Electrically powered surgical instrument system with multiple generator output monitoring

Abstract

The surgical system includes two instruments with corresponding end effectors operable to apply different types of energy to patient tissue. The system further includes one or more power generators configured to generate a first energy signal and a second energy signal via corresponding generator outputs. The power monitor is configured to monitor a first energy parameter of the first energy signal and transmit the first energy parameter to the one or more power generators. The one or more power generators are configured to adjust a second energy parameter of the second energy signal based at least in part on the transmitted first energy parameter to avoid interaction between the first energy signal and the second energy signal.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Various ultrasonic surgical instruments include an end effector having a blade element that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies to cut and / or seal tissue (e.g., by denaturing proteins within tissue cells). These instruments contain one or more piezoelectric elements that convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations, which are transmitted along an acoustic waveguide to the blade element. Examples of ultrasonic surgical instruments and related concepts are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0079874, published April 13, 2006, now abandoned, entitled "Tissue Pad for Use with an Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0191713, published August 16, 2007, now abandoned, entitled "Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0200940, published August 21, 2008, now abandoned, entitled "Ultrasonic Device for Cutting and Coagulating," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

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

[0003] Some instruments are capable of applying both ultrasonic and RF electrosurgical energy to tissue. Examples of such instruments are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,949,785, entitled "Ultrasonic Surgical Instrument with Electrosurgical Feature," issued April 24, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and U.S. Patent No. 8,663,220, entitled "Ultrasonic Electrosurgical Instruments," issued March 4, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

[0005] While several surgical instruments and systems have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] While this specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present technology, it is believed that the present technology will be better understood from the following description of certain specific embodiments read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a robotic surgical system. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a robotic surgical system in use on a patient. [Figure 3] 1A-1C show schematic diagrams of examples of components that may be incorporated into a surgical instrument. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of a handheld surgical instrument. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an end effector operable to apply ultrasonic energy to tissue. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an end effector operable to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue. [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a surgical instrument operable to apply monopolar RF energy to tissue. [Figure 8] 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an articulation portion that may be incorporated into a shaft assembly of a surgical instrument. [Figure 9] 1 shows a side view of a portion of a shaft assembly that may be incorporated into a surgical instrument, with the housing component of the shaft shown in cross section to reveal the internal components of the shaft. [Figure 10] 10A-10C show cross-sectional end views of another shaft assembly that may be incorporated into a surgical instrument. [Figure 11]1 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of another shaft assembly that may be incorporated into a surgical instrument. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a surgical instrument that can be incorporated into the robotic surgical system of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the interface drive assembly of the instrument of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of the articulation portion of the shaft assembly of the instrument of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a handheld surgical instrument with a modular shaft assembly separated from a handle assembly. [Figure 16] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a dual energy system including an instrument operable to apply bipolar energy and monopolar energy to tissue. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a dual energy system including an instrument operable to apply bipolar energy and monopolar energy to tissue.

[0007] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any manner, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the technology may be embodied in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology, although it is understood that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] It will be further understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described below should not be considered in isolation from one another. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0010] For clarity of this disclosure, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are defined herein relative to a human or robotic surgical instrument operator. The term "proximal" refers to the location of an element closer to a human or robotic surgical instrument operator and further from a surgical end effector of the surgical instrument. The term "distal" refers to the location of an element closer to a surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further from a human or robotic surgical instrument operator. It should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "upper," and "lower" are used with respect to the examples and associated figures and are not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein.

[0011] I. Examples of Robotic Surgical Systems As mentioned above, in some surgical procedures, it may be desirable to utilize a robotically controlled surgical system. Such a robotically controlled surgical system may include one or more surgical instruments that are robotically controlled and driven via one or more users, either in the same operating room or remote from the operating room. FIG. 1 illustrates one example of various components that may be incorporated into a robotic surgical system (10). In this example, the system (10) includes a console (20), a monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument (40), a bipolar RF electrosurgical instrument (50), and an ultrasonic surgical instrument (60). While FIG. 1 illustrates all three instruments (40, 50, 60) coupled to the console (20) simultaneously, there may be usage scenarios in which only one or two of the instruments (40, 50, 60) are coupled to the console (20) simultaneously. Furthermore, there may be usage scenarios in which various other instruments are coupled to the console (20) in addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the instruments (40, 50, 60) coupled to the console (20).

[0012] The monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument (40) of this example includes a body (42), a shaft (44) extending distally from the body (42), and an end effector (46) at the distal end of the shaft (44). The body (42) is configured to couple with a robotic arm (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of the system (10), which is operable to position and orient the monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument (40) relative to a patient. In variations in which the monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument (40) includes one or more mechanically driven components (e.g., jaws on the end effector (46), an articulating portion on the shaft (44), a rotating portion on the shaft (44), etc.), the body (42) may include various components operable to translate one or more mechanical drive inputs from the robotic arm into movement of the one or more mechanically driven components of the monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument (40).

[0013] As also shown in FIG. 1 , body 42 couples to corresponding port 22 of console 20 via cable 32. Console 20 is operable to supply power to monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument 40 via port 22 and cable 32. In some variations, port 22 is dedicated to driving monopolar RF electrosurgical instruments, such as monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument 40. In some other variations, port 22 is operable to drive various types of instruments (including, for example, instruments 50, 60, etc.). In some such variations, console 20 is operable to automatically detect the type of instrument 40, 50, 60 coupled to port 22 and adjust the power profile to port 22 accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the console (20) may adjust the power profile to the port (22) based on a selection made by an operator via the console (20) to manually identify the type of instrument (40, 50, 60) that is coupled to the port (22).

[0014] The shaft 44 is operable to support the end effector 46 and provides one or more wires or other pathways for electrical communication between the base 42 and the end effector 46. Thus, the shaft 44 is operable to transmit power from the console 20 to the end effector 46. The shaft 44 may also include various mechanically movable components, including, but not limited to, a rotating section, an articulating joint, and / or other types of mechanically movable components, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0015] The end effector (46) of this example includes an electrode operable to apply monopolar RF energy to tissue. Such an electrode may be incorporated into a sharp blade, a needle, a flat surface, some other atraumatic structure, or any other suitable type of structure as will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The end effector (46) may also include various other types of components, including, but not limited to, grasping jaws, etc.

[0016] The system 10 of this example further includes a grounding pad 70 coupled to a corresponding port 28 of the console 20 via a cable 38. In some variations, the grounding pad 70 is incorporated into a patch or other structure that is applied to the patient's skin (e.g., on the patient's thigh). In some other variations, the grounding pad 70 is positioned underneath the patient (e.g., between the patient and the operating table). In either case, the grounding pad 70 can serve as a return path for monopolar RF energy applied to the patient via the end effector 46. In some variations, the port 28 is a dedicated ground return port. In some other variations, the port 28 is a multi-purpose port that is either automatically designated as a ground return port when the console 20 detects coupling between the grounding pad 70 and the port 28, or manually designated as a ground return port via an operator using a user input feature of the console 20.

[0017] The bipolar RF electrosurgical instrument (50) of this example includes a body (52), a shaft (54) extending distally from the body (52), and an end effector (56) at the distal end of the shaft (54). Each of these components (52, 54, 56) may be configured and operative in accordance with the above description of the corresponding components (42, 44, 46) of the monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument (50), except that the end effector (56) of this example is operable to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue. Accordingly, the end effector (56) includes at least two electrodes configured to cooperate with one another to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue. The bipolar RF electrosurgical instrument (50) is coupled to the console (20) via a cable (34), which is further coupled to a port (24) of the console (20). Port 24 may be dedicated to powering a bipolar RF electrosurgical instrument, or it may be a multi-purpose port whose output is determined based on either automatic detection of a bipolar RF electrosurgical instrument 50 or operator selection via a user input feature of console 20.

[0018] The ultrasonic surgical instrument (60) of this example includes a body (62), a shaft (64) extending distally from the body (62), and an end effector (66) at the distal end of the shaft (64). Each of these components (62, 64, 66) may be configured and operative in accordance with the above description of the corresponding components (42, 44, 46) of the monopolar RF electrosurgical instrument (50), except that the end effector (66) of this example is operable to apply ultrasonic energy to tissue. Accordingly, the end effector (66) includes an ultrasonic blade or other ultrasonic vibration element. Furthermore, the base (62) includes an ultrasonic transducer (68) operable to generate ultrasonic vibrations in response to electrical power, and the shaft (64) includes an acoustic waveguide operable to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations from the transducer (68) to the end effector (66).

[0019] Ultrasonic surgical instrument 60 is coupled to console 20 via cable 36, which is further coupled to port 26 of console 20. Port 26 may be dedicated to powering the ultrasonic electrosurgical instrument. Alternatively, port 26 may be a multi-purpose port whose output is determined either by automatic detection of ultrasonic surgical instrument 60 or by operator selection via a user input feature of console 20.

[0020] While FIG. 1 illustrates monopolar RF, bipolar RF, and ultrasound capabilities provided via three separate, dedicated instruments (40, 50, 60), some variations may include instruments operable to apply two or more of monopolar RF, bipolar RF, or ultrasound energy to tissue. In other words, two or more of these energy modalities may be combined into a single instrument. An example illustrating how such different modalities may be integrated into a single device is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0202591, published July 20, 2017, entitled "Modular Battery Powered Handheld Surgical Instrument with Selective Application of Energy Based on Tissue Characterization," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a robotic surgical system 150 relative to a patient P on a table 156. The system 150 in this embodiment includes a control console 152 and a drive console 154. The console 152 is operable to receive user inputs from an operator, and the drive console 154 is operable to translate these user inputs into movement of a set of robotic arms 160, 170, 180. In some variations, the consoles 152, 154 collectively form an equivalent of the console 20 described above. While the consoles 152, 154 are shown as separate units in this embodiment, in some other embodiments, the consoles 152, 154 may actually be combined into a single unit.

[0022] The robotic arms (160, 170, 180) extend from the drive console (154) in this example. In some other variations, the robotic arms (160, 170, 180) are integrated into the platform (156) or some other structure. Each robotic arm (160, 170, 180) has a corresponding drive interface (162, 172, 182). In this example, the three drive interfaces (162, 172, 182) are coupled to one single instrument assembly (190). In some other scenarios, each drive interface (162, 172, 182) is coupled to a separate respective instrument. By way of example only, the drive interfaces (162, 172, 182) may be coupled to an instrument body, such as the bodies (42, 52, 62) of the instruments (40, 50, 60) described above. In either case, the robotic arms (160, 170, 180) may be operable to move the instruments (40, 50, 60, 190) relative to the patient (P) and to actuate any mechanically driven components of the instruments (40, 50, 60, 190). The robotic arms (160, 170, 180) may also include features that provide a path for the transmission of power to the instruments (40, 50, 60, 190). For example, the cables (32, 34, 36) may be at least partially integrated into the robotic arms (160, 170, 180). In some other variations, the robotic arms (160, 170, 180) may include features that secure, but do not necessarily integrate, the cables (32, 34, 36). As yet another variation, the cables (32, 34, 36) may simply remain separate from the robotic arms (160, 170, 180). Other suitable features and configurations that may be used to form the robotic surgical system (10, 150) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0023] In a robotic surgical system, such as the robotic surgical system (10, 150), each port (22, 24, 26, 28) may include multiple electrical features that provide inputs and outputs between the console (20, 152) and the robotic arms (160, 170, 180) and / or instruments (40, 50, 60, 190). These electrical features may include sockets, pins, contacts, or various other features that are in close proximity to one another. In some scenarios, this proximity may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another, which may result in equipment failure, equipment damage, sensor errors, and / or other undesirable consequences. Additionally, or alternatively, this proximity may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between nearby components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features. Such capacitive coupling may result in undesirable consequences such as reduced power, reduced signal, signal interference, patient injury, and / or other undesirable consequences. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide features in the ports (22, 24, 26, 28) to prevent or otherwise address such occurrences.

[0024] Similarly, each robotic arm (160, 170, 180), each cable (32, 34, 36, 38), and / or each instrument (40, 50, 60, 190) may include multiple wires, traces in rigid or flexible circuits, and other electrical features in close proximity to one another. Such electrical features may also be in close proximity to other components that are not intended to provide a path for electrical communication but are nonetheless formed from conductive materials. Such conductive mechanical features may include moving components (e.g., drive cables, drive bands, gears, etc.) or stationary components (e.g., chassis or frame members, etc.). This proximity may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another, which may result in equipment failure, equipment damage, sensor errors, and / or other undesirable consequences. Additionally, or alternatively, this proximity may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between nearby components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical features and conductive mechanical features. Such capacitive coupling may result in undesirable consequences such as power reduction, signal reduction, signal interference, patient injury, and / or other undesirable consequences. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide features to prevent or otherwise address such occurrences within the robotic arms (160, 170, 180), cables (32, 34, 36, 38), and / or instruments (40, 50, 60, 190).

[0025] II. Handheld Surgical Instrument Examples In some procedures, an operator may prefer to use a handheld surgical instrument in addition to, or instead of, using a robotic surgical system (10, 150). Figure 3 shows one example of various components that may be incorporated into a handheld surgical instrument (100). In addition to the teachings below, the instrument (200) may be constructed and operative in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0202608, entitled "Modular Battery Powered Handheld Surgical Instrument Containing Elongated Multi-Layered Shaft," published July 20, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and / or various other references cited herein. The instrument (100) of this example includes an end effector (102), an ultrasonic transducer (104), a generator (106), a control circuit (108), a speaker (110), a position sensor (112), a force sensor (114), a visual display (116), and a trigger (118). In some variations, the end effector (102) is disposed at the distal end of a shaft (not shown in FIG. 3), and the other components (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118) are incorporated into a handle assembly (not shown in FIG. 3) at the proximal end of the shaft. Some variations may also provide some of the components (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118) as separate capital equipment. For example, the generator (106), speaker (110), and / or visual display (116) may be incorporated into separate capital equipment coupled with the instrument (100).

[0026] The end effector (102) may be configured and operable similarly to the end effectors (46, 56, 66) described above, such that the end effector (102) may be operable to apply monopolar RF energy, bipolar RF energy, or ultrasonic energy to tissue. The transducer (104) may be configured and operable similarly to the transducer (68). The generator (106) may be operable to provide power as needed to drive the transducer (68) and / or to provide RF energy via the end effector (102). In variations in which the generator (106) is incorporated into the handle assembly of the instrument (106), the generator (106) may include one or more battery cells or the like. The control circuit (108) may include one or more microprocessors and / or various other circuit components that may be configured to provide signal processing and other electronic aspects of the operability of the instrument (100). The position sensor (112) may be configured to sense the position and / or orientation of the instrument (102). In some variations, the control circuit (108) is configured to vary the maneuverability of the instrument (102) based on data from the position sensor (112). The force sensor (114) is operable to sense one or more force parameters associated with use of the instrument (100). Such force parameters may include a force applied to the instrument (100) by an operator, a force applied to tissue by the end effector (102), or other force parameters as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. In some variations, the control circuit (108) is configured to vary the maneuverability of the instrument (102) based on data from the force sensor (114). In some variations, one or both of the sensors (112, 114) may be incorporated into the end effector (102). Additionally or alternatively, one or both of sensors (112, 114) may be incorporated into a shaft assembly (not shown) of instrument (100).Variations of the instrument (100) may also incorporate various other types of sensors (e.g., in addition to or instead of sensors (112, 114) in the end effector (102), in the shaft assembly, and / or elsewhere in the instrument (100)).

[0027] The trigger 118 is operable to control aspects of the operation of the end effector 102, such as movement of the pivoting jaws, translation of the cutting blade, etc. The speaker 110 and visual display 116 are operable to provide auditory and visual feedback to the operator related to the operation of the instrument 100. The above-described components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 of the instrument 100 are illustrative examples, and components 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118 may be modified, substituted, supplemented, or omitted as desired.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a possible form of instrument (100). In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a handheld instrument (200). In addition to the teachings below, instrument (200) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0202591, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. In this example, instrument (200) includes a handle assembly (210), a shaft assembly (220), and an end effector (230). Handle assembly (210) includes a pivotable trigger (212), a first trigger button (214), a second trigger button (216), and an articulation control section (218). Shaft assembly (220) includes a rigid shaft section (222) and an articulation section (224). The end effector (230) is distal to the articulating portion (224) and includes an upper jaw (232) and a lower jaw (234).

[0029] By way of example only, the handle assembly (210) may include one or more of the components (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118) described above. The trigger (212) may be operable to pivot the upper jaw (232) toward the lower jaw (234) (e.g., to grasp tissue between the jaws (232, 234)). The trigger buttons (214, 216) may be operable to activate the delivery of energy (e.g., RF energy and / or ultrasonic energy) via the end effector (230). The articulation control (218) is operable to drive deflection of the shaft assembly (220) at the articulation section (224), thereby driving lateral deflection of the end effector (230) away from or toward a central longitudinal axis defined by the rigid shaft portion (222). The end effector (230) may include one or more electrodes operable to apply monopolar and / or bipolar RF energy to tissue. Additionally or alternatively, the end effector (230) may include an ultrasonic blade operable to apply ultrasonic energy to tissue. In some variations, the end effector (230) is operable to apply two or more of monopolar RF energy, bipolar RF energy, or ultrasonic energy to tissue. Other suitable features and functions that may be incorporated into the end effector (230) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0030] The instruments (150, 200) may include multiple wires, traces in rigid or flexible circuits, and other electrical features in close proximity to one another. Such electrical features may be located within the handle assembly (210), shaft assembly (220), and / or end effector (230). Such electrical features may also be in close proximity to other components that are not intended to provide a path for electrical communication but are nonetheless formed from conductive materials. Such conductive mechanical features may include moving components (e.g., drive cables, drive bands, gears, etc.) or stationary components (e.g., chassis or frame members, etc.). This proximity may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to a conductive mechanical feature, which may result in equipment failure, equipment damage, sensor error, patient trauma, and / or other undesirable consequences. Additionally, or alternatively, this proximity may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between nearby components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical features and conductive mechanical features. Such capacitive coupling may result in undesirable consequences such as power reduction, signal reduction, signal interference, and / or other undesirable consequences. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide features within the instrument (150, 200) to prevent or otherwise address such occurrences.

[0031] III. Further Examples of Surgical Instrument Components The following description relates to examples of different features that may be incorporated into any of the various instruments (40, 50, 60, 100, 190, 200) described above. While these examples are provided separately from one another, features described in any of the following examples may be combined with features described in other examples described below. Accordingly, the features described below may be combined in various combinations, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Similarly, various ways in which the features described below may be incorporated into any of the various instruments (40, 50, 60, 100, 190, 200) described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. The features described below may be incorporated into robotically controlled surgical instruments (40, 50, 60, 190) and / or handheld surgical instruments (100, 200).

[0032] A. Example of ultrasonic end effector 5 illustrates a portion of one embodiment of an ultrasonic instrument 300, including a shaft assembly 310 and an end effector 320. The end effector 320 includes an upper jaw 322 and an ultrasonic blade 326. The upper jaw 322 is operable to pivot toward the ultrasonic blade 326, thereby compressing tissue between a clamp pad 324 of the upper jaw 322 and the ultrasonic blade 326. When the ultrasonic blade 326 is activated with ultrasonic vibrations, the ultrasonic blade 326 may cut and seal tissue compressed against the clamp pad 324. By way of example only, the end effectors 66, 102, 230 may be configured and operable similarly to the end effector 320.

[0033] As described above, the instruments 150, 200 may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another. Additionally, the instruments 150, 200 may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical features and conductive mechanical features. In the context of the instrument 300, such a risk may arise with respect to the acoustic waveguide in the shaft assembly 310 leading to the ultrasonic blade 326, since the acoustic waveguide may be formed of a conductive material. Additionally, the instrument 300 may include one or more sensors in the shaft assembly 310 and / or end effector 320, and may also include one or more electrodes and / or other electrical features in the end effector 320. Other components of device (350) that may present the risks discussed above will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0034] B. Bipolar RF End Effector Example 6 illustrates a portion of one embodiment of a bipolar RF instrument (350), including a shaft assembly (360) and an end effector (370). The end effector (370) includes an upper jaw (372) and a lower jaw (374). The jaws (372, 374) are pivotable toward and away from each other. The upper jaw (372) includes a first electrode surface (376), and the lower jaw (374) includes a second electrode surface (378). When tissue is compressed between the jaws (372, 374), the electrode surfaces (376, 378) may be activated with opposite polarities, thereby applying bipolar RF energy to the tissue. This bipolar RF energy may seal the compressed tissue. In some variations, the end effector (370) further includes a translating knife member (not shown) operable to cut tissue compressed between the jaws (372, 374). Some variations of the end effector (370) may also be operable to apply monopolar RF energy to tissue, such as by activating only one electrode surface (376, 378) or by activating both electrode surfaces (376, 378) with a single polarity, in cooperation with a grounding pad (e.g., grounding pad (70)). By way of example only, the end effectors (64, 102, 230) may be configured and operable similarly to the end effector (370).

[0035] As discussed above, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another. Additionally, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between the electrical features and / or between the electrical features and the conductive mechanical features. In the context of the instrument (350), such risks may arise with respect to the electrode surfaces (376, 378) and wires or other electrical features that extend along the shaft assembly (360) to reach the electrode surfaces (376, 378). Additionally, instrument 350 may include one or more sensors within shaft assembly 360 and / or end effector 370, and may also include one or more electrodes and / or other electrical features within end effector 370. Other components of instrument 350 that may present the above-mentioned risks will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0036] C. Examples of Monopolar Surgical Instrument Features 7 illustrates one embodiment of a monopolar RF energy delivery system (400) including a generator (410), a delivery instrument (420), and a grounding pad assembly (440). In addition to the teachings below, the instrument (420) may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201077, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. The generator (410) may be operable to deliver monopolar RF energy to the instrument (420) via a cable (430) coupled to the generator (410) via a port (414). In some variations, the port (414) includes an integrated sensor. By way of example only, such a sensor within the port (414) may be configured to monitor whether excess or inductive energy is radiating from the generator (410) and / or to monitor other characteristics of the energy delivered from the generator (410) via the port (414). The instrument (420) includes a body (422), a shaft (424), a sensor (426), and a distal electrode (428) configured to contact the patient (P) and thereby apply monopolar RF energy to the patient (P). By way of example only, the sensor (426) may be configured to monitor whether excess or inductive energy is radiating from the instrument (420). Based on a signal from the sensor (426), a control module within the generator (410) may passively reduce the ground return from the grounding pad assembly (440) based on the data from the sensor (426).

[0037] In some variations, the grounding pad assembly (440) includes one or more resistively conductive grounding pads that provide direct contact between the patient's (P) skin and one or more metal components of the grounding pad. In some other variations, the grounding pad assembly (440) includes a capacitively coupled grounding pad that includes a gel material interposed between the patient (P) and a ground return plate. In this example, the grounding pad assembly (440) is positioned below the patient (P) and is coupled to the generator (410) via the cable (432) through ports (416, 434). Either or both of the ports (416, 434) may include an integrated sensor. By way of example only, such a sensor in either or both of the ports (416, 434) may be configured to monitor whether excess or inductive energy is radiating from the grounding pad assembly (440).

[0038] As noted above, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another. Additionally, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical features and conductive mechanical features. In the context of the instrument (420), such risks may arise with respect to the sensor (426), the distal electrode (428), and / or any other electrical components within the instrument (420). Other components of the instrument (420) that may present the above-mentioned risks will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Such risks may be greater in variations of instrument (420) that are dedicated to the delivery of monopolar RF energy than in the context of bipolar RF instruments such as instrument (350), because dedicated monopolar RF instruments may lack a ground return path that could otherwise prevent or mitigate such risks.

[0039] D. Example of an articulation in a shaft assembly 8 illustrates a portion of an instrument 500 including a shaft 510 having an articulating portion 520. In addition to the teachings below, the instrument 500 may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0202591, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. In this example, an end effector 550 is positioned at the distal end of the articulating portion 520. The articulating portion 520 includes multiple segments 522 and is operable to deflect the end effector 550 laterally away from and toward the central longitudinal axis of the shaft 510. A plurality of wires 540 extend through the shaft 510 and along the articulation section 520 to the end effector 550, thereby delivering power to the end effector 550. By way of example only, the end effector 550 may be operable to deliver monopolar and / or bipolar RF energy to tissue, as described herein. A plurality of push-pull cables 542 also extend through the articulation section 520. The push-pull cables 542 may be coupled to an actuator (e.g., similar to the articulation control section 218) to drive articulation of the articulation section 520. The section 522 is configured to maintain separation between and provide structural support for the wires 540 and the push-pull cables 542 along the length of the articulation section 520. The articulation section 520 of this example also defines a central passageway 532. By way of example only, central passageway 532 may house an acoustic waveguide (e.g., in variations in which end effector 550 further includes an ultrasonic blade), may provide a path for fluid communication, or may serve any other suitable purpose. Alternatively, central passageway 532 may be omitted.

[0040] As described above, the instruments 150, 200 may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another. Additionally, the instruments 150, 200 may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical features and conductive mechanical features. In the context of the instrument 500, such risks may arise with respect to the wire 540 and / or the push-pull cable 542. Additionally, the instrument 500 may include one or more sensors in the shaft assembly 510 and / or end effector 550, and may also include one or more electrodes and / or other electrical features in the end effector 550. Other components of device (500) that may present the risks discussed above will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0041] E. Example of wiring to the end effector 9 illustrates a portion of an instrument 600 including a shaft 610 having a first articulating section 612 and a second articulating section 614. In addition to the teachings below, the instrument 600 may be constructed and operative in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0202605, entitled "Modular Battery Powered Handheld Surgical Instruments and Methods Therefor," published July 20, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. In this example, an end effector 620 is positioned at the distal end of the second articulating section 614. The end effector 620 in this example includes a pair of jaws 622, 624 operable to pivot toward and away from each other to grasp tissue. In some variations, one or both of the jaws (622, 624) include one or more electrodes operable to apply RF energy to tissue, as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the end effector (620) may include an ultrasonic blade and / or various other features. The sections (612, 614) may be operable to pivot relative to the shaft (610) and relative to each other, thereby deflecting the end effector (620) laterally away from or toward the central longitudinal axis of the shaft (610).

[0042] The instrument 900 of this example further includes a first set of wires 630 extending through the shaft 610, a second set of wires 632 extending through the shaft 610 and both segments 612, 614, and a third set of wires 634 extending further through the shaft 610 and both segments 612, 614. The wire sets 630, 632, 634 may be operable to control movement of the segments 612, 614 relative to the shaft 610. For example, power may be transmitted along one or more of the wire sets 630, 632, 634 to selectively engage or disengage a corresponding clutch mechanism, thereby enabling lateral deflection of one or both of the segments 612, 614 relative to the shaft 610 and / or rotation of one or both of the segments 612, 614 relative to the shaft 610. Alternatively, power may be transmitted along one or more of the wire sets (630, 632, 634) to drive corresponding solenoids, motors, or other features to enable lateral deflection of one or both of the segments (612, 614) relative to the shaft (610) and / or rotation of one or both of the segments (612, 614) relative to the shaft (610). In variations in which the end effector (620) is operable to apply RF energy to tissue, in addition to the wire sets (630, 632, 634), one or more additional wires may extend along the shaft (610) and the segments (612, 614).

[0043] As discussed above, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another. Additionally, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical features and conductive mechanical features. In the context of the instrument (600), such risks may arise with respect to the wire sets (630, 632, 634), the electrical components to which the wire sets (630, 632, 634) are coupled, and / or other features that drive lateral deflection of one or both of the segments (612, 614) relative to the shaft (610). Additionally, instrument 600 may include one or more sensors within shaft assembly 610 and / or end effector 620, and may also include one or more electrodes and / or other electrical features within end effector 620. Other components of instrument 600 that may present the above-mentioned risks will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0044] F. Example of a Sensor in a Shaft Assembly FIG. 10 illustrates one example of another shaft assembly (700) that may be incorporated into any of the various instruments (40, 50, 60, 100, 190, 200, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600) described herein. In addition to the teachings below, the shaft assembly (700) may be constructed and operative in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0202608, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. The shaft assembly (700) of this example includes an outer shaft (710), a first inner shaft (712), and a second inner shaft (714). A support member (716) extends diametrically across the interior of the second inner shaft (714). By way of example only, the support member (716) may include a circuit board, a flexible circuit, and / or various other electrical components. In this embodiment, multiple sensors (720, 722, 724) are positioned on the support member (716). A magnet (730) is embedded in the outer shaft (710) that is operable to rotate about the inner shafts (712, 714).

[0045] In some variations, rotation of the outer shaft (710) about the inner shaft (712, 714) drives rotation of an end effector (not shown) located at the distal end of the shaft assembly (700) about the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (700). In some other variations, rotation of the outer shaft (710) about the inner shaft (712, 714) drives lateral deflection of the end effector away from or toward the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly (700). Alternatively, rotation of the outer shaft (710) about the inner shaft (712, 714) may have any other result. In either case, the sensors (720, 722, 724) may be configured to track the position of the magnet (730) to thereby determine the rotational position (742) of the outer shaft (710) relative to the fixed axis (740). Thus, sensors (720, 722, 724) may collectively function as a position sensor, such as position sensor (112) of instrument (100).

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates one example of an alternative shaft assembly (750) that may be incorporated into any of the various instruments (40, 50, 60, 100, 190, 200, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600) described herein. In addition to the teachings below, the shaft assembly (750) may be constructed and operative in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0202608, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. The shaft assembly (750) of this example includes a plurality of coaxially positioned proximal shaft segments (752, 754, 756) and a distal shaft segment (764). The distal shaft segment (764) is pivotally coupled to the proximal shaft segment (752) via a pin (762) to form an articulation joint (760). An end effector (not shown) may be positioned distal to the distal shaft section (764), such that the articulation joint (760) may be utilized to deflect the end effector laterally away from or toward the central longitudinal axis defined by the proximal shaft sections (752, 754, 756). The flexible circuit (758) extends along the shaft sections (752, 754, 756, 764) and is operable to flex as the shaft assembly (750) flexes at the articulation joint (760).

[0047] A pair of sensors (770, 772) are positioned along the flexible circuit (758) in a region proximal to the articulation joint (760), while a magnet (774) is positioned on the flexible circuit (758) (or elsewhere within the distal shaft section (764)) in a region distal to the articulation joint (760). Thus, the magnet (774) moves with the distal shaft section (764) as it pivots relative to the proximal shaft sections (752, 754, 756) at the articulation joint (760), while the sensors (770, 772) remain stationary during such pivoting. The sensors (770, 772) are configured to track the position of the magnet (774) and thereby determine the pivotal position of the distal shaft section (764) relative to the proximal shaft sections (752, 754, 756). In other words, sensors (770, 772) and magnet (774) cooperate to enable determination of the joint flexion angle formed by shaft assembly (750). Thus, sensors (770, 772) may collectively function as a position sensor, such as position sensor (112) of instrument (100).

[0048] As discussed above, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another. Additionally, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between the electrical features and / or between the electrical features and the conductive mechanical features. In the context of the instruments (700, 750), such risks may arise with respect to the sensors (720, 722, 724, 770, 772), the electrical components to which the sensors (720, 722, 724, 770, 772) are coupled, and / or other features within the shaft assembly of the instruments (700, 750). Other components of the devices (700, 750) that may present the risks discussed above will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0049] G. Drive Control Embodiments for Instrument Body and Shaft Assembly 12-14 illustrate one example of an instrument 800 that may be incorporated into a robotic surgical system, such as the robotic surgical systems 10, 150 described herein. In addition to the teachings below, the instrument 800 may be constructed and operative in accordance with at least part of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 9,125,662, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. The instrument 800 of this example includes a body 810, a shaft assembly 820, and an end effector 830. The body 810 includes a base 812 configured to couple with a complementary component of a robotic arm (e.g., one of the robotic arms 160, 170, 180). The shaft assembly 820 includes a rigid proximal portion 822, an articulating portion 824, and a distal portion 826. The end effector 830 is fixed to the distal portion 826. The articulation portion 824 is operable to deflect the distal portion 826 and the end effector 830 laterally away from and toward a central longitudinal axis defined by the proximal portion 822. The end effector 830 of this example includes a pair of jaws 832, 834. By way of example only, the end effector 830 may be configured and operable like any of the various end effectors 46, 56, 66, 102, 230, 320, 350, 620 described herein.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , multiple drive cables (850, 852) extend from the main body (810) to the joint portion (824) to drive the articulation of the joint portion (824). The cable (850) is wrapped around a drive pulley (862) and a tensioner (860). The cable (850) further extends around a pair of guide portions (870, 872) such that the cable (850) extends along the shaft assembly (820) in two sections (850 a, 850 b). The cable (852) is wrapped around a drive pulley (866) and a tensioner (864). The cable (852) further extends around a guide (880) such that the cable (852) extends along the shaft assembly (820) in two sections (852 a, 852 b). In this embodiment, each drive pulley (862, 866) is configured to couple with a corresponding drive member (e.g., a drive spindle, etc.) of the robotic arm component to which base (812) is fixed. When drive pulley (862) rotates, one segment (850a) of cable (850) translates in a first longitudinal direction along shaft assembly (820), while the other segment (850b) simultaneously translates in a second (opposite) direction along shaft assembly (820). Similarly, when drive pulley (866) rotates, one segment (852a) of cable (852) translates in a first longitudinal direction along shaft assembly (820), while the other segment (852b) simultaneously translates in a second (opposite) direction along shaft assembly (820).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 14 , the articulation portion (824) of this example includes a mid-shaft section (880) longitudinally interposed between the proximal portion (822) and the distal portion (826). A ball-shaped feature (828) at the proximal end of the distal portion (826) is seated within a socket at the distal end of the mid-shaft section (880) such that the distal portion (826) is operable to pivot relative to the mid-shaft section (880) along one or more planes. Sections (850a, 850b) of the drive cable (850) terminate in corresponding ball-shaped ends (894, 890) secured to the ball-shaped feature (828) of the distal portion (822). Thus, the drive cable (850) is operable to drive pivotal movement of the distal portion (826) relative to the mid-shaft section (880) based on the direction in which the drive pulley (862) rotates. A ball-shaped feature (882) on the proximal end of the intermediate portion (880) is seated in a socket on the distal end of the proximal portion (822) such that the intermediate portion (880) is operable to pivot relative to the proximal portion (822) along one or more planes. In some variations, this pivoting movement of the intermediate portion (880) relative to the proximal portion (822) is driven by a cable (852). As also shown in FIG. 14 , an electrical cable (802) passes through the articulation portion (824). The electrical cable (802) provides a path for electrical communication to the end effector (830), thereby enabling delivery of power (e.g., RF energy) to one or more electrodes within the end effector (830), providing a path for electrical signals from one or more sensors within the end effector (830) to be returned to the body (810), and / or providing other forms of electrical communication.

[0052] As noted above, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of undesired crossing of power or signals from one electrical feature to another and / or from one electrical feature to another. Additionally, the instruments (150, 200) may include electrical features and / or conductive mechanical features that may pose a risk of generating electrical potentials between adjacent components or creating capacitive coupling between electrical features and / or between electrical features and conductive mechanical features. In the context of the instrument (800), such risks may arise with respect to the drive cables (850, 852), electrical features within the shaft assembly (820), and / or components (850, 852) that couple with other features within the instrument (800). Other components of the instrument (800) that may present the above-mentioned risks will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0053] H. Examples of Electrical Features at Interfaces Between Modular Components of an Instrument In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a surgical instrument that allows for modular coupling and decoupling of components. For example, FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of an instrument 900 that includes a handle assembly 910 and a modular shaft assembly 950. While the instrument 900 in this embodiment is handheld, similar features and modularity may be easily incorporated into a robotically controlled instrument. The handle assembly 910 in this embodiment includes a body 912, an activation button 914, a pivoting trigger 916, and a shaft interface assembly 920. The shaft interface assembly 920 includes a mechanical drive feature 922 and an array of electrical contacts 924. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, the electrical contacts 924 may be in electrical communication with control circuitry, a power source, and / or various other electrical features within the handle assembly 910.

[0054] The shaft assembly 950 includes a shaft portion 952 and an end effector 970 including a pair of jaws 972, 974. The shaft portion 952 and the end effector 970 may be configured and operable in accordance with any of the various shaft assemblies and end effectors described herein. The shaft assembly 950 of this example further includes a handle interface assembly 960. The handle interface assembly 960 includes a mechanical drive feature 962 and a plurality of electrical contacts (not shown). As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, these electrical contacts of the handle interface assembly 960 may be in electrical communication with one or more electrodes, sensors, and / or other electrical components within the shaft portion 952 and / or the end effector 970.

[0055] When the shaft assembly (950) is coupled to the handle assembly (910), the mechanical drive features (922) of the handle assembly (910) may mechanically couple with the mechanical drive features (962) of the shaft assembly (910), such that the mechanical drive features (922, 962) cooperate to transfer motion from a power source (e.g., pivoting trigger (916), motor, etc.) within the handle assembly (950) to one or more components within the shaft portion (952), and in some variations, to the end effector (970). In some variations, the mechanical drive features (922, 962) cooperate to transfer rotational motion from a power source (e.g., pivoting trigger (916), motor, etc.) within the handle assembly (910) to one or more components within the shaft portion (952), and in some variations, to the end effector (970). Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical drive features (922, 962) may cooperate to transmit linear translational motion from a power source (e.g., a pivoting trigger (916), a motor, etc.) within the handle assembly (910) to one or more components within the shaft portion (952) and, in some variations, to the end effector (970).

[0056] When the shaft assembly (950) is coupled to the handle assembly (910), the electrical contacts (924) of the shaft interface assembly (920) also couple with complementary electrical contacts of the handle interface assembly (960), and these contacts establish electrical continuity with each other, thereby enabling communication of power, signals, etc., between the handle assembly (910) and the shaft assembly (950). In addition to, or instead of, having the contacts (924), electrical continuity may be provided between the handle assembly (910) and the shaft assembly (950) via one or more electrical continuities in the mechanical drive features (922, 962). Such electrical continuity may include slip couplings and / or various other types of couplings, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0057] In some scenarios where power or electrical signals are transmitted across mating contacts that provide electrical continuity between two components of an instrument (e.g., contacts 924 of shaft interface assembly 920 and complementary electrical contacts of handle interface assembly 960), there may be a risk of a short circuit forming between such contacts. This may be a particular risk when contacts that are supposed to be electrically isolated from one another are located in close proximity to one another and the area in which these contacts are located may be exposed to fluids during use of the instrument. Such fluids may create electrical bridges between the contacts and / or bleed signals being communicated between contacts that are supposed to be coupled to one another. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide features to prevent or otherwise address such occurrences in contacts of an instrument such as instrument 900.

[0058] In some scenarios where power or electrical signals are transmitted across a mechanical coupling between different components of an instrument (e.g., via a slip coupling, etc.), such coupling may provide a variable electrical resistance in the shaft assembly or other assembly of the instrument. For example, movement in the mechanical drive features (922, 962) may provide a variable electrical resistance in the electrical slip coupling between the mechanical drive features (922, 962). This variable electrical resistance may affect the communication of power or electrical signals across the slip coupling. This, in turn, may result in signal loss or power reduction. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide features to prevent or otherwise address such occurrences in electrical conduction found in a mechanical coupling between two moving parts of an instrument, such as instrument (900).

[0059] IV. Example Power Monitoring Features for an Electrosurgical System The following description relates to examples of different features that may be incorporated into any of the various surgical systems described above. Accordingly, the features described below may be combined in various combinations, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. Similarly, the various ways in which the features described below may be incorporated into any of the various surgical systems described above will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein. It should be understood that the features described below may be incorporated into robotically controlled surgical instruments and / or handheld surgical instruments.

[0060] As described above, some aspects of the present disclosure provide for surgical instruments with improved device capabilities to reduce undesirable operation side effects. In particular, as described with respect to FIG. 1 , some surgical instruments or systems may be configured to apply two or more different types of energy modalities. For example, this may include an instrument configured to apply two or more of monopolar RF energy, bipolar RF energy, or ultrasonic energy to tissue. The application of two or more energy modalities may require, in some cases, two or more generators, or in other variations, two or more generator outputs associated with the same generator. However, when two or more energy modalities are used simultaneously, the power output may induce crosstalk between the generator outputs, thereby causing undesirable effects as either instrument contacts the patient's tissue. Crosstalk may include signal amplification, moderation, interference, or other interactions between the two outputs. Therefore, it may be desirable to actively monitor one generator output using a monitoring array or generator to provide a set of energy output parameters to the second generator. Doing so may enable the second generator to output an energy signal that does not induce crosstalk between the two or more generator outputs.

[0061] 16 illustrates one exemplary dual energy delivery system 1200 including a generator 1210, a first delivery device 1220, a second delivery device 1221, a first grounding pad assembly 1240, and a second grounding pad assembly 1242. In addition to the teachings below, devices 1220 and 1221 may be constructed and operable in accordance with at least a portion of the teachings of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0201077, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or various other references cited herein. The generator (1210) may include a first generator module (1250) and a second generator module (1252), each operable to deliver a different energy modality to the instruments (1220, 1221) via cables (1230, 1231) via power modules (1254, 1256), respectively.

[0062] The first instrument (1220) may be, for example, a bipolar RF instrument. The first instrument (1220) includes a body (1222), a sensor (1226), and an end effector (1224) having a distal electrode assembly (1228) configured to contact a patient (P) and thereby apply bipolar RF energy to the patient (P). In some variations, the electrode assembly (1228) has two electrodes positioned to simultaneously contact tissue and thereby deliver bipolar RF energy to the tissue. In some variations, the electrode assembly (1228) has three or more electrodes. By way of example only, the sensor (1226) may be configured to monitor whether excess energy or inductive energy is being emitted from the instrument (1220).

[0063] The second instrument (1221) may be, for example, a monopolar RF instrument. The second instrument (1221) also includes a body (1223), a sensor (1225), and an end effector (1227) having a distal electrode (1229) configured to contact the patient (P) and cooperate with one or more grounding pad assemblies (1240, 1242) to apply RF energy to the patient (P). By way of example only, the sensor (1225) may be configured to monitor whether excess energy or inductive energy is being emitted from the instrument (1220). Based on a signal from the sensor (1225), a control module within the generator (1210) may passively reduce ground returns from the grounding pad assemblies (1240, 1242) based on data from the sensor (1225). It should be understood that although a bipolar instrument (1220) and a monopolar RF instrument (1221) are described, any two or more instruments having any two or more energy modalities, such as monopolar RF, bipolar RF, ultrasound, or any combination thereof, may alternatively be utilized.

[0064] As shown, a dual grounding pad configuration may be utilized in monopolar RF embodiments, including two or more resistively conducting grounding pads (1240, 1242) that provide direct contact between the patient's (P) skin and one or more metallic components of the grounding pad. In some other variations, the grounding pad assemblies (1240, 1242) include capacitively coupled grounding pads that include a gel material interposed between the patient (P) and a ground return plate. In this example, the grounding pad assemblies (1240, 1242) are positioned below the patient (P) and are coupled to the generator (1210) via cables (1232, 1236), respectively.

[0065] In some variations of the energy delivery system 1200, one or both generator modules 1250, 1252 may include a power monitor, such as a sensor module 1260. The sensor module 1260 of one generator module 1250 may include a data processor configured to monitor the energy present at various points within the energy delivery system 1200 associated with the other generator module 1252, particularly the instrument 1221 belonging to the output module 1256. Thus, various measurement points indicative of the energy being output to the patient (P) by the second generator module 1252 may be monitored by the first generator module 1250 so that the first generator module 1250 may adjust its output parameters to avoid crosstalk.

[0066] The sensors (1234, 1235, 1237, 1238) may include, for example, RF power sensors, ammeters, voltmeters, ultrasonic transducers, or other similar power sensing devices and may be configured to monitor energy flowing through or radiating from various points powered by the power module (1256) and return energy measurements to the sensor module (1260) via the communication cable (1239). In particular, a first sensor (1234) may be positioned on the instrument (1221) and may be configured to measure capacitively coupled energy, a second sensor (1235) may be positioned on the return cable (1232) from the first grounding pad assembly (1240) to monitor energy returning from the patient (P) to the generator module (1252), a third sensor (1237) may be positioned on the return cable (1236) from the second grounding pad assembly (1242) to monitor energy returning from the patient (P) to the generator module (1252), and a fourth sensor (1238) may be positioned on the cable (1231) to monitor energy being output from the power module (1256) to the instrument (1221). Although four representative sensors (1234, 1235, 1237, 1238) are described in four separate locations for monitoring energy flowing through or radiating from various points powered by power module (1256), it should be understood that various other sensor locations are contemplated and that only one or a subset of sensors (1234, 1235, 1237, 1238) may be included in other variations of system (1200).

[0067] As will be described, during operation, the sensor module (1260) may monitor signals from any one or more of the sensors (1234, 1235, 1237, 1238) to determine parameters of the second output module (1256) to the second instrument (1221) and communicate the parameters to the first output module (1254) over the data connection (1262). The first output module (1254) is then configured to adjust its own output energy parameters to the first instrument (1220) to avoid outputting a signal that is too similar to the signal that the second output module (1256) is outputting to the second instrument (1221). The sensors (1234, 1235, 1237, 1238) may be configured to monitor any energy parameter, such as current, voltage, frequency, power level, and / or waveform, and the first output module (1254) may then be configured to adjust those same energy parameters. These adjustments may be made to avoid amplification, cancellation, interference, and / or other interactions between the outputs of the output modules (1254, 1256). In other words, the second output module (1256) may make ad hoc adjustments in real time to automatically adjust the frequency, waveform, and / or other parameters of its own output to thereby avoid amplification, cancellation, interference, and / or other interactions with the sensed output of the first output module (1254). For example, if the sensor module (1260) determines that the second output module (1256) is outputting a 400 kHz unipolar RF signal, the first output module (1254) may adjust its own bipolar RF output signal to 800 kHz or 1 MHz to properly distinguish the signals. In some variations, a frequency multiplier circuit (e.g., a two-diode odd-order frequency multiplier, etc.) may be utilized with a single generator output module.

[0068] Some generator systems may respond poorly to excess capacitance in the load. In some cases, this can lead to the generator's tuned circuit output generating higher than expected voltages. These higher voltages may exceed the ratings provided by the generator manufacturer. This overvoltage situation can cause instruments powered by the generator to operate in an out-of-bounds region where the instrument insulation system is not rated for this higher voltage, leading to a potentially dangerous situation where the insulation breaks down and an electrical arc forms. Electrical arcs can be highly undesirable in surgery because they are unpredictable and can suddenly burn surrounding materials, thereby releasing chemicals and components not intended to be present in the surgical field. Burning insulation can further expose conductive surfaces not intended for patient contact. Therefore, to prevent or otherwise mitigate these problems, the energy delivery system (1200) may be further configured to adjust energy parameters with respect to a time constant, which is based on the natural frequency of the electrical system. Specifically, the time constant is equal to the product of the circuit resistance (ohms) and the circuit capacitance (farads).

[0069] To perform the energy parameter adjustments with respect to the time constant, one or more of the sensors (1234, 1235, 1237, 1238) may monitor capacitive and resistive loads. The capacitive load may be monitored, for example, by the sensor (1234) measuring parasitic capacitive coupling induced in the instrument (1221). The resistive load may be monitored by a combination of the sensors (1234, 1235, 1237, 1238) measuring tissue load, such as may be defined by muscle-to-fat ratio. It should be understood that the above-described measurements and time constant adjustments may, in some variations, be performed by the energy delivery system (1200) without cooperation with any of the generator modules (1250, 1252).

[0070] Figure 17 illustrates an alternative configuration 1300 of the energy delivery system 1200. The components of the energy delivery system 1300 and their functions are the same as those described for the energy delivery system 1200, except as described below. Specifically, the energy delivery system 1300 includes a generator 1310, a first delivery device 1320, a second delivery device 1321, a first grounding pad assembly 1340, and a second grounding pad assembly 1342. The generator 1310 may include a first generator module 1350 and a second generator module 1352, each operable to deliver a different energy modality to the devices 1320 and 1321 via cables 1330 and 1331 via power modules 1354 and 1356, respectively. Additionally, while a bipolar instrument (1320) and a monopolar RF instrument (1321) are described, it should be understood that any two or more instruments having any two or more energy modalities, such as monopolar RF, bipolar RF, ultrasound, or any combination thereof, may be utilized instead.

[0071] In this variation, the generator module (1352) includes a power monitor, such as a sensor module (1360), coupled to the power module (1356). The sensor module (1360) of the second generator module (1352) may include a data processor configured to monitor the energy present at various points within the energy delivery system (1300) associated with the other generator modules (1350), particularly the instrument (1320) belonging to the output module (1354). Thus, various measurement points indicative of the energy being output by the first generator module (1350) to the patient (P) may be monitored by the second generator module (1352) so that the second generator module (1352) may adjust its output parameters to avoid crosstalk. The sensors (1334, 1335) may include, for example, RF power sensors, ammeters, voltmeters, ultrasonic transducers, or other similar power-sensing devices and may be configured to monitor energy flowing through or radiating from various points powered by the power module (1354) and return energy measurements to the sensor module (1360) via the communication cable (1339). In particular, the first sensor (1334) may be located at the output of the power module (1354) and configured to measure the output energy signal provided to the powered appliance (1320), while the second sensor (1335) may be located on the appliance (1320) and configured to measure capacitively coupled energy. Although two exemplary sensors (1334, 1335) are described in two separate locations for monitoring energy flowing through or radiating from various points powered by power module (1354), it should be understood that various other sensor locations are contemplated and may include only one or a subset of sensors (1334, 1335).

[0072] As described, during operation, the sensor module (1360) may monitor any one of the sensors (1334, 1335) to determine parameters of the first output module (1354) to the first instrument (1320) and communicate the parameters to the second output module (1356) over the data connection (1362). The second output module (1356) is then configured to adjust its own output energy parameters to the second instrument (1321) to avoid outputting a signal too similar to the signal the first output module (1354) is outputting to the first instrument (1320). The sensors (1334, 1335) may be configured to monitor any energy parameter, such as current, voltage, frequency, power level, and / or waveform, and the second output module (1354) may then be configured to adjust those same energy parameters. These adjustments may be made to avoid amplification, cancellation, interference, and / or other interactions between the outputs of the output modules (1354, 1356). In other words, the second output module (1356) may make ad hoc adjustments in real time to automatically adjust the frequency, waveform, and / or other parameters of its own output to thereby avoid amplification, cancellation, interference, and / or other interactions with the sensed output of the first output module (1354). For example, if the sensor module (1360) determines that the first output module (1354) is outputting a 400 kHz unipolar RF signal, the second output module (1356) may adjust its own bipolar RF output signal to 800 kHz or 1 MHz to properly distinguish the signals. In some variations, a frequency multiplier circuit (e.g., a two-diode odd-order frequency multiplier, etc.) may be utilized with a single generator output module.

[0073] While the above-described embodiments shown in Figures 16-17 are illustrated in connection with handheld instruments (1220, 1221, 1320, 1321), the same teachings may readily be applied in connection with robotically controlled instruments, including, but not limited to, those described above and in the various references cited herein. Similarly, while the above-described embodiments shown in Figures 16-17 are illustrated in connection with external generators (1210, 1310) coupled to the instruments (1220, 1221, 1320, 1321) via cables (1230, 1231, 1330, 1331), the same teachings may readily be applied in connection with instruments having integrated generators (1210, 1310) housed within the body of the instrument. An example of such a scenario may include an instrument having an end effector operable to apply two or more types of energy modalities (e.g., monopolar RF, bipolar RF, ultrasound, etc.), with two or more corresponding types of generators housed within the body of the instrument for driving those two or more energy modalities.

[0074] V. Representative combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims that may be presented at any time in this application or any subsequent application related to this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be configured and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that certain features referred to in the following examples may be omitted in some variations. Accordingly, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be considered critical unless later expressly indicated as such by the inventors or their successors. If a claim presented in this application or any subsequent application related to this application includes additional features other than those referred to below, those additional features should not be considered added for any reasons of patentability. [Example]

[0075] 1. A surgical system comprising: (a) a first instrument having a first end effector, the first end effector operable to apply a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) a second instrument having a second end effector, the second end effector operable to apply a second type of energy to tissue of a patient; and (c) one or more power generators configured to generate a first energy signal and a second energy signal, the one or more power generators comprising: (i) a first generator output configured to transmit the first energy signal to the first end effector, the first energy signal being operable to power the first end effector to apply the first type of energy to tissue of a patient; and (ii) a second energy signal configured to transmit the second energy signal to the first end effector. and (d) a power monitor operably coupled to the one or more power generators, the power monitor configured to monitor a first energy parameter of the first energy signal and transmit the first energy parameter to the one or more power generators, the one or more power generators configured to adjust a second energy parameter of the second energy signal based at least in part on the transmitted first energy parameter to avoid interaction between the first energy signal and the second energy signal. [Example]

[0076] 2. The surgical system of Example 1, wherein the one or more generators are configured to simultaneously generate the first energy signal and the second energy signal. [Example]

[0077] 3. The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 1-2, wherein the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter each comprise at least one of current, voltage, frequency, or waveform. [Example]

[0078] 4. The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first end effector and the second end effector comprise at least one of a monopolar RF electrode, a bipolar RF electrode, or an ultrasonic blade. [Example]

[0079] A surgical system described in any one or more of Examples 1 to 4, further comprising one or more power sensors operably coupled to the power monitor, the one or more power sensors configured to measure a first energy parameter and transmit the measurement value to the power monitor. [Example]

[0080] A surgical system as described in Example 5, wherein the one or more power sensors include at least one of an RF power sensor or an ultrasonic transducer. [Example]

[0081] A surgical system described in any one or more of Examples 5-6, wherein the first instrument includes a monopolar RF instrument having a conductive component, the conductive component configured to collect capacitively coupled current induced by applying a first energy signal to the first end effector, and one or more power sensors configured to measure the capacitively coupled current and provide current measurements to a power monitor. [Example]

[0082] A surgical system as described in Example 7, wherein the power monitor is configured to transmit current measurements to the one or more power generators, and the one or more power generators are configured to adjust a time constant parameter of the second energy signal. [Example]

[0083] The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 1-8, wherein the first instrument and the second instrument are each handheld surgical instruments. [Example]

[0084] The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 1-9, wherein the first instrument and the second instrument are each components of a robotic electrosurgical system. [Example]

[0085] 11. The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 1-10, wherein the one or more power generators include a first generator and a second generator, the first generator output being part of the first generator, and the second generator output being part of the second generator. [Example]

[0086] The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 1-11, wherein the first type of energy comprises electrosurgical energy. [Example]

[0087] The surgical system of Example 12, wherein the first type of energy comprises monopolar RF electrosurgical energy and the second type of energy comprises bipolar RF electrosurgical energy. [Example]

[0088] 14. The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 12-13, further comprising a grounding pad, the grounding pad configured to contact the patient's skin, and the grounding pad further configured to couple to one or more power generators, thereby providing a ground return path. [Example]

[0089] 15. The surgical system of any one or more of Examples 1-14, wherein the second energy parameter comprises a frequency-based energy parameter. [Example]

[0090] A surgical system comprising: (a) a first instrument having a first end effector operable to apply a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) a second instrument having a second end effector operable to apply a second type of energy to tissue of the patient; and (c) a first generator configured to generate a first energy signal and transmit the first energy signal to the first end effector, the first energy signal operable to power the first end effector. (d) a second generator configured to generate a second energy signal and transmit the second energy signal to a second end effector, the second energy signal operable to power the second end effector; and (e) a power monitor operably coupled to the first generator, the power monitor configured to monitor the first energy signal of the first generator and transmit a corresponding measurement signal to the second generator, the second generator configured to adjust an energy parameter of the second energy signal in response to receiving the transmitted measurement signal. [Example]

[0091] 17. The surgical system of Example 16, wherein the second generator is configured to adjust energy parameters to distinguish energy parameters of the second energy signal from corresponding energy parameters of the first energy signal based at least in part on the transmitted measurement signal to avoid interaction between the first energy signal and the second energy signal. [Example]

[0092] A surgical system described in any one or more of Examples 16 to 17, wherein the power monitor is configured to monitor one or more of the current, voltage, frequency, or waveform of the first energy signal of the first generator, and the transmitted measurement signal is associated with the monitored one or more of the current, voltage, frequency, or waveform of the first energy signal. [Example]

[0093] A surgical system described in any one or more of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the first generator and the second generator are configured to simultaneously generate the first energy signal and the second energy signal. [Example]

[0094] A surgical system described in any one or more of Examples 16 to 19, wherein the first end effector and the second end effector each include at least one of a monopolar RF electrode, a bipolar RF electrode, or an ultrasonic blade. [Example]

[0095] A surgical system described in any one or more of Examples 16 to 20, further comprising one or more sensors operably coupled to the power monitor, the one or more sensors configured to measure one or more corresponding energy parameters of the first energy signal of the first generator. [Example]

[0096] 22. The surgical system of claim 21, wherein the one or more sensors include at least one of an RF power sensor or an ultrasonic transducer. [Example]

[0097] A surgical system described in any one or more of Examples 16 to 22, wherein the first instrument includes a monopolar RF instrument having a conductive component, the conductive component configured to collect capacitively coupled current induced by applying a first energy signal to the first end effector, and the system further comprises one or more sensors configured to measure the capacitively coupled current and provide the current measurement value to a power monitor. [Example]

[0098] A surgical system as described in Example 23, wherein the power monitor is configured to transmit current measurements to the second generator, and the second generator is configured to adjust a time constant parameter of the second energy signal. [Example]

[0099] 1. A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure, the method comprising: (a) generating a first energy signal having a first frequency for powering a first end effector of a surgical instrument, the first end effector applying a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) generating a second energy signal having a second frequency for simultaneously powering a second end effector of the surgical instrument, the second end effector applying the second type of energy to tissue of the patient; (c) measuring the first frequency of the first energy signal; and (d) adjusting a second frequency of the second energy signal based on the measured frequency of the first energy signal to prevent the second energy signal from interacting with the first energy signal, thereby distinguishing the second frequency from the first frequency.

[0100] VI. Other Variations of the above devices may be applied not only to traditional medical procedures and surgeries performed by medical professionals, but also to robotic-assisted medical procedures and surgeries.

[0101] It should be understood that any of the variations of the devices described herein may include various other features in addition to or in place of those described above. By way of example only, any of the devices described herein may further include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references incorporated by reference herein. It should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readily applied to any of the devices described in any of the other references cited herein, and thus the teachings herein may be readily combined in many ways with the teachings of any of the references cited herein. Other types of devices into which the teachings herein may be incorporated will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0102] In addition to the above, it should also be understood that the teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachings in U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP1.0735554], entitled "Filter for Monopolar Surgical Instrument Energy Path," filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP1.0735554] will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0103] In addition to the above, the teachings herein may be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP2.0735556], entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument System with Parasitic Energy Loss Monitor," filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP2.0735556] will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0104] In addition to the above, the teachings herein may be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP4.0735564], entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument with Shaft Voltage Monitor," filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP4.0735564] will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0105] In addition to the above, the teachings herein may be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP5.0735566], entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument with Electrical Resistance Monitor at Rotary Coupling," filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP5.0735566] will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0106] In addition to the above, the teachings herein may be readily combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP6.0735568], entitled "Electrosurgical Instrument with Modular Component Contact Monitoring," filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined with the teachings of U.S. Patent Application No. [Attorney Docket No. END9294USNP6.0735568] will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0107] It should also be understood that any range of values ​​recited herein should be read to include the upper and lower limits of such range. For example, a range expressed as "about 1.0 inch to about 1.5 inches" should be read to include about 1.0 inch and about 1.5 inches, in addition to including values ​​between those limits.

[0108] It should be understood that the whole or part of any patent, publication, or other disclosure referred to herein as being incorporated by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated content does not contradict existing definitions, opinions, or other disclosure set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as expressly set forth herein shall supersede any conflicting statement incorporated herein by reference. Any content, or portion thereof, referred to herein as being incorporated by reference but which contradicts current definitions, opinions, or other disclosure set forth herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated content and the current disclosure.

[0109] The above-described variations may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they may be designed to be used multiple times. In either or both cases, the variations may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular parts, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some device variations may be disassembled and any number of particular parts or components of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of particular parts, some device variations may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility or by an operator immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0110] By way of example only, the variations described herein may be sterilized before and / or after treatment. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a radiation field that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, or a high-energy electron beam. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0111] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be realized by those skilled in the art through appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. While some such possible modifications have been described, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Accordingly, it will be understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the claims that follow, and is not limited to the details of construction and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0112] [Embodiment] (1) A surgical system comprising: (a) a first instrument having a first end effector, the first end effector operable to apply a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) a second instrument having a second end effector, the second end effector operable to apply a second type of energy to tissue of the patient; (c) one or more electrical power generators configured to generate a first energy signal and a second energy signal, the one or more electrical power generators comprising: (i) a first generator output configured to transmit the first energy signal to the first end effector, the first energy signal operable to power the first end effector to apply the first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (ii) one or more electrical power generators, including a second generator output configured to transmit the second energy signal to the second end effector, the second energy signal operable to power the second end effector to apply the second type of energy to tissue of a patient; (d) a power monitor operably coupled to the one or more power generators, the power monitor configured to monitor a first energy parameter of the first energy signal and transmit the first energy parameter to the one or more power generators, the one or more power generators configured to adjust a second energy parameter of the second energy signal based at least in part on the transmitted first energy parameter to avoid interaction between the first energy signal and the second energy signal. (2) A surgical system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the one or more power generators are configured to generate the first energy signal and the second energy signal simultaneously. (3) A surgical system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter each include at least one of current, voltage, frequency, or waveform. (4) A surgical system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first end effector and the second end effector include at least one of a monopolar RF electrode, a bipolar RF electrode, or an ultrasonic blade. (5) The surgical system of embodiment 1, further comprising one or more power sensors operably coupled to the power monitor, the one or more power sensors configured to measure the first energy parameter and transmit the measurement value to the power monitor.

[0113] (6) A surgical system as described in embodiment 5, wherein the one or more power sensors include at least one of an RF power sensor or an ultrasonic transducer. (7) The surgical system of embodiment 5, wherein the first instrument includes a monopolar RF instrument having a conductive component, the conductive component configured to collect capacitively coupled current induced by applying the first energy signal to the first end effector, and the one or more power sensors configured to measure the capacitively coupled current and provide current measurements to the power monitor. (8) The surgical system of embodiment 7, wherein the power monitor is configured to transmit the current measurement value to the one or more power generators, and the one or more power generators are configured to adjust a time constant parameter of the second energy signal. (9) A surgical system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first instrument and the second instrument are each handheld surgical instruments. (10) A surgical system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first instrument and the second instrument are each components of a robotic electrosurgical system.

[0114] (11) A surgical system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the one or more power generators include a first generator and a second generator, the first generator output being part of the first generator, and the second generator output being part of the second generator. (12) The surgical system of embodiment 1, wherein the first type of energy includes electrosurgical energy. (13) The surgical system of embodiment 12, wherein the first type of energy comprises monopolar RF electrosurgical energy and the second type of energy comprises bipolar RF electrosurgical energy. (14) The surgical system of embodiment 12, further comprising a grounding pad configured to contact the patient's skin, the grounding pad further configured to couple with the one or more power generators, thereby providing a ground return path. (15) A surgical system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the second energy parameter includes a frequency-based energy parameter.

[0115] (16) A surgical system, comprising: (a) a first instrument having a first end effector, the first end effector operable to apply a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) a second instrument having a second end effector, the second end effector operable to apply a second type of energy to tissue of the patient; (c) a first generator configured to generate a first energy signal and transmit the first energy signal to the first end effector, the first energy signal operable to power the first end effector; and (d) a second generator configured to generate a second energy signal and transmit the second energy signal to the second end effector, the second energy signal operable to power the second end effector; and (e) a power monitor operably coupled to the first generator and the second generator, the power monitor configured to monitor the first energy signal of the first generator and transmit a corresponding measurement signal to the second generator, the second generator configured to adjust an energy parameter of the second energy signal in response to receiving the transmitted measurement signal. (17) The surgical system of embodiment 16, wherein the second generator is configured to adjust the energy parameters of the second energy signal to distinguish the energy parameters of the second energy signal from corresponding energy parameters of the first energy signal based at least in part on the transmitted measurement signal to avoid interaction between the first energy signal and the second energy signal. (18) The surgical system of embodiment 16, wherein the power monitor is configured to monitor one or more of a current, a voltage, a frequency, or a waveform of the first energy signal of the first generator, and the transmitted measurement signal is associated with the monitored one or more of a current, a voltage, a frequency, or a waveform of the first energy signal. (19) The surgical system of embodiment 16, wherein the first instrument includes a monopolar RF instrument having a conductive component configured to collect capacitively coupled current induced by applying the first energy signal to the first end effector, the system further comprising one or more sensors configured to measure the capacitively coupled current and provide current measurements to the power monitor, the power monitor configured to transmit the current measurements to the second generator, and the second generator configured to adjust a time constant parameter of the second energy signal. (20) A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure, comprising: (a) generating a first energy signal having a first frequency to power a first end effector of a surgical instrument, the first end effector generating the first energy signal having the first frequency to apply a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) generating a second energy signal having a second frequency to simultaneously power a second end effector of a surgical instrument, the second end effector generating the second energy signal having the second frequency applying a second type of energy to tissue of the patient; (c) measuring the first frequency of the first energy signal; (d) adjusting the second frequency of the second energy signal based on the measurement of the frequency of the first energy signal to prevent the second energy signal from interacting with the first energy signal, thereby distinguishing the second frequency from the first frequency.

Claims

1. 1. A surgical system comprising: (a) a first instrument having a first end effector, the first end effector operable to apply a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) a second instrument having a second end effector, the second end effector operable to apply a second type of energy to tissue of a patient; and (c) one or more electrical power generators configured to generate the first energy signal and the second energy signal, the one or more electrical power generators comprising: (i) a first generator output configured to transmit the first energy signal to the first end effector, the first energy signal operable to power the first end effector to apply the first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (ii) one or more electrical power generators, including a second generator output configured to transmit the second energy signal to the second end effector, the second energy signal operable to power the second end effector to apply the second type of energy to tissue of a patient; (d) a power monitor operatively coupled to the one or more power generators, the power monitor configured to monitor a first energy parameter of the first energy signal and transmit the first energy parameter to the one or more power generators, the one or more power generators configured to adjust a second energy parameter of the second energy signal based at least in part on the transmitted first energy parameter to avoid interaction between the first energy signal and the second energy signal.

2. The surgical system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more power generators are configured to simultaneously generate the first energy signal and the second energy signal.

3. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter each include at least one of current, voltage, frequency, or waveform.

4. The surgical system of claim 1 , wherein the first end effector and the second end effector include at least one of a monopolar RF electrode, a bipolar RF electrode, or an ultrasonic blade.

5. 10. The surgical system of claim 1, further comprising one or more power sensors operably coupled to the power monitor, the one or more power sensors configured to measure the first energy parameter and transmit measurements to the power monitor.

6. The surgical system of claim 5 , wherein the one or more power sensors include at least one of an RF power sensor or an ultrasonic transducer.

7. 6. The surgical system of claim 5, wherein the first instrument includes a monopolar RF instrument having a conductive component configured to collect capacitively coupled current induced by application of the first energy signal to the first end effector, and the one or more power sensors configured to measure the capacitively coupled current and provide a current measurement to the power monitor.

8. 8. The surgical system of claim 7, wherein the power monitor is configured to transmit the current measurements to the one or more power generators, the one or more power generators configured to adjust a time constant parameter of the second energy signal.

9. The surgical system of claim 1 , wherein the first instrument and the second instrument are each handheld surgical instruments.

10. The surgical system of claim 1 , wherein the first instrument and the second instrument are each components of a robotic electrosurgical system.

11. 10. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the one or more electrical power generators include a first generator and a second generator, the first generator output being part of the first generator and the second generator output being part of the second generator.

12. The surgical system according to claim 1 , wherein the first type of energy comprises electrosurgical energy.

13. The surgical system according to claim 12, wherein the first type of energy comprises monopolar RF electrosurgical energy and the second type of energy comprises bipolar RF electrosurgical energy.

14. 13. The surgical system of claim 12, further comprising a grounding pad configured to contact the patient's skin, the grounding pad further configured to couple with the one or more power generators thereby providing a ground return path.

15. The surgical system of claim 1 , wherein the second energy parameter comprises a frequency-based energy parameter.

16. 1. A surgical system comprising: (a) a first instrument having a first end effector, the first end effector operable to apply a first type of energy to tissue of a patient; (b) a second instrument having a second end effector, the second end effector operable to apply a second type of energy to tissue of a patient; and (c) a first generator configured to generate a first energy signal and transmit the first energy signal to the first end effector, the first energy signal operable to power the first end effector; and (d) a second generator configured to generate a second energy signal and transmit the second energy signal to the second end effector, the second energy signal operable to power the second end effector; and (e) a power monitor operably coupled to the first generator and the second generator, the power monitor configured to monitor a first energy parameter of the first energy signal of the first generator and transmit the first energy parameter to the second generator, the second generator configured to adjust a second energy parameter of the second energy signal in response to receiving the first energy parameter.

17. 17. The surgical system of claim 16, wherein the second generator is configured to adjust the second energy parameter of the second energy signal based at least in part on the first energy parameter to distinguish the second energy parameter of the second energy signal from the first energy parameter of the first energy signal to avoid interaction between the first energy signal and the second energy signal.

18. The surgical system of claim 16, wherein the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter each include at least one of current, voltage, frequency, or waveform.

19. 17. The surgical system of claim 16, wherein the first instrument comprises a monopolar RF instrument having a conductive component configured to collect capacitively coupled current induced by application of the first energy signal to the first end effector, the surgical system further comprising one or more sensors configured to measure the capacitively coupled current and provide current measurements to the power monitor, the power monitor configured to transmit the current measurements to the second generator, and the second generator configured to adjust a time constant parameter of the second energy signal.

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