Surgical system comprising cordless surgical instrument, communication hub, and one or more connected devices

Abstract

A surgical system includes a cordless surgical instrument configured to obtain information about preparation of the cordless surgical instrument for use and / or information about at least one replaceable component of the cordless surgical instrument. The surgical system further includes a communication hub configured to wirelessly connect to the cordless surgical instrument to receive the information therefrom. The communication hub is configured to instruct the connected device to provide an output related to preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use or replacement of the at least one replaceable component based at least on the information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to surgical systems, and more particularly to surgical systems including a cordless surgical instrument (eg, a cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument), a communication hub, and one or more connected devices. Background Art

[0002] Many surgical instruments incorporate hardware and / or software features that facilitate operation and control. Such surgical instruments are also typically configured to obtain and store data related to the instrument and / or its components, such as identification data, usage data, and / or performance data. However, such surgical instruments are limited in their ability to process information and / or communicate information solely from the surgical instrument itself to the user. Summary of the invention

[0003] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the portion of the description that is further away from the operator (whether a clinician or a surgical robot), while the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the description that is closer to the operator. As used herein, terms including "generally," "about," "substantially," etc. are meant to cover up to and include variations of plus or minus 10% (e.g., manufacturing tolerances, material tolerances, usage tolerances, and environmental tolerances, measurement variations, design variations, and / or other variations). Any aspect described herein may be used in combination with any or all other aspects described herein, within the consistent range.

[0004] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a surgical system is provided, the surgical system comprising a cordless surgical instrument and a communication hub. The cordless surgical instrument is configured to obtain information about preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use. The communication hub is configured to wirelessly connect to the cordless surgical instrument to receive the information therefrom. The communication hub is configured to instruct a connected device to provide an output related to preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use based at least on the information.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the information about preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use includes information about assembling the cordless surgical instrument. In such aspects, the information may include information indicating that the first component and the second component of the cordless surgical instrument are engaged with each other.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the output includes displaying at least one step for assembling the cordless surgical instrument for use. In such aspects, the output may include displaying a plurality of steps for assembling the cordless surgical instrument for use. Further, the display may switch between different steps in the plurality of steps based on additional information wirelessly communicated from the cordless surgical instrument to the communication hub.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the information about preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use includes identification information for a plurality of components of the cordless surgical instrument. In such aspects, the output may include an indication showing whether a plurality of components of the cordless surgical instrument are approved for use.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the information about preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use includes information about an instrument test of the cordless surgical instrument. In such aspects, the output may include an indication showing whether the cordless surgical instrument passed or failed the instrument test. In the event that the cordless surgical instrument fails the instrument test, the output may further include at least one of an indication of the reason for the failed instrument test or troubleshooting suggestions.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the cordless surgical instrument includes a battery assembly and a generator configured to drive the cordless surgical instrument. The generator is powered by the battery assembly. The cordless surgical instrument may further include an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic blade coupled to the ultrasonic transducer. The generator is configured to drive the ultrasonic transducer to generate mechanical vibration motion at the ultrasonic blade.

[0010] Another surgical system provided according to the present disclosure includes: a cordless surgical instrument configured to obtain information about at least one replaceable component of the cordless surgical instrument; and a communication hub configured to wirelessly connect to the cordless surgical instrument to receive the information therefrom. The communication hub is configured to instruct a connected device to provide an output related to replacing at least one replaceable component of the cordless surgical instrument based at least on the information.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one replaceable component is a battery assembly. In such aspects, the cordless surgical instrument may include a generator configured to drive the cordless surgical instrument, wherein the generator is powered by the battery assembly.

[0012] In another aspect of the disclosure, the information includes a charge state of the battery assembly, and the communication hub is configured to instruct the connected device to provide the output based at least on the battery assembly's charge state being below a threshold. Alternatively, the information includes an indication that the battery assembly's charge state is below a threshold.

[0013] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the outputting includes displaying at least one step for replacing the at least one replaceable component.

[0014] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in the disclosure will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various aspects and features of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a surgical system provided according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is configured with Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of a cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument for use with a surgical system;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of a cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a portion of a cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument;

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a block diagram of a portion of a surgical system; and

[0021] FIG. 6A to FIG. 12 are screen shots of various display screens provided in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Go to Figure 1 , a surgical system provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown as generally indicated by reference numeral 2. The surgical system 2 includes: one or more surgical instruments, such as a cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10; a communication hub 30; and one or more connected devices in communication with the communication hub 30, such as a server 40, a computer 50, a smart phone or tablet 60, a display monitor 70, etc. The communication hub 30 and / or one or more of the connected devices 40 to 70 of the surgical system 2 may be further configured to communicate with one or more remote and / or cloud-based devices (such as one or more servers 80 and / or one or more computers 90).

[0023] The cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 is configured to communicate using any suitable wireless protocol (e.g., radio frequency (RF), optical, Wi-Fi, Low power consumption or ) communicates wirelessly with the communication hub 30. The cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may be configured to communicate information to the communication hub 30, such as: identification information of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and / or its components; status information of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and / or its components; usage information associated with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and / or its components; and / or other information associated with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and / or its components.

[0024] Continue to refer Figure 1 The communication hub 30 communicates with each of the one or more connected devices 40 to 70 via a wired or wireless connection. With respect to a wired connection, any suitable wired communication protocol may be utilized, including, for example, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Datagram Protocol / Internet Protocol (UDP / IP), and / or Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (DCCP). With respect to a wireless connection, any suitable wireless communication protocol may be utilized, such as the wireless communication protocols detailed above.

[0025] The communication hub 30 can be configured to process information received from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and output the processed information to one or more of the connected devices 40 to 70 for display, further processing, control, notification, and / or any other suitable purpose. Although described with respect to the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, aspects and features of the present disclosure may also be applicable to any other suitable surgical instrument that communicates with the communication hub 30 within a consistent scope.

[0026] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 includes a handle assembly 100 and an elongated assembly 200 extending distally from the handle assembly 100. The handle assembly 100 includes a housing 110 defining a body portion 112 and a fixed handle portion 114. The handle assembly 100 further includes an activation button 120 and a clamp trigger 130.

[0027] The body portion 112 of the housing 110 is configured to releasably support an ultrasonic transducer and generator assembly (“TAG”) 300 including a generator 310 and an ultrasonic transducer 320. The generator 310 includes a housing 312 configured to house internal electronics 340 of the generator 310, and a bracket 314 configured to rotatably support the ultrasonic transducer 320. The ultrasonic transducer 320 includes a piezoelectric stack 322 and a horn 324 extending distally. The horn 324 defines a threaded female receiving portion 326. A set of connectors 330 and corresponding rotary contacts 334 associated with the generator 310 and the ultrasonic transducer 320, respectively, enable a drive signal to be communicated from the generator 310 to the piezoelectric stack 322 of the ultrasonic transducer 320 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 320. The ultrasonic transducer 320 further includes a rotation knob 328 extending proximally therefrom, which, when rotated, rotates the ultrasonic transducer 320 relative to the generator 310 and the housing 110 .

[0028] The fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110 defines a compartment 116 configured to receive the battery assembly 400 and a door 118 configured to close the compartment 116. An electrical connection assembly 140 (e.g., a flexible circuit) is disposed within the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100 and is used to electrically couple the activation button 120, the generator 310 of the TAG 300, and the battery assembly 400 to each other when the TAG 300 is supported on or in the body portion 112 of the housing 110 and the battery assembly 400 is disposed within the compartment 116 of the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110, thereby enabling the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to be activated in response to pressing the activation button 120.

[0029] Still reference Figure 2 and Figure 3, the elongated assembly 200 includes an outer drive sleeve 210, an inner support sleeve 220 disposed within the outer drive sleeve 210, a waveguide 230 extending through the inner support sleeve 220, a drive assembly 250, an integrated torque assembly 260, a rotation knob 270, and an end effector 280 including a blade 282 and a jaw 284. A proximal portion of the outer drive sleeve 210 is operably coupled to the clamp trigger 130 of the handle assembly 100 via the drive assembly 250, and a distal portion of the outer drive sleeve 210 is operably coupled to the jaw 284. As such, the clamp trigger 130 is selectively actuatable to thereby move the outer drive sleeve 210 about the inner support sleeve 220 to pivot the jaw 284 relative to the blade 282 of the end effector 280 from a spaced-apart position to an approximation position for clamping tissue between the jaw 284 and the blade 282. Other suitable configurations are also contemplated. The drive assembly 250 provides a force limiting feature whereby the clamping pressure applied to the tissue is limited to a particular clamping pressure or a clamping pressure within a particular clamping pressure range. The rotation knob 270 defines a plurality of alternating slots 272 and protrusions 274 annularly arranged around an outer surface of the rotation knob 270 .

[0030] As described above, the waveguide 230 extends through the inner support sleeve 220. The waveguide 230 defines a body 232 and a blade 282 extending from the distal end of the body 232. The blade 282 serves as the blade 282 of the end effector 280. The waveguide 230 further includes a proximal connection portion 236 configured to enable the waveguide 230 to engage with the horn 324 of the ultrasonic transducer 320 so that the ultrasonic motion generated by the ultrasonic transducer 320 is transmitted along the waveguide 230 to the blade 282 for treating tissue clamped between the blade 282 and the jaws 284 or positioned adjacent to the blade 282. To this end, the proximal connection portion 236 includes a threaded protrusion 237 configured to be threadedly engaged within a threaded female receiver 326 of the horn 324 of the ultrasonic transducer 320, although other suitable releasable or permanent engagements between the horn 324 and the waveguide 230 are also contemplated.

[0031] To facilitate ultrasonic energy transmission, the waveguide 230 and ultrasonic transducer 320 are fully engaged with each other without over-tightening. The integrated torque assembly 260 helps ensure that the waveguide 230 and ultrasonic transducer 320 are fully engaged while inhibiting over-tightening, although a removable torque assembly is also contemplated. More specifically, the integrated torque assembly 260 is operably coupled about the outer drive sleeve 210, the inner support sleeve 220, and the waveguide 230 so that rotation of the rotation knob 270 relative to the handle assembly 100 rotates the elongated assembly 200 relative to the handle assembly 100 to a torque threshold, at which point the integrated torque assembly 260 decouples the rotation knob 270 from the other components of the elongated assembly 200 so that further rotation of the rotation knob 270 does not impart rotation to the other components of the elongated assembly 200.

[0032] Additional references Figure 4 , the generator electronics 340 of the generator 310 is powered by the battery assembly 400 and includes a controller 342 configured to control the ultrasonic drive signal output to the transducer 320. More specifically, the controller 342 includes a microprocessor 343 and a memory 344, for example, the memory storing instructions to be executed by the microprocessor 343 to control the ultrasonic drive signal provided to the transducer 320 based on the received motion feedback. The motion bridge 346 is configured to sense the mechanical motion (e.g., the amplitude and frequency of the mechanical motion) of the transducer 320 (although other suitable mechanical motion sensing features are also contemplated). The mechanical motion feedback provided to the controller 342 by the motion bridge 346 enables the controller 342 to control the frequency and / or amplitude of the drive signal provided to the amplifier / filter 348, so that the amplifier / filter 348 in turn provides an appropriate drive signal to the transducer 320 to drive the transducer 320 at its resonant frequency and achieve a target amount of mechanical motion of the ultrasonic transducer 320 at its resonant frequency. The controller 342 is also configured to monitor the resonant frequency of the transducer 320 throughout use, for example due to the application of a resonant frequency to the blade 282 ( Figure 2 ) load, blade 282( Figure 2 ) changes with changes in temperature and / or other factors.

[0033] Overall reference Figures 2 to 4, details the assembly, use, and disassembly of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10. Initially, the TAG 300 is engaged with the body portion 112 of the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100, so that the appropriate contacts associated with the TAG 300 are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts of the electrical connector 140 of the housing 110. Thereafter or before engaging the TAG 300, the battery assembly 400 is aseptically transferred, for example, using a guide, into the compartment 116 of the fixed handle portion 114 of the housing 110 of the handle assembly 100 and engaged therein, so that the appropriate contacts associated with the battery assembly 400 are electrically connected to the corresponding contacts of the electrical connector 140 of the housing 110.

[0034] Next, the rotation knob 328 of the ultrasonic transducer 320 is grasped with one hand to stabilize and inhibit the rotation of the ultrasonic transducer 320, while the rotation knob 270 of the elongated component 200 is grasped with the other hand. The rotation knob 270 of the elongated component 200 is then rotated in the engagement direction to threadably engage the waveguide 230 and the ultrasonic transducer 320 with each other. The rotation of the rotation knob 270 is continued until full engagement is achieved between the waveguide 230 and the ultrasonic transducer 320. At this point, further rotation of the rotation knob 270 causes the integrated torque wrench 260 to slip, thereby inhibiting the application of additional torque. An audible and / or tactile "click" may be generated to indicate that the torque threshold has been reached.

[0035] The cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 assembled as above is now ready for use. In use, the ultrasonic instrument 10 is inserted into the surgical site and operated within the surgical site so that the end effector 280 is positioned adjacent to the tissue to be treated. If necessary, the end effector 280 can be rotated relative to the handle assembly 100 by rotating the rotation knob 270. Once positioned as desired, the clamping trigger 130 can be actuated to pivot the jaw member 282 from the open position toward the clamping position to clamp the tissue to be treated between the jaw member 282 and the blade 284. As detailed above, the drive assembly 250 is used to limit the clamping pressure applied to the grasped tissue to a specific clamping pressure or a clamping pressure within a specific clamping pressure range.

[0036] With tissue sufficiently clamped between the jaw member 282 and the blade 284, the activation button 120 can be activated in a first low-power or tissue sealing mode or a second high-power or tissue transecting mode to turn on the supply power from the battery assembly 400 to the TAG 300 for driving the ultrasonic transducer 320 to in turn generate ultrasonic mechanical motion and transmit the ultrasonic mechanical motion along the waveguide 230 to the blade 284 for treating tissue with ultrasonic mechanical motion, for example, for sealing and / or transecting tissue.

[0037] Once the procedure is completed and the ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 is withdrawn from the surgical site, the TAG 300 is disengaged from the handle assembly 100 and the elongated assembly 200 in a manner opposite to that detailed above with respect to engagement and removed from the handle assembly 100 for sterilization and / or other cleaning in preparation for further use. The battery assembly 400 is also removed from the handle assembly 100 and cleaned and stored or placed on a charger (not shown) in preparation for further use. The handle assembly 100 and the elongated assembly 200 may be discarded or sterilized for subsequent use.

[0038] refer to Figure 5 , combined with Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 further includes a processor 510, a memory 520 storing instructions to be executed by the processor 510, and a storage device 530 storing information related to the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10. The processor 510 and the memory 520 can be part of the generator electronics 340 (separate from or identical to the microprocessor 343 and the memory 344, respectively (see Figure 4 )), may be part of the battery assembly 400, may be part of the handle assembly 100, or may be part of any other part or component of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10. Similarly, the storage device 530 may be part of the generator electronics 340, may be part of the battery assembly 400, may be part of the handle assembly 100, or may be part of any other part or component of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10.

[0039] The processor 510 may include one or more similar or identical processors, which may be any suitable processor (e.g., control circuit) suitable for performing the operations, calculations and / or instruction sets described in the present disclosure, including but not limited to hardware processors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, and combinations thereof. The memory 520 and the storage device 530 may each include one or more of volatile, non-volatile, magnetic, optical, or electrical media, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), or flash memory.

[0040] The cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 also includes an input / output (I / O) 540 (e.g., a wireless transceiver) to enable wireless communication between the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and the communication hub 30. Thus, the processor 510 can direct information output from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to the communication hub 30 via the I / O 540 and / or can receive information from the communication hub 30 via the I / O 540.

[0041] Various parts of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may include electronic components configured to provide information to the processor 510. For example, the handle assembly 100 may include an EEPROM or other suitable read or read / write storage device (such as those indicated above) that stores information related to the handle assembly 100, such as identification data (e.g., serial number, model, manufacturing date, etc.) and / or usage data (e.g., whether it has been used or the number of times it has been used, the TAG used with it, the battery assembly used with it, etc.). As another example, the battery assembly 400 may include a control chip that controls the charging and discharging of the battery cells of the battery assembly 400, implements safety protection (for overcurrent, overvoltage, temperature limit, etc.), etc. The control chip may include a storage device (such as those indicated above) that stores identification data (e.g., serial number, model, manufacturing date, etc.), usage data (e.g., the number of times it has been used and / or sterilized, the number of times it has been charged, the amount of time used, the TAG used with it, the handle assembly used with it, etc.), and / or performance data (e.g., charging and discharging information, fault records, etc.). Further, as yet another example, the generator electronics 340 may include a storage device (such as those noted above) that stores identification data (e.g., serial number, model number, date of manufacture, etc.), usage data (e.g., number of uses, amount of time used, battery assembly used therewith, handle assembly used therewith, etc.), and / or performance data (e.g., drive signal information, transducer operation information, enablement information, generator operating parameters, fault logs, etc.). Alternative or additional electronic components associated with removable and / or integrated portions of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 are also contemplated. For example, the electronic components of the handle assembly 100, battery assembly 400, and / or TAG 300 may communicate with each other and / or with the processor 510 via the electrical connector 140 or any other suitable wired or wireless connection. In addition to conveying identification, usage, and / or performance data, a current signal may be actively or passively transmitted to the processor 510 to enable the processor 510 to indicate when various components are connected to each other and / or other components of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10.

[0042] Continue to refer Figure 5 The communication hub 30 includes a processor 32 and a memory 34 storing instructions to be executed by the processor 32. Any suitable one or more processors 32 and memory 34 may be provided, such as those noted above. The communication hub 30 further includes at least one I / O 36, such as a wireless transceiver, one or more wired communication ports, etc. The at least one I / O 36 enables the communication hub 30 to communicate wirelessly with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and to communicate with one or more connected devices 40 to 70 ( Figure 1) (e.g., display monitor 70). Display monitor 70 also includes a processor 72, a memory 74 storing instructions to be executed by processor 72, and an I / O 76 capable of communicating with communication hub 30 and / or other devices. Display monitor 70 further includes a user interface (UI) 78, such as a display screen.

[0043] In various aspects, the communication hub 30 is configured to receive information from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, process the information, and communicate between the connected devices 40 to 70 ( Figure 1 ), for example, displaying information on the UI 78 of the display monitor 70, enabling audible notifications, etc. In various aspects, the communication hub 30 is further configured to receive and receive data from the connected devices 40 to 70 ( Figure 1 ) to assist in processing the information received from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and / or to assist in directing the corresponding output. For example, a user may input information to the connected devices 40 to 70 (e.g., in response to a prompt from the communication hub 30). Figure 1 ) in one or more of ).

[0044] Go to Figure 6 to Fig.12 , combined with Figures 1 to 5 As described above, the communication hub 30 can be configured to receive information from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and / or one or more of the connected devices 40 to 70, to process the information, and to direct a corresponding output. For example, as described in more detail below, the communication hub 30 can be configured to direct an output based on the received information, for example, as a visual display on the UI 78 of the display monitor 70 indicating the steps for assembling the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E ); indicates the completion of the startup checks or the detection of startup errors (see e.g. Figures 7 to 8B ); facilitate the user to perform a device check and indicate the results of the device check (see e.g. Figures 9 to 11 ); Instructions for replacing the battery assembly 400 of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 (see, e.g. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E ); indicate steps for disassembling the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10; indicate troubleshooting suggestions; and / or indicate the availability of parts, software, firmware, and / or hardware updates.

[0045] refer to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E , combined with Figures 1 to 5In preparation for performing a surgical procedure, the communication hub 30 may direct the display monitor 70 to display assembly steps for the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 on the UI 78. More specifically, the UI 78 may display screens 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, which include graphics 612, 622, 632, 642, 652 and / or text 614, 624, 634, 644, 654, respectively, indicating sequential assembly steps for the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10. Upon receiving user input at the communication hub 30 (e.g., from one or more of the connected devices 40 to 70) indicating that the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 is to be assembled, one or more initial steps may be displayed. The initial steps may include, for example, one or more of the following: positioning a guide around the instrument, as indicated on screen 610 ( Fig. 6A ); insert the battery through the guide into the compartment of the instrument, as indicated on screen 620 ( Figure 6B ); close the door to retain the battery within the instrument compartment, as indicated on screen 630 ( Figure 6C ); and slide the TAG onto the handle assembly, as indicated on screen 640 ( Fig.6D ).

[0046] The one or more initial steps may be displayed sequentially on the UI 78, with each screen 610, 620, 630, and / or 640 being displayed for a predetermined amount of time (on a continuous loop and / or including sub-loops). Alternatively, user input (e.g., input from one or more of the connected devices 40 to 70) may be required to move from one screen 610, 620, 630, and / or 640 to the next screen 610, 620, 630, and / or 640 (and / or return to a previous screen 610, 620, 630, and / or 640) in sequence.

[0047] As another alternative, information received at the communication hub 30 from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 (or a portion thereof) can be used to determine when to move from one screen 610, 620, 630, and / or 640 to the next screen 610, 620, 630, and / or 640 in sequence, and / or 640 from a set of screens 610, 620, 630, and / or 640 to the next set of screens 610, 620, 630, and / or 640. For example, screens 610 to 630 may be displayed initially (for a predetermined amount of time, on a loop, in response to user input, etc.). Once the steps associated with screens 610 to 630 are completed, and thus the battery assembly 400 is engaged within the handle assembly 100, the I / O 540 (in the aspect where the electronic components 510 to 540 are part of the battery assembly 400 or the handle assembly 100) may communicate to the communication hub 30 a signal indicating that the battery assembly 400 and the handle assembly 100 are connected to each other. For example, upon receiving this signal, the communication hub 30 provides instructions to move to the screen 640 .

[0048] Screen 640 guides the user to assemble the TAG 300 to the handle assembly 100. Once the TAG 300 is engaged with the handle assembly 100, the I / O 540 can communicate a signal to the communication hub 30 indicating that the handle assembly 100, the TAG 300, and the battery assembly 400 are connected to each other. For example, upon receiving this signal, the communication hub 30 provides instructions to move to screen 650. Screen 650 shows the user how to apply torque to the transducer 320 of the TAG 300 so that the transducer 320 and the waveguide 230 are engaged with each other. It should be noted that the assembly and corresponding screens 610 to 650 detailed above are exemplary, and additional or alternative assembly steps and / or corresponding screens may be provided.

[0049] refer to Figures 7 to 8B , combined with Figures 1 to 5 Once the communication hub 30 determines that the assembly is complete, for example based on receiving a signal indicating that the assembly is complete from the I / O 540 of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, the communication hub 30 may request information about, for example, the handle assembly 100, the TAG 300, and the battery assembly 400 from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to perform a startup check, for example, to determine that the handle assembly 100, the TAG 300, and the battery assembly 400 are approved for use and / or compatible for use with each other. Such information may include identification information (for determining whether these components are on a blacklist and / or for determining whether these components can be used with each other), usage information (for determining whether these components are allowed to be used further), and / or performance information (for determining whether there are any faults with these components). Alternatively, the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may perform a startup check and communicate the results to the communication hub 30.

[0050] In the event that the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 passes the startup check, the communication hub 30 may provide instructions to output a display screen 700 on the UI 78. Alternatively, if the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 does not pass the startup check, the communication hub 30 may provide instructions to output a display screen on the UI 78 that notifies the user of the error. For example, the communication hub 30 may provide instructions to output a display screen 810 on the UI 78, wherein the handle assembly 100 is not approved for use (e.g., due to previous use), or provide instructions to output a display screen 820 on the UI 78, wherein the TAG 300 is not approved for use (e.g., due to failure to authenticate the generator 320, due to an error condition, etc.). Further, when applicable, the UI 78 may include a notification indicating the availability of component, software, firmware, and / or hardware updates, regardless of whether the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 passes the startup check. Additionally or alternatively, if the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 fails the startup check (or any other error is detected during the startup check, instrument check, or at any other point in time), troubleshooting suggestions may be provided.

[0051] Go to Fig. 9 , combined with Figures 1 to 5 , if the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 passes the startup check, or in aspects where no startup check is provided, the communication hub 30 may provide instructions to output a display screen 900 on the UI 78 to instruct the user to perform an instrument test or to indicate that an instrument test will be performed. In various aspects, the communication hub 30 may communicate with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to perform an instrument test automatically or when the user turns it on (e.g., pressing the enable button 120). The instrument test may include, for example, a brief controlled activation of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to determine whether the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 is operating normally, for example, resonance may be achieved and / or maintained within a predetermined time when activated, motion feedback indicates appropriate output based on the provided drive signal, power, current, and voltage associated with the battery assembly 400 and / or TAG 300 are within acceptable ranges, etc. The cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may provide information to the communication hub 30 for the instrument test as pass / fail information or real-time data associated with the activation of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, for example, resonance, power, voltage, etc. Such real-time data (as well as such pass / fail data) may additionally or alternatively be communicated from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to the communication hub 30 at other times not limited to instrument testing, such as during use in surgery.

[0052] refer to FIG. 10A to FIG. 11 , combined with Figures 1 to 5If the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 fails the instrument test, the communication hub 30 may provide instructions to output a display screen on the UI 78 notifying the user of the error. For example, in the event that a potential insufficient torque condition is detected, a display screen 1010 may be provided. As another example, in the event that an error is detected with the generator 310 or the transducer 320, a display screen 1020 may be provided. If the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 passes the instrument test, a display screen 1100 may be provided.

[0053] Before, during, or after the startup test and / or instrument test, or at any other suitable point in time during setup or use, the communication hub 30 can retrieve the current settings associated with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 and provide instructions to the user input device (e.g., UI 78) to display, output, or otherwise enable a user interface from which a plurality of settings can be viewed, set, modified, and / or confirmed. Additionally or alternatively, a request can be input to a user input device (e.g., UI 78) associated with the communication hub 30 to display, output, or otherwise enable a user interface from which the current settings associated with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 can be viewed, set, modified, and / or confirmed. The request to view, set, modify, and / or confirm the settings and / or the viewing, setting, modification, and / or confirmation of the settings can be any suitable interaction with the user input device (e.g., UI 78), such as a voice command, a gesture, an input to the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, or any other suitable interaction. In response to any received settings or modifications to settings associated with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, the communication hub 30 provides instructions to the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 to adjust the settings accordingly. Thus, wireless (and in many aspects, remote) adjustments to settings associated with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may be viewed, set, modified, and / or confirmed, for example, using a user interface that is easier to navigate than the user interface of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 itself.

[0054] The settings associated with the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 that the user may view, set, modify and / or confirm via the communication hub 30 may include, but are not limited to: assigning different energy levels or modes to the buttons 120 ( Figure 2 ) in each of the enabled positions of the ; disabling or enabling certain energy levels or modes; setting corresponding energy levels (e.g., blade speed) associated with different enablement levels (e.g., minimum and maximum); modifying the brightness of any LED indications; modifying the volume of any audible indications; selecting a notification and / or alert profile (or individual settings) to indicate the notifications and / or alerts to be provided and / or the manner in which such notifications and / or alerts are provided; etc.

[0055] refer to Fig.12, combined with Figures 1 to 5 , the communication hub 30 may provide instructions to output a display screen on the UI 78 to inform the user of one or more conditions of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 during the surgical procedure. For example, the I / O 540 may continuously, periodically, or upon request output information related to the charge state of the battery assembly 400 and / or other information related to the use or performance of the battery assembly 400 to the communication hub 30. The communication hub 30 in turn determines whether the battery assembly 400 should be replaced, for example, based on whether the charge state of the battery assembly 400 is below a threshold. Alternatively, the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 may determine when the battery assembly 400 should be replaced (e.g., based on whether the charge state of the battery assembly 400 is below a threshold) and may output an indication thereof to the communication hub 30 via the I / O 540. In either configuration, when it is determined that the battery assembly 400 should be replaced, the communication hub 30 may provide instructions to output one or more display screens (e.g., display screen 1200) on the UI 78, thereby notifying the user that the battery assembly 400 should be replaced and indicating steps for removing and / or replacing the battery assembly 400.

[0056] Back to Figures 1 to 5 , after the surgical procedure is completed, the communication hub 30 can be additionally or alternatively configured to receive information from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, and in response thereto, direct the display monitor 70 to display the disassembly steps of the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10 in one or more display screens on the UI 78. The disassembly steps can be, for example, the opposite (in reverse order) of the assembly steps detailed above. The screen associated with disassembly can be displayed for a predetermined time before moving to the next screen, the UI 78 can move to the next screen in response to user input, or the UI 78 can move to the next screen in response to information received from the cordless ultrasonic surgical instrument 10, similarly as detailed above.

[0057] The display screens described in detail herein may be static or animated, and may include real images, videos, or any other suitable representation of an apparatus or component. Further, any one or any suitable combination of graphics and text may be provided. The specific display screens described in detail above and the actions or conditions represented thereby are exemplary, as it should be understood that various modifications may be made to the aspects and features disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as being restrictive, but merely illustrative of various configurations. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical system, comprising: a cordless surgical instrument configured to obtain information regarding preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use; as well as A communication hub is configured to wirelessly connect to the cordless surgical instrument to receive the information from the cordless surgical instrument, the communication hub being configured to instruct a connected device to provide an output related to preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use based at least on the information.

2. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein: The information about preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use includes information about assembling the cordless surgical instrument.

3. The surgical system according to claim 2, wherein: The information about assembling the cordless surgical instrument includes information indicating that the first component and the second component of the cordless surgical instrument are engaged with each other.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein: The output includes displaying at least one step for assembling the cordless surgical instrument for use.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein: The output includes displaying a plurality of steps for assembling the cordless surgical instrument for use, and wherein the display switches between different ones of the plurality of steps based on additional information wirelessly communicated from the cordless surgical instrument to the communication hub.

6. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein: The information about preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use includes identification information for a plurality of components of the cordless surgical instrument.

7. The surgical system according to claim 6, wherein: The output includes indications showing whether components of the cordless surgical instrument are approved for use.

8. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein: The information about preparing the cordless surgical instrument for use includes information about instrument testing of the cordless surgical instrument.

9. The surgical system according to claim 8, wherein: The output includes an indication showing whether the cordless surgical instrument passed or failed the instrument test.

10. The surgical system according to claim 9, wherein: In the event that the cordless surgical instrument fails the instrument test, the output further includes at least one of an indication of a reason for the failed instrument test or troubleshooting suggestions.

11. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein: The cordless surgical instrument includes a battery assembly and a generator, which is configured to drive the cordless surgical instrument and is powered by the battery assembly.

12. The surgical system according to claim 11, wherein: The cordless surgical instrument further includes an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic blade coupled to the ultrasonic transducer, the generator being configured to drive the ultrasonic transducer to generate mechanical vibration motion at the ultrasonic blade.

13. A surgical system, comprising: a cordless surgical instrument configured to obtain information about at least one replaceable component of the cordless surgical instrument; as well as A communication hub is configured to wirelessly connect to the cordless surgical instrument to receive the information from the cordless surgical instrument, and the communication hub is configured to instruct a connected device to provide an output related to replacing at least one replaceable component of the cordless surgical instrument based at least on the information.

14. The surgical system according to claim 13, wherein: The at least one replaceable component is a battery assembly.

15. The surgical system of claim 14, wherein: The cordless surgical instrument includes a generator configured to drive the cordless surgical instrument, the generator being powered by the battery assembly.

16. The surgical system of claim 14, wherein: The information includes a state of charge of the battery assembly, and wherein the communication hub is configured to instruct the connected device to provide the output based at least on the state of charge of the battery assembly being below a threshold.

17. The surgical system of claim 14, wherein: The information includes an indication that the state of charge of the battery assembly is below a threshold.

18. The surgical system of claim 13, wherein: The outputting includes displaying at least one step for replacing the at least one replaceable component.

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