Tissue tear detection and operator feedback provision

Abstract

To provide surgical systems. [Solution] A surgical system is disclosed comprising an electrosurgical instrument and a controller that monitors the current supplied from a power source to the electrosurgical instrument, detects when the current reaches or exceeds a current threshold, compares the percentage of power supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument to a power percentage threshold based on the current reaching or exceeding the current threshold, starts a timer for measuring elapsed time based on the power percentage being less than the power percentage threshold, and operates to perform an action based on the elapsed time reaching a time threshold.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a surgical system, and more particularly, to bipolar forceps used in surgical procedures.

[0002] Bipolar forceps are used in various electro-surgical procedures. While using the bipolar forceps, as bipolar energy is provided to the patient tissue, the tip of the electrode may cut or penetrate the patient tissue. In this case, the electrodes may come into electrical contact, and as a result, the current flows through the bipolar forceps instead of the patient tissue, so that no effect on the tissue occurs.

[0003] The lack of effect on the tissue may seem that the bipolar forceps are not functioning properly, which may cause frustration and confusion. Therefore, an improved system and method for detecting tissue cutting when using bipolar forceps are desired.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, but should not be regarded as exclusive embodiments. The disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modification, alteration, combination, and equivalents in form and function without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] A block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A diagram of various modules and other components, such as an energy module, an exhaust module, an air supply module, etc., that can be combined to customize a modular surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Various surgical instruments that can be used with the energy module of FIG. 2 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A]A first exemplary modular surgical system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module and a display screen representing a graphical user interface (GUI) for relaying information about modules connected to the header module. [Figure 4B] This is an isometric view of the modular surgical system shown in Figure 4A, mounted on a cart, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] A second exemplary modular surgical system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module connected together and mounted on a cart, a display screen, two energy modules, and an exhaust module. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a modular surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a modular surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] A method for controlling the modular surgical system shown in Figure 7, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0005] This disclosure relates to a surgical system, and more specifically, to a bipolar forceps used in surgical procedures.

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system 100 (hereinafter, "surgical system 100") according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The surgical system 100 includes one or more subsurgical systems 102 and a cloud-based system (e.g., cloud 104) which may include a remote server 113 that communicates with a storage device 105. Each subsurgical system 102 includes at least one surgical hub 106 that communicates with the cloud 104 which may include the remote server 113.

[0007] In one example, as illustrated in Figure 1, each subsurgical system 102 includes a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112, which are configured to communicate with each other and / or with a hub 106. In some embodiments, each subsurgical 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 of 1 or more. The surgical system 100 is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 11,666,368, issued June 6, 2023, entitled “METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING AND USING A MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0008] Referring here to Figure 2, the exemplary surgical hub 106 (Figure 1) can be embodied as a modular surgical system 200 which may include various different modules 201 that can be connected together in a stacked configuration. In one embodiment, the modules 201 can be physically and communicatively connected when stacked or otherwise connected together in a single assembly. Furthermore, the modules 201 may be interchangeably connected to one another in different combinations or arrangements. In one embodiment, each of the modules 201 may include a consistent or universal array of connectors arranged along their upper and lower surfaces, thereby allowing any module 201 to be connected to another module 201 in any arrangement (however, in some embodiments, certain module types, such as a header module 202, may be configured to function, for example, as the module positioned at the top in a stacked body). In an alternative embodiment, the modular surgical system 200 may include housings configured to receive and hold the modules 201. The modular surgical system 200 may also include various different components or accessories that can be connected to or otherwise associated with module 201.

[0009] The modular surgical system 200 can be assembled from various different modules 201, several embodiments of which are illustrated in Figure 2. Each of the different types of modules 201 can provide different functions, thereby allowing the modular surgical system 200 to be assembled into different configurations and its functions and capabilities to be customized (for example, by customizing the modules 201 included in each modular surgical system 200). Modules 201 of the modular surgical system 200 may include, for example, a header module 202 (which may include a display screen 206), an energy module 204, an exhaust module 208, an air supply module 210, and a visualization module 212.

[0010] The modular surgical system 200 may further include various accessories 229 that are connectable to module 201 to control the functions of module 201, or otherwise configured to function in conjunction with the modular surgical system 200. Examples of accessories 229 include a single-pedal footswitch 232, a dual-pedal footswitch 234, and a cart 230 for supporting the modular surgical system 200. The footswitches 232 and 234 may be configured, for example, to activate or control the functions of specific energy modalities output by the energy module 204.

[0011] In the depicted embodiment, the header module 202 is configured to function as the upper or topmost module in a modular surgical system stack and therefore may lack connectors along its upper surface. In another embodiment, the header module 202 can be configured to be located at the bottom of a modular surgical system stack or to be the bottommost module (i.e., a "footer" module) and therefore may lack connectors along its bottom surface. In yet another embodiment, the header module 202 can be configured to be located in an intermediate position in a modular surgical system stack and therefore may include connectors along both its bottom and top surfaces. The header module 202 can be configured to control the overall system settings of each module 201 and the components connected thereto through a physical control unit 411 on the header module 202 (Figure 4A) and / or through a graphical user interface (GUI) 408 (Figure 4A) rendered on a display screen 206. Such settings may include the startup of the modular surgical system 200, the volume setting of alerts, the settings of the footswitch, the settings icon, the appearance or configuration of the user interface, the surgeon profile logged into the modular surgical system 200, and / or the type of surgical procedure being performed. The header module 202 may also be configured to provide communication, processing, and / or power to the module 201 connected to the header module 202.

[0012] The energy module 204, also known as the generator module, can be configured to generate one or more energy modalities for driving electrosurgical and / or ultrasonic surgical instruments. For example, referring to Figure 3, the generator 204 is configured to drive several surgical instruments 300, 330, 360, and 390. The first surgical instrument is an ultrasonic surgical instrument 300, comprising a handpiece 302 (HP), an ultrasonic transducer 304, a shaft 306, and an end effector 308. The end effector 308 comprises an ultrasonic blade 310 and a clamp arm 312 acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 304. The handpiece 302 comprises a trigger 314 for operating the clamp arm 312 and a combination of toggle buttons 316a, 316b, and 316c for supplying energy to and driving the ultrasonic blade 310 or other functions. The toggle buttons 316a to 316c can be configured to supply energy to the ultrasonic transducer 304 using the generator 204.

[0013] The generator 204 is an RF electrosurgical instrument and is also configured to drive a second surgical instrument 330 comprising a handpiece 332 (HP), a shaft 334, and an end effector 336. The end effector 336 has electrodes in clamp arms 338a, 338b that return through the electrically conductive portion of the shaft 334. The electrodes are connected to a bipolar energy source in the generator 204 and are supplied with energy by the bipolar energy source. The handpiece 332 includes a manually activatable trigger 340 for operating the clamp arms 338a, b, and an energy button 342 for activating an energy switch to supply energy to the electrodes in the end effector 336.

[0014] The generator 204 is a multifunctional surgical instrument 360, also configured to drive a third surgical instrument 360 comprising a handpiece 362 (HP), a shaft 364, and an end effector 366. The end effector 366 comprises an ultrasonic blade 368 and a clamp arm 370. The ultrasonic blade 368 is acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer 372. The handpiece 362 includes a trigger 374 for operating the clamp arm 370 and a combination of toggle buttons 376a, 376b, and 376c for supplying energy to and driving the ultrasonic blade 368 or other functions. The toggle buttons 376a-c can be configured to supply energy to the ultrasonic transducer 372 using the generator 204 and similarly to supply energy to the ultrasonic blade 368 using a bipolar energy source housed within the generator 204. Further embodiments of surgical instruments are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety by U.S. Patent No. 10,624,691, “TECHNIQUES FOR OPERATING GENERATOR FOR DIGITALLY GENERATING ELECTRICAL SIGNAL WAVEFORMS AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,” issued April 21, 2020.

[0015] The generator 204 is also configured to drive a fourth surgical instrument 390, which is a bipolar forceps comprising a first arm 392, a second arm 394, a first electrode 396 at the distal end of the first arm 392, and a second electrode 398 at the distal end of the second arm 394. The first arm 392 and the second arm 394 are user-graspable, thereby allowing the first electrode 396 and the second electrode 398 to be positioned relative to each other. The first electrode 396 and the second electrode 398 are connected to a bipolar energy source in the generator 204, energized by the bipolar energy source, and energized by the same energy source based on the user providing input to an energy switch as a single-pedal foot switch 232 or a dual-pedal foot switch 234.

[0016] The exhaust module 208 (Figure 2) may be configured to exhaust smoke, fluid, and / or particulate matter generated by the application of therapeutic energy to tissue by one or more of the surgical instruments 300, 330, and 360. Exemplary exhaust modules are described in detail elsewhere in this specification and in U.S. Patent No. 11,602,393, issued March 14, 2023, entitled “SURGICAL EVACUATION SENSING AND GENERATOR CONTROL,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The air supply module 210 (Figure 2) may be configured to inflate a patient’s body cavity with air or gas for diagnostic or surgical procedures, thereby providing better visibility and access during the procedure.

[0017] The visualization module 212 (Figure 2) can be configured to interface with a visualization device (i.e., a scope) and thus provide enhanced visualization capabilities. Exemplary visualization modules and systems are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 11,284,963, issued March 29, 2022, entitled "METHOD OF USING IMAGING DEVICES IN SURGERY," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0018] By utilizing modular components, the depicted modular surgical system 200 provides a surgical platform that grows with the availability of technology and can be customized to the needs of facilities and / or surgeons. Furthermore, the modular surgical system 200 supports combo devices (e.g., electrosurgery and ultrasound energy dual generators) and software-driven algorithms for customized effects on tissue. Moreover, the surgical system architecture reduces the footprint of capital equipment by combining multiple technologies crucial for surgical procedures into a single system.

[0019] Various modular components available in connection with the modular surgical system 200 may include unipolar energy generators, bipolar energy generators, dual electrosurgical / ultrasonic energy generators, display screens, and various other modules and / or other components as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0020] Referring here to Figure 4A, the header module 202 may, in some embodiments, include a display screen 206 that displays a GUI 408 for relaying information about module 201 (Figure 2) connected to the header module 202. In some embodiments, the GUI 408 on the display screen 206 can provide all integrated control points of module 201 that constitute a particular configuration of the modular surgical system 200. In alternative embodiments, the header module 202 may lack a display screen 206, or the display screen 206 may be detachably connected to the housing 410 of the header module 202. In such embodiments, the header module 202 may be communicatively connectable to an external system configured to display information generated by module 201 of the modular surgical system 200. For example, in a robotic surgical application, the modular surgical system 200 may be communicatively connectable to a robotic cart or robotic control console, which is configured to display information generated by the modular surgical system 200 to the operator of the robotic surgical system. As another example, the modular surgical system 200 may be communicatively connected to a mobile display, which may be carried by or attached to the surgical staff so that information can be viewed on the mobile display. In a configuration utilizing a user interface separate from or otherwise distinct from the modular surgical system 200, the user interface may be wirelessly connected to the entire modular surgical system 200, or to one or more modules 201 thereof, so that the user interface can display information from the connected modules 200.

[0021] Referring further to FIG. 4A, the energy module 204 can include a port assembly 412 that includes (provides) a number of different ports, which are configured to deliver different energy modalities to corresponding surgical instruments (e.g., surgical instruments 300, 330, 360 of FIG. 3) that can be coupled to each port. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the port assembly 412 includes a bipolar port 414, a first monopolar port 416a, a second monopolar port 416b, a neutral pole port 418 (to which a monopolar return pad can be coupled), and a combined energy port 420. However, this particular combination of ports is provided for illustrative purposes only, and alternative combinations of ports and / or energy modalities may be possible for the port assembly 412.

[0022] As described above, the modular surgical system 200 can be assembled into different configurations. Further, the different configurations of the modular surgical system 200 may also be available for different surgical procedure types and / or different tasks. For example, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a first exemplary configuration of the modular surgical system 200 that includes a header module 202 (including a display screen 206) and an energy module 204 connected together. Such a configuration may be suitable, for example, for laparoscopic and open surgical procedures. As shown in FIG. 4B, the modular surgical system 200 is disposed on a cart 230, which may enable the modular surgical system 200 to be easily moved (wheeled) around, for example, an operating room.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a second exemplary configuration of a modular surgical system 200 that includes a header module 202 (including a display screen 206) connected together and disposed on a cart 230, a first energy module 204a, a second energy module 204b, and an exhaust module 208. In such a configuration, the exhaust module 208 can exhaust smoke, fluid, and / or particles generated by a surgical instrument powered by the energy modules 204a, 204b.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of a modular surgical system 600 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the modular surgical system 600 includes a header module 202 (including a display screen 206), an energy module 204 stacked and connected under the header module 202, an exhaust module 208 stacked and connected under the energy module 204, and an air supply module 210 stacked and connected under the exhaust module 208.

[0025] The header module 202 is configured to monitor, control, energize, and provide feedback regarding the operation of modules within the modular surgical system 600, such as the energy module 204, the exhaust module 208, and the air supply module 210. As shown in the figure, the header module 202 includes a controller 620 comprising a processor 622 and a memory 624 that stores computer-readable instructions executable by the processor 622 to perform the functions and operations of the header module 602. Examples of memory 624 include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), computer chips, optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), etc.), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disk drives (HDDs), floppy disks, ZIP® disks, etc.), magnetic tapes, and solid-state storage devices (e.g., memory cards, "flash" media, etc.). As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to any device or system for storing and providing information (e.g., data and instructions) to the processor 622. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, optical discs, magnetic discs, magnetic tapes, solid-state media, and servers for streaming media over a network.

[0026] Based on instructions stored in memory 624, the processor 622 may be configured to control power and data transmission between the header module 202, energy module 204, exhaust module 208, and air supply module 210 via the power interface 608 and the data interface 610. For example, the header module 202 can send various commands via the data interface 610 to the energy module 204, the exhaust module 208 (through the energy module 204), and the air supply module 210 (through the energy module 204 and the exhaust module 208). Such commands may be based on user input received on the display screen 206, as discussed elsewhere in this specification, or on input received by the controller 620 from various sensors communicably connected to the modular surgical system 600.

[0027] As a further example, power may be transmitted from the header module 202 via the power interface 608 to the energy module 204, the exhaust module 208 (through the energy module 204), and the air supply module 210 (through the energy module 204 and the exhaust module 208). The header module 202 may receive power from an external power source 660 (referred to herein as the “AC mains power source”), such as a wall outlet. The header module 202 may include an AC / DC converter 662 that receives AC power from the AC power source 660 and converts the AC power to DC power. The controller 202 may then distribute the DC power to the energy module 204, the exhaust module 208, and the air supply module 210 via the power interface 608. The controller 620 may further include a timer 626 for measuring elapsed time. The header module 202 may include sensors 628, such as current sensors and / or power sensors, which operably communicate with the controller 620 to measure current and power along the power interface 608.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the energy module 204 may include a controller 680 comprising a processor 682 and a memory 684 that stores computer-readable instructions executable by the processor 682 for performing the functions and operations of the energy module 204. The processor 682 and memory 684 may be similar to the processor 622 and memory 624, respectively. The controller 680 may receive power from the AC / DC converter 662 via a power interface 608 and may communicate operably with the controller 620 via a data interface 610.

[0029] The energy module 204 may further include an energy generator 670. The energy generator 670 can receive power from an AC / DC converter 662 along a power interface 608 and can communicate operably with a controller 680 via a wired or wireless connection, etc. The energy generator 670 may be operable to provide therapeutic energy to one or more surgical instruments such as surgical instruments 300, 330, 360, 390 via a port assembly 412, such as a bipolar port 414 (Figure 4), a first or second unipolar port 416a, 416b (Figure 4), or a combined energy port 420 (Figure 4). For example, the energy generator 670 may be energized with DC power supplied from an AC / DC converter 662 along a power interface 608. The controller 680 may then receive input from a controller 620, etc. Based on the input, the controller 680 may control the energy generator 670 to provide therapeutic energy to one or more surgical instruments connected to the energy module 204 in the port assembly 412. The energy generator 670 may include sensors 672, such as current sensors and / or power sensors, which operably communicate with the controller 680 to measure the current and / or power supplied by the energy generator 670. Sensors 672 may also include impedance sensors for measuring the impedance of tissue grasped by one of the surgical instruments.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the display screen 206 includes a touchscreen 630 connected to a touch controller 632. The touch controller 632 is connected to a controller 620 to read inputs such as user input from the touchscreen 630. The controller 620 drives the LCD display 640 via a display / port video output signal 642. The controller 620 is further connected to an audio amplifier 652 to drive one or more speakers 650.

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of another example of a modular surgical system 700 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The modular surgical system 700 may be similar in some respects to the modular surgical system 600 of Figure 6, and may therefore be best understood in relation thereto. As shown, for example, the modular surgical system 700 includes a header module 202 including a controller 680, a (communicating) display screen 206 connected to the header module 202, and an energy module 204 stacked below the header module 202 and communicatively connected thereto, including a controller 620. The modular surgical system 700 may include additional modules, such as an air supply module 210 and / or an exhaust module 208, as described elsewhere in this specification. The modular surgical system 700 may further include a bipolar forceps 390 as described herein with reference to Figure 3, which is electrically connected to the energy module 204 at a bipolar port 414 (Figure 4), etc.

[0032] During operation, referring here to Figures 6 and 7, a user such as a surgeon may wish to deliver electrosurgical energy to patient tissue 702 using the electrodes 396, 398 of the bipolar forceps 390. The user may first provide the controller 620 with an input indicating the operating mode of the bipolar forceps 390. For example, the bipolar forceps 390 may be used in a first "manual" mode or a second "automatic" mode.

[0033] In manual mode, the user can grasp (or apply lateral load to) the arms 392 and 394 of the bipolar forceps 390 and use them to grasp patient tissue 702 between the ends of the arms 392 and 394. If the user wishes to provide electrosurgical energy to the patient tissue 702 using the electrodes 396 and 398 of the bipolar forceps 390, the user can provide input to the controller 620, for example, via the foot switch 232. Based on the input, the controller 620 can provide input to the controller 680 of the energy module 204, which can then control the energy generator 670 (Figure 6) to supply energy to the electrodes 396 and 398 of the bipolar forceps 390.

[0034] In automatic mode, the user can grasp (or apply lateral load to) the arms 392, 394 of the bipolar forceps 390. If the user wishes to deliver electrosurgical energy to patient tissue 702 using the electrodes 396, 398 of the bipolar forceps 390, the user can grasp the patient tissue 702 between the ends of the arms 392, 394. The controller 680 can automatically detect the patient tissue 702 being grasped by the arms 392, 394 of the bipolar forceps 390. As an example, the sensor 672 may include an impedance sensor that detects changes in impedance based on the arms 392, 394 of the bipolar forceps 390 grasping the patient tissue 702. As another example, the arms 392, 394 of the bipolar forceps 390 may include pressure sensors that detect the pressure being applied to the patient tissue 702 being grasped by them. Based on the detection that patient tissue 702 is being grasped by the bipolar forceps 390, the controller 680 can automatically control the energy generator 670 to energize the electrodes 396, 398 of the bipolar forceps 390.

[0035] While using the bipolar forceps 390, as bipolar energy is supplied to the patient tissue 702, the tips of electrodes 396 and 398 may rupture or penetrate the patient tissue. In this case, electrodes 396 and 398 may make electrical contact, and as a result, the current flows through the bipolar forceps 390 rather than the patient tissue 702, thus producing no effect on the tissue.

[0036] The lack of effect on tissue can make the bipolar forceps 390 appear to be malfunctioning, leading to frustration and confusion. Therefore, an improved system and method for detecting tissue tears when using the bipolar forceps 390 is desired.

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of an exemplary method 800 for controlling the modular surgical system 700 of Figure 7, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The method 800 may be embodied as an algorithm stored in the memory 624 (Figure 6) of the controller 620 (Figure 7), and may be executable by the processor 622 (Figure 6) of the controller 620 based on the user providing input to the controller 620, such as via the touchscreen 630 (Figure 6) of the controller 620. Alternatively, the algorithm may be stored in the memory 684 (Figure 6) of the controller 680 (Figure 7), and may be executable by the processor 682 (Figure 6) of the controller 680 based on the user providing input to the controller 680, such as via the touchscreen 630 (Figure 6).

[0038] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, Method 1400 may include monitoring the current supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument, as in step 802. For example, when a user desires to energize the electrodes 396, 398 of the bipolar forceps 390, the user may provide an input to the controller 620, for example, via the foot switch 232. Based on the input, the controller 620 may provide an input to the controller 680 of the energy module 204, which may control the energy generator 670 to supply energy to the electrodes 396, 398 of the bipolar forceps 390. As the energy generator 670 supplies energy to the bipolar forceps 390, the controller 640 may simultaneously monitor the current supplied to the bipolar forceps 390, for example, using the sensor 672.

[0039] Method 800 may further include comparing the measured current to a current threshold, as in step 804. For example, the memory 644 of the controller 640 may include (store in) a current threshold, and the controller 640 may be able to operate to compare the monitored (measured) current to the current threshold, such as continuously, periodically, or at predetermined intervals. Based on the current being less than the current threshold, the controller 640 may loop back to step 802.

[0040] Method 800 may further include comparing the percentage of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument with a percentage of power threshold, as in step 806. For example, based on the controller 640 detecting that the current has reached or exceeded a current threshold, the controller 640 may assume (determine) that a short circuit has occurred between electrodes 396, 398, causing the patient tissue 702 being operated on by the bipolar forceps 390 to rupture (or penetrate), resulting in the current reaching or exceeding the current threshold. To verify this assumption (determinion), the controller 640 may proceed to compare the percentage of power supplied to the bipolar forceps 390 by the energy generator 670 with a percentage of power threshold that can be stored in memory 664. The controller 640 may monitor the absolute value of the percentage of power supplied to the bipolar forceps 390 using a sensor 672, for example. Based on the absolute value of the percentage of power being above the percentage of power threshold, the controller 680 may conclude that the patient tissue 702 has not ruptured. Thus, the controller 680 may loop back to step 802.

[0041] Method 800 may further include starting a timer to measure elapsed time, as in step 808. For example, based on the controller 680 detecting that the absolute value of the power percentage is less than the power percentage threshold, the controller 680 may have additional confidence in the assumption that the patient tissue 702 has ruptured (or been penetrated). To further verify this assumption, the controller 680 may provide an input to the controller 620, which may then start a timer 626 to measure the elapsed time during which the current is greater than or equal to the current threshold and the absolute value of the power percentage is less than the power percentage threshold.

[0042] Method 800 may further include comparing the current to a current threshold and / or the power ratio to a power ratio threshold, as in step 810. For example, while the timer 626 is measuring elapsed time, the controller 680 may monitor the current and / or power ratio against their respective thresholds, such as continuously, periodically, or at predetermined intervals. Based on the current falling below the current threshold and / or the power ratio exceeding the power ratio threshold, the controller 680 may conclude that the patient tissue 702 has not ruptured. Thus, the controller 620 may reset the timer 626, as in step 812, and the controller 680 may loop back to step 802.

[0043] Method 800 may further include taking action based on the elapsed time reaching a time threshold, as in step 814. For example, the controller 680 may detect that the current has been maintained above a current threshold and the absolute value of the power percentage has been maintained below a power percentage threshold over a threshold time (time threshold), which may be stored in memory 644 or memory 624. Based on the detection, the controller 680 may conclude that the patient tissue 702 has ruptured and therefore may proceed to take action. This action may include providing input to the controller 620, which in response may generate (provide) alerts on the display 206, such as a message to the user indicating that patient tissue 702 is torn and the bipolar forceps 390 should be repositioned; generate (provide) audible alerts via the speaker 650; generate visible alerts (e.g., light); store a record of the tissue tear in one or both of the memories 624, 684 for use as a metric for the user (surgeon) for future improvements; or stop providing therapeutic energy from the energy generator 670 to the bipolar forceps 390; or a combination thereof.

[0044] Therefore, the aforementioned system and method can detect tissue tears when using electrosurgical instruments such as the bipolar forceps 390, thereby reducing user frustration when the electrosurgical instrument appears not to be functioning properly.

[0045] The embodiments disclosed herein include the following: A surgical system comprising: an electrosurgical instrument; and a controller capable of monitoring the current supplied from a power source to the electrosurgical instrument, detecting when the current has reached or exceeded a current threshold, comparing the percentage of power supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument based on the current having reached or exceeded the current threshold, starting a timer for measuring elapsed time based on the percentage of power being less than the percentage of power threshold, and performing an action based on the elapsed time reaching a time threshold. B. A surgical system comprising an energy module operably connected to an electrosurgical instrument, and a controller operable to compare the current supplied from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument with a current threshold, compare the proportion of power supplied from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument with a power proportion threshold, start a timer for measuring elapsed time based on whether the current is greater than or equal to the current threshold and the absolute value of the power proportion is less than the power proportion threshold, and perform an action based on whether the elapsed time reaches a time threshold. C. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor causes the processor to compare the current supplied from the power source to an electrosurgical instrument with a current threshold, compare the ratio of power supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument with a power ratio threshold, start a timer for measuring elapsed time based on whether the current is greater than or equal to the current threshold and whether the absolute value of the power ratio is less than the power ratio threshold, and perform an action based on whether the elapsed time has reached a time threshold.

[0046] Each of embodiments A and B may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination: Element 1: The electrosurgical instrument comprises a bipolar forceps. Element 2: Further comprising a display, the action includes providing an alert on the display. Element 3: Further comprising a speaker, the action includes providing an audible alert via the speaker. Element 4: The action includes stopping the supply of energy to the electrosurgical instrument. Element 5: The controller is further operable to detect when the timer is measuring elapsed time that the current has fallen below a current threshold, and to reset the timer based on the current falling below the current threshold. Element 6: The controller is further operable to detect when the timer is measuring elapsed time that the percentage of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument has exceeded a power percentage threshold, and to reset the timer based on the power percentage exceeding the power percentage threshold.

[0047] As a non-restrictive example, exemplary combinations applicable to A, B, and C include element 1 with element 2, element 1 with element 3, element 1 with element 4, element 1 with element 5, element 1 with element 6, element 1 with two or more elements from 2 to 6, element 2 with element 3, element 2 with element 4, element 2 with element 5, element 2 with element 6, element 2 with element 1 and two or more elements from 3 to 6, element 3 with element 4, element 3 with element 5, element 3 with element 6, element 3 with elements 1, 2, and two or more elements from 4 to 6, element 4 with element 5, element 4 with element 6, element 4 with two or more elements from 1 to 3, 5, and 6, element 5 with element 6, element 5 with elements 1 to 4 and 6, and element 6 with two or more elements from 1 to 5.

[0048] Accordingly, the systems and methods disclosed are well-adapted to achieve the results and benefits mentioned, as well as the inherent results and benefits therein. The teachings of this disclosure can be modified and implemented in equivalent ways that are evident to those skilled in the art who are interested in the teachings herein, although different; therefore, the specific embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative. Furthermore, it is not intended to limit the details of the structures or designs shown herein other than those described in the following claims. Accordingly, the specific illustrative embodiments disclosed above can be modified, combined, or altered, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The systems and methods illustrated herein can be suitably implemented in the absence of any elements not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional elements disclosed herein. Compositions and methods are described using the terms “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components and processes, but compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” various components and processes. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may differ to some extent. Whenever a numerical range with lower and upper limits is disclosed, any number and any range that falls within that range is specifically disclosed. In particular, all ranges of values ​​(of form) disclosed herein ("about a to about b," or equivalently "about a to b (from approximately a to b)," or equivalently "about a to b (from approximately ab)") should be understood to describe all numbers and ranges that fall within a broad range of values. Furthermore, terms in the claims have plain and ordinary meanings unless explicitly and clearly defined otherwise by the patentee. Moreover, when used in claims, the indefinite article "a" or "an" is defined herein to mean one or more of the elements it introduces.Where there is any inconsistency in the use of a word or term in this Specified Patent or other document that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definition consistent with this Specified Patent or other Patent or other Document should be adopted.

[0049] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a set of items is accompanied by the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, but modifies the list as a whole, rather than each individual component of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows for meanings including at least one of any of the items and / or at least one of any combination of the items and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” mean A only, B only, or C only, any combination of A, B, and C, and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C, respectively.

[0050] The use of directional terms such as up, down, upward, downward, left, right, etc., is used in relation to illustrative embodiments as shown in the figures, where the upward direction is toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction is toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.

[0051] [Implementation Method] (1) A surgical system, Electrosurgical instruments, It is a controller, The current supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is monitored. The system detects when the current reaches or exceeds a current threshold. Based on whether the current reaches or exceeds the current threshold, the proportion of power supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with the proportion of power threshold. Based on the fact that the power ratio is less than the power ratio threshold, a timer for measuring elapsed time is started. A surgical system comprising a controller capable of performing an action based on the elapsed time reaching a time threshold. (2) The surgical system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the electrosurgical instrument comprises a bipolar forceps. (3) The surgical system according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a display, wherein the action includes providing an alert on the display. (4) The surgical system according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a speaker, wherein the action includes providing an audible alert via the speaker. (5) The surgical system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the action includes stopping the supply of energy to the electrosurgical instrument.

[0052] (6) The controller When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the current has fallen below the current threshold, The surgical system according to Embodiment 1, further operable to reset the timer based on the current falling below the current threshold. (7) The controller When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the proportion of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument exceeds the power proportion threshold. The surgical system according to Embodiment 1, further operable to reset the timer based on the power ratio exceeding the power ratio threshold. (8) A surgical system, An energy module operably connected to an electrosurgical instrument, It is a controller, The current supplied from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with a current threshold, The proportion of power supplied from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with a power proportion threshold. Based on the fact that the current is equal to or greater than the current threshold, and the absolute value of the power ratio is less than the power ratio threshold, a timer for measuring elapsed time is started. A surgical system comprising a controller capable of performing an action based on the elapsed time reaching a time threshold. (9) The surgical system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the electrosurgical instrument comprises a bipolar forceps. (10) The surgical system according to Embodiment 8, further comprising a display, wherein the action includes providing an alert on the display.

[0053] (11) The surgical system according to Embodiment 8, further comprising a speaker, wherein the action includes providing an audible alert via the speaker. (12) The surgical system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the action includes stopping the supply of energy from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument. (13) The controller When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the current has fallen below the current threshold, The surgical system according to embodiment 8, further operable to reset the timer based on the current falling below the current threshold. (14) The controller When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the proportion of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument exceeds the power proportion threshold. The modular surgical system according to Embodiment 8, further operable to reset the timer based on the power ratio exceeding the power ratio threshold. (15) A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by a processor, the processor has the following capabilities: The current supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is compared to a current threshold. The proportion of power supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with a power proportion threshold. Based on the fact that the current is equal to or greater than the current threshold, and the absolute value of the power ratio is less than the power ratio threshold, a timer for measuring elapsed time is started. A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes an action to be performed based on the fact that the elapsed time has reached a time threshold.

[0054] (16) The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to Embodiment 15, wherein the action includes providing an alert on a display. (17) The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to Embodiment 15, wherein the action includes providing an audible alert via a speaker. (18) The non-transient computer-readable medium according to Embodiment 15, wherein the action includes stopping the supply of energy from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument. (19) Further store instructions, and when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor shall When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the current has fallen below the current threshold. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to embodiment 15, which resets the timer based on the current falling below the current threshold. (20) Further store instructions, and when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor: When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the proportion of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument exceeds the power threshold. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to embodiment 15, which resets the timer based on the proportion of power exceeding a power threshold.

Claims

1. A surgical system, Electrosurgical instruments, It is a controller, The current supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is monitored. The system detects when the current reaches or exceeds a current threshold. Based on whether the current reaches or exceeds the current threshold, the proportion of power supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with the proportion of power threshold. Based on the fact that the power ratio is less than the power ratio threshold, a timer for measuring elapsed time is started. A surgical system comprising a controller capable of performing an action based on the elapsed time reaching a time threshold.

2. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the electrosurgical instrument comprises a bipolar forceps.

3. The surgical system according to claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the action includes providing an alert on the display.

4. The surgical system according to claim 1, further comprising a speaker, wherein the action includes providing an audible alert via the speaker.

5. The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the action includes stopping the supply of energy to the electrosurgical instrument.

6. The aforementioned controller, When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the current has fallen below the current threshold, The surgical system according to claim 1, further operable to reset the timer based on the current falling below the current threshold.

7. The aforementioned controller, When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the proportion of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument exceeds the power proportion threshold. The surgical system according to claim 1, further operable to reset the timer based on the power ratio exceeding the power ratio threshold.

8. A surgical system, An energy module operably connected to an electrosurgical instrument, It is a controller, The current supplied from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with a current threshold, The proportion of power supplied from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with a power proportion threshold. Based on the fact that the current is equal to or greater than the current threshold, and the absolute value of the power ratio is less than the power ratio threshold, a timer for measuring elapsed time is started. A surgical system comprising a controller capable of performing an action based on the elapsed time reaching a time threshold.

9. The surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the electrosurgical instrument comprises a bipolar forceps.

10. The surgical system according to claim 8, further comprising a display, wherein the action includes providing an alert on the display.

11. The surgical system according to claim 8, further comprising a speaker, wherein the action includes providing an audible alert via the speaker.

12. The surgical system according to claim 8, wherein the action includes stopping the supply of energy from the energy module to the electrosurgical instrument.

13. The aforementioned controller, When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the current has fallen below the current threshold, The surgical system according to claim 8, further operable to reset the timer based on the current falling below the current threshold.

14. The aforementioned controller, When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the proportion of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument exceeds the power proportion threshold. The modular surgical system according to claim 8, further operable to reset the timer based on the power ratio exceeding the power ratio threshold.

15. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor is configured to: The current supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is compared to a current threshold. The proportion of power supplied from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument is compared with a power proportion threshold. Based on the fact that the current is equal to or greater than the current threshold, and the absolute value of the power ratio is less than the power ratio threshold, a timer for measuring elapsed time is started. A non-temporary computer-readable medium that causes an action to be performed based on the fact that the elapsed time has reached a time threshold.

16. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein the action includes providing an alert on a display.

17. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein the action includes providing an audible alert via a speaker.

18. The non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein the action includes stopping the supply of energy from the power source to the electrosurgical instrument.

19. Further store the instruction, and when the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor: When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the current has fallen below the current threshold. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein the timer is reset based on the current falling below the current threshold.

20. Further store the instruction, and when the instruction is executed by the processor, the processor: When the timer measures the elapsed time, it detects that the proportion of power supplied to the electrosurgical instrument exceeds the power threshold. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 15, wherein the timer is reset based on the proportion of the power exceeding the power threshold.

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