this disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0044] Various examples address variable aspiration control in surgical procedures. More specifically, in the case of mechanical resection, examples enable the surgeon to directly control the speed of a peristaltic pump providing the aspiration flow via interaction with an interface device defined on the outer surface of a handpiece. Even more specifically, in various examples, the surgical controller is communicatively coupled to the interface device and sets the speed of the peristaltic pump directly based on the surgeon's interaction with the interface device. In the case of electrosurgical ablation, various examples enable the surgeon to control the speed of the peristaltic pump using the interface device. In one case, the surgeon uses the interface device to control the speed of the peristaltic pump across its entire speed range. In other cases, the surgeon controls the speed of the peristaltic pump to be less than the entire speed range within a predefined speed range based on the selected operating mode of the ablation. The specification first turns to example systems to guide the reader.

[0045] Figure 1A surgical system (not to scale) according to at least some embodiments is shown. Specifically, the surgical system 100 includes a surgical controller 102, a resection tool 103, and a foot pedal assembly 104. The resection tool 103 includes a resection instrument 106 comprising an elongated shaft 108 defining a distal end 110. The exemplary resection instrument 106 defines a cutting window 112 within which mechanical resection of tissue is performed. That is, the exemplary resection instrument 106 defines an inner tube (not visible) that extends and retracts within the elongated shaft 108. The inner tube also defines a cutting window similar in shape to the cutting window 112 defined by the elongated shaft 108. When the elongated shaft 108 is stationary, the inner tube is rotated, and tissue extracted into the cutting window is cut by the interaction of the cutting element defined by the elongated shaft 108 and the inner tube. The exemplary resection instrument 106 also defines an active electrode 114 disposed at the distal end 110 of the elongated shaft 108 at a radial position opposite the cutting window 112. Therefore, in the example system, the excision tool 103 can be used for mechanical excision of tissue as well as for electrical ablation (e.g., plasma-based ablation).

[0046] The example cutting tool 103 also includes a motor drive unit (MDU) or a handheld component 116. Although in Figure 1 While not visible, the handheld component 116 includes a motor (e.g., an electric motor) disposed within the outer cover, and when the resection instrument 106 is coupled to the handheld component 116, the rotor of the motor is coupled to the inner tube to cause rotation of the inner tube relative to the stationary elongated shaft 108. The exemplary handheld component 116 also defines an interface device, illustratively shown as a position interface device 118 defined on the outer surface of the handheld component 116. During use, and as discussed in more detail below, the surgeon can use the exemplary position interface device 118 to set or select the aspiration flow rate through the aspiration cavity of the resection instrument 106 (e.g., through the elongated shaft 108 and the inner diameter of the inner tube disposed therein). For the exemplary position interface device 118, interaction may involve moving the position interface device 118 toward the distal end 110 to increase the aspiration flow rate, or moving the position interface device 118 away from the distal end 110 to decrease the aspiration flow rate. Other exemplary interface devices are shown and discussed below. The handheld component 116 also defines additional buttons, such as button 120, on its upper surface. The surgeon can interact with button 120 to set or select various operating parameters. In the case of mechanical resection, the surgeon can interact with button 120 to select the speed of the inner tube and / or the direction of rotation of the inner tube relative to the stationary elongated axis 108 (e.g., clockwise, counterclockwise, oscillation). In the case of ablation, the surgeon can interact with button 120 to set the ablation operating mode (e.g., high, medium, or low), or switch between ablation mode and non-ablation coagulation mode.

[0047] The cutting tool 103 also includes a housing for one or more electrical wires. Figure 1 A flexible multi-core cable 122 (not specifically shown) terminates at a rod connector 124. The rod connector 124 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the surgical controller 102 by means of a connector 126 defined on the outer surface (e.g., front surface) of the housing 132 of the surgical controller 102. With the aid of the flexible multi-core cable 122, the surgical controller 102 can control the speed and direction of the motor within the handheld device 116, read or receive signals and / or values ​​indicative of the surgeon's interaction with the exemplary position interface device 118, and / or read or receive signals indicative of the surgeon's interaction with the button 120.

[0048] Despite Figure 1 Not visible in the view, but the exemplary resection tool 103 has one or more internal suction channels or fluid passages. The fluid passages of the resection tool 103 are coupled to a flexible tubular member 128 for providing suction or aspiration at the distal end 110 of the resection tool 103. In the example system, the flexible tubular member 128 is coupled to a peristaltic pump 130, which is illustratively shown as a component integrated with the surgical controller 102 (i.e., at least partially located within the housing 132 of the surgical controller 102). In other embodiments, the housing for the peristaltic pump 130 may be independent and different from the housing 132 for the surgical controller 102, but in any case, the peristaltic pump 130 is operatively coupled to the surgical controller 102.

[0049] The peristaltic pump 130 includes a rotor portion (not visible) and a stator portion (not visible). The cap of the peristaltic pump 130 is opened using a handle 134, and a flexible tubular member 128 is placed between the rotor and the stator, thus connecting the peristaltic pump 130. Movement of the rotor against the flexible tubular member 128 causes fluid to move toward the discharge port 136. In various examples, the peristaltic pump 130 creates a volume-controlled suction from a cavity or surgical area (not specifically shown) at the distal end 110 of the cutting tool 103, where the outflow rate is based on the speed of the peristaltic pump 130.

[0050] The cutting tool 103, and especially the cutting instrument 106, is also defined to accommodate one or more electrical wires. Figure 1Another flexible multi-core cable 138 (not specifically shown) terminates at an ablation connector 140. The ablation connector 140 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the surgical controller 102 via a connector 142 defined on the outer surface (e.g., front surface) of the housing 132 of the surgical controller 102. With the aid of the multi-core cable 138, the surgical controller 102 can supply electrical energy to the active electrode 114 for electrical-based ablation and / or coagulation. Furthermore, the multi-core cable 138 can provide an electrical return path for the circuitry (e.g., the elongated shaft 108 can be used as a return electrode for electrical-based procedures).

[0051] Still referencing Figure 1 The display device or interface device 145 is visible through the housing 132 of the surgical controller 102, and in some cases, the surgeon can select the operating mode of the surgical controller 102 by means of the interface device 145. For example, by interacting with the touchscreen-type interface device 145, the surgeon can select a rotation mode for mechanical resection. As another example, using the touchscreen-type interface device 145, the surgeon can select the ablation activity level during ablation, such as selecting the ablation operating mode (e.g., high, medium, low). Furthermore, the surgical controller 102 can provide the surgeon with information by means of the interface device 145, such as the current operating mode or cumulative usage time of the active electrode 114 for electrical ablation.

[0052] The example surgical system 100 also includes a foot pedal assembly 104. The example foot pedal assembly 104 includes three foot pedal devices 144, 146, and 148. In the example scenario, the surgeon can switch between mechanical resection and ablation based on interaction with the foot pedal assembly 104. During exemplary mechanical resection, the surgeon can select a direction of rotation and / or mode of operation (e.g., rotating in a first direction by pressing foot pedal device 144 and rotating in the opposite direction by pressing foot pedal device 148). During exemplary ablation, the surgeon can selectively enable and disable ablation (e.g., through interaction with foot pedal device 144) and switch from ablation to coagulation (e.g., through interaction with foot pedal device 146). In this example, the foot pedal assembly 104 is configured to accommodate one or more electrical leads ( Figure 1 A flexible multi-core cable 150 (not specifically shown) is connected to the surgical controller 102. The multi-core cable 150 terminates at a pedal connector 152. The pedal connector 152 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the surgical controller 102 by means of a connector 154 defined on the outer surface (e.g., the front surface) of the housing 132.

[0053] Figure 2 A perspective view of the distal end 110 of an exemplary resection instrument 106 is shown. Figure 2 In the view, with Figure 1 Compared to the previous view, the resection instrument 106 is rotated 180 degrees around its longitudinal central axis, such that the active electrode 114 is at the top of the view and the cutting window 112 faces downwards. Specifically, in Figure 2 A portion of the cut window 112, the active electrode 114, and a portion of the elongated shaft 108 can be seen. Figure 2 An insulator 200 (e.g., ceramic) can also be seen, which electrically isolates the active electrode 114 from the elongated shaft 108, which serves as a return electrode during ablation and solidification. Furthermore, Figure 2 The inner tube 202 is shown, and in the illustrated configuration, the inner tube 202 stops at a position that at least partially obstructs the rotation of the cutting window 112. In other words, the corresponding cutting window defined by the inner tube 202 is located in a rotational position within the inner diameter of the elongated shaft 108 that is not aligned with the cutting window 112.

[0054] An exemplary active electrode 114 is disposed at the distal end 110. The active electrode 114 is a metallic material, and during ablation, plasma can form around and / or near the active electrode 114. The exemplary active electrode 114 defines an orifice 204 that is fluidly coupled to a suction chamber defined within the inner diameter of the inner tube 202; however, in Figure 2 In the view, the suction chamber is not visible. During ablation, the peristaltic pump 130 ( Figure 1 Fluid and tissue products are aspirated through orifice 204 and along the aspiration cavity. More specifically, in the example case, surgical controller 102 ( Figure 1 The foot pedal assembly 104 is designed and configured such that it is removed (e.g., released) whenever mechanical disengagement is stopped. Figure 1 When the surgical controller 102 stops the inner tube at a rotational orientation that partially or completely blocks flow into the cutting window 112 defined by the elongated shaft 108, the volume-controlled suction provided by the peristaltic pump 130 occurs partially or completely through the orifice 204 of the active electrode 114.

[0055] Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of the distal end 110 of an exemplary resection instrument 106 is shown. Specifically, in Figure 3 The cut window 112, a portion of the slender shaft 108, and the inner tube 202 can be seen. Figure 3 In the view, the inner tube 202 is in a rotational orientation, where the cutting window 300 of the inner tube 202 is aligned with the cutting window 112 of the elongated shaft 108. Due to the rotational alignment, the suction chamber 302 defined within the inner diameter of the inner tube 202 (and therefore also within the inner diameter of the elongated shaft 108) can also be seen. During mechanical resection, the peristaltic pump 130 ( Figure 1The volume-controlled suction flow aspirates fluid and tissue into aligned cutting windows 112 and 300. As the inner tube 202 rotates, the interaction of cutting windows 112 and 300 cuts or removes the tissue disposed therein, and thus fluid and tissue fragments are aspirated or transported along the suction cavity defined by the resection instrument 106. In the illustrated orientation, the inner tube 202 blocks the orifice 204 ( Figure 2 At other points of rotation of the inner tube 202, the cutting window 300 is aligned with the orifice 204, allowing the suction flow to move instantaneously through the orifice 204 of the active electrode. However, the inner tube 202 may rotate at several thousand revolutions per minute (RPM), and therefore the suction through the active electrode 114 during mechanical removal is relatively low.

[0056] The related art handpiece includes a valve located within the suction path between the resection device and a suction source (such as a wall suction source in an operating room). During the mechanical resection procedure of the related art, the surgeon adjusts the flow rate along the suction path within the resection device by adjusting the valve position. Figure 4 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the related art handpiece. Specifically, Figure 4 shows a portion of the defined receiver 402 of the housing 400. A motor 406 defining a drive shaft 408 is located within the housing 400. The drive shaft extends into the receiver 402 and is coupled to an example drive fork. The related art handpiece defines a suction path 410 from the receiver 402 at the distal end to a tube connector 412 at the proximal end. Thus, fluid and tissue debris aspirated by the resection device (not shown) flows along the suction path 410. The suction path 410 includes a valve member 414 coupled to an external valve handle 416. Figure 3 In this arrangement, valve member 414 is fully open. During the mechanical resection procedure of the related technique, the surgeon adjusts the flow rate along the suction path 410 by adjusting the position of valve member 414. When a higher flow rate is required, the surgeon opens the valve (as shown), and when a lower flow rate is required, the surgeon rotates the valve handle 416, and thus a contraction is formed within the suction path 410 by means of valve member 414.

[0057] Using valve member 414 to control the aspiration flow rate can have disadvantages. For example, the introduction of contractile tissue blockages that can be removed by the resection device to reduce or limit the aspiration flow rate. If the blockage can be cleared, the surgeon may need to spend many seconds recognizing that the aspiration flow has stopped and opening the valve to clear the blockage. Furthermore, once the blockage is cleared, the aspiration flow may jump to a higher rate than the surgeon expects or anticipates. Additionally, the amount of aspiration flow is not linearly related to the position of the valve handle 416 across its span. In fact, the valve can be almost completely closed at the “midpoint” of the valve handle 416’s stroke. This non-linear relationship between the position of the valve handle 416 and the aspiration flow rate can make it difficult for the surgeon to achieve or quickly reach the desired flow rate. Moreover, valve member 414 wears over time—for example, the edges at the boundaries of valve member 414 may wear over time—which alters the responsiveness of the aspiration flow rate to the position of the valve handle 416. Therefore, a “new” related technology handpiece may have a different responsiveness to the position of the valve handle 416 compared to a handpiece nearing the end of its service life. Furthermore, the handpiece of the related technology was not considered for use with the resection instrument 106, which also performs ablation. Therefore, if the handpiece of the related technology is used with the resection instrument 106 ( Figure 1 If used together, the position of valve component 414 may adversely affect the operation of the equipment during ablation.

[0058] Back Figure 1 The aforementioned problem is addressed at least in part by the handpiece 116 and the surgical controller 102, which uses a peristaltic pump 130 to control the aspiration flow rate via the resection instrument 106 and the handpiece 116, rather than by controlled contraction within the aspiration path. More specifically, regardless of whether the surgeon performs mechanical resection or ablation, the aspiration flow rate via the resection instrument 103 is controlled by the speed of the peristaltic pump. In such cases, the handpiece 116 omits the valve component 414 (Figure 4). More specifically, in various examples, the surgical controller 102 is communicatively coupled to an interface device (illustratively shown as a position interface device 118) and sets the speed of the peristaltic pump directly based on the surgeon's interaction with the interface device. In various examples, the surgical controller 102 does not implement closed-loop control of the aspiration flow rate; instead, in various examples, the aspiration flow rate is controlled solely by the surgeon's interaction with the interface device. The specification now turns to several exemplary interface devices.

[0059] Figure 5A Example handheld component 116 is shown. Specifically, Figure 5A The handheld component 116 is shown, including a housing 500. The housing 500 defines a receiver 502 at its distal end, and a resection instrument 106 ( Figure 1The retractable ... Figure 2 Furthermore, the resection instrument 106 is connected to the receiver 502, and the suction chamber 302 of the resection instrument 106 is... Figure 3 It is fluidly coupled to a suction path defined by housing 500 and fluidly coupled to a tube connector 504 defined on the proximal end of handpiece 116. In an example case, handpiece 116 does not include a valve in the suction path between receiver 502 and tube connector 504.

[0060] The handheld device 116 also includes an interface device in the example form of a position interface device 118. In use, the surgical controller 102 ( Figure 1 The position of the position interface device 118 is read, and the peristaltic pump 130 is controlled or set based on the position of the position interface device 118. Figure 1 The speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is controlled by the position interface device 118. For example, when the surgeon slides the position interface device 118 toward the distal end of the handpiece 116, the surgical controller 102 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. Conversely, when the surgeon slides the position interface device 118 toward the proximal end of the handpiece 116, the surgical controller 102 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. In the case of mechanical resection, the speed of the peristaltic pump can be set at any point along the entire speed range of the peristaltic pump 130 (e.g., 10 to 400 RPM) by the position of the position interface device 118. That is, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is directly and exclusively set and controlled by the position of the position interface device 118. For example, when the position interface device 118 is in its most distal position, the surgical controller 102 ( Figure 1 The peristaltic pump 130 is set at the upper limit of the speed range (e.g., 400 RPM) when the position interface device 118 is in the middle position along the travel length; the surgical controller 102 sets the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 in the middle of the speed range (e.g., about 200 RPM) when the position interface device 118 is in the middle position along the travel length; and the surgical controller 102 sets the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 at the lower limit of the speed range (e.g., 10 RPM) when the position interface device 118 is in the middle position along the travel length.

[0061] In the case of ablation, several specific implementations are possible. In one example, ablation can be implemented in one of several modes, where these modes define the amount of energy supplied to the active electrode during ablation, and the speed of the peristaltic pump can be set at any point along the entire speed range (e.g., 10 to 400 RPM) via the position of the position interface device 118. For example, in the "high" mode, energy in the high range can be supplied to the active electrode, and the surgeon adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 throughout the entire speed range (e.g., 10 to 400 RPM) via the position of the position interface device 118. In the "medium" mode, energy in the medium range below the high range can be supplied to the active electrode, and the surgeon again adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 throughout the entire speed range (e.g., 10 to 400 RPM) via the position of the position interface device 118. In the "low" mode, energy in the low range below the medium and high ranges can be supplied to the active electrode, and the surgeon again adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 throughout the entire speed range (e.g., 10 to 400 RPM) via the position of the position interface device 118. When operating in any of the example modes, increasing the aspiration flow rate may increase plasma instability and thus increase the associated coagulation rate, while relatively decreasing the aspiration flow rate may decrease plasma instability and thus decrease the associated coagulation rate. That is, regardless of the mode, adjusting the aspiration flow rate during ablation is unlikely to remove fluid or debris more quickly, although this may be possible; conversely, adjusting the aspiration flow rate during ablation may distort or adjust the tissue effect. In these example cases, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is directly and exclusively set and controlled by the position of the position interface device 118 throughout the entire speed range of the peristaltic pump 130.

[0062] Still considering ablation, in other examples, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a certain speed range via the position interface device 118, where this speed range is predetermined based on the ablation operation mode. For example, in the exemplary high mode, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a first predetermined speed range (e.g., 100 to 400 RPM); in the exemplary medium mode, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a second predetermined speed range (e.g., 60 to 250 RPM); and in the exemplary low mode, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a third predetermined speed range (e.g., 10 to 100 RPM). Similarly, here, when operating in any of the example modes, increasing the aspiration flow rate is likely to increase plasma instability, thus increasing the associated coagulation rate, and vice versa. Therefore, regardless of the mode, adjusting the aspiration flow rate during ablation is unlikely to remove fluid or debris more quickly, although this may be possible; rather, adjusting the aspiration flow rate during ablation may distort or adjust the tissue effect. It should also be noted that although the exemplary predetermined speed ranges in this paragraph overlap, each predetermined speed range is smaller than the entire range of pump speeds of a peristaltic pump.

[0063] Figure 5B Another example handheld component 116 is shown. Specifically, Figure 5B The handheld device 116 shown also includes a housing 500 and a receiver 502. Again, in this example case, the handheld device 116 does not include a valve in the suction path between the receiver 502 and the tube connector 504. The handheld device 116 also includes an interface device in the example form of a position interface device 506. The exemplary position interface device 506 is similar to the valve handle 416 (FIG. 4); however, the exemplary position interface device 506 is not coupled to an internal valve component. Instead, the position of the position interface device 506 can be determined by the surgical controller 102 ( Figure 1 The surgical controller 102 reads the position of the position interface device 506 during use and controls or sets the peristaltic pump 130 based on the position of the position interface device 506. Figure 1The speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is controlled by the position of the position interface device 506. For example, when the surgeon rotates the exemplary position interface device 506 toward the distal end of the handpiece 116, the surgical controller 102 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. Conversely, when the surgeon rotates the exemplary position interface device 506 toward the proximal end of the handpiece 116, the surgical controller 102 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. In mechanical resection and some ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump can be set at any point along the entire speed range of the peristaltic pump 130 by the position of the position interface device 506. In other ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a certain speed range by the position of the position interface device 506, wherein, as discussed above, this speed range is predetermined based on the ablation operation mode.

[0064] The various interface devices discussed so far are position interface devices, because the position of the device defines the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 and also visually indicates the pump speed setting to the surgeon. The specification now turns to exemplary non-position interface devices.

[0065] Figure 5C Another example handheld component 116 is shown. Specifically, Figure 5C The handheld device 116 shown also includes a housing 500 and a receiver 502. Again, in the example case, Figure 5C The handheld device 116 does not include a valve in the suction path between the receiver 502 and the tube connector 504. The handheld device 116 also includes an interface device in the exemplary form of a set of buttons—inventorily an up button 508 and a down button 510. Each of buttons 508 and 510 can be a momentary switch or momentary button that springs back to a resting position after each actuation. Surgical controller 102 ( Figure 1 The actuation of the up button 508 or the down button 510 can be sensed in any suitable manner. In use, the surgical controller 102 senses the actuation of buttons 508 and 510 and controls or sets the peristaltic pump 130 based on these actuations. Figure 1 The speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is controlled by the actuation of the peristaltic pump 130. For example, when the surgeon pushes or actuates the up button 508, the surgical controller 102 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. Conversely, when the surgeon pushes or actuates the down button 510, the surgical controller 102 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. In other words, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is set and controlled directly and exclusively by the actuation of an interface device in the form of a non-position interface device (shown as buttons 508 and 510).

[0066] In mechanical ablation and some ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump can be set at any point along the entire speed range of the peristaltic pump 130 by actuation of buttons 508 and 510. In other ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a certain speed range by actuation of buttons 508 and 510, wherein this speed range is predetermined based on the selected operating mode of the ablation as discussed above. In other words, in the exemplary case, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is set and controlled directly and exclusively by actuation of a non-position interface device (illustratively shown as buttons 508 and 510).

[0067] Figure 5D Another example handheld component 116 is shown. Specifically, Figure 5D The handheld device 116 shown also includes a housing 500 and a receiver 502. Again, in the example case, Figure 5D The handheld device 116 does not include a valve in the suction path between the receiver 502 and the tube connector 504. The handheld device 116 also includes an interface device in the exemplary form of a momentary rocker switch 512. Specifically, the exemplary momentary rocker switch 512 defines a stationary orientation in which no Boolean signal is asserted. However, pushing downward on the distal end 514 of the momentary rocker switch 512 produces an upward actuation, and pushing relatively downward on the proximal end 516 of the momentary rocker switch 512 produces a downward actuation. The momentary rocker switch 512 can spring back to its stationary position after each actuation. Surgical controller 102 ( Figure 1 The surgical controller 102 senses upward or downward actuation in any suitable manner. In use, the surgical controller 102 senses the actuation of the momentary rocker switch 512 and sets the peristaltic pump 130 based on these actuations. Figure 1 The speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is controlled by the actuation of the momentary rocker switch 512. For example, when the surgeon pushes or actuates the distal end 514 of the momentary rocker switch 512, the surgical controller 102 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. Conversely, when the surgeon pushes or actuates the proximal end 516 of the momentary rocker switch 512, the surgical controller 102 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. In mechanical resection and some ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump can be set at any point along the entire speed range of the peristaltic pump 130 by actuation of the momentary rocker switch 512. In other ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a certain speed range by actuation of the momentary rocker switch 512, wherein the speed range is predetermined based on the selected operating mode of the ablation as discussed above.

[0068] against Figures 5A to 5DThe interface devices discussed are merely examples, and many variations are possible. For instance, the interface device could be a knob without position markings that rotates about an axis of rotation. Rotating the knob in a first direction increases the speed of the peristaltic pump, while rotating it in a second direction opposite to the first direction decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump. Furthermore, the interface device could be a solid-state component, such as a capacitive touch sensor with an elongated dimension parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the handpiece 116. Thus, a surgeon could slide their finger along the touch sensor from the proximal end of the handpiece 116 toward the distal end to indicate that the speed of the peristaltic pump should increase. Conversely, a surgeon could slide their finger along the touch sensor from the distal end of the handpiece 116 toward the proximal end to indicate that the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 should decrease. Knobs without position markings, capacitive touch sensors, Boolean interaction devices, and similar devices are examples of non-position interface devices as previously defined.

[0069] As implied above, the example surgical system 100 can switch between mechanical resection and ablation based on the surgeon's judgment. Implementing the interface device as a non-positional interface device enables additional features that might not be present if the interface device were a positional interface device. Specifically, consider a scenario where the surgical system 100 is used for mechanical resection, and the surgeon subsequently chooses to switch to ablation. In such a scenario, the surgical controller 102 can stop the motor of the handpiece 116 (e.g., at a predetermined rotational position—such as when the cutting window is closed). The surgical controller 102 can then supply electrical power to the active electrode 114. However, because a non-positional interface device does not have a position or orientation that directly indicates the speed of the peristaltic pump 130, the surgical controller 102 can set the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 in several different ways during a newly established ablation. In one case, the surgical controller 102 can set the speed to an initial or default speed. In other cases, the surgical controller 102 can set the speed to the same speed as the immediately preceding ablation. Setting the speed to an initial or default speed upon entering ablation and / or setting the speed to the same as the previous ablation upon entering ablation should not be considered automatic or closed-loop speed control. Subsequently, the surgical controller 102 can adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 in response to the surgeon's interaction with the interface device.

[0070] Consider a scenario where surgical system 100 is used for ablation, and the surgeon subsequently chooses to switch to mechanical resection. In such a scenario, surgical controller 102 can terminate the supply of electrical power to active electrode 114 and subsequently drive the motor within handpiece 116 to perform mechanical resection of tissue. As part of the mechanical resection, surgical system 100 can also aspirate fluid and tissue debris through the suction chamber of resection instrument 106. However, because the non-position interface device does not directly instruct the speed of peristaltic pump 130, surgical controller 102 can set the speed of peristaltic pump 130 in several different ways during the newly established mechanical resection. In one case, surgical controller 102 can set the speed to an initial or default speed. In other cases, surgical controller 102 can set the speed to the same speed as the immediately preceding mechanical resection. Subsequently, surgical controller 102 can adjust the speed of peristaltic pump 130 in response to the surgeon's interaction with the interface device.

[0071] Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary surgical system 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 6 An electrosurgical controller 600, a peristaltic pump controller 602, and a resection controller 604 are illustrated. In some example surgical systems, the electrosurgical controller 600, the peristaltic pump controller 602, and the resection controller 604 are communication-coupled, independent, and distinct components. However, in the exemplary surgical system 100, the functionality of the electrosurgical controller 600, the peristaltic pump controller 602, and the resection controller 604 is implemented by and / or contained within a surgical controller 102. The remainder of the discussion is based on the surgical controller 102 with combined functionality.

[0072] An exemplary surgical controller 102 includes a processing device 606, an electrosurgical generator 608, a pump motor driver 610, a peristaltic pump 130 and a peristaltic motor 624 (shown as a single element), and a resection motor driver 614. The electrosurgical generator 608 is communicatively coupled to the processing device 606. The electrosurgical generator 608 defines an active terminal 616 coupled to an electrical pin or terminal 618 in a connector 142, and a return terminal 620 coupled to a return pin or terminal 622 in the connector 142. Although in Figure 6 Not shown, but ablative connector 140 ( Figure 1 ) is configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to connector 142, and thus to the active electrode 114 ( Figure 1The active electrode 114 and the return electrode (e.g., the elongated shaft 108) are electrically coupled to the electrosurgical generator 608. The processing device 606 can command the electrosurgical generator 608 to supply electrical energy to the active electrode 114 to produce electrosurgical results, such as ablation of tissue near the active electrode 114, or coagulation of blood associated with the tissue. Additional terminals (e.g., for additional active electrodes) may be present in the connector 142, but such additional terminals are not shown to avoid further complicating the figures.

[0073] Pump motor driver 610 is communicatively coupled to processing device 606. Pump motor driver 610 is also coupled to peristaltic motor 624 and peristaltic pump 130. Peristaltic motor 624 can take many forms, and therefore pump motor driver 610 can take many forms. For example, peristaltic motor 624 can be an AC motor having a drive shaft coupled to peristaltic pump 130, and therefore pump motor driver 610 can be a variable frequency AC motor driver. In other cases, peristaltic motor 624 can be a DC motor coupled to peristaltic pump 130, and therefore pump motor driver 610 can be a variable voltage DC motor driver. Furthermore, peristaltic motor 624 can be a stepper motor coupled to peristaltic pump 130, and therefore pump motor driver 610 can be a stepper motor driver. Other types of peristaltic motor 624 can be used, and therefore other pump motor drivers 610 can be used. Regardless of the exact type of peristaltic motor 624, in the example system, processing device 606 can command pump motor driver 610 to drive peristaltic pump 130 at a specific speed. More specifically, in the example case, processing device 606 is based on handheld device 116 ( Figure 1 The position and / or actuation of the interface device defined by the handheld device are used to set and control the speed setpoint provided to the pump motor driver 610, and the pump motor driver 610 then drives the peristaltic motor 624 at the selected speed.

[0074] The cut-off motor driver 614 is communicatively coupled to the processing device 606. Furthermore, the cut-off motor driver 614 is coupled to one or more electrical pins or motor terminals, illustratively shown as motor terminals 626, in connector 126. The number of additional motor terminals that the cut-off motor driver 614 can couple depends on the handheld component 116 ( Figure 1The type of motor implemented in the handheld device 116. The motor implemented in the handheld device 116 can take many forms, and therefore the cut-off motor driver 614 can take many forms. For example, the motor implemented in the handheld device 116 can be an AC motor, and therefore the cut-off motor driver 614 can be a variable frequency AC motor driver. In other cases, the motor implemented in the handheld device 116 can be a coupled DC motor, and therefore the cut-off motor driver 614 can be a transformer DC motor driver. Furthermore, the motor implemented in the handheld device 116 can be a stepper motor, and therefore the cut-off motor driver 614 can be a stepper motor driver. Other types of motors can be implemented in the handheld device 116, and therefore other cut-off motor drivers 614 can be used.

[0075] Regardless of the exact type of motor implemented in the handpiece 116, in the example system, the processing device 606 commands the resection motor driver 614 to drive the motor in the handpiece 116 to remove tissue. In other cases, such as when the surgical controller 102 switches from mechanical resection to ablation or coagulation, the processing device 606 commands the resection motor driver 614 to stop the motor implemented in the handpiece 116 at a rotational position, causing the resection instrument 106 ( Figure 1 The cutting element of the inner tube 202 is partially or completely blocked. For example, the handheld component 116 can implement a Hall-effect sensor, and the cutting instrument 106 can implement a magnet on the rotating element, making it possible to determine the inner tube 202. Figure 2 The rotational position relative to the elongated shaft 108. For example, U.S. Patent Application 17 / 315,840, filed May 10, 2021, entitled "Systems and Methods of Determining Orientation of Cutting Windows of a Mechanical Resection Instrument," discusses several arrangements for determining the rotational orientation of the cutting element of a resection instrument, which is incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in its entirety below. Thus, the processing device 606 can be communicatively coupled to a sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) within the handheld component 116 and use that information to stop the inner tube 202 at the appropriate rotational orientation. In other cases, the resection motor driver 614 provides sufficient processing power such that the processing device 606 provides an indication of the stop position, and the resection motor driver 614 drives the motor in the handheld component 116 and stops the motor to achieve the selected stop position.

[0076] Still referencing Figure 6 In the example system, in response to the surgeon and the handheld device 116 ( Figure 1The interface device defined on the surgical controller 102 (and in particular the treatment device 606) interacts with the peristaltic pump 130 to control or regulate its speed. Therefore, in the example case, the surgical controller 102 (and specifically the treatment device 606) receives commands from the interface device via connector 126. Figure 6 An exemplary electrical arrangement is shown, through which processing device 606 can receive or read information about interface devices. More specifically, Figure 6 An example potentiometer 628 is shown as a mechanism for sensing interaction between a surgeon and an interface device. In this example case, the potentiometer 628 is disposed within a resection tool 103 (such as a handheld component 116), and the potentiometer 628 is operatively coupled to the interface device. The interface device is considered to be... Figure 1 The position interface device 118 (e.g., a slider). In the example system, a first connection or lead of potentiometer 628 is coupled via a pin or terminal of connector 126 to a voltage source provided within the surgical controller 102. A second connection or lead of potentiometer 628 is coupled via a pin or terminal of connector 126 to a reference voltage (e.g., ground or common voltage) within the surgical controller 102. The brush 630 of potentiometer 628 is coupled via a pin or terminal of connector 126 to processing device 606. Thus, in the example system, processing device 606 reads a voltage indicating the position of example position interface device 118. Using a potentiometer as a mechanism for reading the position of a position interface device is merely one example. Other mechanisms include proximity sensors, optical measurement systems, and packet-based messaging systems, where the processing device within handheld device 116 performs position measurement in some form and transmits the position information to processing device 606 by means of packet-based communication. Examples of communicative coupling to non-position interface devices are discussed in more detail below.

[0077] The exemplary surgical controller 102 also defines a connector 154. Although in Figure 6 Not shown, but pedal connector 152 ( Figure 1 The foot pedal devices 144, 146, and / or 148 are configured to be mechanically and electrically coupled to connector 154, and thus electrically coupled to processing device 606. Processing device 606 therefore receives commands to enable and disable electrosurgical generator 608, and similarly receives commands to enable and disable cut motor driver 614.

[0078] Figure 7 A block diagram of an exemplary surgical system is shown. Specifically, Figure 7 An exemplary surgical controller 102 is shown, which has a plurality of [unclear text - likely related to a specific controller or feature] Figure 6 The same components are used in the same way, and therefore those components will not be described again to avoid unduly prolonging the discussion. However, Figure 7 An example system is shown, in which the handheld component 116 ( Figure 1 The interface device implements a non-positional interface device (e.g., such as...). Figure 5C or Figure 5D As shown in the diagram. More specifically, non-positional interface devices include momentary push buttons, such as the up button 508 (shown in the diagram). Figure 5C ) and the down button 510 ( Figure 5C ); and / or a momentary rocker switch, such as momentary rocker switch 512 ( Figure 5D These exemplary non-positional interface devices are Boolean devices because the interaction between the surgeon and the interface device generates Boolean signals that are read by the processing device 606. However, non-positional interface devices also include “analog” devices (such as knobs, wheels) whose implicit setpoints are not apparent from the device’s location or manufacture.

[0079] Figure 7 Non-position interface devices, such as momentary switches 700 and 702, are illustrated to form Boolean signals. Specifically, momentary switch 700 defines a first wire or connection coupled to a reference voltage (e.g., ground or common voltage) via connector 126, and a second wire or connection coupled to pull-up resistor 704 and processing device 606. Similarly, momentary switch 702 defines a first wire or connection coupled to a reference voltage via connector 126, and a second wire or connection coupled to pull-up resistor 706 and processing device 606. Thus, in this example, processing device 606 can read Boolean signals indicating the position of momentary switches 700 and 702. Representing momentary switch 700, in a static or non-assertive state, momentary switch 700 is open or non-conducting, and therefore the voltage sensed by processing device 606 will be high. However, when the momentary switch 700 is pressed or asserted, the second lead of the pull-up resistor 704 is grounded, and therefore the processing device 606 senses a low voltage (e.g., the Boolean signal sensed by the processing device 606 is asserted as low). Figure 7 The arrangement shown is merely an example, and other arrangements for the example instantaneous switches 700 and 702 for electrical coupling are possible, including arrangements where the signal sensed by the processing device 606 is asserted as high, and arrangements where the state of the instantaneous switches 700 and 702 is sensed by the processing device within the handheld device and communication is performed using packet-based messages. Furthermore, the instantaneous switches 700 and 702 can be replaced with an optical system, wherein actuation alters the state of light propagating through the aperture.

[0080] The processing device 606 can take any suitable form. In some cases, the processing device 606 can be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) designed to read various inputs and control the electrosurgical generator 608, the pump motor driver 610, and / or the resection motor driver 614. In other cases, the processing device 606 can be a processor-type device, such as a microcontroller with control software, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) with control software, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or a processor with control software, which in each case is designed and configured to read various inputs and control the electrosurgical generator 608, the pump motor driver 610, and / or the resection motor driver 614. In addition to or instead of the foregoing, the processing device 606 can be implemented as a programmable logic device (PLD) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configured to read various inputs and control the electrosurgical generator 608, the pump motor driver 610, and / or the resection motor driver 614. Furthermore, the processing device 606 may be or include separate circuit components designed and configured to read various inputs and control the electrosurgical generator 608, the pump motor driver 610, and / or the ablation motor driver 614.

[0081] The instruction manual now shifts to various operating techniques based on a variety of examples. Also refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 6 First, consider a surgical system 100 used for mechanical tissue resection. In this case, the surgical system 100 is designed and configured to drive a motor within a handheld component 116 to remove tissue via a resection instrument 106, driven by a resection motor driver 614 of a surgical controller 102. During tissue resection, the exemplary surgical system 100 aspirates fluid and tissue debris through the suction chamber of the resection instrument 106. That is, the surgical system 100 drives a peristaltic pump 130 by means of a pump motor driver 610 to aspirate fluid and tissue debris. During this resection and aspiration, the surgical system 100 adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 in response to interaction between the surgeon and an interface device (such as a positional interface device or a non-positional interface device). In other words, in the example case, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is set and controlled directly and exclusively through interaction with the interface device.

[0082] For example, the surgical system 100 (and particularly the processing device 606 of the exemplary surgical controller 102) can read the position interface device 118, and this reading generates data indicating the position. Based on the position-indicating data, the processing device 606 sets the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 by communicating with the pump motor driver 610. In the case of tissue resection and some ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a certain speed range, such as the entire operating speed range (e.g., 10 RPM to 400 RPM). As another example, the surgical system 100 (and particularly the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102) can receive actuation instructions from an interface device in the form of a non-position interface device and / or interact with a momentary rocker switch 512, such as an up button (e.g., momentary switch 700) and a down button (e.g., momentary switch 702). Again, in the case of tissue resection and some ablation implementations, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 can be set within a certain speed range, such as the entire operating speed range (e.g., 10 RPM to 400 RPM), via a non-position interface device. For example, when the up button is actuated, the processing device 606 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 by communicating with the pump motor driver 610, and conversely, when the down button is actuated, the processing device 606 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 by communicating with the pump motor driver 610.

[0083] Now consider using an active electrode 114 to use the surgical system 100 for ablation and / or coagulation. In such cases, the surgical system 100 is designed and configured to position the resection instrument 106 such that the cutting window 112 is partially or completely blocked. Specifically, the processing device 606 can command the resection motor driver 614 to stop the inner tube in a specific rotational orientation. Once the resection instrument 106 is mechanically positioned, the surgical system 100 (and particularly the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102) commands the electrosurgical generator 608 to provide electrical energy to the active electrode 114, whereby the electrical energy causes tissue ablation and / or coagulation. During the application of electrical energy, the surgical system 100 is designed and configured to aspirate fluid and tissue fragments through the suction chamber of the resection instrument 106 by means of a peristaltic pump 130. In some cases, at least a portion of the fluid and / or tissue passes through the orifice 204 of the active electrode 114 ( Figure 2 Extraction is performed.

[0084] In the example ablation, the surgical system 100 can implement various operating modes. For example, the surgeon can interact with the processing device 606 via button 120 to set the operating mode (e.g., high, medium, or low). In other examples, the surgeon can interact with the processing device 606 via interface device 145 to select the operating mode. For example, by interacting with the interface device 145, which is in the form of a touchscreen, the surgeon transmits the selected ablation operating mode to the processing device 606. In yet another example, by interacting with the foot pedal assembly 104, the surgeon transmits the selected ablation operating mode to the processing device 606.

[0085] The ablation mode of operation may be related to the aggressiveness of the ablation. In the example "high" mode, higher energy can be delivered to the active electrode. The exemplary high mode can be used for large-scale tissue removal, such as rapid area clearing (e.g., incision emulation during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) replacement). In some cases, within the high mode, the interface device can be used to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump across its entire speed range. In other cases, the exemplary high mode may also include a high predetermined speed range (e.g., 100 to 400 RPM) within which the peristaltic pump 130 operates during the high mode. In such cases, during the high mode, the interface device can be used to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 within the speed range defined by the high mode.

[0086] Conversely, in the example "low" mode, lower energy can be supplied to the active electrode than in both the high and medium modes. The exemplary low mode can be used for fine sculpting of tissues. In some cases, within the low mode, the interface device can be used to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump across its entire speed range. In other cases, the exemplary low mode may also include a low predetermined speed range (e.g., 10 to 100 RPM) within which the peristaltic pump 130 operates during the low mode. In such cases, during the low mode, the interface device can be used to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 within the speed range defined by the low mode.

[0087] Between the high and low modes, the example system can implement a "medium" mode. In medium mode, medium energy can be supplied to the active electrodes, with the energy level falling between that of the high and medium modes. In some cases, within medium mode, the interface device can be used to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump across its entire speed range. In other cases, the exemplary medium mode may also include a low predetermined speed range (e.g., 60 to 250 RPM) within which the peristaltic pump 130 operates during medium mode. In such cases, during medium mode, the interface device can be used to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 within the speed range defined by medium mode.

[0088] When the ablation mode also achieves a predefined speed range, the following information is presented in tabular form to link the information.

[0089]

[0090] Table 1

[0091] Therefore, in the example system, the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102 receives an instruction for an operating mode selected from a variety of operating modes. In the example system where each operating mode includes a predefined pump speed range, the mode selection defines and implements a predetermined pump speed range, each pump speed range being smaller than the entire pump speed range of the peristaltic pump. Furthermore, in these examples, the surgical system 100 (and in particular the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102) is designed and configured to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 within the pump speed range defined by the operating mode in response to interaction between the surgeon and the interface device.

[0092] Considering that each operating mode includes a predefined pump speed range, the surgical system 100 (and particularly the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102) can read the position interface device 118, and this reading generates data indicating the position. Based on the data indicating the position, the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102 sets the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 within the range defined by the operating mode. As another example, the surgical system 100 (and particularly the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102) can receive actuation instructions from interface devices in the form of non-position interface devices and / or interact with momentary rocker switch 512, such as an up button (e.g., momentary switch 700) and a down button (e.g., momentary switch 702). When the up button is actuated, the processing device 606 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 within the range defined by the operating mode by communicating with the pump motor driver 610. Conversely, when the down button is actuated, the processing device 606 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 within the range defined by the operating mode by communicating with the pump motor driver 610.

[0093] Example surgical system 100 switches between mechanical resection and ablation based on the surgeon's judgment. Implementing the interface device as a non-positional interface device enables additional features. Specifically, consider a scenario where surgical system 100 is used for mechanical resection, and the surgeon subsequently chooses to switch to ablation. In such a scenario, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can stop the motor of handpiece 116 at a rotational position, such that the cutting window 112 is at least partially blocked. Subsequently, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can command electrosurgical generator 608 to provide electrical power to active electrode 114. However, because the non-positional interface device does not directly instruct the speed of peristaltic pump 130, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can set the speed of peristaltic pump 130 in several different ways during newly established ablation. In one case, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can set the speed to an initial or default speed (e.g., in the middle of the speed range of the selected operating mode). In other cases, the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102 can set the speed to the same speed as the previous ablation (e.g., the immediately preceding ablation). Thereafter, the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102 can adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 in response to interaction between the surgeon and the interface device.

[0094] Consider now a scenario where surgical system 100 is used for ablation and / or coagulation, and the surgeon subsequently chooses to switch to mechanical resection. In such a scenario, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can command electrosurgical generator 608 to terminate the supply of electrical power to active electrode 114, and subsequently, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can command resection motor driver 614 to drive the motor within handpiece 116, and further command pump motor driver 610 to drive peristaltic pump 130 to aspirate fluid and tissue debris through the suction chamber of resection instrument 106. However, because the non-position interface device does not directly indicate the speed of peristaltic pump 130, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can set the speed of peristaltic pump 130 in several different ways during the newly established mechanical resection. In one case, the processing device 606 of surgical controller 102 can set the speed to an initial or default speed (e.g., in the middle of the entire speed range of peristaltic pump 130). In other cases, the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102 can set the speed to the same speed as the previous mechanical resection (e.g., the immediately preceding mechanical resection). Thereafter, the processing device 606 of the surgical controller 102 can adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 in response to interaction between the surgeon and the interface device.

[0095] Return to Figure 1The various examples provided so far are based on a resection tool 103, which includes a handpiece 116 designed and configured to realize a motor rotating the inner tube of a resection instrument 106, wherein the resection instrument 106 also includes an active electrode 114 by means of performing ablation and / or coagulation. In the example systems, regardless of whether the system performs mechanical resection or ablation / coagulation, the aspiration rate of fluid and tissue fragments is set and directly controlled by an interface device (such as a position interface device 118) on and defined by the handpiece 116. The exemplary handpiece 116 can also be used with a resection instrument that performs only mechanical resection, and in those cases, the aspiration rate can also be controlled by the interface device. In contrast, the surgical system 100 does not need to perform mechanical resection in all cases and may perform only ablation / coagulation.

[0096] Figure 8 Another example surgical system 100 is shown. Specifically, the surgical system 100 includes a surgical controller 102, a resection tool 103, and a foot pedal assembly 104. However, in this case, the resection tool 103 performs ablation and / or coagulation, and the resection tool 103 does not perform and cannot perform mechanical resection. More specifically, the resection tool 103 includes an elongated shaft 800 defining a distal end 110. The resection tool 103 also defines a handle 802 at the proximal end of the elongated shaft 800, which is where the surgeon grips the resection tool 103 during surgery. The resection tool 103 also includes a flexible multi-core cable 138 that houses one or more electrical leads (not specifically shown) and terminates at an ablation connector 140. By means of the multi-core cable 138, the surgical controller 102 can supply electrical power to the active electrode 114 for electrical-based ablation and / or coagulation. Furthermore, the multi-core cable 138 can provide an electrical return path for the circuit (e.g., the slender shaft 800 can be used as a return electrode for electrical-based surgery). Although in Figure 8 Not visible in the view, but the elongated shaft 800 defines an internal fluid conduit or suction chamber fluidly connected to the flexible tubular member 128. As mentioned above, the tubular member 128 is connected to the peristaltic pump 130.

[0097] The exemplary resection tool 103 also defines an interface device, which is illustratively shown as a position interface device 804 defined on the outer surface of the handle 802. During use, and as discussed above, the surgeon can use the exemplary position interface device 804 to set or select the aspiration flow rate through the aspiration cavity of the resection tool 103 (e.g., through the inner diameter of the elongated shaft 800). The exemplary resection tool 103 also defines additional buttons, such as button 806, on its upper surface. The surgeon can interact with button 806 to set or select various operating parameters (such as ablation operating modes as discussed above), or to switch between ablation and non-ablation coagulation modes.

[0098] In the example system, the surgical controller 102 uses a peristaltic pump 130 to control the suction flow rate through the resection tool 103. More specifically, the suction flow rate through the resection tool 103 is controlled by the speed of the peristaltic pump 130, and the exemplary resection tool 103 does not include a valve component within the suction path. Even more specifically, in various examples, the surgical controller 102 is communicatively coupled to an interface device (illustratively shown as a position interface device 804) and sets the speed of the peristaltic pump directly based on the surgeon's interaction with the interface device. In a further embodiment, the position interface device 804 may be omitted, and the button 806 can therefore be used as a non-position interface device to directly control or set the speed of the peristaltic pump 130.

[0099] In use, the surgical controller 102 ( Figure 1 The position interface device 804 is read, and the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is controlled or set based on the position of the position interface device 804. For example, when the surgeon slides the position interface device 118 toward the distal end of the handle 802, the surgical controller 102 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. Conversely, when the surgeon slides the position interface device 804 toward the proximal end of the handle 802, the surgical controller 102 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. The speed range controlled by the exemplary position interface device 804 can be the entire speed range of the peristaltic pump 130, or it can be within a predefined speed range associated with the selected operating mode, all of which are discussed above. Although the exemplary position interface device 804 is illustrated as a slider, the position interface device can take any suitable form as discussed above (e.g., similar to...). Figure 5B (The valve handle in the valve, but not associated with the internal valve components).

[0100] In an example where button 806 is used as a non-position interface device (and position interface device 804 is not implemented), button 806 can define an up button 808 and a down button 810. Each of buttons 808 and 810 can be a momentary switch or momentary button that bounces back to a resting position after each actuation. Surgical controller 102 can sense the actuation of up button 808 or down button 810 in any suitable form. In use, surgical controller 102 senses the actuation of buttons 808 and 810 and controls or sets the peristaltic pump 130 based on these actuations. Figure 1The speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is controlled by the actuation of an interface device, which is in the form of a non-positional interface device (shown as buttons 808 and 810). For example, when the surgeon pushes or actuates the up button 508, the surgical controller 102 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. Conversely, when the surgeon pushes or actuates the down button 510, the surgical controller 102 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. That is, the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 is set and controlled directly and exclusively by the actuation of the interface device, which is in the form of a non-positional interface device (shown as buttons 808 and 810). For example, when the surgeon pushes the up button 808, the surgical controller 102 increases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. Conversely, when the surgeon pushes the down button 810, the surgical controller 102 decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump 130. The speed range controlled by the exemplary non-positional interface device can be the entire speed range of the peristaltic pump 130, or it can be within a predefined speed range associated with the selected operating mode, all of which are discussed above. Although the exemplary non-positional interface device is shown as buttons 808 and 810, any suitable non-positional interface device (e.g., such as...) can be used. Figure 5D (The rocker switch in the middle).

[0101] against Figure 8 The interface devices discussed are merely examples, and many variations are possible. For instance, the interface device could be a knob without position markings that rotates about an axis of rotation. Turning the knob in a first direction increases the speed of the peristaltic pump, while turning it in a second direction opposite to the first direction decreases the speed of the peristaltic pump. Furthermore, the interface device could be a solid-state component, such as a capacitive touch sensor with an elongated dimension parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the handle 802. Thus, a surgeon could slide their finger along the touch sensor from the proximal end of the handle 802 toward the distal end 110 to indicate that the speed of the peristaltic pump should increase. Conversely, a surgeon could slide their finger along the touch sensor from the distal end of the handle 802 toward the proximal end to indicate that the speed of the peristaltic pump 130 should decrease. Knobs without position markings, capacitive touch sensors, Boolean interaction devices, and similar devices are examples of non-positional interface devices as previously defined.

[0102] Back Figure 6 .exist Figure 6 In the diagram, potentiometer 628 is shown as an example interface that processing device 606 can use to transmit and read position information. Furthermore, example potentiometer 628 is shown as electrically coupled to connector 126. However, in implementation... Figure 8In the case of the resection tool 103, the interface device can be communicatively coupled to the processing device 606 by means of connector 142 associated with the electrosurgical generator 608, rather than connector 126. In a further embodiment, the resection tool 103 may have separate and distinct cables coupled to the surgical controller 102—one cable and connector coupled to connector 142, and another cable and connector coupled to connector 126.

[0103] Figure 9 A block diagram of an example processing device 606 is shown. Specifically, processing device 606 may be connected (e.g., networked) to other computer systems in a local area network (LAN), intranet, and / or extranet (e.g., the network of device carts where the surgical controller 102 is located), or connected to the Internet at some point (e.g., when not in use during surgery). Processing device 606 may be a single computer in a group of computers capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) specifying an action to be taken. Furthermore, although only a single processing device 606 is shown, the term should also be understood to include any collection of systems that individually or jointly execute a set of instructions (or multiple sets of instructions) to perform any or more of the methods discussed herein. Processing device 606 includes a processor 902, main memory 904 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)), static memory 906 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM)), and data storage device 908, which communicate with each other via bus 910.

[0104] Processor 902 represents one or more general-purpose processors, such as microprocessors, central processing units, etc. More specifically, processor 902 may be a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor, or a processor that implements other instruction sets or combinations of instruction sets. Processor 902 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), network processors, etc. Processor 902 is configured to execute instructions for performing any of the operations and steps discussed herein. Once programmed with specific instructions, processor 902, and thus the entire processing device 606, becomes a member of a special-purpose device in the form of surgical controller 102.

[0105] Processing device 606 may also include a network interface 912 for communicating with any suitable network, such as a device cart network. Processing device 606 may also include an interface device 145, exemplified by a video display 914. Figure 1The system may include one or more input devices 916 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, numeric input for reading Boolean values, analog input for reading analog values) and one or more speakers 918. In one example, the video display 914 and the input devices 916 may be combined into a single component or device (e.g., an LCD touchscreen implementing interface device 145).

[0106] Data storage device 908 may include computer-readable storage medium 920 on which instructions 922 embodying any or more of the methods or functions described herein are stored. The instructions 922 may also reside wholly or at least partially within main memory 904 and / or processor 902 during their execution. Thus, main memory 904 and processor 902 also constitute computer-readable media. In some cases, the instructions 922 may also be transmitted or received over a network via network interface 912.

[0107] Although computer-readable storage medium 920 is shown as a single medium in the illustrative example, the term "computer-readable storage medium" should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) storing one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable storage medium" should also be considered to include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for machine execution and causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of this disclosure. Therefore, the term "computer-readable storage medium" should be considered to include, but is not limited to, solid-state memory, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0108] The foregoing discussion is intended to illustrate the principles and various embodiments of the invention. Many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the foregoing disclosure is fully understood. The following claims are intended to be construed as including all such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. A surgical system, the surgical system comprising: A resection controller coupled to a motor in a handpiece, and the handpiece coupled to a resection instrument defining a cutting element, and the handpiece including an interface device defined on the outer surface of the handpiece, the interface device being a position interface device defined on the handpiece, the handpiece omitting a valve member in the suction path through the handpiece; A peristaltic pump controller, the peristaltic pump controller being coupled to the motor of the peristaltic pump, the peristaltic pump being connected to the suction chamber of the resection instrument; The surgical system is configured to: The motor within the handheld device drives the resection instrument to mechanically remove tissue; During mechanical tissue resection, fluid and tissue debris are aspirated through the suction chamber of the resection instrument; as well as The speed of the peristaltic pump is adjusted during the actuation and inhalation, the adjustment being responsive to the interface device. The surgical system is also configured to: Read the location associated with the location interface device; and The speed of the peristaltic pump is set directly and exclusively based on the location.

2. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein when the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system is further configured to: Receive an actuation instruction from the interface device, wherein the interface device is an up button defined on the handheld device; and The speed of the peristaltic pump is increased based on the actuation indication of the up button.

3. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein when the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system is further configured to: Receive an actuation instruction from the interface device, wherein the interface device is a down button defined on the handheld device; and The speed of the peristaltic pump is reduced based on the actuation indication of the down button.

4. The surgical system of claim 3, wherein the up button and the down button are selected from at least one of the following: independent and distinct buttons; corresponding positions of rocker switches; and corresponding positions of momentary rocker switches.

5. The surgical system of claim 1, further comprising: An electrosurgical controller coupled to an active electrode defined on the resection instrument; The surgical system is further configured to: Stop the motor of the handheld device in the rotation position such that the cutting element blocks the cutting window defined by the resection instrument; and subsequently Electrical energy is supplied to the active electrode to ablate the tissue near the active electrode.

6. The surgical system of claim 5, wherein the surgical system is further configured to adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump during tissue ablation, the adjustment being responsive to the interface device.

7. The surgical system of claim 5, wherein the surgical system is further configured to: Terminating the supply of electrical power to the active electrode; and subsequently The motor within the handheld device is driven, and the drive again causes the tissue to be mechanically removed by the resection instrument; as well as Fluid and tissue fragments are aspirated through the aspiration chamber at a certain pump rate, the pump rate being selected based on at least one of the following: the pump rate of the preceding mechanical resection; The default pump speed for mechanical tissue resection.

8. A surgical system, the surgical system comprising: An electrosurgical controller coupled to an active electrode disposed on the distal end of a resection tool; A peristaltic pump controller, comprising a motor and a peristaltic pump, the peristaltic pump being coupled to the suction chamber of the cutting tool; The surgical system is configured to: Electrical energy is supplied to the active electrode to ablate the tissue near the active electrode; Tissue ablation involves extracting fluid and tissue fragments through the suction chamber; as well as During the supply and extraction, the speed of the peristaltic pump is adjusted in response to an interface device defined on the outer surface of the cutting tool, the interface device being a positional interface device defined on the cutting tool, which eliminates the need for valve members in the suction path passing through the cutting tool. The surgical system is also configured to: Read the location associated with the location interface device; and The speed of the peristaltic pump is set directly and exclusively based on the location.

9. The surgical system of claim 8, wherein when the surgical system adjusts the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system is further configured to: Receive an upward actuation instruction from the interface device, wherein the interface device is an upward button defined on the cutting tool; and Based on the upward actuation instruction, the speed of the peristaltic pump is increased.

10. The surgical system of claim 9, wherein the surgical system is further configured to: Receives a downward actuation instruction from the interface device, the interface device being in the form of a downward button defined on the cutting tool; and Based on the downward actuation instruction, the speed of the peristaltic pump is reduced.

11. The surgical system of claim 8, wherein the surgical system is further configured to: Receives an instruction from a variety of operating modes, each defining a pump speed range, and each pump speed range being smaller than the entire pump speed range of the peristaltic pump; and The speed is adjusted by setting the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode, and the adjustment is based on the interface device.

12. The surgical system of claim 11, wherein when the surgical system sets the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system is further configured to: Receive an upward actuation instruction from the interface device, wherein the interface device is an upward button defined on the cutting tool; and Increase the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode.

13. The surgical system of claim 12, wherein when the surgical system sets the speed of the peristaltic pump, the surgical system is further configured to: Receive a downward actuation instruction from the interface device, the interface device being a downward button defined on the cutting tool; and Reduce the speed of the peristaltic pump within the pump speed range of the selected operating mode.

14. The surgical system of claim 8, further comprising: A resection controller, the resection controller being coupled to a motor in a handpiece of the resection tool, and the handpiece being coupled to a cutting element defined by a resection instrument of the resection tool, the resection instrument being coupled to the handpiece; The surgical system is further configured to: Terminate the supply of electrical energy to the active electrode; And subsequently The motor within the handheld device is driven, causing the tissue to be mechanically removed by the resection instrument; as well as During mechanical tissue resection, fluid and tissue debris are aspirated through the suction chamber of the resection instrument; as well as The speed of the peristaltic pump is adjusted during the actuation and inhalation, and the adjustment is based on the interface device.

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