Surgical RFID assemblies for instrument operational setting control

Abstract

To provide a surgical system for surgical instruments.SOLUTION: A control system comprises an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to receive data from RFID tags associated with devices and / or users, determine a type of the surgical instrument being utilized or surgical procedure being performed according to the received data, and determine an operational setting for the surgical instrument or another device within the surgical system, which may be tailored according to the particular user identity scanned by the RFID scanner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 868,457, filed on Jun. 28, 2019, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to surgical instruments, and in various embodiments, to surgical cutting and stapling instruments designed to perform tissue cutting and stapling, and to staple cartridges for surgical cutting and stapling instruments. In various embodiments, RFID technology can be used to identify components of surgical instruments, such as, for example, staple cartridges. Examples of surgical systems using RFID technology can be found in the disclosures of U.S. Patent No. 7,959,050, issued on Jun. 14, 2011, entitled "ELECTRICALLY SELF - POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUAL RELEASE", and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0053743, published on Feb. 26, 2015, entitled "ERROR DETECTION ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLIES", both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] In various embodiments, a control system for a surgical instrument is disclosed, where the surgical system includes a first device and a second device. The control system includes an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the first device via the RFID scanner, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with the second device via the RFID scanner, determine the type of the surgical instrument according to the first data and the second data, and determine an operation setting according to the type of the surgical instrument.

[0004] In various embodiments, a control system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The control system includes an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, where the first data identifies the surgical instrument, and in response to a consumable device for use with the surgical instrument being inserted into the surgical instrument, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with the consumable device via the RFID scanner, where the second data identifies the consumable device, determine an operation setting corresponding to the surgical instrument and the consumable device, and control the surgical instrument according to the determined operation setting.

[0005] In various embodiments, a control system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The control system includes an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, where the first data identifies the surgical instrument, receive second data from a second RFID tag via the RFID scanner, where the second data identifies the user of the surgical instrument, determine an operation setting corresponding to the user and the surgical instrument, and control the surgical instrument according to the determined operation setting.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Features of various aspects are described in detail in the appended claims. However, various aspects regarding both the mechanism and the method of operation can be best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings hereinafter, along with their further objectives and advantages.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on the same day as the present application, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. · Attorney Docket No. END9145USNP1 / 190235-1M, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING THE COMPATIBILITY OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", · Attorney Docket No. END9146USNP1 / 190236, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM", · Attorney Docket No. END9147USNP1 / 190237, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN RFID SYSTEM FOR TRACKING A MOVABLE COMPONENT", · Attorney Docket No. END9148USNP1 / 190238, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ALIGNED RFID SENSOR", · Attorney Docket No. END9123USNP1 / 190239, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION DECRYPTION PROTOCOL", · Attorney Docket No. END9124USNP1 / 190240, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING AN INFORMATION ENCRYPTION PROTOCOL", · Attorney Docket No. END9125USNP1 / 190241, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR AN INCOMPATIBLE CARTRIDGE", · Attorney Docket No. END9126USNP1 / 190242, Invention Title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM HAVING A FRANGIBLE RFID TAG", and · Attorney Docket No. END9127USNP1 / 190243, Invention Title "PACKAGING FOR A REPLACEABLE COMPONENT OF A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM".

[0008] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same day as this application, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. · Attorney Docket No. END9119USNP1 / 190245-1M, Invention Title "METHOD OF USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY", · Attorney Docket No. END9120USNP1 / 190246, Invention Title "MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY", · Attorney Docket No. END9121USNP1 / 190247, Invention Title "MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", · Attorney Docket No. END9122USNP1 / 190248, Invention Title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY", · Attorney Docket No. END9131USNP1 / 190249, Invention Title "SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS", · Attorney Docket No. END9132USNP1 / 190250, Invention Title "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS", · Attorney Docket No. END9149USNP1 / 190251, Invention Title "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", · Attorney Docket No. END9150USNP1 / 190252, Invention Title "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", · Attorney Docket No. END9151USNP1 / 190253, Invention Title "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR DISPLAY AND COMMUNICATION", and · Attorney Docket No. END9152USNP1 / 190254, Invention Title "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION".

[0009] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on May 1, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 665,129, titled "SURGICAL SUTURING SYSTEMS", · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 665,139, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING CONTROL SYSTEMS", · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 665,177, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS", · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 665,128, titled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 665,192, titled "SURGICAL DISSECTORS", and · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 665,134, titled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER".

[0010] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on August 24, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,129, titled "SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT CONFIGURED TO MANIPULATE TISSUE USING MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL POWER", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,155, titled "SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CAPTURE WIDTH WHICH IS LARGER THAN TROCAR DIAMETER", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,168, titled "SURGICAL SUTURING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A NON-CIRCULAR NEEDLE", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,180, titled "ELECTRICAL POWER OUTPUT CONTROL BASED ON MECHANICAL FORCES", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,193, titled "REACTIVE ALGORITHM FOR SURGICAL SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,099, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ADAPTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,112, titled "CONTROL SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR A MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,119, titled "ADAPTIVE CONTROL PROGRAMS FOR A SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF CARTRIDGE", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,097, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING BATTERY ARRANGEMENTS", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,109, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING HANDLE ARRANGEMENTS", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,114, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING FEEDBACK MECHANISMS", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,117, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING LOCKOUT MECHANISMS", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,095, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A LOCKABLE END EFFECTOR SOCKET", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,121, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,151, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATION AND ROTATION COMPENSATION", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,154, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING A BIASED SHIFTING MECHANISM", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,226, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION DRIVE THAT PROVIDES FOR HIGH ARTICULATION ANGLES", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,062, titled "SURGICAL DISSECTORS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,098, titled "SURGICAL DISSECTORS CONFIGURED TO APPLY MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,237, titled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER CONFIGURED TO STORE CLIPS IN A STORED STATE", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,245, titled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN EMPTY CLIP CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,249, titled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING AN AUTOMATIC CLIP FEEDING SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,253, titled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE FIRING CONTROL", and · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 112,257, titled "SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING ADAPTIVE CONTROL IN RESPONSE TO A STRAIN GAUGE CIRCUIT".

[0011] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on October 26, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,130, titled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING INTERCHANGEABLE CLIP RELOADS", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,066, titled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOVABLE CLIP MAGAZINE", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,078, titled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A ROTATABLE CLIP MAGAZINE", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,087, titled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING CLIP ADVANCING SYSTEMS", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,094, titled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A CLIP CRIMPING SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,128, titled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A RECIPROCATING CLIP ADVANCING MEMBER", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,168, titled "CLIP APPLIER COMPRISING A MOTOR CONTROLLER", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,164, titled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A SURGICAL TOOL AND A SURGICAL HUB", and · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 172,303, titled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A POWERED ARTICULATING MULTI-CLIP APPLIER".

[0012] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 4, 2018, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,385, titled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION,PROCESSING,STORAGE AND DISPLAY", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,395, titled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,403, titled "METHOD OF CLOUD BASED DATA ANALYTICS FOR USE WITH THE HUB", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,407, titled "METHOD OF ROBOTIC HUB COMMUNICATION,DETECTION,AND CONTROL", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,416, titled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION,PROCESSING,DISPLAY,AND CLOUD ANALYTICS", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,423, titled "METHOD OF COMPRESSING TISSUE WITHIN A STAPLING DEVICE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING THE LOCATION OF THE TISSUE WITHIN THE JAWS" · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,427, titled "METHOD OF USING REINFORCED FLEXIBLE CIRCUITS WITH MULTIPLE SENSORS TO OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE OF RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES" · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,433, titled "METHOD OF SENSING PARTICULATE FROM SMOKE EVACUATED FROM A PATIENT,ADJUSTING THE PUMP SPEED BASED ON THE SENSED INFORMATION,AND COMMUNICATING THE FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS OF THE SYSTEM TO THE HUB" · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,447, titled "METHOD FOR SMOKE EVACUATION FOR SURGICAL HUB" · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,453, titled "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SMART ENERGY DEVICES" · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,458, titled "METHOD FOR SMART ENERGY DEVICE INFRASTRUCTURE" · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,465, titled "METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL SCHEMES FOR SURGICAL NETWORK CONTROL AND INTERACTION" · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,478, titled "METHOD FOR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS FOR SURGICAL NETWORK OR SURGICAL NETWORK CONNECTED DEVICE CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING FUNCTION BASED ON A SENSED SITUATION OR USAGE", · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,490, titled "METHOD FOR FACILITY DATA COLLECTION AND INTERPRETATION", and · U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 209,491, titled "METHOD FOR CIRCULAR STAPLER CONTROL ALGORITHM ADJUSTMENT BASED ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS".

[0013] Before describing in detail various aspects of the surgical devices and systems, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are not limited in their application or use to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components shown in the accompanying drawings and description. The exemplary embodiments may be implemented or incorporated in other aspects, variations, and modifications, and may be carried out or executed in various ways. Further, unless otherwise specified, the terms and expressions used herein are selected for the purpose of explaining the exemplary embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit them. Further, it should be understood that one or more of the aspects, expressions of aspects, and / or embodiments described below can be combined with any one or more of the other aspects, expressions of aspects, and / or embodiments described below.

[0014] Various surgical systems and instruments (e.g., surgical stapling instruments, surgical clip appliers, surgical suturing instruments) are described in connection with the present disclosure. The surgical systems and / or instruments comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) system including one or more RFID scanners and one or more RFID tags, as discussed in more detail below. Examples of surgical systems using RFID technology are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,959,050 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0053743, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0015] Radio frequency identification (RFID) is used in various industries to track and identify items. RFID relies on radio waves to transfer digitally stored information from an RFID tag to an RFID reader or receiver configured to receive that information. RFID technology uses RFID tags, sometimes also referred to as chips, which contain electronically stored information, and RFID readers that aid in the identification and communication with the RFID tags. There are two different types of RFID systems: active RFID systems and passive RFID systems. Active RFID systems include RFID tags that have an on-board power source for signal broadcast. Active RFID tags can include a battery within the RFID tag, which enables the active RFID tag to function independently of the RFID reader. Thus, the RFID tags within an active RFID system do not need to wait for a signal reception from the RFID reader before transmitting information. Instead, active RFID tags freely and continuously transmit signals or beacons. Many commercially available active RFID systems often operate in one of two main frequency ranges: 433 MHz and 915 MHz, although any suitable frequency range can be used. Typically, an RFID tag needs to be within a certain distance or frequency range for identification by a corresponding RFID reader.

[0016] A passive RFID system includes RFID tags that do not contain an on-board power supply but instead receive the energy necessary for operation from an RFID reader. In contrast to active RFID tags, RFID tags in a passive RFID system do not actively transmit signals before receiving a prompt. Instead, passive RFID tags wait to receive information from an RFID reader before transmitting a signal. Many commercially available passive RFID systems often operate within three frequency ranges: low frequency (“LF”), high frequency (“HF”), and near field communication (“NFC”), as well as ultra-high frequency (“UHF”). The LF bandwidth is 125 - 134 KHz and includes longer wavelengths with a short read range of about 1 - 10 centimeters. The HF and NFC bandwidths are 13.56 MHz and include medium wavelengths with a typical read range of 1 centimeter - 1 meter. The UHF bandwidth is 865 - 960 MHz and includes short high-energy wavelengths for a long read range of 1 meter. As described above, any suitable frequency can be used.

[0017] There are various RFID systems that include RFID tags of different sizes. However, some are suitable for use in technical fields that require tracking very small objects. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. is a top manufacturer in the RFID technology field. The ultra-small UHF RFID tags manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. are typically 1.0 - 13 mm or less and enable communication between the RFID tag and the RFID reader at distances of several centimeters or more. Due to their compact nature, Hitachi RFID tags are suitable for very small products with specific requirements. Each Hitachi RFID tag includes an antenna, an IC chip connected to the antenna, and a sealing material that seals the IC chip and the antenna. Since Hitachi RFID tags incorporate the antenna and the IC chip within a single unit, Hitachi RFID tags are convenient for easily attaching to any small object, for example, using an adhesive or tape.

[0018] The Hitachi RFID tag includes a square stainless steel plate and a metal antenna. The antenna includes an LC resonance circuit or any other suitable circuit and is electrically connected to the plate. After the plate and the antenna are connected to each other, the antenna and the plate are sealed together into a single unit using a sealing material. The sealing material mainly consists of epoxy, carbon, and silica in order to enhance the heat resistance of the Hitachi RFID tag. That is, the heat resistance of the RFID tag substantially depends on the heat resistance of the sealing material. The sealing material has high heat resistance to withstand a temperature of up to 250 - 300 °C for a short time, for example, several seconds, and shows resistance to heat of up to 150 °C for a long time. Therefore, the Hitachi RFID tag has higher heat resistance than conventional RFID tags and can operate normally even at high temperatures. Additional information regarding the Hitachi RFID tag can be found in U.S. Patent No. 9,171,244, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0019] Surgical hub Referring to FIG. 1, in various aspects, the RFID system of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with a computer-implemented interactive surgical system 11100 that includes one or more surgical systems 11102 and a cloud-based system (e.g., a cloud 11104 that can include a remote server 11113 coupled to a storage device 105). Each surgical system 11102 includes at least one surgical hub 11106 that communicates with a cloud 11104 that can include a remote server 11113. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the surgical system 11102 includes a visualization system 11108, a robotic system 11110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 11112 that are configured to communicate with each other and / or with the hub 11106. In some aspects, the surgical system 11102 may include M surgical hubs 11106, N visualization systems 11108, O robotic systems 11110, and P handheld intelligent surgical instruments 11112, where M, N, O, and P are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an example of a surgical system 11102 used to perform a surgical procedure on a patient lying on an operating table 11114 within a surgical treatment room 11116. A robotic system 11110 is used as part of the surgical system 11102 in a surgical procedure. The robotic system 11110 includes a surgeon's console 11118, a patient-side cart 11120 (surgical robot), and a surgical robot hub 11122. While the surgeon views the surgical site through the surgeon's console 11118, the patient-side cart 11120 can manipulate at least one removably coupled surgical tool 11117 through a minimally invasive incision in the patient's body. An image of the surgical site can be obtained by a medical imaging device 11124, and the medical imaging device 11124 can be manipulated by the patient-side cart 11120 to orient the imaging device 11124. The robot hub 11122 can process an image of the surgical site and then use the processed image to display it to the surgeon via the surgeon's console 11118.

[0021] Other types of robotic systems can be easily adapted for use with the surgical system 11102. Various examples of robotic systems and surgical tools suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,339, filed Dec. 28, 2017, entitled "ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] Various examples of cloud-based analysis methods implemented by a cloud 11104 and suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,340, filed Dec. 28, 2017, entitled "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] In various aspects, the imaging device 11124 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.

[0024] The optical components of the imaging device 11124 may include one or more illumination light sources and / or one or more lenses. One or more illumination light sources may be directed to illuminate a portion of the surgical field. One or more image sensors can receive light reflected or refracted from the surgical field, including light reflected or refracted from tissue and / or surgical instruments.

[0025] One or more illumination light sources can be configured to emit electromagnetic energy within the visible and invisible spectra. The visible spectrum, sometimes referred to as the optical spectrum or emission spectrum, is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye (i.e., detectable by the human eye), and is sometimes referred to as visible light, or simply light. A typical human eye responds to wavelengths of approximately 380 nm to approximately 750 nm in air.

[0026] The invisible spectrum (i.e., non-emission spectrum) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum located below and above the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths less than approximately 380 nm and greater than approximately 750 nm). The invisible spectrum is not detectable by the human eye. Wavelengths greater than approximately 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum and become invisible infrared (IR), microwaves, and radio electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths less than approximately 380 nm are shorter than the violet spectrum and become invisible ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma-ray electromagnetic radiation.

[0027] In various aspects, the imaging device 11124 is configured for use in minimally invasive surgery. Examples of imaging devices suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, arthroscopes, angioscopes, bronchoscopes, choledochoscopes, colonoscopes, cytoscopes, duodenoscopes, enteroscopes, esophagogastroduodenoscopes (gastroscopes), endoscopes, laryngoscopes, nasopharyngo-neproscopes, sigmoidoscopes, thoracoscopes, and ureteroscopes.

[0028] In one aspect, the imaging device uses multispectral monitoring to distinguish topography from underlying structures. Multispectral images capture image data within a specific wavelength range from across the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelengths can be separated by filters or by using instruments capable of sensing light at specific wavelengths beyond the visible light range, e.g., IR and ultraviolet light. Spectral imaging methods can enable the extraction of additional information that cannot be captured by the human eye with its red, green, and blue receptors. The use of multispectral imaging methods is described in detail in the "Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module" of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Multispectral monitoring can be a useful tool for performing one or more of the above-described tests on the tissue being treated and for repositioning the surgical field after a surgical task has been completed.

[0029] It is self-evident that strict sterilization of the operating room and surgical equipment is required in any surgical procedure. The strict hygiene and sterilization conditions required in the "surgical theater", i.e., the operating room or treatment room, require the highest level of sterility for all medical devices and equipment. As part of the above sterilization process, it is necessary to sterilize anything that comes into contact with the patient or enters the sterile field (including the imaging device 11124 and its accessories and components). It will be understood that the sterile field can be considered a specific area considered to be free of microorganisms, such as within a tray or on a sterile towel, or the sterile field can be considered the area immediately surrounding the patient prepared for the surgical procedure. The sterile field can include scrubbed team members wearing appropriate clothing, as well as all supplies and fixtures within that area.

[0030] In various aspects, the visualization system 11108 includes, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more imaging sensors strategically positioned with respect to the sterile field, one or more image processing units, one or more storage arrays, and one or more displays. In one aspect, the visualization system 11108 includes interfaces for HL7, PACS, and EMR. The various components of the visualization system 11108 are described in the "Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module" section of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the primary display 11119 is positioned within the sterile field so as to be visible to the operator located on the operating table 11114. In addition, the visualization tower 11111 is positioned outside the sterile field. The visualization tower 11111 includes a first non-sterile display 11107 and a second non-sterile display 11109 that face away from each other. The visualization system 11108 guided by the hub 11106 is configured to utilize the displays 11107, 11109, and 11119 to coordinate the flow of information to the operators inside and outside the sterile field. For example, the hub 11106 can cause the snapshot of the surgical site recorded by the imaging device 11124 to be displayed on the non-sterile display 11107 or 11109 while maintaining the live video of the surgical site on the primary display 11119. The snapshot on the non-sterile display 11107 or 11109 can, for example, enable a non-sterile operator to perform diagnostic steps related to the surgical procedure.

[0032] In one aspect, the hub 11106 is also configured to send diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 11111 to the primary display 11119 within the sterile area, where it can be viewed by the sterile operator located on the operating table. In one example, the input may be in the form of a modification to a snapshot displayed on the non-sterile display 11107 or 11109 that can be sent by the hub 11106 to the primary display 11119.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the surgical instrument 11112 is used as part of the surgical system 11102 in a surgical procedure. The hub 11106 is also configured to regulate the information flow to the display of the surgical instrument 11112. For example, regarding the flow of coordinate information, it is further described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed on December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Diagnostic inputs or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 11111 can be sent by the hub 11106 to the surgical instrument display 11237 (FIG. 5) within the sterile field, where the diagnostic inputs or feedback can be viewed by the operator of the surgical instrument 11112. Exemplary surgical instruments suitable for use with the surgical system 11102 are described, for example, in the "Surgical Instrument Hardware" section of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed on December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, a hub 11106 is shown that communicates with the visualization system 11108, the robotic system 11110, and the handheld intelligent surgical instrument 11112. The hub 11106 includes a hub display 11135, an imaging module 11138, a generator module 11140 (which may include a monopolar generator 11142, a bipolar generator 11144, and / or an ultrasonic generator 11143), a communication module 11130, a processor module 11132, and a storage array 11134. In certain aspects, as shown in FIG. 3, the hub 11106 further includes a smoke evacuation module 11126, a suction / irrigation module 11128, and / or an operating room mapping module 11133.

[0035] During a surgical procedure, applying energy to tissue for sealing and / or cutting is generally associated with smoke evacuation, aspiration of excess fluid, and / or perfusion of tissue. Fluid lines, power lines, and / or data lines from different sources often become entangled during a surgical procedure. Valuable time may be lost in addressing this problem during a surgical procedure. To untangle the lines, it may be necessary to remove the lines from their corresponding modules, which may require resetting the modules. The modular enclosure 11136 of the hub provides a unified environment for managing power lines, data lines, and fluid lines, reducing the frequency of such line entanglements.

[0036] Aspects of the present disclosure present a surgical hub for use in a surgical procedure involving the application of energy to tissue at a surgical site. The surgical hub includes a hub enclosure and a combined generator module slidably receivable within a docking station of the hub enclosure. The docking station includes data contacts and power contacts. The combined generator module includes two or more of an ultrasonic energy generator component, a bipolar RF energy generator component, and a monopolar RF energy generator component housed within a single unit. In one aspect, the combined generator module also includes a smoke evacuation component, at least one energy supply cable for connecting the combined generator module to a surgical instrument, at least one smoke evacuation component configured to discharge smoke, fluid, and / or particulates generated by the application of therapeutic energy to tissue, and a fluid line extending from a remote surgical site to the smoke evacuation component.

[0037] In one aspect, the fluid line described above is a first fluid line, and a second fluid line extends from a remote surgical site to an aspiration and perfusion module slidably received within the hub enclosure. In one aspect, the hub enclosure includes a fluid interface.

[0038] Certain surgical procedures may require applying two or more energy types to tissue. One energy type may be more beneficial for cutting tissue, while a different energy type may be more beneficial for sealing tissue. For example, a bipolar generator can be used to seal tissue, while an ultrasonic generator can be used to cut the sealed tissue. Aspects of the present disclosure present a solution in which a modular housing 11136 of a hub is configured to accommodate various generators and facilitate two-way communication between them. One advantage of the modular enclosure 11136 of the hub is that it allows for the quick removal and / or replacement of various modules.

[0039] Aspects of the present disclosure present a modular surgical enclosure for use in surgical procedures involving the application of energy to tissue. The modular surgical enclosure includes a first energy generator module configured to generate a first energy for application to tissue, and a first docking station including a first docking port including first data and power contacts, wherein the first energy generator module is slidably movable to engage electrically with the power and data contacts, and wherein the first energy generator module is also slidably movable to disengage from the electrical engagement with the first power and data contacts.

[0040] In addition to the above, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a second energy generator module configured to generate a second energy for application to tissue different from the first energy, and a second docking station including a second docking port including second data and power contacts, wherein the second energy generator module is slidably movable to engage electrically with the power and data contacts, and wherein the second energy generator module is also slidably movable to disengage from the electrical engagement with the second power and data contacts.

[0041] In addition, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a communication bus between a first docking port and a second docking port configured to facilitate communication between a first energy generator module and a second energy generator module.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a surgical data network 11201 comprising a modular communication hub 11203 configured to connect a modular device located in one or two or more operating rooms of a medical facility, or any room within a medical facility equipped with specialized equipment for surgical procedures, to a cloud-based system (e.g., cloud 11204 that may include a remote server 11213 connected to a storage device 11205 as shown in FIG. 5). In one aspect, the modular communication hub 11203 comprises a network hub 11207 and / or a network switch 11209 that communicates with a network router. The modular communication hub 11203 can also be coupled to a local computer system 11210 and can provide local computer processing and data manipulation. The surgical data network 11201 may be configured as passive, intelligent or switched. A passive surgical data network functions as a conduit for data, enabling data to go from one device (or segment) to another device (or segment) and to cloud computing resources. An intelligent surgical data network enables traffic to pass through a surgical data network that is monitored and includes additional mechanisms that configure each port within the network hub 11207 or network switch 11209. An intelligent surgical data network may be referred to as a manageable hub or switch. A switching hub reads the destination address of each packet and then forwards the packet to the correct port.

[0043] The modular devices 1a - 1n located in the operating room may be connected to the modular communication hub 11203. The network hub 11207 and / or the network switch 11209 may be connected to the network router 11211 to connect the devices 1a - 1n to the cloud 11204 or the local computer system 11210. The data associated with the devices 1a - 1n may be transferred via the router to a cloud - based computer for remote data processing and operation. The data associated with the devices 1a - 1n may also be transferred to the local computer system 11210 for local data processing and operation. The modular devices 2a - 2m located in the same operating room may also be connected to the network switch 11209. The network switch 11209 may be connected to the network hub 11207 and / or the network router 11211 to connect the devices 2a - 2m to the cloud 11204. The data associated with the devices 2a - 2n may be transferred via the network router 11211 to the cloud 11204 for data processing and operation. The data associated with the devices 2a - 2m may also be transferred to the local computer system 11210 for local data processing and operation.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the surgical data network 11201 can be extended by interconnecting a plurality of network hubs 11207 and / or a plurality of network switches 11209 with a plurality of network routers 11211. The modular communication hub 11203 can be housed within a modular control tower configured to receive a plurality of devices 1a~1n / 2a~2m. The local computer system 11210 may also be housed in the modular control tower. The modular communication hub 11203 is connected to a display 11212 to display images acquired by some of the devices 1a~1n / 2a~2m, for example, during a surgical procedure. In various embodiments, the devices 1a~1n / 2a~2m can include, among other modular devices connectable to the modular communication hub 11203 of the surgical data network 11201, for example, an imaging module 11138 coupled to an endoscope, a generator module 11140 coupled to an energy-based surgical device, a smoke evacuation module 11126, a suction / irrigation module 11128, a communication module 11130, a processor module 11132, a storage array 11134, a surgical device coupled to a display, and / or a non-contact sensor module, and various other modules.

[0045] In one aspect, the surgical data network 11201 may include a combination of network hubs, network switches, and network routers that connect devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m to the cloud. Any one or all of the devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m connected to a network hub or network switch can collect data in real - time and transfer the data to a cloud computer for data processing and operation. It will be understood that cloud computing relies on sharing computing resources rather than having local servers or personal devices to handle software applications. The term "cloud" can be used as a metaphor for the "Internet", but this term is not so limited. Thus, the term "cloud computing" can be used herein to refer to "a type of Internet - based computing", in which case various services such as servers, storage, and applications are delivered via the Internet to a modular communication hub 11203 and / or a computer system 11210 located in an operating room (e.g., a fixed, mobile, temporary, or on - site operating room or space), and to devices connected to the modular communication hub 11203 and / or the computer system 11210. The cloud infrastructure can be maintained by a cloud service provider. In this context, the cloud service provider can be an entity that coordinates the use and control of the devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m located in one or more operating rooms. Cloud computing services can perform a number of calculations based on data collected by smart surgical instruments, robots, and other computerized devices located in the operating room. The hub hardware enables multiple devices or connections to connect to a computer that communicates with cloud computing resources and storage.

[0046] By applying cloud computer data processing technology to the data collected by devices 1a to 1n / 2a to 2m, the surgical data network provides improved surgical outcomes, cost reduction, and improved patient satisfaction. After tissue sealing and cutting procedures, at least some of devices 1a to 1n / 2a to 2m can be used to observe the state of the tissue and evaluate leakage or perfusion of the sealed tissue. At least some of devices 1a to 1n / 2a to 2m can be used to examine data including images of samples of body tissue for diagnostic purposes using cloud-based computing to identify pathologies such as the effects of diseases. Such data includes tissue localization, margin confirmation, and phenotype. At least some of devices 1a to 1n / 2a to 2m can be used to identify the anatomical structure of the body using various sensors integrated with the imaging device and techniques such as overlaying images captured by multiple imaging devices. The data collected by devices 1a to 1n / 2a to 2m, including image data, may be transferred to cloud 11204 or local computer system 11210 or both for data processing and operations including image processing and manipulation. The data may be analyzed to improve the results of surgical procedures by determining whether further treatments such as endoscopic interventions, emerging technologies, targeted radiation, targeted interventions, and precision robotics can be performed on tissue-specific sites and conditions. Such data analysis may further use prognostic analysis processing, and using standardized methods can provide useful feedback either to confirm surgical treatment and surgeon behavior or to propose modifications to surgical treatment and surgeon behavior.

[0047] In one implementation form, the operating room devices 1a to 1n may be connected to the modular communication hub 11203 via a wired channel or a wireless channel according to the configuration of the devices 1a to 1n with respect to the network hub. The network hub 11207 may be implemented as a local network broadcast device that functions on the physical layer of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model in one aspect. The network hub provides connectivity to the devices 1a to 1n located within the same operating room network. The network hub 11207 collects data in packet form and transmits them to the router in half-duplex mode. The network hub 11207 does not store any media access control / Internet Protocol (MAC / IP) for transferring device data. Only one of the devices 1a to 1n can transmit data at a time via the network hub 11207. The network hub 11207 does not have a routing table or intelligence regarding the destination of information and broadcasts all network data across each connection and to the remote server 11213 (FIG. 5) on the cloud 11204. The network hub 11207 can detect basic network errors such as collisions, but broadcasting all information to multiple ports can pose a security risk and cause bottlenecks.

[0048] In another implementation, the operating room devices 2a to 2m may be connected to the network switch 11209 via a wired channel or a wireless channel. The network switch 11209 functions within the data link layer of the OSI model. The network switch 11209 is a multicast device for connecting the devices 2a to 2m located within the same operating room to the network. The network switch 11209 transmits data in the form of frames to the network router 11211 and functions in full-duplex mode. A plurality of devices 2a to 2m can transmit data simultaneously via the network switch 11209. The network switch 11209 stores and uses the MAC addresses of the devices 2a to 2m for transferring data.

[0049] The network hub 11207 and / or the network switch 11209 are connected to the network router 11211 for connecting to the cloud 11204. The network router 11211 functions within the network layer of the OSI model. The network router 11211 creates a path for transmitting the data packets received from the network hub 11207 and / or the network switch 11209 to cloud-based computer resources for further processing and manipulation of the data collected by any one or all of the devices 1a to 1n / 2a to 2m. The network router 11211 may be used, for example, to connect two or more different networks located at different positions, such as different networks located in different operating rooms of the same medical facility or different operating rooms of different medical facilities. The network router 11211 transmits data in the form of packets to the cloud 11204 and functions in full-duplex mode. A plurality of devices can transmit data simultaneously. The network router 11211 uses IP addresses for transferring data.

[0050] In one example, the network hub 11207 may be implemented as a USB hub that enables connecting a plurality of USB devices to a host computer. The USB hub can expand a single USB port into several tiers so that there are more ports available for connecting devices to the host system computer. The network hub 11207 can include a wired function or a wireless function for receiving information via a wired channel or a wireless channel. In one aspect, a Wireless USB short-range high-bandwidth wireless communication protocol may be used for communication between devices 1a - 1n and devices 2a - 2m located in the operating room.

[0051] In other embodiments, the operating room devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m can communicate with the modular communication hub 11203 via the Bluetooth wireless technology standard to exchange data over short distances (using short-wavelength UHF radio waves in the 2.4 - 2.485 GHz ISM band) between fixed and mobile devices and to construct a Personal Area Network (PAN). In other aspects, the operating room devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m can communicate with the modular communication hub 11203 via a number of wireless or wired communication standards or protocols, such as Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11 family), WiMAX (IEEE802.16 family), IEEE802.20, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, and Ethernet derivatives thereof, as well as any other wireless and wired protocols designated as 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond, but not limited to these. The computing module may include a plurality of communication modules. For example, the first communication module may be dedicated to short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the second communication module may be dedicated to long-range wireless communication such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, Ev-DO, etc.

[0052] The modular communication hub 11203 can function as a central connection for one or all of the operating room devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m and handles a data type known as a frame. The frame carries data generated by the devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m. When a frame is received by the modular communication hub 11203, the frame is amplified and sent to the network router 11211, which transfers this data to cloud computing resources by using a number of wireless or wired communication standards or protocols as described herein.

[0053] The modular communication hub 11203 may be used as a stand - alone device or may be connected to compatible network hubs and network switches to form a larger network. Since the modular communication hub 11203 is generally easy to install, configure, and maintain, the modular communication hub 11203 is a good option for network - connecting the operating room devices 1a - 1n / 2a - 2m.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows a computer-implemented interactive surgical system 11200. The computer-implemented interactive surgical system 11200 is similar to the computer-implemented interactive surgical system 11100 in many respects. For example, the computer-implemented interactive surgical system 11200 includes one or more surgical systems 11202 that are similar to the surgical system 11102 in many respects. Each surgical system 11202 includes at least one surgical hub 11206 that communicates with a cloud 11204 that may include a remote server 11213. In one aspect, the computer-implemented interactive surgical system 11200 includes a modular control tower 11236 connected to a plurality of operating room devices such as, for example, intelligent surgical instruments, robots, and other computerized devices located within the operating room. As shown in FIG. 6, the modular control tower 11236 includes a modular communication hub 11203 connected to a computer system 11210. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the modular control tower 11236 is connected to an imaging module 11238 connected to an endoscope 11239, a generator module 11240 connected to an energy device 11241, a smoke evacuator module 11226, a suction / irrigation module 11228, a communication module 11230, a processor module 11232, a storage array 11234, a smart device / instrument 11235 optionally connected to a display 11237, and a non-contact sensor module 11242. The operating room devices are connected to cloud computing resources and data storage via the modular control tower 11236. A robot hub 11222 may also be connected to the modular control tower 11236 and cloud computing resources. In particular, the device / instrument 11235, and the visualization system 11208 may be connected to the modular control tower 11236 via a wired or wireless communication standard or protocol as described herein.The modular control tower 11236 may be connected to a hub display 11215 (e.g., a monitor, a screen) to display and overlay images received from an imaging module, a device / appliance display, and / or another visualization system 11208. The hub display may also display data received from devices connected to the modular control tower, together with the images and the overlay images.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows a surgical hub 11206 comprising a plurality of modules connected to a modular control tower 11236. The modular control tower 11236 comprises a modular communication hub 11203, such as a network connection device, and a computer system 11210 for performing local processing, visualization, and imaging, for example. As shown in FIG. 6, the modular communication hub 11203 is connected in a hierarchical configuration to expand the number of modules (e.g., devices) that may be connected to the modular communication hub 11203, and may transfer data associated with the modules to the computer system 11210, cloud computing resources, or both. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the network hubs / switches within the modular communication hub 11203 includes three downstream ports and one upstream port. The upstream network hub / switch is connected to a processor to provide communication connections to cloud computing resources and a local display 11217. Communication to the cloud 11204 may be performed via either a wired communication channel or a wireless communication channel.

[0056] The surgical hub 11206 uses a non-contact sensor module 11242 to measure the dimensions of the operating room and generate a map of the operating room using either an ultrasonic non-contact measuring device or a laser-type non-contact measuring device. In U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed Dec. 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the sensor module is configured to determine the size of the operating room and adjust the distance limit for Bluetooth pairing. As described in the "Surgical Hub Spatial Awareness Within an Operating Room" section of the same document, an ultrasonic-based non-contact sensor module scans the operating room by transmitting an ultrasonic burst and receiving the echo when the ultrasonic burst is reflected off the outer wall of the operating room. A laser-based non-contact sensor module scans the operating room, for example, by transmitting a laser light pulse, receiving the laser light pulse reflected off the outer wall of the operating room, comparing the phase of the transmitted pulse with the received pulse, and determining the size of the operating room and adjusting the Bluetooth pairing distance limit.

[0057] The computer system 11210 includes a processor 11244 and a network interface 11245. The processor 11244 is connected via a system bus to a communication module 11247, a storage 11248, a memory 11249, a non-volatile memory 11250, and an input / output interface 11251. The system bus may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus or external bus, and / or a local bus using any of various available bus architectures, examples of which include a 9-bit bus, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), Micro Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA (EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics (IDE), VESA Local Bus (VLB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), USB, Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association bus (PCMCIA), Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), or any other proprietary bus, but are not limited thereto.

[0058] Processor 11244 may be any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those known by the trade name of ARM Cortex made by Texas Instruments. In one aspect, the processor may be, for example, the LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments. This processor core includes on-chip memory of 256KB single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory with a maximum of 40MHz, a prefetch buffer for improving performance beyond 40MHz, 32KB single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read-only memory (ROM) with StellarisWare (registered trademark) software, 2KB electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and / or one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more quadrature encoder input (QEI) analogs, and one or more 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with 12 analog input channels. Its details are available in the product datasheet.

[0059] In one aspect, processor 11244 may include a safety controller that includes two controller-based families such as TMS570 and RM4x, also known by the trade name of Hercules ARM Cortex R4 made by Texas Instruments. The safety controller may be configured specifically for safety-critical applications of IEC61508 and ISO26262, among others, to provide an advanced integrated safety mechanism while providing scalable performance, connectivity, and memory options.

[0060] System memories include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The basic input / output system (BIOS), which includes basic routines for transferring information between elements within a computer system during startup and the like, is stored in non-volatile memory. For example, non-volatile memories can include ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory includes random access memory (RAM) that functions as an external cache memory. Further, RAM can be used in many forms such as SRAM, dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DRRAM).

[0061] The computer system 11210 also includes removable / non-removable volatile / non-volatile computer storage media, such as disk storage devices. Disk storage devices include, but are not limited to, devices such as magnetic disk drives, floppy disk drives, tape drives, Jaz drives, Zip drives, LS-60 drives, flash memory cards, or memory sticks. Additionally, the disk storage device can include the above storage media independently or in combination with other storage media. Other storage media include, but are not limited to, optical disk drives such as compact disk ROM devices (CD-ROM), compact disk recordable drives (CD-R drives), compact disk rewritable drives (CD-RW drives), or digital versatile disk ROM drives (DVD-ROM). A removable or non-removable interface may be used to facilitate connection of the disk storage device to the system bus.

[0062] It should be understood that the computer system 11210 includes software that functions as a medium between a user and basic computer resources, described in a suitable operating environment. Such software includes an operating system. The operating system, which can be stored on a disk storage device, functions to control and allocate the resources of the computer system. System applications utilize the resource management by the operating system via program modules and program data stored either in system memory or on a disk storage device. It should be understood that the various components described herein can be implemented with various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0063] The user inputs commands or information into the computer system 11210 via an input device connected to the I / O interface 11251. Examples of input devices include, but are not limited to, pointing devices such as mice, trackballs, styli, touch pads, keyboards, microphones, joysticks, game pads, satellite broadcast receiving antennas, scanners, TV tuner cards, digital cameras, digital video cameras, webcams, etc. These and other input devices are connected to the processor through the system bus via an interface port. Examples of interface ports include serial ports, parallel ports, game ports, and USB. Output devices use some of the same type of ports as input devices. Thus, for example, a USB port may be used to provide input to the computer system and output information from the computer system to an output device. Output adapters are provided, among other output devices that require special adapters, to indicate the presence of some output devices such as monitors, displays, speakers, and printers. Examples of output adapters include video and sound cards that provide connection means between the output device and the system bus, but this is for illustration purposes only and is not limiting. Note that other devices and / or systems of devices, such as remote computers, provide both input and output functions.

[0064] The computer system 11210 can operate in a networked environment that uses a logical connection to one or more remote or local computers, such as a cloud computer. The remote cloud computer can be, for example, a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor-based device, a peer device, or other common network nodes, but typically includes many or all of the elements described with respect to the computer system. For simplicity, only the memory storage device is shown with the remote computer. The remote computer is logically connected to the computer system via a network interface and subsequently physically connected via a communication connection. The network interface includes communication networks such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Examples of LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet / IEEE 802.3, Token Ring / IEEE 802.5, etc. Examples of WAN technologies include circuit-switched networks such as point-to-point links, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and its variants, packet-switched networks, and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), but are not limited thereto.

[0065] In various aspects, the computer system 11210 of FIG. 6, the imaging module 11238 and / or the visualization system 11208 and / or the processor module 11232 of FIGS. 5-6 may include an image processor, an image processing engine, a media processor, or any specialized digital signal processor (DSP) used for processing digital images. The image processor can use parallel computing using single instruction multiple data (SIMD), or multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) techniques to increase speed and efficiency. The digital image processing engine can perform various tasks. The image processor may be a system on a chip with a multi-core processor architecture.

[0066] The communication connection part refers to the hardware / software used to connect a network interface to a bus. For the sake of clarity of illustration, the communication connection part is shown inside the computer system, but the communication connection part may be outside the computer system 11210. For illustrative purposes only, the hardware / software required for connection to the network interface includes internal and external technologies such as ordinary telephone grade modems, cable modems, modems including DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards.

[0067] RFID detection assembly During various surgical procedures, a surgical instrument having at least one replaceable component is used. It is important that such replaceable components be replaced with functional and / or compatible components. The various identification systems described in more detail herein serve, among other things, to verify the compatibility of the components with the surgical instrument and / or to verify the operating state of the components. For example, the controller and / or identification system can, for example, confirm that a package containing a replaceable component is not damaged and / or tampered with, warn the clinician if the component is compatible or incompatible with the surgical instrument, warn the clinician if the replaceable component is expired, and / or warn the clinician if there is a recall for a particular manufacturing batch and / or type of replaceable component.

[0068] The identification systems described herein can be either active systems or passive systems. In various embodiments, a combination of active and passive identification systems is used. Passive systems can include, for example, barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, and / or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Passive systems do not include an internal power source and the passive systems described herein require a reader and / or scanner for transmitting a first signal, such as a calling signal.

[0069] A passive radio frequency identification (RFID) system communicates information by using radio frequencies. Such a passive RFID system includes an RFID scanner and RFID tags without an internal power source. The RFID tags are powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from the RFID scanner. Each RFID tag includes a chip, such as a microchip, that stores information about, for example, a surgical instrument that is compatible with replaceable components and / or replaceable components. The chip may contain only an identification number, but in various examples, the chip can store additional information such as, for example, manufacturing data, shipping data, and / or maintenance history. Each RFID tag includes a wireless antenna that enables the RFID tag to communicate with the RFID scanner. The wireless antenna extends over a range in which the RFID tag can receive a signal from the RFID scanner and return a response signal to the RFID scanner. In a passive RFID system, an RFID scanner, which also includes its own antenna, transmits a wireless signal that activates RFID tags located within a predetermined range. The RFID scanner is configured to receive a "bounced-back" response signal from the RFID tag, enabling the RFID scanner to capture identification information representing the replaceable component. In various examples, one or more response signals include the same signal as the call signal. In various examples, one or more response signals include a signal modified from the call signal. In various examples, the RFID scanner can also write or encode information directly to the RFID tag. In any case, the RFID scanner can convey information about the replaceable component to a controller, such as a surgical instrument and / or a control system of a remote surgical system or hub. Since the RFID tags are activated by a wireless signal, the RFID scanner is configured to read multiple RFID tags at once. Additionally, in certain examples, the RFID scanner can update or rewrite information stored in RFID tags within the signal range of the RFID scanner. For example, the update can be transmitted from a surgical hub (e.g., 11106, 8001), or any suitable server 11113 (Figure 1) to the RFID scanner.Various surgical hubs are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 209,395, filed Dec. 4, 2018, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0070] Active radio frequency identification (RFID) systems also include RFID tags and RFID scanners. However, the RFID tags of active RFID systems include an internal power source. Active RFID systems utilize battery-powered RFID tags configured to continuously broadcast their own signals. One type of active RFID tag is commonly called a "beacon". Such beacon RFID tags do not wait to receive a first signal from an RFID scanner. Instead, beacon RFID tags continuously transmit their stored information. For example, a beacon can transmit its information at intervals of every 3 to 5 seconds. Another type of active RFID tag includes a transponder. In such a system, the RFID scanner first transmits a signal. The RFID transponder tag then replies with a signal to the RFID scanner along with relevant information. Such an RFID transponder tag system is efficient for conserving battery life, for example when the RFID tag is outside the range of the RFID scanner. In various examples, active RFID tags include on-board sensors for tracking environmental parameters. For example, the on-board sensors can track moisture levels, temperature, and / or other relevant data.

[0071] In various aspects, the RFID system of the present disclosure can be associated with a surgical instrument 11112 (Figs. 1 - 3), a component of the surgical instrument 11112, a consumable that can be used in combination with the surgical instrument 11112, and / or another system or device associated with the surgical system 11100 (Figs. 1 - 3), such as a visualization system 11108 (Figs. 1 - 3), a robotic system 11110 (Figs. 1 - 3), a hub 11106 (Figs. 1 - 3), or components thereof, either disposed thereon or otherwise associated. Further, using RFID tags described in more detail below, data can be stored that identifies a device or component of the surgical system 11100 with which the RFID tag is associated. Additionally, a corresponding RFID scanner can be configured to read the RFID tag when used in an operating room and, as a result, when components, devices, and / or systems of the surgical system 11100 are used to identify a component, device, and / or system that controls the surgical instrument 11112, the hub 11106, the visualization system 11108, or another component, device, and / or system.

[0072] In various examples, an RFID scanner can be positioned within or on the surgical instrument 11112 such that when the surgical instrument 11112 is assembled, the RFID scanner can read the RFID tags of components (e.g., a battery, a shaft, or a cartridge). As another example, an RFID scanner can be associated with the surgical instrument 11112 such that when the surgical instrument 11112 is in proximity to or interacting with these systems, the RFID scanner can read the RFID tags associated with the hub 11106, the visualization system 11108, and / or the robotic system 11110. These and other RFID detection assemblies are described in more detail below.

[0073] Furthermore, various control systems for controlling the RFID system, related surgical instruments, and / or other devices or components of the surgical system 11100 are described herein. Examples of such control systems include control system 1211 (FIG. 7), control system 8111 (FIG. 7A), and the processor module 11232 of the surgical hub 11206 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Such control systems can be directly incorporated into the components or devices being controlled. For example, the control system 1211 shown in FIG. 7 can control the surgical instrument 1100 (FIGS. 8-10) incorporated therein. In another example, the control system 8111 shown in FIG. 7A can control the surgical instrument 8002 (FIG. 11) incorporated therein. Alternatively, such control systems can be communicatively coupled to the components or devices being controlled. For example, the processor module 11232 can be configured to control the surgical instrument 11112 and / or other components or devices of the surgical system 11100 that are paired or communicatively coupled with the surgical hub 11206 as described above. These control systems can include or be communicatively coupled to an RFID scanner for detecting RFID tags. The control system can then control the target device according to the combination or arrangement of the detected RFID tags.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8-10, the control system 1211 can include a control circuit 1210 that can be incorporated with or, for example, coupled to the RFID scanner 1202 but positioned separately therefrom. The control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive inputs from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of information regarding the staple cartridge 1320 stored in the RFID tag 1203 and / or information regarding the anvil 1200 stored in the RFID tag 1201.

[0075] In various examples, the RFID tag 1203 stores the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320, and the RFID tag 1201 stores the identification information of the anvil 1200. In such examples, the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320, and verifies the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 based on the input. Further, the control circuit 1210 receives an input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicating the identification information of the anvil 1200, and verifies the identification information of the anvil 1200 based on the input.

[0076] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 includes a microcontroller 1213 having a processor 1214 and a storage medium such as a memory 1212. The memory 1212 stores program instructions for performing various processes such as identification verification. When the program instructions are executed by the processor 1214, the processor 1214 is caused to verify the identification information of the staple cartridge 1320 and the anvil 1200 by comparing the identification information received from the RFID tags 1201, 1203 with the identification information stored in the memory 1212 in the form of, for example, an identification database or table.

[0077] In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to confirm the compatibility of the anvil 1200 with the staple cartridge 1320 of the staple head assembly 1300 based on an input from the RFID scanner 1202. The processor 1214 can, for example, confirm the identification information of the anvil 1200 and the staple cartridge 1320 against a compatibility database or table stored in the memory 1212.

[0078] In one aspect, the RFID scanner 1202 can be disposed within a surgical instrument or otherwise associated to read a corresponding RFID tag 1201 configured to indicate an action or operation performed by the surgical instrument. For example, FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a surgical instrument 1100 in the form of a circular stapler of one such configuration. An obvious problem with a circular stapler is that the anvil is removable from the staple head assembly and must be introduced separately into the surgical site in different manners and from different access points. Thus, unlike other stapling instruments, there is a risk of mismatch between the anvil and the staple head assembly and / or between the anvil and the staple cartridge. Further, for the anvil and the staple head assembly to be properly assembled or connected, they must be properly oriented with respect to each other at a particular orientation at the surgical site. As shown in FIG. 9, an improper orientation of the anvil and the corresponding staple head assembly can lead to misalignment between the staple forming pocket 414 (FIG. 8) of the anvil and the staple opening 324 (FIG. 8) of the staple cartridge 1320, resulting in improper staple formation. In addition, an improper orientation of the anvil and the corresponding staple head assembly can lead to improper seating of the anvil with respect to the staple head assembly. An improperly seated or partially seated anvil can become disengaged or separated from the staple head assembly due to an externally applied load by tissue trapped between the anvil and the staple head assembly during closure.

[0079] To address the above problems, the surgical instrument 1100 includes an anvil 1200 with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 1201 that is recognizable or detectable by an RFID scanner 1202 on the staple - firing head assembly 1300 of the surgical instrument. Similarly, the staple cartridge 1320 also includes an RFID tag 1203 that is recognizable or detectable by the RFID scanner 1202. The RFID tag 1201 stores information regarding the anvil 1200, and the RFID tag 1203 stores information regarding the staple cartridge 1320. As described below, the information can be verified and compared for authentication and / or compliance.

[0080] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 7 and 8 - 10, the anvil 1200 includes a head 410, a staple - forming pocket 414, and a shank 1420. In this example, the RFID tag 1201 is supported by the shank 1420 on its outer surface, near a bore 422 defined by the shank 1420. The anvil 1200 is coupled or assembled with the staple - firing head assembly 1300 by advancing the anvil 1200 toward the trocar 330 of the staple - firing head assembly 1300 such that the trocar 330 is received through the bore 422, as shown in FIG. 8. In at least one example, the RFID tag 1201 is positioned on the shank 1420 at a first longitudinal position that corresponds to, or is substantially aligned with, a second longitudinal position of the tip of the head 334 of the trocar 330 when the anvil 1200 is properly oriented and fully seated with respect to the staple - firing head assembly 1300. In other words, the tip of the head 334 of the trocar 330 is laterally aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the RFID tag 1201 when received within the shank 1420 in its final seated position. In at least one example, the RFID tag 1201 is positioned on the shank 1420 at a position distal to the bore 422, proximal to a lateral opening 424 formed through the sidewall of the shank 1420, and / or proximal to a latch member 430 of the shank 1420.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 8, the RFID scanner 1202 is positioned on the outer surface of a cylindrical inner core member 1312 that extends distally within the tubular casing 1310 of the staple head assembly 1300. The tubular casing 1310 is fixedly secured to the outer sheath 210 of the shaft assembly 1206 of the surgical instrument such that the tubular casing 1310 functions as a mechanical base for the staple head assembly 1300. The RFID scanner 1202 is supported by the inner core member 1312 on its outer surface, near the distal end. In at least one example, a recess or pocket is defined within the inner core member 1312 and the RFID scanner 1202 is positioned within the recess or pocket. The RFID scanner 1202 can be held in a predetermined position within the recess or pocket using any suitable technique such as a friction fit or a biocompatible adhesive. Alternatively, the RFID scanner 1202 can be positioned on the inner surface of the cylindrical inner core member 1312. In the example of FIG. 8, the RFID scanner 1202 is positioned at the distal portion of the inner core member 1312 under the deck member of the staple cartridge 1320. In various examples, the RFID tags 1201 and 1203 are insulated from the shank 1420 and the inner core member 1312 using any suitable insulating material.

[0082] In various examples, the RFID tags 1201 and 1203 are recognizable or detectable by the RFID scanner 1202 in a closed configuration of the instrument where tissue is captured between the anvil 1200 and the staple head assembly 1300.

[0083] Further details regarding the aspects illustrated in FIGS. 8 - 10 can be found in U.S. Patent Application, Attorney Docket No. END9120USNP1 / 190246, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY", filed concurrently herewith and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0084] FIG. 7A shows a block diagram of a control system 8111. Since many of the components of the control system 8111 shown are consistent with the components of the control system 2111 described above with respect to FIG. 7, the description of those components will not be repeated. In this aspect, the control system 8111 includes a set or assembly of a plurality of RFID scanners 8008 and is arranged or configured to read a corresponding set or assembly of RFID tags 8006. The RFID scanners 8008 are communicatively coupled to a control circuit 1210, whereby the control circuit 1210 can receive data from the RFID scanners 8008 and then take various actions based on the read data, as described below. In various aspects, the RFID scanners 8008 may be placed on a surgical instrument or other surgical system components associated with the control system 8111 or otherwise associated therewith. In other aspects, the RFID scanners 8008 may be placed on or otherwise associated with other surgical system components communicatively connectable to the control system 8111. The RFID tags 8006 may be placed or associated with any type of surgical system component, including the surgical instrument 11112 (FIGS. 1-3), the visualization system 11108 (FIGS. 1-3), the robotic system 11110 (FIGS. 1-3), or other surgical system components (e.g., a sterile drape, a retractor, a sponge, or an accessory) or components thereof. In one aspect, each of the RFID scanners 8008a-h can be configured to read a corresponding RFID tag 8006a-h. Finally, the control system 8111 of FIG. 7A is shown as including eight RFID scanners 8008a-h configured to read a corresponding number of RFID tags 8006a-h, but it should be noted that this particular number is merely an example configuration of components for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any way. In particular, the control system 8111 can include any number of RFID scanners 8008a-h configured to read any number of RFID tags 8006a-h.

[0085] In one aspect, as described above under the heading of surgical hub and illustrated in FIG. 11, the surgical system 8000 can include a surgical instrument 8002 communicably connectable to a surgical hub 8001. The surgical instrument 8002 can include a plurality of different components connectable together to assemble the surgical instrument 8002 and / or consumable parts insertable within the surgical instrument 8002 for firing or operating the surgical instrument 8002. For example, the illustrated surgical instrument 8002 can include a housing assembly 8004a, a battery 8004b removably connectable to the housing assembly 8004a, a motor assembly 8004c removably connectable to the housing assembly 8004a, a shaft 8004d removably connectable to the housing assembly 8004a, a cartridge 8004 removably insertable within an end effector of the shaft 8004d, and many such components.

[0086] The surgical system 8000 can further include a control system 8111. In the example of FIG. 11, the control system 8111 includes a set of RFID 8006 positioned on or otherwise associated with various surgical instrument components 8004a - e. Each of the surgical instrument components 8004a - e is configured to transmit information related to the component to which the RFID tag 8006, such as component type or component parameters, is associated, to a corresponding RFID scanner 8008 associated with the surgical instrument 8000 (e.g., the housing assembly 8004a), the surgical hub 8001, or another surgical system device. For example, in the illustrated aspect, the housing assembly 8004a can include a first RFID tag 8006a, the battery 8004b can include a second RFID tag 8006b, the motor assembly 8004c can include a third RFID tag 8006c, the shaft 8004d can include a fourth RFID tag 8006d, and the cartridge 8004e can include a fifth RFID tag 8006e. In one aspect, the RFID tags 8006a - e can be read by a single RFID scanner disposed on the surgical instrument 8002, the surgical hub 8001, or another component of the surgical system 8000. Thus, the control circuit 1210 of the control system 8111 can be communicatively coupled to a single RFID scanner. In another aspect, the RFID tags 8006 can be read by multiple RFID scanners during the assembly or operation of the surgical instrument 8002. For example, the RFID scanners can be positioned on the surgical instrument 8002 such that the RFID tags 8006a - e are automatically read by the corresponding RFID scanners 8008a - e as a natural result of the assembly of the surgical instrument 8002 (an example of which is discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 13) or the use of the surgical instrument 8002 (examples of which are described above with respect to FIGS. 8 - 10). Thus, the control circuit 1210 of the control system 8111 can be communicatively coupled to multiple RFID scanners positioned to read one or more corresponding RFID tags 8006.The configurations shown in FIGS. 8 - 11, 13, and 14 illustrate particular positions of RFID tag 8006 and RFID scanner 8008. These positions are for illustrative purposes only, and it should be noted that RFID tag 8006 and / or RFID scanner 8008 may be repositioned according to a particular surgical system component, their positions may be interchanged, or they may be otherwise reconfigured without departing from the overall structure and function of the system being described.

[0087] In addition to surgical instrument 8002 or its components that include RFID tag 8006, other devices within surgical system 8000 may also include RFID tag 8006 and / or RFID scanner 8008. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11, surgical hub 8001 can include RFID tag 8006g, which can be configured to be read by one or more RFID scanners 8008 (FIG. 13) associated with surgical instrument 8002. In other configurations, RFID tag 8006 and / or scanner 8008 can be additionally or alternatively associated with visualization system 11108 (FIGS. 1 - 3), robotic system 11110 (FIGS. 1 - 3), or their components. Thus, surgical instrument 8002 that includes RFID scanner 8008 can detect various devices or systems utilized in a surgical system configuration based on their presence within the detection range of the device or system.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 13, the surgical system 8000 can also include a user identifier 8010 that can be worn or controlled by a user such as a surgeon. The user identifier 8010 can include an RFID tag 8006h configured to store a unique identifier associated with the user, which can be utilized by the control system to read specific parameters or settings associated with that user. The user settings can be manually set by the user in a computer system (e.g., the surgical hub 8001 or the local computer system 11210 (FIG. 6)), or can be learned by the surgical hub 8001 via situation awareness, as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 209,395, filed Dec. 4, 2018, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further, the user settings can be stored in a database (e.g., storage 11248 (FIG. 6)) for reading by the control system.

[0089] In some embodiments, the RFID tag 8006 and the RFID scanner 8008 can be positioned such that they bring each other within the detection range during the assembly of the surgical instrument 8002 or in the assembled configuration of the surgical instrument 8002. For example, FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a circular stapler that includes an assembly of an RFID scanner 8008 that detects a corresponding RFID tag 8006 during the assembly of the surgical instrument 8002 or in the assembled configuration of the surgical instrument 8002. In particular, the housing assembly 8004a includes an RFID scanner 8008a positioned adjacent to a connecting portion 8011 that is configured to engage a corresponding proximal connecting portion 8012 of the shaft assembly 8004d. The shaft assembly 8004d further includes an RFID tag 8006d that is brought within the detection range of the RFID scanner 8008a when the aforementioned components are properly connected together. In other words, the RFID scanner 8008a is positioned to read the RFID tag 8006d as a natural result of the assembly of the surgical instrument 8002. Similarly, the shaft assembly 8004d includes an RFID scanner 8008b positioned adjacent to a distal connecting portion 8013 that is configured to engage a corresponding connecting portion 8014 of the end effector assembly 8004f. The end effector assembly 8004f further includes an RFID tag 8006f that is brought within the detection range of the RFID scanner 8006f when the aforementioned components are properly connected together. Thus, a control system for the surgical instrument 8002 associated with this embodiment can read the instrument components when controlling the surgical instrument 8002 based on the presence, type, and / or arrangement of the components being assembled or connected together and thus utilized thereby.

[0090] In some embodiments, the RFID tag 8006 and the RFID scanner 8008 can be positioned so as to bring them within the detection range of each other during use of the surgical instrument 8002. For example, FIGS. 8-10, described in more detail above, illustrate an embodiment in which the surgical instrument includes a pair of RFID tags 1201, 1203 that are recognizable or detectable by the RFID scanner 1202 when the staple head assembly 1300 is in the closed configuration, i.e., when tissue is captured between the anvil 1200 and the staple head assembly 1300. Thus, a control system for a surgical instrument according to this embodiment can read instrument components when the surgical instrument is utilized or operated (e.g., during a surgical procedure) and thus based on the state or operation being performed by the surgical instrument.

[0091] The RFID tag 8006 can also be positioned on a consumable that is utilized by the surgical instrument 8002 during its operation. For example, FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a clip applicator in which the surgical instrument 8002 includes an RFID scanner 8008c positioned adjacent to a jaw 8020 for crimping or applying a surgical clip 8022 at a surgical site. The clip 8022 can include an RFID tag 8006i that can be read by the RFID scanner 8008c as a result of the clip 8022 being positioned within the jaw 8020. Thus, a control system for a surgical instrument according to this embodiment can read the consumable when the surgical instrument 8002 is utilized or operated (e.g., during a surgical procedure) and thus based on the type or characteristics of the consumable being used with the surgical instrument 8002. In various embodiments, the clip 8022 is supplied to the jaw 8020 of the clip applicator and the supplied clip 8022 becomes detectable by the RFID scanner 8008c as it reaches the jaw 8020.

[0092] The RFID tag 8006 can be configured to transmit various different information to an associated RFID scanner 8008. Further, the various RFID tags 8006 described herein can be configured to transmit data either in an active mode (i.e., actively transmit data for the RFID scanner 8008 to receive) or in a passive mode (i.e., respond to a call signal transmitted by the RFID scanner 8008). For example, the table 8030 shown in FIG. 12 shows data that can be transmitted by RFID tags 8006 associated with various components of the surgical instrument 8002 shown in FIG. 11. In particular, the RFID tag 8006a associated with the housing assembly 8004a can store data identifying the device or surgical instrument type, the RFID tag 8006b associated with the battery 8004b can store data identifying the battery type, the RFID tag 8006c associated with the motor assembly or gearbox 8004c can store data identifying the motor type, the RFID tag 8006d associated with the shaft assembly 8004d can store data identifying the shaft type and / or characteristics associated with the shaft (e.g., length or articulation type), and the RFID tag 8006e associated with the cartridge 8004e can store data identifying the cartridge type and / or other cartridge characteristics (e.g., length, color, or grip surface type). This data can be transmitted by the RFID tag 8006 when read by the corresponding RFID scanner 8008, which can be coupled to a control system for controlling the surgical instrument 8002. Various control algorithms that may be affected based on this data can include communication protocols implemented by the control system.

[0093] As another example, the tables 8040, 8050 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 show data that can be transmitted by RFID tags 8006 associated with consumables such as surgical clips 8022, as shown in FIG. 14. In particular, the RFID tag 8006i can store data identifying the type of consumable (e.g., product name, product code, or serial number) or the characteristics of the consumable (e.g., cross-sectional profile, length, surface type, tensile strength, or spring-back characteristics of the surgical clip 8022) with which each RFID tag 8006i is associated. Further, this data can be transmitted by the RFID tag 8006i for reception by the corresponding RFID scanner 8008c, which can be coupled to a control circuit 1210 that can utilize the received data to control the operation or function of the surgical instrument.

[0094] In the configuration of the surgical system 8000 illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, 13, and 14, the control system of the surgical instrument 8002 and other surgical system components can utilize various different algorithms or logics for controlling the operation or actions of the target device by detecting the arrangement and / or type of surgical system components present in the operating room via the described RFID detection assembly and / or by identifying the users present in the operating room. In various examples, the control system and associated RFID detection assembly are utilized to control the communication protocol utilized by the surgical instrument 8002, the information or warnings provided to the user, and / or the operating settings implemented by the surgical instrument 8002 and to customize their functions according to specific devices among the selections made and / or user selections utilized. Refer also to FIG. 7 in the following process description. Further, the following process will describe, in part, scanning or receiving data from devices for controlling the surgical instrument 8002. Such devices can include various different surgical system components such as surgical instrument components (e.g., shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 14), visualization system 11108 (FIGS. 1-3), surgical hub 11106 (FIGS. 1-3), robotic system 11110 (FIGS. 1-3).

[0095] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 is configured to establish a communication protocol utilized by the surgical instrument 8002, thereby enabling communication with various other surgical system components in accordance with the RFID being scanned. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8100 shown in FIG. 17. Thus, the control circuit 1210 receives first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device (8102) and second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device (8104) via one or more RFID scanners such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected. The received data can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device.

[0096] Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 determines a communication protocol for communicating with the first device and the second device (8106). The control circuit 1210 can determine an appropriate communication protocol by using the received device data to query, for example, a look-up table (e.g., stored in the memory 1212) (8106). The communication protocol can define, for example, encryption techniques, packet size, transmission speed, or handshake techniques. Thus, the control circuit 1210 causes the surgical instrument 8002 to utilize the determined communication protocol for communicating with the surgical system components during the surgical procedure (8108).

[0097] During operation, the control system 8111 executing the illustrated process 8100 reads RFID tags associated with surgical system components present in the operating room, determines an appropriate communication protocol for communicating with a particular arrangement of the surgical system components, and can then cause the surgical instrument 8002 to utilize the determined communication protocol. After establishing communication between the surgical instrument 8002 and the corresponding surgical system component, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to receive the operating settings of the surgical instrument 8002 from at least one of the surgical system components. For example, when the surgical instrument 8002 is communicatively coupled to the surgical hubs 8001, 11106, the surgical instrument 8002 can download an updated control program indicating updated operating settings or parameters from the surgical hubs 8001, 11106. Alternatively, after establishing communication between the surgical instrument 8002 and the corresponding surgical system component, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to transmit the operating settings of the surgical system component. For example, when the surgical instrument 8002 is communicatively coupled to the robotic system 11110, the surgical instrument 8002 can transmit operating settings indicating a method of controlling or operating the surgical instrument 8002 by the robotic system 11110 during a surgical procedure to the robotic system 11110. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument 8002 can transmit, for example, sensor data to the surgical hubs 8001, 11106.

[0098] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can be configured to automatically display information related to the type of surgical procedure. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8150 shown in FIG. 18. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 receives the first data from the first RFID tag associated with the first device (8152) via one or more RFID scanners, such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected, and receives the second data from the second RFID tag associated with the second device (8154). The received data can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device.

[0099] Therefore, the control circuit 1210 determines the type of surgical procedure being performed based on the device data (8156). The control circuit 1210 can make this determination because a particular combination or arrangement of device types in the operating room can indicate which type of surgical procedure is being performed. Further, the combination of data from multiple devices can indicate details of the surgical procedure that cannot be ascertained from scanning any individual device. For example, if the robotic system 11110 is present in the operating room with a particular type of surgical instrument (e.g., a circular stapler or a vascular stapler), the surgical procedure corresponding to that type of surgical instrument is likely to be performed by the robot. As another example, if the insufflator and visualization system 11108 is present in the operating room, there is a high likelihood that a laparoscopic surgery is being performed. In either of these examples, scanning individual devices often does not provide sufficient context about the procedure. The control circuit 1210 can determine the type of surgical procedure by using the received device data to query, for example, a look-up table (e.g., stored in the memory 1212) (8156). Thereafter, the control circuit 1210 causes the display screen (e.g., the indicator 1209 or the hub display 11215 (FIG. 5)) to display information related to the type of surgical procedure (8158). The displayed information can include, for example, the steps for performing the surgical procedure, the steps for assembling the surgical instrument 8002 or other surgical system components, relevant data about the type of surgical instrument expected to be utilized in connection with the procedure, or a visualization screen, etc.

[0100] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can be configured to automatically display information customized for a particular user. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8200 shown in FIG. 19. Thus, the control circuit 1210 receives first data from a first RFID tag associated with a device or surgical instrument via one or more RFID scanners, such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected (8202), and receives second data from a second RFID tag associated with the user (e.g., from the user identifier 8010 shown in FIG. 13) (8204). The data received from the instrument or device can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device. The data received from the user identifier 8010 can indicate, for example, the identification or title of the user.

[0101] Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 determines the user settings associated with the surgical instrument (8206). The user settings can include, for example, the magnification for a particular endoscope type, instrument parameter information (e.g., temperature, firing force, or power level). The control circuit 1210 can determine the user settings by retrieving the relevant user settings (e.g., from the memory 1212) (8206). As described above, the user settings can be manually set by the user in a computer system or automatically learned by the surgical system through situation recognition. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 causes the information related to the surgical instrument to be displayed on the display screen according to the determined user settings (8208).

[0102] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can determine whether the surgical instrument components are compatible with each other and then be configured to take various accurate actions. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8250 shown in FIG. 20. Thus, the control circuit 1210 can receive the first data from the first RFID tag associated with the first device (8252) via, for example, one or more RFID scanners such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected, and receive the second data from the second RFID tag associated with the second device (8254). The received data can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device.

[0103] Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 determines whether the first device and the second device are compatible (8256). The control circuit 1210 can determine whether the device is compatible by querying a look-up table (e.g., stored in the memory 1212) that indicates a compatible surgical instrument device type, for example, using the received device data (8256). The control system 8111 can be manufactured to store a list of compatible component types or receive a list of compatible component types from, for example, a remote computing system (e.g., the cloud 11204 (FIG. 5)) to which the control system 8111 is communicatively coupled. If it is determined that the components are incompatible with each other (8256), the control circuit 1210 can provide the user with a notification that the components are incompatible and / or a proposal for a compatible alternative component for one of the incompatible components (8258). For example, if the user inserts a battery 8004b into the housing assembly 8004a of the surgical instrument 8002 that is incompatible with the motor assembly 8004c, the control system 8111 can cause a warning or a proposal for an alternative type of battery 8004b that is compatible with the motor assembly 8004c to be provided on a display (e.g., the indicator 1209) (8258). In one aspect, the control circuit 1210 can be further configured to prevent the operation or actuation of the surgical instrument 8002 if it is determined that the first and second devices are incompatible with each other.

[0104] In various aspects, preventing the operation or actuation of the surgical instrument 8002 can be accomplished using one or more suitable lockout assemblies, such as the lockout assembly 8170. Various lockout assemblies suitable for use in the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,143,923, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL" (issued December 5, 2006), No. 7,044,352, "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING" (issued May 16, 2006), No. 7,000,818, "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" (issued February 21, 2006), No. 6,988,649, "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT" (issued January 24, 2006), and No. 6,978,921, "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM" (issued December 27, 2005), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0105] As another example, a surgical instrument 8002 in the form of a surgical clip applier can have different types of jaw assemblies, which are suitable for different types of surgical clips 8022 such as the first, i.e., thin, jaw assembly 8051a shown in FIG. 21A and the second, i.e., thick, jaw assembly 8051b shown in FIG. 21B. FIG. 22 shows a graph 8052 depicting the relationship between the force applied to form or crimp a surgical clip represented by the vertical axis 8054 and the displacement stroke causing the application of the force represented by the horizontal axis 8056 for multiple predictive firings of a clip applier including a control system 8111 executing the process 8250 shown in FIG. 20. A first distance threshold δ 1 represents the maximum stroke distance that a clip applier having a thin jaw assembly 8051a can execute. Further, a second distance threshold δ 2 represents the maximum stroke distance that a clip applier having a thick jaw assembly 8051b can execute. As further shown in the table 8050 of FIG. 16, different types of surgical clips 8022 can have different mechanical properties, so some types of surgical clips may not be suitable for use with all types of clip appliers. In this particular predictive example, the first line 8058 represents a first clip type (e.g., a Ti-CP clip), the second line 8060 represents a second clip type (e.g., a Ti-3AI / 2.5V clip), and the third line 8062 represents a third clip type (e.g., a Ti-6AI-4V clip). In the implementation of this process 8250, the clip applier can be the first device and the surgical clip can be the second device. Thus, when a control circuit 1210 executing the process 8250 determines that a surgical clip read by an RFID scanner 8008 (e.g., when the clip is inserted into the clip applier) is of the first type or the second type, both of these clip types are compatible with any clip applier type (both lines 8058, 8060 are within their respective thresholds δ 1 , δ 2(indicated by not exceeding), for any of the clip applicator types shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, no warning or suggestion is provided to the user. However, when the control circuit 1210 determines that the surgical clip read by the RFID scanner 8008 is of a third type and the clip applicator is the thin jaw assembly type 8051a, the maximum displacement stroke δ of the thin jaw assembly type 8051a 1 is not long enough to properly form the third clip type (indicated by the third line 8062 crossing the threshold δ 1 ), the control circuit 1210 can provide a warning and / or a suggestion to change the surgical clip.

[0106] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can be configured to automatically establish the operating settings of the surgical instrument 8002 according to the scanned components. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8300 shown in FIG. 23. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 receives the first data from the first RFID tag associated with the first device (8302) via, for example, one or more RFID scanners such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected, and receives the second data from the second RFID tag associated with the second device (8304). The received data can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device. As an example, the device can include two or more of the components of the surgical instrument 8002 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. As another example, the device can include two or more of the components of the surgical instrument 8002 shown in FIG. 13.

[0107] Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 can determine the surgical instrument type based on the scanned component (8306). The surgical instrument type can include, for example, a general instrument type (e.g., a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, or a combination thereof) in combination with specific instrument component parameters (e.g., shaft length, cartridge type, or battery level). In one aspect, as described above in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14, the RFID tags associated with each of the components can be positioned such that they are naturally read by the RFID scanner 8008 as a natural result of the assembly or use of the surgical instrument 8002. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 can determine the operating settings according to the determined instrument type (8308). The operating settings can determine how the surgical instrument 8002 itself (or its components) is controlled or how a third device (e.g., a surgical generator to which the surgical instrument 8002 is connected) is controlled. Table 8030 shown in FIG. 12 shows various settings that can be controlled by the control circuit 1210 according to the determined instrument type. For example, the control circuit 1210 executing process 8300 can control the maximum power of the surgical instrument 8002 according to the detected battery type and the detected motor assembly type. As another example, the control circuit 1210 executing process 8300 can control the force to fire the knife in the surgical stapler according to the detected motor assembly type and the detected cartridge type.

[0108] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can be configured to automatically establish the operating settings of the surgical instrument 8002 according to a consumable that is scanned when assembled with and / or inserted into the surgical instrument 8002. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8350 shown in FIG. 24. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 receives first data (8352) from a first RFID tag associated with the device or surgical instrument 8002 via one or more RFID scanners, such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected, and receives second data from a second RFID tag associated with the consumable (8354). The received data can indicate, for example, the serial number of the surgical instrument 8002 or the consumable, the type of the surgical instrument 8002 or the consumable, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the surgical instrument 8002 or the consumable. For example, the surgical instrument 8002 can include a clip applier, and the consumable can include surgical clips 8022 as shown in FIG. 14. As another example, the surgical instrument 8002 can include a surgical stapler, and the consumable can include staples disposed within a cartridge 8004e as shown in FIG. 12.

[0109] Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 determines the operating settings according to the consumable type and the surgical instrument type (8356). The control circuit 1210 can determine the operating settings by querying a look-up table (e.g., stored in the memory 1212) that indicates the appropriate operating settings for the surgical instrument according to the scanned consumable (8356). The control system 8111 can be manufactured to store or receive the operating settings of various compatible device types, for example, from a remote computing system (e.g., the cloud 204 (FIG. 5)) to which the control system 8111 is communicatively coupled. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 can then control the surgical instrument according to the determined operating settings (8358).

[0110] Various predictive realizations of process 8350 are shown in connection with FIGS. 25 and 26. For example, FIG. 25 shows a graph 8064 depicting the relationship between the force applied to a surgical clip represented by the vertical axis 8066 and the displacement stroke represented by the horizontal axis 8068 for a clip applicator including a control system 8111 executing process 8350 shown in FIG. 24. In this example, the control circuit 1210 can determine that the surgical instrument is a clip applicator and can determine the identification information of the consumable when loaded into the clip applicator as described above in connection with FIG. 14. In the first firing of the clip applicator represented by the first line 8070, the control circuit 1210 further determines that the consumable is a first type of surgical clip (e.g., a Ti-CP clip). For this type of clip, the controlled operating parameters are a first force threshold F 1 , and a first closing speed V 1 . Thus, the control circuit 1210 controls the clip applicator according to the determined operating parameters, i.e., closes the jaw of the clip applicator at the first closing speed V 1 and stops closing when the first force threshold F 1 is reached. In the second firing of the clip applicator represented by the second line 8072, the control circuit 1210 determines that the consumable is a second type of surgical clip (e.g., a Ti-6AI-4V clip). For this type of clip, the appropriate operating parameters are a second force threshold F 2 , and a second closing speed V 2 . Thus, the control circuit 1210 controls the clip applicator according to the determined operating parameters, i.e., closes the jaw of the clip applicator at the second closing speed V 2 and stops closing when the second force threshold F 2 is reached.

[0111] As another example, FIG. 26 shows a graph 8074 depicting the relationship between the longitudinal cam load force represented by the vertical axis 8076 and the displacement stroke represented by the horizontal axis 8078 for multiple predictive firings of a clip applier including a control system 8111 executing the process 8350 shown in FIG. 24. In a clip applier, the cam assembly can be configured to apply a closing force to the jaw and thereby apply a clip to tissue positioned within the jaw. Thus, the longitudinal cam load force can correspond to the amount of force applied to the jaw of the clip applier. The displacement stroke can correspond to the distance the cam of the cam assembly has translated. The profile of the cam force applied by a surgical clip applier as a function of the distance the cam has translated is a controllable parameter that can be tailored to different clip applier assemblies (e.g., those shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B) and / or different surgical clip types. In various aspects, this controllable parameter can be automatically selected by a control system 8111 for a surgical instrument and / or manually selected by a user. In this example, as shown by various lines 8080, 8082, 8084, 8086, the control circuit 1210 receives (8352) first data of a surgical instrument identifying the surgical instrument as a clip applier, receives (8454) second data identifying a consumable as a particular surgical clip type, determines (8456) that the particular surgical clip type is associated with a particular cam force profile, and then controls (8458) the clip applier according to the determined force profile. The first line 8080 can correspond to a force profile determined (8356) by the control circuit 1210 for a first clip applier type (e.g., the jaw assembly 8051a shown in FIG. 21A) and a first surgical clip type (e.g., a Ti-6AI-4V clip). The second line 8082 can correspond to a force profile determined (8356) by the control circuit 1210 for the first clip applier type and a second surgical clip type (e.g., a Ti-3AV / 2.5V clip).The third line 8084 can correspond to a force profile determined (8356) by the control circuit 1210 for the first clip applicator type and the third surgical clip type (e.g., Ti-CP clip). The fourth line 8086 can correspond to a force profile determined (8356) by the control circuit 1210 for the second clip applicator type (e.g., the Joe assembly 8051b shown in FIG. 21B) and the third surgical clip type.

[0112] Because different types of clip applicators apply force in different ways and different types of surgical clips have different mechanical properties, it may be desirable to utilize a force profile applied in accordance with the types of clip applicator and surgical clip being utilized. Some examples of different mechanical properties are shown in Tables 8040, 8050 of FIGS. 15 and 16. Another mechanical property that can vary by surgical clip is the degree of springback of the surgical clip in response to the applied force, which in turn can affect the degree or amount of force desired to be applied to the surgical clip to maintain it in the desired configuration. For example, FIG. 27 shows a graph 8088 depicting the relationship between springback represented by the vertical axis 8090 for different surgical clip types represented by the horizontal axis 8092. Springback can correspond, for example, to the rate or degree to which a surgical clip returns to its initial position in response to a set force. As can be seen from graph 8088, the first surgical clip type 8094 has a springback of P 1 and the second surgical clip type 8096 has a springback of P 2 and the third surgical clip type 8098 has a springback of P 3 Accordingly, it would be desirable for the control circuit 1210 executing the process 8350 shown in FIG. 24 to read which surgical clip type has been loaded into the clip applicator and then adjust the applied force profile based at least in part on the springback characteristics of the detected clip type.

[0113] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can be configured to automatically implement the operating settings of the surgical instrument 8002 customized for a specific user. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8400 shown in FIG. 28. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 receives the first data from the first RFID tag associated with the device or surgical instrument via one or more RFID scanners, such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected (8402), and receives the second data from the second RFID tag associated with the user (e.g., from the user identifier 8010 shown in FIG. 13) (8404). The data received from the instrument or device can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device. The data received from the user identifier 8010 can indicate, for example, the identification or title of the user.

[0114] Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 determines the operating settings of the surgical instrument associated with the user (8406). The control circuit 1210 can determine the user settings by retrieving the relevant user settings (e.g., from the memory 1212) (8406). As described above, the user settings can be manually set by the user in a computer system or automatically learned by the surgical system through situation recognition. In one aspect, the determined operating settings can be selected from a range of parameters. The user can manually select a value, or the surgical system can learn, for example, the user's selection within the parameter range. Accordingly, the control circuit 1210 can control the surgical instrument according to the operating settings associated with the user.

[0115] Various predictive realizations of the process 8350 of FIG. 24 are shown in connection with FIGS. 29-31. For example, FIG. 29 shows a staple height widget or icon 8500 that can be displayed on a graphical user interface. The staple height or degree of deformation applied to staples deployed by a surgical stapler is a controllable parameter. The graphical user interface can be displayed, for example, on a device / instrument display 11237 or a hub display 11215. The staple height widget 8500 can include a range icon 8502 indicating a proposed selection range for staple height and a selection icon 8504 indicating the actual staple height selected for the surgical stapler. In various aspects, the staple height widget 8500 can be manually operated by a user of the surgical stapler and / or controlled by a control system 8111 of the surgical stapler. In this example, the control circuit 1210 receives first data (8402) from a surgical instrument that identifies the surgical instrument as a surgical stapler and / or from a staple cartridge that identifies the cartridge type, receives second data (8404) that identifies the user, determines (8406) that the user identification information is associated with a particular staple height setting of the surgical stapler, and then controls the surgical stapler (8408) to set the staple height to a defined setting indicated by the selection icon 8504.

[0116] As another example, FIG. 30 shows a graph 8510 depicting the relationship between the force represented by the vertical axis 8512 and the displacement stroke represented by the horizontal axis 8516 for the predictive firing of a surgical stapler including a control system 8111 executing the process 8400 shown in FIG. 28. The force represented by the vertical axis 8512 can correspond to the force exerted by, or applied onto, a firing member configured to close the jaws of the surgical stapler, fire the stapler, and / or cut tissue captured by the jaws. The force represented by the vertical axis 8512 can also correspond to the force load generated by a motor. The displacement stroke represented by the horizontal axis 8516 can correspond to the distance the firing member moves, which can be depicted in two different phases. In the first or closing phase represented by the first line 8520, the firing member is driving the closing of the jaws. In the second or firing phase represented by the second line 8524, the firing member is deploying staples and cutting tissue. The speed at which the firing member translates during the closing phase (i.e., the closing speed), and the speed at which the firing member translates during the firing phase (i.e., the firing speed) are both controllable parameters. Further, the force threshold representing the maximum force that can be exerted by the surgical instrument before the control system 8111 stops the translation of the firing member or other corrective measures are taken is likewise a controllable parameter. The force threshold can depend on the particular surgical instrument component type being utilized. For example, a first force threshold FT 1 can represent the standard or base force limit, and a second force threshold FT 2 can represent the force limit for a particular shaft type, and a third force threshold FT 3 can represent the force limit for a particular cartridge type. In various aspects, these controllable parameters can be automatically selected by the control system 8111 for the surgical instrument and / or manually selected by the user. This particular graph 8510 shows that the control system 8111 for the surgical instrument is executing two separate processes.

[0117] Specifically, graph 8510 shows that control circuit 1210, which is executing process 8400 shown in FIG. 28, receives first data from a surgical instrument that identifies the surgical instrument as a surgical stapler (8402), receives second data that identifies a user (8404), determines that the user identification is associated with a specific surgical stapler closure speed setting selected from an allowed closure speed range 8518 and a specific surgical stapler firing speed setting selected from an allowed firing speed range 8522 (8406), and then controls the surgical stapler to drive the firing member at the selected speed (8408).

[0118] Furthermore, graph 8510 shows that control circuit 1210, which is executing process 8300 shown in FIG. 23 or process 8350 shown in FIG. 24, receives first data from a surgical instrument that identifies the surgical instrument as a surgical stapler (8302, 8352), receives second data from a staple cartridge that identifies the cartridge type (8304, 8354), determines that the cartridge type is associated with a specific force threshold setting for the surgical stapler (8306, 8356), and then controls the surgical instrument to execute the determined force threshold (8308, 8358).

[0119] As demonstrated by FIG. 30, the various processes described herein, or any suitable portion thereof, can be utilized in combination with each other in any combination or arrangement for controlling a surgical instrument. Accordingly, a control system 8111 implementing any combination of the described processes is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] As yet another example, FIG. 31 shows a graph 8530 that depicts the relationship between the force represented by vertical axis 8532 and the time represented by horizontal axis 8534 for predictive firing of a surgical stapler that includes control system 8111 executing process 8400 shown in FIG. 28. After clamping the tissue, the surgical stapler is at time t wAfter waiting between, it is programmed to cut the clamped tissue or perform other actions. The waiting time t w is a controllable parameter. In various embodiments, the waiting time t w can be manually selected by the user of the surgical stapler and / or controlled by the control system 8111 of the surgical stapler. In this example, the control circuit 1210 receives first data from a surgical instrument that identifies the surgical instrument as a surgical stapler and / or from a staple cartridge that identifies the cartridge type (8402), receives second data that identifies the user (8404), determines that the user identification information is associated with a specific waiting time t w setting of the surgical stapler (8406), and then controls the surgical stapler to wait for a period defined by the waiting time t w setting, as indicated by line 8536 (8408).

[0121] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can be configured to update the operation settings according to the continuously scanned device. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8450 shown in FIG. 32. Thus, the control circuit 1210 receives the first data from the first RFID tag associated with the device or surgical instrument via one or more RFID scanners, such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected (8452). Thus, the control circuit 1210 can determine the operation settings of the operation settings based on the scanned device (8454). Further, the control circuit 1210 can then receive the second data from the second RFID tag associated with the second device via the RFID scanner 8008 (8456). Thus, the control circuit 1210 can update the operation settings determined according to the second device. For example, the control circuit 1210 can change the operation settings from the first value depending on the first device to the second value depending on both the first and second devices. The data received from the device can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device. As an example, the surgical instrument 8002 can include a trocar including the RFID scanner 8008. When the first device is inserted through the trocar, the control circuit 1210 can read the RFID tag associated with the first device and then update the operation settings associated with the surgical system based on the detection of the device. Then, when the second device is inserted through the trocar, the control circuit 1210 can read the RFID tag associated with the second device and then update the operation settings accordingly. The operation settings in this example can include, for example, the generator power setting, the surgical stapler firing speed, or a counter that tracks the number of device exchanges. Thus, the control circuit 1210 executing the process 8450 can continuously update the operation settings when additional devices are introduced into the operating room or the surgical environment.

[0122] In one aspect, the control system 8111 of the surgical instrument 8002 can be configured to automatically update the default operating algorithm of the surgical instrument 8002 according to its scanned components. For example, the control system 8111 can execute the process 8700 shown in FIG. 33. Thus, the control circuit 1210 receives the first data from the first RFID tag associated with the first device (8702), for example, via one or more RFID scanners such as the RFID scanner 8008 (FIG. 7A) to which the control circuit 1210 is connected, and receives the second data from the second RFID tag associated with the second device (8704). The received data can indicate, for example, the serial number of the device, the device type, and / or the characteristics or parameters associated with the device. In one aspect, the RFID scanner 8008 can be positioned such that the RFID tag associated with each of the components is naturally read by the RFID scanner 8008 as a natural result of the assembly or use of the surgical instrument 8002, as described above in connection with FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0123] Furthermore, the control circuit 1210 can determine an adjustment to the default control algorithm of the surgical instrument 8002 for the received data (8706). Furthermore, the control circuit 1210 can update the default control algorithm to an updated control algorithm based on the determined adjustment (8708). The control algorithm can determine how the surgical instrument 8002 itself (or its components) is controlled, or how a third device (e.g., a surgical generator to which the surgical instrument 8002 is connected) is controlled.

[0124] In one example according to process 8700 of FIG. 33, surgical instrument 8002 is an ultrasonic surgical instrument, and the first and second devices are an ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic waveguide tube each having an RFID tag 8006 that stores first data and second data indicating adjustments to the default natural frequency of surgical instrument 8002, respectively. The ultrasonic surgical instrument is designed to operate within a defined frequency band or range (e.g., 53 - 57 kHz). The ultrasonic energy is used to drive a predefined displacement amount of the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer through the ultrasonic waveguide tube to the ultrasonic blade to complete a desired tissue treatment function. The manufacturing processes of the first and second devices can result in mass variations, material density variations, and / or assembly variations that can shift the natural frequency of the ultrasonic surgical instrument and cause differences in the output displacement. Thus, during manufacturing, each of the first and second devices can be tested to capture its associated natural frequency. The RFID tags 8006 of the first and second devices can each store first data and second data indicating the captured natural frequency.

[0125] In addition to the above, the control circuit 1210 can be configured to determine an adjustment to the default natural frequency of the surgical instrument 8002 based on the first data and the second data (8706), and cause a generator or handle assembly associated with the surgical instrument 8002 to adjust the power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer to generate an updated natural frequency based on the determined adjustment (8708). This optimizes the functionality and variability between devices by having the surgical instrument have an output tailored to the specific design and / or manufacturing parameters of its components. Further, operating at the updated natural frequency will reduce unwanted stress and the chance of breakage. In at least one example, the control circuit 1210 can use a look-up table of natural frequency adjustments for the corresponding device of the surgical instrument 8002, which can be identified via any suitable identification information such as, for example, a transmitted device number, type, or manufacturer.

[0126] For simplicity, the various processes described above are described as being performed by the control circuit 1210 shown in FIG. 7. However, this is a non-limiting example of a control circuit, and it should be recognized that the illustrated processes can be performed by a circuit that can include various hardware and / or software components. As another example, the process can be embodied as an ASIC configured to perform the described functions. As yet another example, the process can be embodied as instructions stored in a memory coupled to a processor that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor or device to perform the functions described. The control circuit can include, for example, the control circuit 1210 shown in FIG. 7, the processor module 11232 of the surgical hub 11206 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and various other hardware and / or software components.

[0127] In various aspects, one of the first device and the second device utilized in the processes described in relation to FIGS. 17, 18, 20, 23, 33 can be a device package. In one example, the second device is the device package of the first device. In another example, the second device is the device package of a third device releasably connectable to a surgical instrument 8002. In at least one example, the first device is a housing assembly 8004a (FIG. 12), and the second device is the package of the housing assembly 8004a. In such an example, the device package can include an RFID tag storing information regarding the housing assembly 8004a. The stored information can indicate whether the device package has been opened or tampered with, can indicate the expiration date of the packaged device, and / or can include compliance and / or authentication information.

[0128] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following examples.

[0129] Example Set 1 · Example 1 - A control system for a surgical instrument for use with a surgical system, the surgical system comprising a first device and a second device, the control system comprising an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the first device via the RFID scanner, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with the second device via the RFID scanner, determine a communication protocol suitable for the first device and the second device according to the first data and the second data, and cause the surgical instrument to utilize the determined communication protocol to communicate with the first device and the second device. · Example 2 - The control system according to Example 1, wherein each of the first device and the second device is selected from the group consisting of a surgical hub, a visualization system, and a robotic surgical system. · Example 3 - The control system according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar. · Example 4 - The control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive an operation setting of the surgical instrument from at least one of the first device or the second device via a determined communication protocol. · Example 5 - The control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit an operation setting to at least one of the first device or the second device via a determined communication protocol. · Example 6 - A control system for a surgical instrument, comprising an RFID scanner, a control circuit connected to the RFID scanner, and a display screen. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device, and determine a type of surgical procedure according to the first data and the second data. · Example 7 - The control system according to Example 6, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device is a component of the surgical instrument. · Example 8 - The control system according to Example 7, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of a handpiece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable. · Example 9 - The control system according to any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device is selected from the group consisting of a surgical hub, a visualization system, and a robotic surgical system. · Example 10 - The control system according to any one of Examples 6 to 9, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar. · Example 11 - The control system according to any one of Examples 6 to 10, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuit is further configured to cause the display screen to display information related to the type of surgical procedure. · Example 12 - The control system according to Example 11, wherein the information includes steps of performing the type of surgical procedure. · Example 13 - A control system for a surgical instrument, comprising an RFID scanner, a control circuit connected to the RFID scanner, and a display screen. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, wherein the first data identifies the device, receive second data from a second RFID tag via the RFID scanner, wherein the second data identifies the user, and determine user settings corresponding to the user and the device. · Example 14 - The control system according to Example 13, wherein the second RFID tag is disposed on a band wearable by the user. · Example 15 - The control system according to Example 13 or 14, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar. · Example 16 - The control system according to any one of Examples 13 to 15, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuit is further configured to cause the display screen to display information related to the surgical instrument according to the determined user settings. · Example 17 - The control system according to any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the determined user settings include the magnification of the visualization system. · Example 18 - The control system according to any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the determined user settings include the layout of the graphical user interface displayed by the display screen. · Control system according to any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the determined user settings include customized operation settings of the surgical instrument.

[0130] Example Set 2 · Example 1 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system including an RFID scanner and a control circuit connected to the RFID scanner, the control circuit configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device via the RFID scanner, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device via the RFID scanner, and verify the compatibility of the first device and the second device based on a comparison of the first data and the second data. · Example 2 - The control system according to Example 1, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuit is configured to provide a warning that the first device and the second device are incompatible through the display screen. · Example 3 - The control system according to Example 2, wherein the display screen is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument is communicatively connected. · Example 4 - The control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first device includes a first component of the surgical instrument and the second device includes a second component of the surgical instrument. · Example 5 - The control system according to Example 4, wherein each of the first component and the second component is selected from the group consisting of a handpiece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable. · Example 6 - The control system according to Example 4 or 5, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag when the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument. · Example 7 - The RFID scanner includes a first RFID scanner, the control system further includes a second RFID scanner, and when the first component and the second component are assembled to form a surgical instrument, the first RFID scanner is positioned to read a first RFID tag, and the second RFID scanner is positioned to read a second RFID tag, the control system according to Example 4 or 5. · Example 8 - The control circuit is further configured to prevent the operation of the surgical instrument according to the incompatibility of the first device and the second device, the control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7. · Example 9 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system includes an RFID scanner and a control circuit connected to the RFID scanner, the control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device via the RFID scanner, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device via the RFID scanner, determine that the first device is incompatible with the second device based on a comparison between the first data and the second data, and provide a proposal for a third device as an alternative to the second device, the control system. · Example 10 - Further including a display screen, the control circuit is configured to provide a warning, the warning includes a notification displayed via the display screen, the control system according to Example 9. · Example 11 - The display screen is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument is communicatively connected, the control system according to Example 10. · Example 12 - The first device includes a first component of the surgical instrument, and the second device includes a second component of the surgical instrument, the control system according to any one of Examples 9 to 11. · Example 13 - Each of the first component and the second component is selected from the group consisting of a handpiece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable, the control system according to Example 12. · The control system according to Example 12 or 13, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag when the first component and the second component are assembled to form a surgical instrument. · The control system according to Example 12 or 13, wherein the RFID scanner includes a first RFID scanner, the control system further includes a second RFID scanner, and when the first component and the second component are assembled to form a surgical instrument, the first RFID scanner is positioned to read the first RFID tag, and the second RFID scanner is positioned to read the second RFID tag. · The control system according to any one of Examples 9 to 15, wherein the control circuit is caused to block the operation of the surgical instrument by determining that the first device and the second device are incompatible. · A control system for a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument being for use with a surgical system, the control system including an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit being configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device via the RFID scanner, determine an operation setting of the surgical system according to the first data, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device via the RFID scanner, and update the operation setting from a first value to a second value according to the first data and the second data. · The control system according to Example 17, wherein the operation setting is for a surgical instrument. · The control system according to Example 17, wherein the operation setting is for a third device of the surgical system. · The control system according to any one of Examples 17 to 19, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag as a result of the first device and the second device being used in combination with the surgical instrument. · Example 21 - A control system according to any one of Examples 17 to 20, wherein the surgical instrument includes a trocar, and the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag of the first device and the second RFID tag of the second device when they are inserted through the trocar.

[0131] Set of Examples 3 · Example 1 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including a first device and a second device, the control system including an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the first device via the RFID scanner, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with the second device via the RFID scanner, determine the type of the surgical instrument according to the first data and the second data, and determine an operation setting according to the type of the surgical instrument. · Example 2 - The control system according to Example 1, wherein the first device includes a first component of the surgical instrument and the second device includes a second component of the surgical instrument. · Example 3 - The control system according to Example 2, wherein each of the first component and the second component is selected from the group consisting of a handpiece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable. · Example 4 - The control system according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag when the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument. · Example 5 - The RFID scanner includes a first RFID scanner, the control system further includes a second RFID scanner, and when the first component and the second component are assembled to form a surgical instrument, the first RFID scanner is positioned to read a first RFID tag, and the second RFID scanner is positioned to read a second RFID tag, the control system according to Example 2 or 3. · Example 6 - The control system is integral with a surgical instrument, the control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5. · Example 7 - The control system is integral with a surgical hub to which a surgical instrument can be communicably connected, the control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5. · Example 8 - The operating settings are for a surgical instrument, the control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7. · Example 9 - The operating settings are for a third device to which a surgical instrument can be communicably connected, the control system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7. · Example 10 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system includes an RFID scanner and a control circuit connected to the RFID scanner, and the control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, where the first data identifies the surgical instrument, and in response to a consumable device for use with the surgical instrument being inserted into the surgical instrument, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with the consumable device via the RFID scanner, where the second data identifies the consumable device, determine an operating setting corresponding to the surgical instrument and the consumable device, and control the surgical instrument according to the determined operating setting. · Example 11 - The surgical instrument includes a clip applier, the consumable device includes a surgical clip, and the operating setting is selected from the group consisting of a force profile applied to the surgical clip by the surgical instrument or a maximum force applied to the surgical clip by the surgical instrument, the control system according to Example 10. · Example 12 - The surgical instrument includes a stapler, the stapler comprising an I-beam and a motor configured to drive the I-beam between a first position and a second position, the consumable device includes a staple cartridge, and the operating settings include the speed at which the motor drives the I-beam, the control system according to Example 10. · Example 13 - The control system is integral with the surgical instrument, the control system according to any one of Examples 10 to 12. · Example 14 - The control system is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument can be communicatively coupled, the control system according to any one of Examples 10 to 12. · Example 15 - The operating settings are for the surgical instrument, the control system according to any one of Examples 10 to 14. · Example 16 - The operating settings are for a third device to which the surgical instrument can be communicatively coupled, the control system according to any one of Examples 10 to 14. · Example 17 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system including an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit being configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, the first data identifying the surgical instrument, receive second data from a second RFID tag via the RFID scanner, the second data identifying the user of the surgical instrument, determine an operating setting corresponding to the user and the surgical instrument, and control the surgical instrument according to the determined operating setting. · Example 18 - The control circuit is configured to read an operating range corresponding to a parameter of the surgical instrument and select an operating setting from within the operating range according to the user, the control system according to Example 17. · Example 19 - The first RFID tag is associated with a component of the surgical instrument, the control system according to Example 17 or 18. · Example 20 - The control system according to Example 19, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read a first RFID tag when components are connected to a surgical instrument. · Example 21 - The control system according to any one of Examples 17 to 20, wherein a second RFID tag is disposed on a band wearable by a user. · Example 22 - The control system according to any one of Examples 17 to 21, wherein the operating setting is selected from the group consisting of staple height, power level of the surgical instrument, closing speed when a motor connected to an end effector of the surgical instrument closes the end effector, firing speed when a motor connected to a firing member of the surgical instrument advances the firing member, and resonance frequency of an ultrasonic blade of the surgical instrument. · Example 23 - The control system according to any one of Examples 17 to 22, wherein the control system is integral with the surgical instrument. · Example 24 - The control system according to any one of Examples 17 to 22, wherein the control system is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument can be communicably connected.

[0132] Although several forms have been illustrated and described, it is not the intention of the applicant to limit or restrict the appended "claims" to such a detailed description. Many modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents of these forms can be implemented and would be envisioned by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the structure of each element related to the forms described can alternatively be described as a means for providing the function implemented by that element. Also, although materials are disclosed with respect to specific components, other materials may be used. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations as being included within the scope of the disclosed forms. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0133] The foregoing detailed description has described various forms of apparatus and / or processes using block diagrams, flow diagrams, and / or examples. As long as such block diagrams, flow diagrams, and / or examples include one or two or more functions and / or operations, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and / or operation included in such block diagrams, flow diagrams, and / or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by a variety of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of some of the forms disclosed herein can be implemented equivalently on an integrated circuit as one or two or more computer programs running on one or two or more computers (e.g., as one or two or more programs running on one or two or more computer systems), as one or two or more programs running on one or two or more processors (e.g., as one or two or more programs running on one or two or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and designing circuits and / or writing software and / or firmware code is within the skill of those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. Additionally, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed in a variety of forms as one or two or more program products, and the specific forms of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal carrier medium used to actually perform the distribution.

[0134] Instructions used to program logic to implement various disclosed aspects may be stored in system memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage. Further, the instructions may be distributed via a network or by other computer-readable media. Thus, a machine-readable medium can include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), but is not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, compact disks, read only memory (CD-ROM), and magneto-optical disks, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage used to transmit information via the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Thus, a non-transitory computer-readable medium can include any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0135] When used in any aspect of this specification, the term "control circuit" can refer to, for example, a hardwired circuit, a programmable circuit (e.g., a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores, a processing unit, a processor, a microcontroller, a microcontroller unit, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a programmable logic array (PLA), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), a state machine circuit, firmware storing instructions executed by a programmable circuit, and any combination thereof. The control circuit can be embodied, collectively or individually, as a circuit forming part of a larger system such as, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a smartphone, etc. Thus, as used herein, "control circuit" refers to an electrical circuit having at least one individual electrical circuit, an electrical circuit having at least one integrated circuit, an electrical circuit having at least one application specific integrated circuit, an electrical circuit forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially executes the processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially executes the processes and / or devices described herein), an electrical circuit forming a memory device (e.g., in the form of a random access memory) and / or an electrical circuit forming a communication device (e.g., a modem, a communication switch, or an opto-electrical facility), but is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in analog form, digital form, or some combination thereof.

[0136] As used in any aspect of this specification, the term "logic" can refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the foregoing operations. The software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, or instruction sets within a memory device and / or hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) data.

[0137] As used in any aspect of this specification, terms such as "component", "system", "module", etc. can refer to a computer-related entity that is either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0138] As used in any aspect of this specification, an "algorithm" refers to a self-collision-free sequence of steps leading to a desired result, and a "step" refers to an operation of a physical quantity and / or logical state that is not necessarily required but can take the form of an electrical or magnetic signal capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is common practice to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc. These and similar terms may be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0139] Examples of networks include packet switched networks. Communication devices can communicate with each other using a selected packet switched network communication protocol. One exemplary communication protocol is the Ethernet communication protocol that enables communication using the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may comply with or be compatible with the Ethernet standard titled "IEEE 802.3 Standard" published in December 2008 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and / or later versions of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, communication devices can communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standards published by the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, communication devices can communicate with each other using the frame relay communication protocol. The frame relay communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the standards published by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers may be able to communicate with each other using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may comply with or be compatible with the ATM standard published by the ATM Forum under the title "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" in August 2001 and / or later versions of this standard. Of course, different and / or later developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are equally contemplated herein.

[0140] In various aspects, the microcontroller of the control circuit according to the present disclosure may be any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those known by the trade name of ARM Cortex from Texas Instruments. In one aspect, the main microcontroller 461 may be, for example, a 256KB single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory on-chip memory with a maximum of 40MHz, the details of which are available in the product datasheet, a prefetch buffer for improving performance beyond 40MHz, 32KB of single-cycle SRAM, an internal ROM with StellarisWare® software, 2KB of EEPROM, one or more PWM modules, one or more QEI analogs, and / or one or more 12-bit ADCs including 12 analog input channels, which may be the LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments.

[0141] Unless otherwise clearly defined, as will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure, throughout the foregoing disclosure, discussions using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," etc., refer to actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that operate on and transform data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the registers and memory of the computer system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the memory or registers of the computer system or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0142] One or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to", "configurable to", "operable / operative to", "adapted / adaptable", "able to", "conformable / conformed to", and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that "configured to" generally may include components in an active state and / or components in a non-active state and / or components in a standby state, except where the context dictates otherwise.

[0143] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a clinician operating a housing portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located farther from the clinician. It will be further understood that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, the surgical instrument is used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0144] Those skilled in the art will generally understand that the terms used herein, and particularly those used in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be construed as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be construed as "having at least", the term "includes" should be construed as "includes but is not limited to", etc.). Further, where a particular number is intended in an introduced claim recitation, such intent will be clearly recited in the claim, and those skilled in the art will understand that where there is no such recitation, there is no such intent. For example, for purposes of illustration, the following appended claims may include introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as suggesting that any particular claim that introduces a claim recitation with an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" is limited to a claim that includes only one such recited matter, even if the same claim includes introductory phrases such as "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be construed as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies when introducing a claim recitation with a definite article.

[0145] In addition, even if a specific number is specified in the introduced claim description, those skilled in the art will recognize that such description should typically be construed to mean at least the recited number (e.g., when there is a mere recitation of "two recited matters" without other modifiers, generally it means at least two recited matters, or two or more recited matters). Further, when an expression similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used, generally such syntax is intended in the sense that those skilled in the art will understand the expression (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, without limitation, a system having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C). When an expression similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" is used, generally such syntax is intended in the sense that those skilled in the art will understand the expression (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, without limitation, a system having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C). Further, typically, any disjunctive word and / or phrase representing two or more alternative terms should be understood to be intended to include one of those terms, any of those terms, or both of those terms, whether in the specification, in the claims, or in the drawings, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" will typically be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0146] Regarding the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the recited operations herein can generally be performed in any order. Also, although the flowcharts of various operations are shown in sequence, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in an order other than that shown, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include, but are not limited to, repetition, interleaving, interruption, reordering, incremental, preparatory, additional, simultaneous, reverse, or other different orderings, unless the context requires otherwise. Further, terms such as "responsive to," "associated with," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0147] Any reference to "one aspect," "aspect," "exemplification," "an exemplification," etc. is specifically noted to mean that the particular mechanism, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the phrases "in one aspect," "in an aspect," "in an exemplification," and "in an exemplification" that appear in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Further, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

[0148] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referenced herein and / or listed in any application data sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material is not inconsistent with this specification. Thus, also to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly set forth herein shall supersede any conflicting description incorporated herein by reference. Although it is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference, any content, or portions thereof, that are inconsistent with the current definitions, views, or other disclosure content set forth in this specification shall only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated content and the current disclosure content.

[0149] In summary, many benefits resulting from using the concepts described herein have been described. The above description in one or more forms is presented for purposes of illustration and explanation. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. One or more forms are selected and described to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various forms in various modifications as suitable for the particular uses contemplated. The claims presented along with this specification are intended to define the overall scope.

[0150] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) A control system for a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including a first device and a second device, the control system including an RFID scanner, and a control circuit connected to the RFID scanner, the control circuit receiving first data from a first RFID tag associated with the first device via the RFID scanner, receiving second data from a second RFID tag associated with the second device via the RFID scanner, determining the type of the surgical instrument according to the first data and the second data, and determining an operation setting according to the type of the surgical instrument, a control system configured to perform. (2) The control system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first device includes a first component of the surgical instrument, and the second device includes a second component of the surgical instrument. (3) The control system according to Embodiment 2, wherein each of the first component and the second component is selected from the group consisting of a handpiece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable. (4) The control system according to embodiment 2, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag when the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument. (5) The RFID scanner includes a first RFID scanner, and the control system further includes a second RFID scanner, and when the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument, the first RFID scanner is positioned to read the first RFID tag, and the second RFID scanner is positioned to read the second RFID tag, the control system according to embodiment 2.

[0151] (6) The control system according to embodiment 1, wherein the control system is integral with the surgical instrument. (7) The control system according to embodiment 1, wherein the control system is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument can be communicably coupled. (8) The control system according to embodiment 1, wherein the operation setting is for the surgical instrument. (9) The control system according to embodiment 1, wherein the operation setting is for a third device to which the surgical instrument can be communicably coupled. (10) A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system comprising an RFID scanner, and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit receiving first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, the first data identifying the surgical instrument. Receiving second data from a second RFID tag associated with the consumable device via the RFID scanner in response to the consumable device for use with the surgical instrument being inserted into the surgical instrument, wherein the second data identifies the consumable device. Determining operation settings corresponding to the surgical instrument and the consumable device, and Controlling the surgical instrument according to the determined operation settings. A control system configured to perform the above.

[0152] (11) The surgical instrument includes a clip applicator, The consumable device includes surgical clips, The control system according to embodiment 10, wherein the operation setting is selected from the group consisting of a force profile applied to the surgical clip by the surgical instrument or a maximum force applied to the surgical clip by the surgical instrument. (12) The surgical instrument includes a stapler, and the stapler An I-beam, and A motor configured to drive the I-beam between a first position and a second position. The consumable device includes a staple cartridge, The control system according to embodiment 10, wherein the operation setting includes a speed at which the motor drives the I-beam. (13) The control system according to embodiment 10, which is integral with the surgical instrument. (14) The control system according to embodiment 10, which is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument can be communicatively coupled. (15) The control system according to embodiment 10, wherein the operation setting is for the surgical instrument.

[0153] (16) The control system according to embodiment 10, wherein the operation setting is for a third device to which the surgical instrument can be communicatively coupled. (17) A control system for a surgical instrument, wherein the control system includes an RFID scanner and a control circuit connected to the RFID scanner, and the control circuit receives first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, wherein the first data identifies the surgical instrument, receives second data from a second RFID tag via the RFID scanner, wherein the second data identifies the user of the surgical instrument, determines an operation setting corresponding to the user and the surgical instrument, and controls the surgical instrument according to the determined operation setting. A control system configured to perform the above. (18) The control circuit of the control system according to embodiment 17 is configured to read an operation range corresponding to the parameters of the surgical instrument, and select the operation setting from within the operation range according to the user. (19) The control system according to embodiment 17, wherein the first RFID tag is associated with a component of the surgical instrument. (20) The control system according to embodiment 19, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read the first RFID tag when the component is connected to the surgical instrument.

[0154] (21) The control system according to embodiment 17, wherein the second RFID tag is disposed on a band wearable by the user. (22) The control system according to embodiment 17, wherein the operation setting is selected from the group consisting of staple height, the power level of the surgical instrument, the closing speed when a motor connected to an end effector of the surgical instrument closes the end effector, the firing speed when a motor connected to a firing member of the surgical instrument advances the firing member, and the resonance frequency of an ultrasonic blade of the surgical instrument. (23) The control system according to embodiment 17, wherein the control system is integral with the surgical instrument. (24) The control system according to embodiment 17, wherein the control system is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument can be communicably connected.

Claims

1. 1. A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system comprising: An RFID scanner; a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit comprising: receiving first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, the first data identifying the surgical instrument; receiving second data from a second RFID tag associated with a consumable device for use with the surgical instrument in response to the consumable device being inserted into the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, the second data identifying the consumable device; determining operational settings corresponding to the surgical instrument and the consumable device; and and controlling the surgical instrument in accordance with the determined operational settings.

2. the surgical instrument comprising a clip applier; the consumable device comprises a surgical clip; The control system of claim 1 , wherein the operational settings are selected from the group consisting of a force profile applied by the surgical instrument to the surgical clip and a maximum force applied by the surgical instrument to the surgical clip.

3. The surgical instrument includes a stapler, the stapler comprising: I-beam and a motor configured to drive the I-beam between a first position and a second position; the consumable device includes a staple cartridge; The control system of claim 1 , wherein the operational settings include a speed at which the motor drives the I-beam.

4. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the control system is integral with the surgical instrument.

5. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the control system is integral to a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument is communicatively connectable.

6. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the operational setting is for the surgical instrument.

7. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the operational setting is for a third device to which the surgical instrument is communicatively connectable.

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