Surgical instrument with integrated and independently powered display

Abstract

To provide a surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a graphical user interface, a primary circuit, a first power source, a life display, and a secondary circuit.SOLUTION: A graphical user interface is disposed on a handle assembly. A primary circuit is operable to drive the graphical user interface. A first power source is configured to provide power for the graphical user interface. A life display is disposed on the handle assembly and is operable to display a power level of the primary power source. A secondary circuit is operable to drive the life display. The secondary circuit is separate from the primary circuit. The secondary circuit is configured to draw less power to drive the life display than an amount of power required by the first power source to drive the graphical user interface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16B

Description

Background Art

[0001] By making the incision wound smaller, the postoperative recovery time and complications can be reduced. Therefore, in some situations, endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferred over conventional open surgical devices. For this reason, among endoscopic surgical instruments, there are those suitable for placing a distal end effector at a desired surgical site through the cannula of a trocar. These distal end effectors can engage with tissue in various forms to obtain diagnostic or therapeutic effects (for example, end cutters, graspers, cutters, staplers, clip applicators, access devices, drug / gene therapy delivery devices, and energy delivery devices using ultrasonic vibration, RF, laser, etc.). Endoscopic surgical instruments may include a shaft that is operated by a clinician between the end effector and the handle portion. Such a shaft allows insertion to a desired depth and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby facilitating positioning of the end effector within the patient's body. Positioning of the end effector can be further facilitated by including one or more joint joints or mechanisms that allow the end effector to be selectively articulated or otherwise deflected with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0002] Examples of endoscopic surgical instruments include surgical staplers. Some such staplers are operable to substantially seal severed tissue layers near the severed ends of the tissue layers by clamping the tissue layers, severing the clamped tissue layers, and driving staples through the tissue layers. Merely exemplary surgical staplers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,000,818, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Separate Distinct Closing and Firing Systems," issued February 21, 2006; U.S. Patent No. 7,380,696, entitled "Articulating Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Two-Piece E-Beam Firing Mechanism," issued June 3, 2008; U.S. Patent No. 7,404,508, entitled "Surgical Stapling and Cutting Device," issued July 29, 2008; U.S. Patent No. 7,434,715, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Multistroke Firing with Opening Lockout," issued October 14, 2008; U.S. Patent No. 7,721,930, entitled "Disposable Cartridge with Adhesive for Use with a Stapling Device," issued May 25, 2010; U.S. Patent No. 8,408,439, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instrument with An Articulatable End Effector," issued April 2, 2013; and U.S. Patent No. 8,453,914, entitled "Motor-Driven Surgical Cutting Instrument with Electric Actuator Directional Control Assembly," issued June 4, 2013. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. patents is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The above-described surgical stapler has been described as being used in endoscopic surgery, but it should be understood that such a surgical stapler can also be used in open surgery and / or other non-endoscopic surgeries. As a mere example, in a thoracic surgery where a trocar is not used as the conduit of the stapler, the surgical stapler can be inserted between the patient's ribs by thoracotomy to reach one or more organs. In such a surgery, the stapler may be used to cut and close the blood vessels connected to the lungs. For example, the blood vessels connected to an organ can be cut and closed by a stapler before removing the organ from the thoracic cavity. Of course, the surgical stapler can be used in various other situations and surgeries.

[0004] Examples of surgical staplers that may be particularly suitable for or used in thoracotomy are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0243801, entitled "Surgical Instrument End Effector Articulation Drive with Pinion and Opposing Racks", published on August 28, 2014, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0239041, entitled "Lockout Feature for Movable Cutting Member of Surgical Instrument", published on August 28, 2014, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0239038, entitled "Surgical Instrument with Multi-Diameter Shaft", and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0239044, entitled "Installation Features for Surgical Instrument End Effector Cartridge", all published on August 28, 2014. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. Patent Application Publications is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0005] Although several surgical instruments and systems have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] This specification concludes with the claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the technology. However, the technology is better understood by reading the following description of certain specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements.

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[0007] The drawings are not intended to limit in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the present technology can be implemented in various other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of this specification illustrate some aspects of the present technology and, together with the description, explain the principles of the present technology, but it is understood that the present technology is not limited to the exact configurations shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following description of specific embodiments of the present technology should not be used for the purpose of limiting its scope. Other embodiments, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is one of the best modes contemplated for practicing the present technology by way of example. As will be understood, the technologies described herein are capable of other different and obvious aspects without departing from the technology. Therefore, the drawings and the description should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature.

[0009] It should also be further understood that any one or two or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or two or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described below should not be considered in isolation from each other. By considering the teachings of this specification, various suitable ways of combining the teachings of this specification will readily become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the "claims".

[0010] For the sake of clarity of the present disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein with respect to an operator or other operator who grasps a surgical instrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term "proximal" means the position of an element closer to the operator or other operator, and the term "distal" means the position of an element closer to the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and farther from the operator or other operator. The surgical instruments described herein include motorized instruments for cutting and stapling, but it is understood that the configurations described herein can be used with any suitable type of electrosurgical instrument, such as, for example, cutters, graspers, staplers, RF cutters / coagulators, ultrasonic cutters / coagulators, and laser cutters / coagulators.

[0011] I. Overview of an Exemplary Surgical Instrument FIG. 1 shows a motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument (10) including a handle assembly (11) and a removable shaft assembly (16). In some variations, the handle assembly (11) and the shaft assembly (16) are each provided as single-use disposable components. In some other variations, the handle assembly (11) and the shaft assembly (16) are each provided as reusable components. As another merely exemplary embodiment, the shaft assembly (16) can be provided as a single-use disposable component, while the handle assembly is provided as a reusable component. Considering the teachings herein, reusable variations of the handle assembly (11) and the shaft assembly (16) that can be suitably reprocessed for reuse will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0012] The handle assembly (11) of the present embodiment includes a housing (12), a closure trigger (32), and a firing trigger (33). At least a portion of the housing (12) forms a handle (14) configured to be gripped, operated, and actuated by a clinician. The housing (12) is configured to be operably attached to a shaft assembly (16), to which a surgical end effector (18) is operably coupled. As will be described below, the end effector (18) is configured to perform one or more surgical tasks or procedures. Specifically, the end effector (18) of the example shown in FIG. 1 is operable to perform surgical cutting and stapling procedures in a manner similar to that of a conventional end cutter end effector, but it should be understood that this is merely one exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a surgical instrument (10) in which a replaceable shaft assembly (16) is operably coupled to a handle assembly (11). FIGS. 2 and 3 show the attachment of the replaceable shaft assembly (16) to the housing (12) of the handle (14). The handle (14) includes a pair of interconnectable handle housing segments (22, 24) that can be interconnected by screws, snap mechanisms, adhesives, etc. In the illustrated configuration, the handle housing segments (22, 24) cooperate to form a pistol grip portion (26) that can be gripped and operated by a clinician. As will be discussed in more detail below, the handle (14) operably supports a plurality of drive systems therein, and those drive systems are configured to generate and apply various control movements to corresponding portions of a replaceable shaft assembly (16) operably attached thereto. As will be discussed in more detail below, the triggers (32, 33) are pivotable toward the pistol grip portion (26) so as to activate at least some of the drive systems of the handle (14).

[0014] At least some of the drive systems within the handle assembly (11) are ultimately driven by a motor (118) schematically shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the motor (118) is positioned in the pistol grip portion (26), but it should be understood that the motor (118) can be positioned at any other suitable location. The motor (118) receives power from a battery pack (110) fixed to the handle (14). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the battery pack (110) is removable from the handle (14). In some other variations, the battery pack (110) is not removable from the handle (14). In some such variations, the battery pack (110) (or a variant thereof) is fully housed within the handle housing segments (22, 24). The various suitable forms that the motor (118) and the battery pack (110) can take will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon considering the teachings of this specification.

[0015] As also schematically shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit (117) is housed within the handle (14). By way of mere example, the control circuit (117) can comprise a microcontroller and / or various other components, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. The control circuit (117) is configured to store and execute a control algorithm for the drive motor (118). The control circuit (117) is also configured to drive a graphical user interface (116) positioned at the proximal end of the handle assembly (11). In some variations, the control circuit (117) is configured to receive and process one or more signals from the shaft assembly (16). By way of mere example, the control circuit (117) can be configured and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272575, published Oct. 1, 2015, entitled "Surgical Instrument Comprising a Sensor System", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other suitable ways in which the control circuit (117) can be configured and operable will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0016] As best shown in FIG. 3, the frame (28) of the handle (14) operably supports a plurality of drive systems. In this particular example, the frame (28) operably supports a "first" or closed drive system designated as (30), and this closed drive system can be used to apply a closing and an opening movement to an interchangeable shaft assembly (16) operably attached or coupled thereto. Also, in this particular example, the closed drive system (30) includes an actuator in the form of a closed trigger (32) pivotally supported by the frame (28). More specifically, the closed trigger (32) is pivotally coupled to the housing (14) by a pin (not shown). Such a configuration allows the closed trigger (32) to be operated by a clinician, so that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion (26) of the handle (14), the closed trigger (32) can be easily pivoted from the starting position or "non-operating" position (FIG. 4A) towards the pistol grip portion (26) to the "operating" position, and more specifically to the fully compressed position or fully operating position (FIG. 4B). The closed trigger (32) may be biased to the non-operating position by a spring or other biasing configuration (not shown).

[0017] In this embodiment, the closed drive system (30) further includes a closed link mechanism assembly (36) pivotally coupled to the closed trigger (32). A portion of the closed link mechanism assembly (36) is shown in FIG. 3. The closed link mechanism assembly (36) can include a first closed link (not shown) pivotally coupled to the closed trigger (32) by a pin (not shown) and a second closed link (38). The second closed link (38) can also be referred to herein as an "attachment member" and includes a lateral attachment pin (42). As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment pin (42) is exposed when the shaft assembly (16) is removed from the handle assembly (11). Thus, as will be described in more detail below, the attachment pin (42) can be coupled to a complementary mechanism of the shaft assembly (16) when the shaft assembly (16) is coupled to the handle assembly (11).

[0018] Referring further to FIGS. 1 - 3, a first closure link (not shown) is configured to cooperate with a closure release assembly (44) pivotally coupled to the frame (28). In at least one example, the closure release assembly (44) has a release button assembly (46) with a distally projecting locking pole (not shown) formed thereon. The release button assembly (46) is pivotable in a counterclockwise direction by a release spring (not shown). When the clinician presses the closure trigger (32) from its non - actuated position toward the pistol grip portion (26) of the handle (14), the first closure link (not shown) pivots upwardly toward the point where a locking pole (not shown) engages and holds with the first closure link (not shown), thereby preventing the closure trigger (32) from returning to its non - actuated position. Thus, the closure release assembly (44) functions to lock the closure trigger (32) in its fully actuated position.

[0019] When the clinician desires to unlock and return the closure trigger (32) from its actuated position to its non - actuated position, the clinician simply biases the closure release button assembly (46) distally, pivoting the closure release button assembly (46), and thus moving the locking pole (not shown) out of engagement with the first closure link (not shown). When the locking pole (not shown) moves out of engagement with the first closure link (not shown), the closure trigger (32) can be returned to its non - actuated position in response to the biasing that urges the closure trigger (32) to its non - actuated position. Other closure trigger lock and release configurations may be used.

[0020] The exchangeable shaft assembly (16) may further include a joint joint (52) and a joint lock (not shown) configured to releasably hold the end effector (18) in a desired position relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16). In this embodiment, the articulation joint (52) is configured to allow the end effector (18) to be deflected laterally away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16), as is known in the art. By way of example only, the end effector (18), the articulation joint (52), and the articulation lock (not shown) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0263541, titled "Articulatable Surgical Instrument Comprising an Articulation Lock," published on September 18, 2014.

[0021] In this embodiment, the joint of the articulating joint (52) is motor-driven via a motor (118) based on a control input from an operator via an articulation control rocker (112) on the handle assembly (11). By way of example only, when the operator presses down on the upper portion of the articulation control rocker (112), the end effector (18) can pivot laterally to the right (when viewing the instrument (10) from above) at the articulating joint (52), and when the operator presses down on the lower portion of the articulation control rocker (112), the end effector (18) can pivot laterally to the left (when viewing the instrument (10) from above) at the articulating joint (52). In some variations, the other side of the handle assembly (11) includes another articulation control rocker (112). In such a variation, the articulation control rocker (112) on the other side of the handle assembly (11) can be configured to provide pivoting of the end effector (18) in a direction opposite to the above-described directions in response to actuation of the articulation control rocker (112) upward and actuation of the articulation control rocker (112) downward. By way of example only, the articulation control rocker (112) and the remaining mechanism that provide motor-driven actuation of the joint of the end effector (18) at the articulating joint (52) can be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0280384, entitled "Surgical Instrument Comprising a Rotatable Shaft," published on October 1, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other suitable ways in which the articulation control rocker (112) and the remaining mechanism that provide motor-driven actuation of the joint of the end effector (18) at the articulating joint (52) can be constructed and operable will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings of this specification.

[0022] The end effector (18) of the present embodiment includes a lower jaw in the form of an elongated channel (48) configured to operably support a staple cartridge (20) therein. The end effector (18) of the present embodiment further includes an upper jaw in the form of a stationary anvil (50) pivotally supported with respect to the elongated channel (48). The replaceable shaft assembly (16) further includes a proximal housing or nozzle (54) consisting of nozzle portions (56, 58), and a closing tube (60) that can be used for the closing and / or opening anvil (50) of the end effector (18). The shaft assembly (16) also includes a closing shuttle (62) slidably supported within the chassis (64) of the shaft assembly (16) such that the closing shuttle (62) can be axially moved with respect to the chassis (64). The closing shuttle (62) includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks (66) configured for attachment to an attachment pin (42) attached to a second closing link (38). The proximal end (not shown) of the closing tube (60) is connected to the closing shuttle (62) for relative rotation therewith, but the combination of the closing tube (60) and the closing shuttle (62) provides for longitudinal movement of the closing tube (60) and the closing shuttle (62) relative to each other. A closing spring (not shown) is pivotally supported on the closing tube (60) and serves to bias the closing tube (60) in the proximal direction (PD), thereby, when the shaft assembly (16) is operably connected to the handle (14), it can serve to pivot the closing trigger (32) to its inoperative position.

[0023] In this embodiment, the articulating joint (52) includes a double pivot closure sleeve assembly (70). The double pivot closure sleeve assembly (70) is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It includes an end effector closure sleeve assembly (72) for engaging an opening tab with the anvil (50) in various manners disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0263541. It should be understood that the double pivot closure sleeve assembly (70) is coupled to the closure tube (60) such that, when the articulating joint (52) is in an articulated operating state (i.e., when the end effector (18) is pivotally deflected laterally away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16) at the articulating joint (52)), the double pivot closure sleeve assembly (70) moves with the closure tube (60) in response to pivoting of the closure trigger (32). Further, the engagement between the end effector closure sleeve assembly (72) and the anvil (50) provides for pivoting of the anvil (50) toward the staple cartridge (20) in response to distal movement of the double pivot closure sleeve assembly (70) and the closure tube (60), and pivoting of the anvil (50) away from the staple cartridge (20) in response to proximal movement of the double pivot closure sleeve assembly (70) and the closure tube (60). The shaft assembly (16) of the present example includes the articulating joint (52), although other replaceable shaft assemblies may lack articulating capabilities.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the chassis (64) includes a pair of tapered attachment portions (74) formed on the chassis that are adapted to be received within corresponding double-tail slots (76) formed within the distal attachment flange portion (78) of the frame (28). Each double-tail slot (76) may be tapered or substantially V-shaped so as to seatably receive the attachment portion (74) therein. A shaft attachment lug (80) is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft (82). Thus, when the replaceable shaft assembly (16) is coupled to the handle (14), the shaft attachment lug (80) is received within a firing shaft attachment cradle (84) formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member (86). When the shaft attachment lug (80) is received within the firing shaft attachment cradle (84), the intermediate firing shaft (82) moves longitudinally with the longitudinal drive member (86). As is known in the art, when the intermediate firing shaft (82) moves distally, the intermediate firing shaft (82) actuates the end effector (18) to drive staples into tissue and cut the tissue. By way of example only, this actuation of the end effector (18) can be carried out in accordance with U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0280384, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or in accordance with the teachings of various other references cited herein.

[0025] FIGS. 4A-4C show different states of the handle assembly (11) between different operating states of the end effector (18). In FIG. 4A, the handle assembly (11) is in a state where the closure trigger (32) is in a non-actuated pivoted position and the firing trigger (33) is in a non-actuated pivoted position. At this stage, the end effector (18) is in an open state where the anvil (50) is pivoted away from the staple cartridge (20).

[0026] In Figure 4B, the handle assembly (11) is in a state where the closure trigger (32) is in its actuated pivot position. As described above, the closure trigger (32) is locked in this position until the operator actuates the release button assembly (46). At this stage, the end effector is in a closed but un-fired state where the anvil (50) is pivoted towards the staple cartridge (20), and thus, the tissue is compressed between the anvil (50) and the cartridge (20). However, the firing shaft (82) has not yet been driven distally to actuate the staples from the staple cartridge (20), and the knife at the distal end of the firing shaft (82) has not yet cut the tissue between the anvil (20) and the staple cartridge (20). It should be noted that the firing trigger (33) is in a partially actuated pivot position in Figure 4B due to the movement of the closure trigger (32) from its non-actuated pivot position to its actuated pivot position. However, this movement of the firing trigger (33) is provided only to improve the operator's access to the firing trigger (33). In other words, this movement of the firing trigger (33) from the position shown in Figure 4A to the position shown in Figure 4B does not yet initiate the firing sequence.

[0027] In FIG. 4C, the handle assembly is in a state where the closing trigger (32) remains in the actuated pivoted position and the firing trigger (33) is pivoted to the actuated pivoted position. This actuation of the firing trigger (33) activates the motor (118) to drive the longitudinal drive member (86) longitudinally, and then drives the firing shaft (82) longitudinally. The longitudinal movement of the firing shaft (82) results in the actuation of staples from the staple cartridge (20) into the tissue compressed between the anvil (50) and the staple cartridge (20), and further results in the cutting of the tissue compressed between the anvil (50) and the staple cartridge (20). In some variations, an additional safety trigger is provided. For example, the additional safety trigger can prevent the actuation of the firing trigger (33) until the safety trigger is actuated. In other words, after reaching the state shown in FIG. 4B, when the operator is ready to actuate the firing trigger (33), the operator must first actuate the safety trigger and then actuate the firing trigger (33). It should be understood that the presence of the safety trigger can prevent the inadvertent actuation of the firing trigger (33).

[0028] Also, in this embodiment, it should be understood that the actuation of the anvil (50) towards the staple cartridge (20) is provided between the closure trigger (32) and the anvil (50) only through a mechanical connection, and thus, a motor (118) is not used to actuate the anvil (50). Also, in this embodiment, it should be understood that the actuation of the firing shaft (82) (and thus, the actuation of the staple cartridge (20)) is provided through the activation of the motor (118). Additionally, the actuation of the articulation joint (52) is provided through the activation of the motor (118) of this embodiment. This motor-driven actuation of the articulation joint (52) is provided through the longitudinal movement of the drive member (86). A clutch assembly (not shown) within the shaft assembly (16) is operable to selectively couple the longitudinal movement of the drive member (86) with a mechanism for driving the articulation joint (52) or actuating the staple cartridge (20). Such selective coupling through the clutch assembly is based on the pivoting position of the closure trigger (32). Specifically, when the closure trigger (32) is in the non-actuated position shown in FIG. 4A, the activation of the motor (118) (in response to the activation of the articulation control rocker (112)) drives the articulation joint (52). When the closure trigger (32) is in the actuated position shown in FIG. 4B, the activation of the motor (118) (in response to the activation of the firing trigger (33)) actuates the staple cartridge (20). By way of example only, the clutch assembly may be configured and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0280384, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] In this embodiment, the handle assembly (11) also includes a "home" button (114). By way of example only, when the anvil (50) is in the closed position, the "home" button (114) can be operative to activate the motor (118) to proximally retract the drive member (86) to the most proximal "home" position. Additionally or alternatively, when the anvil (50) is in the open position, the "home" button (114) can be operative to activate the motor (118) to drive the articulation joint (52) to achieve a non-articulated operating state, such that the end effector (18) is coaxially aligned with the shaft assembly (16). Additionally or alternatively, the "home" button (114) can activate the graphical user interface (116) to return to the "home" screen. Considering the teachings herein, other suitable operations that may be provided in response to activation of the "home" button (114) will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0030] The shaft assembly (16) of the present embodiment further includes a latch system for removably coupling the connecting shaft assembly (16) to the handle assembly (11), and more specifically to the frame (28). By way of mere example, this latch system can include a lock yoke or other type of locking member movably coupled to the chassis (64). As shown in FIG. 3, such a lock yoke can include two proximal projecting lock lugs (96) configured to releasably engage a corresponding lock detent or groove (98) within the frame (28). In some variations, the lock yoke is biased proximally by an elastic member (e.g., a spring, etc.). The operation of the lock yoke can be achieved by a latch button (100) slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly (102) mounted to the chassis (64). The latch button (100) can bias proximally against the lock yoke. The lock yoke can be moved to an unlocked position by biasing the latch button (100) distally, which also pivots the lock yoke to release engagement retention with the frame (28). When the lock yoke is in the "engagement retention" state with the frame (28), the lock lugs (96) engage and seat within the corresponding lock detent or groove (98). By way of further mere example, the shaft assembly (16) can be removably coupled to the handle assembly (11) in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0086823, published March 30, 2017, titled "Surgical Stapling Instrument with Shaft Release, Powered Firing, and Powered Articulation", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0280384, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or in any other suitable manner.

[0031] To initiate the connection process between the shaft assembly (16) and the handle assembly (11), the clinician can position the chassis (64) of the interchangeable shaft assembly (16) above or adjacent to the frame (28) such that the tapered attachment portion (74) formed on the chassis (64) is aligned with the double-tail slot (76) within the frame (28). The clinician can then move the shaft assembly (16) along an attachment axis (IA) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16) to seat the attachment portion (74) in "operable engagement" with the corresponding double-tail receiving slot (76). In so doing, the shaft attachment lug (80) on the intermediate firing shaft (82) is also seated within the cradle (84) of the longitudinally movable drive member (86), and the portion of the pin (42) on the second closure link (38) is seated within the corresponding hook (66) within the closure shuttle (62). As used herein, the term "operable engagement" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with each other such that, when an actuating movement is applied to them, the components can perform the intended act, function, and / or procedure.

[0032] As discussed above, at least five systems of the interchangeable shaft assembly (16) can be operably coupled to at least five corresponding systems of the handle (14). The first system comprises a frame system that couples and / or aligns the frame or spine of the shaft assembly (16) with the frame (28) of the handle (14). The second system is a latch system that releasably locks the shaft assembly (16) to the handle (14).

[0033] The third system is a closing drive system (30) that can operably connect the closing trigger (32) of the handle (14), the closing tube (60), and the anvil (50) of the shaft assembly (16). As outlined above, the closing shuttle (62) of the shaft assembly (16) engages a pin (42) on the second closing link (38). Through the closing drive system (30), the anvil (50) pivots toward and away from the staple cartridge (20) based on pivoting toward and away from the pistol grip (26) of the closing trigger (32).

[0034] The fourth system is a joint and firing drive system that operably connects the firing trigger (33) of the handle (14) and the intermediate firing shaft (82) of the shaft assembly (16). As outlined above, the shaft mounting lug (80) is operably connected to the cradle (84) of the longitudinal drive member (86). This fourth system provides motor-driven actuation of the joint joint (52) or the staple cartridge (20) depending on the pivoted position of the closing trigger (32). When the closing trigger (32) is in the non-actuated pivoted position, the fourth system operably connects the joint control rocker (112) to the joint joint (52), thereby providing a motor-driven pivoting bias of the end effector (18) toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (16) at the joint joint (52). When the closing trigger (32) is in the actuated pivoted position, the fourth system operably connects the firing trigger (33) to the staple cartridge (20), resulting in stapling and cutting of the tissue captured between the anvil (50) and the staple cartridge (20) in response to actuation of the firing trigger (33).

[0035] The fifth system is an electrical system that signals the control circuit (117) of the handle (14) that the shaft assembly (16) is operably engaged with the handle (14), and that energizes and / or communicates signals between the shaft assembly (16) and the handle (14). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the shaft assembly (16) includes an electrical connector (106) operably mounted to a shaft circuit board (not shown). The electrical connector (106) is configured to mesh-engage with a corresponding electrical connector (108) on a handle control board (not shown). Further details regarding the circuitry and control system can be found in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0263541, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272575, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] Other types of systems of the replaceable shaft assembly (16) that can be operably coupled to the corresponding system of the handle (14) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0037] As described above, the handle assembly (11) of this embodiment includes a graphical user interface (116). By way of mere example, the graphical user interface (116) can be used to display various information regarding the operating state of the battery pack (110), the operating state of the end effector (18), the operating state of the joint joints (52), the operating state of the triggers (32, 33), and / or any other type of information. Other suitable types of information that can be displayed via the graphical user interface will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0038] The handle assembly (11) can be configured to be used in connection with a replaceable shaft assembly that includes an end effector adapted to have different shaft lengths, sizes, and types so as to support staple cartridges of different sizes and types. By way of example only, FIG. 6 shows various different types of shaft assemblies (16, 120, 130, 140) that can be used with the handle assembly (11). Specifically, FIG. 6 shows a circular stapler shaft assembly (120) having an end effector (122) operable to perform a circular stapling operation (e.g., end-to-end anastomosis), a linear stapler shaft assembly (130) having an end effector (132) operable to perform a linear stapling operation, and a second end cutter shaft assembly (140) having an end effector (142) operable to perform stapling and cutting operations of the same type as the end effector (18). However, in this embodiment, the shaft assembly (140) is shorter than the shaft assembly (16), the shaft assembly (140) has a smaller diameter than the shaft assembly (16), and the end effector (142) is smaller than the end effector (18). It should be understood that these various surgical stapling shaft assemblies (16, 120, 130, 140) are merely exemplary embodiments.

[0039] In addition, the control circuit (117) may be configured to detect the type of shaft assemblies (16, 120, 130, 140) coupled to the handle assembly (11) and select a control algorithm suitable for that particular type of shaft assembly (16, 120, 130, 140). It should also be understood that, as another merely exemplary embodiment, each shaft assembly (16, 120, 130, 140) can have a chip or other memory device that stores a control algorithm suitable for that particular type of shaft assembly (16, 120, 130, 140), and the control circuit (117) can receive and execute that control algorithm after the shaft assembly (16, 120, 130, 140) is coupled to the handle assembly (11).

[0040] In addition, the handle assembly (11) can also be effectively used with various other replaceable shaft assemblies, including an assembly configured to apply other types of energy and movement, such as radio frequency (RF) energy, ultrasonic energy, and / or movement, to an end effector configuration adapted for use in various surgical applications and procedures. Further, the end effector, shaft assembly, handle, surgical instrument, and / or surgical instrument system can utilize any suitable fastener(s) to fasten tissue. For example, a fastener cartridge having a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein can be removably inserted and / or attached to the end effector of the shaft assembly. Various examples of such cartridges are disclosed in the various references listed herein.

[0041] The various shaft assemblies (16) disclosed herein can utilize sensors and other various components that require electrical communication with a control circuit (117) within the handle assembly (11). The electrical communication can be provided via meshing of electrical connectors (106, 108). By way of mere example, such sensors and other components can be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0272575, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally or alternatively, the instrument (10) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of any of the various other references listed herein.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the various teachings disclosed herein can be effectively utilized in connection with a robotic-controlled surgical system. Accordingly, the term "housing" or "body" can also encompass a housing or similar portion of a robotic system configured to generate and apply at least one control movement for operating the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein and their respective equivalents. The term "frame" may refer to a portion of a hand-held surgical instrument. The term "frame" can also represent a portion of a robotic-controlled surgical instrument and / or a portion of a robotic system that can be used to operably control the surgical instrument. By way of mere example, the interchangeable shaft assemblies disclosed herein can be used with any of the various robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535, issued July 7, 2015, entitled "Surgical Stapling Instruments with Rotatable Staple Deployment Arrangements", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0043] II. Exemplary Battery Life Display with an Independent Power Source As described above, the handle assembly (11) of the present embodiment includes a graphical user interface (116), which can be used to display information regarding the operating state of the battery pack (110), the operating state of the end effector (18), the operating state of the joint joint (52), the operating state of the triggers (32, 33), and / or any other type of information. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a secondary display that simply indicates how much life remains in the battery pack (110). Such a secondary display can be integrated within the graphical user interface (116) or within the battery pack (110). Also, the secondary display may be powered, for example, independently of the remaining graphical user interface (116), the motor (118), and the control circuit (117), together with a control circuit independent of the remaining graphical user interface (116) and the control circuit driving the motor. FIGS. 7-14, 16A, and 16B show some exemplary variations of the handle assembly (11) that include a secondary display, hereinafter referred to as a battery life display (216), for providing information regarding the useful remaining life or operating state of the primary drive battery of the battery pack (110).

[0044] A. Exemplary Positioning of the Battery Life Display As shown in FIGS. 7-10, some variations of the handle assembly (11) can include a battery life display (216) that is statically arranged or fixedly associated with the handle assembly (11). Static variations of this battery life display (216) are configured to be integrated with the handle assembly (11) or otherwise not normally move separately from the handle assembly (11). In some variations of the handle assembly (11), the battery life display (216) can be provided either in an interconnectable handle housing segment (22, 24) as shown in FIG. 7 or in a battery pack (110) as shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the battery life display (216) is integral with the graphical user interface (116) but can be provided as a segmented portion.

[0045] In variations where the battery life display (216) is integrated with the graphical user interface (116), the battery life display (216) can be provided within any region of the graphical user interface (116), and the relative position can be customizable as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a user can operate a user input to configure the battery life display (216) positioned in the lower right quadrant of the graphical user interface (116). Alternatively, another user can operate a user input to configure the battery life display (216) positioned in the upper left quadrant of the graphical user interface (116).

[0046] B. Exemplary Separate Power Source for the Battery Life Display As schematically shown in FIG. 11, a graphical user interface (116) is powered by a first or primary power source via a battery pack (110), while a battery life display (216) is powered by a separate secondary power source, referred to herein as power source (210). In some variations, power source (210) is a dedicated power source different from the primary power source within battery pack (110). In this configuration, power source (210) can comprise a battery such as a coin cell battery or another style of battery sized to fit within the handle assembly (11) or battery pack (110) (e.g., adjacent to the primary cell within battery pack (110) used to drive the operation of the instrument (10)). In other variations, power source (210) is an intermediate power source between battery life display (216) and the primary power source provided within battery pack (110). In this configuration, power source (210) can be a small power reservoir (e.g., a capacitor, supercapacitor, etc.) that can be recharged from the primary power source within battery pack (110) in response to the power level depleting below a particular threshold. By way of example only, battery life display (216) can be powered independently in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 480,546, filed Apr. 6, 2017, entitled "Lifecycle Monitoring Features for Surgical Instrument", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In yet another merely exemplary variation, the same battery that drives main display (116) can drive battery life display (216), thus obviating the need for a separate dedicated battery life display power source (210). Even when the same power source is used to drive both types of displays (116, 216), differences in the configuration of the associated circuitry (117, 218) can result in battery life display (216) drawing less power from the power source than the amount of power drawn by main display (116).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 11, the charging circuit (217) is provided such that the power source (210) enables access to a primary power source provided within a battery pack (110) that provides power to the graphical user interface (116). Some variations of the power source (210) can be embodied as a rechargeable battery configured to supply power to the battery life display (216) as needed. In these variations, the power source (210) takes power out of the primary power source within the battery pack (110) to the charging circuit (217) as needed to recharge the power source (210).

[0048] C. Exemplary Battery Life Tracking As discussed above, the handle assembly (11) can be a reusable component of the instrument (10). However, although the handle assembly (11) is somewhat reusable, the handle assembly (11) can experience mechanical and / or electrical degradation over time. For example, the primary power source within the battery pack (110) may eventually deplete below a certain threshold and may no longer be able to supply sufficient power to the motor (118) for the end effector (18) connected to the handle assembly (11) to fire. The gradual degradation can correlate with the device life of the handle assembly (11) and / or the primary power source within the battery pack (110). The device life can be a static consideration (e.g., 5 firings of the handle assembly (11)) or a dynamic consideration depending on the particular usage of the handle assembly (11).

[0049] The control circuit (218) can be included within the handle assembly (11) or the battery pack (110). By way of mere example, the control circuit (218) can comprise a microcontroller and / or various other components as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. The control circuit (218) is configured to store and execute algorithms for collecting metrics and characteristics of various elements of the instrument (10) and for subsequently calculating the amount of remaining life of either the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) or the battery pack (110). The control circuit (218) is also configured to drive the battery life display (216) to display the calculated remaining life to the user. In some variations, the control circuit (218) is configured to receive and process one or more signals from the shaft assembly (16) and / or the handle assembly (11), or any other element within the instrument (10). Other suitable ways in which the control circuit (218) can be configured and made operative will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some variations of the handle assembly (11), the control circuit (218) is omitted and any mechanism or function described herein is provided through the control circuit (117). In the present embodiment, the control circuit (218) is configured to draw less power than is required by the control circuit (117) to drive the main display (116) in order to drive the life display (216).

[0050] The battery life display (216) is configured to indicate to the user the estimated remaining life of the primary power source of the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110). To provide remaining life feedback to the user, the control circuit (218) is configured to track various metrics or other usage characteristics of the handle assembly (11) and to calculate or update a device life variable. The device life variable is then converted into graphical feedback and provided to the user through the battery life display (216) to indicate to the user the associated remaining life of the primary power source of the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110).

[0051] Figure 12 shows a general method (219) for continuously providing device life information. The method (219) begins with step (221), whereby a device life variable is displayed to the user on a battery life display (216). In response to a first use or a first initialization of the handle assembly (11), the device life variable indicates the total remaining life of the handle assembly (11).

[0052] In some variations of the method (219), step (221) can be actuated or triggered by a request event, whereby the user is required to visually identify the remaining life of the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110) via the battery life display (216), either actively or passively. In these variations of the method (219), the battery life display (216) is configured to sleep or dim in order to minimize power usage during the time between request events. The battery life display (216) wakes up from sleep or otherwise powers on when an active or passive request event is actuated to provide feedback to the user. Examples of active request events can include pressing a button, activating a graphical user interface (116), or actuating another element of the appliance (10). Examples of passive request events can include a life loss event as described below, the occurrence of a system event, reaching a threshold related to a built-in accelerometer, or when a particular internal counter reaches the next interval. When the device life variable or its graphical representation is displayed to the user, step (221) proceeds to step (223).

[0053] In operation (223), a determination is made as to whether a life loss event has been detected. In some variations of the handle assembly (11), the control circuit (117) adjusts or provides this determination. In other variations, the control circuit (218) adjusts or provides this determination. In still other variations, both the control circuit (117) and the control circuit (218) adjust or provide this determination. If a life loss event is detected, operation (223) proceeds to operation (225). If a life loss event is not detected, operation (223) returns to operation (221).

[0054] A life loss event is an event recognizable by one or both of the control circuits (117, 218) as an event that affects the remaining life of the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110). For example, firing of the handle assembly (11) can consume the primary power source within the battery pack (110) and can reduce the useful life of the handle assembly (11) by a certain amount. Other examples of life loss events include mechanically toggling a switch (not shown) of the appliance (10), communication from the graphical user interface (116) or the handle assembly (11) when the control circuit (117) indicates or recognizes life loss, or communication by the handle assembly (11) either mechanically, electrically, or optically of the next incremental life loss when the handle assembly (11) has used up its life amount.

[0055] In some variations, as discussed in more detail below, the battery life display (216) and / or the control circuit (218) can access a low - current monitoring circuit associated with the battery pack (110) while the primary power source within the battery pack (110) is in sleep mode. In some variations, access to the low - range monitoring circuit is restricted only while the primary power source within the battery pack (110) is in sleep mode. In these variations, the battery life display (216) and / or the control circuit (218) can access the primary circuit associated with the primary power source within the battery pack (110) when the primary power source is not in sleep mode. The battery life display (216) can be configured to display, upon request, the remaining life associated with the primary power source and can be driven by a dedicated coin - cell power source or other type of dedicated power source. By way of example only, the low - range current monitoring circuit and / or the primary circuit disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with any of the various systems, instruments, components, and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket No. END8157USNP.0645308], filed on the same day as this application, entitled "Battery Powered Surgical Instrument with Dual Power Utilization Circuits for Dual Modes", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] After detecting a loss of a life event, step (223) proceeds to step (225). In step (225), the device life variable is updated to reflect a change in the remaining life of the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110). Thereafter, step (225) returns to step (221) to display the updated life information to the user via the battery life display (216).

[0057] D. Exemplary Low - Power Graphical Feedback The battery life display (216) can be configured to minimize the power required to energize the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110) and to indicate their remaining life, in order to minimize the requirements of the power source (210). For this purpose, the battery life display (216) can include a graphically simple scheme for illustrating the remaining life, such as a simple number or graphical representation of the relative remaining life of the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110). As shown in FIG. 13A, the battery life display (216) can provide feedback information regarding the remaining life to the user by showing a life meter (227). The life meter (227) includes a plurality of bars (229) extending horizontally thereon with numbers (231) thereon to indicate the total amount of life remaining in the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110). When referring to the number (231), a particular bar (229A) is illuminated in a different color from the remaining bars (229) to represent the total amount of remaining life. In this embodiment, the bar (229A) is illuminated in a different color from the other bars (229) and is generally aligned with a number (231A) indicating that a life of "40" remains. As life is used in the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110), the bar (229A) moves in the direction of arrow A to indicate the amount of decrease in the remaining life of the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 13B, the battery life display (216) can show a slider (233) to provide feedback information regarding the remaining life to the user. The slider (233) includes an indicator (235) juxtaposed with a track (237) having hash marks (239) to indicate the remaining life. As life is consumed / debited from the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110), the indicator moves in the direction of arrow B to indicate the decrease in life.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 13C, the battery life display (216) can show a gauge (241) that evokes an automotive-style fuel gauge or tachometer. The gauge (241) includes a dome shape (243). The graphic “E” on one side of the dome represents that the battery life is “empty”, and the graphic “F” on the other side represents that the battery life is “full”. The needle (245) rotates to point within the region between “F” and “E” to indicate how much life remains in the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110) relative to the range from “empty” to “full”. As life is consumed / deducted from the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110), the needle (245) rotates counterclockwise in the direction of arrow C to indicate the decrease in life.

[0060] As described above and as shown in FIGS. 13A - 13C, the life meter (227), the slider (233), and the gauge (241) are merely examples of graphical feedback that require a minimal amount of power from the power source (210). The life meter (227), the slider (233), and the gauge (241) can be formed using electronic ink, LEDs, LCDs, or any other graphical technology. Further, any other style of simple graphical feedback can be provided by the battery life display (216).

[0061] E. Exemplary Battery Modes In some variations of the handle assembly (11), the primary power source within the battery pack (110) can transition between an active mode, a sleep mode, and a discard mode. The primary power source within the battery pack (110) transitions to the active mode when the user is handling the handle assembly (11) or otherwise currently interacting with the appliance (10). When the handle assembly (11) senses a period of non-use, the primary power source within the battery pack (110) enters the sleep mode. In the sleep mode, the handle assembly (11) draws a minimal amount of power from the primary power source within the battery pack (110) while waiting for a wake event such as the user lifting the handle assembly (11) and activating the built-in accelerometer. When the useful life of the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110) decreases below a certain threshold, the battery pack (110) moves to the discard mode. In the discard mode, the battery pack (110) does not provide power to the appliance (10). This ensures that the appliance (10) does not fail or otherwise stop working during a medical procedure.

[0062] FIG. 14 illustrates a method (301) for use with some variations of the handle assembly (11) and the battery pack (110). The method (301) begins at step (303), whereby the handle assembly (11) enters the active mode. In the active mode, the user is either currently using, has recently used, or is preparing to use the handle assembly (11) in some manner. After step (303), the method (301) proceeds to step (305). In step (305), a determination is made as to whether to initiate the sleep mode for the handle assembly (11). This determination can be made based on system metrics or other information available to the control circuit (117) or the control circuit (218). For example, the handle assembly (11) can include an accelerometer and can make a determination as to whether to enter the sleep mode based on the amount of time elapsed since the accelerometer detected movement of the handle assembly (11). If it is determined that the sleep mode should not be initiated, step (305) returns to step (303). If it is determined that the sleep mode should be initiated, step (305) proceeds to step (307).

[0063] In operation (307), a determination is made regarding the handle assembly (11), how much life remains in the primary power source of the battery pack (11), and / or how many more firings the handle assembly (11) can perform based on the remaining life. Thereafter, the remaining firings and / or life are compared to a specific threshold. For example, in some variations of method (301), the threshold number of remaining firings is 4. In this embodiment, operation (307) determines whether the number of remaining firings in the handle assembly (11) is 4 or less. If, in operation (307), it is determined that the number of remaining firings in the handle assembly (11) is more than 4, operation (307) proceeds to operation (309) and starts the sleep mode for the handle assembly (11). After starting the sleep mode, operation (309) proceeds to operation (313). In operation (313), a determination is made regarding whether the handle assembly (11) has encountered a wake event as described above. If it is determined that the handle assembly (11) has not encountered a wake event, operation (313) returns to operation (309). If it is determined that the handle assembly (11) has encountered a wake event, operation (313) returns to operation (303) and starts the active mode.

[0064] In step (307), if it is determined that the number of remaining emissions in the primary power source within the handle assembly (11) and / or the battery pack (110) based on the remaining life is four or less, step (307) proceeds to step (311). In step (311), the battery pack (110) transitions to the discard mode. In the discard mode, the operation of the battery of the primary power source within the battery pack (110) is stopped, and the elements of the handle assembly (11) that depend on the primary power source within the battery pack (110) no longer function. When the remaining emissions and life are low, the primary power source within the battery pack (110) is treated as if it were completely depleted to ensure that the handle assembly (11) is no longer used, thus preventing the handle assembly (11) from becoming inoperative during a medical procedure. Thereafter, step (311) proceeds to step (315). In step (315), feedback regarding the discard mode of the handle assembly (11) / battery pack (110) is provided to the user through the graphical user interface (116) or the battery life display (216). As described above, the battery life display (216) is driven by the power source (210) and the control circuit (218) to indicate the transition to the discard mode.

[0065] III. Exemplary Movable Display By positioning the graphical user interface (116) on top of the handle assembly (11), sufficient visibility can be provided to a number of users of the instrument (10) in various surgical situations. However, there may be cases where it is desirable to enable the user to view the graphical user interface (116) from various other angles. For example, depending on the angle at which the shaft assembly (16) is inserted into the patient, it may be desirable to facilitate viewing of the graphical user interface (116) from the side or rear of the handle assembly (11). Further, there may be cases where it is desirable to enable the user to select the positioning and / or angle of the graphical user interface (116) so that the user can make on-the-fly adjustments based on the situation. FIGS. 15A-21 show some exemplary variant forms of the handle assembly (11) that include a movable display to enable the user to position the display as desired, for ergonomic purposes, and / or for other purposes.

[0066] A. Angular movement of an exemplary display As shown in FIGS. 15A - 15G, the handle assembly (11) can include a movable display (401). The movable display (401) is generally positioned at the proximal end of the handle assembly (11) and includes a display portion (402) connected to the housing (12) of the handle assembly (11) by a joint (405). The display portion (402) includes a display, such as a graphical user interface (116), within a housing (403). The joint (405) enables the display portion (402) to be moved relative to the handle assembly (11) about two axes of motion, positioning the display portion (402) at any position desired by the user. The joint (405), as shown in FIG. 15B, enables the display portion (402) to move angularly about a first axis (406). The first axis (406) is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly (11), shown as axis (408) in FIG. 15B. The joint (405) also enables the display portion (402) to move angularly about a second axis (407). The second axis (407) is in substantially the same plane as axis (408) and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly (11).

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the display portion (402) is configured to selectively lie flat with respect to the upper portion of the housing (12). Optionally, the user can move the display portion (402) in the direction of arrow D about the first axis (406) of the joint (405) to project the graphical user interface (116) proximally with respect to the handle assembly (11), thereby manually lifting the display portion (402) to the orientation illustrated in FIG. 15C. Thereafter, the user can move the display portion (402) to the orientation illustrated in FIG. 15D by moving the display portion (402) in the direction of arrow E about the second axis (407) of the joint (405). As shown in FIG. 15E, to project the graphical user interface (116) distally with respect to the handle assembly (11), the user continues to rotate the display portion (402) in the direction of arrow E. From the orientation illustrated in FIG. 15E, the user can move the display portion (402) in the direction of arrow F about the joint (405) to fold the display portion (402) with respect to the proximal portion of the handle assembly (11) as shown in FIGS. 15F and 15G. Thus, the movable display (401) allows the user to determine the orientation of the graphical user interface (116) and move the graphical user interface (116) to the user's personal preference.

[0068] In some variations, a detent or other mechanism can be used to selectively hold the movable display (401) in a desired position. The detent can be configured to provide sufficient resistance to prevent the movable display (401) from moving inadvertently, yet also allow the user to easily adjust the positioning. Further, a built-in accelerometer or other sensor(s) can be provided to sense the position and / or orientation of the movable display (401) and / or the handle assembly (11), and accordingly change the orientation of the information presented. For example, when the user moves the movable display (401) sufficiently and rotates the movable display (401) upside down, the information within the movable display (401) can be rotated or adjusted to provide the information in the correct orientation with respect to the orientation of the movable display (401).

[0069] In some variations of the joint (405), movement of the movable display (401) to the orientations shown in FIGS. 15C through 15A and 15B is blocked. Thus, the movable display (401) can only transition between the orientation shown in FIG. 15E and the orientation shown in FIG. 15G. Some variations of the joint (405) can be single-axis joints, allowing only pivotal movement about a first axis (406) while preventing movement about a second axis (407) of the movable display (401). In these variations of the joint (405), the movable display (401) generally pivots back and forth from FIG. 15E to FIGS. 15F and 15G.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the handle assembly (11) can include a movable display (501). Similar to the movable display (401), the movable display (501) is generally positioned at the proximal end of the handle assembly (11), and is also within the housing (503) and includes a display portion (502) connected to the housing (12) of the handle assembly (11) by a joint (505). The orientation and range of movement of the joint (505) are different from those of the joint (405) in that the joint (505) prevents the display portion (502) from moving beyond the proximal portion of the handle assembly (11) and folding so as to abut against its rear. Within these limitations, the joint (505) allows the movable display (501) to move about a first axis (509) oriented substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (513) of the handle assembly (11). The joint (505) also allows the movable display (501) to move about a second axis (511) that is in a plane substantially the same as the longitudinal axis (513) and is oriented at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the handle assembly (11).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 16B, the display portion (502) is movable in the direction of arrow G about the first axis (509) and in the direction of arrow H about the second axis (511). However, due to the arrangement and configuration of the joint (505), the display portion (502) is prevented from moving beyond substantially horizontal with the main plane of the handle assembly (11). In some variations of the handle assembly (11), the battery pack (110) is removably disposed within the battery compartment (507), and thus it may be desirable to prevent the user from covering the battery compartment (507) with the display portion (502). Accordingly, the user is prevented from moving the display portion (502) into an overlapping relationship with the battery compartment (507).

[0072] B. Exemplary Pivoting Display As shown in FIGS. 17A to 21, the handle assembly (11) can include a display having a single-axis angular movement rather than a biaxial angular movement as exemplified using the movable displays (401, 501).

[0073] The movable display (601) is shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The movable display (601) is generally positioned at the proximal end of the handle assembly (11) and includes a display portion (602) connected to the housing (12) of the handle assembly (11) by a pivot joint (605). The display portion (602) includes a display such as a graphical user interface (116) within a housing (603). The pivot joint (605) pivots the display portion (602) with respect to the handle assembly (11) about an axis (611), enabling the display portion (602) to be positioned at any position desired by the user along arrow I in FIG. 17B. The pivot joint (605) includes a pin (607) disposed within a channel (not shown) defined by the display portion (602), and a pair of recesses (not shown) defined by a pair of brackets (609) and substantially aligned with the channel, enabling the display portion (602) to rotate about the pin (607).

[0074] FIGS. 18 to 19C illustrate another movable display pivotable with respect to the handle assembly (11), hereinafter referred to as the movable display (701). The movable display (701) includes a guided slide mechanism (705) instead of a pivot joint (605) having a pin (607) disposed between two brackets (609). The guided slide mechanism (705) facilitates the sliding pivot of the display portion (702) between a first position (P1) (shown in FIG. 19A), a second position (P2) (shown in FIG. 19B), and a third position (P3) (shown in FIG. 19C), and between any intermediate positions therebetween.

[0075] The guided slide mechanism includes a pair of display arms (707) connected to each side of the display portion (702) by a first pivot connection portion (709). The first pivot connection portion (709) can be any element that moves the display arm (707) and the display portion (702) as needed to enable the display portion (702) to move between a first position (P1) and a third position (P3). Each rotating arm (707) is connected to the handle assembly (11) by a second pivot connection portion (711). The second pivot connection portion (711) can be any element that moves the display arm (707) and the display portion (702) as needed to enable the display portion (702) to move between a first position (P1) and a third position (P3). As shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, the guided slide mechanism (705) enables the display portion (702) to move between a first position (P1), a second position (P2), and a third position (P3), allowing the user to position the display portion (702) anywhere between the top of the handle assembly (11) as shown in FIG. 19A and the proximal end of the handle assembly as shown in FIG. 19C.

[0076] Some variations of the movable display (701) can include a locking mechanism (713) to allow the user to lock the display arm (707) in a preselected orientation. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the locking mechanism (713) can be similar to a button lock, whereby a spring-loaded button (715) is disposed on one or both of the display arms (707) facing the handle assembly (11). A series of complementary button recesses (717) are aligned along the arcuate path of the button (715) and configured to receive the button (715) therein when a particular recess (717) is aligned with the button (715). In response to the alignment, the button (715) is pushed into the recess (717), fixing the guided mechanism (705) in a particular inclined position associated with the particular recess (717). For example, if the user desires to fix the display portion (702) in a first position (P1), the user rotates the display portion (702) until the button (715) is pushed into the recess (717A). If the user desires to fix the display portion (702) in a second position (P2), the user rotates the display portion (702) until the button (715) is pushed into the recess (717B). If the user desires to fix the display portion (702) in a third position (P3), the user rotates the display portion (702) until the button (715) is pushed into the recess (717C).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 21, the locking mechanism (713) can be similar to a magnetic lock, whereby a series of magnets (719) are disposed on the handle assembly (11) along the arcuate path of the display arm (707). In this configuration, the display arm (707) is made of a ferromagnetic material and is thus attracted to the magnet (719) when the display arm (707) passes over the ferromagnetic material.

[0078] For example, if the user desires to fix the display part (702) at the first position (P1), the user rotates the display part (702) until the display arm (707) is magnetically attracted by the magnet (719A) and maintains a substantially stationary state. If the user desires to fix the display part (702) at the second position (P2), the user rotates the display part (702) until the display arm (707) is magnetically attracted by the magnet (719B) and maintains a substantially stationary state. If the user desires to fix the display part (702) at the third position (P3), the user rotates the display part (702) until the display arm (707) is magnetically attracted by the magnet (719C) and maintains a substantially stationary state.

[0079] IV. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of application of any claims presented at any time in this application or in an application subsequent to this application. It is not intended to waive anything. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. The various teachings of this specification are believed to be capable of being arranged and applied in many other ways. Also, in some variations, it is contemplated that certain features mentioned in the following examples may be omitted. Therefore, none of the aspects or features mentioned below should be considered as important by the inventors or successors in interest of the inventors, unless explicitly stated otherwise at a later date. If claims containing additional features other than those mentioned below are presented in this application or in an application subsequent to this application related to this application, those additional features should not be assumed to have been added for any reason related to patentability.

Examples

[0080] A surgical instrument, comprising: (a) a handle assembly extending from a distal end to a proximal end; (b) a graphical user interface disposed on the handle assembly; (c) a primary circuit operable to drive the graphical user interface; (d) a first power source configured to provide power to the graphical user interface; (e) a life display disposed on the handle assembly and operable to display the power level of the primary power source; (f) a secondary circuit operable to drive the life display, the secondary circuit being separate from the primary circuit and configured to draw less power than the amount of power required by the first power source to drive the graphical user interface to drive the life display.

Example

[0081] The surgical instrument according to Example 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a housing and the graphical user interface is disposed within the housing.

Example

[0082] The surgical instrument according to Example 2, wherein the life display is disposed within the housing.

Example

[0083] The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 and 2, further comprising a power supply housing, wherein the handle assembly is configured to selectively receive the power supply housing therein, the first power source is disposed within the power supply housing, and the life display is integrated with the power supply housing.

Example

[0084] The surgical instrument according to Example 4, further comprising a second power source configured to provide power to the life display, the second power source being disposed within the power supply housing.

Example

[0085] The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the life display is integrated with the graphical user interface.

Example

[0086] The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to graphically display the life display at a certain position within the graphical user interface.

Example

[0087] The surgical instrument according to Example 7, wherein the position is configurable by the user through the graphical user interface.

Example

[0088] The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising a control circuit configured to maintain a life variable of a first power source, and the life display is configured to graphically display the first power source life variable.

Example

[0089] The surgical instrument according to Example 9, wherein the handle assembly is configured to shift from an active mode to a discard mode when reaching a first power source life variable threshold.

Example

[0090] The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 10, further comprising a second power source configured to provide power to the life display, the second power source being a rechargeable battery and configured to be recharged by the first power source.

Example

[0091] The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising a movable display, wherein one or both of the graphical user interface and the life display are disposed within the movable display.

Example

[0092] The surgical instrument according to Example 12, wherein the movable display includes a joint and is configured to move angularly about a first axis of the joint.

Example

[0093] The surgical instrument according to Example 13, wherein the movable display is configured to move angularly about a second axis of the joint.

Example

[0094] The surgical instrument according to any one or more of Examples 1 to 14, further comprising a second power source configured to provide power to the life display, wherein one or both of the first power source and the second power source are batteries.

Example

[0095] A surgical instrument comprising: (a) a handle assembly extending from a distal end to a proximal end; (b) a first display disposed in the handle assembly; (c) a first battery configured to provide power to the first display; (d) a second display disposed in the handle assembly, the second display being configured to indicate a battery life variable, the battery life variable being based on a power level of the first battery; and (e) a second display power source configured to provide power to the second display.

Example

[0096] The surgical instrument according to Example 16, further comprising a second display and a control circuit connected to a second display power supply.

Example

[0097] The surgical instrument according to Example 17, wherein a battery life variable is maintained by a control circuit.

Example

[0098] A method of using a handle assembly having a first display and a second display, comprising: (a) powering the first display by a first power supply; (b) powering the second display by a second power supply; (c) assigning a life number to the first power supply; and (d) indicating the life number on the second display.

Example

[0099] The method according to Example 19, further comprising: (a) firing the handle assembly, wherein firing is powered by a first power supply; (b) decrementing a life number in response to firing the handle assembly; and (c) updating the life number shown on the second display in response to decrementing the life number.

[0100] V. Others It should be understood that any version of the instruments described herein may include various other features in addition to, or instead of, those described above. By way of example only, any of the instruments described herein may include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references incorporated herein by reference. The teachings herein can be readily applied to any of the instruments described in any of the other references cited herein, and thus it should also be understood that the teachings herein can be readily combined in many ways with the teachings of any of the references cited herein. Other types of instruments into which the teachings herein can be incorporated will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0101] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8154USNP1.0645301], filed on the same day as this specification and entitled "Apparatus and Method to Determine End of Life of Battery Powered Surgical Instrument", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8154USNP.0645301] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0102] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8156USNP.0645305], filed on the same day as this specification and entitled "Battery Pack with Integrated Circuit Providing Sleep Mode to Battery Pack and Associated Surgical Instrument", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8156USNP.0645305] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0103] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8157USNP.0645308], filed on the same day as this specification, entitled "Battery Powered Surgical Instrument with Dual Power Utilization Circuits for Dual Modes", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8157USNP.0645308] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0104] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8158USNP.0645310], filed on the same day as this specification, entitled "Powered Surgical Instrument with Latching Feature Preventing Removal of Battery Pack", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8158USNP.0645310] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0105] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8159USNP.0645320], filed on the same day as this specification, entitled "Modular Powered Electrical Connection for Surgical Instrument with Features to Prevent Electrical Discharge", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8159USNP.0645320] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0106] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket No. END8160USNP.0645322], filed on the same day as this specification, entitled "Powered Surgical Instrument with Independent Selectively Applied Rotary and Linear Drivetrains", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket No. END8160USNP.0645322] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0107] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket No. END8161USNP.0645357], filed on the same day as this specification, entitled "Powered Circular Stapler with Reciprocating Drive Member to Provide Independent Stapling and Cutting of Tissue", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket No. END8161USNP.0645357] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0108] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket No. END8243USNP.0645558], filed on the same day as this specification, entitled "Surgical Stapler with Independently Actuated Drivers to Provide Varying Staple Heights", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Agent Docket No. END8243USNP.0645558] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0109] In addition to the above, the teachings of this specification can be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8162USNP.0645359], filed on the same date as this specification, entitled "Surgical Instrument Handle Assembly with Feature to Clean Electrical Contacts at Modular Shaft Interface", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings of this specification can be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END8162USNP.0645359] will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the teachings of this specification.

[0110] It should also be understood that any range of values recited herein is to be read as including the upper and lower limits of such range. For example, a range expressed as "about 1.0 inch to about 1.5 inches" is to be read as including the values between those upper and lower limits, as well as about 1.0 inch and about 1.5 inches.

[0111] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure content that is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference is to be understood as being incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated content does not conflict with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosure content described in this disclosure, either in whole or in part. In and of itself, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure content expressly described herein shall supersede any conflicting descriptions incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portions thereof, that conflict with the current definitions, opinions, or other disclosure content described in this specification shall be incorporated herein by reference for reference purposes only, but shall be considered as being referenced only to the extent that no conflict arises between the referenced content and the current disclosure content.

[0112] The above-described variant forms of the device can have uses not only in conventional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also in robot-assisted medical procedures and surgeries. By way of mere example, the various teachings herein can be readily incorporated into robotic surgical systems, such as the DA VINCI (trademark) system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (Sunnyvale, California). Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the various teachings herein can be readily combined with the various teachings of U.S. Patent No. 6,783,524, titled "Robotic Surgical Tool with Ultrasound Cauterizing and Cutting Instrument" (published Aug. 31, 2004), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0113] The above-described variant forms may be designed to be discarded after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either or both cases, the variant forms can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of a disassembly step of the device, followed by a cleaning or replacement step of certain parts, and then a reassembly step. In particular, some variant forms of the device can be disassembled, and any number of specific portions or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of specific parts, some variant forms of the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either in a reconditioning facility or by an operator immediately prior to surgery. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly can be utilized in reconditioning the device. The use of such techniques and the resulting reconditioned device are all within the scope of this application.

[0114] By way of example only, the variations described herein may be sterilized before and / or after surgery. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma rays, X-rays, or high-energy electron beams. The radiation can kill bacteria on the device and within the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in a sterilized container for later use. The device may be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma rays, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0115] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and further adaptation of the methods and systems described herein can be achieved. Some of such possible modifications have been described, but other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the above examples, embodiments, shapes, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, etc. are illustrative and not essential. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered from the perspective of the following claims and is to be understood as not being limited to the details of the structures and operations illustrated and described in this specification and the drawings.

[0116] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) A surgical instrument, (a) a handle assembly extending from a distal end to a proximal end, (b) a graphical user interface disposed on the handle assembly, (c) a primary circuit operable to drive the graphical user interface, (d) a first power source configured to provide power to the graphical user interface, (e) a life display disposed on the handle assembly and operable to display the power level of the primary power source, (f) A secondary circuit operable to drive the life display, the secondary circuit being separate from the primary circuit, the secondary circuit being configured to draw less power than the amount of power required by the first power source to drive the graphical user interface to drive the life display. A surgical instrument comprising a secondary circuit. (2) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the handle assembly includes a housing, and the graphical user interface is disposed within the housing. (3) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 2, wherein the life display is disposed within the housing. (4) Further comprising a power supply housing, the handle assembly being configured to selectively receive the power supply housing therein, the first power source being disposed within the power supply housing, and the life display being integrated with the power supply housing. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 2. (5) Further comprising a second power source, the second power source being configured to provide power to the life display, the second power source being disposed within the power supply housing. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 4.

[0117] (6) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the life display is integrated with the graphical user interface. (7) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to graphically display the life display at a position within the graphical user interface. (8) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 7, wherein the position is configurable by a user through the graphical user interface. (9) Further comprising a control circuit, the control circuit being configured to maintain a life variable of the first power source, and the life display being configured to graphically display the life variable of the first power source. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1. (10) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 9, wherein the handle assembly is configured to shift from an active mode to a discard mode when a lifetime variable of the first power source reaches a threshold value.

[0118] (11) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, further comprising a second power source, wherein the second power source is configured to provide power to the lifetime display, the second power source is a rechargeable battery, and the second power source is configured to be recharged by the first power source. (12) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, further comprising a movable display, wherein one or both of the graphical user interface and the lifetime display are disposed on the movable display. (13) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 12, wherein the movable display includes a joint, and the movable display is configured to move angularly about a first axis of the joint. (14) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 13, wherein the movable display is configured to move angularly about a second axis of the joint. (15) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, further comprising a second power source, wherein the second power source is configured to provide power to the lifetime display, and one or both of the first power source and the second power source are batteries.

[0119] (16) A surgical instrument, (a) a handle assembly extending from a distal end to a proximal end; (b) a first display disposed on the handle assembly; (c) a first battery configured to provide power to the first display; (d) a second display disposed on the handle assembly, the second display being configured to indicate a battery life variable, the battery life variable being based on a power level of the first battery; (e) A second display power supply configured to provide power to the second display. A surgical instrument comprising the same. (17) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 16, further comprising a control circuit connected to the second display and the second display power supply. (18) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 17, wherein the battery life variable is maintained by the control circuit. (19) A method of using a handle assembly having a first display and a second display, comprising: (a) Powering the first display with a first power supply; (b) Powering the second display with a second power supply; (c) Assigning a number of lives to the first power supply; (d) Displaying the number of lives on the second display. (20) (a) Firing the handle assembly, wherein the firing is powered by the first power supply; (b) Decrementing the number of lives in response to firing the handle assembly; (c) Updating the number of lives shown on the second display in response to decrementing the number of lives. The method according to embodiment 19, further comprising the above steps.

Claims

Claim 1 A surgical instrument comprising: (a) a handle assembly extending from a distal end to a proximal end; (b) a first display disposed on the handle assembly; (c) a first battery configured to provide power to the first display; (d) a second display disposed on the handle assembly, the second display being configured to indicate a remaining battery life, the remaining battery life being based on a power level of the first battery; and (e) a second display power source configured to provide power to the second display and not to the first display. Claim 2 The surgical instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit connected to the second display and the second display power source. Claim 3 The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the remaining battery life is maintained by the control circuit.

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