Sealed electrical connection between a surgical loading unit and an adapter

Abstract

To provide a sealed electrical connection between a surgical loading unit and an adapter.SOLUTION: A surgical stapling apparatus 10 includes a housing assembly 12 and an elongated shaft assembly 14. The elongated shaft assembly is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The elongated shaft assembly includes an adapter assembly 100 and a loading unit 200. The adapter assembly extends distally to a distal tip housing. The distal tip housing supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extends distally to an end effector 300 supporting one or more sensors therein. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 037,274, filed on June 10, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a surgical stapling device, and more particularly, to a structure and method for establishing a sealed electrical connection between a surgical loading unit and an adapter of an electromechanical surgical stapling device.

Background Art

[0003] When joining various body structures, fasteners have been used conventionally instead of sutures. Surgical stapling devices employed to apply these fasteners are generally designed to simultaneously cut and seal tissue to reduce the time and risk associated with surgical procedures. Surgical stapling devices that clamp, cut, and / or staple tissue are well known in the art. Such surgical stapling devices include an end effector having two elongated jaw members used to capture or clamp tissue. These end effectors are provided in the form of an elongated loading unit removably attachable to a housing assembly via an adapter, and the drive components of the housing assembly may enable the end effector to be operated, for example, laparoscopically, in vivo. In particular, one of the two jaw members of the end effector typically carries a staple cartridge that houses a plurality of staples positioned in a row, while the other of the two jaw members has an anvil for forming staples such that the staples are driven from the staple cartridge. In a linear surgical stapling device, for example, the stapling operation is realized by a cam bar, a drive thread, or other similar mechanisms having a cam member, and the cam member moves longitudinally through a channel defined by the staple cartridge and acts on a staple pusher within the channel to sequentially eject a linear row of staples from the staple cartridge. The knife is positioned movably between the linear rows of staples such that when the surgical stapling device is positioned around and actuated on tissue, the tissue is joined and / or cut simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. Summary of the Invention Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to one aspect, a surgical stapling device includes a housing assembly and an elongate shaft assembly. The elongate shaft assembly is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The elongate shaft assembly includes an adapter assembly and a loading unit. The adapter assembly extends distally into a distal tip housing. The distal tip housing supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extends distally to an end effector that supports one or more sensors therein. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit electrical connector assembly is positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically couple the one or more sensors to the housing assembly.

[0005] In an aspect, the one or more sensors can be configured to measure data including the thickness of tissue clamped by the end effector, the clamping force of the end effector, or the firing force of the end effector.

[0006] In various aspects, the adapter electrical connector assembly can include an adapter connector housing that rotatably supports a firing rod therethrough. The adapter electrical connector assembly can include an electronic ring assembly supported on the adapter connector housing. The adapter connector housing can include a connector shaft that supports the electronic ring assembly thereon. The connector shaft can define a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of ring recesses disposed between the annular ribs. The plurality of ring recesses and the plurality of annular ribs can be positioned to support a plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. The plurality of contact rings can be electrically coupled to a flex cable supported by a channel defined within the adapter connector housing. The loading unit electrical connector assembly can include a loading unit connector housing that supports a plurality of spring contacts positioned to contact the plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. The plurality of spring contacts can be electrically coupled to one or more sensors.

[0007] In an aspect, the adapter electrical connector assembly and the loading unit electrical connector assembly can be sealed within an elongate shaft assembly when electrically coupled together.

[0008] According to yet another aspect, a surgical stapling device includes a housing assembly, an adapter assembly, and a loading unit. The adapter assembly is removably secured to the housing assembly and supports the adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively electrically connectable to the adapter assembly by relative translational and rotational movement between the loading unit and the adapter assembly. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly. The loading unit electrical connector assembly is positioned to receive the adapter electrical connector assembly and electrically couples the adapter assembly and the loading unit together in response to translational and rotational movement.

[0009] In some aspects, the loading unit may extend to an end effector. The end effector may support one or more sensors disposed to communicate electrically with an adapter electrical connector assembly when the loading unit and the adapter assembly are coupled together.

[0010] In various aspects, the loading unit may define a lug channel positioned to receive a lug of the adapter assembly. The lug channel may have a longitudinally extending portion to permit translational movement of the lug therethrough and a lateral portion to permit rotational movement of the lug therethrough.

[0011] Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the following description, drawings, and claims. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A surgical stapling device, comprising: a housing assembly; and an elongate shaft assembly selectively attachable to the housing assembly, the elongate shaft assembly including: an adapter assembly extending distally to a distal tip housing, the distal tip housing supporting an adapter electrical connector assembly therein; and a loading unit extending distally to an end effector selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and supporting at least one sensor therein, the loading unit supporting a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein, the loading unit electrical connector assembly being positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically couple the at least one sensor to the housing assembly. (Item 2) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure data including the thickness of tissue clamped by the end effector, the clamping force of the end effector, or the firing force of the end effector. (Item 3) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the adapter electrical connector assembly includes an adapter connector housing that rotatably supports a firing rod passing therethrough. (Item 4) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the adapter electrical connector assembly includes an electronic ring assembly supported on the adapter connector housing. (Item 5) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the adapter connector housing includes a connector shaft on which the electronic ring assembly is supported. (Item 6) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the connector shaft defines a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of ring recesses disposed between the annular ribs, and the plurality of ring recesses and the plurality of annular ribs are positioned to support a plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. (Item 7) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the plurality of contact rings are electrically coupled to a flex cable supported by a channel defined within the adapter connector housing. (Item 8) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the loading unit electrical connector assembly includes a loading unit connector housing that supports a plurality of spring contacts positioned to contact the plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. (Item 9) The surgical stapling device according to any one of the above items, wherein the plurality of spring contacts are electrically coupled to the at least one sensor. (Item 10) The surgical stapling device according to any one of the above items, wherein the adapter electrical connector assembly and the loading unit electrical connector assembly are sealed within the elongate shaft assembly when electrically coupled together. (Item 11) A surgical stapling device, a housing assembly, an adapter assembly removably fixed to the housing assembly and supporting an adapter electrical connector assembly therein, a loading unit selectively electrically connectable to the adapter assembly by relative translational and rotational movement between the loading unit and the adapter assembly, the loading unit supporting a loading unit electrical connector assembly, the loading unit electrical connector assembly being positioned to receive the adapter electrical connector assembly and electrically coupling the adapter assembly and the loading unit together in response to the translational and rotational movement, a loading unit. (Item 12) The surgical stapling device according to any one of the above items, wherein the loading unit extends to an end effector, and when the loading unit and the adapter assembly are coupled together, the end effector supports at least one sensor disposed in electrical communication with the adapter electrical connector assembly. (Item 13) The surgical stapling device according to any one of the above items, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure data including the thickness of tissue clamped by the end effector, the clamping force of the end effector, or the firing force of the end effector. (Item 14) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the adapter electrical connector assembly includes an electronic ring assembly supported on the adapter connector housing. (Item 15) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the adapter connector housing includes a connector shaft that supports the electronic ring assembly thereon. (Item 16) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the connector shaft defines a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of ring recesses disposed between the annular ribs, and the plurality of ring recesses and the plurality of annular ribs are positioned to support a plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. (Item 17) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the plurality of contact rings are electrically coupled to a flex cable supported by a channel defined within the adapter connector housing. (Item 18) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the loading unit electrical connector assembly includes a loading unit connector housing that supports a plurality of spring contacts positioned to contact the plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. (Item 19) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the plurality of spring contacts are electrically coupled to the at least one sensor. (Item 20) The surgical stapling device according to any of the above items, wherein the loading unit defines a lug channel positioned to receive a lug of the adapter assembly, the lug channel having a longitudinally extending portion that permits translational movement of the lug therethrough and a laterally extending portion that permits rotational movement of the lug therethrough. (Abstract) The surgical stapling device includes a housing assembly and an elongated shaft assembly. The elongated shaft assembly is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The elongated shaft assembly includes an adapter assembly and a loading unit. The adapter assembly extends distally to a distal tip housing. The distal tip housing supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extends distally to an end effector that supports one or more sensors therein. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the general description of the disclosure above and the detailed description below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0013]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Aspects of the disclosed surgical stapling device are described in detail with reference to the drawings, and like reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements in each of several figures. As is generally known, the term "clinician" refers to a physician, nurse, or any other healthcare provider and may include healthcare support personnel. Additionally, the term "proximal" refers to the part of the structure closer to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the part of the structure farther from the clinician. In addition, directional terms such as front, back, top, bottom, etc. are used for convenience of description only and are not intended to limit the disclosure appended hereto.

[0015] In the following description, well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary detail.

[0016] Furthermore, while the surgical instrument described herein is provided in connection with a powered laparoscopic surgical stapling device for the sake of brevity, the disclosed surgical instrument can include any powered, manual, or robotically controlled surgical instrument such as a clip applier, a stitching device, an energy-based device (e.g., bipolar or monopolar forceps), and / or other surgical stapling devices such as a circular stapler, a transverse stapler, or an open stapler. For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary surgical stapling devices, one or more of their components can be included or modified for use in the disclosed embodiments, and reference can be made to U.S. Patent Nos. 9,713,470, 8,806,973, 8,256,656, 8,157,152, 8,070,033, 7,819,896, 7,770,774, 7,334,717, 7,128,253, 5,964,394, and 5,915,616, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] Briefly stated, due to minerals, ions, etc. in the body fluid, the body fluid can become conductive. The present disclosure details a mechanical structure and method for fixing (and sealing) an electrical connection, which is less susceptible to contamination from body fluid and saline to prevent the electronics of the disclosed surgical stapling device from short-circuiting. More specifically, the present disclosure effectively (e.g., continuously) relays information / data from one or more sensors in the end effector of the surgical stapling device at the distal end portion to the housing or handle assembly at the proximal end portion, and uses a high-speed data transfer rate and a robust sensor signal (e.g., a strain gauge signal) to accurately determine and / or analyze, for example, tissue thickness, clamping force, firing force, etc.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a surgical stapling device 10 of the present disclosure includes a housing assembly 12 (which may include one or more handles that may be manually operable to fire the surgical stapling device 10) and an elongate shaft assembly 14 removably secured to the housing assembly 12. The elongate shaft assembly 14 extends distally from the housing assembly 12 and defines a longitudinal axis "X" thereon. The elongate shaft assembly 14 includes an adapter assembly 100 having a proximal end portion removably secured to the housing assembly 12. The elongate shaft assembly 14 further includes a loading unit 200 removably secured to the distal end portion of the adapter assembly 100 and extending distally from the adapter assembly 100 to an end effector 300. The loading unit 200 may be disposable and / or may include one or more disposable components. The end effector 300 of the loading unit 200 includes an anvil assembly 302 and a cartridge assembly 304 that houses a plurality of staples (not shown) within its reload or cartridge 306 that may be selectively replaceable. The anvil assembly 302 includes an anvil 302a, and when the surgical stapling device 10 is fired, a plurality of staples are formed thereagainst. The end effector 300 further includes one or more sensors 308 disposed in electrical communication with the housing assembly 12. The sensors 308 may include, for example, strain gauges, cartridge ID sensors, near field communication (NFC) antennas, and the like. The sensors 308 may be disposed within one or both of the anvil assembly 302 and the cartridge assembly 304. The sensors 308 are configured to communicate electrically with the housing assembly 12 regarding data / information related to the end effector 300 and / or the tissue engaged by the end effector 300. For example, such data / information may be related to tissue thickness, clamping force, firing force, and the like.

[0019] The housing assembly 12 of the surgical stapling device 10 includes a housing 12a configured for selective removable reception of a rechargeable battery 12b. The battery 12b is configured to supply power to the electrical components of the surgical stapling device 10. The housing 12a supports a controller 12c (e.g., a circuit board) therein, which is configured to control various operations of the surgical stapling device 10 and includes any number of electronic components such as a memory 12d, a processor 12e, a network interface 12f, and / or other input / output modules 12g. The controller 12c can be coupled to a local or remote display device (not shown) for outputting information and / or data such as the components of the surgical stapling device 10 and / or the state of tissue grasped by the end effector 300.

[0020] The surgical stapling device 10 further includes a drive mechanism 12h configured to drive mechanical components and / or electrical components such as a rotatable shaft and / or gear components (not shown) within the housing 12a to perform various operations of the surgical stapling device 10. For example, the drive mechanism 12h can be operable to selectively rotate and / or articulate the end effector 300 about and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis “X” of the surgical stapling device 10, and selectively move the anvil assembly 302 relative to the cartridge assembly 301 and / or vice versa, as indicated by arrows “A” and “B” respectively, and selectively clamp tissue and / or fire the surgical stapling device 10 to staple and / or cut the clamped tissue, as indicated by arrow “C”. The battery 12b, the controller 12c, and / or the drive mechanism 12h are operably coupled to one or more actuators 13a, 13b, and 13c such as finger-actuated control buttons, rocking devices, etc. to implement various functions of the surgical stapling device 10 as described above.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2-15, the adapter assembly 100 of the elongated shaft assembly 14 includes an outer housing 110 that supports a drive assembly 112 therein. The outer housing 110 has a proximal outer housing 110a and a tubular outer housing 110b that extends distally from the proximal outer housing 110a to a distal tip housing 110c. The proximal outer housing 110a supports an electrical assembly 110d and a plurality of drive couplers 110c that are electromechanically coupled to a drive mechanism 12h of the housing assembly 12. More specifically, the electrical assembly 110d includes, for example, an electrical port 110z and a printed circuit board assembly 110y that communicate electrically with each other (see FIG. 2). The electrical assembly 110d is configured to communicate electrically, for example, with a controller 12c of the housing assembly 12 when the adapter 100 is coupled to the housing assembly 12 and the drive couplers 110c are mechanically engaged with a drive mechanism 12h that may include, for example, a plurality of rotatable (illustrated) actuators, and to transmit a mechanical force (e.g., a rotational force) through the drive assembly 112 of the adapter assembly 100. For example, the drive assembly 112 of the adapter assembly 100 includes a firing rod 112a that extends distally of the distal tip housing 110c and is mechanically engageable with a proximal end portion of the loading unit 200, and transmits a mechanical force (e.g., a linear and / or rotational force) onto the end effector 300 for firing the end effector 300 when the drive mechanism 12h of the housing assembly 12 is actuated. The distal tip housing 110c includes a lug 110e (see FIG. 6) that extends radially inwardly from an inner surface of the distal tip housing 110c and is positioned to facilitate a locking engagement with a proximal end portion of the loading unit 200. The lugs 110E may be arranged in a diametrically opposed relationship to each other.

[0022] The adapter assembly 100 further supports an adapter electrical connector assembly 120 disposed to communicate electrically with the electrical assembly 110d of the proximal outer housing 110a. The adapter electrical connector assembly 120 includes an adapter connector housing 122 positioned to receive a firing rod 112a therethrough such that the firing rod 112a is rotatable relative to the adapter connector housing 122. The adapter electrical connector assembly 120 further includes an electronic ring assembly 124 and a seal 126 (e.g., an annular seal or gasket such as an O-ring) fixed to the adapter connector housing 122.

[0023] As best shown in FIGS. 2-7, the adapter connector housing 122 of the adapter electrical connector assembly 120 is supported within the tubular outer housing 110b of the adapter assembly 100. The adapter connector housing 122 includes a proximal base 122a having a distal ledge 122b recessed from the proximal base 122a to enable the adapter connector housing 122 to couple to the proximal end portion of the distal tip housing 110c of the adapter assembly 100. The adapter connector housing 122, which may be wholly or partially non-conductive, further includes a connector shaft 122c extending distally from the proximal base 122a for supporting the electronic ring assembly 124 and the seal 126. The connector shaft 122c and the proximal base 122a define a flex channel 122x (see FIG. 7) along its outer surface for rotatably receiving the firing rod 112a therethrough and for supporting the electronic ring assembly 124 and the central lumen 123 therethrough. The connector shaft 122c includes mounting fingers 122d having a plurality of annular ribs 122e, the plurality of annular ribs 122e being longitudinally spaced along the outer surface of the mounting fingers 122d and defining ring recesses 122f between adjacent annular ribs 122e for receiving the electronic ring assembly 124. The connector shaft 122c further defines a pair of alignment notches 122g (see FIGS. 4 and 12) disposed diametrically opposite one another on the outer surface of the connector shaft 122c and distal to the plurality of annular ribs 122e to facilitate engagement with the loading unit 200 (and to assist in maintaining proper positioning of the ribs 122e for insulating the electrical contacts). The connector shaft 122c further defines an annular seal channel 122h for mounting the seal 126 to the adapter connector housing 122 over the electronic ring assembly 124 (e.g., overmolded or assembled).The electronic ring assembly 124 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced contact rings 124a, which are conductive (e.g., metal), fixed within the ring recess 122f (e.g., insert molded) of the mounting finger 122d, and coupled (e.g., soldered) to a connector flex assembly 124b supported within the flex channel 122x of the adapter connector housing 122. The connector flex assembly 124b, which can be in the form of a flex cable for electrically communicating data and / or supplying power, extends proximally from the adapter connector housing 122 and is disposed in electrical communication with the electrical assembly 110D of the adapter assembly 100.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 8 - 11, the loading unit 200 of the elongate shaft assembly 14 has a tubular shaft 202 that supports a loading unit drive assembly 205 therein, which is configured to couple to the drive assembly 112 of the adapter assembly 100 to operate the end effector 300. The proximal portion of the tubular shaft 202 of the loading unit 200 has a pair of curved tines 204 that are disposed in a mirror image relationship to each other (e.g., diametrically opposed), and these extend to the proximal end of the loading unit 200. The tines 204 of the tubular shaft 202 are receivable within the distal tip housing 110c of the adapter assembly 100. The curved tines 204 receive the lugs 110e of the adapter assembly 100 (see FIG. 6) therein and define a pair of outer lug channels 206 for securing the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 100 together. The outer lug channels 206 of the loading unit 200 include a longitudinally extending portion 206a for receiving the lug 110e longitudinally, as indicated by the arrow "L" in FIG. 8, and a transverse portion 206b at the distal end of the longitudinally extending portion 206a for rotatably receiving the lug 110e therein, as indicated by the arrow "R" in FIG. 8, locking the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 100 together.

[0025] The loading unit 200 of the elongated shaft assembly 14 supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 between a pair of curved tines 204. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 extends distally through the tubular shaft 202 for electrically coupling to a sensor 308 supported within the end effector 300, and 210 includes a loading unit connector housing 212 (wholly or partially non-conductive) having a tubular body 212a that supports an outer rail 212b. The outer rail 212b defines therein a series of spring contact recesses 212c. The spring contact recesses 212c are longitudinally spaced from each other. The spring contact recesses 212c support a series of spring contacts 212d that are conductive (e.g., metal). The outer rail 212b further defines therein a rail channel 212x that extends longitudinally along the outer rail 212b. The tubular body 212a defines a central passage 212e therethrough that is configured to receive the adapter electrical connector assembly 120 of the adapter assembly 100 and through which the firing rod 112a of the adapter assembly 100 passes. The tubular body 212a further includes a pair of tabs 212f (see FIGS. 9 and 12) that extend radially inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular body 212a. The tabs 212f are positioned to engage a pair of alignment notches 122g defined within the connector shaft 122c of the adapter connector housing 122 (see FIG. 4), facilitating securing the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 100 together. The tubular body 212a further includes a distal tooth 212g that functions as a rotational stopper for a lug 110e (see FIG. 8) of the adapter assembly 100, and a retaining mechanism that maintains engagement of the loading unit connector housing 212 with the loading unit 200. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 further includes a seal cap 214, a loading unit flex assembly 216 that can be in the form of a flex cable, and a seal ring 218 (e.g., an O-ring).The seal cap 214 is mounted within the rail channel 212x of the outer rail 212b on the back side of the loading unit flex assembly 216, fixes the spring contact 212d within the outer rail 212b, and is configured to reinforce and seal the back side of the loading unit flex assembly 216. The loading unit flex assembly 216 extends distally through the loading unit 200 and is electrically coupled to the sensor 308 within the end effector 300. The seal ring 218 seats on the distal portion of the central passage 212e of the tubular body 212a of the loading unit electrical connector assembly 210 to seal the central passage 212e of the tubular body 212a.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 11 - 15, to mechanically and electrically couple the adapter assembly 100 and the loading unit 200 together, the curved tine 204 of the tubular shaft 202 of the loading unit 200 is inserted into the distal tip housing 110c of the adapter assembly 100, and the lug 110e of the distal tip housing 110c is adapted to move distally along the outer lug channel 206. The lug 110e is advanced distally along the longitudinal extending portion 206a of the outer lug channel 206 until it is longitudinally aligned with the transverse portion 206b of the outer lug channel 206, as indicated by the arrow "L" (see FIG. 8), and the tab 212f of the tubular body 212a is longitudinally aligned with the alignment notch 122g of the connector shaft 122c. Next, as indicated by the arrow "RR" shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the relative rotation between the adapter assembly 100 and the loading unit 200 causes the lug 110e to rotate within the transverse portion 206b of the outer lug channel 206, as indicated by the arrow "R" in FIG. 8, and the tab 212f to rotate within the alignment notch 122g. In this position, the adapter assembly 100 and the loading unit 200 are mechanically locked together, and as can be seen in FIG. 15, they are electrically coupled together through contact between the adapter electrical connector assembly 120 and the loading unit electrical connector assembly 210, and an electrical circuit is formed from the sensor 308 within the end effector 300 through the elongated shaft assembly 14 to the housing assembly 12 (e.g., their controller 12c, battery 12b, etc.). In this position, the adapter electrical connector assembly 120 and the loading unit electrical assembly 210 are sealed via the seal ring 218 and the seal 126.

[0027] Once the electrical circuit is created, the surgical stapling device 10 can be used to effect a surgical procedure, whereby the electrical circuit can assist in promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of the surgical procedure by determining and / or analyzing data / information that may be related to tissue thickness, clamping force, firing force, etc. The loading unit 200 can be optionally separated from and removed from the adapter assembly 100, for example, to discard the loading unit 200 and / or replace it with another loading unit 200. The adapter assembly 100 can similarly be removable and replaceable with respect to the loading unit 200 and / or the housing assembly 12.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 16 - 28, according to another aspect, the adapter assembly 400 and the loading unit 500 can also be removably and electromechanically coupled together in a similar manner as the adapter 100 and the loading unit 200. The adapter assembly 400 includes an adapter electrical connector assembly 410, and the loading unit 500 includes a loading unit electrical connector assembly 510. The adapter electrical connector assembly 410 of the adapter assembly 400 couples to the electrical assembly 110d at the proximal end portion of the adapter assembly 400, and the loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 couples to a sensor 308 supported within the end effector 300. The adapter assembly 400 supports a firing rod 402 and defines therein a lug slot 404 for receiving a lug 502 that extends radially outwardly from the proximal end portion of the loading unit 500. The adapter assembly 400 further includes a seal ring 415 supported around the firing rod 402 proximal to the adapter electrical connector assembly 410.

[0029] As best seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, the adapter electrical connector assembly 410 includes a connector housing 412 and a surrounding seal 414 fixed (e.g., overmolded) onto the connector housing 412. The adapter electrical connector assembly 410 further includes a plurality of spring contacts 416, which are conductive, supported within the connector housing 412 and longitudinally spaced from each other. The spring contacts 416 are coupled (e.g., soldered) to a flex cable 418.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 includes a connector housing 512 having a tubular body 512a. The tubular body 512 defines a snap-fit opening 512b through the sidewall of the tubular body 512a. The tubular body 512 further defines a cable channel 512c along the outer surface of the tubular body 512a. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 further includes a seal 514 (e.g., an O-ring), an electrical coupler 516 to which the seal 514 is attached, and a flex cable 518. The electrical coupler 516 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced shrink rings 516a, each of which is conductive, and a pair of snap-fit arms 516b flexibly attached thereto. The snap-fit arms 516b are configured to snap-fit into the snap-fit opening 512b of the tubular body 512 to fix the electrical coupler 516 to the tubular body 512, as seen in FIG. 22.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 23-28, to electrically and mechanically couple the loading unit 500 to the adapter assembly 400, the loading unit 500 is axially inserted into the adapter assembly 400 and rotated in a similar manner to the loading unit 200 and the adapter assembly 400 as detailed above such that the loading unit electrical connector assembly 510 and the adapter electrical connector assembly 410 are electrically coupled together.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 29 - 32, according to yet another aspect, a loading unit electrical connector assembly 600 can be electrically coupled to an adapter electrical connector assembly 700. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 600 includes a plurality of sheet metal contacts 610, each of which is conductive and angularly spaced about a tubular body 602 of the loading unit electrical connector assembly 600 and a seal 604 supported on the tubular body 602. The sheet metal contacts 610 can be angularly and / or longitudinally spaced from each other. In an aspect, the sheet metal contacts 610 can be arranged helically about the tubular body 602. The adapter electrical connector assembly 700 includes a plurality of annular contact rings 702, each of which is conductive. The annular contact rings 702 are longitudinally spaced along an inner surface of a tubular body 701 of the adapter electrical connector assembly 700. The adapter electrical connector assembly 700 further includes a seal 704 supported therein.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 33 - 36, according to yet another aspect, a loading unit electrical connector assembly 800 can be electrically coupled to an adapter electrical connector assembly 900. The loading unit electrical connector assembly 800 includes a tubular body 802 that supports a plurality of contact rings 804, each of which is conductive, at longitudinally spaced locations, and a seal 806. The adapter electrical connector assembly 900 includes a tubular body 902 that defines a cutout 904 that extends longitudinally along a sidewall 902a of the tubular body 902. The adapter electrical connector assembly 900 further includes a seal 906 and a contact insertion assembly 908 that is receivable within a cutout 907 of the tubular body 902. The contact insertion assembly 908 includes an elongated leg 908a and a plurality of arch-shaped contacts 908b, each of which is conductive and longitudinally spaced along the elongated leg 908a and is receivable within the tubular body 902 when the elongated leg 908a is seated within the cutout 904 of the tubular body 902.

[0034] Furthermore, the various aspects disclosed herein can also be configured to operate with a robotic surgical system, commonly referred to as "remote surgery." Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the clinician and enable remote (or partial remote) operation of surgical instruments. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric motors, and mechanical motors can be used for this purpose and can be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the clinician during the course of a surgery or treatment. Such robotic systems can include telesurgical systems, automated flexible surgical systems, remote flexible surgical systems, remote articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable telesurgical systems, and the like.

[0035] A robotic surgical system can be employed with one or more consoles located adjacent to the operating room or at a remote location. In this case, one team of clinicians can prepare the patient for surgery and another clinician (or group of clinicians) can configure the robotic surgical system using one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while remotely controlling the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled clinician can perform multiple operations at multiple locations without leaving their remote console, which can be economically beneficial and can be a benefit to the patient or a series of patients. For a detailed description of exemplary medical workstations and / or their components, reference can be made to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0116416 and PCT Application Publication No. WO2016 / 025132, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] Furthermore, the disclosed electronic structures such as electronic assemblies and / or controllers can include any suitable electrical components for operating the disclosed surgical stapling device or its components. Such electrical components can include or be coupled to one or more printed circuit boards, for example, can include one or more controllers and / or circuits. As used herein, the term "controller" includes terms such as "processor", "digital processing device", etc., and is used to denote a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU). A CPU is an electronic circuit within a computer that executes the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input / output (I / O) operations specified by the instructions, and includes, by way of non-limiting example, a server computer. In some aspects, the controller includes an operating system configured to execute executable instructions. The operating system is software that includes, for example, programs and data for managing the hardware of the disclosed surgical stapling device and providing services for executing applications for use with the disclosed surgical stapling device. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that suitable server operating systems include, by way of non-limiting example, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD®, Linux®, Apple® Mac OS X Server®, Oracle® Solaris®, Windows® Server, and Novell® NetWare®. In some aspects, the operating system is provided by cloud computing.

[0037] In some aspects, the term "controller" can be used to refer to a device that controls the transfer of data from a computer or computing device to a peripheral device or separate device, and vice versa, and / or a mechanical and / or electromechanical device (e.g., a lever, knob, etc.) that mechanically operates and / or actuates a peripheral device or separate device.

[0038] In some aspects, the controller includes a storage device and / or a memory device. A storage device and / or a memory device is one or more physical devices used to store data or programs temporarily or permanently. In some aspects, the controller includes volatile memory and requires power to maintain the stored information. In various aspects, the controller includes non-volatile memory and retains the stored information when the power is off. In some aspects, the non-volatile memory includes flash memory. In certain aspects, the non-volatile memory includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In some aspects, the non-volatile memory includes ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM (registered trademark)). In various aspects, the non-volatile memory includes phase change random access memory (PRAM). In certain aspects, the controller is a storage device including, by way of non-limiting example, CD-ROM, DVD, flash memory device, magnetic disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, and cloud computing-based storage. In various aspects, the storage device and / or the memory device is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

[0039] In some aspects, the controller includes a display for sending visual information to the user. In various aspects, the display is a cathode ray tube (CRT). In various aspects, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD). In certain aspects, the display is a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). In an aspect, the display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In certain aspects, on the OLED display, there is a passive matrix OLED (PMOLED) or an active matrix OLED (AMOLED) display. In an aspect, the display is a plasma display. In certain aspects, the display is a video projector. In various aspects, the display is interactive and can detect user interactions / gestures / responses, etc. (e.g., having a touch screen or having sensors such as cameras, 3D sensors, LiDAR, radar, etc.). In some aspects, the display is a combination of devices such as those disclosed herein.

[0040] The controller can include or be coupled to a server and / or a network. As used herein, the term "server" includes the terms "computer server", "central server", "main server", as well as similar terms referring to a computer or device on a network that manages a surgical stapling device, its components, and / or its resources. As used herein, the term "network" can include any network technology, including, among others, cellular data networks, wired networks, fiber optic networks, satellite networks, and / or IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac wireless networks.

[0041] In various aspects, the controller can be coupled to a mesh network. As used herein, a "mesh network" is a network topology in which each node relays data to the network. All mesh nodes cooperate in the distribution of data within the network. This can apply to both wired and wireless networks. A wireless mesh network can be considered a type of "wireless ad hoc" network. Thus, a wireless mesh network is closely related to a mobile ad hoc network (MANET). A MANET is not limited to a particular mesh network topology, but a wireless ad hoc network or MANET can adopt any form of network topology. A mesh network can relay messages using either flooding techniques or routing techniques. In routing, a message is propagated along a path by hopping from node to node until it reaches its destination. To ensure that all such paths are available, the network needs to allow for continuous connectivity and use self-healing algorithms such as shortest path bridging to reconfigure itself around broken paths. Self-healing enables the operation of a routing-based network when a node fails or when the reliability of a connection degrades. As a result, often there are two or more paths between a source and a destination within the network, and the network is typically very reliable. This concept can also apply to the interaction of wired networks and software. A mesh network in which all nodes are connected to each other is a fully connected network.

[0042] In some embodiments, the controller may include one or more modules. As used herein, the term "module" and like terms are used to denote a self - contained hardware component of a central server, and then the central server includes software modules. In software, a module is part of a program. The program is composed of one or more independently developed modules that are not combined until the program is linked. A single module can include one or several routines, or a section of a program that performs a specific task.

[0043] As used herein, the controller includes software modules for managing various aspects and functions of the disclosed surgical stapling device or its components.

[0044] The disclosed surgical stapling device may also utilize one or more controllers to receive various information, convert the received information, and generate an output. The controller may include any type of computing device, computing circuit, or any type of processor or processing circuit capable of executing a series of instructions stored in a memory. The controller may include multiple processors and / or a multi - core central processing unit (CPU), and may include any type of processor such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, programmable logic device (PLD), field - programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The controller may also include a memory for storing data and / or instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement one or more methods and / or algorithms.

[0045] Any method, program, algorithm, or code described herein can be converted into or expressed in a programming language or computer program. As used herein, "programming language" and "computer program" each include any language used to specify instructions to a computer, including, but not limited to, the following languages and their derivatives: Assembler, Basic, Batch files, BCPL, C, C+, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java®, JavaScript®, Machine code, Operating system command language, Pascal, Perl, PL1, Scripting languages, Visual Basic, Meta languages that specify the program itself, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth generation, or later computer languages. Also included are databases and other data schemas, and any other meta languages. No distinction is made between languages that use both interpreted, compiled, or both compiled and interpreted approaches. No distinction is made between the compiled version and the source version of a program. Thus, a reference to a programming language, where a programming language can exist in two or more states (such as source, compiled, object, or linked), is a reference to any and all such states. A reference to a program can include the actual instructions and / or the intent of those instructions.

[0046] As can be understood, the fixing of any component of the disclosed device can be realized using known fixing techniques such as welding, crimping, adhesion, fastening, etc. Also, any of the disclosed structures can include any suitable conductive material (e.g., metal), semiconductive material (e.g., silicon), and / or non-conductive / insulating material (e.g., plastic).

[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the description, disclosure, and drawings should be construed merely as examples of specific embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact embodiments described, and various other changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment can be combined with the elements and features of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, any combination of any of the disclosed elements and features is within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the subject matter of the invention of the present disclosure is not limited by what is particularly shown and described.

Claims

1. A surgical stapling device comprising: a housing assembly; and an elongate shaft assembly selectively attachable to the housing assembly, wherein the elongate shaft assembly comprises: an adapter assembly extending distally to a distal tip housing, the distal tip housing supporting an adapter electrical connector assembly therein; and a loading unit extending distally to an end effector selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and supporting at least one sensor therein, the loading unit supporting a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein, the loading unit electrical connector assembly being positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically couple the at least one sensor to the housing assembly. The adapter electrical connector assembly includes an adapter connector housing rotatably supporting a firing rod therethrough. The adapter electrical connector assembly includes an electronic ring assembly supported on the adapter connector housing. The adapter connector housing includes a connector shaft supporting the electronic ring assembly thereon. A surgical stapling device.

2. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to measure data including the thickness of tissue clamped by the end effector, the clamping force of the end effector, or the firing force of the end effector.

3. The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the connector shaft defines a plurality of annular ribs and a plurality of ring recesses disposed between the annular ribs, the plurality of ring recesses and the plurality of annular ribs being positioned to support a plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly.

4. The surgical stapling device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of contact rings are electrically coupled to a flex cable supported by a channel defined within the adapter connector housing. Claim 5 The surgical stapling device of claim 3, wherein the loading unit electrical connector assembly includes a loading unit connector housing that supports a plurality of spring contacts positioned to contact the plurality of contact rings of the electronic ring assembly. Claim 6 The surgical stapling device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of spring contacts are electrically coupled to the at least one sensor. Claim 7 The surgical stapling device of claim 1, wherein the adapter electrical connector assembly and the loading unit electrical connector assembly are sealed within an elongate shaft assembly when electrically coupled together.

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