Surgical systems and methods for instrument evaluation and cleaning

Abstract

A method of determining a restorability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument includes establishing communication with the surgical instrument; assisting operation of the surgical instrument during surgery; obtaining data relating to the surgical instrument; evaluating the obtained data relating to the surgical instrument to determine a digital evaluation of the impact on the performance of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument; a restorability of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument is determined based on the digital evaluation.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Many ultrasonic surgical instruments include an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and / or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins in tissue cells). These instruments include one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations that are transmitted along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element. Examples of ultrasonic surgical instruments and related concepts are disclosed in the following documents: U.S. Publication No. 2006 / 0079874, entitled “TissuePad for Use with an Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument,” published on April 13, 2006 (now abandoned), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Publication No. 2007 / 0191713, entitled “Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating,” published on August 16, 2007 (now abandoned), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Publication No. 2008 / 0200940, entitled “Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating,” published on August 21, 2008 (now abandoned), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Some instruments are operable to seal tissue by applying radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgical energy to the tissue. Examples of such devices and related concepts are disclosed in the following documents: U.S. Patent No. 7,354,440, entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument and Method of Use," issued on April 8, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 7,381,209, entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument," issued on June 3, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Some instruments are capable of applying both ultrasonic energy and RF electrosurgical energy to tissue. Examples of such instruments are described in the following documents: U.S. Patent No. 9,949,785, entitled “Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Electrosurgical Feature”, issued on April 24, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 8,663,220, entitled “Ultrasonic Electrosurgical Instruments”, issued on March 4, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 10,835,307, entitled “Modular Battery Powered Handheld Surgical Instrument Containing Elongated Multi-Layered Shaft”, issued on November 17, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent No. 10,835,307, entitled “Modular Battery Powered Handheld Surgical Instrument Containing Elongated Multi-Layered Shaft”, issued on January 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. No. 11,229,471 for "Tissue Characterization", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] In some scenarios, it may be preferred to have the surgical instrument directly grasped and manipulated by one or more hands of one or more human operators.In addition or as an alternative, it may be preferred to have the surgical instrument controlled via a robotic surgical system. Examples of robotic surgical systems and associated instruments are disclosed in the following documents: U.S. Patent No. 10,624,709, entitled “Robotic Surgical Tool with Manual Release Lever,” issued on May 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 9,314,308, entitled “Robotic Ultrasonic Surgical Device With Articulating End Effector,” issued on April 19, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 9,125,662, entitled “Multi-Axis Articulating and Rotating Surgical Tools,” issued on September 8, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent No. 9,125,662, entitled “Multi-Axis Articulating and Rotating Surgical Tools,” issued on September 2, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; No. 8,820,605, entitled “Ultrasonic Surgical Instruments”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0201077, entitled “Interruption of Energy Due to Inadvertent Capacitive Coupling”, published on July 4, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Publication No. 2012 / 0292367, entitled “Robotically-Controlled End Effector”, published on November 11, 2012 (now abandoned), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 556,661, entitled “Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with a Multi-Planar Articulating Shaft Assembly”, filed on August 30, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0005] These instruments and robotic surgical systems may also be incorporated into surgical systems for performing surgery in a surgical environment, such as a surgical operating room or room in a healthcare facility. A sterile field is typically formed around the patient and may include appropriately dressed, scrubbed medical professionals and desired furniture and / or fixtures. Examples of these surgical systems and associated features are disclosed in the following: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0201046, entitled “Method for Controlling Smart Energy Devices,” published on July 4, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0201080, entitled “Ultrasonic Energy Device Which Varies Pressure Applied by Clamp Arm to Provide Threshold Control Pressure at a Cut Progression Location,” published on July 4, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0201091, entitled “Radio Frequency Energy Device for Delivering Combined Electrical Signals,” published on September 12, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; Device”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0207857, published on July 4, 2019, entitled “Surgical Network Determination of Prioritization of Communication, Interaction, or Processing Based on System or Device Needs”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] While several surgical instruments and systems have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] While this specification results in claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim such technology, it is believed that such technology will be better understood from certain examples described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate the same elements, and wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary computer-implemented interactive surgical system;

[0009] Figure 2 A top schematic diagram depicting an example of a surgical system for performing a surgical procedure in an operating room of a health care facility;

[0010] Figure 3 Depicted Figure 2 A schematic side view of an example of a surgical hub for a surgical system;

[0011] Figure 4 Describes the Figure 2 A perspective view of a combined generator module of bipolar, ultrasonic and monopolar contacts of a surgical system;

[0012] Figure 5 Describes the use of Figure 2 Schematic side views of various examples of exemplary generators and surgical instruments for use with surgical systems;

[0013] Figure 6 depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary surgical visualization system including an imaging device and a surgical device;

[0014] Figure 7 Describes the Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an exemplary control system for use with a surgical visualization system;

[0015] Figure 8 A flow chart depicting an exemplary method for determining a restorability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument;

[0016] Fig. 9 A flow chart depicting an exemplary evaluation method for determining a restorability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument;

[0017] Fig.10 A flow chart depicting an exemplary evaluation method for determining a restorability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument;

[0018] Fig.11 A flow chart depicting an exemplary evaluation method for determining a restorability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument;

[0019] Fig.12A flow chart depicting an exemplary evaluation method for determining a restorability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument;

[0020] Fig.13 depicts a perspective view of an evaluation and cleaning port that can be used to evaluate the recovery capability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument and then clean the at least one feature of the surgical instrument;

[0021] Fig.14A Depicted Fig.13 a cross-sectional view of an evaluation and cleaning port with an end effector partially inserted;

[0022] Fig. 14B Depicted Fig.13 a cross-sectional view of the evaluation and cleaning port with the end effector further inserted;

[0023] Fig.15 depicts a perspective view of an end effector sheath;

[0024] Fig.16A Depicted Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of an end effector sheath of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the end effector is adjacent to the inlet of the sheath;

[0025] Fig. 16B Depicted Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of an end effector sheath of FIG. 1 , wherein the end effector is inserted into the sheath;

[0026] Fig.17 depicts a top plan view of a surgical kit package; and

[0027] Fig.18 Depicted Fig.17 A perspective view of a removable cleaning kit of a surgical kit packaging.

[0028] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the present technology may be performed in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the present technology and, together with the description, explain the principles of the technology; however, it should be understood that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description of certain examples of the present technology should not be used to limit the scope of the present technology. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of example, one of the best ways contemplated for implementing the present technology. As will be appreciated, the technology described herein can have other different and obvious aspects, all of which do not depart from the present technology. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0030] It should also be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, implementations, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, implementations, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the following teachings, expressions, implementations, examples, etc. should not be considered isolated from each other. According to the teachings herein, various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0031] For clarity of the disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a human or robotic operator of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to a location of an element that is closer to a human or robotic operator of a surgical instrument and further away from a surgical end effector of a surgical instrument. The term "distal" refers to a location of an element that is closer to a surgical end effector of a surgical instrument and further away from a human or robotic operator of a surgical instrument. In addition, the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "above," and "below" are used relative to the embodiments and associated drawings, and are not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein.

[0032] I. Examples of Surgical Systems

[0033] for 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) of this example includes at least one surgical hub (106) in communication with the cloud (104), which may include the remote server (113). In one example, as Figure 1As shown in , 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 a 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. In any case, any suitable combination of the features provided below may be incorporated into an exemplary surgical system such as surgical system (100) and used in an operating room to perform a desired surgical procedure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0034] Figure 2 An example of a surgical system (102) for performing a surgical procedure on a patient lying flat on an operating table (114) in a surgical operating room (116) is depicted. 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 robot hub (122). While the surgeon observes the surgical site through the console (118), 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 using any of a plurality of surgical arms (123). An image 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 the image of the surgical site for subsequent display to the surgeon through the console (118).

[0035] 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, entitled “RobotAssisted Surgical Platform,” filed on December 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] Various examples of cloud-based analytics performed by the cloud (104) and suitable for use with 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.

[0037] In various aspects, the 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. In various aspects, the imaging device (124) is configured for use in minimally invasive surgery. Examples of imaging devices suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, arthroscopes, angioscopes, bronchoscopes, choledochoscopes, colonoscopes, cytoscopes, duodenoscopes, enteroscopes, esophago-duodenoscopes (gastroscopes), endoscopes, laryngoscopes, nasopharyngeal-renal endoscopes, sigmoidoscopes, thoracoscopes, and hysteroendoscopes. Some aspects of spectral and multispectral imaging are described 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.

[0038] During any surgical operation, operating room and surgical equipment need to be strictly sterilized. The strict sanitation and sterilization conditions required in "surgical room" (i.e., operating room or treatment room) require the highest possible sterility of all medical devices and equipment. A part of this sterilization process is the need to sterilize anything that contacts the patient or penetrates the sterile field. It should be understood that the sterile field can be considered to be 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 to be the area around the patient prepared for surgical operation. The sterile field can include the team members who are scrubbed and appropriately dressed, as well as all equipment and fixtures in the area.

[0039] In addition to introducing any features of the surgical system (100), furniture, or fixtures into the sterile field that requires sterilization, removing these features from the sterile field may cause additional difficulties, particularly when these features may have contacted or are presumed to have contacted the patient, including any tissue and / or fluid associated with the surgical procedure. Such contamination of these features from the patient generally requires special consideration during or after the surgical procedure, particularly when handling these features for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing as needed. In one example, the surgical system (100) and / or the healthcare professionals associated with the surgical procedure may be prepared to address such handling, as discussed in more detail below.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown in , a main display (119) is positioned in the sterile field to be visible to an operator at an operating table (114). In addition, a 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 separated from each other. A visualization system (108) guided by a hub (106) is configured to be able to coordinate information flow to operators inside and outside the sterile field using displays (107, 109, 119). For example, the hub (106) can enable the visualization system (108) to display a snapshot of a surgical site recorded by an imaging device (124) on a non-sterile display (107) or (109) while maintaining a real-time feed of the surgical site on the main display (119). For example, a snapshot on a non-sterile display (107) or display (109) can allow a non-sterile operator to perform diagnostic steps related to a surgical procedure.

[0041] 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 a primary display (119) within the sterile field, where the diagnostic input or feedback 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 a non-sterile display (107) or display (109), which can be routed to the primary display (119) via the hub (106).

[0042] 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 also configured to coordinate information flowing to a display of the surgical instrument (112), such as described 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. Diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower (111) can be routed by the hub (106) to a surgical instrument display (115) within the sterile field, where the operator of the surgical instrument (112) can view the diagnostic input or feedback. Exemplary surgical instruments suitable for use with surgical system (102) are described, for example, under the title “Surgical Instrument Hardware” in U.S. provisional patent application serial number 62 / 611,341, entitled “Interactive Surgical Platform,” filed on December 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0043] 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). The hub (106) includes a hub display (135), an imaging module (138), a generator module (140), a communication module (130), a processor module (132), and a storage array (134). In certain aspects, as Figure 3 As shown, the hub (106) also includes a smoke evacuation module (126), a suction / irrigation module (128) and / or an operating room mapping module (133).

[0044] During surgery, 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 surgery. Solving this problem during surgery 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 tangles between such lines.

[0045] See also Figure 3 to Figure 4 , aspects of the present disclosure are presented as a hub modular housing (136) that allows modular integration of generator modules (140), smoke exhaust modules (126), and suction / irrigation modules (128). The hub modular housing (136) also facilitates interactive communication between the modules (140, 126, 128). Figure 4 As shown in , the generator module (140) may be a generator module having integrated monopolar components, bipolar components, and ultrasonic components supported in a single housing unit (139) that is slidably inserted into the hub modular housing (136). Figure 4 As shown in , the generator module (140) can be configured to be connected to a monopolar device (146), a bipolar device (147), and an ultrasonic device (148). Alternatively, the generator module (140) can 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.

[0046] Figure 5One form of a generator (150) and various surgical instruments (152, 154, 156) that can be used therewith is shown, wherein the surgical instrument (152) is an ultrasonic surgical instrument (152), the surgical instrument (154) is an RF electrosurgical instrument (154), and the multifunctional surgical instrument (156) is a combined ultrasonic / RF electrosurgical instrument (156). The generator (150) may be configurable for use with a variety of surgical instruments. According to various forms, the generator (150) may be configurable for use with different surgical instruments of different types, including, for example, an ultrasonic surgical instrument (152), an RF electrosurgical instrument (154), and a multifunctional surgical instrument (156) that integrates RF energy and ultrasonic energy delivered simultaneously from the generator (150). Although Figure 5 The generator 150 of the present example is shown as being separate from the surgical instruments (152, 154, 156), but the generator (150) may alternatively be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments (152, 154, 156) to form an integrated surgical system. The generator (150) includes an input device (158) located on a front panel of the generator (150) console. The input device (158) may include any suitable device that generates signals suitable for programming the operation of the generator (150). The generator (150) may be configured for wired or wireless communication.

[0047] The generator (150) of this example is configured to be capable of driving a plurality of surgical instruments (152, 154, 156). An example of these surgical instruments is an ultrasonic surgical instrument (152), and includes a handpiece (160), an ultrasonic transducer (162), an axis assembly (164), and an end effector (166). The end effector (166) includes an ultrasonic blade (168) and a clamping arm (170) acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer (162). The handpiece (160) includes a trigger (172) for operating the clamping arm (170) and a combination of toggle buttons (173, 174, 175) for powering the ultrasonic blade (168) and driving the ultrasonic blade or other functions. The toggle buttons (173, 174, 175) can be configured to be capable of powering the ultrasonic transducer (162) with the generator (150).

[0048] The generator (150) is also configured to drive another example of a surgical instrument (154). The RF electrosurgical instrument (154) includes a handpiece (176), a shaft assembly (178), and an end effector (180). The end effector (180) includes electrodes located in clamping arms (181, 182) and returned through an electrical conductor portion of the shaft assembly (178). The electrodes are coupled to and powered by a bipolar energy source within the generator (150). The handpiece (176) includes a trigger (183) for operating the clamping arms (181, 182) and an energy button (184) for actuating an energy switch to power the electrodes in the end effector (180).

[0049] The generator (150) is also configured to be capable of driving a multifunctional surgical instrument (156). The multifunctional surgical instrument (156) includes a handpiece (185), an axis assembly (186), and an end effector (188). The end effector (188) has an ultrasonic blade (190) and a clamping arm (192). The ultrasonic blade (190) is acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer (162). The handpiece (185) includes a trigger (194) for operating the clamping arm (192) and a combination of a switch button (195, 196, 197) for energizing the ultrasonic blade (190) and driving the ultrasonic blade or other functions. The switch button (195, 196, 197) can be configured to be capable of energizing the ultrasonic transducer (162) with the generator (150) and energizing the ultrasonic blade (190) with a bipolar energy source also contained in the generator (150). It should be understood that handpieces (160, 176, 185) may be replaced with robotically controlled instruments for incorporating one or more aspects of surgical instruments (152, 154, 156). Thus, the term "handpiece" should not be limited to this context and handheld use.

[0050] 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 devices do 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), WMAX (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.

[0051] 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".

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 two components of a computer or a controller on an external device that manages the operation of (and connections to) the device. Modular devices include modules that can be received within 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 so as to be connected or paired with a corresponding surgical hub. Modular devices include, for example, intelligent surgical instruments, medical imaging devices, suction / irrigation devices, smoke evacuators, energy generators, ventilators, insufflators, and displays. The modular devices described herein can be controlled by control algorithms. 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, on, or 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 knife is advanced, the motor current, or the energy level). For example, the control algorithm of a surgical suturing and cutting instrument can control the rate at which the motor of the instrument drives its knife through the tissue according to the resistance encountered by the knife as it advances.

[0055] II. Exemplary Surgical Visualization Systems

[0056] Figure 6 to Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a surgical visualization system (8010) and a schematic diagram of a control system (8020) that can be used in conjunction with each other according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure are depicted. The surgical visualization system (8010) and the control system (8020) can be easily incorporated into the above-described computer-implemented interactive surgical system (100). For example, the surgical visualization system (8010) can be used to replace the above-described imaging device (124); and the control system (8020) can be used to replace the above-described imaging module (138). The surgical visualization system (8010) can create a visual representation of key structures (8011a, 8011b) within the anatomical field.

[0057] The key structure (8011a, 8011b) can be any anatomical structure of interest or any foreign structure in the anatomical field. In one aspect, the key structure (8011a, 8011b) can be embedded in the tissue. In other words, the key structure (8011a, 8011b) can be positioned below the surface of the tissue. In such cases, the tissue conceals the key structure (8011a, 8011b) so that it is not visible to the clinician. The key structure (8011a, 8011b) is also shielded by the tissue and cannot be seen by the imaging device. The tissue can be, for example, fat, connective tissue, adhesions and / or organs. In other cases, the key structure (8011a, 8011b) can be partially shielded so as not to be seen. The surgical visualization system (8010) is shown being used intraoperatively to identify and facilitate avoidance of certain critical structures that are not visible on the surface (8013) of an organ (8012), such as ureters (8011a) and blood vessels (8011b) in the organ (8012), in this example the uterus.

[0058] Continue to refer Figure 6 , the surgical visualization system (8010) incorporates tissue recognition and geometric surface mapping capabilities by combining with a distance sensor system (8014). If used in combination, these features of the surgical visualization system (8010) can determine the positioning of key structures (8011a, 8011b) within the anatomical field and / or the proximity of the surgical device (8016) to the surface (8013) of visible tissue and / or to the key structures (8011a, 8011b). The surgical device (8016) can be substantially similar to the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) described herein. Also as described herein, the surgical visualization system (8010) can be configured to enable recognition of one or more key structures (8011a, 8011b) and / or the proximity of the surgical device (8016) to the key structures (8011a, 8011b).

[0059] The depicted surgical visualization system (8010) includes an imaging system including, for example, an imaging device (8017), such as a camera of a scope, configured to provide a real-time view of a surgical site. In various cases, the imaging device (8017) is a spectral camera (e.g., a hyperspectral camera, a multispectral camera, a fluorescence detection camera, or a selective spectral camera) configured to detect reflected or emitted spectral waveforms and generate a spectral cube of an image based on molecular responses to different wavelengths. The view from the imaging device (8017) can be provided to a clinician; and, in various aspects of the present disclosure, can be enhanced with additional information based on tissue identification, lateral mapping, and input from a distance sensor system (8014). In such cases, the surgical visualization system (8010) includes multiple subsystems, namely an imaging subsystem, a surface mapping subsystem, a tissue identification subsystem, and / or a distance determination subsystem. These subsystems can cooperate to provide advanced data synthesis and integrated information to the clinician during surgery.

[0060] The imaging device (8017) of this example includes an emitter (8018) configured to emit spectral light of multiple wavelengths to obtain, for example, spectral images of hidden structures. In various cases, the imaging device (8017) may also include a three-dimensional camera and associated electronic processing circuitry. In one aspect, the emitter (8018) is an optical waveform emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., near infrared radiation (NIR) photons) that can penetrate the surface (8013) of the tissue (8012) and reach the critical structures (8011a, 8011b). The imaging device (8017) and the optical waveform emitter (8018) thereon can be positioned by the surgical arm (123) (see Figure 2 ) or by a surgeon manually operating the imaging device (8017). A corresponding waveform sensor (e.g., an image sensor, a spectrometer, or a vibration sensor, etc.) of the imaging device (8017) may be configured to be able to detect the effects of electromagnetic radiation received by the waveform sensor.

[0061] The wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical waveform emitter (8018) can be configured to enable identification of the type of anatomical and / or physical structure, such as critical structures (8011a, 8011b). Identification of critical structures (8011a, 8011b) can be achieved, for example, by spectral analysis, photoacoustics, fluorescence detection, and / or ultrasound. In one aspect, the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation can be variable. The waveform sensor and the optical waveform emitter (8018) can include, for example, a multi-spectral imaging system and / or a selective spectral imaging system. In other cases, the waveform sensor and the optical waveform emitter (8018) can include, for example, a photoacoustic imaging system. In other cases, the optical waveform emitter (8018) can be positioned on a surgical device separate from the imaging device (8017).

[0062] The depicted surgical visualization system (8010) also includes an emitter (8019) configured to emit a pattern of light, such as stripes, grid lines, and / or dots, to enable determination of the topography or terrain of the surface (8013). For example, the projected light array can be used for three-dimensional scanning and registration on the surface (8013). For example, the projected light array can be emitted from an emitter (8019) located on the surgical device (8016) and / or the imaging device (8017). In one aspect, the projected light array is used to determine a shape defined by the surface (8013) of the tissue (8012) and / or the movement of the surface (8013) during surgery. The imaging device (8017) is configured to detect the projected light array reflected from the surface (8013) to determine the topography of the surface (8013) and various distances relative to the surface (8013).

[0063] The depicted surgical visualization system (8010) may also include a distance sensor system (8014) configured to be capable of determining one or more distances at a surgical site. In one aspect, the distance sensor system (8014) may include a time-of-flight distance sensor system including a transmitter, such as a structured light transmitter (8019); and a receiver (not shown) that may be positioned on the surgical device (8016). In other cases, the time-of-flight transmitter may be separate from the structured light transmitter (8019). In one general aspect, the transmitter portion of the time-of-flight distance sensor system (8014) may include a very tiny laser source, and the receiver portion of the time-of-flight distance sensor system (8014) may include a matching sensor. The time-of-flight distance sensor system (8014) may detect the "time of flight" or the time it takes for laser light emitted by the structured light transmitter (8019) to bounce back to the sensor portion of the receiver. The use of a very narrow light source in the structured light emitter (8019) enables the distance sensor system (8014) to determine the distance to the surface (8013) of the tissue (8012) directly in front of the distance sensor system (8014).

[0064] Still reference Figure 6 A distance sensor system (8014) may be used to determine an emitter-to-tissue distance (d) from a structured light emitter (8019) to a surface (8013) of tissue (12). e The device-to-tissue distance (d ) from the distal end of the surgical device (8016) to the surface (8013) of the tissue (12) is t ) may be obtained from the known position of transmitter (8019) on the axis of surgical device (8016) relative to the distal end of surgical device (8016). In other words, when the distance between transmitter (8019) and the distal end of surgical device (8016) is known, the device-to-tissue distance (d t ) can be calculated based on the distance from the transmitter to the tissue (d e ). In some cases, the shaft of the surgical device (8016) may include one or more articulated joints; and may articulate relative to the transmitter (8019) and the jaws. The articulated configuration may include, for example, a multi-jointed vertebra-like structure. In some cases, a three-dimensional camera may be used to triangulate one or more distances to the surface (8013).

[0065] As described above, the surgical visualization system (8010) is configured to be able to determine the emitter-to-tissue distance (d ) from the emitter (8019) on the surgical device (8016) to the surface (8013) of the uterus (12) via structured light. eThe surgical visualization system (8010) is configured to be able to detect the distance between the transmitter and the tissue based on the distance (d e ) to extrapolate the device-to-tissue distance (d) from the surgical device (8016) to the surface (13) of the uterus (12) t The surgical visualization system (10) is further configured to determine a tissue-to-ureter distance (d) from the ureter (11a) to the surface (13). A ) and the camera-to-ureter distance (d) from the imaging device (17) to the ureter (11a) w ). Using, for example, spectral imaging and time-of-flight sensors, the surgical visualization system (10) can determine the camera-to-ureter distance (d w In various cases, the surgical visualization system (10) may determine (e.g., triangulate) the tissue-to-ureter distance (d A )(or depth).

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a control system (8020) that may be used with a surgical visualization system (8010). The depicted control system (8020) includes a control circuit (8021) in signal communication with a memory (8022). The memory (8022) stores instructions executable by the control circuit (8021) to determine and / or identify critical structures (e.g., Figure 6 The control system (8020) further includes an imaging system (8027) having one or more cameras (8028) (e.g., Figure 6 ), one or more displays (8029), one or more controls (8030), or any combination of these elements. The one or more cameras (8028) may include one or more image sensors (8031) to receive signals from various light sources (e.g., visible light, spectral imagers, three-dimensional lenses, etc.) that emit light in various visible and non-visible light spectra. The display (8029) may include one or more screens or monitors for depicting real, virtual, and / or virtual-enhanced images and / or information to one or more clinicians.

[0067] In various aspects, the main components of the camera (8028) include an image sensor (8031). The image sensor (8031) may include a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, a short wave infrared (SWIR) sensor, a hybrid CCD / CMOS architecture (sCMOS) sensor, and / or any other suitable type of technology. The image sensor (8031) may also include any suitable number of chips.

[0068] The control system (8020) also includes a spectral light source (8032) and a structured light source (8033). In some cases, a single source can be pulsed to emit wavelengths of light within the range of the spectral light source (8032) and wavelengths of light within the range of the structured light source (8033). Alternatively, a single light source can be pulsed to provide wavelengths of light in the invisible spectrum (e.g., infrared spectrum light) and light on the visible spectrum. The spectral light source (8032) can include, for example, a hyperspectral light source, a multi-spectral light source, a fluorescence excitation light source, and / or a selective spectral light source. In various cases, the tissue identification logic component (8025) can identify key structures via data from the spectral light source (8032) received by the image sensor (8031) portion of the camera (8028). The surface mapping logic component (8023) can determine the surface contour of the visible tissue based on the reflected structured light. Using the time-of-flight measurement results, the distance determination logic component (8026) can determine one or more distances to the visible tissue and / or key structures (8011a, 8011b). One or more outputs from the surface mapping logic component (8023), tissue identification logic component (8025) and / or distance determination logic component (8026) may be provided to the imaging logic component (8024) and may be combined, blended and / or overlapped to be communicated to the clinician via a display (8029) of the imaging system (8027).

[0069] The surgical visualization system (8010) and control system (8020) may include the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 373,593, filed on August 14, 2021, entitled “Endoscope with Synthetic Aperture Multispectral Camera Array,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] III. Exemplary Methods for Instrumental Assessment of Recovery Capacity

[0071] As described above, in some cases, after exemplary use, features of surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may be processed for disposal, reuse, and / or remanufacturing. Suitable reuse and / or remanufacturing of features of surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may be referred to as restoring features of instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). In some cases, restored features of surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may be reused by incorporating them into a rebuilt reprocessed product.

[0072] Processing features of used surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) for proper restoration (i.e., reuse and / or remanufacturing) as described herein may require significant resources (e.g., manpower, time, and money). Additionally, in some cases, features of used surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) that were originally intended for proper restoration may experience an undesirable amount of damage and / or performance degradation during an exemplary use, such that restoration of a particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is no longer feasible. When features that were originally intended for proper restoration experience an undesirable amount of damage and / or performance degradation, significant resources may be utilized in unsuccessful attempts to restore such features. Therefore, it may be desirable to determine whether at least some features of a particular used surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) have the capability to be properly restored after exemplary use but before committing significant resources.

[0073] Figure 8 An exemplary method (8050) for determining the resilience of at least some features of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is shown. In some non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure, the method (8050) can be used to determine the resilience of features of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) including, but not limited to, suitable electrical components, handpieces (160, 176, 185), shaft assemblies (164, 178, 186), end effectors (166, 180, 188), ultrasonic blades (168, 190), clamp arms (170, 181, 182, 192), triggers (183, 194), toggle buttons (173, 174, 175, 195, 196, 197), suitable portions of the above, or any other suitable components, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0074] First, an operator may use (8052) surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) to perform a suitable medical procedure on a patient in accordance with the description herein. As described above, during use (8052), the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may be appropriately coupled to and communicate with the hub (106), the generator module (140), the patient side cart (120), the surgical robotic hub (122), the surgical visualization system (8010), the control system (8020), etc. Therefore, in accordance with the description herein, suitable devices of the computer-implemented interactive surgical system (100) may be capable of measuring, collecting and / or storing various data related to the operation of the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016).

[0075] Next, the operator may complete (8054) utilizing the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). The operator may interact with appropriate components of the interactive surgical system (100) to indicate that the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) has been completed for a particular surgical procedure. In some non-limiting aspects of the present disclosure, the operator (or any other suitable individual) may press a button of the surgical system (100) to indicate that the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) has been completed for use and / or that the medical procedure has been completed. For example, such a button may be located on the generator module (140). Of course, any other suitable manner may be utilized to indicate that the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) has been completed for use, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0076] As described above, suitable components of the surgical system (100) may measure, collect and / or store various data related to the operation of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). Once the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is completed (8054) and utilized, the generator module (140), the hub (106), the control system (8020), or any other suitable component may be used to assess (8056) the integrity and / or recovery capability of at least one feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). Any suitable components and / or methods may be utilized to assess (8056) the integrity and / or recovery capability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016), as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0077] In some aspects of the present disclosure, after evaluating (8056) the integrity and / or recovery capability of at least one feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016), the generator module (140), the hub (106), the control system (8020), or any other suitable component may write (8058) a profile of the evaluation (8056) back to a suitable electrical component of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). Additionally or alternatively, the generator module (140), the hub (106), the control system (8020), or any other suitable component may also determine and indicate (8060) whether particular features of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) have the ability to be recovered or whether such features should be discarded / disposed of. Thus, in some cases, a user may directly observe on generator module (140), hub (106), control system (8020), or any other suitable component whether certain features of surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) have the ability to be restored. In some cases, generator module (140), hub (106), control system (8020), etc. may then be used to retrieve and display appropriate disposal / recycling instructions.

[0078] In the case where the profile is written back (8058) to the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016), such a profile may include a summary of the evaluation (8056) and a recommendation as to whether a feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be disposed of or recovered. The profile written (8058) back to the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may be utilized during the disassembly process, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art based on the teachings herein. For example, in the case where an electronic disassembly aid (such as a smart phone or tablet) is utilized, such a device may communicate with the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) to retrieve the profile. The electronic disassembly aid may then utilize the profile to retrieve or generate instructions related to appropriate recycling and / or disposal. In some cases, the electronic disassembly aid may communicate with the generator module (140), hub (106), control system (8020), etc. to retrieve or generate such instructions.

[0079] In some cases, the user may be provided with the option of accepting or safely overriding (8062) the determination (8060) made regarding whether the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be disposed of or recycled. In the event that the user decides to override the determination (8060) that the feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be disposed of, the electronic disassembly aid or any other feature configured to display instructions may then display recovery instructions instead of disposal instructions. Additionally, the electronic disassembly aid or any other suitable display feature may also display implications and / or potential consequences of overriding (8062) the system's determination (8060).

[0080] However, in some cases where the assessed (8056) damage of a feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) exceeds a predetermined limit, the disposition determination (8060) for such feature may become an irreversible determination that cannot be overridden. For example, in the case where the assessed (8060) feature is an ultrasonic blade (168), if the assessment (8060) determines that the blade damage reaches a threshold that, if exceeded, would render the instrument inoperable in an unsafe manner; the system may prevent the user from overriding (8062) the determination (8060) and also prevent further use of that particular ultrasonic blade (168). In some cases, the system may prevent overriding (8062) in a restrictive manner rather than an absolute manner, such that portions of the feature are blocked from being operated or the feature is blocked from being used at a predetermined maximum power level.

[0081] Evaluation (8056) may be performed at any suitable time after the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) has completed use, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Thus, method (8050) may be used in an operating room to evaluate whether particular features of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be immediately discarded, or whether those features show any potential for recovery.

[0082] As described above, any suitable components and / or methods may be utilized to assess (8056) the integrity and / or recovery capability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016), as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein. Fig. 9 An exemplary evaluation method (8064) that can be used to evaluate the recovery capability of a suitable feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is shown. Therefore, it should be understood that the evaluation method (8064) can be easily incorporated into the above-described method (8050).

[0083] First, a user may initiate a "run-in" activation (8066) of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) after the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) has completed use (e.g., post-surgery). The "run-in" activation (8066) may include activating an empty end effector (i.e., the end effector is not significantly gripping other materials) with the appropriate energy required to cut and / or seal tissue for a suitable amount of time, and then allowing the end effector to be properly powered off (e.g., an activation cycle). Of course, the "run-in" activation (8066) may include activating the end effector with any suitable level of energy, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Furthermore, the "run-in" activation (8066) may include any suitable type of energized activation (e.g., ultrasound, RF energy, etc.), as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0084] The surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may include any suitable number of sensors configured to measure suitable characteristics during operation of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). Because the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) communicates with other suitable components of the computer-implemented interactive surgical system (100), such components of the system (100) may then collect / measure (8067) data (e.g., temperature, time, and energy output, etc.) during post-operative activation (8066). Although temperature, time, and energy output are measured in the current example, any other suitable variable may be measured, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0085] Next, appropriate components of the system (100), such as the hub (106), the generator module (140), etc., may then compare (8068) the data collected during the trial run to specified parameters, such as data collected during the first activation of an actual surgical procedure. If the comparison (8068) verifies that the measured variables from the trial run activation (8066) are within the specified parameters, then the evaluation method (8064) may correspond to determining that a particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may be restored, or at least have some ability to be restored. Conversely, if the measured variables are not within the specified parameters, then the evaluation method (8064) may correspond to determining that a particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be addressed.

[0086] Determining the range of a specified parameter may be accomplished using any suitable method, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein. Fig. 9 In the current example shown, the system (100) may store and utilize variable measurements taken during a single activation (e.g., a first activation) of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) during a surgical procedure, and utilize these measurements to generate a range for a specified parameter. For another example, the system (100) may store and utilize variable measurements taken during multiple activations of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) throughout a surgical procedure, and utilize these measurements to generate a range for a specified parameter. For another example, the range for a specified parameter may be predetermined.

[0087] Fig.10Another exemplary evaluation method (8070) that can be used to evaluate the recovery capability of a suitable feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is shown. Therefore, it should be understood that the evaluation method (8070) can be easily incorporated into the above-described method (8050). As will be described below, the evaluation method (8070) can be substantially similar to the evaluation method (8064) described above, except that the method (8070) utilizes a synthetic calibration standard (e.g., synthetic tissue) during post-operative activation (8072) rather than a trial run.

[0088] First, a user may perform post-operative activation (8072) of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) on a piece of synthetic tissue (e.g., a calibration standard). During post-operative activation (8072), an end effector of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may grasp the synthetic tissue and appropriately apply energy to the synthetic tissue in a manner similar to the exemplary use of the end effector on patient tissue during surgery. Such a piece of synthetic tissue may be provided in a surgical kit along with the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). Such a piece of synthetic tissue may be a 3D printed "blood vessel"-like structure that the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may grasp and "seal" during activation.

[0089] The surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) may include any suitable number of sensors configured to measure suitable characteristics during operation of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). Because the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) communicates with other suitable components of the computer-implemented interactive surgical system (100), such components of the system (100) may then measure (8074) temperature, time, and energy output during post-operative activation (8072). Although temperature, time, and energy output are measured in the current example, any other suitable variable may be measured, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein.

[0090] Next, appropriate components of the system (100), such as the hub (106), the generator module (140), etc., may then verify (8076) that the measured variables from the post-operative activation (8072) are within specified parameters, while the user may visually verify that the end effector is properly applying energy to the synthetic standard (e.g., visually confirming that a seal has been formed). If the measured variables are within the specified parameters and the end effector is properly applying energy to the synthetic standard, the evaluation method (8070) may correspond to determining that a particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) can be restored, or at least has some ability to be restored. Conversely, if the measured variables are not within the specified parameters and / or the end effector is not properly applying energy to the synthetic standard, the evaluation method (8070) may correspond to determining that a particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be addressed.

[0091] Determining the range of a specified parameter may be accomplished using any suitable method, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein. Fig.10 In the current example shown, the system (100) may store and utilize variable measurements taken during a single activation (e.g., a first activation) of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) during a surgical procedure, and utilize these measurements to generate a range for a specified parameter. For another example, the system (100) may store and utilize variable measurements taken during multiple activations of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) throughout a surgical procedure, and utilize these measurements to generate a range for a specified parameter. For another example, the range for a specified parameter may be predetermined.

[0092] Fig.11 Another exemplary evaluation method (8078) that can be used to evaluate the recovery capability of a suitable feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is shown. Therefore, it should be understood that the evaluation method (8078) can be easily incorporated into the above-described method (8050). In the current example, the evaluation method (8078) can utilize suitable components of the surgical visualization system (8010) and / or the control system (8020) in order to generate the necessary inspection data described below to determine whether a feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) has any recovery capability or should be discarded.

[0093] The evaluation method (8078) includes performing an examination (8080) using a surgical visualization system (8010) during a surgical procedure. Data collected during the examination (8080) may be transmitted and stored on a suitable component of the system (100), such as the hub (106). During the procedure, various features of the visualization system (8010) may be used to identify (8082) the anatomical location of an end effector of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) being used; and transmit the data to a suitable component of the system (100). Additionally, during the procedure, various features of the visualization system (8010) may be used to identify (8084) the tissue density of the tissue on which the end effector of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is operating; and transmit the data to a suitable component of the system (100). Additionally, during surgery, various features of the visualization system (8010) may be utilized to determine (8086) the presence of smoke during use of tissue density by surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016); and transmit that data to appropriate components of the system (100). Additionally, during surgery, various features of the visualization system (8010) may be utilized to determine (8088) the presence of blood during use of tissue density by surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016); and transmit that data to appropriate components of the system (100).

[0094] Finally, the system (100) may utilize (8090) the inspection data collected above to evaluate the ability of at least one feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) to recover. If the measured variables are within the specified parameters, the evaluation method (8078) may correspond to determining that the particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) can be recovered, or at least has some ability to be recovered. Conversely, if the measured variables are not within the specified parameters, the evaluation method (8078) may correspond to determining that the particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be treated.

[0095] Fig.12Another exemplary evaluation method (8092) that can be used to evaluate the recovery capability of a suitable feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) is shown. Therefore, it should be understood that the evaluation method (8092) can be easily incorporated into the above-described method (8050). In the current example, the evaluation method (8092) can utilize suitable components of the surgical visualization system (8010) and / or the control system (8020) in order to generate the necessary inspection data described below to determine whether a feature of a surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) has any recovery capability or should be discarded.

[0096] The evaluation method (8092) includes performing an inspection (8094) using the surgical visualization system (8010) after a surgical procedure. Data collected during the inspection (8092) may be transmitted and stored on a suitable component of the system (100), such as the hub (106). After the procedure, various features of the visualization system (8010) may be used to inspect (8095) the end effector of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) for cracks; and transmit the data to a suitable component of the system (100). In addition, after the procedure, various features of the visualization system (8010) may be used to determine (8096) the depth of any cracks detected in the end effector of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) and inspect (8098) any other defects; and transmit the data to a suitable component of the system (100).

[0097] Finally, the system (100) may utilize the inspection data collected as described above to evaluate the ability of at least one feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) to recover. If the measured variables are within the specified parameters, the evaluation method (8092) may correspond to determining that a particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) can be recovered, or at least has some ability to be recovered. Conversely, if the measured variables are not within the specified parameters, the evaluation method (8092) may correspond to determining that a particular feature of the surgical instrument / tool ​​(112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) should be treated.

[0098] Figures 13 to 14BAn exemplary assessment and cleaning port (8100) is shown that can be easily incorporated into a console of a hub (106) and / or visualization system (8010) to perform the above-described assessment method (8092) and also clean an end effector. The assessment and cleaning port (8100) includes a channel (8102) extending from an external entrance (8104). The external entrance (8104) provides access to an end effector (such as end effector (180) in the current example) to allow easy insertion into the channel (8102). Likewise, the channel (8102) is sized to properly receive an end effector, such as end effector (180) in the current example.

[0099] like FIG. 14A to FIG. 14B As shown, the inner surface of the port (8100) defining the channel (8102) includes at least one visual inspector (8106) and at least one cleaning component (8108). In the current example, the cleaning component (8108) and the visual inspector (8106) are longitudinally offset from each other. However, this is merely optional. During use, the end effector (180) can be inserted into the channel (8102) so that the end effector (180) is adjacent to the visual inspector (8106). The visual inspector (8106) can then perform the above-described evaluation method (8092) and determine whether the feature of the end effector (180) is recoverable. If it is recoverable, such as Fig. 14B As shown, end effector (180) may be placed adjacent to cleaning assembly (8108) such that cleaning assembly (8108) may apply a cleaning material to end effector (180). Any suitable cleaning material may be applied in accordance with the teachings herein, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0100] Figures 15 to 16B An exemplary cleaning sheath (8110) is shown that may be used to cover an end effector, such as the illustrated end effector (180). As will be described in greater detail below, cleaning sheath (8110) may be applied to end effector (180) after an exemplary use of the end effector in order to prevent objects other than end effector (180) and the interior of sheath (8110) from being exposed to biohazardous material that accumulates on end effector (180) during the exemplary use.

[0101] The cleaning sheath (8110) includes a hollow body (8112) defining an interior (8118), a seal (8112) located at an open end of the hollow body (8112), and a cleaning material (8120) located within the interior (8118) of the hollow body (8112). The seal (8112) defines an expandable opening (8116) configured to properly receive an end effector (180), such that the end effector (180) can be inserted into the interior (8118) of the hollow body (8112), as shown in FIG. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B In some cases, the robotic arm may be configured to attach sheath (8110) to end effector (180).

[0102] When the end actuator (180) is properly inserted into the interior (8118), the seal (8112) can fully engage the shaft assembly and / or portions of the end actuator such that the seal (8112) prevents any material located within the interior (8118) from escaping from the hollow body (8112).

[0103] Cleaning material (8120) may include chemicals or other materials that can clean and / or preserve end effector (180) when contained within interior (8118). Cleaning material (8120) may be configured to remove debris that accumulates on end effector (180) during an exemplary use of end effector (180). Cleaning material (8120) may include any suitable cleaning material, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, cleaning material (8120) may include frozen CO2 particles that may be configured to "grit" blast away eschar that accumulates on end effector (180) during an exemplary use.

[0104] Fig.17 An exemplary surgical instrument package (8130) is shown that can be used to transport surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) to an operating room while maintaining the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) appropriately sterile. In addition, as will be described in more detail below, the package (8130) includes a removable cleaning kit (8136) that can be used in the operating room, post-operatively, or intraoperatively to clean the features of the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016) for the purpose of recovery or continued use.

[0105] The package (8130) includes a main package (8132) that is configured to store appropriate components of a surgical kit for forming surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156, 8016). In addition, the package (8130) includes a removable cleaning kit (8136) that is removably attached to the main package (8132) via a perforated section (8134). Thus, when a user wishes to use the cleaning kit (8136), they can remove the cleaning kit (8136) from the main package (8132) by tearing open the perforated section (8134).

[0106] Go to Fig.18 In the present example, the removable cleaning kit (8136) includes a container (8138) (e.g., a bowl) defining an opening (8140) and a cleaning material (8142) accessible via the opening (8140). The cleaning material (8142) may also include a suitable applicator, such as a sponge soaked in the cleaning material. The cleaning material (8142) may include a gritty material or particles. The cleaning material (8142) may include a bottle brush cleaner, a manual, or a finger to facilitate the user to clean the end effector (180) with the cleaning material.

[0107] The container (8138) may be molded into a bowl sized to receive the liquid cleaning material (8142). Thus, the container (8138) may serve as a basin. The portion of the container (8128) that forms the basin may be lined with a cleaning material that will self-mix with the liquid when it contacts the liquid. The container (8138) may include a sponge, or have a sponge base molded into it for cleaning purposes. The sponge may be soaked in a cleaning fluid to help remove debris. The sponge may contain a dry chemical that is activated when it becomes wet.

[0108] IV. Exemplary Combinations

[0109] The following embodiments relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the coverage of any claims that may be provided at any time in this patent application or in the subsequent submissions of this patent application. It is not intended to make a disclaimer. The following embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes. It is envisioned that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in a variety of other ways. It is also envisioned that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the following embodiments. Therefore, any of the aspects or features mentioned below should not be considered decisive unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the inventor or a successor with an interest in the inventor at a later date. If any claim proposed in this patent application or in the subsequent submissions related to this patent application includes additional features other than those features mentioned below, these additional features should not be assumed to be added for any reason related to patentability.

[0110] Example 1

[0111] A method for determining the recovery capability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument, the method comprising: (i) establishing communication with the surgical instrument; (ii) assisting in the operation of the surgical instrument during surgery; (iii) obtaining data related to the surgical instrument; (iv) evaluating the obtained data related to the surgical instrument to determine a digital assessment of the impact on the performance of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument; and (v) determining the recovery capability of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument based on the digital assessment.

[0112] Example 2

[0113] The method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the resilience relates to the ability of the at least one feature to withstand a programmed regimen required to reuse the at least one feature of the surgical instrument.

[0114] Example 3

[0115] The method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the programmed protocol includes cleaning the at least one feature of the surgical instrument.

[0116] Example 4

[0117] A method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the programmed protocol comprises remanufacturing the at least one feature of the surgical instrument.

[0118] Example 5

[0119] The method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments further includes providing recommendations based on the recovery capabilities.

[0120] Example 6

[0121] The method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the suggestion comprises displaying an instruction to discard the at least one feature or displaying an instruction to restore the at least one feature.

[0122] Example 7

[0123] The method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments further comprises providing a user feedback option overlaying the suggestion.

[0124] Example 8

[0125] The method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining the data occurs simultaneously with the surgery.

[0126] Example 9

[0127] A method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining data comprises identifying a position of an end effector of the surgical instrument within a patient's body.

[0128] Example 10

[0129] A method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining data comprises identifying a tissue density on which an end effector of the surgical instrument is operating.

[0130] Embodiment 11

[0131] A method as described in any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining data includes defining the presence of smoke or blood during use of an end effector of the surgical instrument.

[0132] Example 12

[0133] The method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining data occurs after the surgery.

[0134] Embodiment 13

[0135] A method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining data comprises inspecting an end effector of the surgical instrument for cracks.

[0136] Embodiment 14

[0137] A method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining data comprises performing a trial run activation of an end effector of the surgical instrument.

[0138] Embodiment 15

[0139] A method according to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein obtaining data comprises performing a test activation of the end effector of the surgical instrument on a synthetic calibration piece.

[0140] Example 16

[0141] A surgical system comprises: (a) a surgical instrument including an end effector; (b) a hub configured to establish communication with the surgical instrument and assist the surgical instrument during surgery; and (c) an evaluation port associated with the hub, wherein the evaluation port defines a channel sized to receive the end effector, wherein the evaluation port includes a visualization system located within the channel, wherein the visualization system is configured to inspect the end effector for defects and transmit the results to the hub.

[0142] Embodiment 17

[0143]

[00136] The surgical system of any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the evaluation port further comprises a cleaning assembly positioned within the channel.

[0144] Embodiment 18

[0145]

[00136] The surgical system of any one or more of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to clean the end effector in response to the inspection by the visualization system.

[0146] Embodiment 19

[0147]

[0013] According to any one or more of the preceding embodiments, the surgical system, the hub further comprises a generator module configured to power the surgical instrument.

[0148] Embodiment 20

[0149] A method for determining the recovery capability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument, the method comprising: (i) establishing communication with the surgical instrument; (ii) assisting in the operation of the surgical instrument during a surgery; (iii) obtaining a first set of data regarding the operation of the surgical instrument during the surgery; (iv) obtaining a second set of data regarding the operation of the surgical instrument after the surgery; (v) comparing the first set of data and the second set of data to determine a numerical assessment of the impact on the performance of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument; and (vi) determining the recovery capability of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument based on the numerical assessment.

[0150] V. Miscellaneous

[0151] Versions of the above-described devices may find application in traditional medical treatments and surgeries performed by medical professionals, as well as robotic-assisted medical treatments and surgeries.

[0152] It should be understood that any type of apparatus described herein may also include various other features in addition to or as an alternative to those described above. By way of example only, any of the apparatus described herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references incorporated herein by reference. It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readily applied to any apparatus described in any other reference cited herein, such that the teachings herein may be readily combined with the teachings in any reference cited herein in a variety of ways. Other types of apparatus that may incorporate the teachings herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0153] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9447USNP1.0754992], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9447USNP1.0754992] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0154] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9448USNP1.0754994], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9448USNP1.0754994] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0155] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9448USNP2.0754977], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9448USNP2.0754977] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0156] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9448USNP3.0754979], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9448USNP3.0754979] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0157] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9449USNP1.0754981], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9449USNP1.0754981] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0158] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9450USNP1.0754983], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of the U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9450USNP1.0754983] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0159] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9450USNP2.0754999], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9450USNP2.0754999] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0160] In addition to the foregoing, the teachings of this article can be easily combined with the teachings of the following: U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9450USNP3.0755001], entitled "Surgical System and Methods for Instrument Assessment and Cleaning" filed on the same day as this application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this article can be combined with the teachings of the U.S. Patent Application [Agent Docket No. END9450USNP3.0755001] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0161] It should also be understood that any range of values ​​referenced herein should be understood to include the upper and lower limits of such ranges. For example, a range expressed as "between about 1.0 inches and about 1.5 inches" should be understood to include about 1.0 inches and about 1.5 inches, in addition to including values ​​between these upper and lower limits.

[0162] It should be understood that any patent, patent publication, or other public material, whether in whole or in part, allegedly incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials listed in the present disclosure. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly listed herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof allegedly incorporated herein by reference but conflicting with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials listed herein will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the existing public materials.

[0163] The patterns described above can be designed to be discarded after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case or both, these patterns can be repaired to be reused after at least one use. Repair can include any combination of the following steps: disassembling the device, then cleaning or replacing specific parts and subsequently reassembling. Specifically, some patterns of the device can be disassembled, and any number of specific parts or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. When cleaning and / or replacing specific parts, some patterns of the device can be reassembled at a repair facility or reassembled by the operator before surgery is about to be performed for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the repair of the device can be disassembled, cleaned / replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such technology and the resulting repair device are all within the scope of the present application.

[0164] By way of example only, the types described herein may be sterilized before and / or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container such as a plastic bag or a TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in a sterile container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0165] Various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, and further improvements of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by appropriate modifications by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several such possible modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, the embodiments, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered in light of the following claims, and should be understood not to be limited to the details of the structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A method of determining a recovery capability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument, the method comprising: (i) establishing communication with the surgical instrument; (ii) assisting in the operation of the surgical instrument during surgery; (iii) obtaining data related to the surgical instrument; (iv) evaluating the acquired data associated with the surgical instrument to determine a numerical assessment of the effect on the performance of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument; as well as (v) determining a recoverability of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument based on the digital evaluation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The resilience relates to the ability of the at least one feature to withstand a programmed regimen required to reuse the at least one feature of the surgical instrument.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The programmed protocol includes cleaning the at least one feature of the surgical instrument.

4. The method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The programmed regimen includes remanufacturing the at least one feature of the surgical instrument.

5. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising providing recommendations based on the recovery capabilities.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The suggestion includes displaying an instruction to discard the at least one feature or displaying an instruction to restore the at least one feature.

7. The method of claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising providing a user feedback option overlaying the suggestion.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Data acquisition occurred concurrently with the surgery.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Obtaining data includes identifying a position of an end effector of the surgical instrument within the patient's body.

10. The method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein: Obtaining data includes identifying a tissue density on which an end effector of the surgical instrument is operating.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: Obtaining data includes defining the presence of smoke or blood during use of the end effector of the surgical instrument.

12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Acquisition of data occurred after the surgery.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Obtaining data includes inspecting an end effector of the surgical instrument for cracks.

14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein: Obtaining data includes performing a test run activation of the end effector of the surgical instrument.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: Obtaining data includes performing a test activation of the end effector of the surgical instrument on the synthetic calibration piece.

16. A surgical system comprising: (a) A surgical instrument comprising an end effector; (b) a hub configured to establish communication with the surgical instrument and assist the surgical instrument during surgery; (c) an evaluation port associated with the hub, wherein the evaluation port defines a channel sized to receive the end effector, wherein the evaluation port includes a visualization system positioned within the channel, wherein the visualization system is configured to inspect the end effector for defects and transmit the results to the hub.

17. The surgical system of claim 16, wherein: The evaluation port also includes a cleaning assembly positioned within the passageway.

18. The surgical system of claim 17, wherein: The cleaning assembly is configured to clean the end effector in response to the inspection by the visualization system.

19. The surgical system of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The hub also includes a generator module configured to power the surgical instrument.

20. A method of determining a recovery capability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument, the method comprising: (i) establishing communication with the surgical instrument; (ii) assisting in the operation of the surgical instrument during surgery; (iii) obtaining a first set of data regarding the operation of the surgical instrument during the procedure; (iv) obtaining a second set of data regarding the operation of the surgical instrument after the procedure; (v) comparing the first set of data and the second set of data to determine a numerical assessment of the impact on the performance of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument; as well as (vi) determining a restorability of the at least one feature of the surgical instrument based on the digital evaluation.

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