Surgical RFID Assembly for Indication and Communication

Abstract

A control system for a surgical instrument for use with a surgical system. The surgical system includes a first device and a second device, which may include a surgical hub, a visualization system, or a robotic system. The control system includes an RFID scanner and control circuitry coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuitry is configured to receive data from an RFID tag associated with the device, determine a communication protocol for communicating with the device, and, accordingly, cause the surgical instrument to use the determined communication protocol to establish a communication link between the surgical instrument and the device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a nonprovisional application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 868,457, filed June 28, 2019, entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

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

[0003] In various embodiments, a control system for a surgical instrument for use with a surgical system, the surgical system including a first device and a second device, is disclosed. The control system includes an RFID scanner and control circuitry coupled to the RFID scanner. The control circuitry is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the first device via the RFID scanner, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with the second device via the RFID scanner, determine a communication protocol appropriate for the first device and the second device according to the first data and the second data, and cause the surgical instrument to utilize the determined communication protocol to communicate with the first device and the second device.

[0004] In various embodiments, a control system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The control system includes an RFID scanner, a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, and a display screen. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device, and determine a type of surgical procedure according to the first data and the second data.

[0005] In various embodiments, a control system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The control system includes an RFID scanner, a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, and a display screen. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, the first data identifying a device, receive second data from a second RFID tag via the RFID scanner, the second data identifying a user, and determine user settings corresponding to the user and the device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] The features of the various aspects are set forth in detail in the appended claims, however the various aspects, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a surgical system used to perform a surgical procedure in an operating room, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a surgical hub paired with a visualization system, a robotic system, and an intelligent instrument, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a surgical data network comprising a modular communications hub configured to connect modular devices located in one or more operating rooms of a medical facility, or any room in a medical facility equipped with specialized equipment for surgical procedures, to a cloud, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a computer-implemented interactive surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a surgical hub comprising a plurality of modules coupled to a modular control tower in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a control system for a surgical stapling instrument according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates another control system for a surgical stapling instrument in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a stapling head assembly and an anvil coupled to a trocar of the stapling head assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a partial transverse cross-sectional view of a stapling head assembly and anvil in an improper seating orientation in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a stapling head assembly and anvil in an improper seating orientation in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a surgical instrument communicatively coupled to a surgical hub, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a table of surgical instrument component data, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a diagram of a surgical hub detecting an RFID tag associated with a surgical instrument and a user, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument including an RFID scanner configured to detect an RFID tag associated with a consumable device, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 1 shows a table of surfaces of various surgical clip types, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 1 shows a table of mechanical properties of various surgical clip types, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for determining a communication protocol for a surgical instrument via an RFID assembly, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for determining surgical procedure information for display via an RFID assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for determining tailored information for a user via an RFID assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for determining compatibility of a surgical instrument component via an RFID assembly, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21A] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first jaw assembly for a surgical clip applier, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21B] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a second jaw assembly for a surgical clip applier, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 13A-13C show graphs illustrating force versus displacement stroke of various surgical clip appliers being fired as controlled by a control system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 23] FIG. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for determining operational settings of a surgical instrument via an RFID assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for determining operational settings of a consumable surgical instrument via an RFID assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25] 13A-13C show graphs illustrating force versus displacement stroke of various surgical clip appliers being fired as controlled by a control system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] 13A-13C show graphs illustrating longitudinal cam load force versus displacement stroke for various surgical clip appliers being fired as controlled by a control system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] 1 shows a graph illustrating springback characteristics of various surgical clip types, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for determining operational settings of a surgical instrument tailored to a user via an RFID assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] 1 illustrates a graphical user interface including a staple height widget in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 30] 13 shows a graph illustrating force versus displacement stroke of a surgical stapler being controlled by a control system and being fired in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 31]13 shows a graph illustrating force versus time for a surgical stapler being fired as controlled by a control system in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 32] FIG. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for continuously updating operational parameters via an RFID assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 33] FIG. 1 illustrates a logic flow diagram of a process for updating a default operating algorithm of a surgical instrument via an RFID assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0008] The applicant of this application has owned the following U.S. patent applications, filed on even date herewith, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: · Attorney Docket No. END9119USNP1 / 190245-1M, Title of invention: "METHOD OF USING MULTIPLE RFID CHIPS WITH A SURGICAL ASSEMBLY"; Attorney Docket No. END9120USNP1 / 190246, Title of Invention: "MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY"; Attorney Docket No. END9121USNP1 / 190247, Title of Invention: "MECHANISMS FOR MOTOR CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS OF A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; · Attorney Docket No. END9122USNP1 / 190248, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH BATTERY COMPATIBILITY VERIFICATION FUNCTIONALITY"; Attorney Docket No. END9131USNP1 / 190249, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH RFID TAGS FOR UPDATING MOTOR ASSEMBLY PARAMETERS"; Attorney Docket No. END9132USNP1 / 190250, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE RFID TAGS"; Attorney Docket No. END9149USNP1 / 190251, Title of Invention: "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney Docket No. END9150USNP1 / 190252, Title of Invention: "RFID IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; Attorney Docket No. END9152USNP1 / 190254, entitled "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR COMPATIBILITY DETECTION", and Attorney Docket No. END9153USNP1 / 190255, titled "SURGICAL RFID ASSEMBLIES FOR INSTRUMENT OPERATIONAL SETTING CONTROL".

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

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

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

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

[0013] Before describing various aspects of the surgical devices and systems in detail, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments may be embodied or incorporated in other aspects, variations, and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, the terms and expressions used herein have been selected for the convenience of the reader for the purpose of describing the illustrated embodiments, and not for the purpose of limiting them. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more of the aspects, aspect expressions, and / or examples described below can be combined with any one or more of the other aspects, aspect expressions, and / or examples described below.

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

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

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

[0017] There are various RFID systems that include RFID tags of different sizes. However, some are suitable for use in technology areas that require tracking of very small objects. For example, Hitachi Chemical Co.Ltd. is a leading manufacturer in the field of RFID technology. Ultra-small UHF RFID tags manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co.Ltd. are typically 1.0-13 mm or less, allowing communication between the RFID tag and the RFID reader at distances of a few centimeters or more. Due to their compact nature, Hitachi RFID tags are suitable for very small products with specific needs. Each Hitachi RFID tag includes an antenna, an IC chip connected to the antenna, and an encapsulating material that encapsulates the IC chip and the antenna. Because Hitachi RFID tags incorporate the antenna and IC chip in a single unit, Hitachi RFID tags are convenient to easily attach to any small object using, for example, glue or tape.

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

[0019] Surgical Hub Referring to FIG. 1, in various aspects, the RFID system of the present disclosure may include one or more surgical systems 11102 and a cloud-based system (e.g., a storage device 11 105)。 Each surgical system 11102 includes at least one surgical hub 11106 in communication with the cloud 11104, which may include a remote server 11113. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the surgical system 11102 includes a visualization system 11108, a robotic system 11110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 11112 configured to communicate with each other and / or with the hub 11106. In some aspects, the surgical system 11102 may include M hubs 11106, N visualization systems 11108, O robotic systems 11110, and P handheld intelligent surgical instruments 11112, where M, N, O, and P are integers equal to or greater than 1.

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

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

[0022] Various examples of cloud-based analytical methods implemented by cloud 11104 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.

[0023] In various embodiments, the imager 11124 includes at least one image sensor and one or more optical components. Suitable image sensors include, but are not limited to, Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensors and Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.

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

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

[0026] The invisible spectrum (i.e., the non-radiative spectrum) is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that lies below and above the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths less than about 380 nm and greater than about 750 nm). The invisible spectrum is not detectable by the human eye. Wavelengths greater than about 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum, which are invisible infrared (IR), microwave, and wireless electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths less than about 380 nm are shorter than the violet spectrum, which are invisible ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma ray electromagnetic radiation.

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

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

[0029] It is self-evident that any surgical procedure requires strict sterilization of the operating room and surgical equipment. The strict sanitary and sterile conditions required in the "surgical theater", i.e., the operating room or treatment room, require the utmost sterility of all medical devices and equipment. Part of the sterilization process described above includes the need to sterilize everything that comes into contact with the patient or enters the sterile field, including the imaging device 11124 and its accessories and components. It is understood that the sterile field may be considered a specific area that is considered to be 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 is prepared for the surgical procedure. The sterile field may include cleaned team members in appropriate clothing, and all the fixtures and fixtures in the area.

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

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

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

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

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

[0035] During a surgical procedure, the application of energy to tissue for sealing and / or cutting is commonly associated with smoke evacuation, aspiration of excess fluid, and / or irrigation of tissue. Fluid, power, and / or data lines from different sources often become entangled during a surgical procedure. Valuable time may be lost addressing this issue during a surgical procedure. Untangling the lines may require unplugging the lines from their corresponding modules, which may require resetting the modules. The modular enclosure 11136 of the hub provides a unified environment for managing the power, data, and fluid lines, reducing the frequency of such tangling between the lines.

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

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

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

[0039] Aspects of the present disclosure present a modular surgical enclosure for use in a surgical procedure involving the application of energy to tissue, the modular surgical enclosure including a first energy generator module configured to generate a first energy for application to tissue, and a first docking station including a first docking port including first data and power contacts, the first energy generator module slidably movable into electrical engagement with the power and data contacts, and the first energy generator module slidably movable out of electrical engagement with the first power and data contacts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] By applying cloud computer data processing techniques to data collected by the devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m, the surgical data network provides improved surgical outcomes, reduced costs, and improved patient satisfaction. At least some of the devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m can be used to observe tissue status and evaluate leakage or perfusion of sealed tissue after tissue sealing and cutting procedures. At least some of the devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m can be used to diagnostically inspect data including images of samples of body tissue to identify pathology such as disease effects using cloud-based computing. Such data includes tissue localization and margin confirmation, as well as phenotypes. At least some of the devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m can be used to identify body anatomical structures using techniques such as using various sensors integrated with imaging devices and overlaying images captured by multiple imaging devices. Data collected by devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m, including image data, may be transferred to the cloud 11204 or local computer system 11210, or both, for data processing and manipulation, including image processing and manipulation. The data may be analyzed to improve the outcome of the surgical procedure by determining whether further treatments, such as endoscopic interventions, emerging technologies, targeted radiation, targeted interventions, and application of precision robotics to tissue-specific sites and conditions, can be pursued. Such data analysis may further employ prognostic analysis processing, and the use of standardized techniques can provide useful feedback to either confirm or suggest modifications to surgical treatments and surgeon behavior.

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

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

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

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

[0051] In another embodiment, the operating room devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m can communicate with the modular communications hub 11203 via the Bluetooth wireless technology standard to exchange data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices (using short wavelength UHF radio waves in the ISM band of 2.4-2.485 GHz) and to build a personal area network (PAN). In another embodiment, the operating room devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m can communicate with the modular communications hub 11203 via a number of wireless or wired communications standards or protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT and their Ethernet derivatives as well as any other wireless and wired protocols designated 3G, 4G, 5G and beyond. The computing module may include multiple communication modules, for example, a first communication module may be dedicated to shorter range wireless communications such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a second communication module may be dedicated to longer range wireless communications such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, Ev-DO, etc.

[0052] The modular communications hub 11203 can act as a central connection for one or all of the operating room devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m and handles data types known as frames. Frames carry data generated by the devices 1a-1n / 2a-2m. Once the frames are received by the modular communications hub 11203, they are amplified and transmitted to the network router 11211 which forwards this data to cloud computing resources by using any number of wireless or wired communications standards or protocols as described herein.

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

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

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

[0056] The surgical hub 11206 uses a non-contact sensor module 11242 to measure the dimensions of the operating room and generate a map of the operating room using either an ultrasonic non-contact measurement device or a laser-based non-contact measurement device. In U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, a sensor module is configured to determine the size of the operating room and adjust the distance limit for Bluetooth pairing, as described in the section entitled "Surgical Hub Spatial Awareness Within an Operating Room" in which the ultrasonic-based non-contact sensor module scans the operating room by transmitting bursts of ultrasonic waves and receiving echoes as the bursts of ultrasonic waves reflect off the exterior walls of the operating room. The laser-based non-contact sensor module scans the operating room, for example, by transmitting laser light pulses, receives the laser light pulses that reflect off the exterior walls of the operating room, and compares the phase of the transmitted pulses with the received pulses to determine the size of the operating room and adjust the distance limit for Bluetooth pairing.

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

[0058] The processor 11244 may be any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those known under the trade name ARM Cortex manufactured by Texas Instruments. In one embodiment, the processor may be, for example, an LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments. The processor core includes on-chip memory of 256 KB of single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory up to 40 MHz, a pre-fetch buffer to improve performance beyond 40 MHz, 32 KB of single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read-only memory (ROM) loaded with StellarisWare® software, 2 KB of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and / or one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more quadrature encoder input (QEI) analog, one or more 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with 12 analog input channels, details of which are available in the product data sheet.

[0059] In one aspect, the processor 11244 may include a safety controller, including two controller-based families such as the TMS570 and RM4x, also known under the trade name Hercules ARM Cortex R4 from Texas Instruments. The safety controller may be specifically configured for IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 safety limiting applications, among others, to provide advanced integrated safety mechanisms while offering scalable performance, connectivity and memory options.

[0060] System memory includes volatile and nonvolatile memory. The basic input / output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines for transferring information between elements within a computer system, such as during start-up, is stored in nonvolatile memory. For example, nonvolatile memory may include ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), EEPROM or flash memory. Volatile memory includes random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. In addition, RAM is available in many forms, such as SRAM, dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), SyncLink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAMbus RAM (DRRAM).

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

[0062] It should be appreciated that the computer system 11210 includes software that acts as an intermediary between users and the basic computer resources described in a preferred operating environment. Such software includes an operating system. The operating system, which may be stored on disk storage, functions to control and allocate resources of the computer system. System applications take advantage of the operating system's management of resources through program modules and program data stored either in system memory or on disk storage. It should be appreciated that the various components described herein can be implemented with various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0063] A user inputs commands or information into the computer system 11210 through input devices coupled to the I / O interface 11251. Input devices include, but are not limited to, pointing devices such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touchpad, keyboard, microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera, digital video camera, web camera, and the like. These and other input devices connect to the processor through the system bus via interface ports. Interface ports include, for example, serial ports, parallel ports, game ports, and USB. Output devices use some of the same types of ports as the input devices. Thus, for example, a USB port may be used to provide input to the computer system and to output information from the computer system to an output device. Output adapters are provided to illustrate that there are some output devices such as monitors, displays, speakers, and printers, among other output devices that require special adapters. Output adapters include, by way of example and not limitation, video and sound cards that provide a means of connection between the output device and the system bus. It should be noted that other devices and / or systems of devices, such as remote computers, may provide both input and output capabilities.

[0064] The computer system 11210 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote or local computers, such as a cloud computer. The remote cloud computer can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a workstation, a microprocessor-based device, a peer device, or other common network node, but typically includes many or all of the elements described with respect to a computer system. For simplicity, only memory storage devices are shown with the remote computer. The remote computer is logically connected to the computer system through a network interface, which is then physically connected through a communication connection. The network interface encompasses communication networks, such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet / IEEE802.3, Token Ring / IEEE802.5, and the like. WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links, circuit-switched networks such as Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN) and variations thereof, packet-switched networks, and Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL).

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

[0066] A communications connection refers to the hardware / software used to connect a network interface to a bus. Although the communications connection is shown internal to the computer system for clarity of illustration, the communications connection may be external to the computer system 11210. By way of example only, the hardware / software required to connect to a network interface may include internal and external technologies such as ordinary telephone grade modems, cable modems, modems including DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernet cards.

[0067] RFID Detection Assembly During various surgical procedures, surgical instruments are used that include at least one replaceable component. It is important that such replaceable components are replaced with functional and / or compatible components. Various identification systems, described in more detail herein, among other things, verify the compatibility of a component with a surgical instrument and / or verify the operational status of the component. For example, the controller and / or identification system may serve to, for example, verify that a package containing a replaceable component has not been damaged and / or tampered with, alert a clinician if a component is compatible or incompatible with a surgical instrument, alert a clinician if a replaceable component is expired, and / or alert a clinician if a recall exists for a particular manufacturing batch and / or type of replaceable component.

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

[0069] Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) systems communicate information by using radio frequencies. Such passive RFID systems do not include an internal power source but include an RFID scanner and an RFID tag. The RFID tag is powered by electromagnetic energy transmitted from the RFID scanner. Each RFID tag includes a chip, such as a microchip, that stores information about the replaceable component and / or the surgical instrument that is compatible with the replaceable component. The chip may include only an identification number, but in various examples, the chip can store additional information, such as manufacturing data, shipping data, and / or maintenance history. Each RFID tag includes a radio antenna that allows the RFID tag to communicate with the RFID scanner. The radio antenna extends over a range that allows the RFID tag to receive signals from the RFID scanner and transmit a response signal back to the RFID scanner. In a passive RFID system, the RFID scanner, which also includes its own antenna, transmits radio signals that activate RFID tags positioned within a predetermined range. The RFID scanner is configured to receive a response signal "bounced" from the RFID tag, allowing the RFID scanner to capture identification information representative of the replaceable component. In various examples, the one or more response signals include the same signal as the interrogation signal. In various examples, the one or more response signals include a signal modified from the interrogation signal. In various examples, the RFID scanner can also write or encode information directly into the RFID tag. In either case, the RFID scanner can communicate information about the replaceable component to a controller, such as a control system for the surgical instrument and / or a remote surgical system or hub. Because the RFID tags are activated by a wireless signal, the RFID scanner is configured to read multiple RFID tags at once. Additionally, in certain examples, the RFID scanner can update or rewrite information stored on an RFID tag within signal range of the RFID scanner. For example, updates can be sent to the RFID scanner from a surgical hub (e.g., 11106, 8001) or any suitable server 11113 (FIG. 1).Various surgical hubs are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16 / 209,395, filed December 4, 2018, entitled "METHOD OF HUB COMMUNICATION," which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

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

[0071] In various aspects, the RFID system of the present disclosure may be disposed on or otherwise associated with the surgical instrument 11112 (FIGS. 1-3), components of the surgical instrument 11112, consumables usable in combination with the surgical instrument 11112, and / or other systems or devices associated with the surgical system 11100 (FIGS. 1-3), such as the visualization system 11108 (FIGS. 1-3), the robotic system 11110 (FIGS. 1-3), the hub 11106 (FIGS. 1-3), or components thereof. Additionally, RFID tags, described in more detail below, may be utilized to store data identifying the device or component of the surgical system 11100 with which the RFID tag is associated. Additionally, a corresponding RFID scanner can be configured to read RFID tags when used in the operating room and then as a result, components of the surgical system 11100 are used to identify components, devices, and / or systems that control the surgical instruments 11112, the hub 11106, the visualization system 11108, or another component, device, and / or system.

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

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

[0074] 7 and 8-10, the control system 1211 includes a control circuit 1210 that may be incorporated with the RFID scanner 1202 or may be coupled to, but located separately from, the RFID scanner 1202, for example. The control circuit 1210 may be configured to receive input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of information regarding the staple cartridge 1320 stored on the RFID tag 1203 and / or information regarding the anvil 1200 stored on the RFID tag 1201.

[0075] In various examples, the RFID tag 1203 stores the identity of the staple cartridge 1320 and the RFID tag 1201 stores the identity of the anvil 1200. In such examples, the control circuitry 1210 receives input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of the identity of the staple cartridge 1320 and verifies the identity of the staple cartridge 1320 based on the input. Additionally, the control circuitry 1210 receives input from the RFID scanner 1202 indicative of the identity of the anvil 1200 and verifies the identity of the anvil 1200 based on the input.

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

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

[0078] In one aspect, the RFID scanner 1202 can read a corresponding RFID tag 1201 disposed within or otherwise associated with the surgical instrument and configured to indicate an action or operation to be performed by the surgical instrument. For example, FIGS. 8-10 show a surgical instrument 1100 in the form of a circular stapler in one such configuration. An obvious problem with circular staplers is that the anvil is detachable from the stapling head assembly and must be introduced separately to the surgical site in different manners and from different access points. Thus, unlike other stapling instruments, circular staplers are susceptible to mismatching of the anvil and staple head assembly and / or mismatching of the anvil and staple cartridge. Furthermore, the anvil and stapling head assembly must be properly oriented relative to one another in a specific orientation at the surgical site in order to be properly assembled or coupled. As shown in FIGURE 9, improper orientation of the anvil and corresponding stapling head assembly can lead to misalignment of the staple forming pockets 414 (FIGURE 8) of the anvil with the staple openings 324 (FIGURE 8) of the staple cartridge 1320, resulting in improper staple formation. Additionally, improper orientation of the anvil and corresponding stapling head assembly can lead to improper seating of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. An improperly seated or partially seated anvil can become dislodged or separated from the stapling head assembly due to externally applied loads by tissue trapped between the anvil and stapling head assembly during closure.

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

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

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

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

[0083] Further details regarding the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8-10 can be found in U.S. patent application entitled "MECHANISMS FOR PROPER ANVIL ATTACHMENT SURGICAL STAPLING HEAD ASSEMBLY," Attorney Docket No. END9120USNP1 / 190246, which is filed concurrently herewith and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0084] FIG. 7A illustrates a block diagram of a control system 8111. Many of the components of the illustrated control system 8111 correspond to those of the control system 2111 described above with respect to FIG. 7, and therefore a description of those components will not be repeated. In this embodiment, the control system 8111 includes a set or assembly of multiple RFID scanners 8008 arranged or configured to read a corresponding set or assembly of RFID tags 8006. The RFID scanners 8008 are communicatively coupled to the control circuitry 1210, which allows the control circuitry 1210 to receive data from the RFID scanners 8008 and then take various actions based on the read data, as described below. In various embodiments, the RFID scanner 8008 may be located on or otherwise associated with a surgical instrument or other surgical system component with which the control system 8111 is associated. In other embodiments, the RFID scanner 8008 may be located on or otherwise associated with other surgical system components communicatively coupleable to the control system 8111. The RFID tag 8006 may be disposed on or associated with any type of surgical system component, including the surgical instrument 11112 (FIGS. 1-3), the visualization system 11108 (FIGS. 1-3), the robotic system 11110 (FIGS. 1-3), or other surgical system components (e.g., sterile drapes, retractors, sponges, or adjuncts) or components thereof. In one aspect, each of the RFID scanners 8008a-h may be configured to read a corresponding RFID tag 8006a-h. Finally, while the control system 8111 in FIG. 7A is shown as including eight RFID scanners 8008a-h configured to read a corresponding number of RFID tags 8006a-h, it should be noted that this particular number is merely an arrangement of components for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any way. In particular, the control system 8111 may include any number of RFID scanners 8008a-h configured to read any number of RFID tags 8006a-h.

[0085] In one aspect, as discussed above under the heading of surgical hub and illustrated in FIG. 11 , the surgical system 8000 can include a surgical instrument 8002 communicatively coupleable to a surgical hub 8001. The surgical instrument 8002 can include a number of different components coupleable together to assemble the surgical instrument 8002 and / or consumable parts insertable into the surgical instrument 8002 to fire or manipulate the surgical instrument 8002. For example, the illustrated surgical instrument 8002 can include a housing assembly 8004a, a battery 8004b removably coupleable to the housing assembly 8004a, a motor assembly 8004c removably coupleable to the housing assembly 8004a, a shaft 8004d removably coupleable to the housing assembly 8004a, a cartridge 8004 removably insertable into an end effector of the shaft 8004d, and other such components.

[0086] The surgical system 8000 may further include a control system 8111. In the example of Figure 11, the control system 8111 includes a set of RFIDs 8006 located on or otherwise associated with the various surgical instrument components 8004a-e. Each of the surgical instrument components 8004a-e may include an RFID tag 8006 that is configured to transmit information related to the component with which the RFID tag 8006 is associated, such as a component type or component parameters, to a corresponding RFID scanner 8008 associated with the surgical instrument 8000 (e.g., housing assembly 8004a), the surgical hub 8001, or another surgical system device. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing assembly 8004a can include a first RFID tag 8006a, the battery 8004b can include a second RFID tag 8006b, the motor assembly 8004c can include a third RFID tag 8006c, the shaft 8004d can include a fourth RFID tag 8006d, and the cartridge 8004e can include a fifth RFID tag 8006e. In one embodiment, the RFID tags 8006a-e can be read by a single RFID scanner located on the surgical instrument 8002, the surgical hub 8001, or another component of the surgical system 8000. Thus, the control circuitry 1210 of the control system 8111 can be communicatively coupled to a single RFID scanner. In another embodiment, the RFID tag 8006 can be read by multiple RFID scanners during assembly or operation of the surgical instrument 8002. For example, the RFID scanners may be positioned on the surgical instrument 8002 such that the RFID tags 8006a-e are automatically read by corresponding RFID scanners 8008a-e as a natural consequence of assembly of the surgical instrument 8002 (an example of which is discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 13) or use of the surgical instrument 8002 (an example of which is described above with respect to FIGS. 8-10). Thus, the control circuitry 1210 of the control system 8111 may be communicatively coupled to multiple RFID scanners 8008 positioned to read one or more corresponding RFID tags 8006.It should be noted that while the embodiments depicted in Figures 8-11, 13, and 14 show specific locations of the RFID tag 8006 and the RFID scanner 8008, these locations are for illustrative purposes only, and the RFID tag 8006 and / or RFID scanner 8008 may be rearranged depending on the particular surgical system components, their locations may be swapped with one another, or otherwise reconfigured without departing from the overall structure and functionality of the described system.

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

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

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

[0090] In some embodiments, the RFID tag 8006 and the RFID scanner 8008 can be positioned such that they are brought into detection range of one another during use of the surgical instrument 8002. For example, Figures 8-10, described in more detail above, illustrate an embodiment in which the surgical instrument includes a pair of RFID tags 1201, 1203 that are visible or detectable by the RFID scanner 1202 when the stapling head assembly 1300 is in a closed configuration, i.e., when tissue is captured between the anvil 1200 and the stapling head assembly 1300. Thus, a control system for a surgical instrument associated with this embodiment can read instrument components when the surgical instrument is utilized or manipulated (e.g., during a surgical procedure) and thus control the surgical instrument based on the state or action being performed by the surgical instrument.

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

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

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

[0094] In the configuration of the surgical system 8000 illustrated in Figures 7-11, 13, and 14, the control system of the surgical instrument 8002 and other surgical system components can utilize a variety of different algorithms or logic to control the operation or operation of the target devices by detecting the location and / or type of surgical system components present in the operating room via the described RFID detection assembly and / or by identifying the user present in the operating room. In various examples, the control system and associated RFID detection assembly can be utilized to control the communication protocol utilized by the surgical instrument 8002, the information or warnings provided to the user, and / or the operational settings implemented by the surgical instrument 8002 to customize their functions according to the particular equipment among selections utilized and / or user selections. In the following process description, please also refer to Figure 7. Additionally, the following process describes, in part, scanning or receiving data from a device for controlling the surgical instrument 8002. Such a device may include a variety of different surgical system components, such as surgical instrument components (e.g., as shown in Figures 11, 13, and 14), a visualization system 11108 (Figures 1-3), a surgical hub 11106 (Figures 1-3), and a robotic system 11110 (Figures 1-3).

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

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

[0097] In operation, the control system 8111 executing the illustrated process 8100 can read RFID tags associated with surgical system components present in the operating room, determine an appropriate communication protocol for communicating with the particular arrangement of surgical system components, and then cause the surgical instrument 8002 to utilize the determined communication protocol. After establishing communication between the surgical instrument 8002 and the corresponding surgical system components, the control circuitry 1210 can be configured to receive operational settings of the surgical instrument 8002 from at least one of the surgical system components. For example, if the surgical instrument 8002 is communicatively coupled to the surgical hub 8001, 11106, the surgical instrument 8002 can download an updated control program indicating updated operational settings or parameters from the surgical hub 8001, 11106. Alternatively, after establishing communication between the surgical instrument 8002 and the corresponding surgical system components, the control circuitry 1210 can be configured to transmit operational settings of the surgical system components. For example, if the surgical instrument 8002 is communicatively coupled to the robotic system 11110, the surgical instrument 8002 can send operational settings to the robotic system 11110 that indicate how the surgical instrument 8002 is to be controlled or actuated by the robotic system 11110 during a surgical procedure. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument 8002 can send sensor data to the surgical hub 8001, 11106, for example.

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

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

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

[0101] Accordingly, the control circuitry 1210 determines (8206) user settings associated with the surgical instrument. The user settings may include magnification for a particular endoscope type, instrument parameter information (e.g., temperature, firing force, or power level), etc. The control circuitry 1210 may determine (8206) the user settings by retrieving (e.g., from memory 1212) the associated user settings. As noted above, the user settings may be manually set by a user at the computer system or automatically learned by the surgical system through situational awareness. Thus, the control circuitry 1210 causes (8208) information associated with the surgical instrument to be displayed on the display screen in accordance with the determined user settings.

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

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

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

[0105] As another example, a surgical instrument 8002 in the form of a surgical clip applier can have different types of jaw assemblies that are suitable for different types of surgical clips 8022, such as a first or thin jaw assembly 8051a shown in FIG. 21A and a second or thick jaw assembly 8051b shown in FIG. 21B. FIG. 22 illustrates a graph 8052 illustrating the relationship between the force applied to form or crimp a surgical clip, represented by the vertical axis 8054, and the displacement stroke that causes the application of the force, represented by the horizontal axis 8056, for multiple predictive firings of a clip applier including a control system 8111 executing the process 8250 shown in FIG. 20. A first distance threshold δ1 represents the maximum stroke distance that a clip applier having a thin jaw assembly 8051a is capable of performing. Additionally, a second distance threshold δ2 represents the maximum stroke distance that a clip applier having a thick jaw assembly 8051b is capable of performing. As further shown in table 8050 of FIG. 16, different types of surgical clips 8022 may have different mechanical properties, so some types of surgical clips may not be suitable for use with all types of clip appliers. In this particular prophetic example, a first line 8058 represents a first clip type (e.g., Ti-CP clips), a second line 8060 represents a second clip type (e.g., Ti-3AI / 2.5V clips), and a third line 8062 represents a third clip type (e.g., Ti-6AI-4V clips). In this implementation of process 8250, the clip applier may be the first device and the surgical clip may be the second device.Thus, if the control circuitry 1210 executing process 8250 determines that the surgical clip read by the RFID scanner 8008 (e.g., when the clip is inserted into the clip applier) is a first type or a second type, no warning or suggestion is provided to the user for any of the clip applier types shown in Figures 21A and 21B because both of these clip types are compatible with either clip applier type (indicated by neither of lines 8058, 8060 exceeding the respective thresholds δ1, δ2). However, if the control circuitry 1210 determines that the surgical clip read by the RFID scanner 8008 is a third type and the clip applier is a thin jaw assembly type 8051a, the control circuitry 1210 can provide a warning and / or a suggestion to change the surgical clip because the maximum displacement stroke δ1 of the thin jaw assembly type 8051a is not long enough to properly form the third clip type (indicated by the third line 8062 crossing the threshold δ1).

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

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

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

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

[0110] Various prophetic implementations of the process 8350 are illustrated in connection with Figures 25 and 26. For example, Figure 25 illustrates a graph 8064 illustrating the relationship between the force applied to a surgical clip, represented by a vertical axis 8066, and the displacement stroke, represented by a horizontal axis 8068, for a clip applier including a control system 8111 executing the process 8350 illustrated in Figure 24. In this example, the control circuit 1210 can determine that the surgical instrument is a clip applier and can determine the identity of the consumable when loaded into the clip applier, as described above in connection with Figure 14. At the first firing of the clip applier, represented by a first line 8070, the control circuit 1210 further determines that the consumable is a first type of surgical clip (e.g., a Ti-CP clip). For this type of clip, the controlled operating parameters include a first force threshold F1, and a first closing speed V1. Thus, the control circuit 1210 controls the clip applier according to the determined operating parameters, i.e., closes the jaws of the clip applier at a first closing speed V1 and stops closing below a first force threshold F1. In a second firing of the clip applier, represented by a second line 8072, the control circuit 1210 determines that the consumable is a second type of surgical clip (e.g., a Ti-6AI-4V clip). For this type of clip, the appropriate operating parameters include a second force threshold F2 and a second closing speed V2. Thus, the control circuit 1210 controls the clip applier according to the determined operating parameters, i.e., closes the jaws of the clip applier at a second closing speed V2 and stops closing below a second force threshold F2.

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

[0112] Because different types of clip appliers apply force in different ways and different types of surgical clips have different mechanical properties, it may be desirable to utilize an applied force profile tailored to the type of clip applier and surgical clip being utilized. Some examples of different mechanical properties are shown in tables 8040, 8050 in FIGS. 15 and 16. Another mechanical property that may vary from surgical clip to surgical clip is the degree of springback of the surgical clip in response to an applied force, which in turn may affect the degree or amount of force one wishes to apply to the surgical clip to maintain it in a desired configuration. For example, FIG. 27 shows a graph 8088 illustrating the relationship between springback, represented by vertical axis 8090, for different surgical clip types, represented by horizontal axis 8092. Springback may correspond, for example, to the rate or extent to which a surgical clip returns to its initial position in response to a set force. As can be seen from the graph 8088, the first surgical clip type 8094 has a springback of P1, the second surgical clip type 8096 has a springback of P2, and the third surgical clip type 8098 has a springback of P3. Thus, it would be desirable for the control circuit 1210 performing the process 8350 shown in FIG. 24 to read which surgical clip type has been loaded into the clip applier and then adjust the applied force profile based at least in part on the springback characteristics of the detected clip type.

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

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

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

[0116] As another example, FIG. 30 illustrates a graph 8510 illustrating a relationship between force, represented by a vertical axis 8512, and a displacement stroke, represented by a horizontal axis 8516, for a prophetic firing of a surgical stapler including a control system 8111 executing the process 8400 illustrated in FIG. 28. The force represented by the vertical axis 8512 can correspond to a force provided by or imparted on a firing member configured to close the jaws of the surgical stapler, fire the staples, and / or cut tissue captured by the jaws. The force represented by the vertical axis 8512 can also correspond to a force load generated by a motor. The displacement stroke, represented by the horizontal axis 8516, can correspond to a distance traveled by the firing member, which can be depicted in two distinct phases. In a first or closing phase, represented by a first line 8520, the firing member is driving the closure of the jaws. In a second or firing phase, represented by a second line 8524, the firing member is deploying staples and cutting tissue. The speed at which the firing member is translating during the closure phase (i.e., closure velocity) and the speed at which the firing member is translating during the firing phase (i.e., firing velocity) are both controllable parameters. Additionally, a force threshold, which represents the maximum force that can be exerted by the surgical instrument before the control system 8111 stops the translation of the firing member or other corrective action is taken, is a controllable parameter as well. The force thresholds may depend on the particular surgical instrument component type being utilized. For example, a first force threshold FT1 may represent a standard or base force limit, a second force threshold FT2 may represent a force limit for a particular shaft type, and a third force threshold FT3 may represent a force limit for a particular cartridge type. In various aspects, these controllable parameters may be automatically selected by the control system 8111 for the surgical instrument and / or manually selected by the user. This particular graph 8510 illustrates that the control system 8111 for the surgical instrument is performing two separate processes.

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

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

[0119] As demonstrated by Figure 30, the various processes described herein, or any suitable portions thereof, may be utilized in combination with one another in any combination or arrangement to control a surgical instrument. Thus, a control system 8111 implementing any combination of the described processes is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] As yet another example, FIGURE 31 illustrates a graph 8530 illustrating the relationship between force, represented by vertical axis 8532, and time, represented by horizontal axis 8534, for a predictive firing of a surgical stapler including a control system 8111 executing the process 8400 shown in FIGURE 28. After clamping the tissue, the surgical stapler is wt, the clamped tissue is then cut or another action is performed after waiting for the waiting time t w is a controllable parameter. In various embodiments, the waiting time t w may be manually selected by a user of the surgical stapler and / or controlled by the surgical stapler's control system 8111. In this example, the control circuit 1210 receives 8402 first data from the surgical instrument that identifies the surgical instrument as a surgical stapler and / or from the staple cartridge that identifies the cartridge type, and receives 8404 second data that identifies a user, where the user identification information determines a particular wait time t for the surgical stapler. w 8. Determine 8406 that the setting is associated with the wait time t w The surgical stapler is controlled (8408) to wait for a period of time defined by the setting.

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

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

[0123] Additionally, the control circuitry 1210 can determine (8706) adjustments to a default control algorithm of the surgical instrument 8002 in response to the received data. Additionally, the control circuitry 1210 can update (8708) the default control algorithm to an updated control algorithm based on the determined adjustments. The control algorithm can determine how the surgical instrument 8002 itself (or a component thereof) is controlled or how a third device (e.g., a surgical generator to which the surgical instrument 8002 is coupled) is controlled.

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

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

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

[0127] In various aspects, one of the first device and the second device utilized in the process described in connection with Figures 17, 18, 20, 23, 33 can be a device packaging. In one example, the second device is a device packaging of a first device. In another example, the second device is a device packaging of a third device releasably coupleable to the surgical instrument 8002. In at least one example, the first device is the housing assembly 8004a (Figure 12) and the second device is the packaging of the housing assembly 8004a. In such an example, the device packaging can include an RFID tag that stores information about the housing assembly 8004a. The stored information can indicate whether the device packaging has been opened or tampered with, can indicate an expiration date for the packaged device, and / or can include compatibility and / or authentication information.

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

[0129] Example Set 1 Example 1 - A control system for a surgical instrument for use with a surgical system, the surgical system comprising a first device and a second device, the control system comprising an RFID scanner and control circuitry coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuitry configured to: receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the first device via the RFID scanner, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with the second device via the RFID scanner, determine a communication protocol appropriate for the first device and the second device according to the first data and the second data, and cause the surgical instrument to utilize the determined communication protocol for communicating with the first device and the second device. Example 2 - The control system of example 1, wherein each of the first device and the second device is selected from the group consisting of a surgical hub, a visualization system, and a robotic surgical system. Example 3 - The control system of example 1 or 2, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar. Example 4 - A control system as described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive operational settings of the surgical instrument from at least one of the first device or the second device via the determined communication protocol. Example 5 - The control system of any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transmit the operational settings to at least one of the first device or the second device via the determined communication protocol. Example 6 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system including: an RFID scanner; a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner; and a display screen. The control circuit is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device, receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device, and determine a type of surgical procedure according to the first data and the second data. Example 7 - The control system of example 6, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device is a component of a surgical instrument. Example 8 - The control system of example 7, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of a handpiece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable. Example 9 - The control system of any one of Examples 6-8, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device is selected from the group consisting of a surgical hub, a visualization system, and a robotic surgical system. Example 10 - The control system of any one of Examples 6-9, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar. Example 11 - The control system of any one of Examples 6 to 10, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to cause the display screen to display information related to the type of surgical procedure. Example 12 - The control system of example 11, wherein the information includes a step of performing a type of surgical procedure. Example 13 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system including: an RFID scanner; control circuitry coupled to the RFID scanner; and a display screen. The control circuitry is configured to receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, the first data identifying a device, receive second data from a second RFID tag via the RFID scanner, the second data identifying a user, and determine user settings corresponding to the user and the device. Example 14 - The control system of example 13, wherein the second RFID tag is located on a band that is wearable by the user. Example 15 - The control system of example 13 or 14, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar. Example 16 - A control system as described in any one of Examples 13 to 15, further comprising a display screen, and the control circuitry is further configured to cause the display screen to display information related to the surgical instrument according to the determined user settings. Example 17 - The control system of any one of Examples 13-16, wherein the determined user settings include a magnification of the visualization system. Example 18 - The control system of any one of Examples 13-16, wherein the determined user settings include a layout of a graphical user interface displayed by the display screen. Example 19 - A control system as described in any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the determined user settings include customized operating settings of the surgical instrument.

[0130] Example Set 2 Example 1 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system including: an RFID scanner; and control circuitry coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuitry configured to: receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device via the RFID scanner; receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device via the RFID scanner; and verify compatibility of the first device and the second device based on a comparison of the first data and the second data. Example 2 - The control system of example 1, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide a warning via the display screen that the first device and the second device are incompatible. Example 3 - The control system of example 2, wherein the display screen is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument is communicatively coupled. Example 4 - The control system of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the first device includes a first component of a surgical instrument and the second device includes a second component of a surgical instrument. Example 5 - The control system of example 4, wherein each of the first component and the second component is selected from the group consisting of a hand piece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable. Example 6 - The control system of example 4 or 5, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag as the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument. Example 7 - The control system of example 4 or 5, wherein the RFID scanner includes a first RFID scanner and the control system further includes a second RFID scanner, wherein the first RFID scanner is positioned to read the first RFID tag and the second RFID scanner is positioned to read the second RFID tag when the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument. Example 8 - The control system of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to prevent operation of the surgical instrument in accordance with the first device and the second device being incompatible. Example 9 - A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system including an RFID scanner and a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit configured to: receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device via the RFID scanner; receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device via the RFID scanner; determine that the first device is incompatible with the second device based on a comparison between the first data and the second data; and provide a suggestion of a third device as an alternative to the second device. Example 10 - The control system of example 9, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide an alert, the alert comprising a notice displayed via the display screen. Example 11 - The control system of example 10, wherein the display screen is integral with a surgical hub to which the surgical instrument is communicatively coupled. Example 12 - The control system of any one of Examples 9-11, wherein the first device comprises a first component of a surgical instrument and the second device comprises a second component of a surgical instrument. Example 13 - The control system of example 12, wherein each of the first component and the second component is selected from the group consisting of a hand piece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and a consumable. Example 14 - The control system of example 12 or 13, wherein the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag as the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument. Example 15 - The control system of example 12 or 13, wherein the RFID scanner includes a first RFID scanner and the control system further includes a second RFID scanner, wherein the first RFID scanner is positioned to read the first RFID tag and the second RFID scanner is positioned to read the second RFID tag when the first component and the second component are assembled to form the surgical instrument. Example 16 - The control system of any one of Examples 9-15, wherein determining that the first device and the second device are incompatible causes the control circuit to prevent operation of the surgical instrument. Example 17 - A control system for a surgical instrument for use with a surgical system, the control system including an RFID scanner and control circuitry coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuitry configured to: receive first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device via the RFID scanner; determine operational settings for the surgical system according to the first data; receive second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device via the RFID scanner; and update the operational settings from a first value to a second value according to the first data and the second data. Example 18 - The control system of example 17, wherein the operational setting is for a surgical instrument. Example 19 - The control system of example 17, wherein the operational setting is for a third device of the surgical system. Example 20 - The control system of any one of Examples 17-19, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to read each of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag as a result of the first device and the second device being used in combination with the surgical instrument. Example 21 - The control system of any one of Examples 17-20, wherein the surgical instrument includes a trocar and the RFID scanner is positioned to read each of the first RFID tag of the first device and the second RFID tag of the second device as they are inserted through the trocar.

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

[0132] While several embodiments have been illustrated and described, it is not the applicant's intention to restrict or limit the appended claims to such details. Numerous modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents of these embodiments can be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the structure of each element associated with the described embodiments can be alternatively described as a means for providing the function performed by the element. Also, although materials are disclosed with respect to specific components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the above description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations as falling within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0133] The above detailed description has set forth various aspects of the apparatus and / or processes via the use of block diagrams, flow diagrams and / or examples. To the extent that such block diagrams, flow diagrams and / or examples include one or more functions and / or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and / or operation included in such block diagrams, flow diagrams and / or examples can be individually and / or collectively implemented by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be equivalently implemented in whole or in part on an integrated circuit as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as substantially any combination thereof, and that designing circuitry and / or writing software and / or firmware code is within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the subject mechanisms described herein may be distributed as one or more program products in a variety of forms, and that the specific forms of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually effect the distribution.

[0134] The instructions used to program the logic to implement the various disclosed aspects may be stored in a system memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage. Additionally, the instructions may be distributed over a network or by other computer-readable media. Machine-readable media may therefore include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), including but not limited to floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disks, read-only memories (CD-ROMs), as well as magneto-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memories, or tangible machine-readable storage used to transmit information over the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Non-transitory computer-readable media may therefore include any type of tangible machine-readable media suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0141] Unless expressly specified otherwise, as will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure, discussions throughout the foregoing disclosure using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," and the like will be understood to refer to the actions and processing of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data that are similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0142] One or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adapted / adaptable," "able to," "conformable / conformed to," etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that "configured to" may generally encompass active and / or inactive and / or standby components, unless the context requires otherwise.

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

[0144] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein generally, and in the appended claims in particular (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that where a specific number is intended in an introduced claim recitation, such intention will be clearly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intention exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims below may include the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the claim recitation. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that when a claim recitation is introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an," any particular claim containing such an introduced claim recitation is limited to claims containing only one such recitation, even if the same claim contains an introductory phrase such as "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should normally be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies when a definite article is used to introduce a claim recitation.

[0145] In addition, even when a particular number is specified in an introduced claim recitation, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a recitation of simply "two items" without other qualifiers generally means at least two items, or two or more items). Furthermore, when a notation similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such syntax is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the notation (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C, etc.). When a notation similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, such syntax is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the notation (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C, etc.). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any disjunctive word and / or phrase expressing two or more alternative terms should typically be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of those terms, either of those terms, or both of those terms, unless the context requires otherwise, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings. For example, the phrase "A or B" will typically be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0146] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the recited operations herein may generally be performed in any order. Also, while flow diagrams of various operations are shown in a sequence, it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in orders other than those shown, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaving, interrupting, reordering, incremental, preliminary, additional, simultaneous, reverse, or other different orderings, unless the context requires otherwise. Moreover, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0147] It is worth noting that any reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example," "an example," or the like means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," "in an example," and "in one example" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0148] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referenced herein and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that the incorporated material is not inconsistent with this specification. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein shall prevail over any conflicting statements incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portions thereof, that is referred to as being incorporated herein by reference but that conflicts with current definitions, opinions, or other disclosure content set forth herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated content and the current disclosure content.

[0149] In summary, many benefits have been described that result from using the concepts described herein. The above description of one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more embodiments have been selected and described to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments, with various modifications, as appropriate for the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the claims presented herewith define the overall scope.

[0150] [Embodiment] (1) A control system for a surgical instrument for use with a surgical system, the surgical system comprising a first device and a second device, the control system comprising: RFID scanner, a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit comprising: receiving first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device via the RFID scanner; receiving second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device via the RFID scanner; determining a communication protocol suitable for the first device and the second device according to the first data and the second data; and and causing the surgical instrument to utilize the determined communication protocol to communicate with the first device and the second device. (2) The control system of embodiment 1, wherein each of the first device and the second device is selected from the group consisting of a surgical hub, a visualization system, and a robotic surgical system. (3) The control system of embodiment 1, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar. (4) The control system of embodiment 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive operational settings for the surgical instrument from at least one of the first device or the second device via the determined communication protocol. (5) The control system of embodiment 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit operational settings to at least one of the first device or the second device via the determined communication protocol.

[0151] (6) A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system comprising: RFID scanner, a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner and to a display screen, the control circuit comprising: receiving first data from a first RFID tag associated with a first device; receiving second data from a second RFID tag associated with a second device; and determining a type of surgical procedure according to the first data and the second data. (7) The control system of embodiment 6, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device is a component of the surgical instrument. (8) The control system of embodiment 7, wherein the components are selected from the group consisting of a handpiece, a battery, a motor assembly, a shaft, an end effector, and consumables. (9) The control system of embodiment 6, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device is selected from the group consisting of a surgical hub, a visualization system, and a robotic surgical system. (10) The control system of embodiment 6, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar.

[0152] (11) The control system of claim 6, further comprising a display screen, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to cause the display screen to display information related to the type of surgical procedure. (12) The control system of claim 11, wherein the information includes a step of performing the type of surgical procedure. (13) A control system for a surgical instrument, the control system comprising: RFID scanner, a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner and to a display screen, the control circuit comprising: receiving first data from a first RFID tag associated with the surgical instrument via the RFID scanner, the first data identifying a device; receiving second data from a second RFID tag via the RFID scanner, the second data identifying a user; and and determining user settings corresponding to the user and the device. (14) The control system of embodiment 13, wherein the second RFID tag is disposed on a band wearable by the user. (15) The control system of embodiment 13, wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar.

[0153] (16) The control system of claim 13, further comprising a display screen, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to cause the display screen to display information related to the surgical instrument in accordance with the determined user settings. (17) The control system of claim 13, wherein the determined user settings include a magnification of the visualization system. (18) The control system of claim 13, wherein the determined user settings include a layout of a graphical user interface displayed by the display screen. (19) The control system of claim 13, wherein the determined user settings include customized operating settings for the surgical instrument.

Claims

1. 1. A control system for a surgical instrument for use with a surgical system, the surgical system comprising a first device and a second device, the control system comprising: An RFID scanner; a control circuit coupled to the RFID scanner, the control circuit comprising: receiving first data from a first RFID tag provided on the first device via the RFID scanner; receiving second data from a second RFID tag provided on the second device via the RFID scanner; determining a communication protocol suitable for the first device and the second device according to the first data and the second data; and causing the surgical instrument to utilize the determined communication protocol to communicate with the first device and the second device; the control circuitry is configured to receive, via the determined communication protocol, operational setting data for the surgical instrument stored in one of the first device and the second device from the one of the first device and the second device; a control system, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transmit control setting data of the surgical instrument to the other of the first device and the second device via the determined communication protocol for storage in the other of the first device and the second device.

2. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the one of the first device and the second device is a surgical hub.

3. The control system of claim 2 , wherein the other of the first device and the second device is a robotic surgical system.

4. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the surgical instrument is selected from the group consisting of a surgical stapler, an electrosurgical instrument, an ultrasonic surgical instrument, a surgical clip applier, and a trocar.

5. The control system of claim 3 , wherein the operational setting data for the surgical instrument comprises updated control program settings, updated operational setting data, and / or an updated operating program for the surgical instrument.

6. 6. The control system of claim 5, wherein the surgical hub obtains the updated control program settings, the updated operating setting data, and the updated operating program from a remote server and stores them in the surgical hub.

7. The control system of claim 6, wherein the cloud includes the remote server.

8. The control system of claim 2 , wherein the surgical instrument is further configured to transmit sensor data to the surgical hub.

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