Surgical instrument with removable cable and associated coupling

Abstract

A surgical device and method of treatment includes a cable and a first adapter. The adapter includes a body, an electrical contact connected to the cable, and an engagement assembly. The engagement assembly includes a latch coupling or a communication coupling. The latch coupling is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position and includes a catch member. The communication coupling is configured to be resiliently biased into engagement between the electrical contact and an instrument or generator.

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 the same date as this application, 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 Describes the use of Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary cable assembly connected between a medical device and a generator for use with a surgical system of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 7 Depicted Figure 6 an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a cutaway portion of a cable adapter of a cable assembly;

[0015] Figure 8 Depicted Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a cable adapter taken along its centerline, the cable adapter receiving Figure 6 An exemplary instrument adapter of a medical device in an uncoupled position;

[0016] Fig. 9 Describes something like Figure 8 but showing the instrument adapter received by the cable adapter moving from a partially coupled unlocked position to a fully coupled locked position;

[0017] Fig. 9A Depicted along Fig. 9 The section line 9A-9A of Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a cable adapter;

[0018] Fig.10 a schematic side view depicting another exemplary cable assembly receiving another exemplary instrument adapter of a medical device, wherein the instrument adapter is moved from an uncoupled position to a partially coupled, unlocked position; and

[0019] Fig.11 Describes something like Fig.10 Schematic side view of the cable assembly and instrument adapter of FIG. Fig.10 The partially coupled unlocked position moves to the fully coupled locked position.

[0020] 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

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] I. Examples of Surgical Systems

[0025] 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 1 As 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.

[0026] Figure 2An 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).

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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, arthroscopy, angioscope, bronchoscope, choledochoscope, colonoscope, cytoscope, duodenoscope, enteroscope, esophago-duodenoscope (gastroscope), endoscope, laryngoscope, nasopharyngeal-renal endoscope, sigmoidoscope, thoracoscope and hysteroendoscope. 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 health care professionals associated with the surgical procedure may be prepared to address such handling, as discussed in more detail below.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] refer to Figure 2 , the surgical instrument (112) is used in a surgical procedure as part of the surgical system (102). The hub (106) can also 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.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 energizing 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 energizing the ultrasonic transducer (162) with the generator (150).

[0040] 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 the clamping arms (181, 182) and returned through the 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] As used herein, a processor or processing unit is an electronic circuit that performs operations on some external data source (usually 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".

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] II. Surgical Instrument With Removable Cable and Associated Couplings

[0048] Figure 6An exemplary surgical device is shown as a first example of a cable assembly (2710) for connecting a medical device (such as a surgical instrument (152)) to a generator (such as a generator (150)) to transmit power and electrical communication signals. The cable assembly (2710) includes at least one cable adapter (2712, 2714) for connecting to at least one device, but may also include multiple adapters (2712, 2714) for connecting to multiple devices as shown in this example and a cable (2716) that generally serves as a jumper between devices. The surgical instrument (152) can be reused as a whole, or it can be disassembled to reuse only a portion of the cable assembly (2710). The reusable portion can be determined based on the cost of the particular portion, the ease of removing and replacing the particular portion, the environmental impact of no longer using the particular portion, or the visual aesthetics of the particular portion. The surgical instrument (152) can also be disassembled for cleaning and sterilization purposes. Such sterilization purposes can include autoclaving and ethylene oxide sterilization of selected portions of the surgical instrument (125) or the entire surgical instrument (152). The surgical instrument (152) can help reduce the cost of surgery by allowing for reusable electrical conduits rather than using conventional single-use disposable electrical conduits. The cable adapters (2712, 2714) and cable (2716) can also shield the electrical conduits from external signals that would affect the performance of the surgical instrument (152) and / or the generator (150) when in electrical communication. Although the cable assembly (2710) is more specifically shown in this example as connecting the surgical instrument (152) to the generator (150) via the instrument adapter (2718) and the generator adapter (2720), respectively, the cable assembly (2710) may alternatively connect any such device and / or generator discussed herein, such that the present invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to use with the surgical instrument (152) and the generator (150).

[0049] Figure 7 A cable adapter (2712) is shown having a terminal block (2722) on which a plurality of electrical contacts (2724) are supported. In this example, each electrical contact (2724) is connected to an electrical conduit (2726) that extends to an integrated circuit (2728). As further shown in this example, the integrated circuit (2728) is removably connected to a cable body (2730) of the cable (2716), but in another example, the integrated circuit (2778) may be integrated into either of the adapters (2712, 2714) (see Figure 6 ) or even not included at all in other examples. Integrated circuit (2778) is configured to be able to track various parameters and / or metrics of past usage of surgical instrument (152), cable assembly (2710), and / or generator (150).

[0050] The strain relief (2731) is coupled between the cable adapter (2712) and the cable body (2730) and is configured to prevent damage to the cable body (2730) and / or the electrical conduit (2726) when the cable assembly (2710) is pulled and / or bent at a damaging force or angle. In one example, the strain relief (2731) may be adhered to the cable body (2730) or may simply surround the cable body (2730) similar to a shield. The strain relief (2731) may be permanently or removably secured to the cable adapter (2712) and / or the cable body (2730) for easy replacement. The strain relief (2731) may vary in size to accommodate different diameters and provide more or less strain protection as needed.

[0051] At least one electrical conduit (2726) (such as a wire) extends from the integrated circuit (2728) and through the cable body (2730) to the opposing cable adapter (2714) (see Figure 6 ) so as to be compatible with the generator (150) (see Figure 6 ) connection. For example, the electrical contact (2724) can be coated externally or made of a corrosion-resistant material such as gold or dielectric grease to prevent corrosion and promote electrical connectivity. The electrical contact (2724) and the electrical conduit (2726) can be shielded by the adapter (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) when applicable to form a female fitting, such as in the cable adapter (2712, 2714) of the present example, or can be external to the adapter (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) to form a male fitting, such as in the instrument adapter and the generator adapter (2718, 2720).

[0052] For this reason, Figure 8 , cable adapter (2712) and instrument adapter (2718) define electrical coupling (2732), and cable adapter (2714) (see Figure 6 ) and generator adapter (2720) (see Figure 6 ) similarly defines another such electrical connector (2732), albeit on the opposite end of the cable (2716). The cable adapter (2712) of the electrical connector (2732) includes a seal (2734) that is configured to be able to Fig. 9 The seal (2734) may also be positioned around all electrical contacts (2724) within the electrical connector (2732) to prevent foreign material from entering the electrical connector (2732) when the cable assembly (2710) is connected to the surgical instrument (152) (see Figure 6 ) and / or generator (150) (see Figure 6 ) to prevent foreign material from entering the electrical contact (2724).

[0053] refer to Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig. 9A In each of the embodiments, the electrical coupling (2732) includes a latch coupling (2736) having a sleeve (2738) that is selectively translatable, a plurality of catch members (2739), and an annular groove (2740). More specifically, the annular groove (2740) is positioned on the instrument adapter body (2742) to surround the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling (2732), and the catch member (2739) is positioned angularly around the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling (2732), about a majority of the circumference of the cable adapter body (2744) of the cable adapter (2714) around the longitudinal axis. The catch member (2739) can also be selectively movably fixed to the cable adapter body (2744). The sleeve (2738) can also be movably fixed to the cable adapter body (2744) to radially surround the longitudinal axis so as to selectively translate in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] To this end, the sleeve (2738) of the present example is configured to be movable from a locked position that mechanically couples the cable adapter (2712) to the instrument adapter (2718) to an unlocked position that mechanically decouples the cable adapter (2712) from the instrument adapter (2718). In the present example, the sleeve (2738) is biased toward the locked position by a sleeve spring (2746) that is secured in compression between the cable adapter body (2744) and the sleeve (2738), thereby urging the sleeve (2738) toward the locked position.

[0055] To achieve mechanical coupling and decoupling from the unlocked position, the sleeve (2738) also includes an inner annular recess (2748) positioned to be longitudinally aligned with the capture member (2739), which in this example is more specifically shown as a ball bearing (2739). The cable adapter (2712) also includes at least one receptacle (2750) configured to retain the ball bearing (2739), but it should be understood that any member configured to retain in this manner, such as a pin, may be similarly used. The receptacle (2750) longitudinally secures the ball bearing (2739) while allowing limited internal and external radial movement and being allowed by the surrounding structure. For example, when the sleeve is not in the unlocked position, the inner sidewall (2752) generally pushes the ball bearing (2739) radially inward; however, the inner annular recess (2748) receives the ball bearing (2739) in the unlocked position to allow the ball bearing (2739) to move radially outward. Thus, with sleeve (2738) in the unlocked position, instrument adapter body (2742) pushes ball bearing (2739) radially outward into inner annular recess (2748) of sleeve (2738) when inserted into cable adapter body (2744). When instrument adapter (2712) and cable adapter (2718) are partially coupled, sleeve (2738) is selectively returned to the locked position once annular recess (2740) is longitudinally aligned with ball bearing (2739), so that inner sidewall (2752) of sleeve (2738) pushes ball bearing (2739) radially inward toward annular recess (2740) in instrument adapter body (2742). The ball bearing (2739) is effectively captured in the annular groove (2740) between the inner wall (2752) of the sleeve (2738) and the instrument adapter body (2742), so that the instrument adapter (2718) and the cable adapter (2712) are fully coupled in a locked position for communication along the electrical conduit (2726).

[0056] While mechanically coupling the adapter body (2742) relative to the cable adapter body (2744) generally prevents unintentional decoupling of the cable adapter and the instrument adapters (2712, 2718), the electrical coupling (2732) of this example further includes a communication coupling (2754) that is configured to facilitate direct engagement between electrical contacts (2724) on the terminal block (2722) of the cable adapter (2712) and electrical contacts (2756) of the instrument adapter (2718). For example, the terminal block (2722) of the communication coupling (2754) with the electrical contacts (2756) is resiliently biased away from the cable body (2730) toward the instrument adapter (2718) to facilitate engagement with the electrical contacts (2724) in the instrument adapter (2718). The communication coupling (2754) thus allows the electrical contact (2724) with the terminal seat (2722) to be longitudinally translated within a predetermined range, which in this example is a longitudinal predetermined travel, by pushing against the cable adapter body (2744). At one end of the predetermined travel, with the seat spring (2758) in an extended state, the electrical contact (2724) with the terminal seat (2722) is fully advanced at a certain distance away from the cable (2716) before being inserted into the instrument adapter body (2742). At the other end of the predetermined travel, with the instrument adapter body (2742) coupled to the cable adapter (2712) and the seat spring (2758) in a retracted state, the electrical contacts (2756) on the instrument adapter body (2744) push the terminal block (2722) toward the cable (2716), causing the seat spring (2758) to be compressed between the terminal block (2722) and the cable adapter body (2742). The seat spring (2758) will continue to push the electrical contacts (2724) on the terminal block (2722) into the adjacent electrical contacts (2756) of the instrument adapter (2718) to facilitate engagement and electrical communication therebetween. In one example, the seat spring can further assist in the separation of the cable adapter (2712) and the instrument adapter (2718) when the cable adapter (2712) and the instrument adapter (2718) are disengaged while unlocking the latch coupling (2736).

[0057] To further assist in alignment between the cable adapter (2712) and the instrument adapter (2718), the cable adapter (2712) also includes an alignment feature, such as an alignment key (2760), for angularly aligning the cable adapter (2712) and the instrument adapter (2718) relative to each other about the longitudinal axis. Maintaining the angular alignment will allow the corresponding electrical contacts (2724, 2756) to properly align and engage with each other when applicable to facilitate alignment when coupled and during operation of the surgical instrument (152) (see Figure 6) during use.

[0058] Although the above description is generally directed to cable adapter (2712) and instrument adapter (2718), it should be understood that cable adapter (2714) and generator adapter (2720) are generally the same as cable adapter (2712) and instrument adapter (2718), respectively, unless otherwise described herein. The above description of cable adapter (2712) and instrument adapter (2718) is therefore similarly applicable to cable adapter (2714) and generator adapter (2720) in this example, but the present invention should not be limited to cable adapter (2712) being similar to cable adapter (2714) and instrument adapter (2718) being similar to generator adapter (2720). It should also be understood that any adapter (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) can be interchanged with related features on any device as desired, as long as the adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) are configured to be able to effectively cooperate to communicate therebetween during use. In other words, in one example, one or more instrument adapters or generator adapters (2718, 2720) may be incorporated into the cable assembly (2710), and / or one or more cable adapters (2712, 2714) may be incorporated into the surgical instrument (152) (see Figure 6 ) and / or generator (150) (see Figure 6 ). Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific adapter (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) arrangement shown in this example.

[0059] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Another exemplary cable assembly (2810) is shown having an alternative example of a cable adapter (2812), an instrument adapter (2818), and a latch coupling (2836) having a rotatable sleeve (2838) for mechanically coupling the instrument adapter body (2742) and the cable adapter body (2744) together. In this regard, the cable adapter and instrument adapter (2812, 2818) are similar to the cable adapter and instrument adapter (2712, 2718) discussed above, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein by similar numerals indicating similar features. More specifically, the sleeve (2838) includes a bayonet slot (2848) that extends radially therethrough and is configured to receive an accompanying bayonet pin (2850) that extends radially from the instrument adapter body (2742). Sleeve (2838) having bayonet slot (2848) is configured to be rotatable relative to cable adapter body (2744), while bayonet pin (2850) rigidly extends from instrument adapter body (2742) and is fixed relative to the instrument adapter body.

[0060] The bayonet slot (2848) more specifically includes an opening (2870), a longitudinally extending linear portion (2872), a longitudinally and angularly extending arcuate portion (2874), and a locking terminal cavity (2876). The sleeve (2838) is rotatable relative to the cable adapter body (2844) from a partially coupled unlocked position to a fully coupled locked position, in which the unlocked position is such that the locking terminal cavity (2876) is secured to the cable adapter body (2844). Fig.10 As shown, the bayonet pin (2850) is received in the linear portion (2872) through the opening (2870), and in the locked position, the bayonet pin (2850) is rotated against the end of the bayonet slot (2848) in the terminal cavity (2876) through the arcuate portion (2874). Once the bayonet pin (2850) reaches the circular portion, the sleeve spring (2846) advances the sleeve (2838) distally relative to the cable (2716) so that the bayonet pin (2850) is captured in the terminal cavity (2876), thereby fixing the cable adapter (2812) to the instrument adapter (2818) in the locked position. In one example, when the terminal cavity (2876) receives the bayonet pin (2850), the bayonet pin (2850) and the sleeve (2838) together generate an audible noise and / or tactile feedback to indicate the locked position.

[0061] Although the above description is generally directed to a cable adapter (2812) and an instrument adapter (2818), it should be understood that the adapters (2812, 2818) may be cooperatively interchanged or included with any of the adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) having related features on any device as desired, as long as the adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) are configured to be able to effectively cooperate during use to communicate therebetween. Likewise, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific adapter (2812, 2818) arrangement shown in this example.

[0062] III. Exemplary Combinations

[0063] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples 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 examples 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 examples. Therefore, any of the aspects or features mentioned below should not be considered decisive unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the inventor or the 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 mentioned below, these additional features should not be assumed to be added for any reason related to patentability.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] A surgical device, the surgical device comprising: (a) a cable, the cable being configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter, the first adapter extending from the cable along a longitudinal axis and being configured to be releasably connected to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) an adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) an engagement assembly, the engagement assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling having a latch portion that is selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the adapter body, wherein the latch portion includes at least one capture member angularly surrounding at least a majority of the longitudinal axis or is capable of surrounding the longitudinal axis. a sleeve rotatable about an axis, wherein the latch portion in the locked position is configured to capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to maintain the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, and wherein the latch portion in the unlocked position is configured to release at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to decouple the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter; or (B) a communication coupling supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias the first electrical contact into engagement with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] The surgical device according to Example 1 also includes a surgical instrument having an instrument adapter or a generator having a generator adapter.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1-2, wherein the first adapter includes the latch connection.

[0070] Example 4

[0071] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the latch connection comprises the sleeve operably connected to the adapter body, wherein the sleeve is configured to be able to translate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0072] Example 5

[0073] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the latch coupling further comprises a latch biasing element, wherein the latch biasing element resiliently biases the sleeve toward the locked position.

[0074] Example 6

[0075] A surgical device according to any one or more of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the latch connection also includes the at least one capture member, which is positioned around the longitudinal axis and can move in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and is configured to longitudinally capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter in the locked position, and is further configured to longitudinally release at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter in the unlocked position.

[0076] Example 7

[0077] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the at least one capture member includes a plurality of ball bearings.

[0078] Example 8

[0079] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the latch connection comprises the sleeve operably connected to the adapter body, wherein the sleeve is configured to be rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0080] Example 9

[0081] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the latch connection also includes a bayonet connection having a bayonet slot, wherein the bayonet slot extends through at least one of the sleeve or the adapter body.

[0082] Example 10

[0083] A surgical device according to Example 9, wherein the bayonet slot extends through the sleeve.

[0084] Embodiment 11

[0085] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the latch coupling further comprises a latch biasing element, wherein the latch biasing element resiliently biases the sleeve toward the locked position.

[0086] Example 12

[0087] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the first adapter includes the communication connection piece.

[0088] Example 13

[0089] A surgical device according to any one or more of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the first adapter includes the communication connection piece.

[0090] Embodiment 14

[0091] A surgical device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the communication link has a biasing element, which is supported by the adapter body and is configured to elastically bias the engagement between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

[0092] Embodiment 15

[0093] A surgical device according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the communication coupling further comprises a seat operably connected to the adapter body and configured to be movable longitudinally from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the first electrical contact is positioned on the seat such that the first electrical contact and the seat are biased together toward the extended position to bias engagement with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter.

[0094] Example 16

[0095] A surgical device, the surgical device comprising: (a) a cable, the cable being configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter, the first adapter extending from the cable and being configured to be releasably connected to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) an adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) an engagement assembly, the engagement assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling, the latch coupling being selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the adapter body, wherein the latch coupling in the locked position is configured to capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to maintain the first electrical contact in engagement with the instrument adapter or the generator adapter or (B) a communication coupling having a biasing element supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias the first electrical contact into engagement with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

[0096] Embodiment 17

[0097] A surgical device according to Example 16, wherein the first adapter extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, wherein the communication connection also includes a seat portion, which is operably connected to the adapter body and is configured to be able to move longitudinally from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the first electrical contact is positioned on the seat portion so that the first electrical contact and the seat portion are biased toward the extended position to engage with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter.

[0098] Embodiment 18

[0099] A method for handling a surgical device, wherein the surgical device comprises: (a) a cable, the cable being configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter, the first adapter extending from the cable and being configured to be releasably connected to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) an adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) an engagement assembly, the engagement assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling, the latch coupling being selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the adapter body, wherein the latch coupling in the locked position is configured to capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to retain the first electrical contact an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, and wherein the latch connection in the unlocked position is configured to release the at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to decouple the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter; or (B) a communication connection supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias the first electrical contact into engagement with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween, the method comprising: (a) disconnecting at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter from the first adapter; and (b) processing the cable and the first adapter for reuse.

[0100] Embodiment 19

[0101] A method as in Example 18, wherein processing further comprises autoclaving the cable and the first adapter for reuse.

[0102] Embodiment 20

[0103] The method according to any one or more of Examples 18-19 further includes selectively moving the latch link from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0104] Embodiment 21 .

[0105] A surgical device, the surgical device comprising: (a) a cable, the cable being configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter, the first adapter extending from the cable along a longitudinal axis and being configured to be releasably connected to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) an adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) an engagement assembly, the engagement assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling having a ball bearing, the ball bearing being selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the ball bearing in the locked position is configured to capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to maintain an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, and wherein the ball bearing in the unlocked position is configured to release at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to disconnect the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter; or (B) a communication coupling supported by the adapter body and configured to engage the first electrical contact with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

[0106] IV. Miscellaneous

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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 feature structures 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.

[0109] 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 "Method of Reclaiming Portions of Surgical Instruments for Remanufacturing and Sustainability", 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. END9447USNP1.0754992] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0110] 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 Instrument with Predetermined Separation Features for Waste Stream Utilization and Related Methods" 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. END9448USNP1.0754994] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0111] 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 of Assembly and Disassembly of Surgical Instrument" 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.

[0112] 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 "Robotic Surgical System with Removable Portion and Method of Disassembling Same" 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.

[0113] 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 "System for Determining Disposal of Surgical Instrument and Related Methods", 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.

[0114] 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 "Reclamation Packaging for Surgical Instrument and Related Methods", 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.

[0115] 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 Instrument with Various Alignment Features and Methods for Improved Disassembly and Assembly" 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. END9450USNP3.0755001] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0116] 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. END9450USNP4.0755006], 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. END9450USNP4.0755006] will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings of this article.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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 surgical device comprising: (a) a cable configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter extending from the cable along the longitudinal axis and configured to be releasably connectable to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) the adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) a joining assembly, the joining assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling having a latch portion that is selectively movable relative to the adapter body between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the latch portion includes at least one capture member angularly surrounding at least a majority of the longitudinal axis or a sleeve rotatable about the longitudinal axis, wherein the latch portion in the locked position is configured to capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to maintain an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, and wherein the latch portion in the unlocked position is configured to release at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to decouple the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, or (B) a communication coupling supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias engagement between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

2. The surgical device according to claim 1 further includes a surgical instrument having an instrument adapter or a generator having a generator adapter.

3. The surgical device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first adapter includes the latch coupling.

4. The surgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The latch coupling includes the sleeve operably connected to the adapter body, wherein the sleeve is configured to translate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

5. The surgical device according to claim 4, wherein: The latch coupling further includes a latch biasing element, wherein the latch biasing element resiliently biases the sleeve toward the locked position.

6. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The latch connection also includes at least one capture member, which is positioned about the longitudinal axis and can move in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and is configured to longitudinally capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter in the locked position, and is further configured to longitudinally release at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter in the unlocked position.

7. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The at least one capture member includes a plurality of ball bearings.

8. The surgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The latch coupling includes the sleeve operably connected to the adapter body, wherein the sleeve is configured to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

9. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The latch coupling also includes a bayonet coupling having a bayonet slot, wherein the bayonet slot extends through at least one of the sleeve or the adapter body.

10. The surgical device according to claim 9, wherein: The bayonet slot extends through the sleeve.

11. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The latch coupling further includes a latch biasing element, wherein the latch biasing element resiliently biases the sleeve toward the locked position.

12. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first adapter includes the communications coupling.

13. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first adapter includes the communications coupling.

14. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The communication coupling has a biasing element supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias engagement between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

15. A surgical device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The communication coupling also includes a seat operably connected to the adapter body and configured to be longitudinally movable from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the first electrical contact is positioned on the seat such that the first electrical contact and the seat are biased together toward the extended position to bias engagement with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter.

16. A surgical device comprising: (a) a cable configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter extending from the cable and configured to be releasably connectable to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) the adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) a joining assembly, the joining assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling that is selectively movable relative to the adapter body between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the latch coupling in the locked position is configured to capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to maintain an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, and wherein the latch coupling in the unlocked position is configured to release at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to decouple the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, wherein the latch coupling includes a sleeve operably connected to the adapter body, wherein the sleeve is biased toward the locked position and is configured to be selectively movable between the locked position and the unlocked position, and (B) a communication coupling having a biasing element supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias engagement between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

17. The surgical device of claim 16, wherein: The first adapter extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis, wherein the communication coupling further comprises a seat operably connected to the adapter body and configured to be longitudinally movable from an extended position to a retracted position, wherein the first electrical contact is positioned on the seat such that the first electrical contact and the seat are biased together toward the extended position for biased engagement with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter.

18. A method of treating a surgical device, wherein: The surgical device comprises: (a) a cable configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter extending from the cable and configured to be releasably connected to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) an adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) an engagement assembly, the engagement assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the adapter body, wherein the latch coupling in the locked position is configured to capture the instrument adapter or the generator adapter. (B) a communication coupling supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias engagement between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween, the method comprising: (a) disconnecting at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter from the first adapter; and (b) processing the cable and the first adapter for reuse.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Processing also includes autoclaving the cable and the first adapter for reuse.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising selectively moving the latch link from the locked position to the unlocked position.

21. A surgical device comprising: (a) a cable configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable, (b) a first adapter extending from the cable along the longitudinal axis and configured to be releasably connectable to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter comprising: (i) the adapter body, (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable, and (iii) a joining assembly, the joining assembly comprising: (A) a latch coupling having a ball bearing that is selectively movable relative to the adapter body between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the ball bearing in the locked position is configured to capture at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to maintain an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, and wherein the ball bearing in the unlocked position is configured to release at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to disconnect the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter, and (B) a communication coupling supported by the adapter body and configured to engage the first electrical contact with at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to facilitate contact therebetween.

Images