Methods for recovering parts of surgical instruments for remanufacturing and sustainability

Abstract

A method for recovering a portion of a surgical kit having surgical instruments includes disassembling the surgical instruments and determining a disposal method for the surgical kit. The recovering further includes verifying reusability of the portion of the surgical instruments and determining a waste stream for the portion of the surgical instruments. The method also includes disassembling the portion of the surgical instruments from the remaining portion of the surgical instruments at a predetermined area of the surgical instruments, thereby recovering the portion of the surgical instruments according to the waste stream.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Various ultrasonic surgical instruments include an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and / or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins within tissue cells). These instruments contain one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are transmitted along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element. Examples of ultrasonic surgical instruments and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0079874, published April 13, 2006, now abandoned, entitled "Tissue Pad for Use with an Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0191713, published May 17, 2018, now abandoned, entitled "Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0200940, published August 21, 2008, now abandoned, entitled "Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

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

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

[0005] Such instruments and robotic surgical systems may also be incorporated into surgical systems for performing procedures in a surgical environment, such as a surgical suite or operating room within a medical facility. A sterile field is typically created around the patient and may include appropriately cared for and scrubbed medical personnel, as well as any desired furniture and / or fixtures. Examples of such surgical systems and associated mechanisms are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201046, published July 4, 2019, entitled "Method for Controlling Smart Energy Devices," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201080, published July 4, 2019, entitled "Ultrasonic Energy Device Which Varies Pressure Applied by Clamp Arm to Provide Threshold Control Pressure at a Cut Progression Location," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201091, published July 4, 2019, entitled "Radio Frequency Energy Device for Delivering Combined Electrical Signals," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201092, published September 12, 2019, entitled "Method for Controlling Temperature in and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0274717, entitled "Surgical Network Determination of Prioritization of Communication, Interaction, or Processing Based on System or Device Needs," published July 4, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0006] While several surgical instruments and systems have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] While this specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present technology, the present technology will be better understood from the following description of certain specific embodiments read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements. [Figure 1] 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computer-implemented interactive surgical system. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a top schematic view of an example of a surgical system for performing surgical procedures in an operating room of a medical facility. [Figure 3] 3 shows a side schematic view of an example surgical hub of the surgical system of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows a perspective view of a combination generator module having bipolar, ultrasonic, and monopolar contacts of the surgical system of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 3A-3C show side schematic views of various examples of exemplary generators and surgical instruments for use with the surgical system of FIG. 2. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a surgical instrument including a plurality of selectively removable shrouds attached by a plurality of magnetic members in a connected state. [Figure 6B] 6B illustrates a partially exploded side view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 6A, with the shrouds separated from one another in an unconnected state. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a side view of a surgical instrument including a magnetic locking assembly in a locked state and a plurality of selectively removable shrouds held by the magnetic locking assembly in a connected state. [Figure 7B] 7B illustrates a partially exploded side view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 7A with the magnetic locking assembly in an unlocked state and the shrouds separated from one another in a disconnected state. [Figure 8A] 1 shows a perspective view of a surgical instrument including a shroud attached by a push pin in a connected state and in electrical communication with a generator. [Figure 8B] 8B illustrates a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 8A, with the shrouds separated from one another in an unconnected state. [Figure 9] 8B shows an enlarged perspective view of a push pin being removed from the shroud of the surgical instrument of FIG. 8A. [Figure 10] FIG. 8B shows a side view of another push pin for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 8A. [Figure 11A] 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a surgical instrument with the shroud removed to expose the main circuit board and multiple pluggable sub-boards in installed positions. [Figure 11B] 11B illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 11A with the shroud removed and multiple pluggable sub-boards in an uninstalled position. [Figure 12] 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a surgical instrument with the shroud removed to expose the main circuit board with the frangible separator intact. [Figure 13] 13 shows a perspective view of the main circuit board of the surgical instrument of FIG. 12 with the main circuit board separated. [Figure 14A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument including a latch in a latched position and a memory member in an operable state. [Figure 14B] 14B shows a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 14A with the latch in an unlatched position after passing over the memory member to disable the memory member. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument including a latch configured to move to an open position and engage a set of contacts to render data on a memory member unreadable. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a circuit assembly of a surgical instrument including a memory component connected to a main circuit board by a flex circuit. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 shows a side schematic view of another circuit assembly of a surgical instrument including a memory component connected to a main circuit board with a pin connector. [Figure 18] 1 shows a schematic side view of a circuit assembly of a surgical instrument including a memory member having a frangible notch connected to a main circuit board. [Figure 19A] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a surgical instrument including a selectively removable shroud in an installed position, a support member, and a main circuit board in an operational state. [Figure 19B] 19B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 19A in an uninstalled position with the shroud removed and the support member connecting the main circuit board to the shroud and in an inoperative state. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an energy drive system of a surgical instrument having an energy coupling portion. [Figure 21] 21 shows an enlarged plan view of a portion of the energy-driven system of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an energy drive system for a surgical instrument having an energy coupling section separating the waveguide from the acoustic transducer. [Figure 23] 23 shows an enlarged plan view of a portion of the energy-driven system of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 1 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of another energy-driven system. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an energy-driven system including an ultrasonic transducer fitted with a cover. [Figure 26A] 1 shows a perspective view of a body assembly of a surgical instrument, with the first shroud portion and the second shroud portion in mated connection with a strain relief mechanism that holds the cable and whose portions are hidden for greater clarity; [Figure 26B] 26A shows a perspective view of the body assembly with the first shroud portion and the second shroud portion in a disconnected state and the strain relief mechanism releasing the cables and partially hidden for greater clarity. [Figure 27]3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary cable assembly connected between a medical device and a generator for use with the surgical system of FIG. 2. [Figure 28] 28 shows an enlarged, partially cutaway perspective view of a cable adapter of the cable assembly of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] 29 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the centerline of the cable adapter of FIG. 28 receiving the exemplary instrument adapter of the medical device of FIG. 27 in an uncoupled position. [Figure 30] 30 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cable adapter similar to FIG. 29, but showing the instrument adapter received by the cable adapter from a partially engaged, unlocked position to a fully engaged, locked position. [Figure 30A] 30A shows a cross-sectional view of the cable adapter of FIG. 30 taken along section line 30A-30A of FIG. 30. [Figure 31] 10 shows a schematic side view of another exemplary cable assembly receiving another exemplary instrument adapter of a medical device from an uncoupled position to a partially coupled, unlocked position. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 shows a schematic side view of the cable assembly and instrument adapter similar to FIG. 31 , but showing the cable assembly and instrument adapter moved from the partially engaged, unlocked position of FIG. 31 to the fully engaged, locked position. [Figure 33] 6 shows a schematic front view of a surgical kit including the surgical instrument of FIG. 5 and an example of an instrument tool assembly. [Figure 34] 34 shows a schematic side view of the generator of FIG. 5 and the instrument tool assembly of FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 34 shows a schematic front view of the instrument tool assembly of FIG. 33. [Figure 36A] FIG. 10 illustrates a front schematic view of another example of an instrument tool assembly in a first configuration. [Figure 36B] FIG. 36B shows a front schematic view of the instrument tool assembly of FIG. 36A in a second configuration. [Figure 37] FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of an exemplary robotic surgical system including multiple tools. [Figure 38]1 shows a perspective view of a surgical instrument with the housing of the surgical instrument partially removed to expose retrievable components. [Figure 39] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary tool including multiple disassembly mechanisms. [Figure 40] 40 illustrates a side view of a first exemplary disassembly mechanism of the tool of FIG. 39 moving from a first configuration to a second configuration to disassemble a portion of the tool of FIG. 38. [Figure 41] 41 illustrates a side view of the disassembly mechanism of FIG. 40 moving from a third configuration to a fourth configuration to disassemble a portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 38. FIG. [Figure 42A] 39 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first and second housing portions of the surgical instrument of FIG. 38 coupled together in a connected configuration using mechanical connectors, prior to disassembly by a second exemplary disassembly mechanism of the tool of FIG. 39. [Figure 42B] 42B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first and second housing portions similar to FIG. 42A, but after the disassembly mechanism of FIG. 42A has moved the mechanical connector to an unconnected configuration; [Figure 43A] FIG. 39 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first and second housing portions of the surgical instrument of FIG. 38 coupled together in a connected configuration using a magnetic connector. [Figure 43B] 43B is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 43A, but showing the first and second housing portions after the magnetic connector has been moved to a disconnected configuration by a third exemplary disassembly mechanism. [Figure 44A] 39 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first and second housing portions of the surgical instrument of FIG. 38 coupled together in a connected configuration using an electrical connector. [Figure 44B] 44B is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 44A, but showing the first and second housing portions after the electrical connectors have been moved to an unconnected configuration using a fourth exemplary disassembly mechanism; [Figure 45A] 39 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing of FIG. 38 when the fifth exemplary disassembly mechanism is activated. [Figure 45B]45B is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 45A, but showing a portion of the housing after it has been separated using the disassembly mechanism of FIG. 45A. [Figure 46A] FIG. 39 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth exemplary disassembly mechanism moving from a first configuration toward a second configuration to separate frangible portions of the surgical instrument of FIG. 38. [Figure 46B] 46A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the disassembly mechanism of FIG. 46A, with the weakened portions separated. [Figure 47] 1 illustrates a side view of multiple tools positioned on a tool dispenser. [Figure 48] 1 shows an exemplary surgical kit including packaging enclosing another exemplary surgical instrument and disassembly mechanism. [Figure 49] 49 shows the surgical instrument of FIG. 48 but in an exploded configuration. [Figure 50] 38 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary method of operating the robotic surgical system of FIG. 37. [Figure 51A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an operating room with a surgical kit located in a non-sterile entrance. [Figure 51B] FIG. 51A shows a schematic diagram of an operating room in which a surgical kit is transported into the sterile field of the operating room. [Figure 51C] FIG. 51A shows a schematic diagram of an operating room in which a surgical kit is divided into assembled surgical sub-components, non-surgical sub-components, and multiple disposal bags. [Figure 51D] FIG. 51A shows a schematic diagram of an operating room in which surgical and non-surgical subcomponents are broken down into post-operative components organized into categories. [Figure 51E] FIG. 51A shows a schematic diagram of an operating room, with post-operative components organized into categories and placed in respective disposal pouches of the surgical kit of FIG. 51A. [Figure 51F] FIG. 51A shows a schematic diagram of an operating room where post-operative components and waste bags are transported into a non-sterile exit room. [Figure 52] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary surgical instrument and computing device. [Figure 53]1 shows a flowchart of a method for determining disposition instructions for an energized surgical instrument recently used in a surgical procedure. [Figure 54A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a generator with a longer power cord and a surgical instrument with a shorter power cord, the longer power cord being stored within a storage bin on the generator. [Figure 54B] FIG. 54B shows a schematic diagram of the generator and surgical instrument with the longer power cord extending away from the generator storage bin. [Figure 54C] 54B shows a schematic diagram of the generator and surgical instrument of FIG. 54A, with the longer and shorter power cords coupled together. [Figure 55] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first exemplary surgical kit, with the outer packaging of the surgical kit in a closed configuration. [Figure 56A] 56 shows a schematic top view of the surgical kit of FIG. 55, with the outer packaging in a partially open configuration. [Figure 56B] 56B shows a schematic top view of the return packaging of a surgical kit containing some of the surgical instruments of FIG. 56A. [Figure 57] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary surgical kit, with the outer packaging of the surgical kit in a closed configuration. [Figure 58] 58 shows a schematic top view of the sterile packaging, return packaging, and a portion of the surgical instruments of the surgical kit of FIG. 57. [Figure 59] 58A and 58B show schematic diagrams of an exemplary method of using the surgical kit of FIGS. 55 and 57. [Figure 60] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary proximal body that may be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein. [Figure 61A] 61 shows a cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 60, with the first shroud and second shroud separated from each other. [Figure 61B] 61A shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 60 with the first shroud and second shroud of FIG. 61A actuated toward each other. [Figure 61C]61A shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 60, with the first shroud and second shroud of FIG. 61A coupled together such that the latch assembly is in a locked configuration. [Figure 61D] 61A shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 60, with the first shroud and second shroud of FIG. 61A coupled together and a user actuating the latch assembly of FIG. 61C in an unlocked configuration. [Figure 61E] 61B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 60 with the first shroud and second shroud of FIG. 61A initially separated from one another. [Figure 62] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of another exemplary proximal body that may be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein. [Figure 63] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of another exemplary proximal body that may be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein. [Figure 64A] 64 shows an enlarged perspective view of the coupling assembly of the proximal body of FIG. 63 in a detached configuration. [Figure 64B] 64B shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly along section line 64B-64B of FIG. 64A in the coupled configuration. [Figure 65A] 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative coupling assembly in a disconnected configuration. [Figure 65B] 65B shows an enlarged perspective view of the coupling assembly of FIG. 65A in a coupled configuration. [Figure 66] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged, exploded perspective view of another exemplary proximal body that may be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein. [Figure 67A] 67 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the coupling assembly of the proximal body of FIG. 66 in a detached configuration. [Figure 67B] 67B shows an enlarged perspective view of the coupling assembly of FIG. 67A in a coupled configuration. [Figure 68A] 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative coupling assembly in a disconnected configuration. [Figure 68B] 68B shows an enlarged perspective view of the coupling assembly of FIG. 68A in a coupled configuration. [Figure 69A]An enlarged cross-sectional view of another exemplary proximal body that can be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein is shown, with the proximal body being assembled with electrical components housed therein. [Figure 69B] An enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 69A is shown, with the electrical components being biased away from the shroud of the proximal body for disassembly. [Figure 70A] A cross-sectional view of the shroud of the proximal body of FIG. 69A still coupled to the electrical components of FIG. 69A and disposed on an exemplary immersion tray is shown. [Figure 70B] A cross-sectional view of the shroud of FIG. 70A coupled to the electrical components of FIG. 69A and inappropriately disposed within the immersion tray of FIG. 70A is shown. [Figure 71A] A cross-sectional view of the shroud of FIG. 70A separated from the electrical components of FIG. 69A and disposed above the immersion tray of FIG. 70A is shown. [Figure 71B] A cross-sectional view of the shroud of FIG. 70A separated from the electrical components of FIG. 69A and appropriately disposed within the immersion tray of FIG. 70A is shown. [Figure 72A] An enlarged side view of another exemplary proximal body that can be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein is shown. [Figure 72B] An enlarged side elevation view of the proximal body of FIG. 72A is shown with a scan device scanning the barcode of the proximal body. [Figure 72C] An enlarged side elevation view of the proximal body of FIG. 72A is shown with the hatch door of the proximal body removed. [Figure 73A] An enlarged cross-sectional view of another exemplary proximal body that can be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein is shown. [Figure 73B] An enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 73A is shown with a magnet hovering over the proximal body. [Figure 73C] An enlarged cross-sectional view of the proximal body of FIG. 73A is shown with the hatch door of the proximal body removed. [Figure 74A]FIG. 10 shows an enlarged side elevational view of another exemplary proximal body that may be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein. [Figure 74B] 74B shows an enlarged side elevation view of the proximal body of FIG. 74A, with the heat source hovering above the proximal body. [Figure 74C] 74B shows an enlarged side elevation view of the proximal body of FIG. 74A with the hatch door of the proximal body removed. [Figure 75A] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged side elevational view of another exemplary proximal body that may be readily incorporated into any of the surgical instruments shown herein. [Figure 75B] 75B shows an enlarged side elevation view of the proximal body of FIG. 75A with an interactor hovering over the proximal body. [Figure 75C] 75B shows an enlarged side elevational view of the proximal body of FIG. 75A with the power cord removed from the proximal body. [Figure 76A] 1 shows a perspective view of a processing bag assembly in a closed configuration. [Figure 76B] 76B shows a perspective view of the processing bag assembly of FIG. 76A in an open configuration. [Figure 76C] 76B shows a perspective view of the processing bag assembly of FIG. 76A in an open configuration with surgical components loaded therein. [Figure 76D] 76B shows a perspective view of the processing bag assembly of FIG. 76A in a closed configuration with the surgical component of FIG. 76C loaded therein. [Figure 77] 1 shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary processing bag assembly. [Figure 78] 1 shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary processing bag assembly. [Figure 79] 1 shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary processing bag assembly. [Figure 80] 1 shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary processing bag assembly. [Figure 81] 10 shows a flow chart of an optional exemplary shutdown cycle that may be used with any of the surgical instruments shown herein. [Figure 82]1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary surgical visualization system including an imaging device and a surgical device. [Figure 83] FIG. 83 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary control system that can be used with the surgical visualization system of FIG. 82. [Figure 84] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for determining the recoverability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument. [Figure 85] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary evaluation method for determining the recoverability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument. [Figure 86] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary evaluation method for determining the recoverability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument. [Figure 87] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary evaluation method for determining the recoverability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument. [Figure 88] 1 shows a flowchart of an exemplary evaluation method for determining the recoverability of at least one feature of a surgical instrument. [Figure 89] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an evaluation and irrigation port that can be utilized to evaluate the recovery potential of at least one feature of a surgical instrument and then irrigate at least one feature of the surgical instrument. [Figure 90A] 89A shows a cross-sectional view of the evaluation and cleaning port of FIG. 89 with the end effector partially inserted. [Figure 90B] 90 shows a cross-sectional view of the evaluation and cleaning port of FIG. 89 with the end effector further inserted. [Figure 91] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the end effector sheath. [Figure 92A] 92 shows a cross-sectional view of the end effector sheath of FIG. 91 with the end effector adjacent to the entrance of the sheath. [Figure 92B] 92 shows a cross-sectional view of the end effector sheath of FIG. 91 with the end effector inserted within the sheath. [Figure 93] 1 depicts a top view of a surgical kit package. [Figure 94]94 shows a perspective view of a removable cleaning kit of the surgical kit package of FIG. 93.

[0008] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any manner, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be embodied in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology, although it is understood that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following description of specific examples of the present technology should not be used for the purpose of limiting its scope. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is, by way of example, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present technology. As will be understood, the technology described herein is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the technology. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

[0010] It should be further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one 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 one another. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0011] For clarity of this disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a human or robotic surgical instrument operator. The term "proximal" refers to the location of an element closer to a human or robotic surgical instrument operator and further from a surgical end effector of the surgical instrument. The term "distal" refers to the location of an element closer to a surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further from a human or robotic surgical instrument operator. It should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "upper," and "lower" are used with respect to the examples and associated figures and are not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein.

[0012] I. Example of a Surgical System Referring to Figure 1, a computer-implemented interactive surgical system (100) includes one or more surgical systems (102) and a cloud-based system (e.g., a cloud (104) that may include a remote server (113) coupled to a storage device (105). Each surgical system (102) in this example may include at least one surgical hub (106) in communication with the cloud (104), which may include the remote server (113). In one example, as shown in Figure 1, the surgical systems (102) include a visualization system (108), a robotic system (110), and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument (112), which are configured to communicate with each other and / or with the hub 106. In some embodiments, surgical system (102) may include M hubs (106), N visualization systems (108), O robotic systems (110), and P handheld intelligent surgical instruments (112), where M, N, O, and P are integers greater than or equal to 1. In any case, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein, any suitable combination of the features provided below may be incorporated into an exemplary surgical system, such as surgical system (100), and used in an operating room to perform a desired surgical procedure.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows an example of a surgical system (102) being used to perform a surgical procedure on a patient lying on an operating table (114) in an operating room (116). A robotic system (110) is used as part of the surgical system (102) in the surgical procedure. The robotic system (110) includes a surgeon's console (118), a patient side cart (120) (surgical robot), and a surgical robot hub (122). While the surgeon views the surgical site through the console (118), the patient side cart (120) can manipulate any of multiple surgical arms (123) and at least one removably coupled surgical tool (117) through a minimally invasive incision in the patient's body. Images of the surgical site can be acquired by a medical imaging device (124), which can be manipulated by the patient side cart (120) to reorient the imaging device (124). The robotic hub (122) can be used to process and then display the images of the surgical site to the surgeon through the console (118).

[0014] Other types of robotic systems may be readily adapted for use with surgical system 102. Various examples of robotic systems and surgical tools suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,339, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "Robot Assisted Surgical Platform," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0015] Various examples of cloud-based analytics performed by the cloud (104) and suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,340, entitled "Cloud-Based Medical Analytics," filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] In various embodiments, the imaging device (124) includes at least one image sensor and one or more optical components. Suitable image sensors include, but are not limited to, charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. In various embodiments, the imaging device (124) is configured for use in minimally invasive procedures. Examples of imaging devices suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, arthroscopes, angioscopes, bronchoscopes, cholangioscopes, colonoscopes, cystoscopes, duodenoscopes, enteroscopes, esophagogastroduodenoscopes (gastroscopes), endoscopes, laryngoscopes, nasopharyngological-nephroscopes, sigmoidoscopes, thoracoscopes, and ureteroscopes. Some aspects of spectral and multispectral imaging are described in detail in the "Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module" section of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, entitled "Interactive Surgical Platform," filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] During any surgical procedure, rigorous sterilization of the operating room and surgical equipment is necessary. The strict hygiene and sterilization conditions required in an "operating room," i.e., operating room or procedure room, require the highest possible sterility of all medical devices and equipment. Part of that sterilization process requires sterilization of everything that comes into contact with the patient or penetrates the sterile field. It will be understood that the sterile field may be considered a specific area deemed free of microorganisms, such as in a tray or on a sterile towel, or the sterile field may be considered the area immediately surrounding the patient who has been prepared for surgery. The sterile field may include properly clothed and cleansed team members, as well as all supplies and fixtures within the area.

[0018] In addition to the introduction of any features of the surgical system 100, furniture, or fixtures into a sterile field requiring sterilization, additional complications may arise from the removal of these features from the sterile field, particularly if such features come into contact, or are presumed to have come into contact, with the patient, including any tissues and / or fluids associated with the surgical procedure. Such contamination of these features from the patient often requires special consideration during or after the surgical procedure, particularly when processing these features for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing, as needed. In one example, medical personnel associated with the surgical system 100 and / or the surgical procedure may be specifically equipped to handle such processing, as described in more detail below.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2 , the primary display (119) is positioned in the sterile field so as to be visible to the operator of the operating table (114). In addition, a visualization tower (111) is positioned outside the sterile field. The visualization tower (111) includes a first non-sterile display (107) and a second non-sterile display (109) facing opposite each other. A visualization system (108) guided by the hub (106) is configured to utilize the displays (107, 109, 119) to coordinate the flow of information to operators inside and outside the sterile field. For example, the hub (106) can cause the visualization system (108) to display snapshots of the surgical site captured by the imaging device (124) on the non-sterile displays (107) or (109) while maintaining a live video of the surgical site on the primary display (119). The snapshots on the non-sterile displays (107) or (109) can, for example, allow the non-sterile operator to perform diagnostic steps related to the surgical procedure.

[0020] In one aspect, the hub (106) is also configured to send diagnostic input or feedback entered by the non-sterile operator at the visualization tower (111) to the primary display (119) in the sterile field for viewing by the sterile operator at the operating table. In one example, the input can be in the form of modifications to the non-sterile display (107) or snapshots displayed on the display (109), which can be sent by the hub (106) to the primary display (119).

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, a surgical instrument (112) is used as part of a surgical system (102) in a surgical procedure. The hub (106) is also configured to coordinate information flow to the display of the surgical instrument (112), for example, as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "Interactive Surgical Platform," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower (111) can be sent by the hub (106) to a surgical instrument display (115) in the sterile field, where it can be viewed by the operator of the surgical instrument (112). Exemplary surgical instruments suitable for use with the surgical system (102) are described, for example, in the "Surgical Instrument Hardware" section of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, entitled "Interactive Surgical Platform," filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a hub 106 in communication with a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112. The hub 106 includes a hub display 135, an imaging module 138, a generator module 140, a communications module 130, a processor module 132, and a storage array 134. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the hub 106 further includes a smoke evacuation module 126, a suction / irrigation module 128, and / or an operating room mapping module 133.

[0023] During surgery, the application of energy to tissue for sealing and / or cutting is commonly associated with smoke evacuation, excess fluid aspiration, and / or tissue irrigation. Fluid, power, and / or data lines from different sources often become tangled during surgery. Addressing this issue can result in valuable time being lost during surgery. Untangling the lines may require unplugging them from their corresponding modules, which may require resetting the modules. The hub modular enclosure 136 provides an integrated environment for managing power, data, and fluid lines, reducing the frequency of such line tangles.

[0024] 3-4, an aspect of the present disclosure is presented relating to a hub modular enclosure (136) that enables modular integration of a generator module (140), a smoke evacuation module (126), and a suction / irrigation module (128). The hub modular enclosure (136) further facilitates interactive communication between the modules (140, 126, 128). As shown in FIG. 4, the generator module (140) may be a generator module including integrated monopolar, bipolar, and ultrasonic components supported within a single housing unit (139) that is slidably insertable into the hub modular enclosure (136). As shown in FIG. 4, the generator module (140) may be configured to connect to a monopolar device (146), a bipolar device (147), and an ultrasonic device (148). Alternatively, the generator module (140) may include a series of monopolar, dipolar, and / or ultrasonic generator modules that interact via a hub modular enclosure (136). The hub modular enclosure (136) may be configured to facilitate insertion of multiple generators and interactive communication between the generators docked to the hub modular enclosure (136) such that the multiple generators function as a single generator.

[0025] 5 illustrates one configuration of a generator (150) and various surgical instruments (152, 154, 156) that can be used therewith, where the surgical instrument (152) is an ultrasonic surgical instrument (152), the surgical instrument (154) is an RF electrosurgical instrument (154), and the multifunction surgical instrument (156) is a combined ultrasonic / RF electrosurgical instrument (156). The generator (150) is configurable for use with a variety of surgical instruments. According to various configurations, the generator (150) may be configurable for use with a variety of different types of surgical instruments, including, for example, the ultrasonic surgical instrument (152), the RF electrosurgical instrument (154), and a multifunction surgical instrument (156) that integrates RF and ultrasonic energy delivered simultaneously from the generator (150). Although the generator (150) in this example of FIG. 5 is shown separate from the surgical instruments (152, 154, 156), the generator (150) may alternatively be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments (152, 154, 156) to form a single surgical system. The generator (150) includes an input device (158) located on the front panel of the console of the generator (150). The input device (158) may include any suitable device for generating signals suitable for programming the operation of the generator (150). The generator (150) may be configured for wired or wireless communication.

[0026] The generator 150 in this example is configured to drive multiple surgical instruments 152, 154, and 156. One example of such a surgical instrument is an ultrasonic surgical instrument 152, which includes a handpiece 160, an ultrasonic transducer 162, a shaft assembly 164, and an end effector 166. The end effector 166 includes an ultrasonic blade 168 acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 162 and a clamp arm 170. The handpiece 160 includes a trigger 172 for actuating the clamp arm 170 and a combination of toggle buttons 173, 174, and 175 for energizing and driving the ultrasonic blade 168 or other functions. The toggle buttons 173, 174, and 175 can be configured to use the generator 150 to energize the ultrasonic transducer 162.

[0027] The generator (150) is also configured to drive another example of a surgical instrument (154). The RF electrosurgical instrument (154) includes a handpiece (176), a shaft assembly (178), and an end effector (180). The end effector (180) includes electrodes in clamp arms (181, 182) and back through an electrical conductor portion of the shaft assembly (178). The electrodes are coupled to and energized by a bipolar energy source in the generator (150). The handpiece (176) includes a trigger (183) for operating the clamp arms (181, 182) and an energy button (184) for actuating an energy switch to supply energy to the electrodes in the end effector (180).

[0028] The generator 150 is also configured to drive a multifunction surgical instrument 156. The multifunction surgical instrument 156 includes a handpiece 185, a shaft assembly 186, and an end effector 188. The end effector 188 includes an ultrasonic blade 190 and a clamp arm 192. The ultrasonic blade 190 is acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 162. The handpiece 185 includes a trigger 194 that activates the clamp arm 192 and a combination of toggle buttons 195, 196, 197 for energizing and driving the ultrasonic blade 190 or other functions. Toggle buttons (195, 196, 197) can be configured to energize ultrasonic transducer (162) using generator (150) and also to energize ultrasonic blade (190) using a bipolar energy source housed within generator (150). It will be appreciated that handpieces (160, 176, 185) may be replaced with robotically controlled instruments to incorporate one or more aspects of surgical instruments (152, 154, 156). Thus, the term "handpiece" should not be limited to this context and handheld use.

[0029] As used throughout this specification, the term “wireless” and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communication channels, etc. that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation over a non-solid medium. This term does not imply that the associated devices do not include any wires, although in some aspects they may not be present. A communication module may implement any of several wireless or wired communication standards or protocols, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family), WMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, Bluetooth, Ethernet derivatives thereof, and any other wireless and wired protocols designated 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond. A computing module may include multiple communication modules. For example, the first communication module may be dedicated to short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the second communication module may be dedicated to long-range wireless communication such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, and Ev-DO.

[0030] As used herein, a processor or processing unit is an electronic circuit that performs operations on some external data source (usually memory) or some other data stream. The term is used herein to refer to a system that combines many specialized "processors" or the central processor (central processing unit) within a computer system (especially a system on a chip (SoC)).

[0031] As used herein, a system on a chip (SoC or SOC) is an integrated circuit (also known as an "IC" or "chip") that integrates all the components of a computer or other electronic system. It can include digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often high-frequency functions, all on a single substrate. An SoC integrates a microcontroller (or microprocessor) with modern peripherals such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), Wi-Fi module, or coprocessor. An SoC may or may not include built-in memory.

[0032] As used herein, a microcontroller or controller is a system that integrates a microprocessor with peripheral circuits and memory. A microcontroller (or MCU for microcontroller unit) may be implemented as a small computer on a single integrated circuit. This may be similar to an SoC, which may include a microcontroller as one of its components. A microcontroller may house one or more core processing units (CPUs) along with memory and programmable input / output peripherals. Program memory and a small amount of RAM in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash, or OTP ROM are also often included on the chip. Microcontrollers may be used for embedded applications, as opposed to microprocessors used in personal computers or other general-purpose applications, which are made up of various individual chips.

[0033] As used herein, the term controller or microcontroller may refer to a standalone IC or chip device that interfaces with a peripheral device. It may also refer to the link between two portions of a computer or controller on an external device that manages the operation of (and connections to) that device. Modular devices include modules (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 3 ) that are receivable within a surgical hub and surgical devices or instruments that can be connected to various modules to connect or pair with corresponding surgical hubs. Modular devices include, for example, intelligent surgical instruments, medical imaging devices, suction / irrigation devices, smoke evacuators, energy generators, ventilators, aspirators, and displays. The modular devices described herein can be controlled by control algorithms. The control algorithms may execute on the modular device itself, on the surgical hub to which a particular modular device is paired, or on both the modular device and the surgical hub (e.g., via a distributed computing architecture). In some examples, the control algorithms of a modular device control the device based on data sensed by the modular device itself (i.e., by sensors within, on, or connected to the modular device). This data may be related to the patient during surgery (e.g., tissue characteristics or insufflation pressure), or it may be related to the modular device itself (e.g., advancing knife speed, motor current, or energy level). For example, the control algorithms for surgical stapling and severing instruments may control the rate at which the instrument's motor drives the knife through tissue according to the resistance offered by the knife as it advances.

[0034] II. Exemplary Surgical Instruments Incorporating Selectively Separable Shrouds In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a surgical instrument (1000) similar to any one or more of the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156) including components capable of delivering ultrasonic energy, RF energy, or both ultrasonic and RF energy, that can be easily opened to provide access to its internal components and separated into a separate waste stream with minimal, such as no additional tools. Surgical procedures are typically performed within a sterile field, as described above. A sterile field free of microorganisms allows the surgical team to reduce the chance of infection by ensuring only sterilized instruments and tools are used within the sterile field. Surgical instruments are sterilized, packaged in sterile containers, and sent to the sterile field. Medical professionals may be required to disassemble surgical instruments within the sterile field after surgery, either by hand or using tools provided in the sterile container. For example, torque wrenches provided for assembling surgical instruments may have additional features for disassembling the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes additional features that facilitate disassembly and removal of internal components. These additional features aid in selectively fracturing internal components, thus allowing the components to be placed into separate waste streams. These separate waste streams are predetermined based on the component's material or use. For example, the waste streams may include recycling, disposal, or regeneration. Components placed in the disposal waste stream are disposed of in a landfill. Components placed in the recycle waste stream may be further separated, shredded, and melted down to their base components. Components placed in the regeneration waste stream are cleaned, tested, repaired, and reassembled into another surgical instrument. For example, the plastic and metal components of a shroud may be separated into one waste stream for disposal, heavy metals from the integrated circuit may be separated into a second waste stream for recycling, and the ultrasonic transducer may be separated into a third waste stream for regeneration.

[0035] 6A-6B show an example of a surgical instrument (1000) similar to the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156) configured to treat tissue. The surgical instrument (1000) may be configured to deliver ultrasonic energy, radio frequency ("RF") energy, or both. Additionally, the surgical instrument may be configured to be handheld or to mate with a corresponding portion of a robotic arm (see FIG. 8A). Similar to the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156), the surgical instrument (1000) includes a body assembly (1010), a shaft assembly (1020), and an end effector (1030). A shaft (1022) of the shaft assembly (1020) extends distally from the body assembly (1010) to the end effector (1030). Surgical instrument (1000) differs from surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156) in that surgical instrument (1000) includes a body assembly (1010) that is configured to be easily disassembled and exposed for removal and disposal in a separate waste stream of at least one of multiple internal components.

[0036] The surgical instrument (1000) of this example is configured to deliver ultrasonic energy similar to the surgical instrument (152). The body assembly (1010) encloses a portion of the energy drive system (1040) and a portion of the circuit assembly (1050). The energy drive system (1040), in this version, includes an ultrasonic transducer (1042), a waveguide (1044), and an ultrasonic blade (1046). The energy drive system (1040) may further include a battery (1048) or generator (150) (see FIG. 5) configured to provide energy. The ultrasonic transducer (1042) is positioned proximally within the body assembly (1010) and extends distally to the waveguide (1044). The waveguide (1044) extends distally through the shaft assembly (1020) to the ultrasonic blade (1046). The circuit assembly 1050 includes a main circuit board 1052, a memory element 1054, and a controller 1056. The circuit assembly 1050 is in electrical communication with a power source, such as a battery 1048 or a generator 150 (see FIG. 5), and is operably connected to the energy-powered system 1040.

[0037] The body assembly (1010) includes a plurality of selectively removable shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018). The shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) are configured to provide support for the energy drive system (1040), the shaft assembly (1020), and the circuit assembly (1050). The shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) also block access to portions of the energy drive system (1040) and portions of the circuit assembly (1050). As shown, the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) include a first shroud portion (1012), a second shroud portion (1014), a third shroud portion (1016), and a fourth shroud portion (1018), but may include any number of shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) that block access to the circuit assembly (1050) and the energy drive system (1040). This configuration of the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) is merely an example and is not intended to unnecessarily limit the present invention. Each shroud portion (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) is removably secured to another shroud portion (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) at a shroud edge (1002). The shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) are joined to one another at the shroud edges (1002) with shroud couplings (1004). The shroud couplings (1004) connect two adjacent shroud edges (1002) during normal operation of the surgical instrument (1000) in a connected state. The magnetic fastener in the form of the shroud couplings (1004) includes a first magnetic member (1006) and a second magnetic member (1008). One of the first magnetic member (1006) or the second magnetic member (1008) comprises a rare earth magnet or an electromagnet. The other of the first magnetic member or the second magnetic member (1006, 1008) comprises a rare earth magnet, an electromagnet, or a ferromagnetic metal. Ferromagnetic metals include, but are not limited to, iron, cobalt, or nickel. The first magnetic member (1006) is attracted to the second magnetic member (1008) by a magnetic field (MF).The magnetic field (MF) comprises sufficient force to hold adjacent shroud edges (1002) of the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) in a connected state during operation, but allows a user to transition the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) to a disconnected state (see FIG. 6B) after operation. A user can remove the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) to provide access to a portion of the energy-driven system (1040) and a portion of the circuit assembly (1050) in a disconnected state (see FIG. 6B). Once accessed, the portion of the energy-driven system (1040) and a portion of the circuit assembly (1050) may be disposed of as a separate waste stream. It should be noted that the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) may include gripping mechanisms (1024) positioned on the exterior of the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) to facilitate opening of the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018).

[0038] The shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) further include a plurality of alignment features (1026) configured to align each shroud portion (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) with an adjacent shroud portion (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018). The alignment features (1026) facilitate translation of the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) from a connected state to a disconnected state (see FIG. 6B) and prevent binding of the shroud portions (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) when disconnected from one another. Additionally, the alignment feature 1026 facilitates alignment of the first magnetic member 1006 and the second magnetic member 1008 when assembling the surgical instrument 1000. In one example, the alignment feature 1026 includes a key 1028 positioned on one of the first shroud portion 1012 or the second shroud portion 1014 and a keyway 1032 positioned on the other of the first shroud portion 1012 or the second shroud portion 1014. The key 1028 is sized to slide within the keyway 1032. The key 1028 and the keyway 1032 include complementary shapes, such as a circle, a rectangle, a square, or a triangle. The shroud edges (1002) may overlap to allow the keys (1028) to mate with the keyways (1032), or at least one of the keys (1028) or keyways (1032) may extend beyond one of the shroud edges (1002) and mate with the other of the keys (1028) or keyways (1032).

[0039] 6B shows the surgical instrument (1000) after being transitioned to a disconnected state. In the disconnected state, the shrouds (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) are separated from one another. For example, the third shroud (1016) is manually moved horizontally away from the first shroud (1012). The second shroud (1014) is manually moved vertically away from the first shroud (1012). The fourth shroud (1018) is manually moved diagonally away from the first shroud (1012), separating the shroud couplings (1004). The alignment mechanism (1026) facilitates movement of the transducer shroud in a horizontal path, movement of the second shroud (1014) in a vertical path, and movement of the fourth shroud (1018) in a diagonal path. Removal of the shrouds (1012, 1014, 1016, 1018) facilitates access to at least a portion of the energy drive system (1040) and at least a portion of the circuit assembly (1050).

[0040] 7A illustrates one form of surgical instrument (1100), which is similar to surgical instrument (1000) except as otherwise noted herein. Surgical instrument (1100) is shown in a connected state. Like surgical instrument (1000), surgical instrument (1100) includes a body assembly (1110), a shaft assembly (1120), and an end effector (1130). Body assembly (1110) is located proximally relative to shaft assembly (1120). Shaft assembly (1120) includes a shaft (1122) that extends distally from body assembly (1110) to end effector (1130). End effector (1130) includes an ultrasonic blade (1146). The body assembly (1110) includes a plurality of shroud segments (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) configured to prevent access to a portion of the energy-driven system (1140) and a portion of the circuit assembly (1150). The shroud segments (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) are connected at complementary shroud edges (1102) of the shroud segments (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) by magnetic fasteners in the form of magnetic lock assemblies (1134). The magnetic lock assemblies (1134) include a first magnetic member (1106), a second magnetic member (1108), a magnetic lock (1135), and a lock key (1136). The magnetic lock assembly (1134) differs from the shroud coupling (1004) of the surgical instrument (1000) in that the magnetic lock assembly (1134) is configured to prevent inadvertent movement of one shroud portion (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) away from another shroud portion (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) without further action by the user. The first and second magnetic members (1106, 1108) may include rare earth magnets, electromagnets, or ferromagnetic metals. The magnetic lock (1135) may also be configured as a solenoid (not shown). The solenoid may include an electromagnet and a ferromagnetic metal rod.The solenoid may be positioned on one shroud portion (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) with a strike plate (not shown) having a bore or opening on the other shroud portion (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118). A ferromagnetic rod is positioned within the strike plate to maintain the shroud portions (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) in connection. The solenoid may be configured to move the ferromagnetic rod laterally, longitudinally, or diagonally relative to the shroud edge (1102) and within the strike plate. In some versions, the circuit assembly (1150) may be configured in electrical communication with the magnetic lock (1135). Each shroud edge (1102) of the shroud portions (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118) can be fitted with a magnetic lock (1135) controlled by a circuit assembly (1150). Such a version of the circuit assembly (1150) can transition all of the magnetic locks (1135) from a locked state to an unlocked state, and vice versa.

[0041] The magnetic lock assembly 1134 further includes a lock key 1136, which in this example is separable from the magnetic lock 1134, so that the magnetic members 1106, 1108 are separated and separate from the magnetic lock 1134. In this version, the lock key 1136 removes electricity from the electromagnet, thereby removing the magnetic field and stopping the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic members 1106, 1108 when the lock key 1136 is removed from the magnetic lock assembly 1134. In an alternative example, the lock key 1136 may be inserted into the magnetic lock assembly 1134 to transition the magnetic lock 1135 from a locked state to an unlocked state. The lock key 1136 can be removed by shorting an electrical circuit (not shown), breaking an electrical circuit (not shown), or energizing a switch (not shown).

[0042] In some versions, the lock key (1136) transitions the magnetic lock (1135) from a locked state to an unlocked state by physically separating one of the first or second magnetic members (1106, 1108) from the other of the first or second magnetic members (1106, 1108), thereby reducing the magnetic attraction between the first and second magnetic members (1106, 1108). In such versions, the magnetic lock (1135), the first magnetic member (1106), and the second magnetic member (1108) are in close proximity to one another. This reduced or lack of magnetic attraction allows a user to manually separate the shroud portions (1112, 1114, 1116, 1118).

[0043] 7B shows the surgical instrument 1100 in an uncoupled state after the magnetic locking assembly 1134 has transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state. The body assembly further includes a gripping mechanism 1124 configured to facilitate gripping the shroud portions 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118 to separate the shroud portions 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118 from one another, and an alignment mechanism 1126, such as a key 1128 and keyway 1132, configured to help align the shroud portions 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118 when removed from one another. In this version, the alignment mechanism is separate and distinct from the magnetic locking assembly 1134 and / or the magnetic members 1108, 1106. In some versions, alignment mechanism (1126) is incorporated into magnetic locking assembly (1134) and / or magnetic members (1108, 1106).

[0044] Figures 8A-10 show one form of surgical instrument (1200) similar to surgical instrument (1000) configured to deliver electrical energy to treat tissue. The surgical instrument (1200) as shown is configured to mate with a corresponding portion of a robotic arm, but may also be configured as a handheld surgical instrument as shown in Figures 6A-7B. The surgical instrument (1200) is shown in electrical communication with a generator (150) (see Figure 5). The generator (150) is configured to supply energy to the surgical instrument (1200). Similar to surgical instrument (1000), the surgical instrument (1200) includes a body assembly (1210), a shaft assembly (1220), and an end effector (1230). The shaft assembly (1220) extends distally from the body assembly (1210) to the end effector (1230).

[0045] The body assembly 1210 is configured to be disassembled to expose a portion of the energy drive system 1240 and a portion of the circuit assembly 1250. The body assembly 1210 includes multiple shroud portions 1212, 1214, each having an upper shroud portion 1212 and a lower shroud portion 1214 configured to be coupled to one another with a shroud coupling in the form of a push pin 1204, 1260. The push pins 1204, 1260 may be constructed of nylon or any other material known in the art to have elastic properties. More specifically, the push pin 1204 is a two-piece push pin 1204, and the push pin 1260 is a single-piece push pin 1260. The two-piece push pin (1204) of this example includes a shank (1206), a shank head (1208) (see FIG. 9), a pin (1234) (see FIG. 9), and a pin head (1236) (see FIG. 9). The one-piece push pin (1260) of this example includes a shank (1262), a plurality of resilient ribs (1264) (see FIG. 10) positioned along the shank (1262), and a shank head (1266) positioned at the proximal end of the shank (1262). The upper shroud portion (1212) defines an upper bore (1216), and the lower shroud portion (1214) defines a lower bore (1218). 8A shows the upper bore 1216 aligned with the lower bore 1218 and mated with the push pins 1204, 1260 in a connected state. The push pin 1204 presses the upper shroud portion 1212 against the lower shroud portion 1214, holding the upper shroud portion 1212 in a connected state relative to the lower shroud portion 1214. Note that the surgical instrument 1200 may include all of one type of push pins 1204, 1206, or may include two or more types of push pins 1204, 1206. In this version, the surgical instrument 1200 includes both the two-piece push pin 1204 and the one-piece push pin 1206.

[0046] The two-piece push pin 1204 is installed by first inserting the shank 1206 into the upper and lower bores 1216, 1218 so that the shank head 1208 rests on a surface adjacent to the upper bore 1216. Prior to insertion, the shank 1206 remains in an unexpanded state sized to fit within the upper and lower bores 1216, 1218. The pin 1234 is pressed into the bore of the shank 1208 until the pin head 1236 seats on top of the shank head 1206. In the installed position, the distal portion of the shank 1206 is expanded by the pin 1234 to an expanded state and has a larger diameter than the upper and lower bores 1216, 1218. The expanded shank 1206 pulls the upper shroud portion 1212 axially toward the lower shroud portion 12140. Distal installation of the pin 1234 within the shank 1206 results in the distal portion of the shank 1206 having a larger outer diameter than the distal portion of the shank 1206 before the pin 1234 was installed within the shank 1206.

[0047] The integral push pin 1260 is installed by pressing on the top of the shank head 1266 while guiding the distal end of the shank 1262 into the upper and lower bores 1216, 1218. The integral push pin 1260 is installed with the shank head 1266 positioned on a first side of the upper bore 1216 and the proximal-most rib 1264 positioned distally of the lower bore 1218, such that the push pin 1260 resists removal of the upper shroud portion 1212 from the lower shroud portion 1214.

[0048] Other versions of the push pin (not shown) can be configured for manual operation without additional tools. These other versions operate similarly to a blind rivet but have an actuator (not shown), a spring (not shown), a pin (not shown), and a shank (not shown). The actuator is moved by a user-translating pin within the shank (not shown). The outer diameter of the shank is reduced so that the push pin can be retracted through the upper and lower bores (1216, 1218), causing the upper and lower shroud portions (1216, 1218) to transition from a connected state to a disconnected state.

[0049] 8B shows the surgical instrument 1200 in an uncoupled state with the push pins 1204, 1260 removed from the upper and lower bores 1216, 1218. In the uncoupled state, the body assembly 1210 provides access to a portion of the energy-driven system 1240 and a portion of the circuit assembly 1250 for removal and disposal in a separate waste stream. The upper and lower shroud portions 1212, 1214 can include a gripping mechanism 1224 to aid in removal of the upper shroud portion 1212 from the lower shroud portion 1214 and an alignment mechanism 1226 to provide alignment of the upper and lower bores 1216, 1218. An alignment feature (1226), such as a key (1228) positioned on one of the upper shroud portion (1212) or the lower shroud portion (1214), and a keyway (1232) positioned on the other of the upper shroud portion (1212) or the lower shroud portion (1214).

[0050] 9 shows push pin 1204 being removed from upper and lower shroud portions 1212, 1214 with a torque wrench 1270 including a fork-shaped member 1272. Push pin 1204 may be constructed from nylon or any other material known in the art to have elastic properties.

[0051] 10 shows a one-piece push pin 1260 including a shank 1262, a plurality of resilient ribs 1264 positioned along the shank 1262, and a shank head 1266 positioned at the proximal end of the shank 1262. The push pin 1260 is also constructed of nylon or some other material known in the art to have resilient properties. The push pin 1260 can also be removed by applying torque to the push pin 1260 by prying the shank head 1266 apart with a fork-shaped member 1272.

[0052] III. Exemplary Surgical Instruments Incorporating Selectively Separable Circuit Assemblies In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a surgical instrument including components capable of delivering ultrasonic energy, RF energy, or both ultrasonic and RF energy, which is easily opened so that the internal components can be separated into separate waste streams in a sterile field with minimal, such as no tools. These surgical instruments remain intact during normal use but are configured to facilitate disassembly and / or selectively fracture the internal components. One such internal component is a circuit assembly configured to be separated into separate parts with different properties by one or more hands of a user. The separate parts of the circuit assembly are placed into predetermined separate waste streams. These waste streams include, but are not limited to, recycling, disposal, or regeneration.

[0053] 11A-11B illustrate a portion of a surgical instrument (1300) similar to surgical instrument (1000), except as otherwise noted herein. The surgical instrument (1300) includes a shaft assembly (not shown) extending distally from a body assembly (1310) to an end effector (not shown). The body assembly (1310) includes multiple shroud sections (1312) similar to those of the surgical instrument (1000). The upper shroud section (not shown) has been removed from the lower shroud section (1312) to expose a portion of a circuit assembly (1350). The circuit assembly (1350) includes a main circuit board (1352) and multiple sub-boards (1354). The lower shroud section (1312) provides support for the circuit assembly (1350) and the energy-drive assembly (1340). Main circuit board 1352 includes integrated circuit 1358 configured to provide electrical communication between memory component 1356, controller 1360, inputs (not shown), and outputs (not shown). In some versions, sub-board 1354 includes memory component 1356 and controller 1360. In this version, main circuit board 1352 includes integrated controller 1360, and sub-board 1354 includes memory component 1356. Figure 11A shows sub-board 1354 plugged into main circuit board 1352 in an installed position, communicating with controller 1360 via integrated circuit 1358.

[0054] FIG. 11B illustrates a sub-board 1354 having a memory element 1356 shown in an un-installed position. In the un-installed position, the memory element 1356 is detached from the main circuit board 1352. The memory element 1356 may include an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), an erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM"), a programmable read-only memory ("PROM"), a read-only memory ("ROM"), a random access memory ("RAM"), or any other suitable form of memory known in the art for use with circuit assemblies. The sub-board 1354 includes a plurality of prongs 1362 configured to removably couple with respective receptacles 1364 defined by the main circuit board 1352. The arrangement of prongs 1362 and receptacles 1364 may be reversed so that prongs 1362 are located on main circuit board 1352 and receptacles 1364 are located on sub-board 1354. Prongs 1362 provide electrical communication between sub-board 1354 and main circuit board 1352. Sub-board 1354 may be detached from main circuit board 1352 for disposal in a separate waste stream from main circuit board 1352. For example, sub-board 1354 may be reclaimed and reused, and main circuit board 1352 may be recycled, although such distribution is merely exemplary and is not intended to unnecessarily limit the present invention.

[0055] Figures 12-13 show a portion of a surgical instrument 1400, similar to surgical instrument 1300, except as otherwise noted herein. Like surgical instrument 1300, surgical instrument 1400 includes a circuit assembly 1450 configured to be disassembled into separate pieces for disposal in separate waste streams. Figure 12 shows a portion of a body assembly 1410 with an upper shroud portion (not shown) removed to expose circuit assembly 1450. Circuit assembly 1450 includes a main circuit board 1452 and a sub-board 1454. Main circuit board 1452 and sub-board 1454 are shown intact. The surgical instrument 1400 differs from the surgical instrument 1300 in that the sub-board 1454 is fixedly coupled to the main circuit board 1452, which includes a frangible separator 1462 configured to operatively connect a first circuit portion 1464 to a second circuit portion 1466. The frangible separator 1462 may include perforations, a series of holes, a weakened portion, or any other separation mechanism known in the art that facilitates fracturing a circuit board along a predetermined path. In an operative state, the frangible separator 1462 allows electrical communication along the circuit assembly 1450, such as across the frangible separator 1462.

[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates the circuit assembly 1450 in a separated state, with the first circuit portion 1464 separated from the second circuit portion 1466. The first circuit portion 1464 may be separated from the second circuit portion 1466 by breaking the frangible separator 1462, such as with one or more hands of a user. The first circuit portion 1464 may include components that require the first circuit portion 1464 to be disposed of in a separate waste stream from the second circuit portion 1466. For example, the sub-substrate 1454 may include a memory element 1456 that is not suitable for reconditioning or recycling, which would be disposed of in a disposal waste stream, and the second circuit portion 1466 may include an integrated circuit 1458 containing heavy metals that requires reconditioning or recycling, although such configurations are merely exemplary and are not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention.

[0057] 14A-14B show a portion of a surgical instrument (1500) similar to surgical instrument (1400) except as otherwise noted herein. The body assembly (1510) of this example includes a first shroud portion (1512), a second shroud portion (1514), and a latch (1516). The first shroud portion (1512) provides support for a portion of the energy-driven system (1540) and a portion of the circuit assembly (1550). The second shroud portion (1514) blocks access to the circuit assembly (1550). The second shroud portion (1514) is removably secured to the first shroud portion (1512) with the latch (1516) in a locked position. 14A shows circuit assembly 1550 having memory element 1556 in an operational state with latch 1516 in a closed position and second shroud portion 1514 connected to first shroud portion 1512. Memory element 1556 may include RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or any other suitable form of memory known in the art.

[0058] FIG. 14B shows the circuit assembly 1550 in an inoperative state after the latch 1516 has transitioned to the open position. The latch 1516 includes a rare-earth magnet that uses a magnetic field to cause a disruption of an electrical signal or magnetic pulse that damages or scrambles the memory in the memory member 1556. The latch 1516 transitions from a locked position to an unlocked position. Before fully opening the second shroud portion 1514, the latch 1516 passes in close proximity to the memory member 1556, thereby rendering the data contained in the memory member 1556 unreadable. By way of example, the latch 1516 may include a Hall Effect sensor with an integrated magnet that enables the circuit assembly 1550 to initiate a data-unreadable sequence, such as a reset, rewrite, or scramble, that erases or destroys the memory. In another version, the latch 1516 includes a magnet that passes a magnetic field in close proximity to the memory member 1556, erasing or destroying the memory.

[0059] 15 illustrates a portion of a surgical instrument 1600, similar to surgical instrument 1500, except as otherwise noted herein. Similar to surgical instrument 1500, surgical instrument 1600 includes a body assembly 1610 having a first shroud portion 1612 connected to a second shroud portion 1614 by a latch 1616. The body assembly 1610 houses, supports, and prevents access to a circuit assembly 1650. The circuit assembly 1650 includes a memory element 1656, a main circuit board 1652, and a flexible circuit 1654. The memory element 1656 may include memory, such as RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or any other suitable form of memory known in the art. The memory member 1656 and / or the controller 1660 are in electrical communication with the main circuit board 1652 via a flexible circuit 1654. The flexible circuit 1654 allows the memory member 1656 to be located separately from the main circuit board 1652. In some versions, the memory member 1656 can be connected directly to the main circuit board 1652 by soldering or using a plug and receptacle. The surgical instrument 1600 includes a latch 1616 in electrical communication with the memory member 1656 via a cable 1618. The latch 1616 can be transitioned from a closed position to an open position, thereby transitioning the first and second shroud portions 1612, 1614 from a connected state to a disconnected state. Additionally, latch (1616) in the open position engages a set of contacts that render the data stored in memory element (1656) unreadable, such as by electrically resetting, rewriting, or scrambling the memory by providing electrical communication with one of the following reset elements: an integrated capacitor for supplying a voltage or current to memory element (1656), a current inverter for applying a reverse current (i.e., reverse polarity), a power source capable of generating an electrical pulse that damages the data stored in memory element (1656), and / or another memory (not shown) that emits unstable data (i.e., noise) to render memory element (1656) inoperable.When reverse polarity is used to destroy memory member 1656, a voltage greater than that used in normal operation may be applied at low amperage to the negative terminal or ground rather than the positive terminal. For example, 10 volts supplied at low amperage may be supplied to the ground connection of memory member 1656, which uses 6 volts during normal operation, although such a configuration is merely exemplary and is not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention.

[0060] 16 illustrates a circuit assembly 1750 for incorporation into any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600. The circuit assembly 1750 includes a main circuit board 1752, a memory element 1756, a controller (not shown), and a flexible circuit 1754. The memory element 1756, as described above, may include memory such as RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or any other suitable form of memory known in the art. The memory element 1756 is positioned within a body assembly (not shown), which houses and supports the circuit assembly 1750 and prevents access to the circuit assembly. The flexible circuit 1754 includes a break area 1762 that allows for removal of the memory member 1756 and / or destruction of the flexible circuit 1754 during a sterilization process. In this version, the break area 1762 includes conductive epoxy 1764 that fills the break area 1762 to provide electrical communication between the memory member 1756 and the main circuit board 1752. When the circuit assembly 1750 is heated to a temperature suitable for sterilizing the surgical instrument 1700, the conductive epoxy 1764 breaks, such as by melting, to separate the flexible circuit 1754 into one or more pieces at the break area 1762. The separated flexible circuit 1754 disables electrical communication between the memory member 1756 and the main circuit board 1752. In other versions, the breakable area (1762) is perforated or otherwise weakened to allow a user to manually remove the memory member (1756) from the main circuit board (1752) with one or more of the user's hands. Additionally, the controller may be attached to the main circuit board (1752) using a flexible circuit (1754) having a breakable area (1762) to facilitate removal so that the controller is disposed in a waste stream separate from the main circuit board (1752). In other versions, the controller may be similarly attached to the flexible circuit (1754) including the breakable area (1762).Once removed, the memory component (1756) and / or the controller are prevented from being used again in another circuit assembly.

[0061] FIG. 17 illustrates a circuit assembly 1850 for incorporation into any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600. The circuit assembly 1850 is similar to the circuit assembly 1750, except as otherwise described herein. The circuit assembly 1850 includes a main circuit board 1852, an integrated circuit 1858, a memory component 1856, and a controller 1860. The circuit assembly 1850 differs from the circuit assembly 1750 in that the memory component 1856 is attached to the main circuit board 1852 by a pin connector 1868. The pin connector 1868 is a rigid connector constructed of a solderable metal. The pin connector 1868 is soldered directly into the pin bore 1870. The pin bore 1870 is defined by the main circuit board 1852. The pin connector 1868 includes a breakable area 1866. The breakable area 1866 allows for manual removal of the memory member 1856 before or during the sterilization process. As shown, the breakable area 1866 includes a conductive epoxy 1864 that fills gaps within the pin connector 1868. During the sterilization process, the conductive epoxy 1864 reaches its predetermined melting temperature and degrades, such as by melting, when heated to a temperature suitable for sterilizing a surgical instrument, such as any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, or 1600. When the conductive epoxy (1864) melts, the two halves of the pin connector (1868) separate, preventing the memory element (1856) from the main circuit board (1852) from communicating with the controller (1860) via the integrated circuit (1858).

[0062] In other versions, breakage region 1866 comprises a portion of pin connector 1868 having a reduced diameter relative to the remainder of pin connector 1868. Breakage region 1866 provides a location where memory member 1856 can be broken from main circuit board 1852 by one or more hands of a user with reduced force (compared to the force required to remove memory member 1856 without breakage region 1866), rendering the device inoperable and / or providing for separate disposal in a waste stream separate from other components of main circuit board 1852.

[0063] 18 shows a circuit assembly (1950) for incorporation into any of the surgical instruments (112, 152, 54, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600). The circuit assembly (1950) is similar to circuit assembly (1850) except as otherwise noted herein. The circuit assembly (1950) includes a main circuit board (1952), a memory element (1956), an integrated circuit (1958), and a controller (1960). Circuit assembly (1950) differs from circuit assembly (1850) in that main circuit board (1952), controller (1960), and / or memory component (1956) include weakened notches (1962) that define weakened portions on the main circuit board (1952), controller (1960), and / or memory component (1956). In this version, memory component (1956) includes a first memory portion (1964), a second memory portion (1966), and weakened notches (1962). First memory portion (1964) is separated from second memory portion (1966) by weakened notches (1962). Second memory portion (1966) is rigidly attached to main circuit board (1952). The first memory portion (1964) is removably coupled to the second memory portion (1966) such that, when the main circuit board (1952) is removed from the body assembly (not shown), the first memory portion (1964) engages a portion of the body assembly and breaks the memory member (1956), thereby rendering the memory member (1956) inoperable. In this regard, the frangible notch (1962) is configured to prevent the memory member (1956) from being removed intact from the main circuit board (1952) for reuse. Additionally, if a user attempts to place the circuit assembly (1950) or an inadvertently loaded circuit assembly (1950) into a sterile or improper instrument, a portion of the body assembly will engage the first memory portion (1964) and separate the first memory portion (1964) from the second memory portion (1966), thereby damaging the memory member (1956) and preventing reuse.

[0064] 19A shows a portion of a surgical instrument (2000), which is similar to surgical instrument (1500) except as otherwise described herein. The body assembly (2010) includes a first shroud portion (2012), a second shroud portion (2014), and one or more support members (2018). The first shroud portion (2012) provides support for a portion of the energy drive system (2040) and a portion of the circuit assembly (2050). The second shroud portion (2014) is secured to the first shroud portion (2012) in a connected manner. The support member (2018) is a rigid member including a first support end (2020) and a second support end (2022). The first support end (2020) is attached to one of the first shroud portion (2012) or the second shroud portion (2014), and the second support end (2022) is attached to the circuit assembly (2050). The support member (2018) of this example passes through a bore (2024) defined by the circuit assembly (2050) and is attached to the other of the first shroud portion (2012) or the second shroud portion (2014). The support member (2018) includes a second support end (2022) having a catch, such as a barb or hook, configured for one-way installation within the bore (2024). In this regard, the term "one-way installation" refers to a catch configured to be easily installed without damage but to cause damage upon removal. The circuit assembly 2050 is shown in an operational state, including a main circuit board 2052, a memory member 2056, and a controller 2060. The circuit assembly 2050 in this example further includes a frangible separator 2062 adjacent the support member 2018. Also, in this example, the second shroud portion 2014 is configured to transition to a disconnected state by moving the second shroud portion 2014 relative to the first shroud portion 2012, for example, by horizontally moving the second shroud portion 2014. However, such movement is merely one exemplary direction and is not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention.As a further example, the second shroud portion (2014) may be removed perpendicularly, diagonally, or in another direction relative to the first shroud portion (2012).

[0065] 19B shows a portion of the surgical instrument 2000 with the second shroud portion 2014 removed from the first shroud portion 2012. The support member 2018 moves away from the first shroud portion 2012 along with the second shroud portion 2014. The circuit assembly 2050 is held in place by the first shroud portion 2012. As the support member 2018 moves away from the first shroud portion 2012, it damages the circuit assembly 2050, rendering it inoperable by severing the circuit assembly 2050 along the frangible separator 2062, thus preventing reuse of the circuit assembly 2050 and / or allowing it to be disposed of in a separate waste stream.

[0066] IV. Exemplary Surgical Instruments Incorporating Selectively Detachable Energy Drive Systems In some cases, it may be desirable to provide surgical instruments that include components capable of delivering ultrasonic energy, RF energy, or both ultrasonic and RF energy. It may be desirable for these surgical instruments to be easily releasable so that internal components can be separated into separate waste streams within a sterile field with minimal, such as no tools. These surgical instruments remain intact during normal use but are configured to facilitate disassembly and / or selectively fracture internal components. One such internal component is an energy-powered system configured to be removed, separated, and placed into separate waste streams by one or more hands of a user. These waste streams include, but are not limited to, recycling, disposal, or regeneration.

[0067] 20-21 show a portion of an energy drive system 2140 for incorporation into any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700. The energy drive system 2140 includes an ultrasonic transducer 2142, a waveguide 2144, an energy coupling portion 2148, and an ultrasonic blade (not shown). The ultrasonic transducer 2142 extends along a longitudinal axis LA, and the energy coupling portion 2148 is configured to removably couple the ultrasonic transducer 2142 to the waveguide 2144. The waveguide 2144 further extends along the longitudinal axis LA and is operably attached to the ultrasonic blade. The energy coupling portion 2148 has a weakened section 2150 that can be broken by one or more hands of a user. The weakened section 2150 may include perforations, serrations, notches, or any other weakening for breaking in a predetermined manner. Once the energy coupling portion 2148 is broken, the ultrasonic transducer 2142 cannot be joined to the waveguide 2144 without further readjustment. By way of example, an additional weakened section 2150 may be positioned between the waveguide 2144 and the ultrasonic blade. Thus, the ultrasonic transducer 2142 can be sterilized, refurbished, and reused in similar surgical instruments, while the waveguide 2144 and ultrasonic blade are disposed of in a separate waste stream, such as for disposal or recycling.

[0068] 22-23 illustrate another portion of an energy-driven system 2240 for incorporation into any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700, similar to the energy-driven system 2140, except as otherwise noted herein. Like the energy-driven system 2140, the energy-driven system 2240 includes an ultrasonic transducer 2242, a waveguide 2244, an energy coupling portion 2248, and an ultrasonic blade (not shown). The energy-driven system 2240 differs from the energy-driven system 2140 in that the energy-driven system 2240 includes an energy coupling portion 2248 configured to decouple and recouple the waveguide 2244 from the ultrasonic transducer 2242. The energy coupling portion 2248 in this example is in the form of a bushing 2250 configured to be threaded between the ultrasonic transducer 2242 and the waveguide 2244. The bushing 2250 includes an internal bushing thread 2252 and an external bushing thread 2254. The bushing 2250 also includes a torque mechanism 2256 in the form of a hex head configured to allow a user to tighten the bushing 2250 within the ultrasonic transducer 2242 to a specific torque, such as with a torque wrench (not shown) provided in the sterile packaging (not shown). As shown, the external bushing threads 2254 thread into the internal transducer threads 2258 and the external waveguide threads 2260 thread into the internal bushing threads 2252, although this configuration may be reversed in other examples. Additionally, bushing 2250 may include two sets of female threads or two sets of male threads that mate with complementary threads positioned on waveguide 2244 and ultrasonic transducer 2242. For example, outer bushing threads 2254 threadably mate with inner waveguide threads (not shown) and outer transducer threads (not shown). Bushing 2250 is configured to transmit ultrasonic energy between ultrasonic transducer 2242 and waveguide 2244.In this example, bushing (2250) is constructed of a less durable material than waveguide (2244) and / or ultrasonic transducer (2242) so that waveguide (2244) and / or ultrasonic transducer (2242) are preserved, thereby eliminating the preference for regenerating waveguide (2244) and / or ultrasonic transducer (2242).

[0069] 24 illustrates a portion of an energy drive system 2340 including another energy coupling portion 2348 that may be incorporated into any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700. The energy coupling portion 2348 is similar to the energy coupling portion 2248, except as otherwise described herein. Similar to the energy coupling portion 2248, the energy coupling portion 2348 may threadably couple the waveguide 2344 to the ultrasonic transducer 2342. The energy coupling portion 2348, more particularly, includes a bushing assembly 2350 having a thread insert 2352 and a bushing 2354.

[0070] The waveguide (2344) includes a proximal end having an external waveguide thread (2360) and an ultrasonic transducer (2343) including an internal transducer surface (2368). The thread insert (2352) in this example is composed of a helically wound wire, but may alternatively be a solid machined part. The thread insert (2352) includes internal insert threads (2358) configured to engage the external waveguide threads (2360) and external insert threads (2362) configured to engage the internal bushing threads (2364). The bushing (2354) includes internal bushing threads (2364) configured to thread around the external insert threads (2362). Bushing 2354 further includes an outer bushing surface 2366 having a smooth bore sized for an interference fit against inner transducer surface 2368. Bushing 2354 is press-fit into ultrasonic transducer 2342. In some versions, outer waveguide threads 2360 mate with inner insert threads 2358, outer insert threads 2362 mate with inner bushing threads 2364, and outer bushing surface 2366 is press-fit into ultrasonic transducer 2342. The thread insert 2352 is separable from the bushing 2354, so that after use, the ultrasonic transducer 2342 or the waveguide 2344 may be removed for recycling or reconditioning, and either the thread insert 2352 and / or the bushing 2350 may be disposed of or recycled. The thread insert 2352 and the bushing 2354 may be constructed of a material that conducts ultrasonic energy but is less wear-resistant than the waveguide 2344 and / or the ultrasonic transducer 2342, so that the thread insert 2352 and / or the bushing 2354 may be replaced after a predetermined number of uses or after a predetermined amount of wear has occurred to prevent wear on the ultrasonic transducer 2342 and / or the waveguide 2344.

[0071] 25 shows a portion of an energy-driven system (2440) for incorporation into any of the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700). The energy-driven system (2440) is similar to the energy-driven system (2240) except as otherwise described herein. The energy-driven system (2440) includes an ultrasonic transducer (2442), a waveguide (2444), and an ultrasonic blade (not shown). The energy-driven system (2440) may further include an energy coupling (2448) to further assist a user in disassembling the energy-driven system (2440) with one or more of the user's hands. The ultrasonic transducer 2442 extends along the longitudinal axis LA and may be removably coupled to the waveguide 2444 by an energy coupling 2448. The waveguide 2444 further extends along the longitudinal axis LA and is operably attached to the ultrasonic blade.

[0072] The ultrasonic transducer 2442 can be removed and refurbished for reuse. More specifically, the ultrasonic transducer 2442 includes a protective coating, such as a cover 2452, to prevent damage to the ultrasonic transducer 2442 when removed from the body assembly 2410. The cover 2452 includes a non-conductive base, such as rubber, plastic, or ceramic. The cover 2452 in this example also includes a conductive base that is applied by electroplating or by being locally applied to the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 2442. Such a protective coating may be applied as a liquid and allowed to dry. In other versions, the cover 2452 is solid and fastened onto the ultrasonic transducer 2442.

[0073] V. Exemplary Surgical Instruments Incorporating Selectively Separable Housings and Strain Relief Mechanisms In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a surgical instrument including components capable of delivering ultrasonic energy, RF energy, or both ultrasonic and RF energy, which is easily opened so that the internal components can be separated into separate waste streams in a sterile field with minimal, such as no tools. These surgical instruments remain intact during normal use but are configured to facilitate disassembly and / or selectively break the internal components. One such internal component is an electrical cable configured to be removed by one or more hands of a user after separating the housing to access the electrical cable. The electrical cable is configured to be disposed of in a waste stream, which may include, but is not limited to, recycling, disposal, or regeneration. Other components may be disposed of in a waste stream other than that desired for the electrical cable.

[0074] 26A shows a portion of a body assembly 2510 for incorporation into any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700. The body assembly 2510 includes a first shroud portion 2512, a second shroud portion 2514, a lateral joint 2526, and an electrical cable 2516. The first and second shroud portions 2512, 2514 are more specifically in the form of first and second cover portions. The body assembly 2510 is configured to support a circuit assembly 2550 and an energy drive system 2540 while also preventing access to the circuit assembly 2550 and the energy drive system 2540. The electrical cable (2516) provides electrical communication between the generator (150) (see FIG. 5 ) and the energy drive system (2540) and / or the circuit assembly (2550). The first shroud portion (2512) and the second shroud portion (2514) hold the electrical cable (2516) in a connected state. The lateral coupling (2526) is positioned between the first shroud portion (2512, 2514) and configured to hold the first shroud portion (2512, 2514) in a connected state when positioned in the locked position. The lateral coupling (2526) may include any of the shroud couplings (1004, 1204, 1206), magnetic locking assemblies (1134), and latches (1516, 1616) described above, as previously described. The lateral couplings (2526) may be locked and unlocked electrically using a key, or may have magnetic members separated from one another. The body assembly (2510) further includes a strain relief assembly (2518) including a first relief portion (2520) and a second relief portion (2522). In this version, the strain relief assembly (2518) is adjacent to the lateral couplings (2526).The strain relief assembly 2518 may be operably attached to the first and second shroud portions 2512, 2514, may be integrally formed with the first and second shroud portions 2512, 2514, or may be a separate component installed within a bore 2524 positioned between the first and second shroud portions 2512, 2514. As shown in this example, the strain relief assembly 2518 is a separate component. The strain relief assembly 2518 includes a recess configured to mate with the bore 2524. The recess positions the strain relief assembly 2518 axially within the first and second shroud portions 2512, 2514. The strain relief assembly 2518 is configured to hold the electrical cable 2516 when the first shroud portion 2512 and the second shroud portion 2514 are connected. The strain relief assembly 2518 includes an angled surface 2528 positioned on the first relief portion 2520 and a complementary surface 2530 on the second relief portion 2522 configured to axially couple the electrical cable 2516 therebetween.

[0075] 26B shows the strain relief assembly 2518 in a disconnected state, with the first shroud portion 2512 laterally spaced from the second shroud portion 2514. To transition the body assembly from a connected state to a disconnected state, a user transitions the lateral coupling 2526 from a locked state to an unlocked state. The first shroud portion 2512 is laterally spaced from the second shroud portion 2514, thereby releasing the electrical cable 2516 from the strain relief assembly 2518. When the first and second shroud portions 2512, 2514 are in a disconnected state, the first relief portion 2520 is separated from the second relief portion 2522, completely releasing the electrical cable 2516. The first shroud portion (2512) is operably attached to the first relief portion (2520) and separates from the second shroud portion (2514), which is operably attached to the second relief portion (2522). When the first relief portion (2520) is separated from the second relief portion (2522), the electrical cable (2516) is configured to be removed from the body assembly (2510) by one or more hands of a user with reduced hand force.

[0076] VI. Surgical Instruments with Detachable Cables and Associated Couplings FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary surgical device as a first example of a cable assembly 2710 used to connect a medical device, such as a surgical instrument 152, to a generator, such as a generator 150, for transmitting electrical power and telecommunication signals. The cable assembly 2710 includes at least one cable adapter 2712, 2714 for connecting to at least one device, but may also include multiple adapters 2712, 2714 for connecting to multiple devices, as shown in this example, and a cable 2716 that collectively acts as a jumper between devices. The surgical instrument 152 may be reusable in its entirety, or may be disassembled to reuse only portions of the cable assembly 2710. Reusable portions may be determined based on the cost of the particular portion, the ease of removing and replacing the particular portion, the environmental impact of not reusing the particular portion, or the visual aesthetics of the particular portion. The surgical instrument 152 may also be disassembled for cleaning and sterilization purposes. Such sterilization objectives may include autoclaving and ethylene oxide sterilization of either selected portions of the surgical instrument 125 or the entire surgical instrument 152. The surgical instrument 152 may help reduce the cost of a procedure by allowing for reusable electrical conduits rather than the use of traditional single-use disposable electrical conduits. The cable adapters 2712, 2714 and cable 2716 may also shield the electrical conduits from external signals that may affect the performance of the surgical instrument 152 and / or generator 150 when conducting electrical communication. While cable assembly (2710) is shown in this example more specifically as connecting surgical instrument (152) to generator (150) via instrument adapter (2718) and generator adapter (2720), respectively, cable assembly (2710) may alternatively connect any such device and / or generator described herein, such that the present invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to use with surgical instrument (152) and generator (150).

[0077] FIG. 28 shows a cable adapter 2712 having a terminal base 2722 supporting a plurality of electrical contacts 2724. Each electrical contact 2724 in this example connects to an electrical conduit 2726 that extends to an integrated circuit 2728. As further shown in this example, the integrated circuit 2728 is removably connected to the cable body 2730 of the cable 2716, although in other examples the integrated circuit 2778 may be incorporated into either one of the adapters 2712, 2714 (see FIG. 27), or may not be included at all in other examples. The integrated circuit 2778 is configured to track various parameters and / or metrics of past use of the surgical instrument 152, the cable assembly 2710, and / or the generator 150.

[0078] The strain relief 2731 is coupled between the cable adapter 2712 and the cable body 2730 and is configured to prevent damage to the cable body 2730 and / or the electrical conduit 2726 when the cable assembly 2710 is pulled and / or bent at damaging forces or angles. In one example, the strain relief 2731 may be glued to the cable body 2730 or may simply surround the cable body 2730, similar to a shroud. The strain relief 2731 may be permanently or removably secured to the cable adapter 2712 and / or the cable body 2730 for replacement. The strain relief 2731 may vary in size to accommodate different diameters and provide more or less strain protection as desired.

[0079] At least one electrical conduit (2726), such as a wire, extends from the integrated circuit (2728) and traverses the cable body (2730) to the opposing cable adapter (2714) (see FIG. 27) for connection with the generator (150) (see FIG. 27). By way of example, the electrical contacts (2724) may be coated on the outside with or made from a corrosion-resistant material, such as gold or dielectric grease, to prevent corrosion and facilitate electrical communication. The electrical contacts (2724) and electrical conduit (2726) may be shielded by adaptable adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) to form female fittings, such as in the cable adapters (2712, 2714) of this example, or may be external to the adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) to form male fittings, such as in the appliance and generator adapters (2718, 2720).

[0080] To this end, with reference to FIG. 29, the cable adapter (2712) and the instrument adapter (2718) define an electrical coupling (2732), while the cable adapter (2714) (see FIG. 27) and the generator adapter (2720) (see FIG. 27) similarly define another such electrical coupling (2732), albeit at opposite ends of the cable (2716). The cable adapter (2712) of the electrical coupling (2732) includes a seal (2734) configured to prevent ingress of foreign matter into the electrical coupling (2732) when coupled, as shown in FIG. The seal (2734) may also be positioned around all electrical contacts (2724) within the electrical coupling portion (2732) to prevent foreign objects from entering the electrical contacts (2724) when the cable assembly (2710) is coupled to the surgical instrument (152) (see FIG. 27) and / or the generator (150) (see FIG. 27).

[0081] 29, 30, and 30A, respectively, the electrical coupling portion 2732 includes a selectively translatable sleeve 2738, a plurality of catch members 2739, and a latch coupling portion 2736 having an annular groove 2740. More specifically, the annular groove 2740 is positioned on the instrument adaptor body 2742 to surround the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling portion 2732, while the catch members 2739 are positioned angularly about the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling portion 2732 to surround the longitudinal axis around a majority of the circumference of the cable adaptor body 2744 of the cable adaptor 2714. The catch members 2739 are further selectively movably secured to the cable adaptor body 2744. Sleeve (2738) is also movably secured to cable adapter body (2744) to radially surround a longitudinal axis that selectively translates longitudinally.

[0082] To this end, the sleeve (2738) in this example is configured to move from a locked position, which mechanically couples the cable adapter (2712) to the instrument adapter (2718), to an unlocked position, which mechanically decouples the cable adapter (2712) from the instrument adapter (2718). In this example, the sleeve (2738) is biased toward the locked position by a sleeve spring (2746) secured in compression between the cable adapter body (2744) and the sleeve (2738), thereby urging the sleeve (2738) toward the locked position.

[0083] To enable mechanical coupling and decoupling from the unlocked position, the sleeve 2738 further includes an inner annular recess 2748 positioned to longitudinally align with a catch member 2739, which in this example is more specifically shown as a ball bearing 2739. The cable adapter 2712 further includes at least one receptacle 2750 configured to retain the ball bearing 2739, although it will be understood that any member configured for such retention, such as a pin, may similarly be used. The receptacle 2750 longitudinally secures the ball bearing 2739 while allowing limited inward and outward radial movement, as permitted by surrounding structure. For example, the inner sidewall 2752 generally biases the ball bearing 2739 radially inward when the sleeve is not in the unlocked position. However, the inner annular recess 2748 receives the ball bearing 2739 in the unlocked position, allowing the ball bearing 2739 to move radially outward. Thus, with the sleeve 2738 in the unlocked position, the instrument adaptor body 2742, when inserted into the cable adaptor body 2744, urges the ball bearing 2739 radially outward into the inner annular recess 2748 of the sleeve 2738. When the annular groove 2740 longitudinally aligns with the ball bearing 2739 when the instrument adaptor 2718 and cable adaptor 2712 are partially coupled, the sleeve 2738 selectively returns to the locked position such that the inner sidewall 2752 of the sleeve 2738 urges the ball bearing 2739 radially inward toward the annular groove 2740 in the instrument adaptor body 2742. The ball bearing (2739) is effectively captured within the annular groove (2740) between the inner side wall (2752) of the sleeve (2738) and the instrument adapter body (2742), and the instrument adapter (2718) and cable adapter (2712) are fully coupled in a locked position for communication along the electrical conduit (2726).

[0084] While mechanically coupling the appliance adapter body 2742 to the cable adapter body 2744 generally prevents inadvertent disconnection of the cable adapter 2712 and the appliance adapter 2718, the electrical coupling portion 2732 in this example further includes a communicative coupling portion 2754 configured to facilitate direct engagement between electrical contacts 2724 on the terminal seat 2722 of the cable adapter 2712 and electrical contacts 2756 of the appliance adapter 2718. By way of example, the terminal seat 2722 of the communicative coupling portion 2754 with the electrical contacts 2724 is resiliently biased away from the cable body 2730 and toward the appliance adapter 2718 to facilitate engagement with the electrical contacts 2756 in the appliance adapter 2718. The communication coupling 2754 thereby allows the electrical contacts 2724 with the terminal seat 2722 to translate longitudinally within a predetermined range, in this example a predetermined longitudinal stroke, by pushing against the cable adapter body 2744. At one end of the predetermined stroke, when the seat spring 2758 is in an extended state, the electrical contacts 2724 with the terminal seat 2722 are fully advanced away from the cable 2716 prior to insertion of the instrument adapter body 2742. At the other end of the predetermined stroke, with the instrument adapter body 2742 coupled to the cable adapter 2712 and the seat spring 2758 in a contracted state, the electrical contacts 2756 on the instrument adapter body 2742 bias the terminal seat 2722 toward the cable 2716 such that the seat spring 2758 is compressed between the terminal seat 2722 and the cable adapter body 2744. The seat spring 2758 continues to press the electrical contacts 2724 on the terminal seat 2722 against the adjacent electrical contacts 2756 on the instrument adapter 2718 to facilitate engagement and electrical communication therebetween. In one example, if the cable adapter 2712 and the instrument adapter 2718 are disconnected while the latch coupling 2736 is unlocked, the seat spring may further assist in separating the cable adapter 2712 and the instrument adapter 2718.

[0085] To further assist in alignment between the cable adapter 2712 and the instrument adapter 2718, the cable adapter 2712 further includes an alignment feature, such as an alignment key 2760, for angularly aligning the cable adapter 2712 and the instrument adapter 2718 relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. Maintaining angular alignment allows the respective electrical contacts 2724, 2756 to be properly aligned as applicable, engage with one another, and maintain engagement during coupling and use of the surgical instrument 152 (see FIG. 27 ).

[0086] While the above description is generally directed to the cable adapter 2712 and the appliance adapter 2718, it will be understood that the cable adapter 2714 and the generator adapter 2720 are generally identical to the cable adapter 2712 and the appliance adapter 2718, respectively, unless otherwise stated herein. Thus, the above description of the cable adapter 2712 and the appliance adapter 2718 applies equally to the cable adapter 2714 and the generator adapter 2720 in this example, but the invention should not be limited to the cable adapter 2712 being like the cable adapter 2714 and the appliance adapter 2718 being like the generator adapter 2720. It will be further understood that any of the adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) may be interchanged with associated features on any of the devices as desired, so long as the adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) are configured to effectively mate for communication therebetween during use. In other words, in one example, one or more instrument or generator adapters (2718, 2720) may be incorporated into the cable assembly (2710), and / or one or more cable adapters (2712, 2714) may be incorporated into the surgical instrument (152) (see FIG. 27) and / or generator (150) (see FIG. 27). Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to the particular arrangement of the adapters (2712, 2714, 2718, 2720) as shown in this example.

[0087] 31 and 32 show another exemplary cable assembly 2810 having a cable adapter 2812, an instrument adapter 2818, and an alternative latch coupling 2836 having a rotatable sleeve 2838 for mechanically coupling the instrument adapter body 2742 and the cable adapter body 2744 together. In this respect, the cable adapter and instrument adapter 2812, 2818 are similar to the cable adapter and instrument adapter 2712, 2718 described above, unless expressly stated otherwise herein, and like numerals indicate like features. More specifically, the sleeve 2838 includes a bayonet slot 2848 extending radially therethrough and configured to receive an associated bayonet pin 2850 extending radially from the instrument adapter body 2742. A sleeve (2838) having a bayonet slot (2848) is configured to rotate relative to the cable adapter body (2744), while a bayonet pin (2850) rigidly extends from the instrument adapter body (2742) and is fixed relative to the instrument adapter body (2742).

[0088] The bayonet slot 2848, more specifically, includes an opening 2870, a longitudinally extending straight portion 2872, a longitudinally and angularly extending arcuate portion 2874, and a locking terminal cavity 2876. The sleeve 2838 is rotatable about the cable adapter body 2844 from a partially engaged, unlocked position in which the bayonet pin 2850 is received through the opening 2870 and into the straight portion 2872, to a fully engaged, locked position in which the bayonet pin 2850 is rotated through the arcuate portion 2874 and against the end of the bayonet slot 2848 within the terminal cavity 2876, as shown in FIG. When the bayonet pin 2850 reaches the rounded portion, the sleeve spring 2846 advances the sleeve 2838 distally relative to the cable 2716, causing the bayonet pin 2850 to be captured in the terminal cavity 2876, thereby securing the cable adapter 2812 to the instrument adapter 2818 in a locked position. In one example, when the terminal cavity 2876 receives the bayonet pin 2850, the bayonet pin 2850 and the sleeve 2838 collectively generate an audible noise and / or tactile feedback indicating the locked position.

[0089] While the above description is generally directed to a cable adapter 2812 and an appliance adapter 2818, it will be understood that the adapters 2812, 2818 may be cooperatively interchanged with any of the adapters 2712, 2714, 2718, 2720 as needed, or included with associated features on any device, so long as the adapters 2712, 2714, 2718, 2720 are configured to effectively mate for communication therebetween during use. Again, the present invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to the particular arrangement of the adapters 2812, 2818 as shown in this example.

[0090] VII. SURGICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS Medical device manufacturers often offer a wide variety of products tailored to suit the individual preferences of surgeons, hospitals, and patients. To address these preferences, manufacturers may distribute surgical kits of individual components that require assembly before use. Often, this assembly occurs immediately before use and can be done by hand without tools. Such assembly may include connecting two electrical connections together or connecting a vacuum line to a vacuum canister. In other cases, this assembly may require specialized tools, such as a wrench to secure a nut.

[0091] Similar to assembly, it may be desirable to disassemble components after use. Disassembly may be advantageous for reasons such as reuse of certain components, analysis of internal wear items, and recycling or reconditioning of expensive components. Disassembly may require the use of specific tools and equipment specialized to access and remove these components without damaging them.

[0092] Surgical instruments, such as instruments 152, 154, 156 and the other instruments shown and described herein, are often the most valuable components of a surgical kit, but they are often disposable components and therefore not reusable. If any of such instruments 152, 154, 156 are reusable, they may require at least partial disassembly and cleaning after use to remove any biological material that may have become attached to the instruments 152, 154, 156. Regardless of whether the instruments 152, 154, 156 are single-use or reusable, the instruments 152, 154, 156 often contain expensive components, such as transducers, circuit boards, and sensors, that can be reused or recycled rather than disposed of.

[0093] Accessing and retrieving these expensive components is often tedious and, in many scenarios, cost prohibitive because there is little or no design consideration for component retrieval after use. For example, in assembling such instruments (152, 154, 156), certain irreversible assembly procedures may be used to prevent them from being disassembled. These irreversible procedures may include overmolding, the use of adhesives, soldering, the use of conformal coatings, one-time joints, and irreversible fasteners. Surgical kits including the instruments (152, 154, 156) may have one or more features configured to facilitate retrieval of expensive, recyclable components. Furthermore, the instruments (152, 154, 156) may include the use of assembly practices such as reversible adhesives, standard fasteners, special access ports, and electrical connectors rather than solder joints.

[0094] To this end, FIG. 33 illustrates a surgical kit 3000 for use in a surgical setting having one or more such features configured to facilitate collection of high-value, recyclable components. The kit 3000 includes a tray 3016 designed to hold and present the components, and while in this example includes all of the items needed to perform a particular operation, alternative examples may have more or fewer components as desired for all or part of the procedure. Such a surgical kit 3000 can simplify ordering by using a single part number for the entire kit 3000 rather than ordering each component separately, which could result in inadvertently omitting a component desired for a surgical procedure. The surgical kit 3000 may be shipped sterile, sterilized on-site, or used non-sterile as needed. The components in surgical kit 3000 in this example include instrument 152, a replacement part 3012 for instrument 152, a parts compartment 3018 incorporated into tray 3016 for capturing spare or discarded parts, a parts container 3020, such as a TYVEK® bag as described herein, for capturing spare or discarded parts that may need to be fluid-tight, an instrument tool assembly 3022, and instructions for use (not shown). While surgical kit 3000 incorporates instrument 152 therein, any surgical instrument, such as instrument 152, 156, or other such instruments described herein, may be incorporated into alternative kits, such that the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to instrument 154.

[0095] More specifically, instrument tool assembly 3022, which may also be referred to herein as tool 3022, is configured to act on instrument 152 to gain access to high-value, recyclable components of instrument 152. In this case, tool 3022 is provided in kit 3000 along with instrument 1520 to ensure availability for use with instrument 152, such as upon disassembly of instrument 152.

[0096] Rather than including the tool 3022 in the kit 3000, FIG. 34 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the tool 3022 is provided or attached to the generator 150 associated with the instrument 152 (see FIG. 33). In one example, the generator 150 includes a mount 3026 for the tool 3022 on the generator 150, such as on a sidewall of the generator 150. The mount 3026 in this example is configured to support multiple attachments and detachments of the tool 3022. The mount 3026 may also include instructions for using the tool 3022, the tool part number for the tool 3022, the handpiece part number with which the tool 3022 is associated, and / or a website that an operator can refer to for use of the generator 150 and the tool 3022. The tool 3022, more specifically, also includes electronics 3045 (see FIG. 35) and a label operable to communicate with nearby implements 152 (see FIG. 33) and / or generators 150. The electronics 3045 includes a central processing unit (CPU), memory, a communication unit such as a wireless receiver and transmitter, and / or a feedback system such as tactile buttons or a display. The electronics 3045 is operable with the generators 150 and implements 152 to communicate usage and function data via wired or wireless communication.

[0097] FIG. 35 shows in more detail one example of a tool 3022 for assembling or disassembling the instrument 152 (see FIG. 33). The tool 3022 may include a body 3023 and a torque limiting feature, such as a torque wrench coupler 3028, attached to the body 3023. The coupler 3028 may mate with conventional hex head fasteners, flat head screws, Phillips head screws, or any other dedicated or non-dedicated fittings. In one example, the tool 3022 includes a predetermined torque limit associated with the coupler 3028 that is set and calibrated when the tool 3022 is manufactured and is not user-adjustable. In another example, the tool 3022 includes an adjustable torque limit associated with the coupler 3028, allowing a user to set the torque limit from a plurality of available torque limits to vary the applied torque as desired by the user. The torque limit indicator (3030) is displayed on the body (3023) of this example and indicates the torque limit to which the tool (3022) has been adjusted. Adjusting the torque limit may be accomplished by twisting the handle (3044) to the indicated torque limit, such as with a click-type torque wrench, by twisting a rotating shaft, such as with a T-handle torque wrench, by pressing a button, such as with an electronic torque wrench, or by manipulating a portion of the tool (3022) according to a predetermined amount. During use, the tool (3022) indicates that the desired torque has been reached by an audible noise, a tactile indication, and / or a visual indication. The tool (3022) can also indicate the current torque being applied without limiting the torque, as with a beam-type torque wrench. Torque limit features, such as those associated with the coupler (3028), may be selectable to either enable or disable the torque limit, thereby using the tool (3022) as a wrench or ratchet. All torque limit and torque indication mechanisms may be used in clockwise and / or counterclockwise rotation and may be electronically and / or mechanically indicated.

[0098] The tool 3022 further includes a pry portion 3034, shown more specifically in this example as a wedge 3034, intended to separate and pry apart two components of the instrument 152 by forcing the pry portion 3034 into a predetermined access portion 3035 between two components, such as two portions of a housing. Separation of the two components at the predetermined access portion 3035 may be achieved by using the pry portion 3034 as a lever as the pry portion 3034 is forced between the two components, or may be completed by forcing the pry portion 3034 deeper between the two components, thus forcing them apart. The pry portion 3034 may be located anywhere on the tool 3022 that allows for appropriate manipulation of the tool 3022 to achieve the desired separation of the two components. Pry portion 3034 may be used to separate components that have been joined together using clips or press pins, adhesive, magnets, a fracturing area, or any other fastener, etc. Pry portion 3034 also functions as a scraper to remove biological material or adhesive on instrument 152 or generator 150.

[0099] The tool 3022 in this example also includes a key 3032 intended to unlock portions of the instrument 152 and / or generator 150. The key 3032 may be device-specific or generic, as applied to several devices. The key 3032 may be operable to disassemble the instrument 152 for component harvesting or to unlock or access features of the instrument 152 that would not otherwise be available. By way of example, the key is configured to be received within a lock assembly (not shown) of a hatch 3033 configured to transition from a locked state to an unlocked state. In the locked state, the hatch 3033 is secured to prevent access to the interior 3036 of the instrument 152. In the unlocked state, the hatch 3033 is configured to allow access to the interior 3036 for removing and / or replacing components, such as an ultrasound transducer, from the interior 3036.

[0100] The tool 3022 in this example also includes an irrigation tube 3037 configured to scrub and clean the instrument 152. More specifically, the tool 3022 has a lumen irrigator configured to clean a lumen (not shown) on the instrument 152. The irrigation tube 3037 and lumen irrigator may include bristles and a contact surface configured to clean a surface.

[0101] As a further example, the tool 3022 includes pliers 3040 and a spreader 3038. The pliers 3040 and the spreader 3038 may be separate components or may be included as a single component hinged to the body 3023 of the tool 3022. The pliers 3040 and the spreader 3038, as shown in this example, have handles configured to clamp and extend arms 3042 relative to the body of the tool 3022. The pliers 3040 and the spreader 3038 may also feature a single handle with multiple arms (not shown), one configured to clamp and the other configured to extend relative to the body 3023 of the tool 3022. Pliers 3040 may be configured to compress components together, such as to assemble multiple components of instrument 152, or may be used to crush components of instrument 152, thereby gaining access to portions of instrument 152. In contrast, spreader 3038 is configured to separate components of instrument 152, thereby gaining access to portions of instrument 152, for example, through predetermined access portion 3035.

[0102] In one example, tool 3022 may be incorporated into a robotic surgical system. In addition to the teachings below, tool 3022 may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,125,662, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. As a further example, tool 3022 is configured to couple with a complementary component of robotic arm 123 at robotic joint 3046 (see FIG. 2). While tool 3022 is coupled to robotic arm 123, robotic arm 123 can use tool 3022 to disassemble, assemble, and / or clean instrument 152 and generator 152. The robotic arm 123 can use the tool 123 on the implement 152, which may be in a tray 3016, mounted on the generator 150, freely movable on a table, or coupled to a complementary robotic arm 123. The robotic arm 123 can use all of the aforementioned functions of the tool 3022, such as changing the torque limit and using the torque limit features, using the key 3032, using the leverage portion 3034, and using the pliers 3040 and spreader 3038. When the robotic arm 123 is in proximity to the tool 3022, the robotic arm 123 can communicate with the electronics 3045 to learn how the tool 3022 has been used previously and disable the tool 3022 from future use. Communication between the robot arm (123) and the tool (3022) can be completed wirelessly or via a wired link at the robot joint (3046).

[0103] As described above, the tool 3022 in one example includes electrical and / or conductive mechanical features. Such features may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to the conductive mechanical feature. Additionally, the tool 3022 may include electrical and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical and conductive mechanical features. In the context of the tool 3022, such risks may arise with respect to components to which the tool 3022 is coupled. Other components of the tool 3022 that may present the above-described risks will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0104] Referring to Figures 36A and 36B, another example of tool 3122, similar to tool 3022 (see Figure 35), is shown, except as otherwise described below. Figure 36A shows tool 3122 in a first configuration 3152 such that tool 3122 can be used in a particular manner with first mechanism 3048 enabled. First mechanism 3148 can include any of the mechanisms described above for tool 3022 (see Figure 35), such as torque wrench coupler 3028, key 3032, leverage 3034, irrigation tube 3037, spreader 3038, pliers 3040, handle 3044, electronics link 3045, and robotic joint 3046 (see Figure 35). The tool 3122 is configured such that, once the first mechanism 3148 is utilized for its intended purpose, the second mechanism 3150 of the tool 3122 becomes operable after, and in one example only after, use of the first mechanism 3148. Again, the second mechanism 3150 may include any of the mechanisms of the tool 3022 described above, such as the torque wrench coupler 3028, the key 3032, the leverage portion 3034, the irrigation tube 3037, the spreader 3038, the pliers 3040, the handle 3044, the link to the electronics 3045, and the robotic coupling 3046 (see FIG. 35 ). While any combination of tool 3022 features (see FIG. 35 ) may be incorporated into tool 3122, in this example, first feature 3148 includes torque wrench coupler 3028 and second feature 3150 includes lever portion 3034, although the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to this particular combination in this example. In this example, tool 3122 can automatically transition from first feature 3148 to second feature 3150 when torque wrench coupler 3028 reaches a predetermined torque. Transitioning tool 3122 from first feature 3148 to second feature 3150 allows a user to change the way they hold and manipulate tool 3122.

[0105] To enable use of the second mechanism 3150, the tool 3122 transitions from the first configuration 3152 to the second configuration 3154, as shown in FIG. 36B. The tool 3122 also includes a mechanism blocking portion 3156, such as a cap. To this end, when in the first configuration 3152, the mechanism blocking portion 3156 is configured to block access to and / or function of the second mechanism 3150 prior to use of the first mechanism 3148. The mechanism blocking portion 3156 may further include warning indicia thereon, such as instructions that the first mechanism 3148 should be used or instructions that the tool 3122 should be transitioned to the second configuration 3154, before the second mechanism 3150 can be accessed and / or used. The tool 3122 may require the removal or destruction of the mechanism inhibiting portion 3156 to render the second mechanism 3150 operable or accessible. When in the second configuration 3154, the tool 3122 is configured to disable the first mechanism 3148 such that the first mechanism 3148 is no longer accessible and / or operable. For example, the mechanism inhibiting portion 3156 as a cap may be positioned to cover and / or conceal the first mechanism 3148 such that the first mechanism 3148 is no longer accessible and / or visible. The tool 3122 in one example must be reset to further render the first mechanism 3148 operable by resetting the tool 3122 to the first configuration 3152. In one example, both first mechanism 3048 and second mechanism 3050 of tool 3022 are operable when in second configuration 3154. In this regard, the present invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to the sequential operation and access of first mechanism 3148, 3150 as shown in this example.

[0106] VIII. Robotic Surgical Systems with Detachable Parts In some instances, it may be desirable to provide surgical instruments that include components capable of delivering ultrasonic energy, RF energy, or both ultrasonic and RF energy, which easily open to provide access to the internal components for separation into separate waste streams with minimal tools. Surgical procedures are typically performed within a sterile field, as described above. A sterile field free of microorganisms allows the surgical team to reduce the chance of infection by ensuring that only sterile instruments and tools are used within the sterile field. Surgical instruments are sterilized, packaged in sterile containers, and sent to the sterile field. Medical professionals may be required to disassemble surgical instruments within the sterile field after surgery, either by hand or using tools provided in the sterile container. For example, a torque wrench provided for assembling surgical instruments may have an additional mechanism for disassembling the surgical instrument.

[0107] Surgical instruments include additional features that facilitate disassembly and removal of internal components. These separate waste streams are predetermined based on the component materials or component use. For example, the waste streams may include recycling, disposal, or regeneration. Components placed in the disposal waste stream are disposed of in a landfill. Components placed in the recycling waste stream may be further separated, shredded, and melted down to their base components. Components placed in the regeneration waste stream are cleaned, tested, repaired, and reassembled into another surgical instrument. For example, plastic and metal components may be separated into one waste stream for disposal, heavy metals from integrated circuits may be separated into a second waste stream for recycling, and ultrasonic transducers may be separated into a third waste stream for regeneration.

[0108] A. Overview of the Robotic Surgical System Figure 37 shows an exemplary robotic surgical system 4010, including a patient side cart 4012 (surgical robot), a surgical robot hub 4014, and a packaging system 4016. The patient side cart 4012 may be similar to the patient side cart 120, and the surgical robot hub 4014 may be similar to the surgical robot hub 122 (see Figure 2), unless otherwise noted below. Although not shown, the robotic surgical system 4010 may include additional features similar to the robotic surgical system 110 (e.g., a surgeon's console, etc.).

[0109] As shown in FIG. 37 , the patient side cart 4012 includes a base 4018, a column 4020, a vertical carriage 4022, and a surgical table 4024. The base 4018 and the column 4020 cooperate to support the surgical table 4024. The vertical carriage 4022 is configured to move up and down along or relative to the column 4020. The surgical table 4024 is configured to support a patient thereon and may be similar to the surgical table 114. The vertical carriage supports multiple robotic arms, which may be similar to the surgical arm 123 shown in FIG. 2. The multiple robotic arms are shown to include a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, and a third robotic arm (4026, 4028, 4030), although more robotic arms (e.g., a fourth arm, a fifth arm, a sixth arm, etc.) or fewer robotic arms (e.g., the first arm and the second arm) are also envisioned. The first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the third robotic arm (4026, 4028, 4030) extend outwardly from the column (4020). As shown, each of the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the third robotic arm (4026, 4028, 4030) includes a joint (4032) that enables multiple degrees of freedom (e.g., seven or eight degrees of freedom). The first robotic arm (4026) is operably coupled to a surgical instrument (4034) at a first interface (4040). The surgical instrument (4034) is configured to interact with a patient and may be similar to the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156) described above.

[0110] The robotic surgical system 4010 includes a plurality of tools. While FIG. 37 schematically illustrates the plurality of robotic tools as including tools 4036, 4038, more tools (e.g., a third tool, a fourth tool, a fifth tool, a sixth tool, etc.) or fewer tools (e.g., the first tool) are also contemplated. As shown schematically, the second robotic arm 4028 is operably coupled to tool 4036 at a second interface 4042, and the third robotic arm 4030 is operably coupled to tool 4038 at a third interface 4044.

[0111] With continued reference to FIG. 37 , the hub 4014 includes a controller 4046 and an optional sensor 4048. The tools 4036, 4038 are operably coupled to the controller 4046. The disassembly mechanism 4050 of the tool 4036 and / or the disassembly mechanism 4052 of the tool 4038 are configured to separate at least a portion of the surgical instrument 4034 from the robotic surgical system 4010 in response to a command from the controller 4046. The controller 4046 may autonomously command the tool 4036 to separate at least a portion of the surgical instrument 4034 from the robotic surgical system 4010. As used herein, autonomous is intended to mean capable of performing an operation without requiring additional user command once initiated. The controller (4046) is configured to instruct a disassembly mechanism (4050) of the tool (4036) to separate the surgical instruments (4034) in response to feedback received from the sensor (4048). In some versions, the sensor (4048) may include an optical sensor configured to determine whether a person is present in the operating room (116).

[0112] Continuing with reference to FIG. 37 , the packaging system (4016) includes a labeling device (4054), a packaging device (4056) (e.g., a bagging device), a sealing device (4058), a disposal device (4060), and a recycling device (4062). The labeling device (4054) is configured to dispense a label (4064). The label (4064) may include tool information (e.g., a serial number, manufacturing information, usage information, etc.). The packaging device (4056) is configured to dispense a package (4066). The label (4064) may be secured to an exterior surface of the package (4066). In some versions, the label (4064) may already be attached to the package (4066). The package (4066) is configured to receive a portion(s) of the surgical instrument (4034) in response to commands from the controller (4046). The package 4066 may include a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms. For example, the package 4066 may include a flexible bag, a rigid container, and / or a semi-rigid container. The controller 4046 is configured to instruct the tool 4036 and / or the tool 4038 to insert a portion of the surgical instrument 4034 into the package 4066. This may provide personnel in the operating room 116 with bagging capabilities alongside the patient side cart 4012.

[0113] The packaging system (4016) functions in coordination with the patient side cart (4012) such that the robotic arms (4026, 4028, 4030) can position the package (4066), enable it to be automatically dispensed, open the package (4066), and close the package (4066) when the surgical instrument (4034) is located inside the package (4066). The sealing device (4058), in response to commands from the controller (4046), can seal the package (4066) after the portion(s) of the surgical instrument (4034) have been received by the package (4066). The reconditioning apparatus (4062) may include first and second transport containers (4068, 4070). The first transport container (4068) may be used to transport the package (4066) to a first location, and the second transport container (4070) may be used to ship the package (4066) to a second location different from the first location.

[0114] At least one of the tools (4036, 4038) includes a disassembly mechanism (4050, 4052). The robotic surgical system (4010) utilizes interaction between at least the surgical instrument (4034) and the tool (4036) to achieve the desired disassembly. As described in more detail below, the tools (4036, 4038) may utilize separate strokes or forces for disassembly. For example, the tool (4036) may disassemble a first portion of the surgical instrument (4034), and the tool (4038) may disassemble a second, different portion of the surgical instrument (4034). Alternatively, the disassembly mechanisms (4050, 4052) of the tools (4036, 4038) may be used in combination (or in combination with other tools (not shown)) to disassemble the surgical instrument (4034). In some versions, disassembly mechanisms (4050, 4052) of tools (4036, 4038) may be used in combination simultaneously. In some versions, only tool (4036) includes disassembly mechanism (4050), and tool (4038) includes a surgical instrument (e.g., surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156)). Although not shown, in some versions, surgical instrument (4034) may be used to disassemble at least a portion of tools (4036, 4038).

[0115] B. Exemplary Surgical Instruments FIG. 38 shows a perspective view of an exemplary surgical instrument (4110) that may be used in place of the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034). The surgical instrument (4110) may be configured to deliver ultrasonic energy, radio frequency (“RF”) energy, or both. The surgical instrument (4110) is configured to be operably coupled to a first robotic arm (4026) (see FIG. 37) at a first interface (4040) (see FIG. 37), although the surgical instrument (4110) may alternatively be handheld. The surgical instrument (4110) includes a body (4112), a shaft assembly (4114), and an end effector (4116). The end effector (4116) includes an ultrasonic blade (4118) disposed on a first jaw and a clamp arm (4120) disposed on an opposing second jaw. The clamp arm (4120) is configured to pivot relative to the ultrasonic blade (4118). The body (4112) includes a housing (4122) and multiple retrievable components. The housing (4122) is shown as including first and second housing portions (4124, 4126), which may also be referred to as shroud portions. As shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 40-44B, the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) may be coupled using a variety of different coupling structures.

[0116] Referring back to Figures 37 and 38, the first housing portion (4124) is separated from the second housing portion (4126). While multiple retrievable components are shown as a first retrievable component and a second retrievable component (4128, 4130), more or fewer retrievable components (e.g., a third retrievable component, a fourth retrievable component, etc.) are envisioned. The controller (4046) can autonomously command the disassembly mechanism (4050) and / or the disassembly mechanism (4052) to separate the first and second retrievable components (4128, 4130). In some versions, the surgical instrument (4110) may be in the form of an ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonic component. The first retrievable component (4124) includes an ultrasonic waveguide (which may include an ultrasonic blade (4118)). The second retrievable component (4130) includes an ultrasonic transducer. The controller 4046 can autonomously command the disassembly mechanism 4050 and / or the disassembly mechanism 4052 to separate the ultrasonic waveguide and ultrasonic transducer from the patient side cart 4012. Once the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126 are released, the second retrievable component 4130 (e.g., the ultrasonic transducer) is exposed for subsequent removal. The surgical instrument 4110 includes a marker 4132 that indicates the predetermined disassembly location to the controller 4046.

[0117] C. Exemplary Surgical Tools FIG. 39 shows a diagram of a second exemplary tool 4210 that may be used in place of tools 4036 and 4038. Tool 4210 is sometimes referred to as a multi-tool. Tool 4210 includes a body 4212 and multiple disassembly mechanisms. Body 4212 may rotate around a center point 4228. While multiple disassembly mechanisms are shown as disassembly mechanisms 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, and 4224, more or fewer disassembly mechanisms are envisioned. Disassembly mechanisms 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, and 4224 are shown extending outward from a periphery 4226 of body 4212. Disassembly mechanisms (4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224) can have a variety of shapes and sizes. Disassembly mechanisms (4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224) are configured to remove at least a portion of the housing (4122) of the surgical instrument (4110). In some versions, disassembly mechanisms (4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224) can be removed and different disassembly mechanisms (4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224) inserted to allow for different disassembly mechanisms depending on the surgical instrument (4110) being disassembled. When the controller (4046) receives the disassembly command (e.g., device code), the controller (4046) obtains the desired disassembly mechanism (4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224) and then executes the disassembly command based on that surgical instrument (4110).

[0118] The disassembly mechanism (4214) is shown as a pair of pliers, but may function as a pair of reverse pliers. The disassembly mechanism (4214) includes opposing first and second jaws (4230, 4232) configured to move relative to one another, as shown and described below with reference to FIGS. 40-41 . The disassembly mechanism (4216) is shown as a scraper. The disassembly mechanism (4216) is shown as having a flat, blunt distal-most end (4234), but the distal-most end (4234) may alternatively be pointed. The disassembly mechanism (4218) is shown as a wedge. The disassembly mechanism (4218) is shown as having a pointed distal-most end (4236), but the distal-most end (4234) may alternatively be blunt. First and second sides (4238, 4240) of disassembly mechanism 4218 extend outward, away from distal-most end 4236. Disassembly mechanism 4220 is shown as a torque wrench. Distal-most end 4242 may rotate fasteners for disassembly. Disassembly mechanism 4222 is shown as a screwdriver having distal-most end 4244 configured to rotate fasteners for disassembly. Disassembly mechanism 4224 is shown as a pipe cleaner. Disassembly mechanism 4224 may be used to remove debris before disassembly mechanisms 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222 are utilized.

[0119] Tool 4210 is shown as including a coupling portion 4245 configured to couple with second interface 4042 or third interface 4044. In some versions, disassembly mechanisms 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224 may be detachable from body 4212. In some versions, disassembly mechanisms 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224 may be injection molded from a single, unitary piece. In some versions, disassembly mechanisms 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224 may be manufactured using only metal or only plastic. In some versions, the robotic arms (4028, 4030), tools (4036, 4038), and associated disassembly mechanisms (4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224) are not utilized in the normal operation of the surgical instrument (4110), but allow the tools (4036, 4038) to attain different orientations to access various portions of the patient side cart (4012) and / or to switch between the tools (4036, 4038) and disassembly mechanisms (4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224).

[0120] 1. First Exemplary Decomposition Mechanism 40-41 show enlarged perspective views of the disassembly mechanism 4214 of FIG. 39. In particular, FIG. 40 shows the disassembly mechanism 4214 used as reverse pliers to fracture the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126 of the housing 4122. Opposing first and second jaws 4230, 4232 move from a first configuration (shown in dashed lines) to a second configuration (shown in solid lines) to disassemble the housing 4122 of the surgical instrument 4110 of FIG. 38. In some versions, only one of the first and second jaws 4230, 4232 moves, while the other of the first and second jaws 4230, 4232 remains stationary. Although the distal-most ends 4234 of the first and second jaws 4230, 4232 are shown as planar, the first and second jaws 4230, 4232 may alternatively terminate at a point. This point may further enable the distal-most ends 4234 of the first and second jaws 4230, 4232 to pry open the housing 4122. The first jaw 4230 includes inner and outer surfaces 4246, 4248. Similarly, the second jaw 4232 includes inner and outer surfaces 4250, 4252. As shown, outer surfaces (4248, 4252) of first and second jaws (4230, 4232) press against housing (4122) to fracture housing (4122) or otherwise manipulate housing (4122) as desired.

[0121] Figure 41 shows the disassembly mechanism (4214) of Figure 40 moving from a third configuration to a fourth configuration to grasp a portion of the surgical instrument (4110) of Figure 38. As shown, the inner surfaces (4246, 4250) of the first and second jaws (4230, 4232) collectively grasp a portion of the surgical instrument (4110) as desired. For example, the outer surfaces (4248, 4252) of the first and second jaws (4230, 4232) may first be used to access the desired retrieveable component, and then the inner surfaces (4246, 4250) of the first and second jaws (4230, 4232) may be used to remove and orient the retrieveable component for the packaging system (4016). The disassembly mechanism (4214) may be used to autonomously engage a mechanical key on the first robotic arm (4026).

[0122] 2. Second Exemplary Decomposition Mechanism Figures 42A-42B show the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of the surgical instrument (4110) being disassembled using the disassembly mechanism (4222) of Figure 39. In particular, Figure 42A shows the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of Figure 38 coupled together in a connected configuration using the mechanical connector (4254) prior to separation using the disassembly mechanism (4222). Figure 42B shows the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of Figure 42A after the disassembly mechanism (4222) of Figure 42A has moved the mechanical connector (4254) to an unconnected configuration. The disassembly mechanism (4222) functions as a mechanical key to release the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of the surgical instrument (4110) to enable self-disassembly. The mechanical connector 4254 slides within slots 4256, 4258 in the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126. Although the disassembly mechanism 4222 is shown as translating the mechanical connector 4254 to disengage the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126, the disassembly mechanism 4222 may rotate and / or translate the mechanical connector 4254 to disengage the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126. A small, predetermined housing mechanism can prevent inadvertent disassembly while still allowing adequate access for the tool 4036, 4038 to the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126.

[0123] 3. Third Exemplary Decomposition Mechanism Figures 43A-43B show the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of the surgical instrument (4110) being disassembled using an exemplary disassembly mechanism (4310), which is shown as a magnet. The disassembly mechanism (4310) may be included as a stand-alone tool or may be included in the tool (4210). In particular, Figure 43A shows the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of Figure 38 coupled together in a connected configuration using the magnetic connector (4312) prior to separation by the disassembly mechanism (4310). Figure 43B shows the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of Figure 43A after the disassembly mechanism (4310) has moved the magnetic connector (4312) to an unconnected configuration.

[0124] The disassembly mechanism 4310 functions as a magnetic key to release the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126 of the surgical instrument 4110 to enable self-disassembly. The magnetic connector 4312 slides between a connected and an unconnected configuration within slots 4314, 4316 in the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126. Although the disassembly mechanism 4310 is shown as translating the magnetic connector 4312 to disengage the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126, the disassembly mechanism 4310 may rotate and / or translate the magnetic connector 4312 to disengage the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126. Although disassembly mechanism 4310 is shown as attracting magnetic connector 4312, disassembly mechanism 4310 may alternatively repel magnetic connector 4312.

[0125] 4. Fourth Exemplary Decomposition Mechanism Figures 44A-44B show the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of the surgical instrument (4110) being disassembled using an exemplary disassembly mechanism (4410), shown as a powered disassembly mechanism (4410). The disassembly mechanism (4410) may be included as a stand-alone tool or may be included in the tool (4210). In particular, Figure 44A shows the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of Figure 38 coupled together in a connected configuration using an electrically movable connector (4412) prior to separation using the disassembly mechanism (4410). Figure 44B shows the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126) of Figure 44A after the disassembly mechanism (4410) of Figure 44A has moved the electrically movable connector (4412) to an unconnected configuration. The electrically movable connector (4412) slides within slots (4414, 4416) in the first and second housing portions (4124, 4126).

[0126] The disassembly mechanism 4410 functions as an electric key that releases the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126 of the surgical instrument 4110, allowing for self-disassembly. The disassembly mechanism 4410 is operably connected to a power source 4418 to provide power to the disassembly mechanism 4410. Although the disassembly mechanism 4410 is shown as translating the electrically movable connector 4412 to disengage the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126, the disassembly mechanism 4410 may also rotate and / or translate the electrically movable connector 4412 to disengage the first and second housing portions 4124, 4126.

[0127] 5. Fifth Exemplary Decomposition Mechanism 45A-45B show the housings (4122) of the surgical instrument (4110) being separated using an exemplary disassembly mechanism (4510), shown as a laser. The disassembly mechanism (4510) may be included as a stand-alone tool or may be included in the tool (4210). In particular, FIG. 45A shows the housings (4122) in a connected configuration prior to being separated by the disassembly mechanism (4510). The housings (4122) include markers (4132), shown as recesses for orienting the disassembly mechanism (4510) to a desired location. FIG. 45B shows the housings (4122) already separated after the disassembly mechanism (4510) has fully penetrated the housings (4122). The disassembly mechanism (4510) can cut certain predetermined areas to release the first and second retrievable components (4128, 4130). In some versions, the housing (4122) of the surgical instrument (4110) may be formed from nitinol so that the decomposition mechanism (4510) can apply heat to deform the nitinol material for decomposition.

[0128] 6. Sixth Exemplary Decomposition Mechanism 46A-46B show disassembly mechanisms (4610, 4612) shown as first and second end effectors configured to interact with patient tissue. The disassembly mechanisms (4610, 4612) may be operatively coupled to second and third robotic arms (4028, 4030). The disassembly mechanisms (4610, 4612) are shown moving from a first configuration toward a second configuration. The disassembly mechanisms (4610, 4612) may be similar to the end effectors (166, 180, 188, 4116) of the surgical instruments (152, 154, 156, 4110). The disassembly mechanisms (4610, 4612) each include a pivotable clamp arm (4614, 4616) for grasping. Markers 4132 on the housing 4122 highlight the weakened portion 4618. The disassembly mechanism 4610, 4612 is configured to separate the weakened portion 4618 of the housing 4122 of the surgical instrument 4034 of Figure 38. Figure 46B shows a schematic front view of the weakened portion 4618 in a cut state.

[0129] In some versions, the disassembly mechanism (4610) is configured to provide a first predetermined force, a first predetermined motion, and / or a first predetermined task to separate at least a portion of the surgical instrument (4110). In some versions, underapplication of the first predetermined force or overapplication of the first predetermined force will not release the housing (4122). The first predetermined force is greater than the maximum force a user can manually apply. In other words, the first predetermined force may exceed the force a user can manually apply to remove the housing (4122). In some versions, both underapplication and overapplication prevent the housing (4122) from fully opening.

[0130] The disassembly mechanism (4612) is configured to provide a second predetermined force, a second predetermined motion, and / or a second predetermined task, independent of the first predetermined force, the first predetermined motion, and / or the first predetermined task, applied by the disassembly mechanism (4610) in response to commands from the controller (4046) to separate at least portions of the surgical instrument (4034). The collective application of multiple separate and independently applied forces, motions, or tasks may enable disassembly of portions of the surgical instrument (4034). For example, the disassembly mechanisms (4610, 4612) of each tool (4036, 4038) may cooperatively unlock two or more separate portions simultaneously to generate synchronized motions that open or remove portions of the surgical instrument (4034) where the user is unable to manually generate a cooperative force.

[0131] D. Exemplary Tool Dispenser Figure 47 illustrates an exemplary tool dispenser 4710 configured to hold multiple tools (shown as tools 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, and 4722). Tools 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, and 4722 may be individually packaged in sterile packaging. Tool 4712 includes a coupling portion 4724, a shaft 4726, and a disassembly mechanism 4728 similar to disassembly mechanism 4214 shown in Figures 39-41. Tool 4714 includes a coupling portion 4730, a shaft 4732, and a disassembly mechanism 4734 similar to disassembly mechanism 4216 shown in Figure 39. Tool 4716 includes a coupling portion 4736, a shaft 4738, and a disassembly mechanism 4740 similar to disassembly mechanism 4218 shown in Figure 39. Tool 4718 includes a coupling portion 4742, a shaft 4744, and a disassembly mechanism 4746 similar to disassembly mechanism 4220 shown in Figure 39. Tool 4720 includes a coupling portion 4748, a shaft 4750, and a disassembly mechanism 4752 similar to disassembly mechanism 4222 shown in Figure 39. Tool 4722 includes a coupling portion 4754, a shaft 4756, and a disassembly mechanism 4758 similar to disassembly mechanism 4224 shown in Figure 39.

[0132] Coupling portions (4724, 4730, 4736, 4742, 4748, 4754) are configured to mate with second interface (4042) of robotic arm (4028) or third interface (4044) of robotic arm (4030) shown in FIG. 37. In some versions, coupling portions (4724, 4730, 4736, 4742, 4748, 4754) may have bases shaped in an X-cross-sectional pattern or a T-cross-sectional pattern. A user can attach coupling portions (4724, 4730, 4736, 4742, 4748, 4754) of tools (4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) to second interface (4042) or third interface (4044) based on the surgical instrument (4034) being disassembled.

[0133] Tools 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722 can be suspended from tool dispenser 4710 for subsequent retrieval. As shown, tool dispenser 4710 includes pegboard 4760 including recesses or openings 4762 that support protrusions 4764. Protrusions 4764 support tools 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722. However, a variety of suitable tool dispensers are contemplated. Although tools (4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) are shown extending horizontally, tools (4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) may alternatively be positioned at various other angles for receipt by robotic arms (4028, 4030). Tools (4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) may be selected by controller (4046) for disassembly of surgical instrument (4034) based on disassembly instructions. Disassembly instructions may be transmitted to controller (4046) or another portion of robotic surgical system (4010). Disassembly instructions may be placed on packaging material, as shown and described below with reference to FIG. 48.

[0134] E. Exemplary Surgical Kit 48 illustrates an exemplary surgical kit 4800 including packaging 4802, a tool 4720, instrument information 4806, and a surgical instrument 4808. The packaging defines an interior 4807 and an exterior 4809. For example, the surgical kit 4800 may include both a surgical instrument 4110 and tools 4036, 4038 for coupling and / or detaching the surgical instrument 4808 from the robotic surgical system 4010. The surgical kit 4800 may include various surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110) and tools 4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722. The instrument information (4806) may be in the form of disassembly instructions indicating the desired position and / or orientation of the surgical instrument (4808) for disassembly and / or computer readable code that can be read and interpreted by the controller (4046).

[0135] The surgical instrument (4808) may be similar to the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156). The surgical instrument (4808) may be configured to deliver ultrasonic energy, radio frequency ("RF") energy, or both. The surgical instrument (4808) may be configured to be handheld or to mate with a corresponding portion of a robotic arm (see FIG. 38). Similar to the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156), the surgical instrument (4808) includes a body assembly (4810), a shaft assembly (4820), and an end effector (4830). The shaft (4822) of the shaft assembly (4820) extends distally from the body assembly (4810) to the end effector (4830). The surgical instrument (4808) differs from the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156) in that the surgical instrument (4808) includes a body assembly (4810) configured to be easily disassembled and exposed for removal of at least one of several internal components to a separate waste stream. The surgical instrument (4808) is configured to deliver ultrasonic energy similar to the surgical instrument (152). The body assembly (4810) encloses a portion of an energy drive system (4840) and a portion of a circuit assembly (4850). The energy drive system (4840) includes an ultrasonic transducer (4842), a waveguide (4844), and an ultrasonic blade (4846). The energy drive system (4840) may further include a battery (4848) or generator (150) (see FIG. 5) configured to provide energy. The ultrasonic transducer (4842) is positioned proximally within the body assembly (4810) and extends distally to the waveguide (4844). The waveguide (4844) extends distally through the shaft assembly (4820) to the ultrasonic blade (4846). The circuit assembly (4850) includes a main circuit board (4852), a memory member (4854), and a controller (4856). The recoverable components may include portions of the body assembly (4810), the shaft assembly (4820), and / or the end effector (4830), including components of the energy drive system (4840).

[0136] The body assembly (4810) includes a plurality of selectively removable shroud portions (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818). The shroud portions (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818) are configured to provide support for the energy drive system (4840), the shaft assembly (4820), and the circuit assembly (4850). As shown, the shroud portions (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818) include a first shroud portion (4812), a second shroud portion (4814), a third shroud portion (4816), and a fourth shroud portion (4818), although any number of shroud portions (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818) that block access to the circuit assembly (4850) and the energy drive system (4840) may be included. Each shroud portion (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818) is removably secured to another shroud portion (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818). A user can remove the shroud portions (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818) to provide access to a portion of the energy-driven system (4840) and a portion of the circuit assembly (4850) in a disconnected state (see FIG. 49). Once accessed, the portion of the energy-driven system (4840) and the portion of the circuit assembly (4850) may be disposed of as a separate waste stream. The shroud portions (4812, 4814, 4816, 4818) may include a gripping mechanism (4824). The shroud portions 4812, 4814, 4816, 4818 further include a plurality of alignment features 4826 configured to align each shroud portion 4812, 4814, 4816, 4818 with an adjacent shroud portion 4812, 4814, 4816, 4818. In one example, the alignment feature 4826 includes a key 4828 and a keyway 4832. The key 4828 is sized to slide within the keyway 4832.

[0137] Figure 49 shows the surgical instrument 4808 of Figure 48 after it has been removed from the packaging 4802 of the surgical kit 4800 and disassembled using the disassembly mechanism 4804 that was included in the same packaging 4802 of the surgical kit 4800. In the disconnected state, the shroud portions 4812, 4814, 4816, 4818 are separated from one another. Removal of the shroud portions 4812, 4814, 4816, 4818 facilitates access to and removal of at least a portion of the energy drive system 4840 and / or at least a portion of the circuit assembly 4850.

[0138] F. Exemplary Methods Figure 50 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary method 4910 for disassembling the robotic surgical system 4010 of Figure 37. The method 4910 may include steps 4912, 4914, 4916, 4918, 4920, 4922, 4924, 4926, 4928, 4930, 4932, 4934, 4936, 4938, 4940, 4942. However, more or fewer steps are also contemplated.

[0139] In step (4912), the method (4910) includes activating a disassembly routine. In some versions, once the disassembly routine is activated, the remaining steps may be performed autonomously without any user interaction. For example, at the end of a procedure, the autonomous system may respond to user input to disassemble the surgical instrument (4034). Specifically, a device code may be received by the controller (4046), which interprets the disassembly command based on the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808). A marker (4132) on the surgical instrument (4110) may be used to assist the patient side cart (4012) in locating the predetermined disassembly location. For example, at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion (4124, 4126) may include a marker (4132) that indicates to the robot the position / orientation of the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808). In some versions, the controller (4046) may sense information about the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808), and thus the disassembly operation is performed based on the sensing, with or without subsequent user intervention.

[0140] In step 4914, the method 4910 includes determining whether the surroundings are clear. The controller 4046 checks available context information before disassembly. For example, the controller 4046 may verify that the patient is clear of the operating table 4024 and that staff are in a safe position away from the robotic surgical system. This determination may be performed using at least one of a sensor 4048 in the operating room 116, a badge proximity scanner, a laparoscopic camera, and a weight sensor on the operating table 4024. The badge proximity scanner may evaluate whether a user is present in the operating room 116 and where the user is located within the operating room 116. If the surroundings are not clear, the controller 4046 may alert the user in step 4916. The user may manually clear the alert, or the robotic surgical system 4010 may continuously or periodically evaluate whether the surroundings (e.g., within the operating room 116) are clear.

[0141] If the surroundings are clear, then in step 4918, the method 4910 may determine whether the surgical instrument 4034 can be robotically disassembled. The robotic surgical system 4010 may provide feedback regarding which surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808 can be disassembled and prompt the user to attach any of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808 and tools 4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722 to the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the third robotic arm 4026, 4028, 4030. If the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) cannot be disassembled robotically, the surgical instrument (4034) may be manually disassembled in step (4920). For components of the surgical instrument that cannot be disassembled by the tools (4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) of the second and third robotic arms (4028, 4030), manual instructions may be displayed via a monitor located in the operating room (116).

[0142] In some versions, a first surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) has a first keying, a second surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) has a second keying, and a controller (4046) of the robotic surgical system (4010) accesses a lookup table that informs the controller (4046) which key pattern to use for the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808). For example, a first generation device may utilize a first disassembly protocol or program. A second generation device has a different architecture than the first generation device. The robotic surgical system (4010) can uniquely identify the tool (4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) and select the desired disassembly method for the desired creation of the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808).

[0143] If the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) can be robotically disassembled, then in step 4922, the controller 4046 may determine whether the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) can be reused. During disassembly, the robotic surgical system 4010 may recognize the proper method for reconditioning and disposal of the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) and the components contained therein. The robotic surgical system 4010 may optionally perform mechanical and / or electrical tests to determine whether the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) can be reused or recertified. The controller (4046) is configured to perform at least one mechanical or electrical test on the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) to determine the reusability of the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808). The sensor (4048) is configured to sense an area surrounding the robotic surgical system (4010). If the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) is not reusable, then in step (4924), the controller (4046) can command the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the third robotic arm (4026, 4028, 4030) a desired position. In step 4926, if the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) cannot be reused, the patient side cart (4012), in response to instructions from the controller (4046), disassembles the surgical instrument (4110) to reduce space within the disposal device (4060), which can aid in environmentally friendly disposal of the components as directed.

[0144] If the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) is reusable, then in step (4928), the controller (4046) may command the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the third robotic arm (4026, 4028, 4030) to move to a desired position that may assist in the removal of the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808). The robotic surgical system (4010) properly positions the tools (4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) so that the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the third robotic arm (4026, 4028, 4030) do not collide and so that the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) and tools (4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) are properly positioned to interact with one another.

[0145] After positioning the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, and the third robotic arm (4026, 4028, 4030), in step (4930), the controller (4046) determines whether the desired disassembly mechanism (4050, 4052, 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224, 4310, 4410, 4510, 4610, 4612, 4728, 4734) is to be disassembled. , 4740, 4746, 4752, 4758) and determine whether the desired disassembly mechanism (4050, 4052, 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224, 4310, 4410, 4510, 4610, 4612, 4728, 4734, 4740, 4746, 4752, 4758) is currently coupled to the robotic arm (4028, 4030). If the desired disassembly mechanism (4050, 4052, 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224, 4310, 4410, 4510, 4610, 4612, 4728, 4734, 4740, 4746, 4752, 4758) is not currently coupled to the robotic arms (4028, 4030), then in step (4932), the controller (4046) couples the second and third robotic arms ( 4720, 4722) that includes a desired decomposition mechanism (4740, 4752, 4758).

[0146] If the desired disassembly mechanism(s) (4050, 4052, 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224, 4310, 4410, 4510, 4610, 4612, 4728, 4734, 4740, 4746, 4752, 4758) are currently coupled to the robotic arms (4028, 4030) of the patient side cart (4012), then in step (4934), the controller (4046) may instruct the robotic arms (4028, 4030) to remove portions of the surgical instrument (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) using the disassembly mechanisms (4050, 4052, 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224, 4310, 4410, 4510, 4610, 4612, 4728, 4734, 4740, 4746, 4752, 4758). With respect to the surgical instrument (4808), the retrievable components may include portions of the body (4112), shaft assembly (4114), and / or end effector (4116), including the ultrasonic component. With respect to the surgical instrument 4808, the retrievable components may include portions of the body assembly 4810, the shaft assembly 4820, and / or the end effector 4830, including components of the energy drive system 4840. The tool 4036 (and optionally the tool 4038) can apply a predetermined force, movement, or stroke to overcome the connection bias of the surgical instrument 112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808. Portions of the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808) can be disassembled using disassembly mechanisms (4050, 4052, 4214, 4216, 4218, 4220, 4222, 4224, 4310, 4410, 4510, 4610, 4612, 4728, 4734, 4740, 4746, 4752, 4758) of the tools (4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722) in response to commands from the controller (4046).

[0147] In step 4936, the controller 4046 can label the package 4066 using the labeling device 4054. In some versions, the controller 4046 can assign a label 4064 indicating one or more characteristics of the returnable portions 4124, 4126, and the labeling device 4054 can print the label. The package 4066 can be pre-labeled, or the label 4064 can be printed from the labeling device 4054, which can be part of the packaging system 4016 or the hub 4014. In some versions, the hub 4014 can recognize that the returnable components 4128, 4130 are bagged and dispense the appropriate bag and label.

[0148] In step 4938, the controller 4046 can command the second robotic arm 4028 and the tools 4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722 to place the portions into the designated containers. The robotic surgical system 4010 can place the recoverable components 4128, 4130 into the appropriate packaging 4066. Different types of recycling containers are positioned along the patient side cart 4012 to provide ease of use and increased efficiency for operating room personnel. The robotic surgical system 4010 can autonomously detect the disposal device 4060 and the first and second transport containers 4068, 4070. In some versions, an algorithm in the controller (4046) may identify the location of the bag station and autonomously move the retrievable components (4128, 4130) to the appropriate location. A packaging device (4056), which may include a bag dispenser configured to dispense flexible bags, interacts with the controller (4046) so that the robotic arms (4028, 4030) locate the packages (4066), which are automatically dispensed, opened, and closed once the retrievable components (4128, 4130) are positioned therein. The autonomous bagging and sealing may aid in proper post-operative care.

[0149] At step (4940), the method (4910) may also include sealing a package (4066) containing a portion of the surgical instruments (112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808 (e.g., retrieveable components (4128, 4130)) using the sealing device (4058) in response to instructions from the controller (4046). For example, the controller (4046) may control the second robotic arm (4028) and the tools (4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4721, 4722, 4723, 4724, 4725, 4726, 4727, 4728, 4729, 4730, 4731, 4732, 4733, 4734, 4735, 4736, 4737, 4738, 4739, 4740, 4741, 4742, 4743, 4744, 4745, 4746, 4747, 4748, 4749, 4750, 4751, 4752, 4753, 4754, 4755, 4756, 4757, 4758, 4759, 4760, 4761, 4762, 4763, 4764, 4765, 4766, 4767, 4768, 4769, 4770, 4771, 4772, 4773, 2 and / or the third robotic arm 4030 and tools 4036, 4038, 4210, 4712, 4714, 4716, 4718, 4720, 4722 to seal the package 4066. The sealing device 4058 may vacuum seal and / or heat seal the retrievable components 4128, 4130 of the surgical instruments 112, 152, 154, 156, 4034, 4110, 4808 within the package 4066 after a procedure to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the volume around the packaging system 4016.

[0150] In step 4942, the controller 4046 can sort the packages 4066 by desired location / destination. The robotic surgical system 4010 can utilize the location-based information to incorporate different disposal and shipping instructions based on national or regional differences and / or the capabilities of a particular medical facility. The retrievable components 4128, 4130 in the packages 4066 and the disposable components in the disposal device 4060 may be sorted and disposed of differently depending on local regulations.

[0151] IX. Exemplary Installation, Assembly, Use, and Disposal of Surgical Kits in a Surgical Operating Room As mentioned above, objects intended to penetrate the sterile field of an operating room during a surgical procedure must be properly sterilized, while objects exiting the sterile field after a surgical procedure often require special consideration when processing for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing. In some cases, surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) may require at least some assembly in the operating room prior to exemplary use in accordance with the description herein, and then some degree of disassembly after exemplary use so that select components can be disposed of, reused, and / or remanufactured. For example, prior to exemplary use of instrument (152), ultrasonic blade (168) may need to be suitably coupled to ultrasonic transducer (162) and / or shaft assembly (164) may need to be suitably coupled to handpiece (160) in the operating room. Additionally, after exemplary use, ultrasonic blade (168) may need to be separated from ultrasonic transducer (162) for suitable processing in accordance with the description herein.

[0152] Thus, in some cases, surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) may be introduced into the sterile field as surgical kits with subcomponents that require at least some degree of assembly prior to exemplary use. In addition to the subcomponents used to form the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156), such surgical kits may include tools necessary for assembly, disassembly, and suitable processing of the instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) and their subcomponents for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing. Figures 51A-51F illustrate exemplary introduction, assembly, use, disassembly, and disposal of a surgical kit (5020).

[0153] Initially, as shown in FIG. 51A, prior to a surgical procedure, the surgical kit (5020) may be contained within the sealed and sterile interior of a storage bag (5025). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, the storage bag (5025) may have a non-sterile exterior so that a non-sterile person can grasp the exterior of the storage bag (5025) to transport the surgical kit (5020) into the non-sterile room (5012) in preparation for the surgical procedure. Additionally, the sealed and sterile nature of the interior of the storage bag (5025) may help ensure that the surgical kit (5020) remains properly sterile while being transported within the storage bag (5025).

[0154] In preparation for a surgical procedure, the surgical kit 5020 may be transferred from the non-sterile entrance 5012 to the sterile field 5006 of the operating room 5000, as shown in FIG. 51B. The surgical kit 5020 may be transferred into the sterile field 5006 through a suitable entrance portal 5008, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings herein. During such transfer, a person at the non-sterile entrance 5012 may place the kit 5020 and bag 5025 into the entrance portal 5008, providing suitable access to the interior of the bag 5025 while maintaining its sterility. Sterile personnel within the sterile field 5006 can then conveniently access the sterile interior of the storage bag 5025 and remove the surgical kit 5020 from the storage bag 5025 so that the kit 5020 can be conveniently transferred to both the sterile room 5002 and the sterile field 5006, as shown in Figure 51B. Thus, the kit 5020 can remain properly sterile after being transferred through the non-sterile entrance 5012 into the operating room 5000.

[0155] The sterile room 5002 may be substantially similar to the operating room 116 described above. The sterile room 5002 includes a surgical setup 5004, which may be substantially similar to the operating table 114 described above. In addition, the sterile room 5002 also includes an assembly station 5005, which may include a sterile table and / or any other suitable structure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 51C, once the surgical kit 5020 has been properly transferred into the sterile room 5002, the contents of the surgical kit 5020 can be accessed and arranged on an assembly station 5005. In this example, the surgical kit 5020 includes a surgical subcomponent 5022, a non-surgical subcomponent 5024, and a number of waste bags 5026, 5028, 5030. The surgical subcomponent 5022 is intended to be assembled to form a surgical instrument substantially similar to the instruments / tools 112, 117, 152, 154, 156 described above. The non-surgical subcomponent 5024 may comprise a portion of the surgical kit 5020 that is not intended for direct use in a surgical procedure but is intended for ancillary purposes to the surgical procedure. For example, the non-surgical sub-component (5024) may include tool(s) for assembling and disassembling the surgical sub-component (5022), a tray in which the other components (5022, 5024, 5026, 5028, 5030) may be organized, or other features desired for exemplary use as described herein. As described in more detail below, the disposal bags (5026, 5028, 5030) are configured to store each post-operative component (5032, 5034, 5036) (see FIG. 51D ) such that the post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036) can be removed from the sterile room (5002) while being appropriately sealed from exposure to the non-sterile environment (5012, 5014).

[0157] Also shown in FIG. 51C , once properly assembled (either pre-assembled, manually assembled in the clean room 5002, and / or utilizing tools from the non-surgical subcomponents 5024), the surgical subcomponents 5022 may be utilized in the surgical setting 5004 to perform a suitable surgical procedure on a patient, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. The surgical subcomponents 5022 may form any suitable instruments / tools 112, 117, 152, 154, 156 described herein. Accordingly, the surgical subcomponents 5022 may be configured as components of the computer-implemented interactive surgical system 100. For example, if the surgical subcomponents 5022 form a removably coupled surgical tool 117 intended for use with the patient side cart 120, the surgical subcomponents 5022 may be used in conjunction with the robotic system 110. As another example, if the surgical sub-component (5022) forms a handheld intelligent surgical instrument (112), the surgical sub-component (5022) may be handled by a surgeon and suitably coupled to the hub (106) during exemplary use in accordance with the description herein.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 51D, after suitable use, the surgical sub-components (5022) may be exposed to the patient such that the sub-components (5022) require special care. Accordingly, the surgical sub-components (5022) and the non-surgical sub-components (5024) may be disassembled and compartmentalized into post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036). Any suitable means of disassembling the sub-components (5022, 5024) may be utilized, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036) may be categorized based on the type of post-operative treatment intended for each category. For example, disassembled sub-components (5022, 5024) intended to be reused or remanufactured may be sorted into a first category of post-operative components (5032), while failed sub-components (5022, 5024) including electrical components intended to be disposed of may be sorted into a second category of post-operative components (5034), and failed sub-components (5022, 5024) intended to be discarded but not including electrical components may be sorted into a third category of post-operative components (5036). At the point shown in FIG. 51D, certain disposable components may be further processed in preparation for proper disposal. For example, an internal power source (e.g., a battery) utilized by surgical sub-component (5022) may need to be fully discharged at this point.

[0159] Next, as shown in FIG. 51E, while still within the sterile room (5002), the sorted post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036) may then be placed into respective disposal bags (5026, 5028, 5030). The disposal bags (5026, 5028, 5030) may then be sealed such that the post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036) are sealed from the external environment outside of the respective bags (5026, 5028, 5030). The disposal bags (5026, 5028, 5030) may utilize any suitable sealing means, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0160] Next, as shown in FIG. 51D , the post-operative components 5032, 5034, 5036 and their respective disposal bags 5026, 5028, 5030 may be transported from the room 5002 and sterile field 5006 into the non-sterile room 5014 via the exit portal 5010. Thus, the post-operative components 5032, 5034, 5036 may then be transported, sealed from the external environment, to a suitable location for processing, reprocessing, and / or remanufacturing. In the event that components 5032, 5034, 5036 may have come into contact with a patient during the surgical procedure, such components 5032, 5034, 5036 are prevented from undesired exposure within the non-sterile rooms 5012, 5014.

[0161] In this example, non-sterile inlets (5012) and outlets (5014) are used in conjunction with the inlet portal (5008) and outlet portal (5010), but this is merely optional. In some cases, surgical kits (5020) and post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036) are transported to / from the same non-sterile rooms (5012, 5014) utilizing the same portals (5008, 5010).

[0162] In this example, disposal bags (5026, 5028, 5030) are used, however, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein that any suitable disposal structure configured to adequately support each component (5032, 5034, 5036) while sealing such components from the external environment during transport can be used.

[0163] X. Exemplary Devices and Methods for Determining and Extracting Disposal Instructions for Used Energized Surgical Instruments As mentioned above, after suitable use of the surgical sub-components 5022, the surgical sub-components 5022 (e.g., portions of the surgical kit 5020 used to form the energized surgical instruments / tools 112, 117, 152, 154, 156) may be broken down into post-operative components 5032, 5034, 5036 for purposes of disposal, reprocessing, and / or remanufacturing. By way of example, such post-operative components 5032, 5034, 5036 may be categorized as components 5032 intended to be reused / remanufactured, electrical components 5034 intended to be disposed of, and non-electrical components 5036 intended to be disposed of.

[0164] In some cases, there may be various criteria for classifying which used surgical sub-components 5022 may be reusable / manufacturable and which surgical sub-components 5022 are disposable. Additionally, there may be various standards for the proper processing / disposal of such reusable, manufacturable, and disposable surgical sub-components, either within a sterile environment when the surgical sub-components 5022 are initially disassembled, or outside of a sterile environment while the surgical sub-components 5022 are appropriately reprocessed, remanufactured, and / or disposed of, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. The criteria and / or proposed guidelines for classifying sub-components 5022 as either reusable or disposable may vary between jurisdictions. Additionally, reprocessing, remanufacturing, and / or disposal criteria and / or proposed guidelines may also vary between jurisdictions. Such criteria / guidelines for the classification, reprocessing, remanufacturing, disposal, etc. of used surgical sub-components 5022 may be referred to as disposal methods.

[0165] For example, in a first jurisdiction, an energized component (e.g., an electrode, transducer, ultrasonic blade, battery, etc.) may be certified for only a first number of surgical uses (e.g., one surgical procedure). While in a second jurisdiction, that same energized component may be certified for reprocessing and / or remanufacturing for a different number of surgical uses (e.g., multiple surgical procedures). As another example, in a first jurisdiction, an electrical component may be required to be fully discharged before being transferred to its respective disposal bag (5026, 5028, 5030). While in a second jurisdiction, the same electrical component may not be required to be fully discharged before being transferred to its respective disposal bag (5026, 5028, 5030).

[0166] Thus, in accordance with the description herein, it may be desirable to retrieve a set of disposition instructions for processing the components of the surgical kit (5020) after an exemplary surgical procedure. Furthermore, it may be desirable to retrieve a particular set of disposition instructions for the surgical kit (5020) based on any number of suitable variables, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, such variables may include, but are not limited to, the geographic location of the surgical procedure, the use of other surgical products in conjunction with the surgical kit (5020), and / or performance data of the surgical sub-components (5022).

[0167] Figure 52 illustrates an exemplary surgical instrument (5040) and an exemplary disposal assist device (5050) that may be utilized in the determination procedure (5060) for disposition instructions shown in Figure 53. In this example, the exemplary surgical instrument (5040) and disposal assist device (5050) are utilized to perform the determination procedure (5060) for disposition instructions as shown in Figure 52, although it should be understood that any suitable surgical instrument may be utilized alone or with any suitable disposal assist device, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0168] The surgical instrument (5040) may be assembled from the surgical kit (5020) such that the surgical instrument (5040) is substantially similar to the surgical subcomponents (5022) described above. Thus, the surgical instrument (5040) may be assembled in the operating room (5000) prior to use in a surgical procedure, and then disassembled and sorted into various post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036). In some cases, such disassembly may occur in the operating room (5000) after use in a surgical procedure.

[0169] The surgical instrument (5040) may be substantially similar to any of the surgical instruments / tools described herein, including the above-mentioned surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). Accordingly, the surgical instrument (5040) is configured for use in conjunction with the computer-implemented interactive surgical system (100) by coupling to suitable components of the hub (106), such as the generator module (140), the communications module (130), the storage array (134), etc. In some cases, the surgical instrument (5040) may be handheld, while in other instances, the surgical instrument (5040) may be configured to suitably couple with the robotic system (110). In some cases, the surgical instrument (5040) may be utilized without being connected to the hub (1060), such that the surgical instrument (5040) includes its own power source or that the surgical instrument (5040) is coupled to a generator other than one associated with the hub (1060).

[0170] The surgical instrument 5040 includes a memory unit 5042 and a processing unit 5044, which together may function as a control unit for the surgical instrument 5040. The memory unit 5042 may be operable to store various information regarding the performance of the surgical instrument 5040 during an exemplary surgical procedure according to the description herein. The memory unit 5042 may also store data related to the various components used to form the surgical instrument 5040. For example, the memory unit 5042 of the surgical instrument 5040 may store data regarding to which geographic location the instrument 5040 was sold and shipped. The memory unit 5042 may contain data including a serial number that identifies the particular instrument 5040. The surgical instrument 5040 may also include a QR code 5048. The QR code (5048) may include suitable data necessary to identify the particular device (5040) along with various suitable information about the particular device (5040), such as the geographic location where the device (5040) was sold and / or shipped.

[0171] The appliance (5040) also includes a communications module (5046) in communication with the processor (5044). The communications module (5046) is configured to establish communication with a corresponding communications module (5056) of the disposal assist device (5050) so that data can be shared between the appliance (5040) and the disposal assist device (5050). The communications module (5046) may include any suitable communications means apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the communications module (5046) may be configured to communicate via Bluetooth technology, near field communication ("NCF"), radio frequency identification ("RFID"), etc.

[0172] The disposal assist device 5050 may take any suitable form, such as a smartphone, tablet, etc. The disposal assist device 5050 may be used within the sterile field 5006 during disassembly of the surgical sub-component 5022 in accordance with the description herein. Additionally or alternatively, the disposal assist device 5050 may be used outside of the sterile field 5006 during reprocessing, remanufacturing, and / or disposal of the surgical sub-component 5022 in accordance with the description herein.

[0173] The disposal assist device (5050) includes a memory unit (5052) and a processing unit (5054), which together may function as a control unit for the disposal assist device (5050). The memory unit (5052) may include a suitable application (e.g., a software product) including download and upload capabilities that may be used to access cleaning and sterilization protocols as described herein. The disposal assist device (5050) includes a corresponding communications module (5056) configured to communicate with the above-described communications module (5046). The communications module (5056) may include any suitable communications means apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the communications module (5056) may be configured to communicate via Bluetooth technology, near field communication ("NCF"), radio frequency identification ("RFID"), etc.

[0174] The disposal assist device (5050) also includes a display (5055) in communication with the processing unit (5054). The processing unit (5054) may instruct the display (5055) to display suitable information to a user, such as information provided by executing a suitable application described herein. The display (5055) may take any suitable form that will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the display (5055) may be a touchscreen. The disposal assist device (5050) also includes a camera (5058) in communication with the processing unit (5054). The camera (5058) may be used to capture and communicate images to the processing unit (5054) so that a suitable application may utilize the images in accordance with the description herein. The camera (5058) may include any suitable components that will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0175] In some cases, the application running the disposal-assist device 5050 may be configured to connect to the hub 106 used in conjunction with the instrument 5040 during a surgical procedure. Such an application may have limited permissions with the hub 106 such that staff utilizing the disposal-assist device 5050 and the corresponding application cannot access any portion of the hub 106 except for associated disposal instructions, cleaning, and / or sterilization information. Such a connection between the hub 106 and the device 5050's application may enable the device 5050 to communicate with interconnected hospital systems for operating room systems / inventory tracking, etc. Thus, when the instrument 5040 or other suitable instrument / component is used in a procedure and scanned by the device 5050, the hub 106 may update the hospital system's inventory to recognize the use of the instrument 5040 and / or other component. It should be understood that being "scanned" by device (5050) may include device (5050) scanning QR code (5048) using camera (5056), establishing a connection between communication modules (5046, 5056), or any other suitable form of device (5050) obtaining data from instrument (5040) as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0176] When the disposal assist device (5050) is utilized within the operating room (5000), the application utilized by the disposal assist device (5050) may communicate with a sterilization group located outside the operating room (5000). Thus, as the disposal assist device (5050) scans the instruments (5040) and / or various subcomponents of the instruments (5040) to obtain appropriate reprocessing / disposal instructions as described herein, the application executing on the device (5050) may notify the sterilization group that the appropriate portions of the instruments (5040) intended for sterilization are to be transported to the sterilization group.

[0177] Similarly, an application utilized by the disposal assistance device (5050) can communicate with a maintenance group to notify the maintenance group when equipment is ready for service. Thus, as the disposal assistance device (5050) scans the instrument (5040) and / or various subcomponents of the instrument (5040) to obtain appropriate reprocessing / disposal instructions as described herein, the application running on the device (5050) can notify the maintenance group that the appropriate portions of the instrument (5040) intended for maintenance are ready for service.

[0178] When the disposal assist device 5050 is in communication with the hub 106, the disposal assist device 5050 and the hub 106 may be configured to identify any lost or missing devices, such as instruments 5040 used during a procedure. For example, the hub 106 may be configured to track which instruments 5040 or other devices are used during a procedure. During the disposal process, the instruments 5040 used in the procedure may be scanned or otherwise processed using the disposal assist device 5050. Communication between the device 5050 and the hub 106 may allow the disposal assist device 5050 and / or the hub 106 to compare which instruments 5040 were used during a procedure and which instruments 5040 were scanned for proper reprocessing / disposal. This comparison allows the device 5050 and / or the hub 106 to ensure that all devices have been accounted for. If a smart disposal system is used, the disposal assistance device (5050) can confirm proper disposal through communication with the smart disposal system.

[0179] In some cases, applications running on the disposal assistance device (5050) may connect with either the remote server (113) and / or the cloud (104) instead of the hub (106). As an example, some hospital systems may not have access to a hub (106). In such cases, the cloud (104) and / or remote service (113) may work with a suitable application on the device (5050) to provide cleaning, sterilization, and / or disposal protocols and provide step-by-step instructions in accordance with the teachings herein. In examples where an application connects with either the remote server (113) and / or the cloud (104), such an application may automatically connect the disposal assistance device (5050) with the appropriate manufacturer call center for help.

[0180] In some cases, an application running on the device (5050) may use the location information to determine the country and / or region in which the device (5050) is being used. For example, an application running on the device (5050) may have an application location service that determines the location of use by using any suitable means, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some cases, an application running on the device (5050) may require the user to enter the location of use when setting up an application account on the device (5050).

[0181] In some cases, the instrument (5040) may not be connected to the hub (106) during a surgical procedure, such that the hub (106) does not collect performance data for the surgical instrument (5040) during exemplary use. As described above, the memory (5042) of the instrument (5040) may be operable to store various information regarding the performance of the surgical instrument (5040) during exemplary surgical procedures described herein. For example, such information may include device motor data, sensor data, faults experienced by the instrument (5040) during use, error codes, etc. In some cases, an application executing on the device (5050) may be configured to extract performance data stored on the memory (5042) of the instrument (5040) via the communications modules (5046, 5056). The application executing on the device (5050) may then be configured to upload the extracted performance data to the hub (106), the cloud (104), a remote server (113), etc. If a hub 106 is not used, a gateway to the device 5050 may be utilized to extract performance data. This data extraction and uploading may be transparent to the operator utilizing the device 5050 and may occur automatically once the device 5050 establishes communication with the instrument 5040 via the communication modules 5046, 5056.

[0182] FIG. 53 illustrates a determination procedure 5060 configured to enable the tool 5040, generator module 140, and / or hub 106 to identify relevant factors of use of the tool 5040 and then access or determine a suitable disposal method based on the identified relevant factors. The determination procedure 5060 may be utilized in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the determination procedure 5060 may be utilized in conjunction with the tool 5040 and / or disposal assistance device 5050 described above. As another example, the determination procedure 5060 may be utilized in conjunction with the tool 5040 and the hub 106. As yet another example, the determination procedure 5060 may be utilized in conjunction with the tool 5040, the hub 106, and the disposal assistance device 5050. Although the determination procedure (5060) is shown and described with a particular order of steps, it should be understood that some steps may be entirely optional. Furthermore, it should be understood that the order in which steps are performed may have any suitable order that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0183] As noted above, disposal method standards and / or guidelines may vary depending on the location where the instrument (5040) is being used. Accordingly, one step (5062) in the determination procedure (5060) may include determining the location of the operating room (5000) in which the procedure is being performed. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein, any suitable components or means may be utilized to determine the location of the operating room (5000). For example, an application running on the disposal assistance device (5050) may be configured to determine the country and / or region in which the device (5050) is being used, which may then be used to infer the location of the operating room (5000).

[0184] As another example, the tool 5040 and / or the generator module 140 may have a device code and / or serial number that includes or provides access to the specific location to which the tool 5040 was shipped for its intended use in accordance with the description herein. If a device code and / or serial number is associated with the tool 5040, when the tool 5040 couples with the generator module 140 / hub 106 / cloud 104, the generator module 140 / hub 106 / cloud 104 can read the device code provided by the tool 5040 to determine the intended location of use. In some cases, the generator 140 may be pre-programmed by the manufacturer, for example, using a program EEPROM code, with the intended location to which the generator 140 will be shipped. In such cases, the generator 140 may determine the location of use by referencing this pre-programmed information during exemplary use. Additionally, when the generator 140 is turned on, the generator 140 may perform an initialization check to identify the location of use, which may be stored within the field service configuration.

[0185] As another example, rather than a device code and / or serial number, the generator module 140 and / or the appliance 5040 may include another identifier, such as an RFID chip, that can track the sale of the product and determine its intended location of use. In some cases, the intended location of use as determined by the manufacturer may be cross-checked with a suitable means of identifying actual use (some examples of identifying actual use are provided below). If the intended location of use does not match the identified actual location of use, the hub 106 and / or cloud 104 may be notified to allow special handling of device tracking by the manufacturer.

[0186] As another example, the GPS device may be associated with the instrument 5040, the device 5050, the hub 106, the generator module 140, or any other suitable device that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. When activated, the GPS device may determine a location of use and communicate that information to any suitable component, such as the hub 106, the generator module 140, the device 5050, and / or the instrument 5040. As another example, the hub 106 and / or the device 5050 may analyze the network to which they are connected to determine a location of use. As another example, the generator, the hub 106, and / or the device 5050 may have a hospital identifier that can determine a location of use. As another example, the hub 106 and / or the device 5050 may determine a location of use by connecting to a remote server 113 and / or the cloud 104. After connecting to the remote server 113 and / or cloud 104, the hub 106 and / or device 5050 may access a manufacturer-generated region code that specifies the location of use. As another example, the hub 106, device 5050, and / or any other suitable component of the surgical system 100 may provide an interface that allows a user to select their region of use. As another example, the hub 106 and / or device 5050 may determine the location of use using its associated IP address. As another example, the hub 106 and / or device 5050 may determine the location of use using its software license.

[0187] After properly determining the location of use (5062), the appliance (5040), the hub (106), and / or the device (5050) can provide location information (5064) to an appropriate application or device for use in determining and / or accessing an appropriate disposal method. The provided location information (5064) can be utilized by the disposal assistance device (5050), the remote server (113), the cloud (104), and / or the hub (106). It should be understood that providing location information (5064) can occur at any appropriate time during the determination procedure (5060), as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, providing location information (5064) can occur simultaneously with other steps in the determination procedure (5060). The information may be provided automatically or in response to a specific action, for example, device (5050) scanning for instrument (5040) or communicating with instrument (5040) via communication modules (5046, 5056).

[0188] During a surgical procedure according to the present disclosure, the instrument 5040 and / or the hub 106 may track whether any other products have been used in combination with the instrument 5040. For example, the instrument 5040 and / or the hub 106 may track whether any drugs, controlled substances, adjuvants, or any other suitable medical products are present, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. The use of such medical products may affect the standards and / or guidelines for disposal of the instrument 5040 after exemplary use. Accordingly, one step 5066 in the determination procedure 5060 may include providing information regarding various related medical products used in combination with the instrument 5040. The instrument 5040, the hub 106, and / or the device 5050 may then provide such medical product information 5066 to an appropriate application or device for use in determining and / or accessing the appropriate disposal method. For example, the provided medical product information (5066) may be utilized by the disposal assistance device (5050), the remote server (113), the cloud (104), and / or the hub (106). The information may be provided automatically or in response to a specific action, such as the device (5050) scanning the instrument (5040) or communicating with the instrument (5040) via the communication modules (5046, 5056).

[0189] While in the present example, location information 5064 and associated medical product information 5066 are provided to assist in determining standards and / or guidelines for disposal, in some cases location information 5064 alone, or medical product information 5066 alone, may be utilized to assist in determining standards and / or guidelines for disposal. Additionally, any other suitable information may be provided as well, either in combination with other parameters or alone. For example, performance data accumulated during use of surgical instrument 5040 that is accessed 5070 and uploaded 5072 in accordance with the description herein may be provided to a suitable application or device for use in determining and / or accessing a suitable disposal method.

[0190] The hub 106 and / or the disposal assistance device 5050 can access a selection lookup table 5068 containing various local disposal methods. Using the appropriate provided information 5064, 5066, 5070, 5072, the hub 106 and / or the disposal assistance device 5050 selects an appropriate local disposal method from the various methods provided in the selection lookup table. The various criteria and / or guidelines for the local disposal method can be stored in any suitable device, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, the lookup table may be stored in the cloud 104, a remote server 113, the hub 106, the disposal assistance device 5050, etc. Access to the selective lookup table (5068) may be automatic or in response to a specific action, for example, the device (5050) scanning for the instrument (5040) or communicating with the instrument (5040) via the communication modules (5046, 5056).

[0191] As described above, the instrument (5040) may store performance data on the memory (5042). In some examples, also as described above, when the instrument (5040) is scanned by the disposal assistance device (5050) or communication between the instrument (5040) and the device (5050) is established via the communication modules (5046, 5056), such information may be accessed (5070) and uploaded (5072) to the cloud (104). The cloud (104) may store the uploaded performance data for various purposes. In some cases, uploading performance data to the cloud (104) via communication between the instrument (5040) and the device (5050) may be beneficial when the hub (106) is not utilized during a surgical procedure.

[0192] Once the appropriate standards and / or guidelines for the local disposal method have been accessed, the determination procedure (5060) can then display (5074) the local disposal method to staff responsible for carrying out the disposal method. The disposal method can include displaying the chronological instructions of the disposal method. Such instructions can include how to disassemble the instrument (5040), which components of the instrument (5040) are reusable and which components of the instrument (5040) are disposable, how to properly prepare such components for disposal or reuse, how to properly store such components for disposal or reuse, etc. Such a display (5074) can be shown on a suitable component of the device (5050) or hub (106). The display (5074) can allow a user to scroll through the chronological instructions of the disposal method and indicate when each instruction is accomplished.

[0193] While the staff performs the disposal method according to the displayed criteria and / or displayed guidelines, the hub 106 and / or device 5050 may notify the sterilization team of incoming devices 5078 that are expected to be transported to the sterilization team in accordance with the displayed disposal method. It should be understood that such notification 5078 may be omitted if the sterilization staff utilizes an assessment procedure 5060.

[0194] XI. Exemplary Generator Storage Bin with Reusable Cord and Sterilization Means In some cases, the above-described surgical kit (5020) includes a power cord configured to electrically couple the surgical sub-component (5022) to the generator module (140), which can provide power to the surgical sub-component (5022) during exemplary use as described herein. The cord may also allow data to be communicated between the surgical sub-component (5022) and the hub (106). In some cases, it may be desirable for at least a portion of the cord to be reusable with the generator module (140) rather than being associated with the surgical kit (5020). Thus, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, after a procedure, some of the cord associated with the generator module (140) may remain associated with the generator module (140), and some of the cord associated with the surgical kit (5020) may be classified as post-operative components (5032, 5034, 5036) for reuse or disposal, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0195] 54A-54C illustrate an exemplary power coupling assembly 5080 and generator storage bin 5090 that can be readily incorporated into a surgical kit 5020 and generator module 140. The power coupling assembly 5080 includes a short cord 5082 and a long cord 5086. The short cord 5086 can be associated with an instrument 5040 formed by the surgical kit 5020 such that the short cord 5082 is packaged with the surgical kit 5020. The short cord 5082 includes a coupling member 5084 configured to selectively establish communication with the long cord 5086 and generator module 140 via a coupling member of the long cord 5088. When the short cord (5082) is coupled with the long cord (5086), the generator module (140) may actively power the tool (5040) in accordance with the description herein.

[0196] The long cord (5086) is attached to the generator module (140) and is stored internally by being wound around the generator storage bin (5090) of the generator module (140) via a coupling post (5094). Because the long cord (5086) remains associated with the generator module (140) and is configured to couple with the short cord (5082), the long cord (5086) can reduce disposal volume from the surgical kit (5020). In some cases, the short cord (5082) is not present, such that the long cord (5086) couples directly with the instrument (5040). In some examples, the device includes a detachable, reusable power cord with a connection junction positioned at the end of the handpiece. The connection can be severed using a unique physical key, which may require multiple actions. Alternatively, the connection can be severed by an electronically actuated release mechanism that can be initiated by the user or via the generator module (140).

[0197] The storage bin (5090) may include a pop-top with a bin for cord storage and multi-tool storage. Rather than a post (5094), the storage bin (5090) may have a hook and the cord (5086) may be wrapped around the hook.

[0198] The storage bin (5090) includes a UV light (5092). The UV light (5092) may be utilized to sterilize the long cord (5086) while it is stored in the storage bin (5090) after an exemplary use. FIGS. 54A-54C illustrate exemplary connections between the cords (5082, 5086). First, as shown in FIG. 54A, the long cord (5086) and connecting member (5088) are within the storage bin (5090). Next, the connecting member (5088) may be removed from the storage bin (5090), as shown in FIG. 54B. Finally, the connecting members (5084, 5088) may be connected to a power tool (5040), as shown in FIG. 54C.

[0199] XII. Exemplary Surgical Kits and Methods for Processing Medical Devices In some cases, it may be desirable to salvage portions of a surgical instrument (e.g., surgical instruments 152, 154, 156) to reduce medical waste, which can reduce environmental impact and associated costs. To increase efficiency, it may be beneficial to separate various components of a surgical instrument (152, 154, 156). For example, it may be beneficial to process different components differently (e.g., send different components to different locations). For components that cannot be salvaged, it may be desirable to dispose of the component in an environmentally friendly manner. To assist medical facility (e.g., hospital) personnel, it is desirable to streamline and simplify the reconditioning and disposal process as much as possible. This may improve the process workflow within the medical facility's operating rooms.

[0200] A. First Exemplary Surgical Kit 55-56A show a first exemplary surgical kit (6010) including surgical instruments (6012), outer packaging (6014), sterile packaging (6016), and return packaging (6018). The surgical kit (6010) may also provide packaging for the initial sterile delivery of the surgical instruments (6012) and for reconditioning or disposal of the surgical instruments (6012). In some versions, the sterile packaging (6016), or even the outer packaging (6014), may be recovered to minimize contamination during return shipping and handling.

[0201] The surgical instrument (6012) may be similar to the surgical instruments (152, 154, 156) shown in FIG. 5 . For example, the surgical instrument (6012) may be similar to an ultrasonic surgical instrument (152), an RF electrosurgical instrument (154), a combination ultrasonic / RF electrosurgical instrument (156), or a surgical stapler (not shown). The surgical instrument (6012) may be attachable to the surgical arm (123) of the robotic system (110) or may be similar to a handheld intelligent surgical instrument (112). The surgical instrument (6012) includes multiple portions, shown as a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion (6020a-c), configured to be separate from one another. As used herein, portion may refer to different locations on the same component or entirely different components. While the first portion (6020a) is shown as including an end effector, the second portion (6020b) is shown as including a shaft, and the third portion is shown as including a handle, these are not intended to be exclusive. The first, second, and third portions (6020a-c) may refer to various different portions of the surgical instrument (6012). While first, second, and third portions (6020a-c) are shown, more or fewer portions are envisioned. It is also envisioned that certain portions of the surgical instrument (6012) may still be disposed of as medical waste, while other portions may be recovered for subsequent use in surgical instruments.

[0202] The first, second, and third portions (6020a-b) can be separated using a variety of different connection structures (e.g., mechanical, electrical, and / or magnetic connection structures). In some versions, the first, second, and third portions (6020a-c) of the surgical instrument (6012) may be destructively separated (e.g., using a laser or a breaking tool) after use of the surgical instrument (6012). For example, a breaking tool (not shown) may break the first and second portions (6020a-b) of the surgical instrument (6012) along predetermined break points. As shown, the first, second, or third portions (6020a-c) of the surgical instrument (6012) each include a machine-readable tag (6021a-c). As used herein, machine-readable tag is intended to encompass a physical chip (e.g., an RFID chip) as well as an optical code (e.g., a QR code or a barcode). As shown, the surgical instrument 6012 includes a master machine-readable tag 6023, which may be a machine-readable tag separate from the machine-readable tags 6021a-c. However, one of the machine-readable tags 6021a-c may function as the master machine-readable tag 6023. The master machine-readable tag 6023 may include information (e.g., serial number, manufacturing date, model number, etc.) related to the surgical instrument 6012 as a whole and / or specific included portions (e.g., first portion, second portion, and third portion 6020a-c).

[0203] The outer packaging (6014) includes a body (6022) and an optional lid (6027) that define an interior (6024) and an exterior (6026). In the closed configuration of FIG. 55, the interior (6024) is completely enclosed. The outer packaging (6014) moves from the closed configuration of FIG. 55 to the open configuration of FIG. 56A when the outer packaging (6014) is opened. In the open configuration, a user may remove the sterile packaging (6016) containing the surgical instruments (6012). In other words, the outer packaging (6014) is opened by a user to expose the interior (6024) in the open configuration, allowing access of the surgical instruments (6012) for use in a surgical procedure. The interior (6024) of the outer packaging (6014) is collectively formed by the body (6022) and the inner surface (6028) of the lid (6027).

[0204] As shown in FIG. 55, the inner surface (6028) of the lid (6027) includes a repositionable label (6030) configured to mate with the return package (6018). The outer package (6014) may include a signal-blocking feature layer to prevent the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6023, 6034) from being read by a code reader (6438, 6440) (see FIG. 59) when the outer package (6014) is in a closed configuration. A user may simply remove the repositionable label (6030) from the lid (6027) of the outer package (6014) and place the repositionable label (6030) on the return package (6018), which may reduce the time it takes for a user to position, remove, and position the repositionable label (6030). Alternatively, the repositionable label (6030) may be freely positioned within the interior (6024) of the outer packaging (6014).

[0205] The sterile packaging 6016 is configured to enclose the surgical instrument 6012. The sterile packaging 6016 includes a body 6036 defining an interior 6038 (see FIG. 56A ) and an exterior 6040. In a closed configuration, the sterile packaging 6016 is disposed within the interior 6024 of the outer packaging 6014. In some versions, the outer packaging 6014 may be omitted such that a return packaging 6018 is coupled with the sterile packaging 6016 or disposed within the interior 6038 of the sterile packaging 6016. As shown, the sterile packaging 6016 includes a recess 6042 that complements the size and / or shape of the component.

[0206] The return packaging 6018 is configured to receive at least one of the first portion 6020a, the second portion 6020b, or the third portion 6020c of the surgical instrument 6012 after the surgical procedure. The return packaging 6018 may be disposed entirely within the interior 6024 of the outer packaging 6014 in the closed configuration. Optionally, the return packaging 6018 may be coupled to the outer packaging 6014, coupled to the sterile packaging 6016, and / or disposed within the interior 6038 of the sterile packaging 6016 in the closed configuration. The return packaging 6018 may be connected to a specific location on the surgical instrument 6012 to improve disassembly. As shown in FIG. 55 , the return packaging 6018 may be coupled to the outer packaging 6014 using a weakened portion 6050 configured to be cut by the user. In some versions, the weakened portion (6050) may comprise a piece of string that, when pulled, weakens and scores the weakened portion (6050).

[0207] The return package 6018 may be divided to contain separate portions of the collected components. The return package 6018 may include multiple individual return packages. As shown in FIG. 56A, the multiple individual return packages include a first return package, a second return package, and a third return package 6044, 6046, and 6048. However, more or fewer return packages 6044, 6046, and 6048 are also contemplated. The first return package 6044 includes a body 6052 defining an interior 6054 (see FIG. 56B) and an exterior 6056. The exterior 6056 includes a repositionable label 6058 and a machine-readable tag 6060. Similarly, the second return package 6046 includes a body 6062 defining an interior 6064 (see FIG. 56B) and an exterior 6066. The exterior (6066) includes a repositionable label (6068) and a machine-readable tag (6070). The third return package (6048) is shown as a bag with opposing first and second sealed ends (6072, 6074). The third return package (6048) includes a resealable flap (6076) configured to allow a user to insert the third portion (6020c) into the interior (6078). The resealable flap (6076) may include a label (6080).

[0208] Each machine-readable tag (6060, 6070, 6092) is coupled to at least one of the surgical instrument (6012), the outer packaging (6014), or the return packaging (6018). Code readers (6434, 6436) (see FIG. 59) are configured to read the machine-readable tags (6060, 6070, 6092) from the surgical instrument (6012), the outer packaging (6014), or the return packaging (6018). For example, the return packaging (6018) may include machine-readable tags (6060, 6070, 6092) configured to identify the surgical instrument (6012) using the code readers (6434, 6436). For example, the first return package, the second return package, and the third return package (6044, 6046, 6048) may also include machine-readable tags (6060, 6070, 6092) that are readable by the code readers (6438, 6440). The machine-readable tags (6060, 6070, 6092) may be used in addition to or instead of the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6023, 6034).

[0209] The repositionable labels (6058, 6068) and the label (6080) may include an optical code, such as a barcode or QR code, that is optically readable by the code readers (6438, 6440). The repositionable labels (6058, 6068) and the label (6080) may include indicia (6082, 6084, 6086) for identifying the surgical instrument (6012) or the first portion (6020a), second portion (6020b), or third portion (6020c) of the surgical instrument (6012). For example, the indicia (6082, 6084, 6086) may include at least one of a serial number, a model number, and / or an expiration date. Other indicia (6082, 6084, 6086) are also contemplated. With respect to the third return package (6048), the label (6080) may be attached to one end of the resealable flap (6076) and may be closable by joining the end (6088) of the resealable flap (6076) to the third return package (6048).

[0210] In some versions, the first return package (6044) may be initially coupled to the second return package (6046). As shown in FIGS. 55 and 56A, the first and second return packages (6044, 6046) are coupled using a weakened portion (6094). The weakened portion (6094) may be manually severed by a user to maintain sterility. In some versions, the weakened portion (6094) may include a piece of string (6096) that, when pulled, weakens the weakened portion (6094) and slits along a break line. As shown, the third return package (6048) is disposed within the interior (6024) of the outer package (6014) and is not coupled to the first and second return packages (6044, 6046).

[0211] As shown in FIG. 56B, the first return packaging (6044) portion is configured to receive the first portion (6020a) of the surgical instrument (6012). The first return packaging (6044) includes a recess (6098) and at least one protrusion, shown as protrusion (6100). The protrusion (6100) is configured to securely engage the first portion (6020a) of the surgical instrument (6012). Similarly, the second return packaging (6046) includes a recess (6102) and at least one protrusion, shown as protrusion (6104). The protrusion (6104) is configured to securely engage the second portion (6020b) of the surgical instrument (6012). The protrusions (6100, 6104) may be integrally formed with the respective return packages (6044, 6046), or the protrusions (6100, 6104) may be separate components coupled to the respective return packages (6044, 6046). The third return package (6048) is configured to receive the third portion (6020c) of the surgical instrument (6012). The recesses (6098, 6102) in the return package (6018) can serve various functions. For example, the recesses (6098, 6102) may provide rigidity to the return package (6018). The recesses (6098, 6102) and the protrusions (6100, 6104) may be shaped and sized to retain the first and second portions (6020a-b) upon disassembly of the surgical instrument (6012) after the surgical procedure. The recesses (6098, 6102) and protrusions (6100, 6104) may enhance the ability to separate the first and second portions (6020a-b) in a controlled manner.

[0212] B. Second Exemplary Surgical Kit Figure 57 shows a second exemplary surgical kit 6210 including a surgical instrument 6212, an outer packaging 6214, a sterile packaging 6216, and a return packaging 6218. The surgical kit 6210 is similar to the surgical kit 6010 described above with reference to Figures 55-56B, with differences discussed in more detail below. Unlike the sterile packaging 6016, a portion of the return packaging 6218 is coupled with the sterile packaging 6216, and a portion of the return packaging 6218 is disposed within the interior 6238 (see Figure 58) of the sterile packaging 6216. In some versions, the outer packaging 6214 may be omitted.

[0213] The surgical instrument (6212) is similar to the surgical instrument (6012). The surgical instrument (6212) includes multiple portions, including first, second, and third portions (6220a-c), configured to separate from one another along a weakened portion (6219). In some versions, at least one of the first, second, or third portions (6220a-c) of the surgical instrument (6212) includes a machine-readable tag (6221a-c). The surgical instrument (6212) includes a master machine-readable tag (6223) similar to the master machine-readable tag (6023).

[0214] The outer packaging 6214 is similar to the outer packaging 6014. The outer packaging 6214 includes a body 6222 that defines an interior 6224 and an exterior 6226. In the closed configuration of FIG. 57, the interior 6224 is completely enclosed. The outer packaging 6214 moves from the closed configuration of FIG. 57 to an open configuration (similar to FIG. 56A) when the outer packaging 6214 is opened. The interior 6224 of the outer packaging 6214 is formed from the inner surface 6228 of the body 6222.

[0215] The sterile packaging 6216 is similar to the sterile packaging 6016. The sterile packaging 6216 is configured to enclose the surgical instrument 6212. The sterile packaging 6216 includes a body 6236 defining an interior 6238 and an exterior 6240. In a closed configuration, the sterile packaging 6216 is disposed within the interior 6224 of the outer packaging 6214. As shown, the sterile packaging 6216 may include a recess 6242 that complements the size and / or shape of the components. Repositionable labels 6230, 6232 may be used to cover and label the first and second portions 6220a-b for shipping. Although not shown, a computer-readable code may also be included for tracking purposes. Portions of the surgical instrument 6212 may be returned to the sterile packaging 6216 after use.

[0216] The return packaging 6218 is configured to receive at least one of the first portion 6220a, the second portion 6220b, or the third portion 6220c of the surgical instrument 6212 after a surgical procedure. The return packaging 6218 may be segmented to accommodate separate portions of returned or recovered components. The return packaging 6218 includes a plurality of individual return packages. As shown in FIG. 57 , the plurality of individual return packages includes a first return package, a second return package, and a third return package 6244, 6246, and 6248. However, more or fewer return packages are envisioned. The first return package 6244 includes a body 6252 defining an interior (not shown) and an exterior 6256. Similarly, the second return package 6246 includes a body 6262 defining an interior (not shown) and an exterior 6266. 58 shows repositionable label 6230 attached to exterior 6256 and repositionable label 6268 attached to exterior 6266. Repositionable labels 6230, 6232 may include indicia 6282, 6284 similar to indicia 6082, 6084 that function as machine-readable tags as described above. Although not shown, exteriors 6256, 6266 may include additional machine-readable tags.

[0217] The third return packaging (6248) includes a flexible bag (6272). The flexible bag (6272) is configured to allow a user to insert the third portion (6220c) into an interior (6278) of the flexible bag (6272). As shown, the flexible bag (6272) includes a label (6280) including indicia (6286). The return packaging (6218) includes a fluid-proof seal (6274) configured to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. The fluid-proof seal (6274) is configured to transition from an open configuration for receiving the surgical instrument (6212) after the surgical procedure to a closed configuration for preventing fluid from exiting the return packaging (6218). The markings (6286) may include one or more of a serial number, expiration date, and / or a unique identifier that may be marked by or recorded by the surgical robot hub (122) to indicate use, time of use, location of use, etc.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 58, the first return package 6244 is configured to receive the first portion 6220a of the surgical instrument 6212. The first return package 6244 includes a recess 6298 and at least one protrusion, shown as protrusion 6300. The protrusion 6300 is configured to securely engage the first portion 6220a of the surgical instrument 6212. Similarly, the second return package 6246 includes a recess 6302 and at least one protrusion, shown as protrusion 6304. The protrusion 6300 is configured to securely engage the second portion 6220b of the surgical instrument 6212. The recesses 6298, 6302 retain the first and second portions 6220a-b when the surgical instrument 6212 is disassembled. The third return packaging (6248) portion is configured to receive the third portion (6220c) of the surgical instrument (6212) so that the third portion (6220c) can be handled while minimizing user contamination.

[0219] C. Exemplary Methods A method 6410 of processing a medical device (e.g., a surgical instrument 6012, 6212) is shown and described with reference to Figure 59. As shown, the method 6410 includes steps 6412, 6414, 6416, 6418, 6420, 6422, 6424, 6426, 6428, 6430, 6432. However, more or fewer steps are contemplated.

[0220] In step 6412, the method 6410 includes applying at least one machine-readable tag 6021 a-c, 6221 a-c to a component (e.g., the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion 6020 a-c, 6220 a-c) of the surgical instrument 6012, 6212 using a marking device 6430. In some versions, the marking device 6430 may apply the machine-readable tag 6021 a-c, 6221 a-c using an indentation process or a laser etching process. Although the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6221a-c) are described as being applied before the surgical instruments (6012, 6212) are assembled, in some cases the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6221a-c) may be applied after the surgical instruments (6012, 6212) are assembled. For example, a master machine-readable tag (6023, 6223) may be applied after the surgical instruments (6012, 6212) are assembled.

[0221] In step 6414, the method 6410 includes sorting and assembling components for the surgical instrument 6012, 6212. For example, sorting may be performed using a sorting system 6436. Matching reusable components can optimize the performance and lifespan of the surgical instrument 6012, 6212. The sorting system 6436 may include a vision system capable of reading the machine-readable tags 6021a-c, 6221a-c during this sorting step. An indication may be provided regarding the usable status of the components. The indication may be an alert in the form of an audible tone or a visual indication. For example, the visual indication may include one or more colored lights on the assembly equipment. The machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6221a-c) indicate that a particular component (e.g., first portion, second portion, and third portion (6020a-c, 6220a-c)) is incorporated into the surgical instrument (6012, 6212). The particular internal component has an electronic chip that identifies the particular component that can be read by the master machine-readable tag (6023). The master machine-readable tag (6023, 6223) recognizes the component associated with the installation and use of that surgical instrument (6012, 6212). For example, the master machine-readable tag (6023) may recognize the proximity or each station in a manufacturing facility where a camera is located that recognizes the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6221a-c) and groups the components into the surgical instrument (6012, 6212).

[0222] In step 6416, the method 6410 includes scanning the machine-readable tags 6021a-c, 6023, 6221a-c before the surgical kit 6010, 6210 is shipped from the manufacturer. In step 6418, the method 6410 includes shipping the surgical kit 6010, 6210 to a medical facility for subsequent use.

[0223] In step 6420, the method 6410 includes opening the outer packaging 6014, 6214 and / or the sterile packaging 6016, 6216 to transform the surgical kit 6010, 6210 from a closed configuration to an open configuration. For example, a user at a medical facility may manually open the outer packaging 6014, 6214 and / or the sterile packaging 6016, 6216. The sterile packaging 6216 may be removed from the outer packaging 6214 in preparation for storage, or the sterile packaging 6216 may be removed from the outer packaging 6214 before use for a medical procedure. The surgical system 102 may recognize when the packaging has been opened. For example, after the outer packaging (6014, 6214) is opened and the surgical instruments (6012, 6212) are removed from the outer packaging (6014, 6214), signals from the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6023, 6034, 6221a-c, 6223) are no longer blocked by the outer packaging (6014, 6214). The signals are blocked or otherwise contained until the lid (6027) is removed. Once the lid (6027) of the outer packaging (6014) is removed, signals from the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6023, 6034, 6221a-c, 6223) can reach the surgical robot hub (122).

[0224] In step 6422, the method 6410 includes scanning the machine-readable tags 6021a-c, 6023, 6221a-c, 6223 using a code reader 6440. The surgical robotic hub 122 or another portion of the surgical system 102 may include the code reader 6440. The code reader 6440 may determine information about the surgical instrument 6012, 6212 as a whole or its components. This scanning may be performed manually by a user or automatically by the surgical robotic hub 122. The machine-readable tags 6021a-c, 6221a-c may be scanned when the surgical instrument 6012, 6212 is incorporated into the robotic system 110.

[0225] In step 6424, the method 6410 includes determining the status of various components. The status may include a coupling status (e.g., whether the surgical instruments 6012, 6212 are coupled to the robotic system 110), the status of the components of the surgical instruments 6012, 6212, and their availability for use. A controller 6442, which may be located within the surgical robot hub 122, may use the scan from step 6422 to determine usage information of the first, second, and third portions 6020a-c, 6220a-c. The controller 6442 may record this usage information in at least one of the cloud 104, the surgical robot hub 122, the controller 6442, or machine-readable tags 6021a-c, 6023, 6034, 6221a-c, 6223 for later retrieval. This usage data may be transmitted to a central system of the surgical instrument (6012, 6212) manufacturer and / or to a database at a return facility.

[0226] In step 6426, the method 6410 includes providing an indication to a user regarding the mating status of the surgical instrument 6012, 6212. The surgical system 102 may recognize when the first, second, and third portions 6020a-c, 6220a-c have been used. The surgical system 102 may recognize whether the manufacturing of a component of a particular surgical instrument 6012, 6212 is acceptable or unacceptable and may prevent installation if unacceptable. The indication may be an alert in the form of an audible tone or a visual display.

[0227] In step 6428, method 6410 includes inserting the components into return packaging 6018, 6218. In some versions, a packaging tray (which may be formed from part of sterilization packaging 6216 or a separate tray) may be used to aid in filling the first, second, and third return packaging (6044, 6046, 6048, 6244, 6246, 6248) and / or to prevent spillage of the contents (e.g., first, second, and third portions 6020a-c, 6220a-c)) disposed within the first, second, and third return packaging (6044, 6046, 6048, 6244, 6246, 6248). The packaging tray can improve organization and reduce the overall time to prepare the first return package, the second return package, and the third return package (6044, 6046, 6048, 6244, 6246, 6248) for subsequent shipment in step (6430).

[0228] In step 6432, the method 6410 includes evaluating the returned portions of the surgical instruments 6012, 6212. Evaluating the returned components (e.g., the first, second, and third portions 6020a-c, 6220a-c) improves the process flow so that the components can be evaluated and potentially reused. For example, the reconditioning system 6444 may mark the surgical instruments 6012, 6212 to track their use. Tracking may enable more direct sorting of the components (e.g., the first, second, and third portions 6020a-c, 6220a-c) at the return location (e.g., a manufacturing facility or other return facility). The return location can scan the machine-readable tags (6021a-c, 6221a-c) and sort the components (e.g., first, second, and third portions (6020a-c, 6220a-c)) according to various criteria, including number of uses. The reconditioning system (6444) can read usage information from the surgical instruments (6012, 6212). This usage data can be stored in memory (e.g., EEPROM). The reconditioning system (6444) can determine whether the surgical instruments (6012, 6212) have been used. The memory can store log data regarding the use of the surgical instruments (6012, 6212) and record the component serial numbers. In some versions, the surgical instruments (6012, 6212) can be physically marked as described in step (6412).

[0229] XIII. Exemplary Surgical Instruments with Alignment Features for Improved Assembly and Disassembly As noted above, objects intended to penetrate the sterile field of an operating room during a surgical procedure must be properly sterilized, while objects exiting the sterile field after a surgical procedure often require special consideration when processing for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing. In some cases, surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) may require at least some degree of assembly in the operating room prior to exemplary use in accordance with the description herein, and then some degree of disassembly after exemplary use so that select components can be retrieved for disposal, reuse, and / or remanufacture. Thus, in some cases, surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) may be introduced to the sterile field as surgical kits with subcomponents requiring at least some degree of assembly prior to exemplary use. In addition to the subcomponents used to form the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156), such surgical kits may include tools for the assembly, disassembly, and suitable processing of the instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) and their subcomponents for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing.

[0230] In some cases, the proximal body of a surgical instrument / tool (112, 117, 152, 154, 156), such as a handpiece (160, 176, 185), may contain internal components (such as electronics and / or batteries) that need to be processed for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing separately from the remainder of the handpiece (160, 176, 185). Thus, such internal components may need to be accessed and removed from the handpiece (160, 176, 185) after the surgical procedure, but within a sterile operating room.

[0231] It may be desirable to provide a proximal body, such as handpiece (160, 176, 185), with internal components that are accessible within the operating room. However, it is also desirable to ensure that a proximal body, such as handpiece (160, 176, 185), is structurally robust enough to maintain its assembled configuration during exemplary use of the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). In other words, it may be desirable to selectively access the internal components of handpiece (160, 176, 185) after exemplary use in a surgical procedure, and also ensure that handpiece (160, 176, 185) does not inadvertently disassemble during exemplary use in a surgical procedure.

[0232] 60 illustrates an exemplary proximal body (7010) that can be readily incorporated into a surgical instrument / tool (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). The proximal body (7010) includes a first shroud (7012) and a second shroud (7014) configured to couple together to form the proximal body (7010). As described in more detail below, the first shroud (7012) and the second shroud (7014) include complementary coupling mechanisms configured to resist inadvertent disassembly of the proximal body (7010) during exemplary use, but also allow a user to separate the shrouds (7012, 7014) after exemplary use to retrieve the internal components for processing.

[0233] In this example, the proximal body (7010) is shown as a handpiece, and the proximal body (7010) may be used in place of the handpieces (160, 176, 185) described above. The proximal body (7010) is configured to suitably couple with a shaft assembly and end effector, such as the shaft assemblies (164, 178, 186) and end effectors (166, 180, 188) described above. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, the shrouds (7012, 7014) together define a hollow interior (7015) that, when properly assembled, can accommodate appropriate components of the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). For example, the proximal body (7010) may be configured to suitably house a circuit board, a control unit, a battery, an ultrasonic transducer (162), toggle buttons (173, 174, 175, 195, 196, 197), triggers (183, 194), etc.

[0234] In this example, the shrouds (7012, 7014) include a plurality of aligned coupling sleeves (7036) capable of receiving friction-fit coupling bodies (7034). The complementary coupling sleeves (7036) of each shroud (7012, 7014) can receive a respective coupling body (7034) such that one coupling body (7034) is inserted into each complementary coupling sleeve (7036) of each shroud (7012, 7014). The coupling bodies (7034) can help prevent the shrouds (7012, 7014) from separating in the lateral direction (LD) due to frictional braking forces generated between the coupling bodies (7034) and the respective coupling sleeves (7036). The coupling bodies (7034) and the coupling sleeves (7036) can include any suitable shapes as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In one aspect of the present disclosure, coupling body (7034) may include a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs that may further promote engagement between the inner surface of coupling sleeve (7036) and coupling body (7034). Coupling body (7034) may be formed from any suitable material as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0235] The shrouds (7012, 7014) also include complementary support ribs (7038) that line the periphery of the inner surface of the shrouds (7012, 7014). The complementary support ribs (7038) of each shroud (7012, 7014) are configured to nest and receive one another to resist vertical and longitudinal movement of the shrouds (7012, 7014) relative to one another while they are coupled together. Thus, the ribs (7038) engage one another to prevent the shrouds (7012, 7014) from moving relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction (LD) shown in FIG. 60 .

[0236] The shrouds (7012, 7014) also include at least one latch assembly (7016). As described in more detail below, the shrouds (7012, 7014) are suitably coupled to one another while the latch assembly (7016) is configured to move between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. While in the locked configuration, the latch assembly (7016) is configured to assist the coupling body (7024) and the sleeve (7036) in resisting lateral separation of the shrouds (7012, 7014). While in the unlocked configuration, the latch assembly (7016) is configured to allow a user to at least initiate lateral separation of the shrouds (7012, 7014) such that the user can overcome frictional braking forces that prevent lateral separation of the shrouds (7012, 7014).

[0237] Each latch assembly (7016) includes a resilient latch (7018) extending laterally from one shroud (7012) and the other shroud (7014) defining a communicating channel (7032) (see FIGS. 61A-61E) and an access hole (7030). The resilient latch (7018) includes a resilient leg (7024) extending laterally away from its respective shroud (7012). As described in more detail below, the cam surface (7020) is configured to engage a corresponding cam surface (7026) of the shroud (7012) when the shrouds (7014, 7014) are laterally coupled to one another to drive the resilient leg (7024) of the latch (7018) from a relaxed position (see FIG. 61A) to a bent position (see FIG. 61B). As also described in more detail below, the locking shoulder (7022) is configured to engage a corresponding locking shoulder (7028) defined by the shroud (7014) when the shrouds (7012, 7014) are laterally coupled to prevent the shrouds (7012, 7014) from being separated laterally.

[0238] The resilient legs 7024 terminate in respective cam surfaces 7020 and locking shoulders 7022. The resilient legs 7024 are sufficiently flexible so that the legs 7024 can deflect from a relaxed position (see FIG. 61A) to a bent position (see FIG. 61B) in response to an external force. Additionally, the resilient legs 7024 are sufficiently resilient so that the legs 7024 can return to the relaxed position (see FIG. 61C) once the external force is sufficiently removed.

[0239] 61A-61E illustrate an exemplary coupling and decoupling of the shrouds (7012, 7014) utilizing the latch assembly (7016). First, as shown in FIG. 61A, a user may align the shrouds (7012, 7014) so that the resilient latch (7018) is vertically and longitudinally aligned with the channel (7032). It should be understood that the latch (7018) and channel (7032) are properly aligned to couple the shrouds (7012, 7014) to one another, but also that the complementary coupling sleeves (7036) of each shroud are properly aligned, as are the complementary support ribs (7038) of each shroud (7012, 7014).

[0240] Next, with the latch (7018) and channel (7032) aligned, as shown in FIG. 61B, a user may move the shrouds (7012, 7014) toward one another such that contact between the cam surfaces (7020, 7026) drives the resilient legs (7024) from the relaxed position to the bent position. As the shrouds (7012, 7014) are further actuated toward one another, the cam surface (7020) of the resilient latch (7018) may remain engaged with the channel (7032) such that the channel (7032) holds the latch (7018) in the bent position.

[0241] Next, as shown in FIG. 61C, once the shrouds (7012, 7014) are fully coupled, the cam surface (7020) advances laterally past a portion of the channel (7032), forcing the resilient latch (7018) into a bent position and allowing the resilient legs (7024) to return to a relaxed position, thereby allowing the cam surface (7020) to enter the access hole (7030). With the cam surface (7020) within the access hole (7030), the locking shoulder (7022) is directly adjacent to the locking surface (7028) that defines a portion of the access hole (7030). The locking shoulder 7022 and the locking surface 7028 are directly adjacent to one another, such that when the shrouds 7012, 7014 attempt to laterally disengage from one another, contact between the shoulder 7022 and the surface 7028 prevents lateral movement of the shrouds 7012, 7014 away from one another. Thus, as shown in FIG. 61C , the resilient latch 7018 is in the locked position, and the locking shoulder 7022 and the locking surface 7028 are directly adjacent to one another. It should be appreciated that the latch assembly 7016 also assists in aligning the shrouds 7012, 7014 when they are initially coupled together, as well as maintaining the shrouds 7012, 7014 aligned during exemplary use.

[0242] While in the locked position, a user may utilize the proximal body (7010) in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, a user may manipulate the proximal body (7010) to suitably control the surgical instrument / tool (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) in which the proximal body (7010) is incorporated. With the latch (7018) in the locked position, the latch assembly (7016) enhances the structural robustness of the proximal body (7010) by further preventing the shrouds (7012, 7014) from inadvertently separating from one another.

[0243] After a user has finished utilizing the proximal body (7010) in accordance with the description herein, it may be desirable to access the various components housed within the hollow interior (7015) for further processing (e.g., disposal, reuse, remanufacturing, etc.). When a user desires to access the interior (7015) of the proximal body (7010), the user can depress the end of the resulting latch (7018) through the access hole (7030), as shown in FIG. 61D. Specifically, the user may press the resilient latch (7018) to bend the resilient legs (7014) so that the locking shoulder (7022) is no longer directly adjacent the locking surface (7028), thereby driving the resilient latch (7018) into the unlocked configuration. With the locking shoulder 7022 and locking surface 7028 separated from one another in the unlocked configuration, the latch assembly 7016 can no longer prevent lateral separation of the shrouds 7012, 7014. Thus, while a user is pressing downward on the resilient latch 7018 through the access hole 7030, as shown in FIG. 61D, the user can simultaneously pull the portions of the shrouds 7012, 7014 directly adjacent to the latch assembly 7016 away from one another, as shown in FIG. 61E.

[0244] When the shrouds (7012, 7014) are suitably separated while the latch assembly (7016) is in the unlocked configuration, the cam surface (7020) of the resilient latch (7018) re-engages with the cam surface (7026) defined by the channel (7032). The engagement between the cam surfaces (7020, 7026) holds the resilient latch (7018) in a bent position, thereby allowing a user to further separate the shrouds (7012, 7014). The user may further separate the shrouds (7012, 7014) such that the resilient latch (7018) exits the channel (7032), thereby allowing the latch (7018) to return to its relaxed position.

[0245] It should be understood that the resistance to lateral separation of the shrouds 7012, 7014 provided by the latch assembly 7016 can be controlled depending on whether the latch assembly 7016 is in a locked or unlocked configuration. Thus, when a user desires to separate the shrouds 7012, 7014 in accordance with the teachings herein, the user may actuate the resilient latch 7018 to a bent position such that the locking shoulder 7022 and the locking surface 7028 separate from one another. Otherwise, the resilient latch 7018 remains in the locked configuration such that the locking shoulder 7022 and the locking surface 7028 prevent accidental separation of the shrouds 7012, 7014, as shown in FIG. 61C . In other words, the latch assembly (7016) allows a user to easily separate the shrouds (7012, 7014) from one another, such that the shrouds (7012, 7014) remain structurally robust in the locked configuration, while the shrouds (7012, 7014) are easy to separate in the unlocked configuration.

[0246] If the shrouds (7012, 7014) of the proximal body are rigidly coupled together utilizing frictional braking provided by the coupling body (7034) and coupling sleeve (7036), the lateral separation force required to separate the shrouds (7012, 7014) can be substantially constant regardless of whether a user desires to keep the shrouds (7012, 7014) together or to separate the shrouds (7012, 7014) to access internal components. In such cases, a frictional braking force may have to be selected that is structurally robust enough to keep the shrouds (7012, 7014) together during exemplary use but is difficult to access from the inside, or a frictional braking force may have to be selected that allows for easy separation of the shrouds (7012, 7014) but leaves the shrouds (7012, 7014) susceptible to lateral separation during exemplary use.

[0247] While two latch assemblies 7016 are shown in this example, any suitable number of latch assemblies 7016 may be utilized, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, a single latch assembly 7016 may be utilized. Additionally, while the latch assembly 7016 is shown positioned on top of the proximal body 7010, the latch assembly 7016 may be disposed in any suitable location or combination of locations on the proximal body 7010, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0248] While the latch assembly (7016) is utilized to provide both structural robustness during exemplary use and internal access for retrieving internal components after exemplary use, any other suitable structure may be utilized, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Figure 62 illustrates another exemplary proximal body (7040) that can be readily incorporated into the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). The proximal body (7040) includes a first shroud (7042) and a second shroud (7044) configured to couple together to form the proximal body (7040). As described in more detail below, the first shroud (7042) and the second shroud (7044) include complementary coupling mechanisms configured to resist inadvertent disassembly of the proximal body (7040) during exemplary use, but also allow the user to separate the shrouds (7042, 7044) after exemplary use to retrieve internal components for processing.

[0249] In this example, the proximal body (7040) is shown as a handpiece, and the proximal body (7040) may be used in place of the handpieces (160, 176, 185) described above. The proximal body (7040) is configured to suitably couple with a shaft assembly and end effector, such as the shaft assemblies (164, 178, 186) and end effectors (166, 180, 188) described above. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, the shrouds (7042, 7044) together define a hollow interior (7045) that, when assembled, may house suitable components of the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). For example, the proximal body (7040) may be configured to suitably house a circuit board, a control unit, a battery, an ultrasonic transducer (162), toggle buttons (173, 174, 175, 195, 196, 197), triggers (183, 194), and the like.

[0250] Similar to the shrouds (7012, 7014) described above, the shrouds (7042, 7044) also include complementary support ribs (7058) lining the periphery of the inner surface of the shrouds (7042, 7044). The complementary support ribs (7058) of each shroud (7042, 7044) are configured to nest and receive one another to resist vertical and longitudinal movement of the shrouds (7042, 7044) relative to one another while they are coupled together. Thus, the ribs (7058) engage one another to prevent the shrouds (7042, 7044) from moving relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction (LD) shown in FIG. 62 .

[0251] The shroud 7042, rather than the latch assembly 7016, includes a plurality of internally threaded coupling sleeves 7046, and the shroud 7044 defines a plurality of corresponding through holes 7050. The through holes 7050 and the corresponding internally threaded coupling sleeves 7046 are configured to receive corresponding threaded twist screws 7052. The through holes 7050 are sized large enough to receive the threaded shafts 7054 of the corresponding twist screws 7052, but not so large that the heads 7056 of the twist screws 7052 can pass through the through holes 7050. Additionally, the threaded shaft (7054) is configured to mate with the threads of the female-threaded coupling sleeve (7046) such that rotation of the threaded shaft (7054) relative to the female-threaded coupling sleeve (7046) longitudinally actuates the threaded shaft (7054) relative to the female-threaded coupling sleeve (7046) and the shroud (7042). The twist screw (7052) is sized such that, when properly coupled, the head (7056) abuts a surface of the shroud (7044), thereby compressing the shrouds (7042, 7044) together, while the threaded engagement between the threaded shaft (7054) and the female-threaded coupling sleeve (7046) prevents the twist screw (7052) from separating from the shroud (7042). Thus, a user can insert the threaded shaft (70454) into the corresponding through-hole (7050) until the threaded shaft (7054) engages the female-threaded coupling sleeve (7046). The user can then rotate the twist screw (7052) with an appropriate torque in the head (7056) until the twist screw (7052) properly couples the shrouds (7042, 7044) together. Thus, the twist screw (7052) can prevent the shrouds (7042, 7044) from separating from each other in the lateral direction (LD) during exemplary use.

[0252] After exemplary use, a user may remove the threaded twist screws (7052) from the shrouds (7042, 7044) to easily separate the shrouds (7042, 7044) in a lateral direction (LD) to allow access to the internal components for processing. A user may apply torque to the head (7056) of each twist screw (7052) until the threaded shaft (7054) disengages from the internally threaded coupling sleeve (7046). After all of the twist screws (7052) have disengaged from their respective internally threaded coupling sleeves (7046), a user may laterally separate the shrouds (7042, 7044) to provide access to the internal components. Thus, the twist screw (7052), the female-threaded coupling sleeve (7046), and the through hole (7050) allow the user to easily separate the shrouds (7042, 7044) from one another, and the shrouds (7042, 7044) remain structurally robust when the twist screw (7052) is properly assembled, while the shrouds (7042, 7044) are easy to separate when the twist screw (7052) is properly removed.

[0253] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the shrouds (7042, 7044) may include suitable through holes (7056) and coupling bodies (7034) along with the use of internally threaded coupling sleeves (7046), through holes (7050), and twist screws (7052). Any suitable combination of coupling bodies (7034) and twist screws (7052) may be utilized, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0254] 63 illustrates another exemplary proximal body (7060) that can be readily incorporated into a surgical instrument / tool (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). The proximal body (7060) includes a first shroud (7062) and a second shroud (7064) configured to couple together to form the proximal body (7060). As described in more detail below, the first shroud (7062) and the second shroud (7064) include complementary coupling mechanisms configured to resist inadvertent disassembly of the proximal body (7060) during exemplary use, but also allow a user to separate the shrouds (7062, 7064) after exemplary use to retrieve internal components for processing.

[0255] In this example, the proximal body (7060) is shown as a handpiece, and the proximal body (7060) may be used in place of the handpieces (160, 176, 185) described above. The proximal body (7060) is configured to suitably couple with a shaft assembly and end effector, such as the shaft assemblies (164, 178, 186) and end effectors (166, 180, 188) described above. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, the shrouds (7062, 7064) together define a hollow interior (7065) that, when assembled, may house suitable components of the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). For example, the proximal body (7060) may be configured to suitably house a circuit board, a control unit, a battery, an ultrasonic transducer (162), toggle buttons (173, 174, 175, 195, 196, 197), triggers (183, 194), and the like.

[0256] Rather than having latch assemblies (7016) or twist screws (7052), the shrouds (7062, 7064) include a vertical coupling assembly (7066) configured to allow the shrouds (7062, 7064) to actuate vertically relative to one another to properly couple and uncouple. The vertical coupling assembly (7066) includes a plurality of first coupling bodies (7068) extending from the first shroud (7062) and a plurality of corresponding second coupling bodies (7070) extending from the second shroud (7064) toward the first shroud (7062).

[0257] As best shown in Figure 64A, first coupling body (7068) defines a complementary channel (7080) that extends from an upper surface of first coupling body (7068) and terminates within magnetic bed (7082). First coupling body (7068) also defines a slot (7084) that communicates with channel (7080), such that slot (7084) and channel (7080) are dimensioned to receive a corresponding second coupling body (7070).

[0258] The second coupling body (7070) includes a narrow portion (7072) that terminates in a wider portion (7074). The second coupling body (7070) also includes a magnetic surface (7076) configured to be directly adjacent to and / or in contact with the magnetic bed (7082) of the first coupling body (7068). The narrow portion (7072) extends away from the sheath (7064) and is sized to suitably fit within a slot (7084) defined by the first coupling body (7068). The wide portion (7074) is sized to fit within a complementary channel (7080) defined by the first coupling body (7068). When suitably coupled as shown in Figure 64B, the complementary geometries of the slot (7084) and channel (7080) with the narrow portion (7072) and wide portion (7074), respectively, are configured to prevent relative movement between the shrouds (7062, 7064) while they are suitably coupled in all directions except the vertical direction. Additionally, the magnetic surface (7076) and magnetic floor (7082) are magnetically attracted toward one another, such that while the first and second coupling bodies (7068, 7070) are coupled to one another, the magnetic attraction between the surface (7076) and floor (7082) prevents the second coupling body (7070) from moving vertically away from the boundary of the first coupling body (7068), thereby also preventing relative movement between the shrouds (7062, 7064) in the vertical direction.

[0259] It should be understood that the magnetic attraction between the floor (7082) and the surface (7076) is preferably strong enough so that the sheaths (7062, 7064) do not unintentionally separate from one another during exemplary use in accordance with the description herein. However, the magnetic attraction between the floor (7082) and the surface (7076) can be overcome with a sufficient amount of vertical force when a user desires to intentionally separate the sheaths (7072, 7064) from one another to access the hollow interior (7065) for harvesting internal components for processing. In other words, the shrouds (7062, 7064) remain structurally robust during exemplary use, but the shrouds (7062, 7064) are susceptible to separation in response to a sufficient vertical force via the coupling assembly (7066), thereby allowing a user to easily separate the shrouds (7062, 7064) from one another. It should be appreciated that in the vertical direction, the coupling assembly (7066) also assists in aligning the shrouds (7062, 7064) when the shrouds (7062, 7064) are initially coupled together, as well as keeping the shrouds (7062, 7064) aligned during exemplary use.

[0260] While magnetic attraction is used in this example to prevent relative vertical movement between the shrouds (7062, 7064), any other suitable structure may be utilized to prevent relative vertical movement, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Figures 65A-65B illustrate an alternative coupling assembly (7090) that can be readily incorporated into the shrouds (7062, 7064) in place of the coupling assembly (7066) described above. Thus, the coupling assembly (7090) is substantially similar to the shaft assembly (7066) described above, except for the differences detailed below.

[0261] Specifically, the coupling assembly (7090) includes a resilient nub (7092) associated with the outer surface of the second body (7070) rather than a magnet, and the coupling assembly (7090) also includes a corresponding recess (7094) defined by the inner surface of the first coupling body (7068). The resilient nub (7092) and the recess (7094) are dimensioned to interact with each other in a snap-fit manner while coupled together, such that a frictional braking force between the resilient nub (7092) and the recess (7094) prevents relative movement between the first body (7068) and the second body (7070). However, the frictional braking force between the resilient nub (7092) and the recess (7094) can be overcome with a sufficient amount of vertical force when a user desires to intentionally separate the sheaths (7072, 7064) from each other to access the hollow interior (7065) for harvesting the internal components for processing. In other words, coupling assembly (7090) allows a user to easily separate shrouds (7062, 7064) from one another, and while shrouds (7062, 7064) remain structurally robust during exemplary use, shrouds (7062, 7064) are susceptible to separation in response to sufficient vertical force.

[0262] 66 illustrates another exemplary proximal body (7100) that can be readily incorporated into a surgical instrument / tool (112, 117, 152, 154, 156). The proximal body (7100) includes a first shroud (7102) and a second shroud (7104) configured to couple together to form the proximal body (7100). As described in more detail below, the first shroud (7102) and the second shroud (7104) include complementary coupling mechanisms configured to resist inadvertent disassembly of the proximal body (7100) during exemplary use, but also allow a user to separate the shrouds (7102, 7104) after exemplary use to retrieve internal components for processing.

[0263] In this example, the proximal body 7100 is shown as a handpiece, and the proximal body 7100 may be used in place of the handpieces 160, 176, 185 described above. The proximal body 7100 is configured to suitably couple with a shaft assembly and end effector, such as the shaft assemblies 164, 178, 186 and end effectors 166, 180, 188 described above. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, the shrouds 7102, 7104 together define a hollow interior 7105 that, when assembled, may house suitable components of the surgical instruments / tools 112, 117, 152, 154, 156. For example, the proximal body (7100) may be configured to suitably house a circuit board, a control unit, a battery, an ultrasonic transducer (162), toggle buttons (173, 174, 175, 195, 196, 197), triggers (183, 194), and the like.

[0264] Each shroud (7102, 7104) in this embodiment includes a respective complementary support rib (7106, 7108), which may be substantially similar to the complementary support rib (7038) described above. Each complementary support rib (7106, 7108) lines the periphery of the inner surface of the respective shroud (7102, 7104) and extends away from the respective concave surface (7110, 7112). The shrouds (7102, 7104) are configured to couple to one another via lateral movement relative to one another. During mating, as shown in FIGS. 67A-67B, the complementary support ribs (7106, 7108) of each shroud (7102, 7104) are configured to nest and receive one another, with the support rib (7106) abutting the concave surface (7112) and the support rib (7108) abutting the concave surface (7110). The nesting engagement between the support ribs (7106, 7108) prevents the shrouds (7102, 7104) from moving vertically and longitudinally relative to one another while the shrouds (7102, 7104) are properly mated. Thus, the ribs (7106, 7108) engage with one another to prevent the shrouds (7102, 7104) from moving relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction (LD).

[0265] The shrouds (7102, 7104) also include respective magnets (7114, 7116) located on the surface (7110) and support ribs (7108) of the respective shrouds (7102, 7104). In this aspect of the disclosure, the magnets (7114, 7116) are shown on the surface (7110) and support ribs (7108), but this is merely optional, as the magnets (7114, 7116) may be located on any suitable component of the shrouds (7102, 7104), as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. While the support ribs (7106, 7108) are nested within one another, the magnets (7114, 7116) are magnetically attracted toward one another such that the magnetic attraction between the magnets (7114, 7116) prevents the support ribs (7106, 7108) from acting laterally out of engagement with one another, thereby also preventing relative lateral movement between the shrouds (7102, 7104).

[0266] It should be understood that the magnetic attraction between the magnets (7114, 7116) is preferably strong enough to prevent the sheaths (7102, 7104) from inadvertently separating from one another during exemplary use in accordance with the description herein. However, the magnetic attraction between the magnets (7114, 7116) can be overcome with a sufficient amount of force in the lateral direction when a user desires to intentionally separate the sheaths (7102, 7104) from one another to access the hollow interior (7105) to harvest internal components for processing. In other words, the magnets (7114, 7116) allow a user to easily separate the shrouds (7102, 7104) from one another, and the shrouds (7102, 7104) remain structurally robust during exemplary use, but the shrouds (7102, 7104) are susceptible to separation in response to sufficient vertical force.

[0267] In this example, magnetic attraction is used to prevent relative lateral movement between the shrouds (7102, 7104), although any other suitable structure may be utilized to prevent relative vertical movement, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Figures 68A-68B show an alternative coupling assembly (7120) that can be readily incorporated into the shrouds (7102, 7104) in place of the magnets (7114, 7116) described above.

[0268] Rather than a magnet, the coupling assembly 7120 includes a resilient nub 7122 associated with the outer surface of the support rib 7108, and the coupling assembly 7120 also includes a corresponding recess 7124 defined by a complementary surface of the support rib 7106. The resilient nub 7122 and the recess 7124 are dimensioned to interact with one another in a snap-fit manner such that, while coupled together, a frictional braking force between the resilient nub 7122 and the recess 7124 prevents relative movement between the support ribs 7106, 7108. However, the frictional braking force between the resilient nub 7122 and the recess 7124 can be overcome with a sufficient amount of force in a lateral direction when a user desires to intentionally separate the sheaths 7102, 7104 from one another to access the hollow interior 7105 for harvesting the internal components for processing. In other words, coupling assembly (7120) allows a user to easily disconnect shrouds (7102, 7104) from one another. While shrouds (7102, 7104) remain structurally robust during exemplary use, shrouds (7102, 7104) are susceptible to separation in response to sufficient lateral force.

[0269] In some examples, if the proximal body (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100) is intended to be processed for reuse or remanufacturing, it may be desirable to prevent the shrouds (7012, 7014, 7042, 7044, 7062, 7064, 7102, 7104) from being reassembled with each other or with other suitable components of the surgical instrument / tool (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) coupled to the proximal body (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100) if critical parts forming the surgical instrument / tool (112, 117, 152, 154, 156) are out of shape or outside of specified tolerances. For example, one or more features of the shrouds (7012, 7014, 7042, 7044, 7062, 7064, 7102, 7104) or other suitable components can be used as a shut-off means to prevent reassembly if such features become distorted or damaged outside of acceptable tolerances. As an example, a clamping trigger similar to trigger (183) described above may be coupled to the proximal body (7010) via a coupling body (7034) and a coupling sleeve (7036). During exemplary use, forces acting on trigger (183) during pivotal movement of trigger (183) may result in damage to the coupling sleeve (7036) and / or trigger (183), which would then prevent reassembly once the sheaths (7012, 7014) are properly processed for reuse (e.g., sterilized).

[0270] As noted above, in some cases, after exemplary uses of the proximal bodies (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100), the shrouds (7012, 7014, 7042, 7044, 7062, 7064, 7102, 7104) may be processed for reuse and / or remanufacturing. Also, as noted above, the hollow interiors (7015, 7045, 7065, 7105) may house suitable components of the surgical instruments / tools (112, 117, 152, 154, 156), such as circuit boards and control units, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Thus, if electrical components are housed within the hollow interiors (7015, 7045, 7065, 7105), it may be desirable to ensure that such electrical components are properly removed from the shrouds (7012, 7014, 7042, 7044, 7062, 7064, 7102, 7104) before the shrouds (7012, 7014, 7042, 7044, 7062, 7064, 7102, 7104) are processed for reuse and / or remanufacturing. Ensuring that electrical components are properly removed before the shrouds (7012, 7014, 7042, 7044, 7062, 7064, 7102, 7104) are processed may prevent such electrical components from being inadvertently exposed to substances used during processing that may damage the electrical components and / or render them unsuitable for further use.

[0271] 69A-69B illustrate an exemplary proximal body (7130) that may be substantially similar to the proximal bodies (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100) described above, with the differences described in more detail below. Accordingly, the proximal body (7130) includes a first shroud (7132) and a second shroud (7134) that may be substantially similar to the shrouds (7012, 7014, 7042, 7044, 7062, 7064, 7102, 7104) described above, with the differences described in more detail below. The shrouds (7132, 7134) together define a hollow interior (7135). The shroud (7134) includes a biasing spring (7138) interposed between the interior surface of the shroud (7134) and suitable electrical components (7136). As shown in FIG. 69A, when the shrouds (7132, 7134) are assembled, the biasing spring (7138) biases the electrical component (7136) against the first shroud (7132) or any other suitable structure, thereby forcing the electrical component (7136) into a suitable position within the hollow interior (7135).

[0272] After exemplary use, the shrouds (7132, 7134) may be disassembled for processing according to the teachings herein. During disassembly, the proximal body (7130) may be disassembled to remove the electrical components (7136) from the shroud (7134) so that the electrical components (7136) are not inadvertently handled with the shroud (7134). As shown in FIG. 69B , once the shrouds (7132, 7134) are disassembled, the biasing springs (7138) urge the electrical components (7136) away from the shroud (7134) so that the electrical components (7136) are prominently presented to a user disassembling the proximal body (7130). Thus, biasing spring (7138) helps drive electrical component (7136) into an exposed position so that a person disassembling proximal body (7130) can remember to further remove electrical component (7136).

[0273] In some cases, it may be desirable to prevent a user processing shrouds (7132, 7134) for reuse and / or remanufacturing from inadvertently immersing the electrical components (7136) in the immersion tray during processing. FIGS. 70A-71B illustrate an exemplary immersion tray (7140) that may be used to process used shrouds (7132, 7134) by exposing the shrouds (7132, 7134) to a suitable cleaning fluid to clean the shrouds (7132, 7134). The immersion tray (7140) includes a body (7142) that defines a reservoir (7146) that may contain a suitable cleaning fluid. The immersion tray (7140) also includes a periphery (7144) that defines an opening sized to receive the shroud (7134) for processing. As shown in FIGS. 70A-70B, the periphery (7144) has a particular geometry that may prevent the shroud (7134) from being properly received within the reservoir (7146) if the electrical components (7136) are not removed from the shroud (7134). As shown in FIGS. 71A-71B, the periphery (7144) also has a particular geometry that properly receives the shroud (7134) within the reservoir (7146) if the electrical components (7136) are removed from the shroud (7134). Thus, if a user inadvertently leaves the electrical components (7136) attached to the shroud (7134), the user may be reminded that they have removed the electrical components (7136) when attempting to insert the shroud (7134) into the immersion tray (7140) because the shroud (7143) will not properly fit within the immersion tray (7140).

[0274] 72A-72C illustrate another exemplary proximal body (7150) that may be substantially similar to the proximal bodies (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100, 7130) described above, with the differences described in more detail below. Accordingly, the proximal body (7150) includes a sheath (7152) that may define a hollow interior (7155). The sheath (7152) includes a hatch assembly (7156) configured to provide suitable access to the hollow interior (7155) in accordance with the description herein.

[0275] The hatch assembly 7156 includes a hatch door 7158 removably coupled to an opening 7164 defined by the sheath 7152, a bar code 7160, and an electrical latch assembly 7162. The latch assembly 7162 is configured to lock the hatch door 7158 to prevent it from being removed from the opening 7164 unless the bar code 7160 is properly scanned. As shown in FIG. 72B, when a user desires to remove the hatch door 7158, the user can scan the bar code 7160 with an appropriate device. As shown in FIG. 72C, scanning the bar code 7160 can command the latch assembly 7162 to unlock the hatch door 7158, thereby allowing the user to remove the hatch door 7158 and provide access to the hollow interior 7155. Thus, proximal body (7150) may be structurally robust during exemplary use while still providing access to hollow interior (7155) for harvesting internal components.

[0276] 73A-73C illustrate another exemplary proximal body (7170) that may be substantially similar to the proximal bodies (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100, 7130, 7150) described above, with the differences described in more detail below. Accordingly, the proximal body (7170) includes a sheath (7172) that may define a hollow interior (7165). The sheath (7172) includes a hatch assembly (7176) configured to provide suitable access to the hollow interior (7175) in accordance with the description herein.

[0277] The hatch assembly 7176 includes a hatch door 7178 removably coupled to an opening 7188 defined by a shroud 7172, a pivoting latch 7180 pivotally coupled to the shroud 7172, and a locking projection 7186 within a hollow interior 7175. The pivoting latch 7180 includes a magnet 7182 at one end and a latch body 7184 at the other end. The pivoting latch 7180 may be biased toward a locked position, as shown in FIG. 73A. In the locked position, the pivoting latch 7180 can prevent the hatch door 7178 from being removed from the shroud 7172. If a user desires to remove the hatch door 7178, the user can wave an appropriate magnet (M) over the hatch door 7178, as shown in FIG. 73B. The magnetic attraction between magnet (M) and magnet (7182) may cause pivoting latch (7180) to pivot to an unlocked position, thereby allowing hatch door (7178) to be removed to provide access to hollow interior (7175), as shown in FIG. 73C. Thus, proximal body (7170) may be structurally robust during exemplary use while still providing access to hollow interior (7175) for harvesting internal components.

[0278] 74A-74C illustrate another exemplary proximal body (7190) that may be substantially similar to the proximal bodies (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100, 7130, 7150, 7170) described above, with the differences described in more detail below. Accordingly, the proximal body (7190) includes a sheath (7192) that may define a hollow interior (7195). The sheath (7192) includes a metal-framed window (7196) configured to provide suitable access to the hollow interior (7175) in accordance with the description herein. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 74B, a user may expose the metal-framed window (7196) to a suitable heat source. When the metal-framed window (7196) has an appropriate amount of thermal energy, the metal-framed window (7196) may melt an adjacent portion of the sheath (7192), thereby forming a removable door (7198). As shown in Figure 74C, door (7198) can then be removed to provide access to hollow interior (7195). Thus, proximal body (7190) can be structurally robust during exemplary use while still providing access to hollow interior (7195) for harvesting internal components.

[0279] 75A-75C illustrate another exemplary proximal body (7200) that may be substantially similar to the proximal bodies (7010, 7040, 7060, 7100, 7130, 7150, 7170, 7190) described above, with differences discussed in more detail below. The proximal body (7200) also includes a power coupling portion (7202) configured to selectively electrically couple with a complementary power coupling mechanism (7204) of a power cord (7206). As best shown in FIGS. 75B-75C, the power coupling portions (7202, 7204) are configured to remain coupled to one another unless disconnected from the interaction device (7208). The interaction device (7208) may be a physical key or an electrically actuated release mechanism.

[0280] XIV. Exemplary Disposal Bags for Disposal Mechanisms for Used Surgical Instruments As mentioned above, objects exiting the sterile field after a surgical procedure often require special consideration when processing for disposal, reuse, or remanufacturing. In some cases, used surgical instruments may be disassembled into various predetermined categories and inserted into a suitable transport bag for transporting the disassembled surgical mechanisms for appropriate processing. It may be desirable for the transport bag to be easily fillable and / or to prevent the release / leakage / egress / transmission of biohazardous materials contained within the transport bag while being filled with the mechanisms of the used surgical instruments. Additionally, it may be desirable for the transport bag to facilitate the determination of whether the stored components are suitable for reuse and / or remanufacturing.

[0281] 76A-76D illustrate an exemplary processing bag assembly (7210) that may be utilized to transfer used surgical equipment for suitable processing. The processing bag assembly (7210) is formed from a suitable processing bag (7212) configured to seal stored surgical components from the external environment. Thus, the interior surface of the bag (7212) may be isolated from the exterior surface of the bag (7212). The bag (7212) defines a sealable opening (7218) that may be selectively opened to place a used surgical component (7215) within the bag (7212) and then closed to form a seal such that the surgical component (7215) is suitably isolated from the external environment.

[0282] As shown in Figures 76A-76C, the bag assembly 7210 includes a pre-applied closeable adhesive and / or bonding element 7216 that allows for opening of the bag assembly 7210 so that a surgical component 7215 may be placed into the bag via a sealable opening 7218. As shown in Figures 76C and 76D, the adhesive and / or bonding element 7216 is configured to subsequently reclose the opening 7218 of the bag 7212 to reseal the interior of the bag 7212 from the external environment. Any suitable type of adhesive an...

Claims

1. 1. A method of disassembling a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument comprising: (a) a shaft assembly extending along a longitudinal axis; (b) an end effector extending distally from the shaft assembly; (c) a body assembly extending proximally from the shaft assembly and including: (i) a first shroud portion, (ii) a second shroud portion, and (iii) a shroud coupling configured to removably attach the first shroud portion to the second shroud portion in a connected state, the shroud coupling being further configured to detach the first shroud portion from the second shroud portion in a disconnected state; and (d) an inner assembly contained within the body assembly, the inner assembly including a first inner component operably connected to a second inner component, the first shroud portion and the second shroud portion in the connected state enclosing an inner component and preventing access to the inner component for internal containment, the method comprising: (a) removing the first shroud portion; (b) breaking the first internal component from the second internal component; (c) removing the first internal component from the body assembly to disassemble the first internal component.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing the second internal component from the body assembly.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising disposing the first internal component in a first waste stream and disposing the second internal component in a second waste stream, the second waste stream being different from the first waste stream.

4. The surgical instrument further includes a cable removably connected to the body assembly, and the method further comprises: (a) separating the cable from the body assembly; 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (b) preparing the cable for reuse.

5. The surgical instrument further includes (a) the cable configured to transmit electrical energy therethrough; and (b) a first adapter extending from the cable along a longitudinal axis and configured to releasably connect to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter including: (i) an adapter body; (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable; and (iii) an engagement assembly, the engagement assembly including: (A) a latch coupling having a latch portion selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the adapter body, the latch portion including at least one catch member angularly surrounding at least a majority of the longitudinal axis or a sleeve rotatable about the longitudinal axis; 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: (A) a latch coupling, wherein the latch portion in the unlocked position is configured to capture the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter to retain an electrical connection between the first electrical contacts and the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter, and the latch portion in the unlocked position is configured to release the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter to disconnect the electrical connection between the first electrical contacts and the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter; or (B) a communication coupling, supported by the adapter body and configured to resiliently bias engagement between the first electrical contacts and the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter to encourage contact therebetween.

6. the surgical instrument further includes (a) the cable configured to transmit electrical energy through the cable; and (b) a first adapter extending from the cable and configured to releasably connect to at least one of an instrument adapter of a surgical instrument or a generator adapter of a generator, the first adapter including: (i) an adapter body; (ii) a first electrical contact electrically connected to the cable; and (iii) an engagement assembly, the engagement assembly including: (A) a latch coupling selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the adapter body, the latch coupling in the locked position engaging the at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter to maintain an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the at least one of the instrument adapter or the generator adapter; 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: (A) a latch coupling configured to capture another one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter, the latch coupling in the unlocked position being configured to release the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter to disconnect the first electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter, the latch coupling including a sleeve operably connected to the adapter body, the sleeve being biased toward the locked position and configured to selectively move between the locked position and the unlocked position; and (B) a communication coupling supported by the adapter body and having a biasing element configured to resiliently bias engagement between the first electrical contact and the at least one of the appliance adapter or the generator adapter to encourage contact therebetween.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively engaging a predetermined access portion of the surgical instrument, thereby at least partially disengaging the predetermined access portion to access an interior of the surgical instrument.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising a surgical kit including the surgical instrument, a tool body, a torque wrench operably connected to the tool body, and a removal portion operably connected to the tool body, the method further comprising engaging the predetermined access portion with the removal portion, thereby at least partially removing the predetermined access portion to access the interior of the surgical instrument.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising a controller, first and second robotic arms, and a tool, wherein the first robotic arm is operably coupled to the surgical instrument, and the tool is in communication with the controller, and the method further comprises disassembling a portion of the surgical instrument operably coupled to the first robotic arm using a disassembly mechanism of the tool operably coupled to a second robotic arm.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising inserting at least a portion of the surgical instrument into a package.

11. 1. A method for determining a method of disposing of a surgical kit for a surgical system, comprising: (a) identifying a geographic location of use for said surgical kit; (b) retrieving a set of disposition instructions from a look-up table based on the identified geographic location of use of the surgical kit; (c) displaying the disposition order.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the surgical system further includes a generator, and wherein the surgical kit is configured to be assembled into a surgical instrument, and the surgical instrument is configured to be disassembled into a first set of used components and a second set of used components.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the surgical system further includes an identification mechanism associated with either the generator of the surgical kit or a disassembly assist device configured to display a set of instructions on how to disassemble the surgical instrument into the first set of used components and the second set of used components, the set of instructions being dependent on data obtained from the identification mechanism.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising retrieving at least a portion of the surgical instruments of the surgical system, wherein retrieving the at least a portion of the surgical instruments further comprises inserting the portion of the surgical instruments into return packaging and sealing the return packaging.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the surgical system further includes an outer packaging and the return packaging, the outer packaging defining an interior and an exterior in a closed configuration, the surgical instrument being disposed within or associated with the interior of the outer packaging in the closed configuration, the outer packaging configured to be opened by a user to expose the interior in an open configuration to allow access of the surgical instrument during a surgical procedure, and the return packaging configured to receive the surgical instrument after the surgical procedure to reduce cross-contamination.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the surgical system further includes a machine-readable code and a code reader, the machine-readable code associated with at least one of the surgical instrument, the outer packaging, or the return packaging, and the code reader configured to read the machine-readable code.

17. The surgical kit is configured to be assembled to a surgical instrument, the surgical instrument including: (a) an end effector configured to transition between an inactive configuration and an active configuration, the end effector configured to transfer energy to tissue in the active configuration; and (b) a proximal body operably attached to the end effector, the proximal body including: (i) electrical components configured to assist the end effector; (ii) a first shroud; and (iii) a second shroud configured to mate with the first shroud and cooperate to define a hollow interior.

12. The method of claim 11 , comprising: (i) a second shroud, electrical components housed within the hollow interior; (iv) a first restraining mechanism associated with the first shroud; and (v) a second restraining mechanism associated with the second shroud, wherein the first restraining mechanism and the second restraining mechanism are configured to cooperatively couple the first shroud and the second shroud to one another to align them, and the first restraining mechanism and the second restraining mechanism are configured to selectively disengage to allow the first shroud and the second shroud to decouple from one another and expose the electrical components within the hollow interior.

18. The method of claim 11 , further comprising determining a recovery capability of at least one mechanism of a surgical instrument of the surgical system.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the surgical system further comprises: (a) the surgical instrument including an end effector; (b) a hub configured to establish communication with the surgical instrument and assist the surgical instrument during a procedure; and (c) an evaluation port associated with the hub, the evaluation port defining a channel dimensioned to receive the end effector, the evaluation port including a visualization system positioned within the channel, the visualization system configured to inspect the end effector for defects and communicate the defects to the hub.

20. 1. A method of retrieving at least a portion of a surgical instrument, comprising: (a) verifying the reusability of the portion of the surgical instrument; (b) determining a waste stream for the portion of the surgical instrument; (c) disassembling said at least a portion of said surgical instrument from the remainder of said surgical instrument at a predetermined area of said surgical instrument, thereby recovering said at least a portion of said surgical instrument along with said waste stream.

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