Surgical foot switch distribution for modular energy systems

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, and methods for distributing foot switches to control specific ports of a modular energy system are disclosed herein. In some aspects, a modular energy system may include an energy module and a display screen. The energy module may include a plurality of ports. The display screen may be configured to be capable of presenting a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI may be configured to display a plurality of desktop applets corresponding to the ports, and to display an object indicating that the foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports. The GUI may be further configured to allow a user to drag and drop the object into one of the desktop applets. Dragging the object into one of the desktop applets may cause the modular energy system to assign the foot switch to a port corresponding to the desktop applet.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to various surgical systems, including modular electrosurgical systems and / or ultrasonic energy systems. The modular energy system may include a variety of different combinations of energy modules, each energy module having a variety of different ports for delivering energy modalities to surgical instruments connected to the ports. In addition, various foot switches may be connected to the modular energy system and used with the modular energy system to control the activation of the ports. In view of the different combinations of modules, ports, and foot switches that can be realized, there is a need for devices, systems, and methods for assigning foot switches to control specific ports of the modular energy system. Summary of the invention

[0002] In various aspects, a method for assigning a foot switch to control a port of a modular energy system is disclosed. The modular energy system may include an energy module and a display screen configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI). The energy module may include ports configured to deliver energy modalities to surgical instruments coupled to the ports. The method may include displaying a plurality of widgets corresponding to the ports by the GUI; detecting by the modular energy system that a foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports; and based on the detection of the foot switch, displaying by the GUI an object indicating that the foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports. The method may also include identifying by the modular energy system one or more ports that can be used to be controlled by the foot switch; and displaying by the GUI an icon in a widget corresponding to the one or more ports identified as being used to be controlled by the foot switch, wherein the icon indicates that the port can be used to be controlled by the foot switch. The method may also include assigning the foot switch to one of the ports by the modular energy system based on a user interacting with the GUI to drag and drop an object into one of the widgets having an icon indicating that the port can be used to be controlled by the foot switch.

[0003] In various aspects, a modular energy system for use in a surgical environment is disclosed. The modular energy system may include one or more energy modules, wherein each of the one or more energy modules includes a port, and wherein each of the ports is configured to deliver an energy modality to a surgical instrument connected to the port. The system may also include a foot switch configured to control the activation of at least one of the ports; and a head module, the head module including a display screen, wherein the display screen is configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI may be configured to: display a plurality of widgets, wherein each widget corresponds to one of the ports; display an object indicating that the foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports; display an icon in the widget corresponding to the port that can be controlled by the foot switch; and allow a user to drag and drop an object into one of the widgets with icons. Dragging and dropping an object into one of the widgets with icons causes the head module to assign the foot switch to the port corresponding to the widget. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The various aspects described herein, both as to surgical organization and method, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

[0005] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 A surgical system for performing surgical procedures in an operating room according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 A surgical hub paired with a visualization system, a robotic system, and a smart instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 4 A surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure includes a generator and various surgical instruments that can be used therewith.

[0009] Figure 5 is a diagram of various modules and other components that can be combined to customize a modular energy system in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 6A A first exemplary modular energy system configuration according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure is provided, the first exemplary modular energy system configuration comprising a head module and a display screen presenting a graphical user interface (GUI) for relaying information about modules connected to the head module.

[0011] Figure 6B A device mounted on a cart according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure Fig. 6A The modular energy system shown.

[0012] Figure 7 A second exemplary modular energy system configuration according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure includes a head module, a display screen, an energy module, and an expansion energy module connected together and mounted to a cart.

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a head module of a modular energy system including a user interface according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an independent hub configuration of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig.10 is a block diagram of a hub configuration of a modular energy system integrated with a surgical control system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system stack according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the schematic diagram illustrating a power backplane.

[0017] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 13 to 17 is an illustrative graphical user interface screen for assigning a foot switch to control a specific port of a modular energy system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.18 is a flow chart of a method for assigning a foot switch to control a port of a modular energy system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.The exemplifications described herein illustrate various disclosed aspects in one form, and such exemplifications should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent application filed concurrently herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0022] · U.S. Patent Application Docket No. END9453USNP2 / 220230-2, entitled “PROFILES FORMODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM”.

[0023] The applicant of the present patent application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on March 30, 2021, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0024] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 217,394, entitled “METHOD FOR MECHANICAL PACKAGING FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM”;

[0025] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 217,424, entitled “METHOD FOR ENERGY DELIVERY FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM”;

[0026] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 217,385, entitled “METHOD FOR INTELLIGENT INSTRUMENTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM”; and

[0027] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 217,405, entitled “METHOD FOR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM”.

[0028] The applicant of the present patent application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on September 5, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0029] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,144, entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AMODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM USER INTERFACE,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078106;

[0030] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 562,151, entitled “PASSIVE HEADER MODULE FOR AMODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078110;

[0031] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,157, entitled “CONSOLIDATED USER INTERFACE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0081585;

[0032] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,159, entitled “AUDIO TONE CONSTRUCTION FOR AN ENERGY MODULE OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0314569;

[0033] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,163, entitled “ADAPTABLY CONNECTABLE ANDREASSIGNABLE SYSTEM ACCESSORIES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078111;

[0034] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,123, entitled “METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING AND USING A MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100830;

[0035] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,135, entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ANENERGY MODULE OUTPUT,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078076;

[0036] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,180, entitled “ENERGY MODULE FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078080;

[0037] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,184, entitled “GROUNDING ARRANGEMENT OF ENERGY MODULES,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078081;

[0038] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,188, entitled “BACKPLANE CONNECTOR DESIGN TO CONNECT STACKED ENERGY MODULES,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078116;

[0039] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,195, entitled “ENERGY MODULE FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES THROUGH A PORT,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078117;

[0040] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,202, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING DRIVE SIGNAL TO POWER SECONDARY FUNCTION,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078082;

[0041] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 562,142, entitled “METHOD FOR ENERGY DISTRIBUTION IN A SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078070;

[0042] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,169, entitled “SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH A SEGMENTED BACKPLANE,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078112;

[0043] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,185, entitled “SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH FOOTER MODULE,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078115;

[0044] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,203, entitled “POWER AND COMMUNICATION MITIGATION ARRANGEMENT FOR MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078118;

[0045] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,212, entitled “MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH VOLTAGE DETECTION,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078119;

[0046] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,234, entitled “MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH TIME COUNTER,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0305945;

[0047] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,243, entitled “MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS WITH DIGITAL LOGIC,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078120;

[0048] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,125, entitled “METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN MODULES AND DEVICES IN A MODULAR SURGICAL SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100825;

[0049] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,137, entitled “FLEXIBLE HAND-SWITCH CIRCUIT,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0106220;

[0050] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,143, entitled “FIRST AND SECOND COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ARRANGEMENT FOR DRIVING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DEVICESTHROUGH A SINGLE PORT,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0090808;

[0051] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,148, entitled “FLEXIBLE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078077;

[0052] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,154, entitled “SMART RETURN PAD SENSING THROUGH MODULATION OF NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT QUALITY MONITORING SIGNALS,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078089;

[0053] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,162, entitled “AUTOMATIC ULTRASONIC ENERGYACTIVATION CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR MODULAR SURGICAL SYSTEMS,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0305924;

[0054] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,167, entitled “COORDINATED ENERGY OUTPUTS OF SEPARATE BUT CONNECTED MODULES,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078078;

[0055] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,170, entitled “MANAGING SIMULTANEOUS MONOPOLAR OUTPUTS USING DUTY CYCLE AND SYNCHRONIZATION,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078079;

[0056] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,172, entitled “PORT PRESENCE DETECTION SYSTEM FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078113;

[0057] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,175, entitled “INSTRUMENT TRACKING ARRANGEMENT BASED ON REAL TIME CLOCK INFORMATION,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078071;

[0058] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 562,177, entitled “REGIONAL LOCATION TRACKING OF COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078114;

[0059] U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 704,610, entitled “ENERGY MODULE”;

[0060] U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 704,614, entitled “ENERGY MODULE MONOPOLARPORT WITH FOURTH SOCKET AMONG THREE OTHER SOCKETS”;

[0061] U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29 / 704,616, entitled “BACKPLANE CONNECTOR FORENERGY MODULE”; and

[0062] U.S. design patent application serial number 29 / 704,617, entitled “ALERT SCREEN FOR ENERGY MODULE.”

[0063] The applicant of the present patent application owns the following U.S. patent provisional applications filed on March 29, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0064] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 826,584, entitled “MODULAR SURGICAL PLATFORMELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE”;

[0065] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 826,587, entitled “MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM CONNECTIVITY”;

[0066] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 826,588, entitled “MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMINSTRUMENT COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES”; and

[0067] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 826,592, entitled “MODULAR ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM.”

[0068] The applicant of this patent application owns the following U.S. patent provisional application filed on September 7, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

[0069] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 728,480, entitled “MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM AND USER INTERFACE.”

[0070] Before describing in detail various aspects of the surgical device and generator, it should be noted that the application or use of the illustrative examples is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the parts illustrated in the drawings and detailed description. The illustrative examples may be implemented alone or in combination with other aspects, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or implemented in various ways. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions used herein are selected for the convenience of the reader to describe the illustrative examples and are not for limiting purposes. Moreover, it should be understood that one or more of the aspects, expressions of aspects and / or examples described below may be combined with any one or more of the other aspects, expressions of aspects and / or examples described below.

[0071] Various aspects relate to improved ultrasonic surgical devices, electrosurgical devices, and generators for use therewith. Aspects of ultrasonic surgical devices can be configured for, for example, transecting and / or coagulating tissue during a surgical procedure. Aspects of electrosurgical devices can be configured for, for example, transecting, coagulating, targeting, welding, and / or desiccating tissue during a surgical procedure.

[0072] Surgical System Hardware

[0073] See also Figure 1 , a computer-implemented interactive surgical system 100 includes one or more surgical systems 102 and a cloud-based system (e.g., a cloud 104 that may include a remote server 113 coupled to a storage device 105). Each surgical system 102 includes at least one surgical hub 106 in communication with the cloud 104, which may include a remote server 113. In one example, as Figure 1, the surgical system 102 includes a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112, which are configured to communicate with each other and / or with the hub 106. In some aspects, the surgical system 102 may include M hubs 106, N visualization systems 108, O robotic systems 110, and P handheld intelligent surgical instruments 112, where M, N, O, and P are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0074] Figure 2 An example of a surgical system 102 is shown for performing a surgical procedure on a patient lying flat on an operating table 114 in a surgical operating room 116. A robotic system 110 is used as part of the surgical system 102 during a surgical procedure. The robotic system 110 includes a surgeon's console 118, a patient side cart 120 (surgical robot), and a surgical robotic hub 122. The patient side cart 120 can manipulate at least one removably coupled surgical tool 117 through a minimally invasive incision in the patient's body while the surgeon observes the surgical site through the surgeon's console 118. Images of the surgical site can be obtained through a medical imaging device 124, which can be manipulated by the patient side cart 120 to orient the imaging device 124. The robotic hub 122 can be used to process images of the surgical site for subsequent display to the surgeon through the surgeon's console 118.

[0075] Other types of robotic systems may be readily adapted for use with the surgical system 102. Various examples of robotic systems and surgical tools suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,339, filed on December 28, 2017, entitled “ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0076] Various examples of cloud-based analytics performed by the cloud 104 and suitable for use in the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,340, entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS,” filed on December 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0077] In various aspects, imaging device 124 includes at least one image sensor and one or more optical components. Suitable image sensors include, but are not limited to, charge coupled device (CCD) sensors and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.

[0078] The optical components of the imaging device 124 may include one or more illumination sources and / or one or more lenses. The one or more illumination sources may be directed to illuminate multiple portions of the surgical field. The one or more image sensors may receive light reflected or refracted from the surgical field, including light reflected or refracted from tissue and / or surgical instruments.

[0079] One or more illumination sources may be configured to radiate electromagnetic energy in the visible spectrum as well as in the invisible spectrum. The visible spectrum (sometimes referred to as the optical spectrum or the luminescence spectrum) is that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to (i.e., detectable by) the human eye and may be referred to as visible light or simply light. A typical human eye will respond to wavelengths in the range of about 380 nm to about 750 nm in air.

[0080] The invisible spectrum (i.e., non-luminescent spectrum) is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum below and above the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths below about 380 nm and above about 750 nm). The invisible spectrum is not detectable by the human eye. Wavelengths greater than about 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum, and they become invisible infrared (IR), microwaves, and radio electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths less than about 380 nm are shorter than the violet spectrum, and they become invisible ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma-ray electromagnetic radiation.

[0081] In various aspects, the imaging device 124 is configured for use in minimally invasive procedures. Examples of imaging devices suitable for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, arthroscopy, angioscope, bronchoscope, choledochoscope, colonoscope, cytoscope, duodenoscope, enteroscope, esophago-duodenoscope (gastroscope), endoscope, laryngoscope, nasopharyngeal-renal endoscope, sigmoidoscope, thoracoscope, and hysteroscope.

[0082] In one aspect, the imaging device employs multispectral monitoring to discern topography and underlying structure. A multispectral image is an image that captures image data within a specific wavelength range across the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelengths may be separated by filters or by using instruments that are sensitive to specific wavelengths, including light from frequencies outside the visible range, such as IR and ultraviolet. Spectral imaging may allow for the extraction of additional information that the human eye fails to capture with its red, green, and blue receptors. The use of multispectral imaging is described in more detail under the title “Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module” in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,341, entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM,” filed on December 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Multispectral monitoring may be a useful tool for repositioning the surgical field after completing the surgical task to perform one or more of the previously described tests on the treated tissue.

[0083] It is self-evident that during any surgical operation, the operating room and surgical equipment need to be strictly sterilized. The strict sanitation and sterilization conditions required in the "surgical room" (i.e., operating room or treatment room) require the highest possible sterility of all medical devices and equipment. Part of this sterilization process is the need to sterilize any material that contacts the patient or penetrates the sterile field, including imaging device 124 and its attachments and components. It should be understood that the sterile field can be considered as a designated area that is considered to be free of microorganisms, such as in a tray or in a sterile towel, or the sterile field can be considered as the area around the patient prepared for a surgical procedure. The sterile field can include properly dressed scrubbed team members, as well as all equipment and fixtures in the area.

[0084] In various aspects, the visualization system 108 includes one or more imaging sensors, one or more image processing units, one or more storage arrays, and one or more displays strategically arranged relative to the sterile field, such as Figure 2 . In one aspect, the visualization system 108 includes interfaces for HL7, PACS, and EMR. Various components of the visualization system 108 are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,341, entitled “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM,” filed on December 28, 2017, under the title “Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0085] like Figure 2 , the main display 119 is positioned in the sterile field to be visible to the operator at the operating table 114. In addition, the visualization tower 111 is positioned outside the sterile field. The visualization tower 111 includes a first non-sterile display 107 and a second non-sterile display 109 that are divergent from each other. The visualization system 108 guided by the hub 106 is configured to be able to coordinate the flow of information to operators inside and outside the sterile field using the displays 107, 109, and 119. For example, the hub 106 can cause the visualization system 108 to display a snapshot of the surgical site recorded by the imaging device 124 on the non-sterile display 107 or 109, while maintaining a real-time feed of the surgical site on the main display 119. For example, the snapshot on the non-sterile display 107 or 109 can allow a non-sterile operator to perform diagnostic steps related to a surgical procedure.

[0086] In one aspect, the hub 106 is also configured to be able to route diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 111 to the main display 119 within the sterile field, where it can be viewed by a sterile operator at the operating table. In one example, the input can be a modified form of a snapshot displayed on the non-sterile display 107 or 109, which can be routed to the main display 119 via the hub 106.

[0087] refer to Figure 2 , the surgical instrument 112 is used in a surgical procedure as part of the surgical system 102. The hub 106 is further configured to coordinate the flow of information to the display of the surgical instrument 112. For example, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 611,341, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," filed on December 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 111 can be routed by the hub 106 to the surgical instrument display 115 within the sterile field, where the operator of the surgical instrument 112 can observe the diagnostic input or feedback. For example, exemplary surgical instruments suitable for use with surgical system 102 are described under the title “SURGICALINSTRUMENT HARDWARE” in U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62 / 611,341, filed on December 28, 2017 (entitled “INTERACTIVESURGICALPLATFORM,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0088] Reference now Figure 3 , the hub 106 is depicted as communicating with a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112. In some aspects, the visualization system 108 can be a detachable piece of the device. In alternative aspects, the visualization system 108 can be included as a functional module within the hub 106. The hub 106 includes a hub display 135, an imaging module 138, a generator module 140, a communication module 130, a processor module 132, a storage array 134, and an operating room mapping module 133. In some aspects, as Figure 3 , the hub 106 also includes a smoke evacuation module 126, a suction / rinsing module 128, and / or an insufflation module 129. In certain aspects, any of the modules in the hub 106 can be combined with one another into a single module.

[0089] During surgical procedures, energy application to tissue for sealing and / or cutting is often associated with smoke evacuation, suction of excess fluid, and / or flushing of tissue. Fluid lines, power lines, and / or data lines from different sources often become tangled during surgical procedures. Solving this problem during surgical procedures can waste valuable time. Disconnecting a line may require disconnecting the line from its corresponding module, which may require resetting the module. The hub modular housing 136 provides a unified environment for managing power lines, data lines, and fluid lines, which reduces the frequency of tangling between such lines.

[0090] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a surgical hub for use in a surgical procedure involving application of energy to tissue at a surgical site. The surgical hub includes a hub housing and a combination generator module that can be slidably received in a docking base of the hub housing. The docking base includes data contacts and power contacts. The combination generator module includes one or more of an ultrasonic energy generator component, a bipolar RF energy generator component, and a monopolar RF energy generator component housed in a single unit. In one aspect, the combination generator module also includes a smoke exhaust component for connecting the combination generator module to at least one energy delivery cable of a surgical instrument, at least one smoke exhaust component configured to exhaust smoke, fluid, and / or particles generated by applying therapeutic energy to tissue, and a fluid line extending from a remote surgical site to the smoke exhaust component.

[0091] In one aspect, the fluid line is a first fluid line and the second fluid line extends from the remote surgical site to an aspiration and irrigation module slidably received in the hub housing. In one aspect, the hub housing includes a fluid interface.

[0092] Certain surgical procedures may require more than one energy type to be applied to tissue. One energy type may be more conducive to cutting tissue, while another different energy type may be more conducive to sealing tissue. For example, a bipolar generator may be used to seal tissue, while an ultrasonic generator may be used to cut sealed tissue. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a solution in which a hub modular housing 136 is configured to accommodate different generators and facilitate interactive communication between them. One of the advantages of the hub modular housing 136 is that it enables rapid removal and / or replacement of various modules.

[0093] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular surgical housing for use in surgical procedures involving the application of energy to tissue. The modular surgical housing includes a first energy generator module and a first docking station, the first energy generator module being configured to generate a first energy for application to tissue, and the first docking station including a first docking port, the first docking port including a first data contact and a power contact. In one aspect, the first energy generator module is slidably movable into electrical engagement with the power contacts and the data contacts, and wherein the first energy generator module is slidably movable out of electrical engagement with the first power contacts and the data contacts. In an alternative aspect, the first energy generator module is stackably movable into electrical engagement with the power contacts and the data contacts, and wherein the first energy generator module is stackably movable out of electrical engagement with the first power contacts and the data contacts.

[0094] In addition to the above, the modular surgical shell also includes a second energy generator module and a second docking station, the second energy generator module being configured to generate a second energy that is the same as or different from the first energy for application to tissue, and the second docking station including a second docking port, the second docking port including a second data contact and a power contact. In one aspect, the second energy generator module is slidably movable to electrically engage with the power contacts and the data contacts, and wherein the second energy generator module is slidably movable to not electrically engage with the second power contacts and the data contacts. In an alternative aspect, the second energy generator module is stackably movable to electrically engage with the power contacts and the data contacts, and wherein the second energy generator module is stackably movable to not electrically engage with the second power contacts and the data contacts.

[0095] Additionally, the modular surgical housing further includes a communication bus between the first docking port and the second docking port configured to facilitate communication between the first energy generator module and the second energy generator module.

[0096] refer to Figure 3, aspects of the present disclosure are presented as a hub modular housing 136 that allows modular integration of a generator module 140, a smoke evacuation module 126, and a suction / irrigation module 128 and an insufflation module 129. The hub modular housing 136 further facilitates interactive communication between the modules 140, 126, 128, 129. The generator module 140 may be a generator module having integrated monopolar, bipolar, and ultrasonic components supported in a single housing unit that is slidably inserted into the hub modular housing 136. The generator module 140 may be configured to be connectable to a monopolar device 142, a bipolar device 144, and an ultrasonic device 148. Alternatively, the generator module 140 may include a series of monopolar generator modules, bipolar generator modules, and / or ultrasonic generator modules that interact through the hub modular housing 136. The hub modular housing 136 can be configured to facilitate the insertion of multiple generators and interactive communication between the generators docked into the hub modular housing 136 so that the generators will act as a single generator.

[0097] In one aspect, the hub modular housing 136 includes a modular power and communication chassis 149 with external and wireless communication heads to enable removable attachment of modules 140, 126, 128, 129 and interactive communications therebetween.

[0098] Generator Hardware

[0099] As used throughout this specification, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communication channels, etc. that can transmit data through a non-solid medium using modulated electromagnetic radiation. The term does not mean that the associated device does not contain any wires, although in some aspects they may not. The communication module may implement any of a variety of wireless or wired communication standards or protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 series), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 series), IEEE 802.20, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, Bluetooth, and its Ethernet derivatives, and any other wireless and wired protocols designated as 3G, 4G, 5G and above. The computing module may include multiple communication modules. For example, the first communication module may be dedicated to shorter range wireless communications such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the second communication module may be dedicated to longer range wireless communications such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, Ev-DO, etc.

[0100] As used herein, a processor or processing unit is an electronic circuit that performs operations on some external data source (usually a memory or some other data stream). The term is used herein to refer to a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit) in a system or computer system (especially a System on a Chip (SoC)) that combines multiple specialized "processors".

[0101] As used herein, a system on a chip or system on a chip (SoC or SOC) is an integrated circuit (also referred to as an "IC" or "chip") that integrates all the components of a computer or other electronic system. It may include digital, analog, mixed signal, and often radio frequency functions - all on a single substrate. A SoC integrates a microcontroller (or microprocessor) with advanced peripherals such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), a Wi-Fi module, or a coprocessor. A SoC may or may not include built-in memory.

[0102] As used herein, a microcontroller or controller is a system that integrates a microprocessor with peripheral circuits and memory. A microcontroller (or MCU for a microcontroller unit) can be implemented as a small computer on a single integrated circuit. It can be similar to a SoC; an SoC may include a microcontroller as one of its components. A microcontroller may include one or more core processing units (CPUs) as well as memory and programmable input / output peripherals. Program memory in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash memory, or OTP ROM, as well as a small amount of RAM, is also often included on the chip. Compared to microprocessors used in personal computers or other general-purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips, microcontrollers can be used for embedded applications.

[0103] As used herein, the term controller or microcontroller may be a stand-alone IC or chip device that interfaces with peripheral devices. This may be a link between the two components of a computer or a controller on an external device that manages the operation of the device (and the connection to the device).

[0104] Any of the processors or microcontrollers described herein may be implemented as any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those offered by Texas Instruments under the trade name ARM Cortex. In one aspect, the processor may be, for example, the LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments, which includes: 256KB of single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory (up to 40MHz) on-chip memory, a pre-fetch buffer for improving performance above 40MHz, 32KB of single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), a 32KB MCU loaded with Internal read-only memory (ROM) for software, 2KB of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more quadrature encoder input (QEI) simulations, one or more 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with 12 analog input channels, details of which can be found in the product data sheet.

[0105] In one example, the processor may include a safety controller including two families based on controllers such as the TMS570 and RM4x also offered by Texas Instruments under the trade name Hercules ARM Cortex R4. The safety controller may be configured to be specifically designed for IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 safety critical applications, etc., to provide advanced integrated safety features while delivering scalable execution, connectivity and memory options.

[0106] The modular device includes a surgical hub (e.g., such as a combination of Figure 3 The invention relates to a surgical device or instrument that can be connected to various modules to be connected or paired with a corresponding surgical hub. The modular device includes, for example, intelligent surgical instruments, medical imaging devices, suction / irrigation devices, smoke evacuators, energy generators, ventilators, insufflators, and displays. The modular device described herein can be controlled by a control algorithm. The control algorithm can be executed on the modular device itself, on a surgical hub paired with a specific modular device, or on both the modular device and the surgical hub (e.g., via a distributed computing architecture). In some examples, the control algorithm of the modular device controls the device based on data sensed by the modular device itself (i.e., by sensors in the modular device, sensors on the modular device, or sensors connected to the modular device). The data can be related to the patient being operated on (e.g., tissue properties or insufflation pressure) or the modular device itself (e.g., the rate at which the cutter is advanced, the motor current, or the energy level). For example, the control algorithm of the surgical suturing and cutting instrument can control the rate at which the motor of the instrument drives its cutter through the tissue according to the resistance encountered by the cutter when it advances.

[0107] Figure 4One form of a surgical system 2200 is illustrated that includes a modular energy system 2000 and various surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 that can be used with the modular energy system, wherein the surgical instrument 2204 is an ultrasonic surgical instrument, the surgical instrument 2206 is an RF electrosurgical instrument, and the multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 is a combination ultrasonic / RF electrosurgical instrument. The modular energy system 2000 may be configured for use with a variety of surgical instruments. According to various forms, the modular energy system 2000 may be configured for use with different surgical instruments of different types including, for example, an ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, an RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, and a multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 that integrates RF energy and ultrasonic energy delivered separately or simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. Although in Figure 4 In one form, the modular energy system 2000 is shown as being separate from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208, but in one form, the modular energy system 2000 may be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. The modular energy system 2000 may be configured to enable wired or wireless communication.

[0108] The modular energy system 2000 is configured to be able to drive a plurality of surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208. The first surgical instrument is an ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204 and includes a handpiece 2205 (HP), an ultrasonic transducer 2220, a shaft 2226, and an end effector 2222. The end effector 2222 includes a clamping arm 2240 and an ultrasonic blade 2228 acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 2220. The handpiece 2205 includes a trigger 2243 for operating the clamping arm 2240 and a combination of toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, 2234c for energizing and driving the ultrasonic blade 2228 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, 2234c can be configured to be able to energize the ultrasonic transducer 2220 with the modular energy system 2000.

[0109] The modular energy system 2000 is also configured to be able to drive a second surgical instrument 2206. The second surgical instrument 2206 is an RF electrosurgical instrument and includes a handpiece 2207 (HP), a shaft 2227, and an end effector 2224. The end effector 2224 includes electrodes in the clamping arms 2242a, 2242b and returns through the electrical conductor portion of the shaft 2227. The electrodes are coupled to and powered by a bipolar energy source within the modular energy system 2000. The handpiece 2207 includes a trigger 2245 for operating the clamping arms 2242a, 2242b and an energy button 2235 for actuating an energy switch to power the electrodes in the end effector 2224.

[0110] The modular energy system 2000 is also configured to be able to drive a multifunctional surgical instrument 2208. The multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 includes a handpiece 2209 (HP), a shaft 2229, and an end effector 2225. The end effector 2225 includes an ultrasonic blade 2249 and a clamping arm 2246. The ultrasonic blade 2249 is acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer 2220. The ultrasonic transducer 2220 can be separate from the handpiece 2209 or integrated therewith. The handpiece 2209 includes a trigger 2247 for operating the clamping arm 2246 and a combination of toggle buttons 2237a, 2237b, 2237c for energizing and driving the ultrasonic blade 2249 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2237a , 2237b , 2237c can be configured to enable powering of the ultrasonic transducer 2220 with the modular energy system 2000 and powering of the ultrasonic blade 2249 with a bipolar energy source also contained within the modular energy system 2000 .

[0111] The modular energy system 2000 may be configured for use with a variety of surgical instruments. According to various forms, the modular energy system 2000 may be configured for use with different surgical instruments of different types, including, for example, an ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, an RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, and a multi-function surgical instrument 2208 that integrates RF energy and ultrasonic energy delivered separately or simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. Although Figure 4 In one form, the modular energy system 2000 is shown as being separate from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208, but in another form, the modular energy system 2000 can be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. Additional aspects of a generator and surgical instrument for digitally generating an electrical signal waveform are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0086914, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] Modular energy system

[0113] Due to the number of devices required to perform surgical procedures, ORs in every part of the world are a tangled web of cords, devices, and people. Surgical capital equipment is often a major factor in this problem, as most surgical capital equipment performs a single, specialized task. Due to its specialized nature, and the fact that surgeons need to use multiple different types of devices during the course of a single surgical procedure, an OR may be forced to keep two or even more surgical capital equipment (such as energy generators) on hand. Each of these surgical capital equipment must be plugged into a power source separately and can be connected to one or more other devices that pass between OR personnel, thereby generating a tangle of cords that must be navigated. Another problem faced in modern ORs is that each of these specialized surgical capital equipment has its own user interface and must be controlled independently of other devices in the OR. This creates complexity in correctly controlling multiple different devices connected to each other, and forces users to be trained and memorize different types of user interfaces (in addition to changing between each capital equipment, it can also be changed based on the task or surgical procedure being performed). This cumbersome, complex process may require more personnel to be placed in the OR, and may be dangerous if multiple devices cannot be correctly controlled in series with each other. Therefore, reducing the surgical capital equipment footprint within the OR by consolidating surgical capital equipment technologies into a single system that can flexibly meet the surgeon's needs will simplify the user experience, reduce clutter in the OR, and prevent the difficulties and dangers associated with controlling multiple capital devices simultaneously. In addition, making such systems scalable or customizable will allow new technologies to be conveniently incorporated into existing surgical systems, eliminating the need to replace the entire surgical system or require OR personnel to learn a new user interface or device control for each new technology.

[0114] like Figures 1 to 3 As described above, the surgical hub 106 can be configured to interchangeably receive various modules, which in turn can interact with surgical devices (e.g., surgical instruments or smoke evacuators) or provide various other functions (e.g., communication). In one aspect, the surgical hub 106 can be embodied as a modular energy system 2000 that combines Figures 5 to 8Example. The modular energy system 2000 may include a plurality of different modules 2001 that can be connected together in a stacked configuration. In one aspect, the modules 2001 can be physically and communicatively coupled together when stacked or otherwise connected together to form a single component. In addition, the modules 2001 can be interchangeably connected together in different combinations or arrangements. In one aspect, each of the modules 2001 can include a consistent or universal array of connectors disposed along its upper and lower surfaces, thereby allowing any module 2001 to be connected to another module 2001 in any arrangement (except that, in some aspects, a particular module type (such as a head module 2002) can be configured to be used, for example, as the topmost module in a stack). In an alternative aspect, the modular energy system 2000 may include a housing configured to receive and retain the modules 2001, such as Figure 3 The modular energy system 2000 may also include a variety of different components or accessories that can also be connected to the module 2001 or otherwise associated with the module. In another aspect, the modular energy system 2000 may be embodied as a generator module 140 ( Figure 3 ). In yet another aspect, the modular energy system 2000 can be a distinct system from the surgical hub 106. In such aspects, the modular energy system 2000 can be communicatively coupled to the surgical hub 206 for transmitting and / or receiving data therebetween.

[0115] The modular energy system 2000 can be assembled from a variety of different modules 2001, some examples of which are shown in Figure 52001. Each of the different types of modules 2001 may provide different functions, thereby allowing the modular energy system 2000 to be assembled into different configurations to customize the functions and capabilities of the modular energy system 2000 by customizing the modules 2001 included in each modular energy system 2000. The modules 2001 of the modular energy system 2000 may include, for example, a head module 2002 (which may include a display screen 2006), an energy module 2004, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module 2042. In the depicted aspect, the head module 2002 is configured to be able to be used as the top or uppermost module in the modular energy system stack, and thus may not contain connectors along its top surface. In another aspect, the head module 2002 may be configured to be able to be positioned at the bottom or lowermost module in the modular energy system stack, and thus may not contain connectors along its bottom surface. In yet another aspect, the head module 2002 may be configured to be able to be positioned at an intermediate position in the modular energy system stack, and thus may include connectors along both its bottom surface and top surface. The head module 2002 may be configured to control system-level settings for each module 2001 and components connected to each module through physical controls 2011 on the head module and / or a graphical user interface (GUI) 2008 presented on a display screen 2006. Such settings may include activation of the modular energy system 2000, volume of alerts, foot switch settings, setting icons, appearance or configuration of the user interface, the profile of the surgeon logged into the modular energy system 2000, and / or the type of surgical procedure being performed. The head module 2002 may also be configured to provide communications, processing, and / or power to the modules 2001 connected to the head module 2002. The energy module 2004 (also referred to as the generator module 140 ( Figure 3 )) can be configured to generate one or more energy modalities for driving an electrosurgical instrument and / or an ultrasonic surgical instrument connected to the energy module. The technology module 2040 can be configured to provide additional or extended control algorithms (e.g., an electrosurgical control algorithm or an ultrasonic control algorithm for controlling the energy output of the energy module 2004). The visualization module 2042 can be configured to interact with a visualization device (i.e., an observation device) and thereby enhance visualization capabilities.

[0116] The modular energy system 2000 may also include a variety of accessories 2029 that can be connected to the module 2001 for controlling its functions or otherwise configured to work in conjunction with the modular energy system 2000. The accessories 2029 may include, for example, a single-pedal foot switch 2032, a dual-pedal foot switch 2034, and a cart 2030 for supporting the modular energy system 2000 thereon. The foot switches 2032, 2034 may be configured to control, for example, the activation or function of a particular energy modality output by the energy module 2004.

[0117] By utilizing modular components, the depicted modular energy system 2000 provides a surgical platform that is optimized as technology becomes available and can be customized to the needs of the facility and / or surgeon. In addition, the modular energy system 2000 supports combination devices (e.g., dual electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy generators) and supports software-driven algorithms for customizing tissue effects. Furthermore, the surgical system architecture reduces capital footprint by combining multiple technologies critical to surgery into a single system.

[0118] The various modular components that can be used in conjunction with the modular energy system 2000 may include a monopolar energy generator, a bipolar energy generator, a dual electrosurgical / ultrasonic energy generator, a display screen, and various other modules and / or other components, some of which are also described above in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3 Described.

[0119] See now Fig. 6A In some aspects, the head module 2002 may include a display screen 2006 that presents a GUI 2008 for relaying information about the modules 2001 connected to the head module 2002. In some aspects, the GUI 2008 of the display screen 2006 may provide a consolidated control point for all modules 2001 that make up a particular configuration of the modular energy system 2000. Figure 8 Various aspects of the GUI 2008 are discussed in greater detail. In alternative aspects, the head module 2002 can be devoid of the display screen 2006, or the display screen 2006 can be removably connected to the housing 2010 of the head module 2002. In such aspects, the head module 2002 can be communicatively coupled to an external system that is configured to display information generated by the modules 2001 of the modular energy system 2000. For example, in a robotic surgical application, the modular energy system 2000 can be communicatively coupled to a robotic cart or robotic console that is configured to display information generated by the modular energy system 2000 to an operator of the robotic surgical system. For another example, the modular energy system 2000 can be communicatively coupled to a mobile display that can be carried or secured to surgical staff for viewing. In aspects of utilizing a user interface that is separate from or otherwise distinct from the modular energy system 2000, the user interface may be wirelessly connected to the modular energy system 2000 as a whole or one or more of its modules 2001 such that the user interface may display information from the connected module 2001 thereon.

[0120] Still see Fig. 6A, the energy module 2004 may include a port assembly 2012 that includes a plurality of different ports configured to deliver different energy modalities to corresponding surgical instruments that can be connected to the ports. Figures 5 to 8 , the port assembly 2012 includes a bipolar port 2014, a first monopolar port 2016a, a second monopolar port 2016b, a neutral electrode port 2018 (to which a monopolar return pad can be connected), and a combination energy port 2020. However, this particular combination of ports is for illustrative purposes only, and alternative combinations of ports and / or energy modalities are possible for the port assembly 2012.

[0121] As described above, the modular energy system 2000 can be assembled into different configurations. In addition, different configurations of the modular energy system 2000 can also be used for different surgical procedure types and / or different tasks. For example, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A first exemplary configuration of a modular energy system 2000 is illustrated, which includes a head module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) and an energy module 2004 connected together. Such a configuration may be suitable for use in, for example, laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

[0122] Figure 7 A second exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000 is illustrated, which includes a head module 2002 (including a display screen 2006), a first energy module 2004a, and a second energy module 2004b connected together. By stacking two energy modules 2004a, 2004b, the modular energy system 2000 can provide a pair of port assemblies 2012a, 2012b for enabling the modular energy system 2000 to expand the array of energy modalities delivered from the first configuration. The second configuration of the modular energy system 2000 can thus accommodate more than one bipolar / monopolar electrosurgical instrument, more than two bipolar / monopolar electrosurgical instruments, etc. Such a configuration may be suitable for particularly complex laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

[0123] It should be noted that FIG. 6A to FIG. 7 The configurations illustrated in are merely intended to illustrate various concepts of the modular energy system 2000 and should not be construed as limiting the modular energy system 2000 to the specific aforementioned configurations.

[0124] See now Figure 8, in some aspects, the head module 2002 may include or support a display 2006 that is configured to be used to display a GUI 2008, as described above. The display screen 2006 may include a touch screen for receiving input from a user in addition to displaying information. The controls displayed on the GUI 2008 may correspond to the modules 2001 connected to the head module 2002. In some aspects, different portions or areas of the GUI 2008 may correspond to specific modules 2001. For example, a first portion or area of ​​the GUI 2008 may correspond to a first module, and a second portion or area of ​​the GUI 2008 may correspond to a second module. As different and / or additional modules 2001 are connected to the modular energy system stack, the GUI 2008 may be adjustable to accommodate different and / or additional controls for each newly added module 2001 or to remove controls for each module 2001 that is removed. Each portion of the display corresponding to a specific module connected to the head module 2002 may display controls, data, user prompts, and / or other information corresponding to that module. For example, in Fig.12 2, a first or upper portion 2052 of the depicted GUI 2008 displays controls and data associated with an energy module 2004 connected to the head module 2002. Specifically, the first portion 2052 of the GUI 2008 for the energy module 2004 provides a first widget 2056a corresponding to the bipolar port 2014, a second widget 2056b corresponding to the first monopolar port 2016a, a third widget 2056c corresponding to the second monopolar port 2016b, and a fourth widget 2056d corresponding to the combined energy port 2020. Each of these widgets 2056a-2056d provides data related to its corresponding port of the port assembly 2012 and controls for controlling the mode and other features of the energy modality delivered by the energy module 2004 through the corresponding port of the port assembly 2012. For example, the desktop widgets 2056a-d can be configured to display the power level of a surgical instrument connected to the corresponding port, change the operating mode of the surgical instrument connected to the corresponding port (e.g., changing the surgical instrument from a first power level to a second power level and / or changing a monopolar surgical instrument from a "spray" mode to a "mixed" mode), and so on.

[0125] In one aspect, the head module 2002 may include various physical controls 2011 in addition to or in lieu of the GUI 2008. Such physical controls 2011 may include, for example, a power button that controls the application of power to each module 2001 connected to the head module 2002 in the modular energy system 2000. Alternatively, the power button may be displayed as part of the GUI 2008. Thus, the head module 2002 may be used as a single point of contact, and each individual module 2001 making up the modular energy system 2000 need not be individually activated and deactivated.

[0126] In one aspect, the head module 2002 may display still images, videos, animations, and / or information associated with the surgical module 2001 configuring the modular energy system 2000 or a surgical device communicatively coupled to the modular energy system 2000. The still images and / or videos displayed by the head module 2002 may be received from an endoscope or another visualization device communicatively coupled to the modular energy system 2000. The animations and / or information of the GUI 2008 may be overlaid on or displayed adjacent to the images or video feed.

[0127] In one aspect, modules 2001 other than head module 2002 can be configured to similarly relay information to a user. For example, energy module 2004 can include light assemblies 2015 disposed around each port of port assembly 2012. Light assembly 2015 can be configured to relay information about a port to a user based on its color or state (e.g., flashing). For example, light assembly 2015 can change from a first color to a second color when a plug is fully seated in a corresponding port. In one aspect, the color or state of light assembly 2015 can be controlled by head module 2002. For example, head module 2002 can cause light assembly 2015 of each port to display a color corresponding to the color display of the port on GUI 2008.

[0128] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an independent hub configuration of a modular energy system 3000 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and Fig.10 is a block diagram of a hub configuration of a modular energy system 3000 integrated with a surgical control system 3010 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As depicted, the modular energy system 3000 can be used as a standalone unit or integrated with a surgical control system 3010 that controls and / or receives data from one or more surgical hub units. Figures 9 and 10In the example illustrated in , the integrated head / UI module 3002 of the modular energy system 3000 includes a head module and a UI module integrated together as a single module. In other aspects, the head module and the UI module can be provided as separate components that are communicatively coupled via a data bus 3008.

[0129] like Fig. 9 , an example of a standalone modular energy system 3000 includes an integrated head module / user interface (UI) module 3002 coupled to an energy module 3004. Power and data are transmitted between the integrated head / UI module 3002 and the energy module 3004 via a power interface 3006 and a data interface 3008. For example, the integrated head / UI module 3002 can transmit various commands to the energy module 3004 via the data interface 3008. Such commands can be based on user input from the UI. For another example, power can be transmitted to the energy module 3004 via the power interface 3006.

[0130] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, the surgical hub configuration includes a modular energy system 3000 integrated with a control system 3010 and an interface system 3022 for managing data and power transmission to and / or from the modular energy system 3000, among other things. Fig.10 The depicted modular energy system includes an integrated head module / UI module 3002, a first energy module 3004, and a second energy module 3012. In one example, a data transmission path is established between a system control unit 3024 of a control system 3010 and the second energy module 3012 through the first energy module 3004 and the head / UI module 3002 via a data interface 3008. In addition, a power path extends between the integrated head / UI module 3002 and the second energy module 3012 through the first energy module 3004 via a power interface 3006. In other words, in one aspect, the first energy module 3004 is configured to be able to serve as a power interface and a data interface between the second energy module 3012 and the integrated head / UI module 3002 via the power interface 3006 and the data interface 3008. This arrangement allows the modular energy system 3000 to be expanded by seamlessly connecting additional energy modules to the energy modules 3004 , 3012 already connected to the integrated head / UI module 3002 , without requiring dedicated power and energy interfaces within the integrated head / UI module 3002 .

[0131] The system control unit 3024 (which may be referred to herein as a control circuit, control logic component, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic component, or FPGA, or various combinations thereof) is coupled to the system interface 3022 via an energy interface 3026 and an instrument communication interface 3028. The system interface 3022 is coupled to the first energy module 3004 via a first energy interface 3014 and a first instrument communication interface 3016. The system interface 3022 is coupled to the second energy module 3012 via a second energy interface 3018 and a second instrument communication interface 3020. When additional modules (such as additional energy modules) are stacked in the modular energy system 3000, additional energy interfaces and communication interfaces are provided between the system interface 3022 and the additional modules.

[0132] The energy modules 3004, 3012 may be connected to the hub and may be configured to generate electrosurgical energy (e.g., bipolar or monopolar), ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof for a variety of energy surgical instruments (referred to herein as "advanced energy" modules). In general, the energy modules 3004, 3012 include a hardware / software interface, an ultrasonic controller, an advanced energy RF controller, a bipolar RF controller, and control algorithms executed by the controllers that receive outputs from the controllers and control the operation of the various energy modules 3004, 3012 accordingly. In various aspects of the present disclosure, the controllers described herein may be implemented as control circuits, control logic components, microprocessors, microcontrollers, logic components, or FPGAs, or various combinations thereof.

[0133] In one aspect, see Figures 9 and 10 , the modules of the modular energy system 3000 may include an optical link that allows high speed communication (10Mb / s to 50Mb / s) across the patient isolation boundary. This link will carry device communications, mitigation signals (monitors, etc.), and low bandwidth runtime data. In some aspects, the optical link will not contain real-time sampling data that can be performed on the non-isolated side.

[0134] In one aspect, see Figures 9 and 10 , a module of the modular energy system 3000 may include a multi-function circuit block that can: (i) read a presence resistor value via an A / D and current source, (ii) communicate with a conventional instrument via a manual switch Q protocol, (iii) communicate with an instrument via a local bus single wire protocol, and (iv) communicate with a CAN FD enabled surgical instrument. When a surgical instrument is properly identified by the energy generator module, the associated pin functions and communication circuits are enabled, while other unused functions are disabled or disconnected and set to a high impedance state.

[0135] In one aspect, see Fig. 9 and Fig.10, the modules of the modular energy system 3000 may include a pulse / stimulation / auxiliary amplifier. This is a flexible use amplifier based on a full-bridge output and includes functional isolation. This allows its differential output to reference any output connection on the applied portion (except for unipolar active electrodes in some aspects). The amplifier output can be a small signal linear (pulse / excitation) with a waveform drive provided by a DAC or a square wave drive with medium output power for DC applications (such as DC motors, lighting, FET drivers, etc.). The output voltage and current are sensed using functionally isolated voltage and current feedback to provide accurate impedance and power measurements to the FPGA. Paired with a CAN FD-enabled instrument, this output can provide a motor / motion control drive, while position or velocity feedback is provided by the CAN FD interface for closed-loop control.

[0136] As described in more detail herein, the modular energy system includes a head module and one or more functional modules or surgical modules. In various cases, the modular energy system is a modular energy system. In various cases, the surgical module includes an energy module, a communication module, a user interface module; however, the surgical module can be contemplated as any suitable type of functional module or surgical module for use with the modular energy system.

[0137] Modular energy systems provide many advantages in surgical procedures, as described above in conjunction with modular energy system 2000 ( Figures 5 to 8 )、3000( Fig. 9 , Fig.10 ) described above. However, cable management and setup / teardown time can be significant impediments. Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular energy system having a single power cable and a single power switch to control startup and shutdown of the entire modular energy system, which eliminates the need to activate and deactivate each individual module that makes up the modular energy system. Additionally, various aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular energy system having a power management scheme that facilitates safe and, in some cases, simultaneous delivery of power to the modules of the modular energy system.

[0138] In various aspects, such as Fig.11 As illustrated in FIG. 6 , modular energy system 6000 is similar in many respects to modular energy system 2000 ( Figures 5 to 8 )、3000( Figures 9 and 10 ). For the sake of brevity, various details of modular energy system 6000 that are similar to modular energy system 2000 and / or modular energy system 3000 are not repeated herein.

[0139] The modular energy system 6000 includes a head module 6002 and an "N" number of surgical modules 6004, where "N" is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In various examples, the modular energy system 6000 includes a UI module such as the UI module 3030 and / or a communication module such as the communication module 3032. In addition, a pass-through hub connector enables the individual modules to be coupled to each other in a stacked configuration. Fig.11 In the example, the head module 6002 is coupled to the surgical module 6004 via straight-through hub connectors 6005, 6006.

[0140] The modular energy system 6000 includes an exemplary power architecture consisting of a single AC / DC power source 6003 that provides power to all surgical modules in the stack. The AC / DC power source 6003 is housed in the head module 6002 and distributes power to each module in the stack using a power backplane 6008. Fig.11 The example shows three separate power domains on the power backplane 6008: a main power domain 6009, a standby power domain 6010, and an Ethernet switch power domain 6013.

[0141] exist Fig.11 , the power backplane 6008 extends from the head module 6002 to the bottom-most or furthest module in the stack through a plurality of intermediate modules 6004. In various aspects, the power backplane 6008 is configured to enable power to be delivered to the surgical module 6004 through one or more other surgical modules 6004 preceding it in the stack. The surgical module 6004 receiving power from the head module 6002 may be coupled to a surgical instrument or tool configured to enable delivery of therapeutic energy to the patient.

[0142] The main power domain 6009 is the main power source for the functional module specific circuits 6013, 6014, 6015 of the modules 6002, 6004. It consists of a single voltage rail provided to each module. In at least one example, the nominal voltage of 60V can be selected to be higher than the local rail required by any module so that these modules can only achieve buck regulation, which is generally more efficient than boost regulation.

[0143] In various aspects, the main power domain 6009 is controlled by the head module 6002. In some cases, such as Fig.11, the local power switch 6018 is positioned on the head module 6002. In some cases, for example, the remote on / off interface 6016 can be configured to control the system power control 6017 on the head module 6002. In at least one example, the remote on / off interface 6016 is configured to transmit pulse discrete commands (separate commands for on and off) and power state telemetry signals. In various cases, the main power domain 6009 is configured to distribute power to all modules in the stacked configuration after a user-initiated power-up.

[0144] In various aspects, such as Fig.11 , the modules of the modular energy system 6000 can be communicatively coupled to the head module 6002 and / or to each other via a communication (serial bus / Ethernet) interface 6040, so that data or other information is shared by and between the modules that make up the modular energy system. For example, an Ethernet switch domain 6013 can be derived from the main power domain 6009. The Ethernet switch power domain 6013 is isolated into separate power domains that are configured to be able to power the Ethernet switch within each of the modules in the stacked configuration so that the main communication interface 6040 will remain powered when the local power of the module is removed. In at least one example, the main communication interface 6040 includes 1000BASE-T Ethernet, where each module represents a node on the network, and each module downstream of the head module 6002 contains a 3-port Ethernet switch for routing traffic to local modules or passing data upstream or downstream as appropriate.

[0145] Additionally, in some examples, the modular energy system 6000 includes an auxiliary low-speed communication interface between modules for critical power-related functions, including module power sequencing and module power states. The auxiliary communication interface may be, for example, a multi-drop local interconnect network (LIN), where the head module is the master module and all downstream modules are slave modules.

[0146] In various aspects, such as Fig.11 As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the standby power domain 6010 is a separate output from the AC / DC power source 6003 that is always powered when the power source is connected to the main power 6020. The standby power domain 6010 is used by all modules in the system to power the circuitry of the relieved communication interface and control the local power of each module. In addition, the standby power domain 6010 is configured to be able to power critical circuitry in standby mode, such as on / off command detection, status LEDs, auxiliary communication buses, etc.

[0147] In various aspects, such as Fig.11, the individual surgical modules 6004 do not contain an independent power source and therefore rely on the head module 6002 for power in the stacked configuration. Only the head module 6002 is directly connected to the main power 6020. The surgical modules 6004 do not contain a direct connection to the main power 6020 and can only receive power in the stacked configuration. This arrangement improves the safety of the individual surgical modules 6004 and reduces the overall footprint of the modular energy system 6000. This arrangement further reduces the number of cords required for proper operation of the modular energy system 6000, which can reduce clutter and floor space in the operating room.

[0148] Thus, a surgical instrument connected to a stacked configuration of a surgical module 6004 of the modular energy system 6000 receives therapeutic energy for tissue treatment, which is generated by the surgical module 6004 using power delivered to the surgical module 6004 from the AC / DC power source 6003 of the head module 6002.

[0149] In at least one example, while the head module 6002 is assembled with the first surgical module 6004' in a stacked configuration, energy can flow from the AC / DC power source 6003 to the first surgical module 6004'. In addition, while the head module 6002 is assembled with the first surgical module 6004' (connected to the head module 6002) and the second surgical module 6004" (connected to the first surgical module 6004') in a stacked configuration, energy can flow from the AC / DC power source 6003 to the second surgical module 6004" through the first surgical module 6004'.

[0150] The energy generated by the AC / DC power source 6003 of the head module 6002 is transmitted through the segmented power backplane 6008 defined in the entire modular energy system 6000. Fig.11 In the example, the head module 6002 houses the power backplane segment 6008', the first surgical module 6004' houses the power backplane segment 6008", and the second surgical module 6004" houses the power backplane segment 6008'. The power backplane segment 6008' is removably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008' in a stacked configuration. In addition, the power backplane 6008' is removably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008' in a stacked configuration. Therefore, energy flows from the AC / DC power source 6003 to the power backplane segment 6008', then to the power backplane segment 6008", and then to the power backplane segment 6008".

[0151] exist Fig.11In the example, the power backplane segment 6008' is removably connected to the power backplane segment 6008". In addition, the power backplane segment 6008" is removably connected to the power backplane segment 6008"' in a stacked configuration via the pass-through hub connectors 6025, 6056. In some cases, removing the surgical module from the stacked configuration will sever its connection to the power source 6003. For example, separating the second surgical module 6004" from the first surgical module 6004' will disconnect the power backplane segment 6008"' from the power backplane segment 6008". However, as long as the head module 6002 and the first surgical module 6004' remain in the stacked configuration, the connection between the power backplane segment 6008" and the power backplane segment 6008"' remains intact. Thus, after disconnecting the second surgical module 6004″, energy may still flow to the first surgical module 6004′ through the connection between the head module 6002 and the first surgical module 6004′. In some cases, separating the connected modules may be accomplished by simply pulling the surgical modules 6004 apart.

[0152] exist Fig.11 In the example of , each of the modules 6002, 6004 includes a mitigated module control 6023. The mitigated module control 6023 is coupled to corresponding local power regulation modules 6024, which are configured to be able to adjust power based on input from the mitigated module control 6023. In some aspects, the mitigated module control 6023 allows the head module 6002 to independently control the local power regulation module 6024.

[0153] The modular energy system 6000 also includes a mitigated communication interface 6021 that includes a segmented communication backplane 6027 extending between the mitigated module controls 6023. The segmented communication backplane 6027 is similar in many respects to the segmented power backplane 6008. The mitigated communication between the mitigated module controls 6023 of the head module 6002 and the surgical module 6004 can be achieved through the segmented communication backplane 6027 defined throughout the modular energy system 6000. Fig.11 In the example, the head module 6002 houses a communication backplane segment 6027', the first surgical module 6004' houses a communication backplane segment 6027", and the second surgical module 6004" houses a communication backplane segment 6027"'. The communication backplane segment 6027' is detachably coupled to the communication backplane segment 6027" in a stacked configuration via the straight-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. In addition, the communication backplane 6027" is detachably coupled to the communication backplane segment 6027" in a stacked configuration via the straight-through hub connectors 6025, 6026.

[0154] although Fig.11 The example depicts a modular energy system 6000 including a head module 6002 and two surgical modules 6004', 6004", but this is not limiting. The present disclosure contemplates modular energy systems with more or fewer surgical modules. In some aspects, the modular energy system 6000 includes other modules, such as a communication module. In some aspects, the head module 6502 supports a display screen, such as the display 2006 ( Fig. 6A ), the display presents a GUI, such as GUI 2008 for relaying information about the modules connected to the head module 6002. The GUI 2008 of the display screen 2006 may provide a consolidated control point for all modules that make up a particular configuration of the modular energy system.

[0155] Fig.12 A simplified schematic diagram of the modular energy system 6000 is depicted, which illustrates a primary communication interface 6040 between a head module 6002 and a surgical module 6004. The primary communication interface 6040 communicatively connects the module processors 6041, 6041', 6041". of the head module 6002 and the surgical module 6004, and commands generated by the module processor 6041 of the head module are transmitted downstream to the desired functional surgical module via the primary communication interface 6040. In some cases, the primary communication interface 6040 is configured to enable establishment of a bidirectional communication path between adjacent modules. In other cases, the primary communication interface 6040 is configured to enable establishment of a unidirectional communication path between adjacent modules.

[0156] In addition, the main communication interface 6040 includes a segmented communication backplane 6031 that is similar in many respects to the segmented power backplane 6008. Communication between the head module 6002 and the surgical module 6004 can be achieved through the segmented communication backplane 6031 defined in the entire modular energy system 6000. Fig.12 In the example, the head module 6002 houses the communication baseboard segment 6031', the first surgical module 6004' houses the communication baseboard segment 6031", and the second surgical module 6004" houses the communication baseboard segment 6031"'. The communication baseboard segment 6031' is detachably coupled to the communication baseboard segment 6031" in a stacked configuration via the straight-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. In addition, the communication baseboard 6031" is detachably coupled to the communication baseboard segment 6031" in a stacked configuration via the straight-through hub connectors 6025, 6026.

[0157] In at least one example, Fig.12As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the main communication interface 6040 is implemented using a DDS framework running on a Gigabit Ethernet interface. The module processors 6041, 6041′, 6041″ are connected to a Gigabit Ethernet physical layer 6044 and Gigabit Ethernet switches 6042′, 6042″. Fig.16 In the example of FIG. 6 , the segmented communication backplane 6031 connects the Gigabit Ethernet physical layer 6044 and the Gigabit Ethernet switch 6042 of the adjacent modules.

[0158] In various aspects, such as Fig.12 , the head module 6002 includes a separate Gigabit Ethernet physical layer 6045 to implement an external communication interface 6043 with a processor module 6041 of the head module 6002. In at least one example, the processor module 6041 of the head module 6002 handles firewall and information routing.

[0159] See also Fig.11 , the AC / DC power source 6003 can provide an AC status signal 6011 that indicates a loss of AC power supplied by the AC / DC power source 6003. The AC status signal 6011 can be provided to all modules of the modular energy system 6000 via the segmented power backplane 6008 to allow each module as much time as possible to shut down gracefully before the main output power is lost. For example, the AC status signal 6011 is received by module-specific circuits 6013, 6014, 6015. In various examples, the system power control 6017 can be configured to detect AC power loss. In at least one example, the AC power loss is detected via one or more suitable sensors.

[0160] See also Fig.11 and Fig.12 To ensure that a local power failure in one of the modules of the modular energy system 6000 does not disable the entire power bus, the main power input to all modules can be fused, or similar current limiting methods (electronic fuses, circuit breakers, etc.) can be used. In addition, the Ethernet switch power is separated into separate power domains 6013 so that the main communication interface 6040 remains powered when the local power to the module is removed. In other words, the main power can be removed and / or transferred from the surgical module without losing the ability of the main power to communicate with other surgical modules 6004 and / or head module 6002.

[0161] Footswitch assignment using the graphical user interface

[0162] Having described the general implementation of modular energy systems 2000, 3000, 6000 and graphical user interface (GUI) 2008, the present disclosure now turns to various implementations describing other modular energy systems and GUIs. Other modular energy systems are substantially similar to modular energy system 2000, modular energy system 3000 and / or modular energy system 6000. Likewise, other GUIs are substantially similar to GUI 2008. For the sake of brevity, various details of other modular energy systems and GUIs described in the following sections are not repeated herein. Any aspects of other modular energy systems and GUIs described below may be introduced into modular energy system 2000, modular energy system 3000, modular energy system 6000 and GUI 2008.

[0163] As described above, the modular energy system may include one or more energy modules, each energy module being configured to generate one or more energy modalities for driving an electrosurgical instrument and / or an ultrasonic surgical instrument connected to the energy module. Figure 7 , the modular energy system 2000 is illustrated as having two energy modules (energy modules 2004a and 2004b), each energy module having a port assembly (port assembly 2012a or 2012b), and each port assembly having a plurality of different ports configured to deliver different energy modalities to corresponding surgical instruments connectable to the ports. In other aspects, the modular energy system 2000 may include more than two energy modules, each energy module having a port assembly with different ports.

[0164] Also as described above, the modular energy system may include various accessories that may be connected to the module to control its functionality. These accessories may include a foot switch that is configured to control the activation or functionality of the energy modality generated by the module. For example, again referring to Figure 5 , the foot switches used with the modular energy system may include a single pedal foot switch (e.g., single pedal foot switch 2032) and a double pedal foot switch (e.g., double pedal foot switch 2034). In some aspects, each foot switch is configured to be able to control only one port of the modular energy system at a time. In other aspects, the foot switch may be communicatively coupled to the modular energy system via a wired connection. In other aspects, the foot switch may be coupled to the modular energy system via a wireless connection. Any number and combination of the same and / or different types of foot switches may be connected to a single modular energy system to control various ports.

[0165] Therefore, there are not only a variety of different energy modules and port configurations that can be used to implement the modular energy system described herein, but also a variety of different foot switch configurations that can be used to control the energy modalities associated with the ports. Considering the various combinations of energy modules, energy modalities, ports, and foot switches that can be implemented for a specific modular energy system, there is a need for devices, systems, and methods for easily assigning foot switches to control specific ports of modular energy systems. Additionally, because some foot switches can be wirelessly connected to modular energy systems, there is a need for devices, systems, and methods for wirelessly pairing foot switches to modular energy systems and assigning foot switches to control their specific ports. The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for assigning foot switches to control specific ports of modular energy systems using a graphical user interface (GUI). The present disclosure also provides devices, systems, and methods for wirelessly pairing foot switches to modular energy systems and assigning foot switches to control their specific ports using a GUI.

[0166] Figures 13 to 17 An illustrative sequence of GUI screens 7000A-E (collectively, GUI 7000) for assigning a foot switch to a specific port of a modular energy system according to several non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure are depicted. GUI 7000 may be presented by a display screen of a modular energy system. For example, similar to GUI 2008, GUI 7000 may be presented by the GUI 2008 described above with respect to a specific port of a modular energy system. Figures 5 to 8 The display screen 2006 of the modular energy system 2000 is presented. Figures 13 to 17 The GUI presented by the modular energy system with a specific configuration of foot switches, modules and ports is depicted, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the following description of Figures 13 to 17 The disclosed aspects are applicable to modular energy systems having a variety of different foot switch, module and port configurations.

[0167] Reference now Fig.13 , GUI screen 7000A is illustrated as displaying data and controls associated with an exemplary modular energy system configured with a first energy module and a second energy module (e.g., Figure 7 2004a and the second energy module 2004b). Specifically, the GUI screen 7000A includes a first portion 7010 corresponding to the first energy module and a second portion 7020 corresponding to the second energy module. The first portion 7010 of the GUI screen 7000A includes a first desktop widget 7012A, a second desktop widget 7012B, a third desktop widget 7012C, and a fourth desktop widget 7012D, each of which displays a bipolar port, a first monopolar port, a second monopolar port, and a combination energy port (e.g., Fig. 6A 2014, the first monopolar port 2016a, the second monopolar port 2016b, and the combined energy port 2020 of the energy module 2004. Similarly, the second portion 7020 of the GUI screen 7000A includes a first desktop widget 7022A, a second desktop widget 7022B, a third desktop widget 7022C, and a fourth desktop widget 7022D, each of which displays data and controls corresponding to the bipolar port, the first monopolar port, the second monopolar port, and the combined energy port of the second energy module, respectively. Each desktop widget 7012A-D, 7022A-D of the GUI screen 7000A includes an icon 7014A-D, 7024A-D indicating that the corresponding port is available for control by a foot switch but a foot switch has not yet been assigned to the port. As described above, when different and / or additional modules are connected to the modular energy system stack, the GUI 7000 can be adjusted to accommodate different and / or additional controls for the updated modular energy system configuration.

[0168] Based on detecting that a foot switch has been connected to the modular energy system, the modular energy system may cause the GUI 7000 to display one or more GUI elements indicating that the connected foot switch is available for use with one of the ports assigned to the port. Fig.14 , GUI screen 7000B is illustrated as displaying object 7030 based on the modular energy system detecting a connected foot switch. The connected foot switch can be a wired foot switch or a wireless foot switch. Thus, in one aspect, detecting a connected foot switch can include detecting that the foot switch has been plugged into one of the modules of the modular energy system by a wired connection. In another aspect, detecting a connected foot switch can include detecting that the foot switch has been wirelessly paired with the modular energy system.

[0169] In addition to or in lieu of the above, the connected foot switch may be a single pedal foot switch or a double pedal foot switch (e.g. Figure 5 Thus, in one aspect, object 7030 may include an icon indicating whether the connected foot switch is a single pedal foot switch or a double pedal foot switch. Fig.14 In a non-limiting aspect of the invention, object 7030 includes an icon representing a single-pedal foot switch (indicating that the single-pedal foot switch is connected). If a double-pedal foot switch is connected instead, object 7030 may include an icon representing the double-pedal foot switch.

[0170] Still reference Fig.14, based on detecting the connected foot switch, the modular energy system can cause the GUI screen 7000B to display a help balloon 7032. The help balloon 7032 may include a notification identifying the connected foot switch and / or instructions for assigning the connected foot switch to an available port. For example, the help balloon 7032 includes text stating "Foot switch A connected" and "Drag the foot switch to the port to be assigned." Therefore, a user viewing the GUI screen 7000B and the help balloon 7032 is notified that the foot switch A is connected and can be assigned to a specific port by dragging the object 7030 to one of the available desktop widgets (e.g., 7012A, 7012D, 7022A, 7022D).

[0171] In various aspects, upon detecting a connected foot switch, the GUI 7000 may display an icon and / or text identifying the port to which the foot switch may be assigned. Fig.14 , GUI screen 7000B is illustrated as displaying icons 7034A-D and text "DRAG HERE" within widgets 7012A, 7012D, 7022A, 7022D indicating that object 7030 may be dragged to any of those widgets to assign the foot switch. In one aspect, the modular energy system may determine the port to which the foot switch may be assigned based on whether the connected foot switch is a single pedal foot switch or a dual pedal foot switch. For example, in Fig.14 In a non-limiting aspect of the invention, only bipolar and combination energy ports of the modular energy system are configured to support a single pedal foot switch. Therefore, desktop widgets 7012A, 7012D, 7022A, and 7022D include icons 7034A-D indicating that a foot switch can be assigned to one of those ports. Conversely, desktop widgets 7012B, 7012C, 7022B, and 7022C include text 7036A-D indicating that the connected foot switch is incompatible with the corresponding monopolar ports and therefore cannot be assigned to those monopolar ports.

[0172] The user of the modular energy system can interact with the GUI screen 7000B to pair the connected foot switch with one of the available ports. For example, following instructions provided by the help balloon 7032 and / or icons 7034A-D, the user can press and drag the object 7030 away from its original location. Fig.15GUI screen 7000B of the present invention transitions to GUI screen 7000C, and pressing and dragging object 7030 will cause the object to move around GUI screen 7000C, allowing the user to drag object 7030 to an available port (i.e., to one of the desktop widgets 7012A, 7012D, 7022A, or 7022D that displays a "drag here" icon 7034A-D). Pressing and dragging object 7030 may also cause GUI screen 7000C to display icon 7034E including text that states "Drag here to dock." Instead of dragging object 7030 to one of the available ports (i.e., the desktop widgets), the user may drag object 7030 back to its original location and release object 7030 to return to GUI screen 7000B. As a result of this operation, the foot switch will remain unassigned. In some aspects, if the user releases object 7030 without dragging to any of the widgets having icons 7034A-E, the foot switch will remain unassigned and GUI 7000 will return to GUI screen 7000B.

[0173] from Fig.16 GUI screen 7000C transitions to GUI screen 7000D, where object 7030 is depicted as hovering over widget 7012A due to the dragging action performed by the user. In some aspects, dragging object 7030 over one of the available / compatible widgets will cause the widget to become highlighted and / or have a dashed border. For example, based on the user dragging object 7030 over widget 7012A, GUI screen 7000D shows the widget with a highlighted / dashed border. The highlighted / dashed border may indicate that widget 7012A (and the corresponding bipolar port) is compatible with a foot switch and / or that another foot switch has not yet been assigned to widget 7012A.

[0174] Once the user has dragged the object 7030 over the desired widget, the user may release the object 7030 to cause the modular energy system to assign the foot switch to the port associated with the widget. Fig.17 GUI screen 7000D transitions to GUI screen 7000E, due to the user dragging and releasing object 7030 while it is positioned above widget 7012A, icon 7038 is depicted inside widget 7012A. Icon 7038 includes a depiction of a single-pedal foot switch and the text "A." Thus, icon 7038 indicates that foot switch A (single-pedal foot switch) has been assigned to the bipolar port of the first energy module of the modular energy system.

[0175] Back to Fig.147032 from the GUI screen 7000B. In some aspects, once the foot switch has been connected, the user may not want to immediately assign the foot switch. For example, the user may want to use the GUI 7000 to adjust another setting of the modular energy system before assigning the foot switch. Therefore, the user may want to remove the help balloon 7032 from the screen. In one aspect, the help balloon 7032 can be removed from the GUI screen 7000B by tapping anywhere on the screen. In another aspect, the help balloon 7032 can be removed from the GUI screen 7000B by tapping anywhere on the screen except the help balloon 7032 and / or the object 7030. In another aspect, the help balloon 7032 is automatically removed from the GUI screen 7000B after a predetermined period of time.

[0176] Still refer to Fig.14 In the GUI screen 7000B of FIG. 7000B, a plurality of foot switches may be connected to the modular energy system. In some aspects, a plurality of foot switches may be connected to the modular energy system, wherein at least some of the connected foot switches are not assigned to a port. For example, the GUI screen 7000B indicates that foot switch A is connected and is not assigned. Before foot switch A is assigned to a particular port, another foot switch may be connected to the modular energy system. If a second foot switch (e.g., foot switch B) is connected, the GUI 7000 may be updated to display another draggable object ( Fig.14 7030 ). The draggable object for the second foot switch may include an icon representing a single pedal or dual pedal foot switch, depending on the type of foot switch connected. Similar to the help balloon 7032 for foot switch A, the GUI 7000 may also be updated to instead display a help balloon indicating that the second foot switch has been connected (e.g., with text stating "Foot switch B connected"). Additional draggable objects may be generated for additional connected and unassigned foot switches (e.g., foot switch C, foot switch D, etc.). Thus, the GUI 7000 may display multiple draggable objects similar to 7030, allowing the user to select one of the multiple connected foot switches and assign it to a specific port of the modular energy system.

[0177] As described above, each foot switch can be wirelessly connected to the modular energy system described herein. In order to connect the wireless foot switch to the modular energy system, the foot switch may first need to be detected by the modular energy system and then paired with the modular energy system based on user input (e.g., via user interaction with the GUI of the modular energy system). After pairing, the user can assign the wireless foot switch to a specific port as described above. However, it may be desirable to pair the wireless foot switch with the modular energy and assign the foot switch to a specific port based on a single drag-and-drop action.

[0178] GUI 7000 can display similar to Figures 13 to 17 GUI screens 7000A-E of the present invention are a series of screens that allow a user to wirelessly pair a foot switch to a modular energy system and assign the foot switch to a port using a single action. For example, from Fig.13 The GUI screen 7000A starts and transitions to Fig.14 7000B, the GUI 7000 may display an object 7030 and / or a help balloon 7032 indicating that the wireless foot switch has been detected and is available by the modular energy system. In this regard, the help balloon 7032 may display text identifying the detected wireless foot switch (e.g., "Foot switch A detected"). The help balloon 7032 may also display text instructing the user how to pair and assign the wireless foot switch (e.g., "Drag the foot switch to a port to pair and assign"). Similar to the above, the GUI 7000 may display icons 7034A-D indicating which ports are compatible with the detected foot switch. In addition, the GUI 7000 may implement similar functionality as described above with respect to pairing and assigning the wireless foot switch. Figures 15 to 17 The GUI screens 7000C-E are screens that allow a user to perform a single drag and drop action to pair a detected foot switch with a modular energy system.

[0179] Fig.18 A method 5000 for assigning a foot switch to control a port of a modular energy system according to several non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 5000 can be practiced by any combination of a surgical system, a modular energy system, an energy module, a head module, a foot switch, a port, a surgical instrument, any component thereof, and any other device and system disclosed herein. For example, the method 5000 can be practiced by a modular energy system including an energy module and a display screen configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI). The energy module can include ports configured to deliver energy modalities to surgical instruments coupled to the ports.

[0180] According to method 5000, the GUI may display 5002 a plurality of widgets corresponding to the ports. The modular energy system may detect 5004 that a foot switch is available to be assigned to one of the ports. Based on the detection of the foot switch, the GUI may display 5006 an object indicating that the foot switch is available to be assigned to one of the ports. The modular energy system may identify 5008 one or more ports that are available to be controlled by the foot switch. In addition, the GUI may display 5010 an icon in the widget corresponding to the one or more ports identified as available to be controlled by the foot switch. In some aspects, the icon may indicate that the port is available to be controlled by the foot switch. Based on the user interacting with the GUI to drag and drop an object into one of the widgets, the modular energy system may assign 5012 the foot switch to one of the ports.

[0181] In one aspect of method 5000, detecting 5004 that a foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports may include detecting that the foot switch is connected to the modular energy system via a wired connection and / or detecting that the foot switch is wirelessly paired with the modular energy system. In another aspect of method 5000, detecting 5004 that a foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports may include detecting that the foot switch is available for wireless pairing with the modular energy system. In this aspect, method 5000 may also include wirelessly pairing the foot switch with the modular energy system based on a user interacting with the GUI to drag and drop an object into one of the desktop widgets having an icon. Thus, the foot switch is both assigned to one of the ports and wirelessly paired with the modular energy system based on the same drag-and-drop interaction of the user with the GUI.

[0182] In one aspect of the method 5000, detecting 5004 that the foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports may include determining that the foot switch is a single pedal foot switch. Additionally, identifying 5008 one or more of the ports available for control by the foot switch may include determining that one or more of the ports are compatible with the single pedal foot switch. Additionally, in this aspect of the method 5000, based on the modular energy system determining that the foot switch is a single pedal foot switch, the GUI may display a single pedal foot switch icon in the object.

[0183] In one aspect of the method 5000, detecting 5004 that a foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports may include determining that the foot switch is a dual-pedal foot switch. Additionally, identifying 5008 one or more of the ports available for control by the foot switch may include determining that one or more of the ports are compatible with a dual-pedal foot switch. Additionally, in this aspect of the method 5000, based on the modular energy system determining that the foot switch is a dual-pedal foot switch, the GUI may display a dual-pedal foot switch icon in the object.

[0184] In one aspect of method 5000, identifying 5008 one or more of the ports that are available for control by a foot switch may include determining that one or more of the ports do not yet have a foot switch assigned to them. In another aspect, method 5000 may also include displaying, by the GUI, a foot switch icon in a desktop widget corresponding to the port to which the foot switch is assigned.

[0185] In one aspect of the method 5000, the foot switch is a first foot switch and the object is a first object. The method 5000 may also include detecting, by the modular energy system, that a second foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports. Additionally, based on the detection of the second foot switch, the GUI may display a second object indicating that the second foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports. In another aspect, the method 5000 may also include displaying, by the GUI, a help balloon including instructions for dragging and dropping the object to assign the foot switch (e.g., the first foot switch, the second foot switch) to one of the ports.

[0186] Example

[0187] Various aspects of devices, systems, and methods for assigning foot switches to ports of the modular energy systems described herein are set forth in the following embodiments.

[0188] Embodiment 1: A method for assigning a foot switch to control a port of a modular energy system, wherein the modular energy system includes an energy module and a display screen configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI), and wherein the energy module includes a port, wherein the port is configured to deliver an energy modality to a surgical instrument coupled to the port, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of desktop applets corresponding to the ports by the GUI; detecting by the modular energy system that a foot switch can be assigned to one of the ports; based on the detection of the foot switch, displaying by the GUI an object indicating that the foot switch can be assigned to one of the ports; identifying by the modular energy system one or more of the ports that can be controlled by the foot switch; displaying by the GUI an icon in the desktop applet corresponding to the one or more ports identified as being capable of being controlled by the foot switch, wherein the icon indicates that the port can be controlled by the foot switch; and assigning by the modular energy system the foot switch to one of the ports based on a user interacting with the GUI to drag and drop the object into one of the desktop applets having the icon indicating that the port can be controlled by the foot switch.

[0189] Embodiment 2: A method according to embodiment 1, wherein detecting by the modular energy system that a foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports includes at least one of the following: detecting that the foot switch is connected to the modular energy system via a wired connection; and detecting that the foot switch is wirelessly paired with the modular energy system.

[0190] Embodiment 3: A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 2, wherein detecting by the modular energy system that a foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports includes detecting that the foot switch can be used to wirelessly pair with the modular energy system; and wherein the method further comprises: wirelessly pairing the foot switch with the modular energy system based on the user interacting with the GUI to drag and drop the object into one of the desktop applets having the icon, wherein the foot switch is both assigned to one of the ports and wirelessly paired with the modular energy system based on the same drag and drop interaction of the user with the GUI screen.

[0191] Embodiment 4: A method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein detecting by the modular energy system a foot switch that can be used to be assigned to one of the ports includes determining that the foot switch is a single-pedal foot switch; and wherein identifying by the modular energy system one or more of the ports that can be used to be controlled by the foot switch includes determining that one or more of the ports are compatible with the single-pedal foot switch.

[0192] Embodiment 5: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4 further includes: based on the modular energy system determining that the foot switch is a single-pedal foot switch, the GUI displays a single-pedal foot switch icon in the object.

[0193] Embodiment 6: A method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein detecting by the modular energy system that a foot switch can be used to be assigned includes determining that the foot switch is a dual-pedal foot switch; and wherein identifying by the modular energy system one or more of the ports that can be used to be controlled by the foot switch includes determining that one or more of the ports are compatible with a dual-pedal foot switch.

[0194] Embodiment 7: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6 further includes: based on the modular energy system determining that the foot switch is a dual-pedal foot switch, the GUI displays a dual-pedal foot switch icon in the object.

[0195] Embodiment 8: A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein identifying by the modular energy system one or more of the ports that can be controlled by the foot switch includes determining that one or more of the ports does not yet have a foot switch assigned to the port.

[0196] Embodiment 9: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8 further includes: displaying, by the GUI, a foot switch icon in the desktop applet corresponding to the port to which the foot switch is assigned.

[0197] Embodiment 10: A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the foot switch is a first foot switch, wherein the object is a first object, and the method further comprises: detecting by the modular energy system that a second foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports; based on the detection of the second foot switch, the GUI displays an indication of a second object that the second foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports.

[0198] Embodiment 11: The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10 further includes: displaying a help balloon by the GUI, the help balloon including instructions to drag and drop the object to assign the foot switch to one of the ports.

[0199] Embodiment 12: A modular energy system for use in a surgical environment, the modular energy system comprising: one or more energy modules, wherein each of the one or more energy modules comprises a port, and wherein each of the ports is configured to deliver an energy modality to a surgical instrument connected to the port; a foot switch, wherein the foot switch is configured to control the activation of at least one of the ports; a head module, wherein the head module comprises a display screen, wherein the display screen is configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI), and wherein the GUI is configured to: display a plurality of desktop applets, wherein each desktop applet corresponds to one of the ports; display an object indicating that the foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports; display an icon in the desktop applet corresponding to the port that can be controlled by the foot switch; and wherein a user is allowed to drag and drop the object into one of the desktop applets having the icon, wherein dragging and dropping the object into one of the desktop applets having the icon causes the head module to assign the foot switch to the port corresponding to the desktop applet.

[0200] Embodiment 13: A system according to embodiment 12, wherein the foot switch is configured to be capable of wireless pairing with the head module, and wherein dragging and dropping the object into one of the desktop applets having the icon causes the head module to wirelessly pair with the foot switch.

[0201] Embodiment 14: The system of any one of Embodiments 12-13, wherein the foot switch is configured to be communicatively connectable to at least one of the head module and the one or more energy modules via a wired connection.

[0202] Embodiment 15: A system according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 14, wherein the foot switch comprises a single-pedal foot switch or a double-pedal foot switch.

[0203] Embodiment 16: A system according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 15, wherein, if the foot switch includes a single-pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to be able to display the icon only in the desktop applet corresponding to the port that can be controlled by the single-pedal foot switch, and wherein if the foot switch includes a double-pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to be able to display the icon only in the desktop applet corresponding to the port that can be controlled by the double-pedal foot switch.

[0204] Embodiment 17: A system according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 16, wherein, if the foot switch includes a single-pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to be able to display a single-pedal foot switch icon in the object, and wherein if the foot switch includes a double-pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to be able to display a double-pedal foot switch icon in the object.

[0205] Embodiment 18: The system of any one of Embodiments 12 to 17, wherein dragging and dropping the object into one of the widgets having the icon causes the GUI to display a paired foot switch icon in the widget.

[0206] Embodiment 19: A system according to any one of embodiments 12 to 18, wherein the foot switch is a first foot switch, wherein the object is a first object, wherein the system also includes a second foot switch, and wherein the GUI is further configured to be able to simultaneously display the first object and the second object, the second object indicating that the second foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports.

[0207] Embodiment 20: A system according to any one of embodiments 12 to 19, wherein the GUI is further configured to display a help balloon including instructions to drag and drop the object to assign the foot switch to one of the ports.

[0208] Although multiple forms have been illustrated and described, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, many modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations and equivalents to these forms can be realized, and those skilled in the art will think of many modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations and equivalents to these forms. In addition, alternatively, the structure of each element associated with the described form can be described as a device for providing the function performed by the element. In addition, in the case of disclosing materials for certain parts, other materials can also be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-mentioned specific embodiments and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations and variations within the scope of the forms disclosed by the present invention. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications and equivalents.

[0209] The above specific embodiments have been described in various forms of devices and / or methods using block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples. As long as such block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples contain one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that each function and / or operation in such block diagrams, flow charts and / or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by a variety of hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the forms disclosed herein can be implemented equivalently in integrated circuits as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as any combination thereof, in whole or in part, and according to the present disclosure, designing circuits and / or writing software and / or hardware codes will be within the technical scope of those skilled in the art. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as one or more program products in a variety of forms, and the illustrative forms of the subject matter described herein are applicable regardless of the specific type of signal-bearing medium used to actually implement the distribution.

[0210] Instructions for programming logic to perform various disclosed aspects may be stored in a memory in the system, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a cache, a flash memory, or other memory. In addition, the instructions may be distributed via a network or by other computer-readable media. Therefore, a machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form, but is not limited to a floppy disk, an optical disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), and a magneto-optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic card or an optical card, a flash memory, or a tangible, machine-readable storage device used when transmitting information on the Internet via an electrical signal, an optical signal, an acoustic signal, or other form of propagation signal (e.g., a carrier wave, an infrared signal, a digital signal, etc.). Therefore, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form.

[0211] As used in any aspect of this document, the term "control circuitry" may refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more separate instruction processing cores, a processing unit, a processor, a microcontroller, a microcontroller unit, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a programmable logic array (PLA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), state machine circuitry, firmware that stores instructions executed by the programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. The control circuitry may be implemented collectively or individually as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, such as an integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a smart phone, etc. Thus, as used herein, "control circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, electronic circuitry having at least one discrete circuit, electronic circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electronic circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electronic circuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program to at least partially implement the methods and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program to at least partially implement the methods and / or devices described herein), electronic circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forming a random access memory), and / or electronic circuitry forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or an optoelectronic device). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in analog or digital form, or some combination thereof.

[0212] As used in any aspect of this document, the term "logic" may refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) in a memory device.

[0213] As used in any aspect of this document, the terms "component," "system," "module" and the like may refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0214] As used in any aspect herein, an "algorithm" refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, wherein the "steps" refer to manipulations of physical quantities and / or logical states which may (but need not) take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. References to such signals are often made to bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, and the like. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to such quantities and / or states.

[0215] The network may include a packet switching network. The communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the selected packet switching network communication protocol. An exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol that may allow communication using a transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may comply with or be compatible with the Ethernet standard named "IEEE 802.3 Standard" issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in December 2008 and / or a higher version of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standard issued by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may be able to communicate with each other using the frame relay communication protocol. The frame relay communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standard issued by the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard entitled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" published by the ATM Forum in August 2001 and / or later versions of the standard. Of course, different and / or later developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are also contemplated herein.

[0216] Unless otherwise expressly indicated in the above disclosure, it is understood that discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," and "displaying" in the above disclosure refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories and transforms it into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0217] One or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to be able to", "configurable to be able to", "operable / operably", "suitable / adaptable to", "able to", "conformable / conform to", etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, unless the context indicates otherwise, "configured to be able to" may generally cover components in an active state and / or components in an inactive state and / or components in a standby state.

[0218] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein relative to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion positioned away from the clinician. It should also be understood that for brevity and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," and "lower" may be used herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0219] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in general, the terms used herein, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such intent will be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, to aid understanding, the following appended claims may contain use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claims. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"); this also applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0220] In addition, even if a specific number of claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should generally be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a bare recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). In addition, in those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, generally, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those cases where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, generally, such construction is intended to have the meaning that those skilled in the art will understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that, generally, unless the context indicates otherwise, transitional words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms in the detailed description, claims, or drawings should be understood to include the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will generally be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0221] For the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations described therein may generally be performed in any order. In addition, although various operational flow charts are presented in one or more sequences, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than the order shown, or the various operations may be performed simultaneously. Unless the context otherwise dictates, examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplementary, simultaneous, reverse, or other altered orderings. In addition, unless the context otherwise dictates, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants.

[0222] It is worth mentioning that any reference to "one aspect", "an aspect", "an example", or "an example" means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the aspect are included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases "in one aspect", "in an aspect", "in an example", or "in an example" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. In addition, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0223] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication or other public material referred to in this specification and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent herewith. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof that is allegedly incorporated herein by reference but conflicts with existing definitions, statements or other public material set forth herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing public material.

[0224] In summary, many of the benefits resulting from the use of the concepts described herein have been described. For purposes of illustration and description, one or more of the above specific embodiments have been provided. These specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise forms disclosed by the invention. The invention may be modified or varied in accordance with the above teachings. The one or more forms selected and described are intended to illustrate the principles and practical applications so that one of ordinary skill in the art can utilize various forms and various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. The claims submitted herewith are intended to define the full scope.

Claims

1. A method for assigning a foot switch to control a port of a modular energy system, wherein the modular energy system comprises an energy module and a display screen, the display screen being configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI), and wherein the energy module comprises a port, the port being configured to deliver an energy modality to a surgical instrument coupled to the port, the method comprising: Displaying, by the GUI, a plurality of desktop applets corresponding to the ports; detecting, by the modular energy system, a foot switch capable of being assigned to one of the ports; based on the detection of the foot switch, displaying by the GUI an indication that the foot switch can be used for an object assigned to one of the ports; identifying, by the modular energy system, one or more of the ports that are capable of being controlled by the foot switch; displaying, by the GUI, an icon in the desktop applet corresponding to the one or more ports identified as being available for control by the foot switch, wherein the icon indicates that the port is available for control by the foot switch; The foot switch is assigned by the modular energy system to one of the ports based on a user interacting with the GUI to drag and drop the object into one of the widgets having the icon indicating that the port is available for control by the foot switch.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Detection by the modular energy system that a foot switch can be assigned to one of the ports includes at least one of the following: detecting that the foot switch is connected to the modular energy system via a wired connection; and Detecting wireless pairing of the foot switch with the modular energy system.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: detecting, by the modular energy system, that a foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports comprises detecting that the foot switch is available for wireless pairing with the modular energy system; and wherein the method further comprises: The foot switch is wirelessly paired with the modular energy system based on the user interacting with the GUI to drag and drop the object into one of the desktop applets having the icon, wherein the foot switch is both assigned to one of the ports and wirelessly paired with the modular energy system based on the same drag and drop interaction of the user with the GUI screen.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Detecting, by the modular energy system, that a foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports includes determining that the foot switch is a single pedal foot switch; and Wherein identifying, by the modular energy system, one or more of the ports that are capable of being controlled by the foot switch comprises determining that one or more of the ports are compatible with a single-pedal foot switch.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: Based on the modular energy system determining that the foot switch is a single-pedal foot switch, the GUI displays a single-pedal foot switch icon in the object.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Detecting, by the modular energy system, that a foot switch is available for allocation includes determining that the foot switch is a dual pedal foot switch; and Wherein identifying, by the modular energy system, one or more of the ports that are capable of being controlled by the foot switch comprises determining that one or more of the ports are compatible with a dual-pedal foot switch.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Based on the modular energy system determining that the foot switch is a dual-pedal foot switch, the GUI displays a dual-pedal foot switch icon in the object.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Identifying, by the modular energy system, one or more of the ports available for control by the foot switch includes determining that one or more of the ports does not already have a foot switch assigned to the port.

9. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: A foot switch icon is displayed by the GUI in the widget corresponding to the port to which the foot switch is assigned.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: The foot switch is a first foot switch, wherein the object is a first object, and the method further comprises: detecting, by the modular energy system, that a second foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports; Based on the detection of the second foot switch, a second object indicating that the second foot switch is available for assignment to one of the ports is displayed by the GUI.

11. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: A help balloon is displayed by the GUI, the help balloon including instructions to drag and drop the object to assign the foot switch to one of the ports.

12. A modular energy system for use in a surgical setting, the modular energy system comprising: one or more energy modules, wherein each of the one or more energy modules comprises a port, and wherein each of the ports is configured to enable delivery of an energy modality to a surgical instrument connected to the port; a foot switch configured to control activation of at least one of the ports; A head module, the head module comprising a display screen, wherein the display screen is configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI), and wherein the GUI is configured to: Displaying a plurality of desktop applets, wherein each desktop applet corresponds to one of the ports; displaying an indication that the foot switch can be used with an object assigned to one of the ports; an icon displayed in the desktop applet corresponding to the port that can be used to be controlled by the foot switch; and Allowing a user to drag and drop the object into one of the desktop gadgets having the icon, wherein dragging and dropping the object into one of the desktop gadgets having the icon causes the head module to assign the foot switch to the port corresponding to the desktop gadget.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The foot switch is configured to enable wireless pairing with the head module, and wherein dragging and dropping the object into one of the widgets having the icon wirelessly pairs the head module with the foot switch.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The foot switch is configured to be communicatively connectable to at least one of the head module and the one or more energy modules via a wired connection.

15. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The foot switch comprises a single-pedal foot switch or a double-pedal foot switch.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: If the foot switch comprises a single-pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to display the icon only in desktop applets corresponding to ports that can be controlled by the single-pedal foot switch, and wherein, if the foot switch comprises a dual-pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to display the icon only in desktop applets corresponding to ports that can be controlled by the dual-pedal foot switch.

17. A system according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein: If the foot switch comprises a single pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to display a single pedal foot switch icon in the object, and wherein, if the foot switch comprises a dual pedal foot switch, the GUI is configured to display a dual pedal foot switch icon in the object.

18. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein: Dragging and dropping the object into one of the widgets having the icon causes the GUI to display a foot switch icon in the widget.

19. A system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein: The foot switch is a first foot switch, wherein the object is a first object, wherein the system also includes a second foot switch, and wherein the GUI is further configured to simultaneously display the first object and the second object, the second object indicating that the second foot switch can be used to be assigned to one of the ports.

20. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein: The GUI is further configured to display a help balloon including instructions to drag and drop the object to assign the foot switch to one of the ports.

21. A computer program or computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, such as a modular energy system for use in a surgical environment, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

22. A computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer such as a modular energy system for use in a surgical environment, cause the computer to implement the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images