System and computer-implemented method for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument, comprising: a mode setting unit which is configured to set one of at least two modes of operation for the functionality of the surgical instrument and output an output signal signaling the mode of operation set; and a control unit which is configured to receive the output signal and control the functionality of the instrument, the control unit being configured to enable the functionality without restrictions in the first mode of operation and restrict the functionality in the second mode of operation.

Description

[0001] System and computer-implemented method for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument, in particular an articulated and / or steerable instrument, including a motor-driven or robotic instrument. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Medical instruments, and especially surgical instruments, have a limited service life, which defines how long the medical instrument will remain functional or operational. At the end of an instrument's service life, the instrument can be repaired or serviced to restore functionality, or the instrument can be replaced with a new one.

[0006] There are numerous factors that influence the service life or degree of wear of a medical instrument. These include the length of time the instrument is used, the degree of tension and stress during each use, and environmental factors such as the pH value of the body fluid of a patient being treated with the medical instrument.

[0007] Especially with articulated instruments, the articulation of the various joints is an important factor that influences the service life of the medical instrument. However, it is difficult for an operator of a surgical instrument to consistently use the medical instrument with an appropriate or suitable load force. Sometimes, the joints of the medical instrument are subjected to a mechanical force that is greater than that actually required for the respective surgical procedure. This can result in surgical instruments being subjected to unnecessarily high mechanical stresses. This cumulative effect contributes to an increase in the degree of wear of the surgical instrument and consequently leads to a reduction in the service life of the surgical instrument in question.

[0008] Conventional surgical instruments are not equipped with mechanisms that take into account how many functionalities of a surgical instrument are used during a surgical procedure, and to what extent or with what intensity these functionalities are used. In particular, the user of a surgical instrument cannot configure the instrument to automatically adapt the functionalities to planned surgical procedures.

[0009] Ideally, a medical instrument should be used optimally in terms of its performance and lifetime to conserve resources in hospitals or clinics. It is therefore necessary to optimize the operating life and performance of an instrument based on the planned surgical procedures.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system and a method that optimize the service life and performance of a surgical instrument. The object of the present invention is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1 and by a computer-implemented method having the features of claim 13. Preferred embodiments of the invention with advantageous features are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the invention comprises a system for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument, comprising: a mode setting unit configured to set one of at least two operating modes for the functionality of the articulated surgical instrument and to output an output signal signaling the set operating mode; and a control unit configured to receive the output signal from the mode setting unit and to control the functionality of the articulated surgical instrument according to the signaled operating mode, wherein the control unit is configured to enable the functionality of the articulated surgical instrument without restriction in a first operating mode and to restrict the functionality of the articulated surgical instrument in a second operating mode.

[0013] The term "surgical instruments" encompasses medical instruments suitable for surgical procedures and surgical activities. Particularly relevant to the invention are steerable, articulated medical instruments that are manually operated (possibly also motor-driven), such as scissors or endoscopes, or can be controlled by automation systems, such as robots to assist in surgical procedures.

[0014] The functionality of a medical instrument is particularly understood to be a property of the instrument that enables it to be used in a specific way. The functionality of scissors as a simple instrument can, for example, include “cutting”. This functionality of the scissors can be exercised without restrictions or with restrictions. The scissors have two cutting edges attached to a joint. The cutting edges of the scissors have a certain cutting ability or sharpness. The force exerted on the opposing cutting edges of the scissors to cut through an intermediate thread, for example by a robot arm of a robot, can be variably adjusted. For example, when cutting a thin thread, the force exerted when cutting the thread can be deliberately reduced to limit its functionality in order to protect the scissors and thus extend their remaining service life.The force exerted by the robot arm represents a parameter of the "cutting" functionality of the scissors instrument. Another possible parameter of the "cutting" functionality is, for example, the final angle between the cutting edges of the scissors, especially if the object or patient's body tissue to be cut is not to be completely severed.

[0015] Other examples of possible functionalities of a surgical instrument include “grasping,” “pulling,” “pushing,” “sewing,” “illuminating,” “rinsing,” or “irradiating” objects or body tissue of a patient.

[0016] A surgical instrument may include a robotic arm. A functionality of the instrument may, for example, be a functionality of a joint of the robot, e.g., a rotational capability or a speed of the instrument's robotic arm. Surgical instruments typically have more than one functionality.

[0017] An operating mode for an instrument's functionality refers to a configuration of the instrument that defines the permitted values ​​of the instrument's functionality. An operating mode can also represent a configuration that defines the permitted values ​​of multiple instrument functionalities simultaneously.

[0018] The mode setting unit and the control unit can each be implemented as a device comprising or consisting of at least one central processing unit (CPU) and / or at least one graphics processing unit (GPU) and / or at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and / or at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or any combination of the aforementioned elements. Furthermore, the two units comprise a programming interface (API) via which signals and information can be exchanged with each other via a wired and / or wireless connection.

[0019] Each element of the system of the invention may further comprise a memory operatively connected to the at least one CPU and / or a non-volatile memory operatively connected to the at least one CPU and / or the memory. Each element may be implemented partially and / or entirely in a local device and / or partially and / or entirely in a remote system, such as a cloud computing platform.

[0020] The mode setting unit and the control unit can execute software, an app, or an algorithm with different data processing capabilities. Both units can be implemented in hardware and / or software, wired and / or wireless, and any combination thereof. They can further include an interface to an intranet or the internet, to a cloud computing service, to a remote server, and / or the like.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a computer-implemented method for controlling at least one articulated surgical instrument, comprising the steps:

[0022] (a) setting one of at least two operating modes for the surgical instrument; and

[0023] (b) controlling the articulated surgical instrument, comprising:

[0024] (bl) unrestricted release of a functionality of the surgical instrument when the first operating mode is set; and

[0025] (b2) Limiting the functionality of the surgical instrument when the second operating mode is set. In particular, the computer-implemented method according to the second aspect of the invention can be performed with the system according to the first aspect of the invention. The features and advantages described herein in connection with the system are therefore also applicable to the method, and vice versa.

[0026] A computer-implemented method is understood to mean any method that has been implemented using a computer, a processor or another computing device, for example by means of a CPU, a GPU, an FPGA, an ASIC, a microprocessor, a desktop PC, a mainframe computer, a server farm and / or the like.

[0027] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a computer program product comprising an executable program code which, when executed, is adapted to carry out the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium comprising executable program code adapted, when executed, to perform the method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0029] The non-volatile, computer-readable data storage medium may comprise or consist of any type of computer memory, in particular a semiconductor memory such as a solid-state memory. The data storage medium may also comprise or consist of a CD, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a USB memory stick, or the like.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a data stream comprising, or configured to generate, executable program code configured to perform the method according to the second aspect of the present invention when executed. One idea underlying the invention is to introduce a control system with which a surgical instrument, in particular an articulated instrument, can be used in various operating modes. The system is configured to offer a user various operating modes for operating the surgical instrument, so that the operating life of the surgical instrument is increased through suitable selection of the operating modes.A mode setting unit is designed to provide a user with various operating modes or configurations for the surgical instrument, including a first operating mode (or standard operating mode) and a second operating mode (or life-extension operating mode). The selected operating mode is output to a control unit via an output signal, which enables the functionality of the surgical instrument without restriction in the standard operating mode and restricts the functionality of the surgical instrument in the life-extension operating mode, at least partially to protect the surgical instrument.

[0031] The control system for articulated surgical instruments described above advantageously enables the implementation of a computer-implemented method for controlling the functionalities of an articulated surgical instrument. First, an operating mode is selected from a selection of at least two operating modes (e.g., a standard mode and a lifetime extension mode). The articulated instrument is then controlled based on the selected operating mode. In the lifetime extension mode, the affected functionalities of the instrument are restricted, and in the standard mode, the affected functionalities of the surgical instrument are enabled without restriction.

[0032] One advantage of the present invention is that by selecting different operating modes, a user can maximize the operating life of a surgical instrument. Based on the requirements of the respective surgical procedure, the various functionalities of the surgical instrument can be optimally adapted to each situation with regard to the required performance and taking into account the maximum service life of the surgical instrument. This contributes to the more efficient use of the surgical instrument.

[0033] A further advantage of the invention is that the number of operating modes is unlimited. The system of the invention can, in principle, be equipped with any number of operating modes. It is also conceivable for the control system to offer several instrument-specific operating modes.

[0034] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims and from the description of the various preferred embodiments shown in the attached figures.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the invention, it is provided that the functionality of the surgical instrument can be controlled by the control unit with respect to at least one of the following parameters:

[0036] Speed ​​of movement and acceleration of the instrument; angle of articulation of the instrument; mechanical forces and / or torques exerted by the surgical instrument; bending limit of the surgical instrument; current used by the instrument; pressures exerted on the instrument by fluids; and energy released by the instrument.

[0037] The control unit can adjust one or more parameters. The adjustment can be done by mechanical action or by software. For example, the speed and acceleration of an endoscope can be set below a threshold using software. Similarly, the forces exerted by the endoscope can be limited. Various surgical instruments usually have sensors (e.g., pressure sensors) that are suitable for determining the parameters and can output the information. The control unit can operate the functionalities of the surgical instrument through various actuators that exert mechanical forces to adapt the parameter values ​​to the requirements of the selected operating mode.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the invention, it is provided that a third operating mode can also be set by the mode setting unit of the system, wherein the control unit of the system is configured to set at least one parameter of the functionality of the surgical instrument to a specific value in the third operating mode.

[0039] Essentially, the system has at least one standard mode, in which the actuators driven by the control unit remain idle, and a lifetime extension mode, in which the functionalities of the surgical instrument are optimized to extend the instrument's lifetime or minimize the degree of wear on the surgical instrument during use. Providing a third operating mode can be advantageous for performing particularly challenging surgical tasks with the surgical instrument. In some applications, an endoscope may need to be repeatedly rotated strongly and quickly. In these applications, it is advantageous to provide a high-performance mode.When setting a high performance mode, the system control unit sets the affected functionalities of the surgical instrument to high values ​​to ensure optimal performance.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the invention, it is provided that a fourth operating mode can also be set by the mode setting unit, wherein the control unit is configured to set at least one parameter of the functionality of the surgical instrument to certain task-specific values ​​in the fourth operating mode.

[0041] In the fourth operating mode, the functionalities are optimized for the specific procedure. The optimization can be based on existing data sets from past procedures. The data sets can include patient-specific information as well as various procedural data (e.g., data from sensors, endoscopic images, information about the surgical instrument, etc.).

[0042] According to some embodiments of the invention, the mode setting unit comprises an evaluation unit configured to determine the parameters of the functionality of the surgical instrument using at least one deterministic algorithm.

[0043] The adjustment of the various parameters of one or more functionalities of the surgical instrument is facilitated by applying an algorithm. The algorithm can calculate an optimal setting of the parameters in the service life extension mode, the high-performance operating mode, and the procedure-specific operating mode of the surgical instrument. For this purpose, an objective function is defined that depends on a weighted combination of the various parameters of the surgical instrument to be adjusted. For the service life extension mode, the objective function can be defined using a mathematical model of the service life of a surgical instrument. Similarly, objective functions can be defined for all operating modes. Using such an algorithm, the user of the surgical instrument only needs to select one operating mode from a group of provided operating modes to operate the surgical instrument.The parameters of the functionalities of the surgical instrument determined by the algorithm are adjusted by the control unit and the actuators according to the set operating mode. According to some embodiments of the invention, the restriction of the functionality of the surgical instrument in the second operating mode is designed to maximize the service life of the surgical instrument. This can be achieved by limiting the values ​​of a functionality of the surgical instrument below a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, an objective function, which is modeled using a model to model the service life of the surgical instrument, can be maximized by an algorithm.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the invention, the mode setting unit is further configured to receive a signal about a surgical operation to be performed with the surgical instrument and, based thereon, to provide only predetermined operating modes for the functionality of the surgical instrument.

[0045] In highly developed versions of the instrument according to the invention, which provide several operating modes, it is advantageous in many cases for the mode setting unit to preselect suitable operating modes. It may happen that for a specific surgical procedure carried out using the surgical instrument, only the standard operating mode and the high-performance mode of the surgical instrument are offered for selection. This may, for example, be useful for a particularly demanding surgical procedure for which the use of the surgical instrument in the service life extension mode is not suitable. During the procedure, the user can, depending on the situation, switch from the standard operating mode to the high-performance mode of the surgical instrument and vice versa.It is also conceivable that the system according to the invention offers different operating modes of the surgical instrument for the different phases of a surgical procedure. For example, an endoscope can be operated as an instrument in the lifetime extension mode or in the standard mode at the beginning and end of an endoscopic procedure, while the high-performance mode of the surgical instrument is automatically set, e.g., as soon as a strenuous activity is required during the endoscopic procedure.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the invention, the mode setting unit and / or the control unit are integrated into the surgical instrument. For example, the mode setting unit can have an interface on the instrument, e.g., a user can select the operating mode of the surgical instrument using buttons or a touchscreen. The control unit can also be located in the surgical instrument and, for example, be connected to the instrument's actuators via cables.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the invention, the mode setting unit is integrated into a computing device of an automation unit. A centralized mode setting unit can also be provided according to the invention. This can be particularly advantageous in surgical environments in which a robot acquires data from various data sources (e.g., from instruments, from the patient, from the operating room).

[0048] According to some embodiments of the invention, the mode setting unit is implemented by a server and / or a cloud computing platform. This can be advantageous when different instruments are to be programmed with operating modes at once or simultaneously in order to perform different tasks one after the other. This can be particularly advantageous for instruments that are controlled by a robot. Thus, the planned surgical procedures can be carried out remotely by the different robots. Even for patients who are treated in different hospitals, it is advantageous for the mode setting unit to be implemented in a cloud computing platform. Thus, the mode setting unit can be used to treat patients in different hospitals.According to some embodiments of the invention, the system is configured to control multiple functionalities of a surgical instrument. Complex surgical procedures often require consideration of various functionalities. The system is not limited to handling a specific functionality, but can advantageously handle combinations of functionalities. Thus, the system can offer operating modes that are more efficient and flexible.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the invention, the system is configured to control at least one functionality of a plurality of surgical instruments. The system contains instrument-specific information and can be used for various instruments.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises an availability determination device configured to provide at least one piece of information indicating the availability of the functionality of the surgical instrument. The availability of a functionality of a surgical instrument preferably relates to the service life or the degree of wear of the instrument. For this purpose, the availability determination device is connected to an availability device so that they can mutually exchange information. The availability device is designed to calculate the expected service life of the instrument. This information can be retrieved by the availability determination device.After each surgical procedure, the availability determination device can output information to the availability device to update the expected service life of the instrument.

[0051] Information about the remaining lifetime (or "current remaining lifetime") of a functionality and / or the instrument can be stored in various locations, with multiple storage locations being possible: first, in the instrument itself; second, centralized in a combined device; and third, in a server such as a cloud storage facility. The lifetimes of the instrument's functionalities can be stored separately and outputtable / readable, or the instrument's lifetime can be stored and outputtable / readable, for example, formed from the lifetime of the functionality of the instrument with the shortest lifetime.

[0052] Storing information about the remaining service life (e.g. via an RFID circuit in the instrument) has the advantage that when the instrument is used on different robots, for example, the service life of the individual instrument currently in use is always known.

[0053] Centralized storage in a combined device may, for example, mean storage in the CPU of a robot that guides the instrument (i.e., the combined device is an instrument-robot system). The CPU may be configured to acquire data from the instrument-robot system as well as the environment, for example, from the robot itself, from an (in particular endoscopic) imaging device, from an integrated operations management system, from an integrated hospital information system, and / or other similar sources.

[0054] Storing data on a server, such as a cloud storage facility, has the advantage that, for example, when using the same instruments with different robots, the lifetime (functionality) of the instrument can always be precisely tracked.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the information indicating the availability of the functionality of the surgical instrument is service life information. The service life information may indicate a remaining service life of the functionality and / or the instrument and may be stored in a data storage device of the system (e.g., a data storage device of the availability determination device) and be readable from there.

[0056] Particularly if the instrument is part of the system, the service life information can preferably be stored in a data storage device of the instrument and readable from there. In this way, the service life information is always present on the instrument itself and can be moved or taken with the instrument to different locations or sites of use without the service life information having to be reassigned. The service life information can be stored on the instrument, for example, in an RFID circuit, so that the service life information can be conveniently read from the instrument via RFID communication.

[0057] Although some functions are described here and below as being performed by devices, this does not necessarily mean that these devices are provided as separate entities. In cases where one or more devices, or even a portion thereof, are provided as software, the devices may be implemented by program code sections or snippets that may be separate from each other, but may also be interwoven or integrated with each other.

[0058] Likewise, in cases where one or more devices are provided as hardware, the functions of one or more devices may be provided by one and the same hardware component, or the functions of several devices may be distributed across several hardware components that do not necessarily correspond to the devices. It can therefore be assumed that any application, system, method, etc. that has all the features and functions attributed to a particular device comprises or implements this device. In particular, it is possible for all devices to be implemented by program code executed by, for example, a server or a cloud computing platform. All of the aforementioned embodiments and implementations can be combined with one another as desired, as long as this makes sense.

[0059] The further scope of applicability of the present method and system will become apparent from the following figures, detailed description, and claims. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are primarily illustrative, and various changes and modifications within the basic spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0060] Short description of the drawings

[0061] The invention will now be described with reference to advantageous embodiments thereof, with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, identical or functionally similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the several views. The drawings serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts incorporating the claimed invention and to explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments. Elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. This serves to clearly disclose the principles and principles of the invention.

[0062] In the drawings:

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a system for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a system for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the sequence of a computer-implemented method for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0065] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a computer program product according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention; and

[0066] Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention.

[0067] In some cases, well-known structures and devices are depicted in block diagram form to illustrate the concepts of the present invention. The numbering of steps in the methods is also intended to facilitate their description. They do not necessarily imply a particular order of steps. In particular, multiple steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0068] Description of the drawings

[0069] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings contains specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a system 1000 for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument X according to a possible embodiment of the invention. The various components and functions are shown schematically as blocks. The spatial arrangement of the blocks in Fig. 1 serves only to illustrate the illustrated embodiment. The instrument X is shown in Fig. 1 as an endoscope that can possibly be controlled with the aid of a robot. For the purpose of illustration, such an endoscope will be used in part below as a concrete example of an instrument X. However, the principles of the invention apply to any surgical instruments, such as scissors or scalpels, and also to any instruments whose handling can be supported by robotics, as well as to robots as instruments themselves.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1000 includes a mode setting unit 20, a control unit 30, and an availability determination device 65.

[0072] The mode setting unit 20 is configured to set at least two operating modes for one or more functionalities of the endoscope X. The functionalities of the endoscope X can include, for example, the freedom of movement (in particular permissible angles of movement of the joints) or articulabilities of the various joints of the endoscope X. For example, four operating modes are shown in Fig. 1: a standard mode M1, a service life extension mode M2, a high-performance mode M3, and a procedure-specific mode M4. The mode setting unit 20 is further configured to output an output signal that signals the selected operating mode. The operating mode of the surgical instrument can be selected by a user based on the surgical activity to be performed therewith and taking into account optimal use of the endoscope X with regard to its performance and service life.This allows for an optimization of the instrument’s operating life.

[0073] The control unit 30 is configured to receive the output signal of the mode setting unit 20 and to control the functionality of the instrument X. This can be done using various actuators. If the selected operating mode is the standard mode M1, the actuators remain inactive. The endoscope X then operates under normal conditions. If the selected operating mode is the life extension mode M2, various parameters of the surgical instrument are automatically set, including the speed of movement and acceleration of the endoscope X; the angles of the various articulations of the endoscope X; the applied forces and torques exerted by the endoscope X; an electrical current consumed by the endoscope X when performing the surgical procedure; the external, e.g.pressures exerted by the patient's bodily fluids acting on the endoscope X; or the energy released by the endoscope X.

[0074] The parameters can be adjusted using software. For example, the articulation of endoscope X can be set to be below a threshold using software. Similarly, the forces exerted by endoscope X can be limited. The control unit can operate the functionalities of the surgical instrument using various actuators that exert mechanical forces to adapt the values ​​of the functionalities to the requirements of the selected lifespan extension mode M2.

[0075] In the high-performance mode M3, some of the above-mentioned parameters are adjusted to maximize the performance of the endoscope X, while in the procedure-specific mode M4, the setting of the parameters of the surgical instrument's functionalities is automatically adapted to a specific surgical procedure to be performed. It is therefore conceivable that the procedure-specific mode M4 includes a combination of other operating modes in a specific order based on the characteristics of the surgical procedure.

[0076] To illustrate, the endoscope X in Fig. 1 can, for example, be used to perform endoscopic foreign body retrieval. The foreign body, e.g., a button, is located in a patient's stomach. The surgical procedure essentially consists of inserting the endoscope X into the patient's esophagus up to the stomach, retrieving the button, and removing the endoscope X. In this case, a user can set the life extension mode M2 ​​during the insertion of the endoscope X. This limits the speed of the endoscope X. When retrieving the button, the standard mode M1 or even the high-performance mode M3 can be selected, which, for example, sets the acceleration of the endoscope X and the force exerted by a forceps of the endoscope X to a high value in order to retrieve and extract the button from the stomach.When removing the endoscope X, the user can select, for example, the standard mode M l or the life extension mode M2.

[0077] Alternatively, the system 1000 according to the invention can select a procedure-specific mode M4 for the endoscope X, which is particularly suitable for foreign body removal. This mode has a sequence of parameter settings that optimize the service life and performance of the endoscope X during foreign body removal.

[0078] The mode setting unit 20 of Fig. 1 includes an evaluation unit 55 configured to determine the parameters of the required functionalities of the endoscope X using a deterministic algorithm. The algorithm depends on which operating mode M1-M4 is selected. In the lifetime extension mode M2, the objective function that the algorithm maximizes is the operating lifetime of the endoscope X. In the high-performance mode M3, however, the objective function that the algorithm maximizes is the performance of the endoscope X. The various objective functions consist of weighted combinations of the parameters.

[0079] Fig. 1 further shows an availability determination device 65, which is configured to provide at least one piece of information that determines the expected remaining service life and / or the current degree of wear of the endoscope X. The availability determination device 65 comprises at least a central processing unit (CPU), a data memory, and a programming interface (API). The availability determination device 65 is connected to an external availability device 100 such that they can mutually exchange information. The availability device 100 is configured to calculate the remaining service life of the endoscope X. This calculation can be based on the number of uses of the endoscope X. Alternatively, the remaining service life can be calculated using sophisticated methods based on sensor data.

[0080] The service life of the endoscope X calculated by the availability device 100 is retrieved by the availability determination device 65. After the foreign body removal, the availability determination device 65 can output information to the availability device 100 so that the availability device 100 can update the remaining service life of the endoscope X. If the availability device 100 is a conventional device that counts cycles (the number of uses) of the endoscope X, then, for example, the availability determination device 65 can increase the number by one unit (in the case of normal use), increase it by two units (in the case of intensive use), or not increase the number (in the case of below-average intensive use). The updated remaining service life can, for example, (if necessary,additionally) in a data memory of the availability determination device 65, in particular in the endoscope X itself, for example in such a way that it can be retrieved or read out using RFID technology.

[0081] Fig. 2 shows a system 1000 for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument X in another embodiment of the invention.

[0082] In contrast to Fig. 1, in which the system 1000 and the endoscope X are shown separately, in Fig. 2 the system 1000 is implemented and integrated in the endoscope X. The operating mode can then be selected by the user, for example, through a user interface, e.g., by means of a keyboard or a touchscreen.

[0083] In Fig. 2, the entire system 1000 is integrated into the endoscope X for simplicity. However, it is conceivable that only some elements thereof are located in the endoscope X, while other elements are located elsewhere, i.e., separate from the endoscope X. Thus, the system 1000 can comprise the endoscope X or vice versa. In some embodiments, the evaluation unit 55 can be provided outside the endoscope X, for example, in a cloud computing platform. Similarly, the availability determination device 65 can be implemented either in a server or in a cloud computing platform.

[0084] Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the sequence of a computer-implemented method for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument X according to an embodiment of the invention. The method can advantageously be carried out with the system 1000 shown in Fig. 1.

[0085] In a step S1, one of at least two available operating modes is set for the instrument X. The operating mode can be selected, for example, by a user with regard to the performance required of the instrument, taking into account an optimization of the (operating) service life of the instrument X, in order to perform a certain surgical activity.

[0086] In a step S2, the instrument X is controlled in the selected operating mode, in which one or more functionalities of the instrument X can be restricted, either by software or by a mechanical effect. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 3, step S2 comprises steps S20, S21, and S22. In step S20, it is determined whether the selected operating mode is the first operating mode (standard mode) M1 or not. If the set operating mode is the standard mode M1 (marked with a -), then in a step S21, the functionality of the instrument is enabled without restriction.If the set operating mode is another operating mode (marked with a +), for example the lifetime extension mode M2, the high performance mode M3 or the process-specific mode M4, which are shown in Figures 1 and 2, then in a step S22 the functionality of the instrument X is restricted accordingly.

[0087] In a further step S3, the calculation of the instrument's service life is updated according to the surgical procedure performed. Information about the surgical procedure performed by the surgical instrument is output to an availability device configured to calculate the remaining service life or the degree of wear of instrument X. Depending on the intensity of the surgical procedure performed, the remaining service life of the surgical instrument is calculated, and a corresponding service life value is updated.

[0088] Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a computer program product 300 according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. The computer program product 300 comprises executable program code 350 configured to perform the method according to any embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, in particular as described in the preceding figures.

[0089] Fig. 5 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium 400 according to an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention. The data storage medium 400 comprises executable program code 450 configured, when executed, to perform the method according to any embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, in particular as described with reference to the preceding figures.

[0090] The non-volatile, computer-readable data storage medium may comprise or consist of any type of computer memory, in particular a semiconductor memory such as a solid-state memory. The data storage medium may also comprise or consist of a CD, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a USB memory stick, or the like.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A system (1000) for controlling at least one functionality of a surgical instrument (X), comprising: a mode setting unit (20) configured to set one of at least two operating modes for the functionality of the surgical instrument (X) and to output an output signal that signals the set operating mode of the surgical instrument (X); and a control unit (30) configured to receive the output signal (S) and to control the functionality of the instrument (X) according to the signaled operating mode, wherein the control unit (30) is configured to enable the functionality of the surgical instrument (X) without restriction in the first operating mode (M1) and to restrict the functionality of the surgical instrument (X) in the second operating mode (M2).

2. System (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the functionality of the instrument (X) is controllable by the control unit (20) with respect to at least one of the following parameters: - speed of movement and / or acceleration of the instrument (X); - angle of articulation of a joint of the instrument (X); - forces and / or torques exerted by or on the instrument (X); - bending limit of the instrument (X); - an energy consumed by the instrument (X) when carrying out the surgical operation, in particular an electric current consumed; - pressures exerted on the instrument (X) by liquids; and - an energy released by the instrument (X) when performing the surgical operation.

3. System (1000) according to claim 2, wherein a third operating mode (M3) can further be set by the mode setting unit (20), wherein the control unit (30) is configured to set at least one parameter of the functionality of the instrument (X) to a specific value in the third operating mode (M3).

4. System (1000) according to claims 2 or 3, wherein a fourth operating mode (M4) can further be set by the mode setting unit (20), wherein the control unit (30) is configured to set at least one parameter of the functionality of the instrument (X) to certain task-specific values ​​of the surgical activity to be performed in the fourth operating mode (M4).

5. System (1000) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the mode setting unit (20) comprises an evaluation unit (55) configured to determine the parameters of the functionality of the instrument (X) using at least one deterministic algorithm.

6. The system (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the restriction of functionality in the second operating mode (M2) is configured to maximize the expected remaining operating life of the surgical instrument (X).

7. System (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mode setting unit (20) is further configured to receive a signal about a surgical operation to be performed with the instrument and, based thereon, to provide only corresponding associated operating modes for the functionality of the surgical instrument (X).

8. System (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mode setting unit (20) and / or the control unit (30) are integrated into the surgical instrument (X). - TI - 9. System (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mode setting unit (20) is built into a computing device of an automation unit.

10. System (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mode setting unit (20) is implemented by a server and / or a cloud computing platform. 1 1. System (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the system (1000) is configured to control multiple functionalities of a surgical instrument (X).

12. System (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the system (1000) is configured to control at least one functionality of a plurality of surgical instruments (X).

13. System (1000) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the system (1000) further comprises an availability determination device (65) which is configured to provide at least one item of information indicating an availability of the functionality of the surgical instrument (X).

14. System (1000) according to claim 13, wherein the information indicating the availability of the functionality of the surgical instrument (X) is lifetime information indicating a remaining lifetime of the functionality and / or the instrument (X), and wherein the lifetime information is stored in a data memory of the system (1000), in particular in a data memory of the instrument (X).

15. Computer-implemented method for controlling at least one surgical instrument (X), comprising the steps: (a) setting (SI) one of at least two available operating modes for the instrument (X); and (b) controlling (S2) the surgical instrument (X), comprising: (bl) unrestricted release (S21) of the functionality of the surgical instrument (X) when the first operating mode is set; and (b2) Limiting (S22) the functionality of the surgical instrument (X) when the second operating mode is set.

16. A computer program product (300) comprising executable program code (350) adapted, when executed, to execute the computer-implemented To carry out the method according to claim 15.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable data storage medium (400) comprising executable program code (450) adapted, when executed, to perform the computer-implemented method according to claim 15.

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